A World Worth Protecting

1

Wang Baole might seem like a cheerful character who smiled all the time and had an optimistic outlook on life. However, he knew that deep in his bones hid a streak that he himself found terrifying.

It wasn’t something that easily revealed itself. However, whenever it did reveal itself, the resultant murderous determination and viciousness were enough to send everyone reeling back in shock. It showed itself most fiercely and intensely whenever he was faced with danger or threat of death.

Simply put… if someone wanted to kill him, he would kill that person!

In another age when the ancient greenish-bronze sword had never made its appearance, such a streak would have been hidden deep in his heart. Perhaps as time went by, it might even be worn away with age.

In the current Spirit Inception Era, however, with the rise of cultivators, and as the Federation’s cultivation civilization continued to be seen as a weaker power, this streak in Wang Baole continued to grow. The violence and blood lust in him might be hidden, but when unleashed, it would fan out fiercely like fire!

It was because of that streak in him that Wang Baole didn’t hesitate after thinking. He chose the method he had come up with to practice and master the Thearch Armor inheritance decisively. Then, he immediately tried to extend the meridians inside his body using his Spirit Qi.

It might look as if Wang Baole was emulating the cultivation method belonging to the Never-Ending Clan. It was a sight that was not only bizarre but one that gave off evil and demonic vibes. The meridians that extended and then popped out from his body looked like hordes of tentacles poking out of his body!

They weren’t bright red but semi-transparent. It was still a horrifying sight. As time passed, and as Wang Baole continued his cultivation, the tentacles began to encircle him. They formed a circulatory system that formed the basic structure of a human body!

Through unorthodox means, Wang Baole had finally managed to achieve success and master the first level of the Thearch Armor inheritance. The next step was to rely on the Flame Snatch and increase his strength by slaying his foes and opponents!

<em>It’s just a pity that the Vast Expanse Dao Palace isn’t a suitable place to practice the Flame Snatch. </em>Wang Baole opened his eyes. He observed the beginnings of an armor forming outside his body. Then, he took a deep breath. With a mere thought, the primitive armor disappeared and returned inside his body. It formed a diamond-shaped crystal on his heart. It was like a brand.

It was the core of the Thearch Armor inheritance. If Wang Baole had followed the orthodox approach, this core was supposed to replace his heart, instead of the brand Wang Baole now had.

During the period that Wang Baole had been practicing the Thearch Armor inheritance, something monumental had happened in the Vast Expanse Dao Palace as well. News of it had spread throughout the sect and into the ears of the Federation Seedlings. It had sparked discussions on the regional Spirit Internet.

Wang Baole only learned about it after ending his practice of the Thearch Armor inheritance and logging on to the regional Spirit Internet.

The leaves of the Hyacinthus Tree… were about to fall!

The Hyacinthus Tree—Wang Baole had been unfamiliar with the name when he had read it. However, he soon found out what it was. It was the tree that he had first seen when he had arrived at the Vast Expanse Dao Palace, the tree that was planted on the mountain peak on the main island… the spectacular ancient tree!

In Wang Baole’s memories, the tree was immensely huge. However, it was covered with dead leaves. It seemed as if it were dead, but its presence and aura left a deep impression on him.

Two weeks ago, three new leaves had actually grown on this ancient, dried-up tree. A strange fragrance began to envelop the entire main Vast Expanse Dao Palace island when the new leaves appeared. Everyone was invigorated when they smelled it. Feng Qiuran and the other two Elders placed a great deal of importance on this matter.

This was because… the leaves of the Hyacinthus Tree not only had medicinal value, they also served another purpose that was very important to the three Elders!

The exact purpose was considered highly confidential. There was plenty of speculation. The Federation Seedlings asked around and came back with their own guesses. Everyone discussed it in the group chat. The conclusion was that this leaf should be some kind of emblem!

No one knew the details, however. Wang Baole didn’t get any answers when he asked Yun Piaozi. As a native cultivator of the Vast Expanse Dao Palace, Yun Piaozi seemed not to know much about this either.

Finally, he managed to find out what the leaves were used for when he sent a voice transmission to Xie Haiyang!

“The leaves of the Hyacinthus Tree. That’s some good stuff there. There are a hundred and eight Hyacinthus Trees on the ancient greenish-bronze sword. I’m afraid most of them are already dead. In the past, whenever a Hyacinthus Tree sheds its leaves, the ones who managed to get their hands on the fallen leaves would get to bring those leaves and enter the Vast Expanse Dao Palace. If they passed the assessment, they would be able to become a disciple of the Vast Expanse Dao Palace, and have their names recorded down accordingly!

“Now though, even though the current sect has inherited the name of the Vast Expanse Dao Palace, in truth… there are but a dozen or so disciples who have their names listed in the sect’s records and can be counted as true disciples of the Vast Expanse Dao Palace.”

“So, how much do you think this leaf is worth? This is something that can allow a disciple’s name to be listed in the sect records, an opportunity for one to become a true disciple of the Vast Expanse Dao Palace!” Xie Haiyang’s explanation was extremely detailed. He concealed nothing from Wang Baole and shared everything he knew with the latter.

Wang Baole was tempted by what he had heard. He didn’t place his full faith in what Xie Haiyang had said though. After some thought, he called out to Little Missy and asked for her verification. Her answer was similar to Xie Haiyang’s. Little Missy also told Wang Baole that if he managed to get a leaf from the Hyacinthus Tree, he would save himself a trip in finding the sect records. If he earned the right to have his name listed in the records, she would have a way to elevate his status as a disciple.

Wang Baole knew that this was an opportunity not to be missed. Once his name was listed in the sect records, his status in the Vast Expanse Dao Palace would change drastically. Based on his analysis, this would serve him well when he entered the sword body and hunted for treasures as well.

<em>At the very least, I can bypass the many restrictions… </em>At that thought, Wang Baole began to grow excited and agitated. He got to his feet and left Green Fire Island in haste. He headed for the Vast Expanse Dao Palace. As soon as he approached, he caught the scent of the Hyacinthus Tree leaves in the air. He could also see the three leaves on the tree!

Wang Baole hungered with longing as he gazed at the leaves. His eyes narrowed as his nose twitched. He smelled the fragrant air around him carefully, doubt and confusion appearing in his eyes.

<em>This fragrance is kinda familiar… </em>Wang Baole’s breathing suddenly quickened. An intense light flashed in his eyes, but he concealed it quickly. He didn’t enter the Vast Expanse Dao Palace and instead wandered around the area as he might ordinarily do, then left.

Once back on Green Fire Island, he immediately got out the unknown fruit that could enhance his spiritual senses. He placed it before him and sniffed at it carefully. He stopped breathing momentarily.

<em>The smell is exactly the same! </em>Wang Baole’s heart started to race. He inspected the fruit more carefully and concluded that he was right. This unknown dried fruit came from the same source as the Hyacinthus Tree!

He hadn’t found anything about the Hyacinthus Fruit in his previous research. However, there was no way he was wrong about this smell. He grew suspicious of the fact that nothing about this fruit had come up during his research though. Little Missy hadn’t appeared to recognize it either. More questions surfaced in Wang Baole’s mind, and he considered investing a sizable portion of his battle credits to find more information.

Wang Baole didn’t feel comfortable asking Xie Haiyang. Just as Wang Baole was immersed in thought, on the main Vast Expanse Dao Palace island, in the grand halls atop the mountain, the three Elders were also seated together, deep in contemplation.

There were few things that could gather them together for a discussion. You Ran, especially, had only appeared when the Federation Seedlings had first arrived. Then, he had gone back into seclusion. It was clear that something important had happened today. He had to end his seclusion.

Their contemplation didn’t take long. An expressionless Mie Liezi said coldly, his raspy voice colored with a tinge of authority.

“Fellow Daoist Feng raised two matters. The first pertains to the activation of the teleportation array formation and allowing the second batch of Federation Seedlings to enter. I don’t agree to this. They are of no use to us at all!

“The second pertains to the Hyacinthus Tree’s shedding of leaves. This is what is important. This is what we should be having a serious discussion about!”

“We’ve come to a decision regarding the arrival of the second batch of Federation Seedlings many years ago. We’ve also confirmed a year ago that this project must be executed. Mie Liezi, you are regretting your decision now. You do not agree to it. I, similarly, do not agree with your view!” Feng Qiuran frowned. She grew increasingly exhausted mentally. The annual deadline had passed. Based on their agreement, the Federation should be sending their second batch of cultivators over. However, Mie Liezi had grown increasingly forceful while she had increasingly wavered. The voices of dissent had grown stronger over the year. Feng Qiuran found it increasingly challenging to carry out the joint project with the Federation. Negotiation and compromise were necessary every time.