Rebuilding the Immortal Cultivator Clan Chapter 1886: 1412: Harvest
Previously on Rebuilding the Immortal Cultivator Clan...
However, as this condition had been laid down by their own ancestor and solemnly vowed upon, the Elder possessed no grounds to resist it—the Phoenix Clan simply could not endure the disgrace of reneging!
Furthermore, trading five Spiritual Objects to forge an alliance with a Heavenly Immortal capable of purging the concealed peril lurking in the Phoenix Ancestor’s body proves, when viewed over the span of ages, to be a wise investment indeed.
The Phoenix Ancestor had undoubtedly weighed this factor as well.
Having mulled it over, the Phoenix Clan Elder steadied his composure and dispatched a subordinate to the molten fire pit to await Li Zhirui’s arrival.
Meanwhile.
After an hour’s rest, Li Zhirui’s inner Mana had replenished to roughly thirty or forty percent, prompting him to gather his focus and rise, for the surroundings here were far from ideal for further recuperation.
“Senior, with this issue settled, and if no other matters press, I shall depart.” Thus, he offered his farewells.
“Very well.”
The Phoenix Ancestor raised no objection; she had observed his unease and advised, “Upon exiting, you’ll encounter a junior stationed there for you; he’ll escort you to the Phoenix Clan’s hidden vault, allowing you to freely select any five treasures.”
“This…”
Noticing his intent to refuse, the Phoenix Ancestor cut him off firmly, “Refuse not! This reward is yours by right.”
“My gratitude, Senior; I’ll humbly accept it then.”
“I return this tail feather to you, Senior.”
This tail feather held exceptional quality, infused with a wisp of the Phoenix Clan’s vital essence and tempered in this fiery domain for eons, evolving into a true Heavenly Immortal-level Spiritual Object.
“Once given, there’s no cause to reclaim it.”
“Come, I’ll guide you out.”
With those words, she shifted into a blazing Fire Phoenix wreathed in molten lava, paving the way for Li Zhirui.
The journey outward proved swifter than the inbound path, and before long, the brilliant sunlight cascaded into view.
“Salutations to the Phoenix Ancestor and Senior.” The Earth Immortal of the Phoenix Clan, who had lingered in wait beyond, hastened to bow deeply at the sight of them.
“Fellow Daoist, accompany Little Yanzi to the secret treasury.”
The Phoenix Ancestor spoke with regret, “Owing to Fellow Daoist’s skillful intervention, the Earth Evil Fire Poison that plagued my body for endless years has been utterly cleansed. Now, I require seclusion to mend and revive my essence; forgive me for not escorting you myself.”
“Senior, tend to your recovery without concern; such courtesies are unnecessary.”
“See to it that Li receives the utmost care in my absence. Should I emerge from seclusion to learn of any slight against Fellow Daoist, I shall not forgive it lightly!”
Feng Yan pledged swiftly, “Phoenix Ancestor, fear not—we vow no injustice shall befall Senior, not in the slightest.”
Fearful of repercussions from any oversight.
Li Zhirui could merely offer a subtle smile from the sidelines; clearly, the Phoenix Ancestor held this Earth Immortal junior in high esteem, or she would not issue such stern words.
“I’ll withdraw then. Should Fellow Daoist grace the Undying Volcano with another visit in times to come, the Phoenix Clan shall welcome you with the utmost pomp and reverence.”
“I deeply appreciate your gracious intent, Senior.” Li Zhirui responded smilingly; he recognized it as courteous formality, and countless years might elapse before his return.
By that time, he might have ascended beyond the Primal Spirit Realm, so he voiced no demurral.
A needless back-and-forth would only squander effort.
“Within the secret treasury lie the supreme treasures our Phoenix Clan has amassed across innumerable eras, each potent enough to spark ferocious conflicts if revealed.”
Prior to leaving, the Phoenix Ancestor cautioned, “Even seasoned Heavenly Immortals would covet them fiercely, so Fellow Daoist must seal them securely; common Storage Magical Treasures may fail against probing Secret Techniques.”
“Your guidance is invaluable, Senior; thank you.”
Li Zhirui tensed with vigilance, realizing he had overlooked such details.
Yet fault lay not with him; the Li family was no ancient Heavenly Immortal lineage, privy to few such esoteric secrets.
“Until we meet again, Fellow Daoist.”
At that, the Fire Phoenix erupted into radiant fireworks, dissolving into flickering embers that swiftly vanished.
“Senior, this way, if you please.”
Li Zhirui inclined his head politely, replying, “I appreciate the effort.”
The Phoenix Clan’s domain brimmed with countless Wutong trees, each soaring high and verdant, as he trailed Feng Yan along the winding trail.
The deeper they ventured, the loftier the Wutong trees rose, their ages extending further into antiquity.
Uncertain of the distance covered, they halted at last before a majestic Wutong tree that pierced the heavens.
This Wutong tree stood as the grandest and most colossal Li Zhirui had ever beheld!
Its base spanned several miles in girth, while its crown sprawled like an immense umbrella over tens of miles.
In its shadow, one felt dwarfed and profoundly weighed upon.
Though Li Zhirui had attained Heavenly Immortal status, the pressure bore down heavily.
“Little Yanzi, is this the human cultivator who purged the Earth Evil Fire Poison from the Phoenix Empress’ form?” Abruptly, a vast visage materialized on the trunk, its voice resonant with timeless depth.
Phoenix Empress, rather than merely Phoenix, marked the Phoenix Ancestor’s proper title, and invoking her as Empress was fitting.
By lineage, the Phoenix Ancestor equaled or surpassed Doumu; as for her cultivation, it was unparalleled—she ranked among the earliest to reach Heavenly Immortal in the Primal Spirit Realm.
Absent her oath to safeguard the Undying Volcano in atonement, her talents would have propelled her to transcendence and departure long ago.
Li Zhirui never anticipated this colossal Wutong possessing Spiritual Intelligence!
Moreover, upon stirring, Li Zhirui sensed its formidable presence, plainly marking it as a Heavenly Immortal too.
“Old Wu, this is the Senior who aided the Phoenix Ancestor.” Feng Yan, playing the bridge, presented them, “Senior, meet our Phoenix Clan’s ancient Gu Wu.”
“Greetings, Senior.” Li Zhirui bowed with respect, deferring to Gu Wu’s greater might and antiquity, rendering the address apt.
“Hmph, proceed inside.”
Surprisingly, Gu Wu’s tone chilled with indifference, as if shunning deeper ties.
Li Zhirui harbored no bitterness or ire; he wasn’t some irresistible gem, unfit to demand universal admiration.
Besides, prejudice against other races ran rife in the Primal Spirit Realm; countless humans scorned all non-human kin, deeming the human form supreme for Cultivation.
They wielded solid arguments: if humanity’s vessel weren’t optimal, why did myriad beings adopt human shapes as their model?
Thus, brushing against a racial bigot struck him as a fleeting brush, demanding only surface civility, unlikely to recur.
Upon Gu Wu’s words, the tree’s colossal, robust form abruptly split asunder, unveiling a concealed chamber nestled within.
Peering through the rift, the brilliant, mesmerizing array of supreme Spiritual Objects gleamed within.
Countless radiant artifacts hovered in the air, each pulsing with profound Qi that could stir the hearts of immortals.
Fiery phoenix plumes shimmered like captured stars, essence crystals burned with inner flames, and ancient relics whispered of forgotten eras.
Li Zhirui’s gaze swept over the bounty, his pulse quickening at the sheer potency on display.
“Senior, as per the Phoenix Ancestor’s decree, you may select any five treasures here; the clan spares no expense for your aid.”
Feng Yan explained with deference, his voice laced with awe at the vault’s splendor.
Though tempted by the wealth, Li Zhirui composed himself, pondering choices that would bolster his path without excess.
He reached first for a cluster of Phoenix Blood Essence Orbs, vital elixirs to refine his Dantian and Meridians.
Next came a set of Inferno Heart Jades, perfect for enhancing fire-based techniques in his arsenal.
The third pick: an Eternal Flame Seed, a rare Spiritual Object to ignite new Cultivation insights.
For the fourth, he claimed a scroll of Phoenix Clan Secret Arts, though bound by oaths, it offered glimpses into Dao harmonies.
Finally, a luminous tail feather akin to the Ancestor’s gift, but infused with purer essence for breakthroughs.
“These five will suffice; I take nothing more, lest I overstep the clan’s generosity.”
“Wise selections, Senior. We’ll seal them in a superior Storage Magical Treasure to ward off any detection.”
Feng Yan nodded approvingly, assisting with the transfer while admiration gleamed in his eyes.
As they exited the vault, the tree’s visage reformed, Gu Wu’s aura lingering like a silent sentinel.
Li Zhirui felt the weight of fortune upon him, knowing these treasures could reshape his future in the Cultivation world.
With farewells exchanged, he departed the Phoenix domain, heart alight with the thrill of harvest.