Chapter 344: Xinlan Ancient Tree

If anyone could identify the true appearance of this illusory man, they would be shocked, because he is clearly one of the most powerful men in Dou Qi Continent today, the current patriarch of the ancient clan, Gu Yuan.

Although it is just a thought, his existence is perfectly integrated with the surrounding environment, as if he himself is a part of this world. In the hustle and bustle of such a festival, no one can detect his presence. He seems to be in an independent space, detached from the world.

His eyes were lowered, looking at Xiao Ling and Xun'er who were closely leaning against each other below, with a hint of elusive emotion in his eyes.

"Sigh, I didn't stay in college... I don't know if it was a wise move for Xun'er to go to the Xiao family back then. But now, let's just let everything happen..."

"But this kid is really strange. With this extremely pure and majestic vitality, and the ability to control five kinds of strange fires at the same time in his body, his soul in the spiritual realm is barely worthy of Xun'er..."

"Xiao Xuan, it seems that your Xiao clan has a successor..."

…

As the last firework bloomed in the night sky, Xiao Ling and Xun'er's viewing by the Lianxin River came to an end.

They held hands and walked slowly along the river bank, admiring the lanterns along the road. These lanterns had different shapes, some looked like flying phoenixes, and some looked like swimming koi. Each one carried the blessing of the maker. and ingenuity.

They also participated in some traditional games of the Lantern Festival, such as guessing lantern riddles. In the lantern riddle area filled with colorful notes, Xiao Ling and Xun'er took turns guessing. Whenever Xun'er guessed a riddle, her eyes would light up, while Xiao Ling encouraged her from the side, and the two of them laughed. and cheers blended into the festive atmosphere.

Then, they tried making their own lanterns. Under the guidance of an old artist, they cut colored paper by hand, pasted patterns, and finally hung up their own lanterns. Watching them slowly float away on the river, both of them felt filled with a sense of accomplishment.

In addition, they also tasted special festival delicacies, such as sweet and glutinous Lantern Festival and various candies with unique shapes. Every food is memorable and adds to the joy of the festival.

As the night gets darker, the lively atmosphere of the Lantern Festival slowly settles down. Xiao Ling and Xun'er strolled to the square in the center of the city. In front of them was a giant tree that was a hundred feet tall.

The tree is so stout that it takes dozens of people holding hands to wrap its trunk around it. The trees have dense branches and leaves, like a huge green umbrella, almost covering the entire square in its shadow.

Every branch of the giant tree is covered with a variety of concentric locks and prayer cards. When the evening breeze blows gently, the locks and cards make a crisp sound like jingling bells in the night. A lullaby brings a warm atmosphere to this beautiful night.

The place under the tree was also very lively, with many people showing off their skills and carefully hanging the small objects they brought on the branches. Some jumped up and tried to reach higher branches, while others helped each other and cooperated to hang the lock or sign in the right place.

Everyone is completing this small ritual carefully, with smiles of anticipation and satisfaction on their faces, as if at this moment, their wishes are quietly hanging on the giant tree along with these objects.

This tree is called the Xinlan Gumu, and no one can tell how many years it has stood in the center of the city. It seems to have been sleeping, like a silent guardian, quietly guarding the tranquility of the city.

The cultivation method of Xinlan Ancient Wood is quite special, it absorbs the essence of human emotions.

The joys, sorrows and joys of people in the city, and every emotional fluctuation, will be transformed into subtle energy, which will float towards this giant tree with the wind.

These emotional energies become the source of its cultivation, not only nourishing it, but also maintaining the indescribable connection between it and the city.

Because of this, the legend in the city mentioned that once the Heart Chain City encounters a crisis, the Xinlan Ancient Tree will wake up from its slumber and step forward to protect the peace of this land.

Standing in front of the trunk of the Xinlan Ancient Tree, Xiao Ling and Xun'er looked up at the towering ancient tree, and couldn't help but feel a sense of respect in their hearts.

The branches of the ancient tree are thick and thick, and the bark is engraved with traces of time. Its crown is like a green ocean, swaying gently in the breeze, making a rustling sound, as if it is telling an ancient story.

"The cultivation level of this tree is probably close to the eighth level. Although it is still sleeping and accumulating energy, you can feel its majesty and power even if it only emits a little breath." Xiao Ling After feeling it for a while, a hint of admiration flashed in his eyes.

"Indeed, high-level plant-based monsters are rare, and species like Xinlan Ancient Tree are even rarer. This is the first time I have seen it with my own eyes." Xun'er also nodded, she spoke softly, and stretched out her hand. Gently touch the bark of the ancient tree and feel its rough yet vital texture.

Xiao Ling withdrew his eyes from the top of the Xinlan Ancient Tree, and turned to Xun'er, with a trace of curiosity shining in his eyes: "I heard before that if someone can climb to the top of the Xinlan Ancient Tree and get the approval of the ancient tree, , you will get a special opportunity. Although I don’t know whether this rumor is true or not, I think it is quite interesting. Xun’er, would you like to go up with me and take a look?”

Xiao Ling had heard of this legend when he was wandering around before. It was said that those who could climb to the top of Xinlan Ancient Tree and gain its approval would receive a rare opportunity.

But the legend also mentioned that the closer to the top of the tree, the stronger the pressure from the ancient tree, so few people can successfully reach the top. Moreover, even if someone goes up, if they don't get the favor of Xinlan Ancient Tree, they can only return empty-handed.

"Since Brother Xiao Ling said so, Xun'er is of course willing to accompany you to explore. Moreover, Xun'er is also very curious about what the rumored opportunity is." Xun'er heard Xiao Ling's words, and her eyes flashed with excitement. She responded with a smile.

The moment Xun'er nodded in agreement, Xiao Ling's mouth curled up a happy arc. Without any hesitation, he quickly took Xun'er's hand, gently pulled her light body into his arms, and the other hand firmly wrapped around her waist.

Xun'er was a little surprised by Xiao Ling's sudden intimacy. She pretended to be angry and glared at him, but finally turned sideways and leaned on Xiao Ling's broad chest, with a hint of doting helplessness on her face.

Then, Xiao Ling's figure shook, as if there was wind under his feet. He took Xun'er and soared directly into the air, like a meteor that cut through the night sky, and flew towards the top of the Xinlan Ancient Tree.

Among the branches and leaves of the Xinlan Ancient Tree, Xiao Ling and Xun'er were like light elves, shuttling through the dense branches. Their speed was getting faster and faster, and the air around them was cut, making a whistling sound, as if cheering for their climb.

During the flight, they also met other challengers, who also had the dream of reaching the top and headed for the top of the Xinlan Ancient Tree.

However, the speed of Xiao Ling and Xun'er was not comparable to these people at all. They easily surpassed one competitor after another, like two meteors across the night sky.

Those challengers who were surpassed were originally full of confidence, but when they saw that they were surpassed by two such young faces, they couldn't help but show surprised expressions. Their eyes were full of wonder, and they were amazed at the strength of Xiao Ling and Xun'er.

"Look at those two young men. They can fly freely in the air without using their wings. They are at least Dou Zong-level warriors at such a young age. Such talents are rare in Zhongzhou. They are simply rare." A bystander couldn't help but exclaimed, with envy and admiration in his tone.

"Look at them easily resisting the pressure of the Xinlan Ancient Tree. Their strength is extraordinary. I wonder if they can get the legendary opportunity." Another person also joined the discussion, with curiosity and expectation in his eyes.

"Alas, such good things are out of reach for ordinary people like us..." Someone next to him laughed self-deprecatingly, with a hint of helplessness and relaxed humor in his words.

However, Xiao Ling and Xun'er were focused on climbing and did not notice the envious and admiring eyes around them, as well as the discussions about their strength.

After flying for a while, Xiao Ling and Xun'er finally arrived at the crown of the Xinlan Ancient Tree. When they stepped onto this towering green paradise, the pressure that had become stronger with the increase in height was miraculously dissipated.

This ancient tree has gone through countless years of wind and rain, with luxuriant branches and leaves, and the diameter of the trunk at the top reaches an astonishing 30 meters.

The environment here is extremely clean, there are no nests of birds or monsters, and even a fallen leaf is hard to find, giving people a sense of transcendence.     Standing on the treetop, Xiao Ling and Xun'er seemed to be in a huge green rooftop. Surrounded by layers of green leaves, they swayed gently in the breeze, making rustling sounds, as if welcoming their arrival.

The moonlight shines through the gaps between the branches and leaves, casting mottled light and shadows, adding a touch of warmth to this green world.

Looking down from this height, most of Xinlian City is in sight. The streets of the city are like flowing light bands, the houses and buildings are like carefully placed toys, and the bustling crowds become insignificant.

The lights at night began to light up, as if someone had scattered countless stars in the sky, decorating the entire city with dazzling brilliance.

…

Standing on the wide canopy of the Xinlan Ancient Tree, Xun'er looked around but did not find anything unusual.

"Brother Xiao Ling, we have come up, but the rumored opportunity does not seem to come out on its own. Does this Xinlan Ancient Tree have no good feelings towards us?" Xun'er retracted her gaze and asked with some doubt.

After listening to Xun'er's words, Xiao Ling also looked around curiously, but also did not find any conspicuous clues.

He smiled slightly and decided to take some actions first.

"Let me explore the surrounding situation, maybe I can find something." As he said that, Xiao Ling closed his eyes, released his soul perception, and began to carefully perceive everything around him.

After a while, Xiao Ling opened his eyes again. Facing Xun'er's expectant eyes, he showed a confident smile and said, "I have found some clues, follow me." His tone was relaxed and firm, and he was obviously satisfied with his discovery.

As he said this, Xiao Ling took a step and walked in a specific direction. Seeing this, Xun'er quickly followed and gently took Xiao Ling's hand.

…

Xiao Ling and Xun'er walked towards the thickest branch of the ancient tree. The diameter of the branch was at least several dozen meters, thick enough for a purple crystal winged lion king to walk on it without feeling any pressure.

It was night, and the moonlight shone through the gaps between the branches and leaves, casting a mottled light and shadow on the branches under their feet, creating a dreamlike atmosphere.

After walking for a long time, the two stopped. Xiao Ling closed his eyes and used his soul perception to carefully explore the front, and unexpectedly caught a burst of vitality among the dense leaves at the end of the branches.

A breeze blew gently, and the leaves rustled, slowly revealing their secrets as they swayed. On a thick branch, a fruit is hanging.

This fruit is round and smooth, with a faint luster on its surface, as if it had been kissed by the moonlight. Its color is deep violet, and it is covered with delicate silver lines. These lines shimmer in the night, like they hide the secrets of the stars.

The aroma exuded by the fruit is fresh and elegant, making people feel refreshed just by smelling it. It lies quietly on the branches, like a work of art carefully carved by nature, waiting for discovery by the destined person.

Xiao Ling and Xun'er looked at each other and saw surprise and curiosity in each other's eyes.

"This should be the essence fruit condensed by Xinlan Ancient Tree. The energy contained in it is so huge that it can almost catch up with some eighth-grade elixirs. And I feel that this energy is not violent, and practitioners should be able to absorb it directly." Xiao Ling sensed it carefully, then touched his chin, with a hint of excitement in his tone.

"Brother Xiao Ling, maybe this is the opportunity we are looking for," Xun'er said with a smile, her eyes fell on the fruit, and then she turned to Xiao Ling gently, "You are now a Nine-Star Douzong Yes, if you use this fruit, it should be much easier to break through to Dou Zun."

Although this fruit is extremely precious, Xun'er has no selfish motives at all. The first thing she thinks of is Xiao Ling's current needs and interests.

Hearing Xun'er's words, Xiao Ling felt a warm current in his heart, but he didn't say much. He knew that Xun'er's identity would naturally not lack such a treasure, and this fruit was indeed very suitable for him to use to break through the Douzun realm.

Xiao Ling nodded slightly to Xun'er, and then stepped forward, ready to reach out and pick the fruit that was waiting quietly in the night.

"Hey, two little friends, you have taken a fancy to an old thing, do you plan to just take it away? This would be too rude." At this moment, a slightly aged voice suddenly sounded, clearly It reached the ears of Xiao Ling and Xun'er.

This sound seemed to come from every leaf and branch of the ancient tree, complementing the antiquity and majesty of this ancient Xinlan tree.

Xiao Ling and Xun'er were not particularly surprised when they heard this sudden sound. In fact, when they approached the fruit, they already vaguely felt a subtle atmosphere of being silently observed.

As the voice fell, the two people focused their eyes on the front of the fruit. There, little green lights began to flicker and gradually converged, as if the stars in the night sky were attracted by some mysterious force and slowly landed on the canopy. These light spots became brighter and brighter, and finally condensed into a clear figure.

The figure's face looks like that of an old man, his skin has the texture of an ancient tree, and his deep eyes reveal the accumulation of time. He was wearing a robe woven from leaves that swayed gently in the wind, giving him an aloof feeling.

As the old man appeared, his eyes fell softly on Xiao Ling and Xun'er. His face was engraved with the traces of time, but there was a kind smile.

Although his voice revealed his age, it strangely gave people a sense of calm: "I am the spiritual incarnation of this Xinlan Ancient Tree. I woke up from my deep sleep when I sensed your arrival."

Then, he gently waved his hand, pointed to the shimmering fruit behind him, and continued, "This fruit contains the essence of ancient trees. It is undoubtedly of great benefit to you human cultivators. I guess , you should be here for this reason, and you must be very interested in this fruit."

"Indeed, we heard that there is an opportunity hidden at the top of the ancient tree of Xinlan, so Xun'er and I came here specially. Now I am indeed interested in this fruit. It is of great benefit to my cultivation. I plan to use it to break through my Realm. I wonder if senior can give in generously?" Xiao Ling nodded frankly and explained his purpose directly.

After hearing this, the spirit of the ancient tree fell into silence and did not speak again. Xiao Ling and Xun'er also had a tacit understanding and did not disturb it, but just watched it quietly.

After a while, the old man finally spoke again, with a hint of helplessness in his tone: "Originally, I planned to give some tests to the people who came to the top of the tree. Only with my approval can I give this fruit to him."

He paused for a moment and continued, "Although I can't see your exact cultivation level, I can feel the dangerous aura emanating from you. There is a very fiery power in your body, which is very difficult for plant-based monsters like me. I have natural restraint. If I really want to make an enemy of you, I’m afraid I won’t end up well. Under such circumstances, it would be inappropriate for me to test you all the time.”

"Haha, senior, as long as you have no plans to harm us, Xun'er and I will naturally not take any action against you. Listening to what senior means, are you willing to hand over this fruit to me?"

"Since I got the opportunity from my senior, if I can be of any help, just say so and I will do my best."

Xiao Ling raised her eyebrows slightly, and asked politely with a hint of expectation in her tone.