NOVEL NEXT Chapter 543: Chapter 543: The Barbaric Ancient Realm
Chapter 543: The Barbaric Ancient Realm
"The Bodhi Ancient Tree!?" Baoshan Elder's words fell like a massive stone into a lake, creating huge ripples and setting off a significant uproar within the ancient hall. Clearly familiar with the name of the Bodhi Ancient Tree, some people even stood up in shock, staring at Baoshan Elder.
If the treasures of the Dou Qi Continent were to be ranked, the Bodhi Ancient Tree would undoubtedly be among the top three! Known also as the Tree of Wisdom and Reincarnation, it grows a new ring every thousand years and matures after a hundred rings. Having endured such an expanse of time, it is a witness to countless lives decayed by the passage of the ages.
Yet, the Bodhi Ancient Tree seems to exist outside of time, unaffected by its passage and only growing stronger as the years go by. It is certainly one of the oldest beings on the Dou Qi Continent! The Bodhi Ancient Tree appears once every thousand years, and each emergence is enough to shake the entire continent. Ancient texts are filled with tales of Dou Saints who have fallen while vying for the treasures produced by this tree.
The Bodhi Ancient Tree is literally considered a 'saint-making' entity. This isn't merely an expression but a legend circulating throughout the Dou Qi Continent. Within the Bodhi Ancient Tree resides the Bodhi Heart. Those who discover it can transform their hearts into Bodhi instantly, achieving sainthood on the spot.
Previously, a fortunate soul obtained the Bodhi Heart. Although originally only a two-star Dou Zun, in less than five years, they stepped into the realm of Dou Saints! Such astonishing speed, breaking through all barriers to sainthood in a seemingly effortless manner, is revered and coveted by many on the Dou Qi Continent. The incredible effects are enough to drive anyone to madness.
Whoever secures the Bodhi Heart is essentially granted a pass to ascend to the level of a Dou Saint. On a continent where Dou Emperors are scarce, the Dou Saints represent the pinnacle of power, drawing countless aspirants. Even if one cannot secure the Bodhi Heart, the seeds of the Bodhi Ancient Tree can significantly increase one's chances of breaking through to Dou Saint. And compared to the singular Bodhi Heart, these seeds are far more plentiful.
This offers almost a fatal attraction to those Dou Zun at the pinnacle, struggling to breach the threshold of Dou Saints. Indeed, advancing to Semi-Saint is exceedingly arduous and perilous; many peak Dou Zuns spend their entire lives without nearing this breakthrough. A single Bodhi seed could propel them to the brink of Semi-Sainthood!
One can only imagine the draw of the Bodhi Ancient Tree for these pinnacle Dou Zuns. Its millennial emergence invariably attracts a host of peak Dou Zuns. Even those reclusive old monsters are drawn out by the allure of the Bodhi Ancient Tree!
Little Doctor Fairy and Qing Lin exchanged a glance. Having been in Xiao Ze's company, they were somewhat familiar with the peak treasures of the Dou Qi Continent. However, the most captivating attribute of the Bodhi Ancient Tree—the instant sainthood—held little allure for them, as they had already surpassed the most challenging threshold before reaching Dou Saint.
Seeing the reaction of those present, Baoshan Elder couldn't help but chuckle inwardly. Such was the allure of the Bodhi Ancient Tree; even he was tempted. If not for the tree's emergence in a perilously dangerous location, he would have considered leading an expedition to seek its treasures.
"Baoshan Elder, where will the Bodhi Ancient Tree appear?" Coming to their senses, someone pressed Baoshan Elder for details.
As the question hung in the air, intense stares converged on Baoshan Elder, almost as if they would leap into action if he withheld information. After all, in the face of an opportunity for sainthood, their rationality was exceedingly fragile.
"Ha, since I've mentioned it, naturally, I won't conceal it. The Bodhi Ancient Tree will appear in the Barbaric Ancient Realm at the northeastern frontier of Zhongzhou!"
The mention of the Barbaric Ancient Realm made everyone gasp, and some even sat down as if the name itself spelled extreme danger. "I can't believe it's in such a perilous place..."
Little Doctor Fairy and Qing Lin exchanged surprised glances. Known as one of Zhongzhou's most notorious dangerous areas, the Barbaric Ancient Realm was reputedly one of the oldest regions on the Dou Qi Continent and a forbidden zone for all humanity. Characterized by harsh weather, pervasive poisons, and teeming with ancient beasts, these creatures were often relics from antiquity, comparable in ferocity to any species in the Demon Beast Realm, save perhaps the Tai Xu Ancient Dragon.
This meant that aside from the Tai Xu Ancient Dragons, even the renowned Demon Beast Tribes—the Heavenly Phoenix Clan and the Nine Nether Earth Python Clan—would find the Barbaric Ancient Realm perilously inhospitable. Bloodthirsty and ferocious, though these ancient beasts lacked high intelligence, they possessed extraordinary strength, making even peak Dou Zun experts hesitate to guarantee their survival within.
Due to its ancient allure, many strong individuals had ventured into the Barbaric Ancient Realm seeking treasures, never to return. As more and more strong individuals perished, the realm's notoriety only grew. Eventually, almost no one dared to step into the Barbaric Ancient Realm, and its fearsome reputation gradually faded into mere memory among the people.
But now, to think that the millennium-emerging Bodhi Ancient Tree would appear there...
"Xiao Ze, should we go and see?" Qing Lin looked to Xiao Ze, seeking his opinion.
Xiao Ze's eyes narrowed slightly. Technically, he had no need to venture into the Barbaric Ancient Realm. The Bodhi Ancient Tree's most enticing aspect, the Bodhi Heart, which could elevate one to Dou Saint, held little attraction for him since he was already a three-star Dou Saint. Moreover, the threats posed by the Bodhi Ancient Tree were considerable. As one of the peak existences beneath a Dou Emperor on the Dou Qi Continent, it was formidable enough to warrant caution. Even the Emperor-grade Young Pill from the trove of the Tuo She Ancient Emperor might not withstand its onslaught for long if faced directly.
Yet, Xiao Ze was also curious whether he could achieve an affiliate binding with the Bodhi Ancient Tree. With three affiliate binding spots remaining, each was crucially important. As a peak existence on the Dou Qi Continent, the Bodhi Ancient Tree was worth investigating.
If it proved too dangerous, he could simply observe from a distance to decide whether it was worth using an affiliate binding spot. Missing such an opportunity would undoubtedly be a profound regret.
"Of course, how could we miss such a once-in-a-millennium event?" Xiao Ze said with a smile, his eyes brimming with curiosity about the Bodhi Ancient Tree. What kind of affiliate feedback could the Bodhi Ancient Tree offer?
(End of Chapter)
Friends, if you want to read chapters in advance, subscribe to my patreon.
You can also buy the book if you are only interested in reading the novel.