Rebuilding the Immortal Cultivator Clan Chapter 2129 1534: Hunt II

However, considering their presence in the Otherworld and the suppression they face from this Heavenly Dao, a constant risk of exposure and falling into peril looms.

Furthermore, while their entry into the Secret Realm appeared effortless, the reality was far from it. It was solely due to Li Zhirui's extensive prior efforts that they managed to achieve their current standing.

Barring any unforeseen circumstances, this would likely be their inaugural and final venture into the Secret Realm within the Ten Thousand Rivers Realm.

Consequently, Li Zhirui harbored a hope for greater rewards, ensuring their arduous journey and sacrifices were not in vain.

Thus, while Li Zhirui leisurely perused the Jade Slip acquired from that Earth Immortal, Fu Chengguang remained ensnared in a turmoil of indecision regarding their subsequent course of action.

Upon glancing up, he observed his companion's composed and contented demeanor, which promptly quelled his agitated thoughts.

Since his associate found no fault with their present circumstances, why should he contemplate altering them? Was their current situation not satisfactory enough?

Moreover, they were in no hurry to depart from the Ten Thousand Rivers Realm, implying that even if the Secret Realm yielded meager gains, future opportunities to acquire more Spiritual Objects might still arise externally.

With this realization, Fu Chengguang ceased his internal debate over potential gains and losses, reverting to his naturally suave disposition, no longer exhibiting the restlessness and unease that had previously consumed him.

"Fellow Daoist, have your anxious thoughts subsided?"

As Li Zhirui concluded his examination of the Jade Slip and looked up, he noticed the tranquil aura radiating from Fu Chengguang and, understanding his decision, inquired with a smile.

"I apologize for the past few days, Fellow Daoist. I was somewhat embarrassed, having deliberated over such a minor matter for days, despite my cultivation and mental fortitude."

"Fellow Daoist was considering the well-being of both of us; there is no need for shame."

Despite Li Zhirui's immersion in texts and Jade Slips during these past few days, he was, in fact, fully aware of the situation, choosing only to remain silent.

After all, certain realizations must dawn from within; external persuasion might prove ineffective.

"Maintaining the status quo is quite advantageous. Moreover, our extended stay in the Ten Thousand Rivers Realm means we should not jeopardize our future endeavors because of this," he stated.

And this was precisely the primary rationale behind Fu Chengguang's adherence to his established approach.

They were not akin to brigands intent on pillaging and fleeing; though labeled as invaders, they more closely resembled auditing students visiting another academy for academic enrichment.

Given this perspective, a greater emphasis should be placed on their conduct to avoid incurring the Heavenly Dao's displeasure and ultimately being expelled.

In the ensuing days, the pair opted against immediately venturing forth to explore the Secret Realm again, instead dedicating this period to recuperation.

Once their spiritual energy was fully replenished, they resumed their journey.

This time, their mindset was considerably more grounded, preventing minor issues from causing undue fluctuations in their Mental State.

...

Deep within a secluded section of the Secret Realm, a company of cultivators navigated a valley enveloped in mist with measured caution.

"Taoist Friend Wu, are there indeed valuable Spiritual Objects concealed within?" inquired a cultivator, tinged with trepidation.

"Observe the surrounding environment; these mists are nothing less than condensed Spiritual Energy. With such density, how could precious Spiritual Objects possibly be absent?" Wu Qing, despite harboring his own apprehension, found resolve upon contemplating the allure of Spiritual Objects.

Hearing this, the others managed to subdue their fears, giving way to an intense longing for the Spiritual Objects.

For these Loose Cultivators, often disadvantaged by their backgrounds, opportunities held immense significance. They were unlikely to retreat easily, even when confronted with potential dangers.

After all, without actively striving for them, how could they possibly amass the necessary cultivation resources to elevate their Cultivation?

However, their anticipated troubles did not materialize. The valley remained eerily silent; yet, as they ventured deeper, the mist thickened progressively, reaching a density where one could barely discern their own hand.

The passage of time became indistinct, with no one able to ascertain its duration, as if they were walking without end.

Following an indeterminate period, they finally emerged from the pervasive layers of mist, arriving at an open, level expanse devoid of fog.

At the center of this clearing lay a pristine spring, and surrounding it, a vast array of treasured Spiritual Objects flourished!

"Earth Yellow Fruit, Longevity Root, Qingwei Fruit..."

With each name uttered, the participants' breathing grew more rapid, their covetousness escalated, and a distinct crimson hue flickered in their eyes.

The reason for such stirrings was that these Spiritual Objects were incredibly precious and seldom seen. The revelation of just one would incite a ferocious competition, even drawing the attention of Heavenly Immortals!

If a single Spiritual Object held such immense value, imagine the sheer worth of the dozens, equally coveted, laid out before them!

However, in their avarice, they completely overlooked the fact that such coveted Spiritual Objects only flourish under the most arduous conditions.

And how could a simple-looking valley floor possibly sustain such an abundance of rare treasures?!

To make matters worse, many of these Spiritual Objects were known to be inherently incompatible, even mutually destructive, towards one another.

Splash—

Suddenly, the chilling sound of steel slicing through flesh, followed by a spray of crimson, echoed through the air.

"These Spiritual Objects belong to me!"

One of the cultivators, his gaze fixed with a deranged intensity, brandished a hefty blade slick with fresh blood. The expelled gore splattered upon him, only enhancing his terrifying and ghastly visage.

The potent aroma of blood hung heavy in the atmosphere, acting like a potent catalyst, instantly igniting the primal fury in everyone present.

In the subsequent moment, several more cultivators abruptly collapsed, their lives extinguished.

"You all deserve death!"

"The Spiritual Objects are mine! All mine! You cannot wrest them from my grasp!"

"Die! Perish for my sake!"

The remaining cultivators let out thunderous roars, their eyes burning with a bloodthirsty red light. They charged forward like savage beasts, utterly forgetting that, as cultivators, they possessed abilities like Divine Power and Spellcasting.

"Hahaha, they are all dead! Every last one! The Spiritual Objects are now exclusively mine!"

Within mere moments, the initial dozen or so cultivators lay dead and lifeless, leaving only a solitary survivor.

Yet, just as he moved to claim the coveted Spiritual Objects, a sinuous tree root erupted from the earth.

Squelch!

The root surged upwards, impaling him completely through its brutal embrace.

"No! I cannot perish! I have yet to obtain those Spiritual Objects..."

Even in the throes of death, his obsession with the Spiritual Objects remained.

But as he finally succumbed, a mysterious surge rippled through the area, causing the once vibrant and abundant Spiritual Objects to vanish into thin air.

It was revealed that this entire spectacle had been nothing more than an Illusionary Realm!

The architect of this deceptive Illusionary Realm, the very entity that had orchestrated the cultivators' self-destruction, was none other than the inconspicuous sapling situated beside the clear spring.

With the dissolution of the Illusionary Realm, the ground began to quake. Tiny vines snaked their way through the soil, dragging the lifeless bodies of the cultivators into the depths of the clear spring.

In an instant, the once pristine water was transformed into a ghastly crimson hue, stained by the spilled blood.

However, the crimson quickly receded, and the spring returned to its original clarity.

Meanwhile, the small tree nourished itself, growing noticeably more robust and vibrant. The vital essence gleaned from the blood and flesh served as its potent sustenance.

A short distance further along the spring's edge would reveal a horrifying sight: a veritable mountain of White Bone resting within the water, a grim testament to the myriad cultivators ensnared by the Illusionary Realm and meeting their tragic end!

The unassuming sapling continued its silent growth by the spring, appearing utterly ordinary and harmless, much like any common flora. Yet, the rapidly thickening mist descending upon the valley was a clear indication that its predatory nature remained unabated.

As a peculiar medicinal fragrance began to waft from the valley, a new cycle of predation officially commenced!

Several passing cultivators, carried on an incoming breeze, detected the unusual aroma.

"High-grade Spiritual Objects are nearby!"

A collective realization dawned upon them, sparking a thrill of excitement. Immediately, they set off in pursuit of the scent's source.