Chapter 79: The Supreme Spirit-Linked Fruit King

Ge Qian focused his gaze, carefully examining the scene to ensure it matched the ancient records exactly. Joy rose in his heart as he realized extraordinary measures were necessary; otherwise, venturing further would cost him his life. Wasting no more time, he took out two low-grade spirit stones, formed a seal, and invoked the spell “Swap Pillars.” Instantly, the spirit stones exchanged places with the two “September Ice Flowers,” and the stones were crushed to powder.

Quickly, Ge Qian placed the two flowers into separate jade boxes, sealed them with talisman papers, and tucked them into his storage pouch with practiced ease. Once everything was done, his expression hardened. He summoned all his spiritual power and shouted, “Turning Point!”

With a loud splash, the pool water parted, forming a pathway. Ge Qian stepped onto his violet wooden ruler and sped upward. A beam of purple light shot into the sky, and the pool closed with a heavy thud. Had he been a moment slower, he would have been crushed instantly.

Ge Qian spiraled in midair and landed on the ground, exhaling deeply. At that moment, he was in a sorry state; his clothes were tattered, hanging in strips from his body, resembling a beggar.

Red Plum quickly floated over with concern, asking, “Master, are you all right? Did you obtain the spirit flower, or shall I try going down?”

Ge Qian raised an eyebrow, swept his divine sense, and waved his hand. “The ‘September Ice Flower’ is secured. No need for you to go. Hide yourself—someone is coming.”

Red Plum dared not neglect the warning and transformed into a wisp of resentful energy, disappearing into Ge Qian’s sleeve.

With several swift movements, Ge Qian hid behind a mountain rock, donned his Shadow Robe, and vanished into the air—the runes swirling and disappearing. Even the keenest divine sense would find no trace of him.

Ge Qian thought to himself, “Three thousand spirit stones' worth—the concealment effect is indeed remarkable.”

At that moment, three powerful cultivators from the Celestial Star Sect descended from the sky, all at the peak of the Qi Condensation stage.

The leader was a medium-built, dark-faced youth with a fierce gleam in his eyes. “There’s been a battle here. Judging from the traces, the one who did this was extremely powerful. They dispatched the guardian beast with ease.”

Another red-haired youth frowned. “So, Senior Brother Bai Dong, you’re saying the ‘September Ice Flower’ has already been taken?”

“Impossible. The Heavy Water Cold Pool has immense gravity—if you or I entered, we’d be crushed instantly, not to mention the freezing fire within. Only Senior Sister Bai, with her artifact and the Ice Phoenix bloodline, could withstand the pressure and thrive in the cold pool. I dare say, among all the cultivators in this minor sect, only Senior Sister Bai could retrieve the ‘September Ice Flower,’” the tall, thin third youth analyzed, hand propping his chin.

The dark-faced youth said, “Judging from the situation, whoever came didn't succeed? I wonder what Senior Sister Bai’s intentions were in asking us to watch Ge Qian.”

“Exactly. He’s the kind that gets knocked out in the first round of the tournament—what’s worth noticing? With our strength, instead of wasting time here, we’d be better off slaughtering disciples from other sects,” the tall youth grumbled indignantly.

The red-haired youth added, “That's right. I’ve yet to see any sign of Ge Qian—he must be hiding somewhere, too scared to show himself.”

Bai Dong pondered for a moment. “You have a point. Let’s head to Tongling Peak and assist Senior Sister Bai. Maybe we’ll deal with some disciples from rival sects along the way.”

With that, he stepped onto his sword and soared away. The red-haired youth and the tall youth exchanged vicious smiles and followed.

Behind the tree, spiritual light flickered as Ge Qian resumed his original appearance, sneering inwardly. These so-called experts were arrogant to a fault—flying so openly, they were courting death if they encountered a powerful opponent. Ye Yu had indeed betrayed him; Bai Ruyu was already watching him, and she needed the “September Ice Flower” as well—there was much to be gained.

Thinking thus, Ge Qian quickly stowed away the Shadow Robe—it consumed too much spiritual power—and changed into fresh clothes, then headed straight for his third destination: Yin Snake Mountain. He had to reach Tongling Peak before the King of Tongling Fruits ripened to claim his share.

The third main ingredient, “Venomous Fang Ginseng,” grew in the heavy, fetid atmosphere of Yin Snake Mountain.

Over a month later, on Tongling Peak, a tree about one yard tall stood lush and vibrant. The spiritual energy around it was thick as white mist, swirling and rising, constantly absorbed by the tree. Five fist-sized fruits, bright red like blood, emitted an enticing fragrance. Until the very last moment, the King of Tongling Fruits would not appear.

Four sets of arrays shrouded the tree, and inside stood four elite disciples—representing the Celestial Star Sect, Beast Taming Sect, Wind Moon Sect, and Xiuyuan Temple.

Beyond them, powerful cultivators from each sect camped in four directions, glaring fiercely, rubbing their hands, eager for action. As soon as their elite disciple seized the King of Tongling Fruits, they would rush forth to cover their retreat.

The Beast Taming Sect’s elite was a sturdy woman with dark skin and an attractive face. She frowned and said, “It’s been two months already. Usually, the King of Tongling Fruits would have matured by now, but there’s not a hint of movement. Isn’t that strange?”

The Xiuyuan Temple’s elite was slender, with a golden complexion, his head occasionally glowing with Buddhist radiance, clearly a master of secret Buddhist arts. Calm and composed, he chanted softly, “Liu Xixi, there’s no need to be alarmed. According to ancient records, the later the King of Tongling Fruits matures, the higher its quality. We just need to wait patiently.”

The Wind Moon Sect’s elite was a petite, alluring girl in revealing clothing. Her seductive gaze stirred the imagination. With a slight smile that could mesmerize all, she said, “Jueming, you’re certainly calm. I find it odd that all four sects’ elites are here for the King of Tongling Fruits. After all, nothing matters more than forging the foundation of heaven. But look at Simatu from the Heavenly Scholar Sect—why has he yet to arrive?”

Bai Ruyu, pure as a fairy descended to earth, showed no emotion, her confidence evident. Yet upon hearing that Simatu had not arrived, she frowned, troubled. “Liu Mei, do you think Simatu has met his end?”

Liu Mei shook her head with a coquettish laugh. “Impossible. Simatu’s talent may be average, but he’s the Heavenly Scholar Sect’s heir, with a rare treasure to protect him. Even if the four of us fought him together, the outcome would be uncertain.”

Just then, the Tongling Fruit tree shuddered violently, runes flashed, and four of the fruits rapidly withered. The largest became crimson, dripping with vitality, its fragrance overwhelming.

The four elites immediately felt their spirits soar. Liu Xixi couldn’t help but shout, “This is the legendary peerless King of Tongling Fruits—seen only once in a thousand years!”

In an instant, the four sect elites’ eyes glittered with greed, their power surging. No one cared about anything else; each gathered their spiritual energy, ready to seize the peerless fruit and escape.

Murderous intent flashed across every face. Bai Ruyu’s heart surged with excitement—once she obtained the King of Tongling Fruits and forged the heavenly foundation, the Bai family would rise. Any who blocked her path would be eliminated. Unconsciously, a deadly aura radiated from her, causing the other three to step back and draw closer together in mutual wariness.