Chapter 371: Elemental Refining Fruit
Translator: Sparrow Translations Editor: Sparrow Translations
Half a day passed, in a location about a 100 miles from the messy stone array.
Fang Yuan walked alongside Zhou Tian as 2 other Wu Zongs followed behind.
"This is the place. I previously sent a Treasure Seeking Mouse out, and here is where it found traces of the Elemental Refining Fruit!"
Zhou Tian bashed through a few trees as he spoke.
As soon as they heard the name of the fruit, all of their hearts wavered.
The Elemental Refining Fruit was an Earth Grade treasure. However, it was not suitable for dream masters in the cultivation. Instead, it was a spiritual object used to strengthen one's martial arts.
This was especially useful to Wu Zongs in the Elemental Opening Realm for it would be able to assist them in triggering a breakthrough.
"According to the report from the Treasure Seeking Mouse, there are quite a lot of Elemental Refining Fruits there. It should be enough to assist Ah Long and Ah Hu to achieve a breakthrough and advance to the 7th Meridian!"
The powers of a Wu Zong in the 6th Meridian were vastly different from that of a Wu Zong in the 7th Meridian. At least, the minimum requirement to form the Divine Body would be attained.
Taking a quick glance at Ah Long and Ah Hu, Fang Yuan realised that their spiritual auras were indeed different. Their elemental forces were strong, and this would go to show that Zhou Tian did invest quite a lot in them. If they were to achieve a breakthrough, they might have a slight hope of attaining True Divine in the future.
However, there was a confusion bugging Zhou Tian. "I've seen the map. The location of the Elemental Refining Fruit is no longer in the safe zone. Therefore, we might encounter more restrictions and dangers along the way!"
"This is why we need your help, Brother Fang!"
Zhou Tian patted his chest. "Of course, after we get the fruits, I will not forget your gratitude."
"Mmm, you can give me fewer Elemental Refining Fruits, but I will want to take its spiritual roots!"
Fang Yuan laid out his conditions.
"You want this spiritual plant? Of course, there's no problem in that!"
Zhou Tian immediately agreed, for he was not interested in these spiritual plants which would take over a hundred years to mature.
"That's a deal!"
Fang Yuan was elated. With his skill in Botany, he knew that he could reduce the maturity period of the spiritual plant. With that, he would have an endless supply of Elemental Refining Fruit!
Even if he would no longer require it in the future, he could still make use of the fruits to train up his servants.
The fog started to thicken.
As the few of them traversed through a small valley, strong gusts of wind blew from both sides. Spiritual light was glowing about, covering the entire sky and giving off a creepy vibe.
"Squeak!"
Zhou Tian fished out a mouse-looking spiritual beast. "It's up to you, Treasure Seeking Mouse!"
Fang Yuan closely examined the beast and realised that it was as big as his palm. It had a red nose, green eyes, glittery fur and a few streaks of purple on its back.
After eating a few acorns, the mouse immediately laid on the ground, twitched its nose before scooting off in a particular direction.
"Let's go!"
Zhou Tian was excited as he waved his hands.
Among his servants, the one known as Ah Long, the 6th Meridian Wu Zong, led the way. The two dream masters followed behind, and Ah Hu guarded the back.
The 4 of them continued their way and arrived at the depths of the valley. They could see a calm-looking lake. The lake was small at about 400 square yards. However, it seemed extremely deep, and the surface of the lake was black.
On the walls of the lake, there were vines stretched all over. On these vines, there were green fruits the size of an apple and it gave off an aromatic fragrance.
"This is indeed the Elemental Refining Fruit!"
Zhou Tian was elated. "It is our fortune to be able to find this!"
"However, according to the laws of nature, there must be spiritual beasts guarding in the vicinity. Everyone, be on your guard!"
Fang Yuan appeared solemn as he gazed at the deep lake.
He could sense that something was hiding within.
"Ah Long!"
Zhou Tian licked his lips.
Ah Long gingerly made his way forward, arrived by the lakeside and stretched out his arm in an attempt to pluck the fruit.
"Splash!"
The water in the lake started to tremor as a huge splash emerged. From it came a black silhouette which swift flew out before striking down.
"Bang!"
Ah Long was already prepared. Without hesitation, he retreated. Surprisingly nimble, he leapt into the safe zone behind.
"Your lightness skill is not bad!"
Fang Yuan complimented him before turning his attention to the black silhouette once more.
It was a python as thick as a bucket and was about 20 yards long. It had many small scales which resembled black jade, and there was a faint purple glow around it. As it raised its head, its silvery eyes peered down coldly.
Furthermore, there was a tumour growing on its head which somewhat resembled a horn.
"Is this... the Silver Eyed Black Snake? How did it grow to such a massive size... and the tumour on its head..."
"It seems like the Elemental Refining Fruit is its forbidden fruit." Zhou Tian quipped.
"Hiss! Hisss!"
The massive snake had no reason to show them mercy. With the previous ambush attempt failed, it now turned aggressive and swung its tail out.
"Hmph! Water, rise!"
Zhou Tian exclaimed and the water in the lake started to rise, forming a wall of water in mid-air which blocked the giant python's path.
"Pa!"
With the flick of its tail, a hole broke through the water wall as the python started to slither through the hole.
"It is indeed a powerful wild beast... ice!"
Zhou Tian exclaimed once more. The temperature in the surroundings started to fall and the water froze into ice!
"Whoooo!"
A chill breeze blew across, freezing the water wall into any ice wall and at the same time trapping the snake in within.
'Spiritual spells with a single thought. A dream spells master?'
Fang Yuan's eyes glistened as he discovered Zhou Tian's background. It was the most common of all Illusionary Divine dream masters, the dream spells master.
It was rumoured that such dream masters would be able to actualise any spiritual spell which they had seen before, and they would be able to use it to alter reality. Every dream spells master would have mastered all 5 types of spiritual spells and would be powerful spell masters. Even spiritual knights in the Elemental Opening Realm would have to concede to them. Only True Elemental spiritual knights would be able to defeat a dream spells master. Otherwise, there would be no question of the outcome of a fight between a dream spells master and a spiritual knight.
"Hmm, this snake is ferocious. It seems to have the power of a 7th Meridian Wu Zong!"
Zhou Tian smiled calmly. "Ah Long and Ah Hu came on their own, they might not be able to defeat it!"
As cracks appeared on the layer of ice, instead of being worried, Zhou Tian was excited. "Brother Fang, how about some roasted snake meat for dinner?"
As he flipped his hands, flames emerged in the strong wind. Just as they black snake had freed itself from the ice, it began to burn in the flames. With that, it transformed into a huge flaming torch as it squirmed about in pain.
Zhou Tian could control the elements with the flip of his palm!
Even in the 9 Extremes Mountain, a dream master in the 4th Tier of Illusionary Divine was still powerful.
Seeing how Zhou Tian handled the snake, Ah Long and Ah Hu could only lower their heads in respect and they were once again reminded of how powerful their master was.
Even if they were to become a 7th Meridian Wu Zong, they would still remain as Zhou Tian's lackeys!
Seeing this, Zhou Tian felt satisfied. As the black snake fell to the ground, he started to give his orders. "What are you doing? Quickly harvest the Elemental Refining Fruits! Also, Brother Fang has requested for the spiritual roots of this plant. Be careful not to damage it!"
"Yes, Sir!"
The 2 Wu Zongs quickly agreed and went on to complete their assigned task.
"How... how do I deserve this..."
Fang Yuan sounded humble. After all, it was Zhou Tian and his subordinates which put in all the effort in getting the Elemental Refining Fruit, and Fang Yuan did nothing to help them.
"Haha….. Why not?"
Zhou Tian was generous. After all, Fang Yuan could attain the 4th Tier of the Illusionary Divine stage at such a young age and was even a 5th Leaf Cultivator. Therefore, it was worth it to establish good relations with him.
At this point in time, something happened!
As Ah Long and Ah Hu arrived at the walls of the lake and were about to pluck the fruits, a purple streak of light flashed past.
Ah Hu quickly retreated far away and was in a daze.
"Brother?"
Seeing his dazed look, Ah Long was worried and approached him.
"Ho ho!"
At this moment, Ah Hu's eyes started to turn bloodshot and purple veins started to grow on his face. As he shouted "Ho ho!", he struck his fist out with all his might.
The tables had turned!
Ah Long could only block with his hands. With that, he flew backwards and spat out a mouthful of blood, suffering a few fractured bones.
"Eh? What is this evil thing?"
Based on Fang Yuan's exceptional eyesight, he could see that the streak of purple light had entered Ah Hu's body before taking control over him.
Firstly, it was shocking that Ah Hu was so easily manipulated, considering that the both of them were 6th Meridian Wu Zongs which had the protection of their own elemental force and spiritual meridians.
Secondly, the foreign entity could immediately make use of Ah Hu's elemental force as soon as it took control of him. It was not simply taking over him and controlling his actions like a puppet.
"The Puppet Snake? Ah Hu is already dead! Quickly cremate him!"
It seemed as though Zhou Tian had recalled something as his expression changed. With the wave of his hand, two flaming tornadoes appeared. As the wind intensified the flames, the fire started to spread.
"Ho ho!"
Ah Hu continued to shout with a deep voice. Suddenly, the 6 spiritual meridians started to form around his body, forming a spiritual armour around him. With that, he started to charge towards Zhou Tian.
"Whoosh!"
He was extremely quick and created a strong gust of wind. As he ran swiftly, he split the flames and formed a long pathway.
"D*mn it! I have limited dream elemental force now..."
Zhou Tian seemed troubled.
He had tried to show off as he killed the huge snake. With that, he had over-depleted his dream elemental force. It was not a simple task to restore one's dream elemental force under the Ultimate Segregation of the 9 Extremes Mountain.
"Leave this to me!"
Fang Yuan took a step forward. With an expressionless look, he flicked his fingers and a Thunder Sword flew out!
"Whoosh!"
As sparks of electricity dazzled around the sword, Ah Hu shouted. Spiritual light started to gather around his right fist. With that, he smashed down.
"Bang!"
The Thunder Sword trembled and veered a little off course. However, Ah Hu's hand was now charred and his bones were already showing.
"After all, this is not your own body. No wonder you wouldn't care about it..."
Fang Yuan flicked his finger once more as the Wind Sword was formed. "Wind and Thunder, kill!"
"Chi! Chi!"
The sword essences were released as the Wind and Thunder Swords formed two illusionary shadows which were green and purple. They started to circle Ah Hu, piercing and slicing him.
After a moment, the two swords came to a halt. Ah Hu, who was in the middle, was motionless. Suddenly, a piece of his meat fell off from his body.
"Whoosh!"
From the bloodied mess, a streak of purple light flew out.
"I'm waiting for you!"
Fang Yuan smiled as the Fire Sword appeared in his hands. With that, he struck the sword forward.
"Chi!"
With the glow of the fire sword, a thin-looking purple snake fell to the ground, split into two.
"It is indeed the puppet snake. This one has already cultivated to purple! Even we might succumb to its control if affected...."
Zhou Tian had an uneasy look on his face. Ah Hu was dead and Ah Long was severely injured. This expedition to look for the treasured Elemental Refining Fruit had cost him dearly.
However, he still had to force a smile on his face. "Thank you for your help, Brother Fang."
"It's nothing much!"
Fang Yuan walked forward, kept a few Elemental Refining Fruits and even plucked out the roots of the spiritual plant. With that, he kept everything in the Mountain River Pearl before examining Ah Long's injury.
This man was ambushed by his brother and was severely injured. He had to be sent back to camp to recuperate.
However, something happened in this instant!