"Hua Changdeng had dragged this out for too long. Variables were bound to arise!"
On Holy Spirit Continent, beyond the Time Realm Rift of the Seven Severance Prohibitions, an enormous Old Locust Tree took root in the starry sky.
It seemed like a phantom, yet it was real enough—at the very least, it looked no different from the true Great World Locust Tree.
The Old Locust Tree's long aerial roots hung down, swaying without wind. Its lush crown of branches and leaves faintly outlined a gigantic human face.
Its full appearance could not be seen clearly, its features could not be remembered, but the overall impression was one of kindness and benevolence. "Why was an extra hour needed?"
"He did not act according to the plan. He must have developed ideas of his own."
"He should not have ideas. Life must grow according to rules. If branches sprout beyond the trunk, then their leaves and branches should be pruned as a warning."
The Old Locust Tree's branches and leaves rustled. Wherever its power reached in the starry sky, it did not transmit thoughts; instead, its voice, soothing as a spring breeze, could travel everywhere.
The starry sky was deathly silent. No reply came for a long while.
Far beyond the phantom of the Great World Locust Tree stood a golden Inverted Buddha Pagoda, equally majestic and oppressive.
Beneath the pagoda, a bronze coffin was suppressed. Perhaps it was too ancient, for the coffin had already blackened. From within came intermittent thump, thump sounds, like a heartbeat reviving.
With every beat, the coffin lid bulged slightly, and black, viscous demonic fluid seeped from its cracks.
Yet once it flowed out, the Inverted Buddha Pagoda cast down Buddhist light to purify it.
The purification was incomplete, leaving behind black spots. Again and