Crossing the Cultivation Realm: Two Souls Coexist

When good friends meet again, there are endless things to talk about.

Gu Yang soon discovered that Hu Qing came alone and did not see Xiao Zi's lively figure, so he couldn't help but ask curiously.

Hu Qing briefly recounted their experiences of how they explored the Kingdom of Ten Thousand Trees at night, how they were bound by the vines of the tree god, and how, after a series of twists and turns, they were received by the tree elder and given the holy fruit and spiritual tea.

Gu Yang listened with great interest, especially when he heard about Xiao Zi's drooling that wet the carpet, and the embarrassing scene of being "bribed" by the old tree with the holy fruit and then sleeping obediently, he couldn't help but laugh out loud:

"This greedy dragon! He can't change his bad habits no matter where he goes! I'll have to make fun of him later!"

When Hu Qing mentioned the unfathomable yet extremely kind old man upstairs, Gu Yang's expression became serious.

"That's the Tree Elder," Gu Yang said with deep respect, "and he's also the true god of the Ten Thousand Trees Kingdom, the 'Tree God' that the elves respectfully call him.

When I was first 'invited' to see him, I was also shocked, thinking he was some old monster.

But he was very kind to me and told me a lot about this forest, the elves, and even about spiritual practice.

Then they stuffed me into this spirit gathering formation, telling me to stop thinking about anything and focus on cultivation."

At this point, Gu Yang's tone dropped, with a hint of fear and grievance:

“At that time, I just wanted to go out and find you first, and then discuss what to do.

But the old tree disagreed. He said that I was too weak and could hardly protect myself in the forest outside, let alone do anything else.

He asked me... to tear open at least seven Nascent Soul shackles before he would allow me to leave here.

I was almost in despair at the time. Seven shackles! How long would it take to cultivate?

He picked up a golden holy fruit from the tray, and his tone became somewhat relieved: "However, the old tree said that he will cover all the cultivation resources.

You see, this super-high-intensity spirit gathering array has never been shut down, and there are always plenty of treasures like holy fruits...

If it weren't for this, I wouldn't have been able to reach the fourth shackle so quickly."

He pointed at the mysterious formations on the surrounding walls and ground that emitted a rich spiritual light all the time.

Hu Qing looked at this luxurious training environment and couldn't help but show envy in his eyes.

With such a pile of resources, it is difficult to slow down the progress.

Suddenly, Gu Yang put down the holy fruit and grabbed Hu Qing's hands. His eyes became extremely serious, even with a hint of pleading:

"Ah Qing, let's not look for the remaining fragments of the holy artifact for now, okay? Let's help the old tree... He... He's dying."

When he said this, Gu Yang's voice was a little choked, and he was obviously in great pain, but he still stared at Hu Qing, waiting for his answer.

When Hu Qing heard this, his whole body trembled, and his face was full of disbelief.

Although he could see that the tree was very old and its life force was as weak as a candle in the wind, he did not expect that it was already on the verge of death.

That kind, wise, and generous old man...is not going to live long?

An indescribable feeling of sadness suddenly surged in Hu Qing's heart. Although they had only been together for a short time, Shu Lao's peace and kindness made him sincerely respect him.

"But...how can we help?" Hu Qing's voice was a little dry, with a hint of powerlessness.

"Did he suffer some serious injury that is difficult to heal? Or was he poisoned by some strange poison?"

Gu Yang shook his head painfully: "Neither. Old Shu has lived... for too long.

His realm had stagnated countless years ago and he could no longer break through.

No matter how powerful a life is, it will eventually come to an end. His lifespan... was almost exhausted.

The old tree himself has let it go. He said that this is the law of heaven and earth and cannot be violated by human power.

But the only thing he couldn't let go of... was every spirit in the Ten Thousand Trees Kingdom who depended on him for survival."

Hu Qing felt as if his heart was blocked by a huge rock, making him feel suffocated and unable to breathe.

For young monks like them, "exhaustion of lifespan" is a distant and vague concept.

But when it actually happens to a respected elder, the feeling of helplessness and sadness is so clear and heavy.

"Then... why us?" Hu Qing asked the most crucial question.

"We are confused about our own future, how can we shoulder the responsibility of saving an entire race?"

Gu Yang showed a complicated bitter smile on his face: "This is why the old tree invited me here.

He said that many, many years ago, he had exhausted all his energy in making a prophecy.

The prophecy shows that at some point in the future, a monk from a distant land will arrive in the Kingdom of Ten Thousand Trees.

And has the power to change the fate of the elves and save them from the Collapse."

"Collapse?" Hu Qing caught this ominous word.

"Yes, it's collapsed." Gu Yang's expression became extremely serious, "This vast forest is far from being as peaceful as it appears on the surface.

There are countless strange races living here, some are powerful and bloodthirsty, some are cunning and deceitful.

The elves are the least capable of self-preservation among all tribes. They love peace, excel at cultivation and art, but are not good at fighting.

The reason why other races are so respectful to the elves and allow them to monopolize this fertile land is all because of the existence of the old tree!"

He took a deep breath and continued in a heavy tone, "Once the old tree dies, the deterrent he left behind disappears...

Those races hiding in the darkness will immediately reveal their sharpest fangs!

They will pounce like sharks smelling blood, divide up the wealth accumulated by the elves, occupy this holy land, and even treat the elves as slaves or... food.

That will be the end of the entire elf race; this is the 'collapse' that the old tree foresaw."

"I also asked the old tree, why did you choose me as the person in the prophecy? Or us?"

Gu Yang looked at Hu Qing, “But Shu Lao just shook his head and refused to elaborate.

He simply said that time would reveal the answer. He had been kind to me, giving me the opportunity to break through.

More importantly, looking at these innocent, kind, and peaceful elves... I simply can't bear to imagine their tragic future."

"The old tree said he could hold on for a while. He hoped...after he finally passed away.

It is up to us to lead these elves out of this forest that is about to fall into blood and find a new home for them.

Whether it's going to human territory or finding a way to find peace in the orc territory... as long as this race can continue, it's fine."

Gu Yang held Hu Qing's hand tightly, his eyes filled with pleading and a hint of hesitation:

"Ah Qing, I know this is difficult, and I also know that this may delay our search for the holy artifact and our fight against the demons.

But... help them, okay? Let's figure this out together?"

Hu Qing was silent. He looked into his friend's eyes, which showed a heavy sense of responsibility and sincere pleading that he had never seen before.

I thought of the kind yet tired face of the old tree, the cautiousness of the white-wood elder, Connor's reckless but protective attitude towards his home, and the ordinary elves sleeping peacefully in the treehouse...

The great cause of saving the world, and the survival of a weak race that is right in front of him... these two heavy burdens are placed on his shoulders at the same time.