Chapter 306: The Five Saints' Inheritance and Successive Recognitions

Chapter 306: The Five Saints' Inheritance and Successive Recognitions

The Five Saints' Secret Realm.

The Rong family's inherited secret realm.

However, it was only several hundred years ago, during the late Liang Dynasty, that the Rong family found some clues about this secret realm.

At that time, the Rong family traveled over ten thousand miles from the southern Dianzang region, which was then the southernmost part of the Liang Dynasty, to the northernmost Beiyuan region.

This clue was related to the original owner of the Five Saints' Secret Realm.

It was said that during the late Qian Dynasty, when warlords were fighting for power, this secret realm belonged to a powerful ruler who was a beastmaster.

This ruler dominated the Dianzang and Nanyue regions and almost replaced the Wu Dynasty, intending to establish a new dynasty on this continent. However, his cultivation level and strength fell short, and he ultimately only reached the peak of the Holy Spirit realm.

With the help of the Wu Dynasty's royal ancestors and the Xie Clan's power during that era, they managed to defeat and kill him.

The place where he eventually fell was in the Beiyuan region.

The Rong family's ancestors, within this secret realm, obtained some clues about this ruler, known as the 'Nanzhao King' and the 'Five Toxins Supreme Lord', as well as some inheritance tokens from his children. They then came to the Beiyuan Province and confirmed the location of the vanished secret realm. Using various secret methods, they brought this Five Saints' Secret Realm into existence.

Afterwards, the Rong family also reached a mutual agreement with the remaining spirits, and they acquired this complete Five Saints' Secret Realm.

This is the origin of the Five Toxins Secret Realm.

Su Ping's guess was not wrong. The remaining Five Saints' souls in the realm were indeed the souls of the fallen beastmaster's pets, which had merged with the realm's spatial characteristics, forming five extremely unique and powerful secret realm spirits.

Over the years, the Rong family had spent resources to preserve the power and wisdom of the Five Saints' souls, and they had reaped corresponding value, enabling them to thrive for hundreds of years, spanning the modern era of the Dragon Nation and the Liang Dynasty. This was enough to prove their profound heritage.

However, after so many years, the Snake Saint's soul had only intended for the Rong family's younger generation to test their qualifications and receive recognition from the Snake Saint's egg.

But to its surprise, at this very moment, it felt something different about this young beastmaster.

It had only sensed such a toxic aura in one other being, and that was the first pet the master had bonded with in his lifetime.

This pet was the only one that accompanied the master to his death outside, apart from the five main pets. It was also the only pet that had reached the half-step Legendary rank during the master's lifetime.

However, even this pet's toxic aura was not as strong as what the young beastmaster exuded.

It wasn't that the toxicity was particularly intense or fierce, but rather an indescribable feeling, a primal toxicity unique to poison-type pets.

If the master had possessed this, he would have likely advanced to the Legendary rank without difficulty.

Unfortunately...

Thus, the Snake Saint's soul, hidden within the statue, once again fixed its 'gaze' upon the young beastmaster before it.

Finally, a member of the Rong family's younger generation had emerged, capable of inheriting the master's legacy?

The Snake Saint's soul slowly turned its gaze towards the peculiar green wolf, which was shaking its head, and fell into deep contemplation.

...

Outside the secret realm.

After all the eligible Rong family members entered the Five Saints' Secret Realm, Rong Bao heaved a sigh of relief and sat on the steps of the ancestral hall, showing no signs of the family head's authority or dignity.

Of course, in front of the Snake Ancestor, such authority and dignity were unnecessary.

"Another new generation of the Rong family!"

Rong Bao sighed and expressed his thoughts.

"Yes, and it will be an interesting generation. Whether the Rong family can continue to thrive and regain its past glory depends on this generation!"

The Snake Ancestor spoke from the side.

Rong Bao sighed again, "It's my fault that the Rong family has declined under my leadership."

The Snake Ancestor glanced at the old man with its inverted triangular eyes, which were a mix of orange and green:

"The Rong family has endured such changes, and it is thanks to you that it has survived. You should not be so hard on yourself. Even when the Green Demon Spider's evolution to the Holy Spirit rank was cut off, you still managed to keep the Rong family alive and even preserved the Five Saints' Secret Realm. That's no small feat."

Rong Bao gave a bitter smile and shook his head, "It's a pity that the title of 'Poison Saint' has changed hands after belonging to our Rong family for hundreds of years."

"It's just an empty title. It's only right for someone who reveres poison pets to hold the title of Poison Saint."

Although the Snake Ancestor said this, a cold glint flashed in its inverted triangular eyes.

Obviously, this matter was not so simple.

"When has the Rong family ever suffered such humiliation? If it weren't for Chun'er and An Yong's relationship, we might not have been able to keep the Five Saints' Secret Realm. Even so, if it weren't for our request for the Ghost Saint and that person to enter the Five Saints' Secret Realm for investigation and hand over all the breeding methods from the Rong family's library, it would have been difficult to protect the family."

Rong Bao grumbled.

The Snake Ancestor didn't seem to mind:

"That's normal. Nanzhao King Situ Feng was a top-tier poison-type saint beastmaster two thousand years ago. During the great upheaval in the Great Qian, when the feudal lords rose up, the Nanzhao region in Dianzang was just a remote corner. Not only did Situ Feng rise from there, but he also posed a significant threat to the ancestors of the Wu Kingdom. Naturally, the inheritance of this Nanzhao King would attract attention."

Rong Bao sighed again, "At that time, we had already made it very clear that the so-called Nanzhao King's inheritance didn't exist. Otherwise, wouldn't we have obtained it hundreds of years ago?"

"Does it really not exist?"

The Snake Ancestor suddenly asked.

Rong Bao was slightly startled.

"Snake Ancestor, what do you mean?"

"It's just my speculation. The ancestors of the Rong Family and the five Spirit Beasts of the Sacred Realm had such strange requests. Although they agreed to a mutually beneficial arrangement, I can't help but suspect that the Five Saints' Souls were testing the Rong Family's descendants' talents under the pretext of the Five Saints' Eggs. Perhaps they were also searching for a successor for their ancient master!"

A glint of wisdom flashed in the snake ancestor's inverted triangular eyes.

Being a Saint-level Beastmaster and residing in the Rong Family for so many years, he had witnessed countless human affairs and accumulated vast experience and wisdom.

Rong Bao furrowed his brows slightly, "Indeed, although the Nanzhao King died in battle, it's unlikely he could have left any arrangements in the Beast Taming Realm. For the Five Saints' Souls to merge and become the Spirit of the Secret Realm over time, stabilizing the realm is already an extraordinary feat."

"However, it's absolutely unreasonable that he didn't have his own developed or collected ultimate methods for cultivation! As one of the most powerful Saint-level Beastmasters in the late Great Qian era, how could he not have his own cultivation methods?"

Rong Bao was aware that after the origins of the Five Saints' Secret Realm were exposed, the Rong Family suffered an unprecedented blow. Many doubted whether they possessed the inheritance of the Nanzhao King.

Not only did outsiders doubt, but even Rong Bao, the head of the Rong Family, had his suspicions.

However, it wasn't just Rong Bao who searched and inquired within the Five Saints' Secret Realm. The unified response from the Five Saints' Souls was that they did have the inheritance, but they didn't know where it was.

As an ancient Beastmaster who fought for dominance, Nanzhao King Situ Feng naturally had many inheritances, but he didn't leave them within his own secret realm.

After all, Situ Feng didn't foresee his own death in battle, right? So, even if his master had other inheritances, they were likely placed elsewhere. After thousands of years, they might have already been discovered and taken away by someone.

"Forget it. Since this has never happened in hundreds of years, perhaps it's just a coincidence. It's already great that the Rong Family can continue to preserve the existence of the Five Saints' Secret Realm. Don't overthink it. I wonder if your daughter's little one will be recognized by the Five Saints' Souls!"

Changing the subject, Rong Bao returned to the main topic with a smile.

"Snake Ancestor, do you know something? Is there something wrong with Su Ping?"

"I can't say for sure. The last time I saw this little guy, this kid..."

The green snake was also puzzled, but there was no doubt that this boy had significant differences!

However, as they chatted, the entrance to the secret realm trembled.

Connected to the secret realm, a bright light instantly bloomed at the entrance.

Behind the entrance, within a hanging painting on the wall, a point of light blossomed.

It was a giant green snake pattern!

"This... Indeed, someone from the Rong Family has gained the recognition of the Snake Saint's Soul! Xiao Bao, see whose family emblem is transmitting the sensation..."

"..."

...

Su Ping felt a bit lost.

Even now, he still felt a bit bewildered.

Despite the current situation, with everyone around him, including the pink snake egg raised by the green river water in front of him, clearly reminding Su Ping of what had happened, he still felt a bit lost.

But Su Ping was still perplexed.

He belatedly lifted his head, gazing at the green snake statue that had previously vanished along with all the 'gazes' and voices.

At this moment, the green snake statue seemed to have truly transformed into a statue.

If it weren't for the voice that had sounded in his heart just half a minute ago, and the strange image that had appeared in his mind, Su Ping would never have believed that what had just happened was real!

However, the facts proved that everything he had just experienced was true?

What did the Snake Saint's Soul mean? What did those incoherent words mean? And what was the strange image it gave him?

Saying he had potential and could gain recognition from the other Five Saints' Souls.

Recognition, my foot!

Su Ping didn't feel like he had any potential. Did having a Dragon Aura talent mean he had potential? What kind of potential? How could he not know?

Moreover, the Dragon Aura could influence the Snake Saint's Soul. And this Five Saints' Eggs... He hadn't even thought about contracting them himself! What potential could there be? If it weren't for the Five Saints' Souls... I...

He didn't even feel like he had any potential. Having a Dragon Aura talent didn't guarantee potential. What kind of potential? How could he not know?

And this Five Saints' Eggs... He hadn't even thought about contracting them himself! What potential could there be? If it weren't for the Five Saints' Souls acting as the Spirits of the Realm, unlike the previous Sword King's Realm Spirit who dared to attack him, but instead being quite friendly, Su Ping suspected that the Snake Saint's Soul had some sinister plot.

Most importantly, what was the image the Snake Saint's Soul had transmitted into his spiritual soul? Thinking of this, Su Ping furrowed his brows, ignoring the others' astonished gazes, and slowly closed his eyes.

What was he doing? At this moment, everyone, including Rong Mang, shared the same confusion.

The greatest harvest from the Five Saints' Secret Realm was right before Su Ping, ready to be taken, but this guy seemed to not even notice, completely indifferent.

Instead, he closed his eyes, while everyone else's envious and jealous eyes turned red,

Su Ping stood in place, unmoving,

lost in thought.

However, Su Ping didn't care, and neither could they.

At that moment, a bright light shone from the massive green snake statue and soared into the sky.

This light represented someone gaining approval.

Throughout the Five Saints' Sacred Realm, everyone witnessed the green, serpentine light spiraling upwards.

And then, a hoarse voice echoed in everyone's ears:

"Rong family's Su Ping, you have gained my approval. I bestow upon you the Snake Saint's Egg!"

Everyone in the secret realm heard this voice.

It shattered the cautious calculations of some Rong family members who didn't fully understand the rules of the secret realm.

The Five Saints' Souls had acknowledged him and bestowed the Egg of the Five Saints. Not even the family head could change that, let alone them!

This had been the Rong family's ancestral instruction for hundreds of years!

However, even in this situation, the protagonist of this voice still stood there, seemingly unconcerned about the pink Snake Saint's Egg.

This wasn't Su Ping trying to impress anyone.

At this moment, he was genuinely perplexed.

Just now, the Snake Saint's Soul had spoken to him through his inner voice, asking his name and then saying a lot more, essentially reiterating what it had said before.

It praised his 'natural talent' and stated that he had met the requirements that no one in the Rong family had fulfilled for hundreds of years. He was to go to the other four saints and gain their recognition.

Moreover, it instructed him to keep this matter to himself and not reveal it to anyone.

Su Ping felt a bit strange about all this.

His interest in the Five Saints' Egg was only average, so why did he always manage to come up with something extraordinary?

As a secret realm killer, Su Ping felt a bit nervous. After all, this was his maternal grandfather's secret realm. If he messed it up, wouldn't he become the Rong family's eternal sinner?

However, he had to admit that the vision the Snake Saint's Soul had given him was compelling.

The vision was simple.

It depicted an extremely handsome and sinister middle-aged man, dressed in ancient odd attire, placing something in a particular location.

From this scene alone, Su Ping saw several resources emitting a five-colored sacred glow, indicating a Holy Spirit Level.

Clearly, this was some kind of inheritance site.

Perhaps it was the true inheritance of the secret realm's owner. Despite Su Ping's confusion about the rules of the secret realm, he couldn't understand why, after so many years and so many talented beastmasters in the Rong family, he had suddenly met the requirements upon his arrival.

But for Su Ping, this wasn't the most important thing at the moment.

To others, this was a heavenly opportunity. For Su Ping, a few Holy Spirit Level resources and some special ancient breeding methods might not be that attractive or tempting, as modern times had likely already optimized and discovered them.

However, in this vision, there was a special scene imprinted in his soul.

The middle-aged man had opened a strange spatial vortex and placed the obvious inheritance within the inheritance site.

In this scene, after opening the spatial vortex, he saw something inside the peculiar space.

It was a tree.

Although it was small and even incomplete, Su Ping remembered it clearly.

A few days ago, Bi Yao Chun Cai had also left him with two visions, and these visions were the conditions for her to follow him.

Even though these conditions seemed like an excuse for Bi Yao Chun Cai herself, as there was no time limit, they were clearly meant to be left to fate.

One of these two visions depicted the legendary Wood Elemental and Life-Type resource: the Elixir of Immortality.

Aside from the vision of the Elixir of Immortality, the first vision Bi Yao Chun Cai had given him was of this very tree!

However, the tree in that vision was connected to the entire world, seemingly infinite in size!

In the vision the Snake Saint's Soul had given him, this fleeting glimpse of the tree was small, and even incomplete.

Yet, its aura and appearance were identical!

Due to the inability to communicate through language, Su Ping had struggled to communicate with Bi Yao Chun Cai over the past few days.

He had wanted to ask about the meaning and significance of the vision, aside from the Elixir of Immortality, growing near the divine tree. Were they two separate legendary resources, or an unimaginable advanced plant-type companion beast? The latter seemed more likely.

But Bi Yao Chun Cai hadn't provided any answers, leaving Su Ping helpless.

Su Ping never expected the clue to come so quickly!

Was this small but identical tree what Bi Yao Chun Cai was looking for?

Could it be fate?

Su Ping didn't understand, but he was always an optimist. He decided to figure out the secret realm first and then consider if there were any hidden plots later.

Finally, he slowly opened his eyes.

He looked at the pink snake egg that had been delivered to him, occupying his entire field of vision.

The egg's shell was tight and hard, emitting a faint warmth. When Su Ping touched it, he felt a life force within, pulsating like a heartbeat, like the beating of a heart.

The sensation was unmistakable.

Su Ping exhaled deeply, then thought for a moment and activated the True Eye, gazing at the pink snake egg, roughly the size of a human head.

Initially, Su Ping didn't have high hopes, but to his surprise, the True Eye actually provided feedback, albeit not as comprehensive as the data for companion beasts:

【Red Devil Egg】

【Current Level: None】

【Race Level: Unknown】

Red Devil? Is this the snake companion within this pink egg?

The name is indeed quite peculiar.

It doesn't seem like a snake companion, let alone a poison-type companion beast.

Moreover, he had never heard of this companion beast before. He wondered if it was listed in the Bestiary, ready to be unlocked.

After all, this thing seemed to be a modified creation from the Five Saints' Sacred Realm, somewhat similar to a high-level mutated species. With this thought, Su Ping carefully placed the egg and stored it in the Beast Taming Realm.

Only then did he turn his head to look at the others present.

Meeting his gaze, even his cousin didn't dare to look him in the eye.

At this moment, they thoroughly acknowledged the outsider from the Rong Family.

To gain the acknowledgment of the Saint Soul, not even the family head could alter the ownership of the Egg of the Five Saints.

The Snake Saint Egg was now firmly in Su Ping's possession.

However, Su Ping's gaze didn't linger on them for long. Instead, he scanned the area and then looked at his companion beast, Xiao Qing.

Su Ping silently rubbed Xiao Qing's head, his thoughts racing at that moment.

Could the Dragon Aura truly make the Snake Saint Soul take such a stance?

Could it be that this request, unfulfilled for centuries, was now acknowledged by the Snake Saint Soul before him?

It was clearly impossible.

After seeing Xiao Qing, Su Ping somewhat understood.

Was it the Green Demon Spring Ginseng?

As if to confirm Su Ping's thoughts, Xiao Qing's fur shimmered with faint green light.

It was as if a flame had ignited, illuminating Xiao Qing's body.

The tangible fur seemed to transform into a faintly illusory state, but only for an instant before disappearing without a trace, leaving no trace of abnormality.

It was indeed the aura of the Green Demon Spring Ginseng!

That's right, only the aura of the Green Demon Spring Ginseng could make the Snake Saint Soul behave this way!

But...

A conjecture arose in Su Ping's mind.

Perhaps, everything was part of the Green Demon Spring Ginseng's plan? The world is vast, and there are many uninhabited wildernesses. Why did the Green Demon Spring Ginseng insist on staying in the Tian Mountain of the Northern Plain? Could it be that the Green Demon Spring Ginseng sensed the presence of something it desired within the Rong Family?

Su Ping's arrival might have allowed it to enter and learn the secret.

However, this didn't make sense either. Did the Green Demon Spring Ginseng know about his connection to the Rong Family?

It was hard to say, after all, Su Ping had indeed been accompanied by members of the Rong Family when he first encountered the Green Demon Spring Ginseng.

Given the Green Demon Spring Ginseng's wisdom, it might have known.

Su Ping hesitated, still rubbing Xiao Qing's head.

Regardless, he couldn't see any disadvantage to himself from this situation.

He could sense Xiao Qing's condition and felt that it was only due to a lack of energy. The Green Demon Spring Ginseng genuinely had no ill intentions towards Xiao Qing.

Moreover, Su Ping couldn't find any reason why the Green Demon Spring Ginseng would be detrimental to him.

Regardless, Su Ping refocused his attention.

No matter what, if he truly learned the location of that peculiar divine tree, facing the Green Demon Spring Ginseng would give him more leverage for negotiation. He could always ask later!

"Cousin, I'm truly impressed! I never expected you to actually gain the acknowledgment of a Saint Soul. It seems like Rong Cheng is speechless now, haha!" Rong Mang's voice finally reached Su Ping's ears.

Evidently, his cousin had regained his composure.

Su Ping smiled slightly, "It's just good luck!"

To be honest, this time, Su Ping wasn't being modest. From the moment he acquired Xiao Qing, he connected with the Green Demon Spring Ginseng, and then obtained the Snake Saint Soul. It was partly due to his own efforts, but mostly luck.

However, this statement made Rong Mang roll his eyes, "If it's just luck, then the standard is too high. In the Rong Family's history spanning several hundred years, there have only been a few lucky ones."

Su Ping smiled, "Of course, I'm the kind of person with extraordinary luck."

"Alright, what are you planning to do now? Are you leaving the Five Saints' Sacred Realm directly, or do you want to explore further?" Rong Mang asked again.

Su Ping shook his head, "Does the Rong Family have a rule that after gaining the acknowledgment of one Saint Soul, one cannot visit the locations of the other Saint Souls?"

Rong Mang was taken aback, "That's not the case, but usually... What do you mean, cousin?"

Su Ping chuckled, "Since Rong Cheng went to the Ten Thousand Spiders Nest, and there's still time, I'll take a stroll there too."

"Okay, let's go to the Ten Thousand Spiders Nest. There's still time," Su Ping agreed.

What's the rush? Rong Mang gave his cousin a skeptical look, but after some thought, he offered a reminder, "Cousin, after gaining the acknowledgment of one Saint Soul, his curiosity piqued, pressed further, "You can visit the other Saint Souls, but the Saint Souls are interconnected. After gaining acknowledgment and the snake companion egg here, the others won't bestow anything else!"

Su Ping's face remained calm, without a hint of emotion, as he smiled, "Yeah, yeah, yeah, I know. I'm just going for a walk."

"I don't believe you! The more he says this, the more Rong Mang feels that this cousin is definitely up to no good."

"Pfft! Our cousin, how can he be stronger than Rong Cheng? Thinking of this, Rong Mang nodded in agreement."

"Okay, then I'll accompany you, cousin. It's my first time entering the Five Saints' Sacred Realm too."

The Ten Thousand Spiders Nest.

Compared to the Green Snake Forest, it is also located within the Five Saints' Sacred Realm, but it seems like a different place.

In contrast to the environment of the Green Snake Forest, the Ten Thousand Spiders Nest appears much darker.

They are in a huge cave.

The cave seems to connect to an underground cave, creating a dark environment.

If not for the luminescent nitre and bioluminescent mushrooms in this dark cave, it would be hard to see anything.

Even so, in the dim environment, on the side, various types of spider companion beasts are perched on the spider webs.

However, this quiet and mysterious place is disrupted by voices, making it less tranquil and more chaotic.

"How can Su Ping have truly gained the Snake Saint's Soul's recognition?"

"Is it possible that the family head is helping him?"

"Foolish! The recognition of the Five Saints' Souls is not easily influenced by external factors. If the family head had this ability, they wouldn't have remained just an Imperial-rank Beastmaster for so many years."

"Doesn't that mean it's Su Ping's own ability?"

Someone whispered, and the atmosphere suddenly became quiet.

It was evident that everyone present had just heard the sound of the Snake Saint's Soul echoing throughout the Sacred Realm.

Only a few people have achieved this in hundreds of years, and they never expected that this time, it would be an outsider who achieved it?

How could Rong Cheng be content with this?

But at this moment, his resentment seemed to have no solution.

Just as the family members beside him were discussing.

Even if the family head is very capable, it's impossible for the Five Saints' Souls to help cheat!

As the spirit of the Sacred Realm, it possesses intelligence but is like a preset intelligent program, strictly adhering to the rules.

Therefore, although they feel displeased, there's no reason or ability to resist.

At this moment, Rong Cheng's mindset is precisely like this.

However, soon, Rong Cheng and some of the people present became even more displeased.

Because, just at this moment, in the cave of the Ten Thousand Spiders Nest, two figures appeared, amidst everyone's astonished gazes, from the outside to the inside, they reached the center of the Ten Thousand Spiders Nest.

In front of the huge black spider statue.

"Su Ping, Rong Mang? Weren't you in the Green Snake Forest? What are you doing in the Ten Thousand Spiders Nest?"

Rong Cheng looked at the two newcomers and asked subconsciously.

Rong Mang glanced at this guy:

"Family rules don't seem to say that after going to one of the Five Saints' Clans, you can't go to another one, right?"

"This..."

Rong Cheng blinked, feeling a bit confused.

However, Su Ping didn't pay any attention to his words. Amidst everyone's stunned gazes, he slowly rode his strange green forest wolf and approached the huge black spider statue.

"What is he trying to do..."

Everyone was taken aback.

After the initial shock, anger surged in their hearts.

"How can Su Ping have already obtained the Snake Saint's Soul's recognition? How is that possible?"

"Is he intentionally humiliating us?"

"He's an outsider, he just doesn't understand the rules of the Five Saints' Sacred Realm."

"This is so unfair, how can the Snake Saint recognize such a greedy person!"

Evidently, Su Ping's actions were blasphemous to everyone.

For the Rong family members who saw this as a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, it was even more insulting!

This included Rong Cheng, who finally couldn't hold back:

"Su Ping, are you not content with obtaining the Snake Saint's recognition? Do you still want to come to the Spider Saint's place?"

However, as his words fell.

A white light emanated from the statue, gradually illuminating the area.

The next moment, amidst everyone's dumbfounded gazes, the deep purple Spider Saint's Egg, which was wrapped in spider webs and coveted by all, slowly descended in front of Su Ping.

At the same time, a delicate voice, like before, echoed throughout the Sacred Realm.

"Rong family member Su Ping, having gained my recognition, bestow upon him the Spider Saint's Egg."

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end