Chapter 955: A Tree of Nine Colors

Though the energy within the solar essence only allowed Xiao Nanfeng to break through to the ninth stage of the Golden Immortal realm, it was still excellent progress for him. He did not get up but continued to intuit the gift he had received from the primordial altar.

During Dazheng's ascension ceremony, when the primordial altar had sensed that the Dazheng Code of Laws was made in part from the Heavenly Dao Scroll, the altar had gathered countless blood clouds and condensed it all into crimson radiance that entered his body. He had yet to determine its significance.

Now, as he focused his mind on the crimson light, he seemed to glimpse a hazy image—a vision of a towering tree that pierced through the heavens. The massive tree had nine distinct colors and exuded an immense, awe-inspiring presence. Just gazing upon this nine-colored giant tree inexplicably filled him with a sense of reverence and worship, causing his soul to tremble.

With a start, he quickly opened his eyes, his heart filled with shock. For some reason, he felt an overwhelming pressure emanating from this giant nine-colored tree—similar to the aura of the heavens, but perhaps even stronger.

"How is this possible? What kind of tree is this? How can it be so powerful?" Xiao Nanfeng muttered in astonishment.

He closed his eyes to sense it anew. The same soul-shaking image appeared once more. The tree's aura was terrifying beyond words.

However, the crimson radiance from the primordial altar seemed to contain only an imprint of the nine-colored giant tree's overwhelming power—nothing more. There was no spiritual energy or heart force, only the imprint.

Frowning in thought, he murmured, "The primordial altar must have given me the imprint of the giant nine-colored tree for a reason. It must be a gift of great significance. But how can just an imprint be helpful? A tree? I have a golden sapling in my heart. Could it be related?"

He pondered for a long time but couldn't discern the connection, not just yet.

He decided not to dwell on it for now. Ensuring that the crimson radiance was properly secured in his mindscape, allowing him to revisit it at will, he slowly opened his eyes.

With a wave of his hand, the protective formation around him dissipated.

He walked once more to the pool of rainbow light and glanced at the black lotus within. The cracks on the black lotus were no longer increasing, but faint green energy seeping from the cracks seemed to prevent the black lotus from recovering.

"Blue Lantern, how is Senior Miaoyin's condition?" Xiao Nanfeng asked.

Blue Lantern hesitated for a moment before replying, "The situation is rather dire."

"Hm?"

"I observed that Senior Liu must have forcibly fused with the charm of heavenly law, which allowed her to gravely injure the Void Saint. The charm has since combined with her cursed spiritual avatar, causing a fundamental conflict that is crippling her."

"The charm of heavenly law conflicts with her existence?" Xiao Nanfeng frowned.

"The heavens refine such charms to allow saints to harness their power. It acts as a bridge to attune to heavenly laws, but this bridge is forged from the power of the heavens themselves."

"In other words, the heavens are damaging the black lotus and suppressing Senior Miaoyin's recovery?" Xiao Nanfeng frowned.

Blue Lantern nodded. "Indeed. The power of the heavens is extremely unique. I dare not forcibly extract it, for fear of causing Senior Liu's cursed spiritual avatar to collapse entirely, leading to her death."

Xiao Nanfeng's face grew even grimmer. "Is there a way to remove this power from her?"

Blue Lantern nodded again. "There is indeed a way, and it's rather serendipitous."

"Oh?" Xiao Nanfeng replied curiously.

"To extract this power, it would be best to draw it out using a larger reserve of similar power. The Heavenly Emperor once mentioned that the heavens might not be a singular entity, so finding similar power may be particularly difficult to achieve. The serendipitous part is that the power of the heavens within this charm of heavenly law is identical to that in the wild wastes hidden realm," Blue Lantern explained.

"In other words, the heavens that brought down the calamity of the era ninety thousand years ago also produced this charm?"

Blue Lantern nodded.

"In that case, if we head to the wild wastes hidden realm, are you confident that you'll be able to help Senior Miaoyin recover?" Xiao Nanfneg continued.

"I will do my best, and I believe there's a large probability of success. However, the wild wastes hidden realm does not permit Boundless Immortals to enter."

"That's not an issue. With the spoils from slaying Su Tianxin, we now have two protection tokens, which can shield us from the heavens' influence in the wild wastes hidden realm. You'll come with me," Xiao Nanfeng said.

"I understand." Blue Lantern nodded.

He dispelled the formation and allowed Xiao Nanfeng to carefully store the black lotus away.

In a pavilion, Crown Prince Banruo was sipping tea as he listened to reports from several of his subordinates.

Suddenly, his brows furrowed. "Has Xiao Nanfeng left Yongding?"

"How did you know, Your Majesty?" Chu Tianban asked from beside him.

"Did you forget about the mirror I gave you? I can sense its general location. Since Xiao Nanfeng obtained the mirror, I expect he's the one carrying it around for now. It's no longer in Yongding," Banruo explained.

"Could he be traveling with Liu Miaoyin?" Chu Tianban frowned.

The crown prince chuckled. "Did you not pay attention to the earlier battle reports? Liu Miaoyin, as a mid-stage Boundless Immortal, forcefully activated her eidolon and used a charm of heavenly law to severely wound the Void Saint. The Void Saint is gravely injured, and Liu Miaoyin is barely clinging to life."

"Liu Miaoyin is heavily injured?" Chu Tianban exclaimed.

Another subordinate nodded. "Our analysis suggests that Liu Miaoyin's injuries are severe. During Xiao Nanfeng's subsequent fight, she likely held herself together merely to intimidate the Void Saint. Otherwise, the Void Saint wouldn't have fled."

"In other words, Xiao Nanfeng may well be alone, unprotected by Liu Miaoyin," Chu Tianban surmised.

"Correct. However, it's possible Xiao Nanfeng is traveling alongside a severely injured Liu Miaoyin," another subordinate added.

Chu Tianban's expression hardened. "Your Highness, please allow me to capture Xiao Nanfeng and avenge my earlier disgrace."

"You want another go at him?" Banruo asked.

"Yes, Your Majesty. The only remaining capable fighters on Xiao Nanfeng's side are Blue Lantern and Ye Sanshui. Without any time to set up formations, Blue Lantern is not a major threat. As for Ye Sanshui, he's merely a mid-stage Boundless Immortal. I wish to redeem myself," Chu Tianban declared.

"You underestimate Xiao Nanfeng. Have you forgotten about those left behind in Yongding?" Banruo asked.

After a moment of thought, Chu Tianban replied, "I know I failed last time. The mid-stage Boundless Immortal generals I brought were captured by Xiao Nanfeng and likely turned into stronger zombie kings by Ye Sanshui. But even so, there hasn't been enough time for them to be fully refined. I am confident I can try again and make amends."

Banruo sipped his tea, pondering for a moment. "Even if the zombie kings aren't fully refined, you might still lose to Xiao Nanfeng."

"That's impossible! Xiao Nanfeng has always relied on tricks—" Chu Tianban protested.

"I've taught you not to underestimate anyone, especially someone who has risen undefeated through adversity," Banruo said sternly.

Chu Tianban's face shifted. He bowed, subdued. "I understand. I was too arrogant."

The Crown Prince smiled faintly. "Don't worry. With my support, you shouldn't lose this time, especially now that Liu Miaoyin is no longer by his side."

He handed Chu Tianban a jade box filled with golden light. A golden suncrow flapped its wings within.

"New solar essence? Another suncrow? Your Highness, do you still trust me?" Chu Tianban exclaimed.

He had been guilty and distressed about his previous failure, which had resulted in significant losses for the crown prince. He hadn't expected Banruo to bestow him with such a treasure again.

Banruo smiled warmly. "You are one of my most trusted ministers. If I don't trust you, who else should I trust?"

Overwhelmed, Chu Tianban knelt deeply. "Thank you, Your Highness. I will serve you with unwavering loyalty!"

Banruo's smile deepened. "I don't want you to die. I want you to join me in rebuilding the Imperial Court and earning the reverence of all under the heavens."

"Yes!" Chu Tianban replied, moved to tears.

For a ruler like Banruo, he was willing to do anything.

On the Eastern Sea, Xiao Nanfeng and Blue Lantern were flying swiftly toward the wild wastes hidden realm when Xiao Nanfeng's expression suddenly darkened. He frowned gravely.

"What's the matter, Your Majesty?"

"I have the uncomfortable feeling that I'm being watched."

"Being watched? How? We've been extremely cautious, and have even changed routes multiple times to avoid pursuit. How could anyone be watching us?" Blue Lantern remarked in surprise.

"I'm not sure either, but we're almost at the wild wastes hidden realm. Once we're inside, we should be fine. Let's pick up the pace," Xiao Nanfeng said.

"I understand." Blue Lantern nodded.

They increased their speed and soon spotted the entrance to the hidden realm.

Suddenly, two golden arrows shot down from the clouds.

"Watch out!" Xiao Nanfeng shouted.

They narrowly avoided the arrows, which plunged into the sea below in a massive explosion that sent towering waves surging skyward.

They looked up to see Chu Tianban standing in mid-air, holding a longbow and glaring coldly at them. Behind him stood several black-robed figures, all radiating overwhelming auras that made Xiao Nanfeng and Blue Lantern tense.

"So we were being watched, after all," Xiao Nanfeng said coldly.

"Xiao Nanfeng, Blue Lantern—is it just the two of you? You forced us to chase after you for quite a while," Chu Tianban said with a sneer, longbow in hand.

Xiao Nanfeng grimaced as he transmitted his thoughts to Blue Lantern. "We don't know how many they've sent after us. It's unwise to engage in a prolonged battle. Quickly open the entrance to the wild wastes hidden realm. We'll head inside immediately."

Blue Lantern nodded and pulled out a bronze compass.