Chapter 102: The Unexpected Worry-Free Wood

On the pale back of her hand, as if traced by an invisible ink brush, emerald patterns gradually took shape, outlining the form of a tender sapling. Ji Yao gazed at the contract mark on the back of her hand; between two leaves, a sprouting new bud emerged. Raising an eyebrow, she thought, it hasn’t been long, yet its growth is remarkably swift.

Turning her hand over, a miniature version of the tender sprout swayed its leaves as it emerged from her palm.

“The spiritual energy concentration here is far too low, nowhere near that of the secret realm,” Qianxun’s leaves rustled as if sensing the environment, then conveyed this message directly to Ji Yao’s mind.

Ji Yao was both amused and slightly vexed at the sudden comment. This place was near the main peak—Tianlü Peak—standing right atop Lingyun Sect’s spiritual vein. Compared to other parts of the Mysterious Azure World, the concentration of spiritual energy here was among the highest.

If this sapling were to judge her previous residence in the outer gate by the same standard, it would consider it a fallen mortal realm.

If every place had the concentration of a secret realm, how many cultivators would still struggle with foundation building? The ancient cultivation world would not have become but a chapter in history.

Arguing with this sapling that had evidently spent untold time in the secret realm was truly a thankless task. Ji Yao shook her head with a wry smile and dismissed the thought.

“Alright, then I suppose I understand now—you won’t take root here,” she said, gently tapping one of Qianxun’s leaves with care. “I’ll take you to another place soon, but you must promise me this: no matter what you see, you must tell no one.”

Qianxun seemed to tilt its head in contemplation for a long moment before transmitting again.

“Is this very important to you?”

Ji Yao nodded seriously. “Yes, very important. It may be a matter of life and death. So even if we sever our contract later, you must never tell anyone.”

“Understood. If I reveal your secret, I will never grow up,” Qianxun replied with a childlike tone, solemnly making this vow.

Ji Yao knew this was a solemn oath from the spirit of the wood, much like a cultivator’s vow against inner demons—a matter of great importance to one’s spiritual cultivation.

With that thought, Ji Yao, accompanied by Qianxun, entered the Sumeru Ring’s space. Unexpectedly, sitting beneath a tree, leafing through a scroll, was Situ Jing.

“Senior, you’ve emerged from seclusion!” Ji Yao said in surprise. Situ Jing’s appearance meant the five-colored stone formation was complete.

“Hm, it seems the Wood Heart you found this time is somewhat different,” Situ Jing said, looking up as the scroll vanished from her hands. She showed no intention of discussing the five-colored stone formation.

“Won’t you introduce this little one you brought back first?” Ji Yao asked, following Situ Jing’s gaze.

Qianxun, at some unknown moment, had already teleported to the only large tree in the courtyard, its branches leaning against the tree’s trunk.

In a moment’s time, the large tree, which Ji Yao had never known the name of, stirred without wind, its leaves rustling softly, and a clear young male voice echoed through the space.

“There’s a mature Emperor Xiu tree in your space!”

Though Ji Yao heard the voice for the first time, she instinctively recognized it as Qianxun’s. As for the Emperor Xiu tree it mentioned, looking around the space, there was only one tree standing centrally.

Ji Yao glanced at Situ Jing, who gave an expression of ‘don’t ask me, I don’t know either.’ Ji Yao gave up on questioning further.

“Qianxun, the Emperor Xiu tree you mentioned—is it the one in the middle of the courtyard?” Ji Yao asked.

As soon as the words left her mouth, Qianxun countered with a question.

“This is your space. Don’t you know?”

Ji Yao felt embarrassed. Even the original owner of the Sumeru Ring hadn’t mentioned this. How could a novice cultivator like her know?

She glanced again at Situ Jing, who spent most of her time within the space either in the study or beneath this Emperor Xiu tree. Yet even she seemed unaware of the tree’s name or origins.

Seeing Situ Jing look thoughtfully at the Emperor Xiu tree, Ji Yao suddenly recalled who the first owner and refiner of the Sumeru Ring was.

If even Situ Jing didn’t know this species, then it must be an ancient one indeed.

Ji Yao fell silent for a long moment. Sensing their ignorance, Qianxun explained, “You’ve never heard of the Emperor Xiu tree, but you might be familiar with another name. I recall that later generations also call this tree the ‘Worry-Free Wood.’”

Upon hearing this, Situ Jing’s eyes brightened, clearly recognizing the name, while Ji Yao remained puzzled.

Yet neither Qianxun nor Situ Jing intended to clarify further. Qianxun continued, “Unfortunately, this Worry-Free Wood has only its trunk left, no tree spirit. If I’m not mistaken, it hasn’t blossomed or borne fruit for a very long time.”

Ji Yao shook her head in confusion. This tree was supposed to flower and bear fruit? Indeed, she had never seen any sign of blossoms. Naturally, without flowering, there would be no fruit.

At last, Situ Jing spoke again. “Girl, you haven’t told me yet—what exactly is this little one?”

You already know it’s a Wood Heart, thought Ji Yao, but she still explained seriously, “Its name is Qianxun. It is the descendant spirit of the Wood-Seeking tree, born from the core power of the Wood Heart.”

This description was Ji Yao’s own understanding; Qianxun did not object, indicating her guess was correct.

To Ji Yao, this was akin to a spirit beast inheriting the bloodline of a divine beast, its future growth depending on the strength of its lineage and its own comprehension.

Situ Jing raised an eyebrow, her expression inscrutable. “You signed a master-servant contract with it?”

Ji Yao didn’t grasp the deeper meaning behind Situ Jing’s words but knew from experience that such a pointed question implied more.

“No, no, it only signed an equal contract with me,” she replied.

“Foolish!” Situ Jing’s tone suddenly grew stern. “Although it is a descendant of the Wood-Seeking tree, whether it will grow into a true Wood-Seeking tree is uncertain. It’s of no use to you!

Signing an equal contract means it can leave you at any time, and you have no binding power over it.

Yet, lamentably, you have revealed such a crucial matter—your space, which relates to your very life—to a little spirit that could leave at any moment, merely a spiritual pet. Do you intend to keep it in your space?”

Taken aback by the sudden turn, Ji Yao quickly defended Qianxun. “Senior, Qianxun is very sensible; it wouldn’t leave without saying goodbye.”

Situ Jing sneered. “No matter how sensible it seems, it is still a demon at heart. Don’t measure a demon by human standards—their world is different from yours!”

Her words were harsh, leaving Ji Yao’s face pale. Still, she held firm. “Before entering, Qianxun promised me it wouldn’t reveal my secrets.”

“Oh? Then have you ever heard it defend itself? Has it ever said it has no intention of leaving?”

Situ Jing glanced sideways at the sapling leaning against the Emperor Xiu tree. “Do you know that as a divine wood descendant, it is born with the innate trait of sensing space? Surely it must have long since coveted your space, which is why it clings to you.”

Ji Yao was dumbfounded, watching Qianxun fall silent.

Having clearly targeted the matter, Situ Jing’s pointed words had already prompted Ji Yao to play along. Now, at this juncture, it was time to see how well the act held.