Chapter 149

Chapter 149

Before them lay an expansive lake, boundless and vast.

At that moment, the lake's surface was tumultuous, with massive waves piling upon each other as they surged from afar.

The raging waters seemed to suggest a monstrous beast lurking beneath, ready to burst forth. In the heart of the distant lake, a beam of spiritual light shot up into the sky. This light sought to break free from the confines of the secret realm, heading toward the heavens, vanishing at the horizon.

Appearing in the center of the lake, the spiritual light, when viewed from afar, resembled a towering pillar connecting the turbulent lake to the sky.

Wen Qiao and Ning Yuzhou stood before the lake. The towering waves crashed at their feet, and several lake fish leaped before them with the tide, as if mocking their foolishness.

What good is haste? With waves so high, nothing can be seen, not even what the spiritual light truly is.

Staring at the pillar of light emanating from the lake's center, Wen Qiao scratched her head, feeling at a loss for how to proceed.

At that moment, another thunderous explosion echoed, causing the entire world to seem to tremble.

Wen Qiao quickly pulled her husband back, retreating from the surging waves. The grass by the lakeside had already been swallowed by the rising water, and there was a growing tendency for the lake to spread further outwards.

Though unaware of any treasure emerging from this lake, it now appeared best not to approach it.

Wen Qiao's intuition was usually spot on, and she had a strong premonition that they should avoid the lake. She promptly pulled Ning Yuzhou back, moving to a safe distance.

Fortunately, there was a giant tree, dozens of feet tall, nearby. She pulled Ning Yuzhou along, leaping onto its branches to watch from above.

As they settled into their vantage point, cultivators who had detected the spiritual light began arriving.

They saw the turbulent waters and the persistent spiritual light at the lake's center, and without hesitation, flew towards the pillar of light.

Wherever such a grand display of spiritual energy occurred, treasures were known to emerge. The cultivators naturally assumed the pillar of light marked the birthplace of some extraordinary treasure.

Just as they entered the lake's surface, a sudden surge of a massive wave arose. The wave engulfed the cultivators mid-air, dragging them down into the depths below. A single scream echoed before all fell silent, leaving only a stain of blood on the waves, swiftly swallowed by new, towering waves.

The other cultivators who had arrived witnessed this scene, their hearts chilled. None dared rashly fly into the lake.

Though the allure of a rare treasure was tempting, one must first assess the situation; otherwise, losing one's life would be a terrible waste.

The lake continued to churn violently, the spiritual light at its center remaining unscattered. Explosions echoed from within the lake, one after another. No one knew the source of these sounds, which seemed like explosions but were unlike any they had heard before, originating from the lake's depths.

More and more cultivators gathered by the lake, increasing from dozens to over a thousand, with no signs of stopping.

These late arrivals were unaware of the circumstances and attempted to fly into the lake. However, every attempt ended with the cultivators being swallowed by the lake's massive waves, never to be heard from again.

With this, no cultivator dared to enter recklessly.

Then, the lake seemed to have reached its peak. A colossal splash sounded, and an island emerged from the waters, flying toward the spiritual light pillar before being sent skyward by it.

The island moved at incredible speed, so swift that the cultivators present could barely react before it vanished from sight.

Just as disappointment set in, another thunderous splash echoed, and yet another island burst from the lake, following the same path toward the spiritual light pillar.

This time, everyone finally understood that the islands were being drawn by the spiritual light pillar at the lake's center and then transported upwards by the light.

However, even with this realization, confusion still reigned. What did it mean? Were those islands hidden within the lake? Why were they attracted to the light pillar, and what happened when they were sent upward?

The cultivators looked up, straining to see. Perhaps due to the great distance, they couldn't discern the situation above, nor could they catch a glimpse of the islands being transported.

As island after island emerged from the lake, following the spiritual light toward the heavens, a cultivator finally couldn't resist acting. When an island burst from the lake, the cultivator flew in, but before reaching the island, was swallowed by the turbulent waters.

Seeing this, more hesitated.

The number of people gathering by the lake grew, watching as island after island emerged and headed toward the spiritual light pillar.

Others attempted to enter the lake, but without exception, were swept away by the waves.

No one knew how many islands lay within the lake or how long one needed to ascend. But no one dared risk their lives lightly, choosing instead to stand and watch, hesitant to act.

They thought that although the lake was vast, it could only contain so many islands. Eventually, wouldn't the islands run out?

They decided to wait and see.

Wen Qiao and Ning Yuzhou, standing on the tree, also observed the situation in the lake.

Suddenly, Ning Yuzhou squeezed Wen Qiao's hand, transmitting his voice to her, "Chui, when an island emerges from the water next, we'll take the opportunity to approach it."

Wen Qiao looked at him in surprise.

Ning Yuzhou nodded affirmatively at her.

Wen Qiao glanced at the island emerging from the lake, calculating the intervals between the islands' appearances and their speed. Then, she whispered to Wen Tutoo.

After their discussion, Wen Qiao told Ning Yuzhou, "Husband, hold me tight later."

"Alright," Ning Yuzhou replied with a smile.

Wen Qiao timed their move. As the next island was about to emerge from the lake, she grabbed Ning Yuzhou's hand and flew into the lake on her sword.

Her speed was incredible, almost like a shadow, thanks to Wen Tutoo using wind to accelerate their movement.

Those by the lakeside noticed someone flying in and watched, expecting the waters to swallow the intruders as before.

Indeed, as they entered, the waves became even more violent, seemingly intent on devouring anyone who dared enter the lake.

As the massive waves threatened to sweep away the intruders, one of them suddenly lashed out with a long, stone-gold whip. The other end coiled around a rock on the island that had just burst from the lake. The island carried them along as it rushed toward the spiritual light, and together, they disappeared into the sky.

The onlookers by the lake were left speechless. Could it be done like that?

The crowd suddenly understood, realizing that the lake water indeed swallowed any cultivator who entered, but as long as one could get close to the island and hitch a ride on it, they wouldn't have to fear the surging waters below.

After understanding this, some cultivators began to emulate Wen Qiao's group, attempting to use the floating islands to enter the spiritual light.

However, very few cultivators could actually do so. Firstly, they needed speed; secondly, they required strength. Both were indispensable.

Don't underestimate the size of those floating islands, varying in size, but their speed towards the pillar of spiritual light was too fast. If one didn't possess enough strength, they simply couldn't grab onto them in time to be carried up by their momentum.

***

Unaware of the commotion among the cultivators at the lakeside, Wen Qiao felt the pull of the lake water as soon as they flew into it, as if trying to drag them down.

At this moment, Wen Qiao finally understood why those cultivators had been helplessly swallowed by the waves when they flew in. When the waves surged, the suction was even stronger. With nothing around to support them, being swallowed by the water meant only one fate: falling to their doom.

Fortunately, Wen Tutu helped by using wind to support them, alleviating some of the pull.

Just then, an island emerged from the lake. Wen Qiao whipped out her Stone Python Whip, wrapping it around a large rock at the edge of the island. This provided her with a support point, freeing her from the suction beneath the lake water. Simultaneously, the speed of the flying island rapidly pulled them toward the pillar of spiritual light at the heart of the lake.

If not for Wen Qiao's great strength, the pulling force would have caused her to lose her grip without warning.

She gritted her teeth, one hand holding the Stone Python Whip and the other gripping Ning Yuzhou tightly. She allowed the flying island to drag them upward continuously, the intense speed making it impossible for them to keep their eyes open.

It seemed like a moment passed, or perhaps much longer, until a loud thud echoed as the flying island finally stopped, seemingly having collided with something. The island trembled, and Wen Qiao and company were thrown off.

Wen Qiao still held onto the Stone Python Vine, the other end tied to a similarly airborne large stone.

Being flung away wasn't a pleasant feeling, but fortunately, Wen Tutu promptly mobilized the surrounding wind to catch their bodies.

Wen Qiao and company crashed down from mid-air, along with the stone.

A thud sounded as the stone hit the ground, followed by Wen Qiao and Ning Yuzhou landing as well.

Finally standing on solid ground again, Wen Qiao felt lingering fear, tightly clutching the man beside her and turning to look at him. "Husband, are you alright?"

Ning Yuzhou remained calm, his hair and clothes slightly disheveled, but otherwise unscathed. He said gently, "I'm fine."

Wen Qiao looked at him.

Ning Yuzhou reached out, tidied her hair, and kissed her pale cheek, praising her generously. "Chui is amazing. You did it. We've arrived on the island."

Her pale face instantly flushed red. Wen Qiao lowered her eyes, somewhat embarrassed. Her heart settled, and she whispered, "Thanks to Wen Tutu's help, he's the real hero."

Wen Tutu was a wind-type demon beast. Along the way, it had used the wind to enhance their speed. Otherwise, they would have been swept into the lake by the waves before reaching the flying island.

Thinking about this, Wen Qiao rewarded Wen Tutu with a piece of honey fat.

Wen Tutu happily licked the honey fat, then tucked it into his cheek pouch, planning to eat it later.

They then began to survey their surroundings.

Upon looking around, they found themselves standing in a wet patch of grass, surrounded by wet flowers and trees. It matched the situation of having just burst through the water's surface. They should now be on one of the islands that had risen into the sky.

However, Wen Qiao felt something strange.

"Husband, why are these islands hidden in the lake? Since they're underwater, how can the plants on the island still grow?"

Ning Yuzhou pondered, "When they're submerged in the lake, they should form a protective barrier, shielding these flying islands. Only when they're about to surface does the barrier break... Well, since we're here, let's explore the area nearby."

Wen Qiao agreed, immediately taking his hand and leading Wen Tutu and the two Yellow Crystal Ants to wander around.

As they wandered, Wen Qiao discovered that this place was vast, stretching as far as the eye could see. The vegetation was lush, and ten-thousand-year-old spirit herbs could be seen everywhere, including many high-grade spirit herbs rarely seen.

Wen Qiao was momentarily stunned, her first reaction being to take Wen Tutu to dig up spirit herbs.

The human and rabbit happily dug up spirit herbs, while Ning Yuzhou followed behind them unhurriedly, observing their surroundings thoughtfully.

After digging up the spirit herbs, they began exploring this place.

It was like a secluded blessed land, untouched by the outside world. As they walked, ten-thousand-year-old spirit herbs were visible everywhere, filled with rich spiritual energy, yet there were no dangerous fierce beasts in sight. It was peaceful and harmonious.

Taking advantage of the fact that other cultivators hadn't arrived yet, they flew further away to avoid encountering the later arrivals.

Arriving in front of a purple bamboo forest, Wen Qiao took a look and realized that this bamboo forest was enormous, stretching all the way up to the mountain peak. The entire mountainside was covered in purple bamboo, and this bamboo emitted a pleasant aroma.

Wen Tutu hopped over, dug up a bamboo shoot, and began crunching on it.

Ning Yuzhou plucked a bamboo leaf and sniffed it, confirming, "This is the Jade Purple Spirit Bamboo. Without any surprises, deep within the Purple Spirit Bamboo should be the Jade Nectar."

Hearing this, Wen Qiao and Wen Tutu decided to go in and obtain some Jade Nectar.

They had heard that Jade Nectar was something only immortals could consume, unavailable in the lower realms. Since they had encountered it here, they naturally wanted to obtain some to taste what it was like.

Ning Yuzhou followed behind them with a smile, watching the human and rabbit joyfully run deeper into the purple bamboo forest, unable to help but chuckle.

They discovered the Jade Nectar near the mountain peak.

Seeing the jade nectar flowing out of a massive Jade Purple Spirit Bamboo, Wen Qiao exclaimed, "Husband, there really is Jade Nectar."

Ning Yuzhou examined the Jade Purple Spirit Bamboo. Its size was so great that several people would need to join hands to encircle it. The jade-colored nectar oozed out of its bamboo joints, slowly flowing into a small pool below.

This pool was filled with Jade Nectar.

"This is the King Purple Spirit Bamboo. No wonder it can condense the Jade Nectar. Chui, you need to use the Jade Purple Bamboo to store the Jade Nectar," Ning Yuzhou reminded the person who was about to use a jade bottle to collect the Jade Nectar.

Wen Qiao, upon hearing this, went to cut the Jade Purple Spirit Bamboo, fashioning several bamboo tubes to carefully collect the Jade Nectar from the pool.

After filling several bamboo tubes with Jade Nectar, almost emptying the pool, Wen Qiao stopped collecting more.

Then, she made a few smaller bamboo tube cups from thinner Purple Spirit Bamboo, filling five cups with Jade Nectar. She distributed them to Ning Yuzhou, Wen Tutu, and the two Yellow Crystal Ants. The two humans and three demon beasts sat there drinking the Jade Nectar.

After finishing a cup of Jade Nectar, Li Qiao felt as if she had transcended, this was the taste of being a deity.

She sighed softly, "Truly delicious, even celestial brews can't compare."

Ning Yuzhou chuckled, "This Jade Nectar is mild in nature. For cultivators, it not only helps to heal hidden injuries within the body but also purifies the impurities in their bodies, shaping a purer and flawless spiritual body. It's a rare and valuable thing."

"Is that so? Then, husband, you should drink more."

As Wen Qiao spoke, she diligently poured another cup of Jade Nectar for him, urging him to have more.

Ning Yuzhou said warmly, "It's you who should drink more. Your meridians are fragile and still in the process of recovery. Drinking more of this will be beneficial for you."

Wen Qiao was targeted at birth, suffering from fire poison which led to her being frail and sickly since childhood. Her spirit orifice was like a sieve, unable to retain primordial spirit power, destined to perish by the age of twenty. Later, through a stroke of luck, she transformed into a demon body, allowing her to recover, but her meridians were still more fragile than those of ordinary cultivators. Fortunately, she focused on physical cultivation when she practiced, walking the path of body refinement, thus not heavily reliant on the primordial spirit power in her meridians, preventing it from hindering her.

Even so, the fragility of her meridians would eventually affect her cultivation, an issue that needed to be resolved.

However, such innate fragility of the meridians was difficult to treat, one could only nourish them with various heavenly materials and earthly treasures. Fortunately, their luck was good, they encountered many heavenly materials and earthly treasures along the way, coupled with their spatial realm where they could cultivate spirit herbs, it wasn't a problem.

Hearing his words, Wen Qiao scratched her face.

In truth, she didn't feel deeply about the fragility of her meridians, sometimes even forgetting about it. If he hadn't reminded her, she wouldn't have thought that the fragility of her meridians affected her cultivation and combat abilities.

But she knew this was her husband's concern for her, Wen Qiao appreciated it greatly, usually following his advice.

"Even so, you should drink more," Wen Qiao insisted.

Ning Yuzhou smiled, looking at the surrounding Jade Purple Spirit Bamboo, saying, "This bamboo grove is nice. If our space expands in the future, we can plant some."

"I'll dig some out first then."

Wen Qiao was diligent, immediately starting to dig up bamboo with Wen Tutoo.

Ning Yuzhou watched them dig, his gaze scanning the surroundings before suddenly pausing.

"Husband?" Wen Qiao turned to look at him.

Ning Yuzhou stared ahead, speaking in a calm voice, "Chui, run!"

Before Wen Qiao could ask, there was a loud explosion, a wave of air rushing towards them, followed by a deafening roar...