Chapter 4: Primordial Hongmeng Tree

This little sapling, could it be an Illusionary Beast? "Hmph, you're lucky. Just as you were on the brink of death from severe poison, you awakened me. If I hadn't intervened, you would have been long gone by now!" Travis shrugged, crossing his arms. Iwao remained silent, his gaze falling to his hands. He remembered waking up from unconsciousness, his cultivation completely gone. But after absorbing Kenyi's life force, his cultivation soared to the Seventh Level of the Human Spirit Realm. "Who are you exactly?" Iwao raised his head, asking softly. "I am the Primordial Hongmeng Tree, you can call me Travis." Travis smirked, "I usually snack on stars like they're candy, but I'm quite impressive, being your Illusionary Beast. Consider yourself lucky." "Enough chatter." Iwao grabbed Travis's shoulder, "Let me feel the capacity of your energy center." As a Beast Tamer, the capacity of the Illusionary Beast's energy center was crucial. A larger energy center meant the ability to contain more spiritual energy, leading to faster cultivation. Culturing a Beast Tamer relied on building a "bridge" between their energy centers, jointly absorbing spiritual energy from heaven and earth. This process was called "mutual cultivation." The Illusionary Beast and the Beast Tamer mutually amplified each other during mutual cultivation. Some Martial Techniques required both parties to cooperate to maximize their power. In the next moment, Iwao was completely awed by the vastness within Travis. Travis's energy center seemed like an endless river, vast and boundless. Unfortunately, the river of spiritual energy within seemed almost dried up, with only a tiny trickle flowing through. But imagine if that river were filled to the brim, how terrifying would that be? "Wow." Iwao's eyes sparkled with excitement. He had thought that the Crimson Rage Blood Wolf's death meant he had to resign himself to fate, but unexpectedly, another Illusionary Beast appeared by chance. Though Travis seemed unreliable, he was still a glimmer of hope in the darkness. Just then, a tumult of footsteps outside indicated a group of people approaching. Iwao's pupils dilated, and he stood up, ready to rush outside. "What are you doing?" Travis grabbed Iwao, "We're both just at the Seven Level of Human Spirit Realm. If we run out now, aren't we just asking for trouble?" Iwao roared softly, "I'm going to take my sister with me!" "Don't be foolish. Your sister has already been promised in marriage. Since it's a betrothal, our clan wouldn't dare touch her. But you, you idiot, if you don't leave now, you won't be able to escape!" Travis pounded his chest, "As long as the mountains remain green, there will always be firewood to burn. Don't you understand that?" Iwao gritted his teeth, a myriad of emotions flashing in his eyes. The more critical the situation, the cooler his head became. At his peak, he could have easily fought his way out alone. But now, staying behind would only lead to his demise. "Let's go, hurry!" Travis's face changed drastically as the footsteps drew closer. Iwao grabbed Travis and swiftly leaped out of the window, his figure bursting into motion. Behind the courtyard was a surrounding wall, and once they crossed it, they could quickly escape the city. A few moments later, Kenyi's body was discovered by the servants. Chaos erupted among the Leach Family members. Ensio arrived on the scene and, upon seeing the withered corpse, lost his temper. He roared, "Iwao, you scum! With his cultivation crippled, he won't get far. Search everywhere, inside and outside the city, dig three feet deep if you have to, but find him for me!" The clan members remained silent, perplexed. How could that kid escape after being crippled by Mateo and ingesting the Deadly Elixir? "Grand Elder, I heard that they have a strong bond as siblings. Why don't we capture Tammy, lure him out in the city, and execute her publicly? I don't believe that brat won't show himself..." A servant suggested. "Right, capture Tammy. I want to chop off her head to answer for Kenyi's death!" Ensio's eyes gleamed fiercely, like a savage beast. "Dad, we can't do this." A young man frowned and said, "Tammy has already been promised to the Clayton Family as a concubine. If we harm her now, how will we explain to the Claytons? If this marriage alliance with the Claytons fails, who will explore the ruins of Purple Chain Mountain with us?" He was Ensio's eldest son, Diata. Ensio furrowed his brow. The ruins of Purple Chain Mountain were crucial for the clan's rise! Their cooperation with the Clayton Family, with Tammy being a key factor, was essential. No one could touch her! "Damn it, damn it!" Ensio's expression changed suddenly. Amidst his furious roar, he struck out, causing a shockwave in the air. Many people around him groaned, blood trickling from their mouths. "For the next seven days, confine her. Block all information until she marries into the Clayton Family. Then, everything will be beyond our concern." Diata issued the order with a grim expression. Then, he said coldly, "Dad, I will personally bring Iwao back. The ruins of Purple Chain Mountain are too important; there must be no mistakes. I hope you prioritize the bigger picture this time!" Ensio trembled all over and roared, "Iwao, do you think Tammy will live a life of luxury as a concubine in the Clayton Family? Young Master Clayton has peculiar tastes. That sickly girl will endure humiliation after seven days, worse than death! And you, how long do you think you can run?" ... ... Inside Purple Chain Mountain, in a secluded area. The spiritual energy from miles around converged like a dragon, continuously flowing into a vortex. At the center of the vortex were a person and a tree. "Damn, your physique is even worse than I thought. You're like a piece of trash that even fire wouldn't want to burn!" Travis sneered, "I've never seen such a weak body before." It was like a master training a beginner. He felt anxious. "With this frail body, you probably won't last long in cultivation. Come on, let me modify your physique." Travis's body emitted a green light, enveloping Iwao. "Rustle." The sound of branches rustling filled the air, and Iwao felt a warm sensation all over his body. After what seemed like ages, he opened his eyes. He noticed many branches gradually merging into his flesh. His physique felt much stronger than before. Travis looked pleased with himself. "I've bestowed upon you the Myriad Wood Soaring Body. It's one of the most robust special physiques out there. Your strength and speed will see slight improvements, your physical endurance will double, and you'll even gain terrifying healing abilities!" "Special physique?" Iwao's pupils contracted at the revelation. He had once read in ancient texts that formidable Illusionary Beasts often bestowed tremendous benefits upon their masters. A special physique was one such benefit. However, such Illusionary Beasts were exceedingly rare, perhaps existing only in legends. "Come, let me demonstrate for you!" Travis's arm transformed into a sharp wooden blade, swiftly slicing into Iwao's arm. A chunk of flesh was cut off. Yet, within seconds, the wound healed completely. Indeed, the Myriad Wood Soaring Body was miraculous! "With this special physique, I'll be able to endure all my future battles!" Travis grinned smugly.