"I, She Tian, am the eternal Golden Giant Tree, creator of all divine artifacts in the myriad worlds. If you submit to me, I shall bestow upon you a divine artifact."
This voice sought to demonstrate its power to Liu Chengfeng, announcing its origins with pride.
Any entity that intruded into Liu Chengfeng's mind could only communicate with him; they could neither see him nor, more importantly, perceive the Celestial Body within his mind.
The Sky Eye within his mind opened to observe all of this. The Sky Eye could pierce through any illusion—what could possibly be hidden from this gaze?
As this voice boasted of its greatness, the Golden Lotus Root within Liu Chengfeng's Blood Sea Divine Treasury stretched its roots, as if wanting to prick the intruder.
"You don't look like any Golden Giant Tree to me. You're pitch black."
With the Sky Eye shining its light, nothing could escape its scrutiny, and Liu Chengfeng couldn't help but want to laugh.
"Junior, do you know that this is but my second incarnation? Let me show you my true form as the Nether Sky Tree."
The next moment, the Golden Giant Tree in his mind dissipated, replaced by a towering demonic tree.
This towering demonic tree dripped with strands of Devilish Qi, terrifying to behold, each strand capable of refining the ten directions.
Every branch was hung with the severed head of a ghost king, each in a different, snarling form, as if eager to devour all living things.
This was Liu Chengfeng's mind; he was the master here.
No, the Celestial Body was the master. No matter how terrifying something was, it was nothing more than a clown here.
Looking at such a demonic tree, not only did Liu Chengfeng find it laughable, but even the Celestial Body ignored such a clown.
"You are nothing but a tree stump, scorched by lightning and burned by electricity, black as charcoal."
Liu Chengfeng laughed. Under the observation of the Sky Eye, he had long since seen through its true form.
No matter what visions this voice manifested—be it the Golden Giant Tree or the towering demonic tree—they were merely illusions.
Under the Sky Eye, its true form was nothing more than a stump.
This stump was pitch black all over, as if it had been struck by lightning and burned, covered in scars.
"Hmph, child, what do you know? I, She Tian, was merely stripped of my fortune by the Black Emperor. Otherwise, hmph, hmph, hmph..."
"The Black Emperor, the Black-Armored Emperor—"
Hearing this, Liu Chengfeng couldn't help but exclaim.
"Now you know the terror, don't you? I, She Tian, am an invincible existence capable of challenging the Black Emperor."
"The Black Emperor from the God Burial Ground, the Ghost Walk Mansion, or the Ancient Mansion?"
"Kid, you—"
Before Liu Chengfeng could finish his sentence, the stump sensed something amiss. It instantly dissipated from Liu Chengfeng's mind, refusing to communicate further.
"Tell me about the God Burial Ground and the Ghost Walk Mansion."
Curious, Liu Chengfeng rotated the Heavenly Mound and used the Sky Eye to zoom in.
Small, fine roots grew from the stump, the very roots that had burrowed into the ground and into the Spirit Vein dojo of Tiger Mound to absorb spiritual energy.
As Liu Chengfeng approached, he instantly startled the ball of light at the center of the Spirit Vein dojo.
A human figure instantly emerged from the light, and the might of a Great Dao surged toward him.
The power of the entire Spirit Vein was vast and boundless, crashing against Liu Chengfeng's perception.
"I've been discovered. Their strength is formidable."
Liu Chengfeng immediately withdrew his perception. He had been too close to Tiger Mound and had alerted the ancestor of the imperial Su Family.
No sooner had Liu Chengfeng and his group arrived at Great Meng City than trouble came knocking at their door.
"Tell the Fourth Elder that in three days, Liu Chengfeng is to come to the south of the city to surrender his head, or he shall bear the consequences."
The Ascending Wu Clan was like a maggot on a bone; no sooner had Liu Chengfeng arrived in Great Meng City than they had followed.
The one delivering the message was a young man.
Dressed in black with a leopard-print scarf, he had a tall, sturdy build, his muscles taut beneath his clothes, brimming with explosive power like a leopard.
"Wang Jing, talk your mother's nonsense elsewhere and get out."
Jiang Yu was furious. He stood up, his entire aura surging.
"Jiang Yu, this is an order from our clan head, not a game for you to play."
This young man was a personal disciple of the Second Elder of the Ascending Wu Clan, possessing strength comparable to Jiang Yu's—the second stage of the Treasure Mountain Divine Treasury.
Such strength was considered that of a minor genius within a sect.
He sneered, his body radiating an arrogant air as he looked down on Jiang Yu.
"So what if it's an order from Ascending Wu Rong? It's worth less than a fart. Take this move from me first!"
With his sect leader missing because of the Ascending Wu Clan, Jiang Yu had no patience for them; he wanted to kill every disciple of the Ascending Wu Clan he saw.
As soon as Jiang Yu finished speaking, he flicked his hand. Black Stones flew out like a waterfall, the sound of them tearing through the air ringing out as they shot toward Wang Jing.
Wang Jing let out a cold snort. With his Shadow Sword in hand, he whipped up layers of sword shadows, "clanging" as he blocked Jiang Yu's Black Stones.
"Jiang Yu, when has the Ascending Wu Clan ever feared the Cloud Rising Sect?"
Wang Jing had crossed paths with Jiang Yu before, so he felt fully confident and let out a cold sneer.
Wang Jing's words immediately offended the Cloud Rising Sect, and every disciple present drew their swords and blades.
Liu Chengfeng also sneered, stepping forward to press the issue.
Not expecting to have poked a hornet's nest, Wang Jing's expression changed drastically, and he retreated several steps.
"Want to gang up on us? Our Ascending Wu Clan has never been afraid of that."
Wang Jing retreated outside the gate and let out a whistle, causing a group of experts from the Ascending Wu Clan to appear along the long street.
The Ascending Wu Clan experts were scattered among the street buildings, numbering in the hundreds, seemingly intending to surround the Cloud Rising Sect's lodging.
Leading the Ascending Wu Clan's force was a middle-aged man in brocade robes and a fine cap, with a gold-threaded belt around his waist and a presence as heavy as a mountain.
He stood at the end of the long street with his arms crossed over his sword, blocking the path like a mountain to ensure no Cloud Rising Sect disciple could escape.
"So many people—"
Not expecting the Ascending Wu Clan to bring so many experts, the Cloud Rising Sect disciples were startled, all grabbing their weapons in preparation for a great battle.
"Young Master, that is the man who led the group to burn down the Wu Dao Sect."
Zhou Yinfeng recognized the sword-wielding middle-aged man at the end of the street.
Liu Chengfeng let out a cold snort, his eyes turning icy as he stared at the middle-aged man, revealing a murderous intent.
The sword-wielding middle-aged man also stared at Liu Chengfeng like a hawk; his target was also Liu Chengfeng.
The hundreds of people on both sides were suddenly on the verge of a clash, ready to fight to the death.
"Hmph, Gu Yao, you have quite the nerve, daring to come and besiege our Cloud Rising Sect."
A cold snort, like a thunderclap, rang out as the Fourth Elder stepped onto the long street.
The middle-aged man, Gu Yao, his expression darkened as he slowly drew his sword, facing a formidable enemy.
"Fourth Elder, if the Cloud Rising Sect hands over Liu Chengfeng, we will turn around and leave immediately."
Gu Yao was the eldest disciple of Ascending Wu Rong and was highly valued by him, possessing the strength of the third stage of the Treasure Mountain Realm.
Although he was no match for the Fourth Elder, he managed to keep his composure and did not lose his head, while the Ascending Wu Clan experts maintained their encirclement of the Cloud Rising Sect.
"What kind of deep grudge or hatred is worth a gang fight in our Great Meng City?"
A lazy voice sounded, the rumbling of carriage wheels approached, and a luxurious procession drove into the long street, looking quite grand.
The most opulent carriage was cast in gold and inlaid with jewels; its spokes were made of colored bronze, hung with tassels and adorned with precious glass.
The entire carriage looked like a mobile house.
Lying lazily atop the carriage was a young man, attended to by four nimble and moving beauties.
The entire luxurious procession stopped in front of the courtyard, and the young man stood up, unfurling the folding fan in his hand.
The young man was a man of talent, dressed in white, wearing a noble's crown, handsome and tall.
"Great Meng Su Family—"
Seeing this luxurious motorcade, the Ascending Wu Clan experts' expressions tightened, and they dared not act rashly.
Although the Great Meng Su Family was a branch of the royal family, the power of Lady Chen made everyone in the Qiuchi Kingdom fearful.
"You must be the genius Fourth Uncle mentioned. Brother, come, come, come, sit in my carriage."
The young man laughed, enthusiastically inviting Liu Chengfeng to board the carriage.
"The family wants to test your talent before passing on the Sage Scroll."
The Fourth Elder had asked Liu Chengfeng to board the carriage; he had persuaded the family to agree to teach Liu Chengfeng the Sage Scroll technique. He had sent the family disciple Su Youqian to welcome him and assess whether Liu Chengfeng was truly a once-in-a-millennium genius worthy of being taught the technique.
"Does everyone want to come to Tiger Mound for a drink?"
After inviting Liu Chengfeng into the carriage, Su Youqian lay in the arms of a beauty, looking every bit the wealthy, playboy young master.
"Three days from now, you will bear the consequences."
Gu Yao and his men were unwilling to start a fight in front of the Great Meng Su Family, so they dropped a harsh threat and vanished into the buildings along the street.
"Fourth Uncle, don't worry, I will take good care of our brother."
Su Youqian greeted the Fourth Elder and took Liu Chengfeng away.
The luxurious carriage traveled through the streets of Great Meng City, and the residents of Great Meng City were already accustomed to the spectacle of the Su family's young master going out.
Beneath them was a soft gold-threaded carpet, and incense was burning in the carriage, making it feel like a palace.
Su Youqian was the very picture of a wealthy playboy, lying in the arms of a beauty and letting her feed him preserved fruit.
"Brother, why don't we go out and have some fun?"
"Aren't we going to Tiger Mound?"
"Eh, no rush. It's rare for us to go out, let's go wander around; I'll introduce you to some sisters from the noble families."
Su Youqian had the air of someone who neglected his duties, acting like a complete wastrel.
"Young Master, that is not what the Old Matriarch said."
"Go, go, go. I finally managed to get out of the house, why are you in such a rush to go back?"
Liu Chengfeng shook his head and said, "I should learn the cultivation technique first."
Liu Chengfeng did not want to waste any time. Once he learned the Sage Scroll technique of the Su family, he would go to find Nangong Renshe. If too much time passed, he feared something might go wrong.
"Hey, brother, techniques can be learned anytime. My fourth uncle has already given the word; this matter is on me."
"Heh, heh, don't waste such a beautiful time. A moment of spring night is worth a thousand pieces of gold."
Su Youqian patted his chest, assuring Liu Chengfeng.
"Maybe later."
Liu Chengfeng was worried about Nangong Renshe and was unwilling to waste any more time.
"Are you really going to be this much of a grind? Aren't beauties delightful? A land of gentleness is worth us enjoying properly."
Liu Chengfeng glanced at the beauties beside Su Youqian, smiled, and shook his head, his attitude firm.
"Sigh, you really are a boring brother, not knowing how to enjoy yourself at all."
Su Youqian couldn't help but sigh, pestering Liu Chengfeng and trying to drag him away to run off.
Though Su Youqian appeared to be a playboy, his status was astonishing.
He was not only a young master of the Great Meng Su Family but also one of the few people in the Qiuchi Kingdom royal family qualified to inherit the throne.
Yet, he simply refused to live a proper life, indulging in pleasure and idling his time away, unwilling to put in any effort.
This time, he had volunteered to pick up Liu Chengfeng specifically to take him away and live a debauched life outside.
Along the way, Su Youqian kept tempting Liu Chengfeng, talking about which places had the prettiest girls and which lands of gentleness would make one linger and forget to return.
He even patted his chest, swearing to Liu Chengfeng that he would definitely introduce him to daughters of noble families.
Liu Chengfeng refused every time; he only wanted to quickly cultivate the Sage Scroll technique from the Su family.
Tiger Mound was the largest mountain in Great Meng City and the foundation of the city itself.
Beneath Tiger Mound lay the convergence point of the Spirit Vein of Great Meng City, which was also the Spirit Vein dojo of the Su family; the spiritual energy of the entire Great Meng City originated from here.
The Great Meng Su Family resided within Tiger Mound. Inside the mound were jade buildings and ornate towers, a magnificent sight—a wealthy family, noble and luxurious.
The Great Meng Su Family was a branch of the Qiuchi royal family, once fallen, but had risen again in the hands of Lady Chen.
Just as Su Youqian's luxurious motorcade arrived at the foot of Tiger Mound and before they could even enter the gates, a sudden roar erupted, and a majestic aura swept over like a tidal wave.
Following that, the might of the Great Dao surged endlessly, engulfing the entire Great Meng City, startling everyone in the city to look up.
A magnificent motorcade appeared in the sky, the divine carriage pulled by eight flood dragons, adorned with precious treasures and hanging divine shells.
What was even more terrifying was that the might of the Great Dao radiating from the divine carriage pressed down so heavily that the people of Great Meng City could hardly breathe, not daring to make a sound.
Following the arrival of the divine carriage, there were also iron-clad flying ships behind it.
Liu Chengfeng had seen this type of iron-clad flying ship before; the Giant Warship of the Grandmaster Mansion looked just like this, though the ones before him were a size smaller.
"Grand Marshal—"
Seeing this procession, Su Youqian stood up abruptly.
As the divine carriage drove into Tiger Mound, the Great Dao might that had been crushing Great Meng City dissipated, and the people of the city let out a sigh of relief, whispering among themselves.
"Quick, quick, quick, turn around, turn around."
Having already reached his doorstep, Su Youqian wanted to flee in a panic.
"Young Master, the Old Matriarch wants to see you."
"See her my foot, go, go, go."
"What about me?"
Seeing that Su Youqian was about to run away, Liu Chengfeng stared at him.
"Brother, just stay at my place for a while. Don't worry, the matter of the technique is on me, it's on me."
"Uncle He, take good care of my brother. He is here to cultivate, treat him well."
Su Youqian shoved Liu Chengfeng to the butler at the gate and fled with his motorcade and beauties.
"Young Master, the Old Matriarch said you must meet Princess Ye."
"Meet her my foot, I'm not a pig meant for breeding."
Su Youqian had long since fled, no longer caring about the Old Matriarch's orders.
The butler could do nothing about Su Youqian and could only mutter to himself as he led Liu Chengfeng inside.
Liu Chengfeng was speechless; Su Youqian had brought him here to cultivate, yet now he had run away.
Although Su Youqian had fled, the Su family still treated Liu Chengfeng with high standards, arranging a large courtyard for him to stay in.
At this moment, the atmosphere in the Su family was very serious, and everyone was tense and busy.
The Grand Marshal of the Grandmaster Mansion had arrived, and it was said he was here to propose a marriage, so no one in the Su family dared to be negligent.
With the Su family busy entertaining the Grand Marshal's party, the matter of teaching Liu Chengfeng the technique had to be put aside for now.
Hearing the various conversations, Liu Chengfeng also understood why Su Youqian had fled in such a panic.
It turned out the Grand Marshal wanted to marry his daughter to Su Youqian.
Su Youqian was unrestrained and wild; it would be a miracle if he were willing to take a wife and have children.