Chapter 195: Hanging on a Tree

Chapter 195: Hanging on a Tree

Qi Yuan calmly killed the Golden Monkey with a single sword strike.

The Eighteen Arhats and the Four Great Heavenly Kings remained composed, as if they were used to such extraordinary events.

Only the Blue Robed Dragon appeared worried, muttering, "We're in trouble. You've killed the most talented member of the Ancient Ape Clan. They will definitely come looking for us."

Qi Yuan smiled and said, "Why trouble? I killed the Golden Serpent, why can't I kill a monkey?"

The Blue Robed Dragon was stunned by his words.

The Northern Sea Dragon Clan dared not kill the Golden Monkey, but the Origin Heavenly Venerable did, and he had even killed the Golden Serpent.

The Blue Robed Dragon sighed, feeling a pang of pain.

It was unclear if he was lamenting the Golden Serpent or the Golden Monkey.

The Golden Monkey was untamed and unruly, only at the Purple Mansion realm, completely unaware of the strength of the Jade Flower Venerable and the powerful beings around Qi Yuan.

His ignorance was indeed fearless.

And then, he was swiftly killed by Qi Yuan's sword.

Qi Yuan had no time for the concept of 'ignorance is not a crime'.

The remaining two monkeys stood trembling by the side.

One of them, named Xiao Liu, stepped forward and said with a bow, "Ancient Jin Jiu brought this upon himself. We deeply apologize for his actions. My brother and I will return to the Ancient Ape Clan and truthfully report today's events to the elders to prevent any further conflict."

Xiao Liu was quick-witted and spoke swiftly, trying to save himself.

Qi Yuan looked at Xiao Liu with surprise, "What if the Ancient Ape Clan comes after me?"

"I will explain the situation to the elders, and they are reasonable. They won't start a war without reason."

"What if they do?" Qi Yuan asked, looking at Xiao Liu.

"Even if the elders insist on causing trouble, I will die before you," Xiao Liu said with determination in his eyes and a tone that suggested he was ready to face death.

Qi Yuan smiled, "Then I'll give you a chance to prove yourself. Go and explain to the Ancient Ape Clan."

Qi Yuan didn't bother to care about the aftermath; he was either indifferent or simply didn't care.

It was just a game, and as long as he enjoyed it, that was the true path.

After leaving the Northern Sea Dragon Clan, Qi Yuan passed through the Jade Flower Palace and eventually departed from the Northern Sea Divine Eye with a group of ancient deities.

The Jade Flower Venerable stayed behind in the Jade Flower Palace.

On one hand, Qi Yuan had granted the Hundred Flowers Fairy's Divine Vision Technique to her, and with her progress in the Flower Deity Office, she needed time to break through.

On the other hand, she had to stay in the Jade Flower Palace to help Qi Yuan collect the Ultimate Treasures that had been overlooked in the Northern Sea Divine Eye.

Outside the Northern Sea Divine Eye, a group of ancient deities bid farewell to Qi Yuan.

During this Hundred Flowers Festival, Qi Yuan's Dragon Subduing Arhat had killed a member of the Northern Sea Dragon Clan, and Qi Yuan had awakened the Jade Flower Venerable, who acknowledged Qi Yuan as her master. Each of these events was awe-inspiring.

"Origin Heavenly Venerable, I reside in the Xuan Kong Mountain. If you ever pass by my blessed land, I will offer you fine wine and delicacies," said an ancient deity casually.

Ye Liuyun looked at Qi Yuan, feeling more deeply moved than the others.

The others were not of the dragon clan, so they couldn't see that the Dragon Subduing Arhat's shadow was that of a Sky Striding Seventh Step dragon, only recognizing him as a Great Venerable.

Ye Liuyun was different; he also had dragon blood, and the shadow of the dragon was far more powerful than that of the Dragon Ancestor, resembling the Sky Striding Seventh Step.

He couldn't understand how such a powerful dragon could be killed by the Dragon Subduing Arhat.

Recalling Qi Yuan's previous words, Ye Liuyun couldn't help but ask, "Origin Heavenly Venerable, are the Ying Dragon, Zhu Dragon, Azure Dragon, and Five-Clawed Golden Dragon you mentioned real?"

"Yes, they exist in my memories," Qi Yuan replied.

Were those deities not part of his memories?

Hearing Qi Yuan's response, Ye Liuyun took a deep breath, "Compared to the Five-Clawed Golden Dragon behind the Dragon Subduing Arhat, how do those deities fare?"

"They are no weaker," Qi Yuan answered.

Ye Liuyun was stunned by this revelation.

He had to inform the elders of his clan about this matter as soon as possible.

After Ye Liuyun left, the others also bid farewell to Qi Yuan one by one.

The last to leave was the Dusk Venerable, who looked at Qi Yuan with a sigh, "With your talent, staying in the Fallen Zone is indeed... too dangerous."

The Dusk Venerable was well aware of the terrifying talent of Qi Yuan, who had achieved twenty Legendary Ranks.

Except for the very top, who could create a myth with their heavenly fate, who else could compare?

"If you're concerned about my safety, why not become my bodyguard?" Qi Yuan said with a smile.

The Dusk Venerable smiled helplessly.

If Qi Yuan could observe and create a Legendary Rank Divine Vision Technique suitable for him, perhaps he would serve Qi Yuan like the Jade Flower Venerable.

But it was clear that such a technique was extremely rare, and how could there be a second one?

"Well, this trip wasn't bad either. It's time to go home," Qi Yuan said, and together with the Four Great Heavenly Kings and the Eighteen Arhats, they transformed into a stream of light and disappeared.

In the Jade Flower Palace...

The Jade Flower Venerable's pupils had traces of flower petals.

The Jade Flower Palace Master stood by the side, wanting to speak but stopping herself.

"You're wondering why I, a Great Venerable, would serve the Heavenly Venerable?" the Jade Flower Venerable asked.

The Jade Flower Palace Master nodded.

She was indeed puzzled.

The Origin Heavenly Venerable had observed and created the Hundred Flowers Fairy, and awakening the Jade Flower Venerable was indeed a great favor.

But this favor could be repaid with an Ultimate Treasure or something else.

To serve as a master was indeed excessive.

Perhaps, in ancient times, the Origin Heavenly Venerable's identity was precious, and he was a Sky Striding Sixth Step or even a Sky Striding Seventh Step cultivator.

But times had changed.

The current Origin Heavenly Venerable was merely at the Purple Mansion realm.

In this life, the starting point of the Jade Flower Venerable far surpasses that of the Origin Heavenly Venerable.

In the current life of the Origin Heavenly Venerable, there is almost no chance of surpassing the Jade Flower Venerable.

Precisely because of this, the Jade Flower Palace Master was perplexed.

Serving the Heavenly Venerable and becoming a citizen is not just an empty promise.

The Jade Flower Venerable's gaze deepened, "Have you heard of the Hundred Flowers Fairy?"

The Jade Flower Palace Master shook her head, "No."

Before this, she had never heard any stories about the Hundred Flowers Fairy.

"The position of the Flower Deity is my lifelong pursuit, and no one understands it better than me.

In the Mortal Heart World, there are no gods... who hold this position," the Jade Flower Venerable spoke.

Upon hearing this, the Jade Flower Palace Master's expression changed, "Then he... could it be..."

...

"When we left, it was drizzling, and when we returned, the sky was clear and vast."

Qi Yuan gazed at the clouds in the sky and the stars glowing with a reddish hue, feeling rather cheerful.

After a long journey, he led everyone back to Qing Shui Village.

At this moment, Qing Shui Village was peaceful.

The village chief, Yulei, and the divine officials, Shencha and Yulei, had gone to Flying Wilderness City to purchase supplies and had not returned today.

The Four Great Heavenly Kings and the Eighteen Arhats had all left, leaving only Qi Yuan in the temple.

Looking at the blood-red sky, Qi Yuan prepared to dig a big pit to sleep in.

However, suddenly, Qi Yuan stopped his actions and looked at Xiao Jia, who was standing quietly beside him.

"I just remembered that the Costume Demons of the Costume Prohibition hang on trees to sleep.

How about we do the same today and hang on a tree together?" Qi Yuan looked at Xiao Jia with anticipation.

Xiao Jia stood by his side, and the faint red light illuminated her, making her appear somewhat enchanting.

Soon, Qi Yuan followed the example of the Costume Demons and hung himself and Xiao Jia on a tree branch.

"I still feel safer sleeping in a dirt pit," Qi Yuan said, holding Xiao Jia's slightly cool sleeve, "But hanging on a tree, enjoying the evening breeze and gazing at the stars above, can be quite romantic sometimes."

In the night sky, countless stars twinkled.

Qi Yuan pointed at the moon, "I heard that there's a Chang'e living on the moon, but I'm not sure if it's true or not."

Xiao Jia also looked up at the moon in the sky, seemingly deep in thought.

A wooden plaque with a happy expression slid out of her intricately patterned sleeve and fell into Qi Yuan's hand.

"It seems like you really enjoy hanging on trees, Xiao Jia," Qi Yuan said, looking at her.

Xiao Jia tightened her grip on Qi Yuan's hand, not saying a word.

Time flowed slowly, the gentle evening breeze caressed them, and they enjoyed the tranquility of the passing moments.

Qi Yuan closed his eyes, and various thoughts passed through his mind.

"This game world is indeed a bit... strange."

Qi Yuan summoned Xiao Jia to confirm the time flow rate between this world and the Vast Wave World.

The time flow rate here is very odd.

It's as if the Vast Wave World is just a fleeting moment, and the Mortal Heart World undergoes drastic changes.

Now, after spending so much time in the Mortal Heart World, the time in the Vast Wave World is still frozen at the moment before entering the game.

Precisely because of this, he is hesitant to leave the game and return to the Vast Wave World.

If he logs out, what if he sleeps for a night in the Vast Wave World and Qing Shui Village disappears?

"It's strange, the time in the Vast Wave World is supposed to be frozen, and my Stellar Core should be frozen too.

Why is my Solar True Fire still burning in my Stellar Core?" Qi Yuan was puzzled.

It's as if at this moment, time has lost its accuracy and measure.

"This world is truly bizarre," Qi Yuan sighed, deciding to not dwell on it since he couldn't understand it.

"Even the Dragon Subduing Arhat and Tiger Subduing Arhat couldn't advance through the Ultimate Treasure, it seems that for now, even if I observe more powerful ones, it may be blocked at the Perfect Jade Mansion." On the way back, Qi Yuan had asked the Dragon Subduing Arhat and Tiger Subduing Arhat to attempt a breakthrough to True Deity.

This put Qi Yuan in a dilemma.

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Now, he was pondering whom to observe.

Observing a weaker one might allow him to break through the limit and become a True Deity.

However, observing a powerful one might get stuck at the Perfect Jade Mansion.

To break through this impasse, there are two methods. One is to have more strong individuals like the Jade Flower Venerable among the citizens, and the other is to solve the limit of advancing to True Deity.

Holding Xiao Jia's slightly cool sleeve, Qi Yuan slowly fell into a slumber.

In Flying Wilderness City, a carriage stopped outside the city lord's mansion.

Five people, three men and two women, dressed in luxurious clothing, stepped out of the carriage. They all seemed to be from prominent families.

These five individuals were from the Wang family of Flying Wasteland City, controlling seven out of ten of the city's taverns. In Flying Wasteland City, they were influential enough to shake the entire city with a single stomp.

Huang Mengying received a message and came out of the city lord's mansion, a look of concern on her face, "The Wang family is here?"

The leader of the Wang family was a middle-aged woman, with strands of white hair amidst her black hair, and her eyes were filled with deep worry, "At the hour of the tiger today, the Former Emperor... passed away."

"What!" Huang Mengying was shocked upon hearing this.

The Lin Kingdom, located in the Fall Zone, was one of the few countries with the strongest resistance to Evil Deity Essence.

The main reason was that the country's ruler believed in the Ancient Deity and strongly opposed the Evil Deity Essence.

Now, the ruler had passed away.

For Huang Mengying, this was like a bolt from the blue.

"The successor is the Third Prince," the Wang family leader added, stating a cruel reality.

The Third Prince was the one in the royal family who had always proposed to worship the Evil Deity.

The Third Prince's succession meant something that Huang Mengying and the others understood all too well.

The sky of Lin Kingdom was about to change.

After that, Wang Dajia's words caused Huang Mengying's expression to change drastically. "At noon, an order from the capital arrived, and Zhuge Manor Lord... has been transferred away from the Flying Spirit Manor."

The Flying Wilderness City, Flying Wasteland City, and the surrounding five cities, a total of seven cities, were all under the jurisdiction of the Flying Spirit Manor.

Zhuge Manor Lord was a purebred Ancient Deity Alliance member, and now that he's been transferred, one can imagine the implications.

"The Wang family has always been keeping a close eye on the current situation and has been prepared for a long time."

Now that the Former Emperor has passed away, we're preparing to leave the Lin Kingdom and head for the Ancient Deity Alliance." Wang Dajia spoke, a hint of uncertainty about the future in her words.

It was clear that the Wang family had been ready to migrate for a long time.

Even core figures like her were starting to relocate due to the changes in the political landscape.

"The Flying Wilderness City should also prepare early." Wang Dajia said, "If the Huang family is going to leave, our Wang family can lend a helping hand."

The Wang and Huang families had a long-standing relationship.

After some conversation, Wang Dajia bid farewell and did not stay the night in the Flying Wilderness City.

Huang Mengying watched Wang Dajia's carriage disappear into the distance, her gaze becoming determined: "Someone, report this matter to the Origin Heaven Venerable."

The carriage left under the cover of night, and the people inside didn't look too pleased.

Wang Dajia lifted the curtain and gazed at the lively Flying Wilderness City, sighing: "After the Evil Deity's arrival, who knows when this place will turn into a ghost realm."

In the short term, they might live well, but once assimilated, they would become mindless puppets.

The Wang family, as one of the prominent clans, was not willing to accept such an ending.

Of course, some Evil Deities had set conditions, gaining the support of many clans, even some from the Ancient Deity Alliance.

Wang Wenya thought of something and asked softly: "Wang Dajia, do you think the Ancient Deity in Qing Shui Village will leave?"

On their way here, they had already learned about the situation in the Flying Wilderness City.

They were quite interested in the Ancient Deity in Qing Shui Village.

"Judging by his entourage, he probably won't leave." Wang Dajia shared her assessment.

One could tell a lot about an Ancient Deity's intentions from their fief.

Take the Wang family, for example, although they were in the Flying Wasteland City, their taverns had been shrinking, and they were selling off their fixed assets.

This showed that the Wang family was ready to flee at any moment.

In contrast, according to Wang Dajia's information, Qing Shui Village focused heavily on agriculture and was constantly developing good farmland.

There was no sign of them leaving.

"Now, going to the Ancient Deity Alliance is the best outcome." Wang Wenya said.

The man beside her spoke up: "Perhaps, he doesn't want to abandon his people."

Upon hearing this, everyone in the carriage fell silent.

After an unknown amount of time, the carriage slowly moved forward.

Suddenly, a familiar voice called out:

"Routine inspection!"

When passing through major cities and towns, routine inspections were standard.

In the Evil Deity's territory, they checked for spies from the Ancient Deity Alliance.

In the Ancient Deity Alliance's territory, they checked for lackeys of the Evil Deity.

Hearing the voice, Wang Wenya parted the curtain and saw a familiar figure, her eyes widening in surprise: "Zhao Zun, is that you?"

"Wenya?" Zhao Zun recognized Wang Wenya.

"What are you doing here?" Seeing Zhao Zun, Wang Wenya's heart filled with joy.

They had attended the same academy, and their relationship was just okay.

But a year ago, the Zhao family had faced a crisis, and Zhao Zun had disappeared.

"My family encountered a crisis, and I fled here." Zhao Zun briefly explained his situation to Wang Wenya.

After listening, Wang Wenya's thoughts were complicated. She hadn't expected the Zhao family to face such a blow.

This former classmate had endured such a devastating strike.

"Now, are you following the Origin Heaven Venerable?" Wang Wenya was curious, remembering their past as classmates. She said, "Soon... a war might break out. Do you want to leave this place of turmoil with me?"

"No need." Zhao Zun shook his head, his gaze resolute. "My future is given by the Heaven Venerable, and I won't leave here."

After becoming the Dragon Subduing Arhat, he was no longer the same Zhao Zun.

Wang Wenya was puzzled, not understanding why Zhao Zun was so determined.

However, she wouldn't force her old acquaintance to leave.

She returned to the carriage, feeling a bit desolate.

At this moment, Wang Dajia showed a puzzled expression: "This classmate of yours, was he always this strong?"

"Huh?" Wang Wenya didn't quite understand Wang Dajia's question.

"If he's this powerful, how could Zhao Suo take away his family's assets?" Wang Dajia asked, perplexed.

"Wasn't he just a Divine Infant?" Wang Wenya was confused.

"He's not a Divine Infant. If he wanted to, all of us in this carriage might have to stay here." Wang Dajia said softly.

As the head of the Wang family, her strength had reached Purple Mansion Perfection.

But facing Zhao Zun, she had a premonition that she wasn't even close to being his match.

"How could this be? How could he be so strong!" Wang Wenya was baffled.

It had only been a year since they last met, and he had already crossed such a significant threshold?

"Perhaps, it has something to do with him becoming the Dragon Subduing Arhat." Wang Dajia thought of the Divine Observation Technique and murmured, "No wonder he's willing to serve as the guardian deity of Qing Shui Village.

To improve his strength to Purple Mansion Perfection so quickly, the level of his Divine Observation Technique must be very high."

Of course, admiration was one thing, but the Wang family wouldn't stay in Qing Shui Village and pledge allegiance to the so-called guardian deity of Qing Shui Village.

Going to the Ancient Deity Alliance was the only way to survive in this fallen region.

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end