Even the ancient imperial families, usually aloof and overlooking everything, were stirring.
In the past, the emergence of the Bodhi Ancient Tree would inevitably bring about anomalies in the world, allowing time for all major forces in Central Plains to react. This process usually lasted for a while.
However, this time was different. The Bodhi Ancient Tree suddenly appeared without giving any time for the major forces to react.
At this moment, everyone could see the sky in the southern part of Central Plains.
A very special clear energy, like waves, suddenly swept out from the sky and spread far.
Everyone who inhaled this clear energy had a similar vision in their minds.
They saw an ancient towering tree with an aura of wisdom emanating from it.
This was the legendary Bodhi Ancient Tree!
Dan Tower.
Important figures of Dan Tower gathered, gazing at the towering tree silhouette on the horizon with amazement in their eyes.
"The Bodhi Ancient Tree has appeared again. I wonder how many storms it will stir up this time," the Great Elder sighed.
"Great Elder, should we send someone because of the Bodhi Ancient Tree's appearance?" Xuan Kongzi stepped forward and asked.
Hearing this, apart from the Great Elder, everyone else was tempted. While none of them had reached the Dou Saint level, the Bodhi Ancient Tree's allure was still significant.
"This time, the imperial families might also take action. You should decide for yourselves," the Great Elder said solemnly after a pause. "Jiang Yun would be the best candidate, but who knows where he has gone? With such a significant event, you should meet at the Bodhi Ancient Tree."
Hearing this, several people nodded thoughtfully.
In the meantime, Yao Chen, not fully recovered, looked at Xiao Yan thoughtfully. "Your strength is still a bit weak. If you had the strength of a Dou Zun, you might have a chance."
Xiao Yan scratched his head regretfully but understood his limitations as a mere Dou Huang, far from the level where he could compete for the Bodhi Ancient Tree.
"Xuan Yi, you're only one step away from Semi-Saint. This is a rare opportunity; don't miss it!" Yao Chen said, looking at Xuan Yi.
Xuan Yi gently shook her head, "I heard the Liu family possesses a Nine-Turn Revitalizing Grass beneficial for the soul. Their head needs a Seven-Colored Eight-Grade Pill for survival. I don't have the time."
"Xuan Yi, you…" Yao Chen was touched by her words.
Xuan Kongzi, feeling emotional, looked at the Great Elder and said, "The Dan Tower cannot be unguarded, lest the Soul Hall attacks. Tian Leizi can go. Besides, I am on the verge of a breakthrough to Semi-Saint; I don't need the Bodhi Seed."
"Tian Leizi," said Xuan Kongzi, surprising Tian Leizi. He hadn't expected this insight from his friend, wondering if it was the love they'd witnessed.
The Great Elder nodded. "Tian Leizi will lead the team. Those interested can follow."
"Yes!"
Ancient Sacred Mountain.
This holy land of the Gu Clan saw Gu Yuan standing calmly, his eyes seeming to penetrate the void, seeing the Bodhi Ancient Tree in the southern region of Central Plains.
"The Bodhi Ancient Tree has emerged. Won't you let Xun'er seek her fortune?" said Gu Lie, the Black King, appearing behind him, gazing in the same direction.
The Bodhi Ancient Tree differed from other fortuitous encounters; even the imperial families couldn't offer the same opportunities, prompting them to take action despite their usual aloofness.
"Xun'er is not strong enough. It's enough for Gu Lin and others to go." Gu Yuan's eyes flickered as he shook his head.
"If conditions don't allow it, create them. We can ally with other imperial families and forbid Dou Zuns from making a move."
"Xun'er is already a Dou Zong. There's no reason she can't compete. As for the Dou Zuns in Central Plains... Hmph! Our Dou Saints will intervene; they won't dare object." Gu Lie's imperiousness suggested an audacious plan to exclude Dou Zuns from the competition.
Gu Yuan was moved by the idea, contemplating the Bodhi Heart's power – a sacred object that could break one through to Dou Saint without side effects in the shortest time.
"Contact the Lei, Yan, and Yao Clans; they share borders with the southern region," Gu Yuan agreed, especially concerned about two individuals lately.
Jiang Yun and Yun Yi!
Their talents were so extraordinary that Gu Yuan wasn't sure if Gu Xun'er could keep up with them if she proceeded at a normal pace.
"It's been a while since I saw Lei Ying, Yan Jin, and Yao Dan. I wonder how their strengths have progressed!" Gu Lie smiled as he disappeared from the Sacred Mountain.
Soul Hall.
Yun Yi glanced at the restrained Hun Feng and Hun Yu before him. "The clan sent you to compete for the Bodhi Ancient Tree?"
Hun Feng and Hun Yu trembled at his cold words. "The clan sent us to assist you in acquiring the Bodhi Heart."
"Though they lack your strength, they might still be useful," said Hunmo Elder, smiling.
"Hmm..." Yun Yi nodded after a pause.
"I wonder what's gotten into the Gu Clan, proposing an alliance and forbidding Dou Zuns from competing, and the Lei, Yan, and Yao Clans are all on board," Hunmo Elder mused.
"Obviously, no young Gu Clan member can match our young master, so they want to limit his involvement by agreement," Hun You sneered.
The hall burst into cold laughter, but Yun Yi frowned in thought. After a long silence, he asked, "Are we the only clan that hasn't agreed?"
"Do they still see themselves as the leader of the ancient eight clans?" Hunmo Elder scoffed.
"What are you thinking?" Hun Miesheng curiously asked Yun Yi, who remained pensive.
"Nothing," Yun Yi replied, shaking his head without further comment. Hunmosheng opened a spatial rift. "Let's go, Elder Mo."
Hunmo Elder nodded solemnly and led Yun Yi through the spatial channel quickly.
"Senior Shennong, this place will soon attract many people. Let's explore the Bodhi Ancient Tree quickly," Jiang Yun suggested, glancing back at the tree before turning to Elder Shennong.
"Alright!" Elder Shennong nodded, well aware of the disturbances a Bodhi Ancient Tree appearance would cause. Avoiding trouble was always better, especially with the neighboring Yao Clan.
The three split, heading towards the Bodhi Ancient Tree for exploration.
Jiang Yun and Xiao Yixian moved rapidly, covering several thousand kilometers within minutes until they were within hundreds of feet from the Bodhi Ancient Tree, where the phenomenon was clear.
Even Xiao Yixian felt an inexplicable unease near the tree. Despite its subtlety, it was palpable.
"Jiang Yun, something isn't right. The seemingly vibrant clear energy contains a cold gray energy, creating discomfort," Xiao Yixian warned.
Jiang Yun nodded and continued toward the tree with her, feeling a faint chill permeating their bones as they got closer.
As they stood at the tree's base, looking up and realizing its massive ancient presence...
"Shh!"
The tree's trunk suddenly emitted a dazzling light, forming a pillar that enveloped them.
The unexpected occurrence didn't faze Jiang Yun. He quickly ignited a white flame in his palm, within which floated a green light—the Bodhi Seed.
The flame's surge of life energy made the Bodhi Seed glow intensely, covering Jiang Yun and Xiao Yixian.
"Whoosh!"
The light pillar shrunk rapidly, retracting into the tree with a flash, taking Jiang Yun and Xiao Yixian with it.
"Swish, swish."
As they disappeared, the Bodhi Ancient Tree stood quietly, its branches rustling faintly.
Countless branches entwined and drooped down, splitting open as they touched the ground, revealing five emotionless figures stepping out.
Their emergence caused violent spatial tremors, and an immense pressure spread.
"Whoosh—"
Elder Shennong appeared abruptly, muttering at the sight. "Five Semi-Saints controlled by the Bodhi Ancient Tree? Something's wrong here."
He sensed the coldness within the clear energy of the Bodhi Ancient Tree but found no way to gain its recognition. Forcing it would bring terrifying retaliation.
Circling the tree again, puzzled, he remarked, "Strange, where did Jiang Yun and Xiao Yixian go?"
Realizing something, he gasped incredulously at the tree. "No, it can't be!!!"
Amid blinding light, Jiang Yun and Xiao Yixian found themselves hand in hand in a white world, with no one around.
"What happened?" Xiao Yixian asked, puzzled and feeling disoriented.
"We're inside the Bodhi Ancient Tree. How do you feel?" Jiang Yun reassured her after confirming her presence with the glowing Bodhi Seed.
"Jiang Yun!" Xiao Yixian exclaimed joyfully, feeling at peace. "I'm fine."
"Good," Jiang Yun nodded, looking at the distant light circle. "Let's check out the only exit."
With no objections from Xiao Yixian, they approached the light circle hand in hand and entered.
As they stepped in, the Bodhi Seed hummed softly, a cool energy flowing into their minds.
With the cool energy, the surroundings twisted like a shattered mirror, breaking apart.
After a moment of disorientation, they found themselves in a verdant space with an ancient tree about ten meters tall.
This tree, entirely green like exquisite jade, radiated immense life energy.
"Bodhi Ancient Tree!" Xiao Yixian gasped, recognizing it despite the confusion.
The tree trembled subtly, a massive light orb emerging from it and hovering before them.
Inside the orb was a towering Bodhi Ancient Tree, before which stood a black-clad figure, emitting an aura that even dwarfed the massive tree.
In this presence, even the towering Bodhi Ancient Tree seemed small.