The Star Poison Mountain Range is lush and verdant, with towering peaks that pierce the clouds, stretching endlessly. Majestic trees abound, along with a plethora of flowers and grasses, presenting a breathtaking vista of a primeval forest.
The entire mountain range is shrouded in a thick, black poisonous mist. Even though Ye Tian is a formidable warrior at the sixth level of Martial Spirit, visibility is severely limited; day and night blend indistinguishably, rendering his sight quite obscure.
"How ominous it is…" Ye Tian mused as he casually selected a direction to depart.
Whoosh! Whoosh!
Suddenly, a series of sounds erupted ahead, causing Ye Tian to halt in his tracks, his expression shifting to one of vigilance as he focused intently, his right hand instinctively reaching for his blood knife.
Moments later, two figures shot toward him from a short distance away, moving with remarkable speed until they stood directly before him.
Ye Tian was initially taken aback, but upon noticing the blue robes adorned by the two individuals, he immediately relaxed, his expression returning to neutrality.
Both figures were clad in azure starry robes, identifying them as inner disciples of the Divine Star Sect.
One of them was tall, with bronze skin and strikingly handsome features. His deep-set eyes gleamed with a haughty light, exuding an aura of coldness.
The other, though shorter in stature, was muscular and appeared exceptionally strong, his powerful arms suggesting immense explosive force. His eyes were fierce, reminiscent of a wolf's, brimming with a palpable murderous intent.
"Impressive!" Ye Tian thought to himself, recognizing that both individuals were extraordinary, each possessing a cultivation level of Martial Spirit Ten, their true combat prowess surpassing that, nearing the threshold of Martial Sovereign.
They were undoubtedly powerful figures on the Divine Star Rankings.
At that moment, the two approached him.
"Junior Brother Wang, this is where we part ways. Until we meet again in a year," a voice laced with arrogance rang out.
"Senior Brother Fu, with your recent breakthrough, you are likely to break into the top three. However, with a year to go, I will surely catch up," the other replied, his voice booming like thunder.
The two then noticed Ye Tian standing a short distance away.
Instantly, Ye Tian felt two piercing gazes scrutinizing him.
"Hmm, a sixth-level Martial Spirit?" the muscular man exclaimed in surprise.
"Offending Zhang Zhengyi, are you seeking death?" the aloof youth shot a glance at Ye Tian before dismissing him entirely.
"That scoundrel Zhang Zhengyi, at this rate, our Divine Star Sect will inevitably fall to him," the muscular man cursed under his breath.
"Enough, I shall take my leave now," the aloof youth stated.
As he passed by Ye Tian, he tossed him a scroll, coolly remarking, "This is a map I drew while traversing the Star Poison Mountain Range. Since I have no use for it, consider it yours."
With that, he strode away.
Ye Tian stood in stunned silence as he accepted the scroll, turning to catch only a glimpse of the retreating figure.
"Junior Brother, don't be deceived; he is just that kind of person. A soft-hearted individual masquerading as a cold one, how exhausting," the muscular man approached, appraising Ye Tian from head to toe, his eyes glinting with interest. "Junior Brother, though your cultivation is modest, you seem quite extraordinary."
"Senior Brother jests, but may I inquire your esteemed name?" Ye Tian replied with a faint smile, concealing his aura to remain undetectable.
"You're quite cautious, which I admire; such prudence is essential for advancing in the martial path," the muscular man observed, his eyes sparkling with newfound respect.
"I am Wang Chongshan; you may call me Senior Brother Wang. The one you just saw is Senior Brother Fu, known as Fu Xuedao. He is formidable, having ranked seventh on the last Divine Star Rankings, and this time, he is sure to break into the top five."
Wang Chongshan elaborated.
"Fu Xuedao!" Ye Tian's eyes flickered as he committed the name to memory, then turned to the muscular man with a smile. "Senior Brother Wang must also be a powerful figure on the Divine Star Rankings."
In his estimation, anyone who walked alongside a seventh-ranked individual could not be far behind, certainly a contender on the rankings.
"Ha, I rank thirteenth, not quite matching up to Senior Brother Fu," Wang Chongshan replied, laughter escaping him, his eyes gleaming with pride.
"Well then, Junior Brother, I am still unaware of your name," Wang Chongshan inquired curiously.
"Ye Tian," he stated simply.
"Ye Tian? I'll remember that. Strive hard, and aim to enter the Divine Star Rankings in the next inner sect competition!" Wang Chongshan encouraged, patting Ye Tian on the shoulder before turning to depart.
"The next competition?"
Ye Tian watched Wang Chongshan's retreating figure, his gaze flickering, a smile gracing his lips. "No need for the next; we shall meet again in this inner sect competition!"
With that declaration, Ye Tian shot off in a determined direction.
…
The black mountains, thick with poisonous mist, limited visibility to a mere fraction.
Leaning against a massive tree, Ye Tian unrolled the map given to him by Fu Xuedao, revealing a clear depiction before him. This was no ordinary map; it was marked with numerous red annotations and accompanying notes.
"Senior Brother Fu is quite meticulous!" Ye Tian marveled inwardly, but soon his expression froze in excitement.
"Hm?"
Ye Tian stared intently at the map, his face alight with exhilaration.
This was indeed no ordinary map; Fu Xuedao had meticulously charted the entire Star Poison Mountain Range, detailing every hazardous and safe location, as well as the trajectories of the Hundred Poison Sect's activities.
"He even marked the Demonic Tree Bodhi he discovered; this will save me the trouble of searching everywhere."
"There's a safe cave here, ideal for rest and martial training."
"And here lies a ferocious beast above the seventh level of Martial Sovereign, extremely dangerous."
…
Ye Tian's excitement grew with each glance at the map; its assistance was invaluable, making his navigation through the Star Poison Mountain Range seem effortless.
"Senior Brother Fu!"
The memory of that aloof figure filled Ye Tian with profound gratitude. A year may not seem long, but if he were to wander the treacherous Star Poison Mountain Range alone, his gains would likely be minimal.
Now, armed with this map, Ye Tian had a clear purpose, allowing him to maximize the remaining year to enhance his cultivation.
"First, I must seize the Demonic Tree Bodhi. With the Blood Bodhi in my possession, my cultivation will skyrocket. Should I ascend to the realm of Martial Sovereign, I would be regarded as a formidable expert even within the entire Da Yan Kingdom."
Ye Tian contemplated silently.
In the Da Yan Kingdom, Martial Lords are typically the esteemed elders of sects or the venerable ancestors of powerful families, seldom seen wandering about. Thus, Martial Sovereigns are universally acknowledged as true masters.
With his Xuantian War Blade, should Ye Tian attain the rank of Martial Sovereign, he would undoubtedly become a peak master within that realm, likely only threatened by Martial Lords.
Moreover, upon reaching the Martial Sovereign level, Ye Tian would gain access to a small world, liberating him from the burden of carrying the Xuantian War Blade and the worry of being discovered.
More importantly, once he ascended to Martial Sovereign, he would be able to cultivate the earth-grade martial technique—Blood Realm Slash.
Earth-grade martial techniques!
Even within the Divine Star Sect, such techniques are rare; throughout the entire Da Yan Kingdom, few can be found.
This is not a fragmented technique like the Nine Transformations Battle Body but rather the genuine earth-grade martial technique once wielded by the Blood Demon Blade Lord, who dominated the eighteen nations of the Northern Seas. With this technique, he was able to slay a Martial King beyond his level.
Ye Tian had long desired to learn this powerful technique, but alas, only by ascending to Martial Sovereign could he do so.
Thus, once he attained that level, Ye Tian's strength would increase exponentially.
"Blood Bodhi!" Ye Tian's gaze locked onto a red dot on the map, indicating the weakest of the Demonic Tree Bodhi, possessing a cultivation level of Martial Sovereign Three.
Even so, within the Star Poison Mountain Range, this Demonic Tree was not to be trifled with; otherwise, it would be a dangerous endeavor for anyone else.
After all, not everyone possesses the second layer of the Nine Transformations Battle Body and a weapon as formidable as the Xuantian War Blade like Ye Tian does.
"You are my first target!"
Ye Tian squinted, having carefully charted his route; he folded the map and surged toward the direction of the Demonic Tree Bodhi.
According to Fu Xuedao's annotations on the map, the Star Poison Mountain Range was divided into four regions: the First Region, the Second Region, the Third Region, and the Fourth Region.
The First and Second Regions were under the control of the Hundred Poison Sect, while the Fourth Region belonged to the Divine Star Sect.
Originally, the Third Region was also the domain of the Divine Star Sect; however, due to the emergence of Yi Xuehan, who single-handedly penetrated the Third Region, defeating all the Divine Star Sect's experts before departing, the sect suffered significant losses and could no longer maintain control over that area.
Consequently, the Third Region has become the most fiercely contested battleground between the Hundred Poison Sect and the Divine Star Sect.
Ye Tian was now heading to the Second Region. Although it was less perilous than the Third, it was filled with disciples of the Hundred Poison Sect, and should he be discovered, he could easily find himself besieged.
Nevertheless, Ye Tian was confident; if he could defeat Yi Xuehan, why should he fear these disciples of the Hundred Poison Sect at the Martial Spirit level?
If they provoked him, he would draw forth the Xuantian War Blade and eliminate the disciples of the Hundred Poison Sect without hesitation.
…
Rumbling!
A cacophony of fierce combat echoed from ahead, causing the surrounding forest to tremble, the trees swaying violently as the earth quaked.
"Experts!"
Ye Tian's expression turned vigilant.
After several days of travel, he had finally arrived in the Second Region and was nearing the location of the Demonic Tree Bodhi.
"Hmm? Just ahead. Could it be that someone shares my objective?" Ye Tian unfurled the scroll, realizing that the sounds of battle were indeed emanating from the vicinity of the Demonic Tree.
"A Martial Sovereign Three Demonic Tree Bodhi should be invincible in the Star Poison Mountain Range; even Yi Xuehan is no match for it. What disciples of the Hundred Poison Sect would dare to provoke it?"
Ye Tian pondered, filled with doubt.
Unable to clarify his thoughts, he set off, concealing his aura as he cautiously advanced.
"Brothers, keep it up! Soon, we will eradicate this Demonic Tree Bodhi!"
"Haha, this time our Hundred Poison Sect has developed a Corruption Powder specifically to deal with these Demonic Tree Bodhi. Soon, we will be able to mass-produce Blood Bodhi!"
"Blood Bodhi is secondary; the true treasure lies in the Bodhi root, the essence of the Demonic Tree Bodhi. When combined with several herbs, its effects far surpass that of the Blood Bodhi."
…
The voices of the Hundred Poison Sect disciples reached Ye Tian's ears, causing his expression to grow serious as he looked up.
Not far away, a group of over ten disciples from the Hundred Poison Sect were surrounding a massive Demonic Tree.
This tree towered as high as a five-story building, its branches thicker than an arm, and it could even launch attacks, exuding an intimidating presence.