Chapter Fifty-One: The Golden Tower Reaching to the Heavens

At the westernmost edge of the ruins, there stood a golden mulberry tree atop the cliff. Though unremarkable in appearance, it would take at least three or four people to encircle its trunk. Yun Yi was unaware that this tree was, in fact, the entrance to a secret base created by the children of the Titan clan. The underground golden mulberry grove discovered below was nothing more than their playground.

The Titans, even in childhood, dwarfed ordinary humans in size. Thus, they could easily press the protruding roots to activate the mechanism, while Shen Wan, together with Gu Zhiping, barely managed to open the entrance to the secret base by combining their strength.

Staring at the pitch-black hole beneath them, Shen Wan swallowed nervously. His voice disappeared into the depths, with not even an echo returning—proof of how deep the chasm truly was.

Gu Zhiping had already stood, dusting the soil from his body, only to notice the hole at his feet. “What the heck is this?” he exclaimed in surprise, crouching for a closer look. It was deep—impossibly deep.

Seeing Gu Zhiping leaning forward, Shen Wan realized that a careless shove could send him tumbling in. He hastily extended his arm to block him. “Step back. If you fall, I won’t be able to catch you.”

“Oh, right!” Gu Zhiping responded, and both withdrew a step.

But just then, a rattling sound echoed at their ears. The golden mulberry tree, which had toppled sideways, began to rise slowly upright. In this vast world, wonders never cease; Shen Wan stared, mouth agape.

“A tree that stands up on its own?” he marveled inwardly. The tree took only moments to return to its original position. The hole was covered, and the root that had been bent downward now straightened, restored as if nothing had happened.

Now, there was not the slightest trace of disturbance to the golden mulberry tree. Had it not just lain upon the ground, Shen Wan might have believed the tree had stood there for a thousand years.

Gu Zhiping, however, was hardly surprised. Born in the Immortal Realm—and not yet dead—he had witnessed things Shen Wan could scarcely imagine.

Talking stones squatted by Mirror Lake, asking everyone if they wanted a companion. In the city, a wealthy family saw a dark shadow leap from a hanging scroll every night to steal chickens. Brilliant blue soap daisies spent all day farting without pause. Four-legged big-headed fish loved nothing more than climbing windows and blowing out newly lit candles. Lame-legged Zhang from the south side visited Widow Wang every few days, producing noises best left undescribed...

And, of course, the third eye atop Gu Zhiping’s head—something Shen Wan still struggled to accept.

Gu Zhiping smacked his lips as he gazed at the restored golden mulberry tree, stepping forward to the protruding root once more. After careful inspection, he stomped hard upon it.

Sure enough, another loud click sounded, and the tree shuddered, once again enacting its miraculous, silent collapse.

It lay upon the earth like an old man reclining, the trunk falling without disturbing a single mote of dust. The hole reappeared, and Gu Zhiping’s eyes sparkled with excitement.

“A stroke of fortune!” he exclaimed.

Turning to see Shen Wan still stunned, Gu Zhiping mused that having Shen Wan nearby meant good luck was guaranteed.

Wherever Shen Wan went, benefits followed.

Seeing Gu Zhiping’s sparkling eyes, Shen Wan sensed impending trouble.

“Shen Wan, how about we go down together?”

“Get lost!”

But in the end, Shen Wan reluctantly acquiesced, and both leapt into the chasm.

Of course, appearances can deceive. An aggrieved voice echoed from the darkness, unraveling the entire sequence of events.

“Gu Zhiping, you bastard! I’m telling your mother! Ah, ah, ah!”

The golden mulberry tree rose once more, returning to its original place. The breeze rustled its tattered leaves, the cliff’s edge silent as if no one had ever been there. The lopsided tree stood alone, gazing into the mist-shrouded valley.

Crystal Vein.

Wu Xi and the disciples of the Debt Xuan Sect stood before the mineral vein, searching in all directions. Crystal stones erupted from the earth, covering the mountain wall—proof of how little these minerals were worth.

“Senior brother, did that thing really come here?” Lin Bufan asked, scanning the surroundings.

Wu Xi released his spiritual sense, finding nothing, but replied, “This is the place. Crystal stones are the favorite nurturing material of the Black Ring Snake. Since we’ve tracked it here, it must be hiding among these rocks.”

Crystal stones can block spiritual senses, though only slightly. Carrying one or two pieces is useless, but here in the vein, it’s easy to hinder a Foundation Establishment cultivator’s senses.

Earlier, Wu Xi and his group, like all sects, followed the path to the Sky-reaching Tower. But they had encountered a Black Ring Snake, not a rare spirit beast, yet Wu Xi had spotted a faint red mark upon its brow.

The mark was barely visible unless observed closely.

Wherever a Black Ring Snake bears a red mark, extraordinary treasures are sure to be found.

Wu Xi grew excited, leading the Debt Xuan Sect disciples in pursuit, arriving at the crystal vein.

“So many crystals—our senses are blocked. Spread out and search. That creature must be hiding in a crevice.”

Wu Xi directed the group; they nodded in agreement and dispersed to seek the snake.

Just then, a thunderous roar split the sky. The torn heavens shimmered with rainbow ripples, as a beam of golden light shot straight for the fourth Sky-reaching Tower.

The tower trembled violently. A vortex rose from its base, spiraling upward to enshroud the entire structure. The golden beam circled the top, and as the vortex faded, the pale blue tower transformed into dazzling gold.

“I’ve attained enlightenment! I’ve attained enlightenment!” Amidst the thousands before the tower, a man in a purple Daoist robe leapt up, elated.

A golden rune flashed upon his brow, flickering before sinking into his mind.

His face glowed red, arms stretched skyward.

“The hundred meridians unite—the Primordial Sky-reaching Finger!”

A resonant voice rang out, and from the man’s fingertip burst a golden ray, slicing through the sky like a sword.

“Is that... the Primordial Technique?”

“One of the ten legendary techniques, long extinct?”

“Damn! Which sect does this disciple belong to? What fortune!”

“Hell! I sat here all day and gained nothing—why him?”

“Quick! Go ask if he’ll join my Grand Heaven Gate!”

“Grand Heaven Gate? Ranked only thirty-something—dare to poach before my Sword Sect?”

“This boy’s luck is extraordinary! With this, he’ll soar to the heavens.”

“Ah, fortune is more tangible than cultivation.”

“Damn! Keep meditating!”

As voices of jealousy and admiration rose, the disciples of the Taihang Divine Sect gathered around their suddenly famous brother.

“We can’t linger here—let’s withdraw!” The senior brother shivered under the predatory gazes. Their sect ranked near the bottom, little better than Debt Xuan Sect.

The only priority now was to escort their brother out of the ruins as swiftly as possible.

At his command, disciples huddled together, spiritual power surging, vanishing into the forest and rushing toward the exit.

Of the eight Sky-reaching Towers, one was now ablaze.

Everyone in the ruins saw it, including Yun Tianchen.

He waited outside the valley, glancing at the golden tower with a cold smile.

“Hmph, faster than expected. Let’s hope none disappoint me.”

With that, he closed his eyes and resumed waiting.

Shen Wan, of course, could see none of this. He was clinging to Gu Zhiping’s leg, sliding downward.

The passage was long, winding like a barrel slide in a swimming pool, twisting endlessly.

Shen Wan gripped Gu Zhiping’s leg tight, his heart pounding. What if they landed in a pit—wouldn’t it kill them both?

Gu Zhiping was unconcerned. Compared to the dangers of divine relics, this was nothing.

He lounged backward, humming a little tune, mind filled with thoughts of heavenly treasures, divine pills, magical tools.

It was as if a treasure trove awaited below, ready to be claimed.

The more he thought, the more convinced he became.

He chuckled foolishly, patting his storage pouch. “Damn, I picked the small storage bag...”