Three figures flashed across North Sea’s depths.
“Strange… According to the map, Penglai Island should be around here. Why haven’t we found it yet despite already traveling a whole round in this area?”
Shi Linglong was frustrated as she looked at the old map. There was only the vast sea surrounding them and no sign of Penglai Island at all.
“Brother Shen, please wait for a moment. We’ll definitely be able to find Penglai Island when I figure out the direction.”
Shi Linglong’s face turned slightly red from embarrassment. She had originally been in high spirits when she invited Shen Tian to explore Penglai Island together.
However, they had yet to even find where the Penglai Island was—it was too awkward.
Seeing how Princess Linglong was at a loss, Shen Tian could not help but shake his head and laugh inwardly.
This woman is indeed a person with no sense of direction!
About half a month had passed since Shi Linglong had left Immortal Abode Island, but she still had not found Penglai Island. She had been randomly wandering around the sea, or else she would not have accidentally barged into the dragonfish’s territory.
“Princess, how about you let me take a look at the map,” suggested Shen Tian.
The sun would set if they continued delaying like this.
“alright!”
Shi Linglong’s face turned even redder as she hurriedly passed the map to Shen Tian.
Shen Tian took the map, and his lips twitched as he looked at it.
How is this a map!?
It was full of intersected lines—all entangled together. It looked like children’s drawings. It would be a miracle if one would be able to find the way with that.
Alright!
Shen Tian definitely would not admit that he was also not very good at reading the map…
However, that was not important!
Shen Tian stuffed the map into his clothes, chose a direction, and said, “Follow me.”
After finishing, Shen Tian leaped and flew toward that direction.
Princess Linglong and Feng Wu hurriedly followed him.
Shortly after, the three of them flew past thousands of miles before entering a region that had an abundance of Spirit Qi.
White mist rose from the sea, making the area look dreamy and magical. This region looked just like a fairyland as sunlight shone onto the dense mist. It was a peculiar scene.
An island could vaguely be seen floating behind the thick mist.
“It’s Penglai Island!”
Shi Linglong was elated as they had finally found their destination.
“Brother Shen is indeed amazing! You were able to decipher even such a difficult map.”
Shi Linglong did not understand that map even though she had been looking at it for a long time.
However, under Shen Tian’s guidance, they had found Penglai Island shortly—his road-finding capability was just too powerful!
Shen Tian could not help but smile upon hearing Shi Linglong’s praise.
It’s all because of my high IQ!
There’s no map that I can’t decipher!
Alright!
Actually, the reason Shen Tian had been able to find Penglai Island so quickly was due to… the fortuitous opportunity map.
Shi Linglong’s halo showed the fortuitous opportunity scene. Under normal circumstances, she would spend half a month slowly exploring the whole region before finding Penglai Island.
Shen Tian did not want to waste time, so he directly skipped that process and located Penglai Island.
The three of them passed through the thick mist and got closer to that island.
Penglai Island was floating on top of the sea. It emitted rays of auspicious and grandeur light, making it seem magical and mystical.
This was Penglai Island, aka Penglai Fairyland!
“According to rumors, the Lotus Thearch lived here in seclusion because there’s an abundance of Spirit Qi, and it’s quiet and peaceful, just like a paradise.
“Also, Penglai Island’s environment is very suitable for planting and nurturing various extremely precious spirit herbs.
“Therefore, we’ll definitely have a bountiful gain here,” explained Shi Linglong.
She had already done a lot of preparatory work before heading to Penglai Island.
Shortly after, they arrived at Penglai Island.
However, the scenery stunned them.
The Penglai Island in front of them was not like a paradise at all.
The place was filled with crumbling walls, ruined curbs, and collapsed platforms, as if an intense battle had broken out there, destroying everything and leaving ruins behind.
The huge Penglai Island was in a state of devastation.
“How is this possible? Why has Penglai Island become like this?”
Shi Linglong was astounded, the Thearch’s tomb had actually been reduced to a heap of rubbles?
It was obvious that the island had experienced a fierce battle. It seemed that supreme beings had fought it out there, destroying the whole place in the process. This resulted in the collapse of mountains and destruction of the land.
Even the spirit veins had all dried up, as if they had been forcibly sucked dry by someone, cutting off all sources of Spirit Qi in this land.
Even Princess Linglong could not help but be horrified by the sight.
“When the Lotus Thearch was still alive, Penglai Island was isolated from the outer world, and no one dared to disturb him. Who would have thought that it has become a land of ruins now?” exclaimed Shi Linglong.
No matter how many powerful beings had achieved the peak cultivation level and brought honor to the five regions in the past, they had all disappeared in the long river of time, unheard of by anyone.
The reason Penglai Island was in such a state was probably that some people had come to this island beforehand and had already taken all the precious treasures.
Shortly after, the three of them searched the whole Penglai Island.
Besides some spirit herbs, which were left behind, there was nothing else.
“Looks like we’ve come for nothing. Is it possible that others have already obtained the Lotus Thearch’s heritage?”
Shi Linglong felt that it was a pity as she had sincerely invited Shen Tian. She had originally wanted to share her most precious fortuitous opportunity with Shen Tian.
Who would have thought that Penglai Island was already in ruins, and they basically had no gains?
Sigh… How embarrassing!
Seeing that Shi Linglong seemed to be dispirited, Shen Tian smiled and said, “Don’t worry. Since this is the Lotus Thearch’s last resting place, it shouldn’t be this simple.
“The Lotus Thearch is a powerful Thearch, so how is it possible that he would let others easily obtain his heritage?
“Maybe what we’re seeing is an illusion.”
Just like Immortal Abode Island, this was also a Thearch’s final resting place. However, in Immortal Abode Island’s case, the most precious treasures and heritage were in the Golden Crow tomb,
They had yet to find the Lotus Thearch’s tomb in Penglai Island, so it did not mean that others had obtained the heritage.
“What Brother Shen says makes sense!”
Shi Linglong nodded. She also did not believe that others had already obtained the Lotus Thearch’s heritage.
In the end, it was the heritage of the best Thearch in alchemy, so if someone really had obtained it, that person would have definitely become famous in the whole five regions. It would be impossible for no news to spread at all.
“However, just where would the Lotus Thearch’s tomb be!”
Shi Linglong was puzzled. They had already searched the whole Penglai Island, but they could not find the tomb at all.
Not even a clue about the tomb was found.
Shen Tian smiled and reminded, “It was said that the Lotus Thearch was the manifestation of a lotus during cultivation.
“Then, according to the mutually generating relation of the Five Elements, Water breeds Wood, his tomb might be hidden underwater.”
Shen Tian had already known that the tomb was in the bottom of the sea from the fortuitous opportunity scene in Shi Linglong’s providence halo.
“What Brother Shen says is right!”
Shi Linglong’s eyes lit up. She had not thought about it in such an aspect before. However, after being advised by Shen Tian, she was suddenly enlightened.
“Then, let’s take a look underwater!”
The three of them hurriedly dived below Penglai Island.
North Sea was so deep the bottom could not be seen.
The three of them swam deeper into the sea.
As they swam further, the surrounding water pressure also became much stronger.
That pressure was like there was a mountain pressing on one, overwhelming them so much that they would lose their breath.
Shi Linglong’s face turned slightly red as her breathing became heavy. She seemed to be unable to endure that pressure.
Although she was the Celestial Dynasty’s princess, her physical strength was not that formidable.
Currently, the water pressure had already reached a frightening degree that even normal Heavenly Venerables would find it difficult to endure.
Feng Wu had even turned into her Phoenix form so that her physical body would be greatly strengthened. Only then could she barely endure that pressure.
At that moment, a splendid ray of light bloomed from within Shi Linglong.
A grotto-heaven seemed to open behind her. A thick heavenly aura enshrouded it and overflowed with starlight as if it was a world of its own.
It was the supreme avatar that Shi Linglong’s Sage Body possessed that could enhance herself.
As that grotto-heaven opened, the pressure on Shi Linglong decreased greatly, and her breathing also returned to normal.
On the contrary, Shen Tian was calm from the beginning.
Even the Immortal Phoenix Queen can’t overwhelm me, not to mention this trivial water pressure.
Given his super-powerful physical body due to his Chaotic Golden Body Ninth Refinement Stage, the current water pressure was simply nothing to him. It could be said to be smooth sailing.
The three of them quickly dived downward, and they reached 3,600,000 feet below sea level.
Finally, a peculiar sight appeared in front of them.
In the distance, a huge valley could be seen.
That valley was extremely strange as weird stones that were hooked together surrounded it, thus forming an impregnable natural barrier.
It looked just like a 12th Stage lotus flower blooming.
The valley in the shape of a 12th Stage lotus flower seemed peculiar. Ιt was created with such great craftsmanship that it seemed to be naturally formed.
However, powerful nomological power surrounded it and actually blocked the surrounding seawater—no seawater could enter at all.
“We’ve finally found it, with the lotus flower as the valley and the valley as the tablet. This should be the tomb!”
Shi Linglong was elated. Νo wonder the Penglai Island has already been plundered by people long ago, but the Lotus Thearch’s heritage is not obtained by anyone at all.’
Who could have expected that the Lotus Thearch would actually build his tomb 3,600,000 feet below sea level?
Not to mention this was not a place ordinary people could reach.
Even normal Heavenly Venerables would find it difficult to dive this deep into the sea due to the heavy water pressure.
After discovering their target, they quickly swam into the 12th Stage lotus flower valley.
A majestic ancient palace was floating in front of them.
The thick ancient doors in front of the palace gave off the heavy atmosphere of the passing time. There was a magnificent and glittering tablet on top of the gates with the words “Lotus Thearch Tomb” carved on it.
The words were written vigorously, and one could sense an extremely powerful aura when looking at it.
“This is the Lotus Thearch’s tomb?”
Shi Linglong looked at the palace in front of her, filled with astonishment.
The tomb’s majestic aura emitted was no weaker than the Golden Crow Thearch tomb at all.
As expected of the Thearch that was the best at alchemy 10,000 years ago—his tomb was indeed extraordinary.
Rumble!
The heavy gates gradually opened as if they had sensed the three of them, and a majestic aura poured out suddenly.
“Brother Shen, are we going to enter and take a look?”
Shi Linglong was bewildered. Their surroundings were too quiet, so quiet that it was strange.
Not to mention that the tomb’s gates actually opened by themselves—no keys were needed at all.
It was as if it was saying, “I’m all prepared, come in!”
Well… they could not help but be on guard!
“It’s okay, as the best Thearch in alchemy, the Lotus Thearch would create medicinal pills to treat illnesses and save people from misery before he ascended. He was renowned for his benevolence.
“Therefore, the Thearch should be lenient and most likely would not set traps to harm others.
“Also, the Lotus Thearch left this tomb to find his successor. There’s no benefit for him if he harms those that enter.”
Shen Tian was calm and composed, with no sign of fear on his face.
How could those who went out for experiential journeys to search for treasures and explore mystic realms be afraid of dangers!
Did one need to be afraid when exploring just a trifling tomb?
Anything was possible if one had legs to explore!
Shi Linglong admired Shen Tian’s fearless attitude.
As expected of Brother Shen! He’s so calm and composed even in front of the tomb. I really feel super secure with Brother Shen beside me!
The three of them walked forward and entered the tomb.
Boom!
Just when the three of them entered, the heavy gates suddenly closed shut.
At the same time, an old voice echoed in everyone’s mind.
“Young cultivators, welcome.
“Finally, someone has entered my tomb after 10,000 years.
“You only need to pass my tests to obtain my heritage.”
That voice sounded ethereal, but it was extremely solemn, shocking them.
Afterward, a figure appeared from nowhere. It was a grey-haired amiable-looking old man in green robes. He did not look like an unrivaled Thearch but more like a kind old man.
That figure was the best Thearch in alchemy that would show compassion by saving others from misery—the Lotus Thearch!
“Senior Lotus Thearch, we have come to inherit Senior’s legacy in order to promote alchemy and assist others in times of distress.”
Shi Linglong’s eyes were filled with admiration as she looked at the gray-haired old man in front of her.
“To have such a disposition, not bad!
“However, you need to pass three tests to obtain my heritage.
“Only after passing all three can you inherit my legacy.”
The Lotus Thearch bowed slightly with a smile.
“Senior Lotus Thearch, we are willing to accept the tests!”
Shi Linglong and Shen Tian nodded.
The Lotus Thearch spoke. “Alright!”
A peculiar power surged and enveloped the three of them.
“The first test is an assessment about the talent of your physical constitution. You need to have both supreme-grade fire-attribute and wood-attribute constitution to be able to inherit my alchemy skills. Only then could one be able to cultivate my alchemy skills to the peak level!”
Only those with supreme-grade fire-attribute constitution would be able to control the fire and ensure the accuracy of successfully making the pill.
Meanwhile, a supreme-grade wood-attribute constitution indicated a high affinity with the spirit herbs and ensured their medicinal effects could be fully maximized.
Therefore, these two attributes were extremely important for one to reach the epitome of alchemy.
The first one to be examined was Princess Linglong.
A green light descended from the sky and instantly entered Shi Linglong.
“You actually have the Linglong Sage Body and even signed the contract with that kid from the Phoenix race? You also have the Phoenix race’s flame? Not bad, very good.”
The Lotus Thearch nodded in satisfaction.
The Linglong Sage Body was a supreme-grade constitution formed from the mutation of three supreme-grade Spiritual Roots—Metal, Wood, and Earth.
Not only would the person with such a constitution have a high affinity with all Daos, but her aptitude for enlightenment and foundation for cultivation would be greatly enhanced. It definitely satisfied the requirement of the supreme-grade wood-attribute constitution.
Also, Shi Linglong possessed the divine phoenix power within her that could activate the Divine Phoenix Fire. Thus, it was also counted as her having the supreme-grade fire-attribute constitution.
Shi Linglong, who met the wood- and fire-attribute constitution criteria, was definitely counted as one of the successors that the Lotus Thearch was quite satisfied with.
The Lotus Thearch smiled. He never expected the first person he met after waiting for 10,000 years to be so highly talented.
Although it was not to the degree of him teaching her everything, it was already enough as a normal successor.
The second person to be examined was Feng Wu, and the criteria were the same as before.
“The descendant of the Immortal Phoenix race. You have the Divine Phoenix Fire. Not bad.”
The Lotus Thearch touched his white mustache. The Divine Phoenix Fire was powerful and useful for creating pills.
It was a pity her wood-attribute talent was not enough and paled in comparison to Princess Linglong’s.
“Alright, it’s your turn now.” The Lotus Thearch spoke as he turned to look at Shen Tian.
“Senior Lotus Thearch, please examine me!”
Shen Tian cupped his hands together and allowed that green light to enter his body.
“WTF!
“A human body can actually accommodate 10+ extraordinary items?
“Are you still human? It can’t be that too much time has passed since I stored my remnant consciousness that it has expired!?
“F*ck, you even have chaotic aura!”
Suddenly, the Lotus Thearch’s amiable and warm smile instantly disappeared. It was instead replaced by astonishment as if he had seen a ghost.
He felt that he might be dreaming!