Chapter 331: Enduring Peaks and the Passing Years

"Ancestor, please accept these two Taiwei Purple Celestial Fruits. They are among our Endless Mountains’ greatest treasures."

One of the beast ancestors spoke up, taking a thousand-year-old spirit wood box from his storage ring. "Our Beast Ancestor Hall doesn’t have many left."

The other three beast ancestors looked as though parting with these treasures pained them. Yet, it was only fitting that they reciprocate the kindness of such a revered figure.

Qi Hao could only sigh. These were priceless spiritual treasures that would cause a frenzy among cultivators, and yet here they were, being freely offered to his ancestor. The difference between their paths was as vast as the heavens.

As the lid of the box was gently lifted, an exquisite fragrance filled the room.

The Taiwei Purple Celestial Fruit, about the size of a fist, glowed with a soft purple light, slowly absorbing the surrounding spiritual energy.

The fruit’s surface shimmered with purple brilliance, and the energy around it seemed to dance in response.

Its body was marked with intricate symbols, as if inscribed by the heavens themselves.

Chen Xun had seen countless rare herbs and mystical medicines, but this celestial fruit was unique—a product of divine creation, refined by the world’s most miraculous forces.

Yet, he simply shook his head with a faint smile. “My friends, please keep these. This is not why I came here.”

The four beast ancestors stared, stunned. This fruit could grant an extra millennium of life—a secret closely guarded by the Endless Mountains. They could hardly believe a cultivator could dismiss the allure of extended life so casually.

They cast cautious glances at Chen Xun, seeing no hint of greed in his eyes. This behavior was bewildering.

Qi Hao felt the same way, completely unable to comprehend the mind of his ancestor. When he had first stumbled upon this fruit, he had been overjoyed to the point of madness, even if his tale had downplayed the risks he’d taken.

"All I need is a single branch from the Taiwei Purple Celestial Tree. I don’t intend to harm it."

“Ancestor… I fear you don’t know. This celestial tree cannot be transplanted. It’s already decaying, its essence draining rapidly. It may not even last another ninety thousand years,” one of the beast ancestors explained with sincerity. “Its essence dwindles with each fruit it bears. Just a branch would be of little use to you.”

“No matter. I only wish to examine it briefly. I won’t do anything to the tree—you have my word.”

Chen Xun glanced around at the four beast ancestors, his gaze warm. “I simply find objects of cultivation fascinating. You wouldn’t understand—you’re still young.”

“Then, Ancestor, please accept at least one Taiwei Purple Celestial Fruit!”

“Yes, Ancestor, please take it!”

The four beast ancestors were visibly shaken by Chen Xun’s offhanded “you’re still young,” nearly losing their composure.

Their reluctance vanished entirely, replaced by an eagerness to make the gift. It was as if he’d bestowed an honor upon them by even considering their offering.

“Well then, I wouldn’t want to refuse your kind gesture.”

Chen Xun waved a hand, accepting the box of spiritual fruit. A satisfied smile crossed his face. “The beast clan has surpassed my expectations. I won’t forget this.”

Joy sparked in the four beast ancestors’ eyes as they rose, bowing deeply. “Thank you, Ancestor!”

“I’ll remain here and wait. I won’t intrude upon the ancestral lands of your clan.”

“Ancestor, you’re too gracious!”

They were beyond words, their admiration running deep. This Ancestor of the Five Elements Sect was indeed worthy of his title as a grand cultivator among humans. If anyone deserved to ascend, it was surely him.

The beast ancestors promptly took their leave to make preparations, the surrounding beasts bowing as they retreated, only now realizing the cold sweat coating their fur. The memory of that heaven-rending hand had shattered their pride and brashness alike.

“Qi Hao.”

“Yes, Ancestor?”

“This Taiwei Purple Celestial Fruit is for Jiang Xuechen of the Moon Tower. I had a connection with one of their ancestors.”

“I understand, Ancestor.”

Qi Hao bowed, taking the box with utmost respect. Five hundred years of life—an invaluable gift.

“And here, take these two Chaoyuan Scarlet Fruits for yourself. They’ll restore your depleted vitality.”

Chen Xun placed a hand on Qi Hao’s shoulder with a smile. “Not bad, kid. You’ve come a long way and are more than capable of safeguarding the Five Elements Sect.”

Qi Hao’s eyes gleamed with determination as he replied, “Ancestor, I was protected once, too. Now it’s my turn to guide the next generation, or I’d be unworthy of the title of cultivator.”

Chen Xun chuckled, clearly pleased with the young man’s resolve. “I’ll leave the Endless Mountains to your judgment. We’ll be traveling soon—I’ve already spoken to Liu Han about the rest.”

“Ancestor…”

“Go on now. No need to worry about me. All of you are more than capable of standing on your own.”

“Thank you, Ancestor, for the kindness you showed me all those years ago!”

Qi Hao finally summoned the courage to say it, the memory of that day ever fresh in his mind. “To see you again in my lifetime—I can’t ask for more.”

Chen Xun nodded gently, exuding a warmth that seemed to merge with the world around him, his form growing faint.

“If only Le Feng could see what the Five Elements Sect has become… his journey in this world would have been well worth it.”

A hearty laugh echoed through the forest, lingering as Chen Xun’s figure slowly faded into the distance.

Qi Hao stood, his respect boundless, and bowed deeply, remaining there for a long while.

<hr>

Five days later, Chen Xun appeared at the final resting place of an ancestor from Dan Ding Sect, one of Qian Country’s Ten Great Sects.

The grave site was nestled among serene mountains and flowing waters, a place of great spiritual power—an ideal burial site.

It was deep autumn in Qian Country, though the sunlight remained warm. Golden leaves drifted gently to the ground, adding a bittersweet touch to the scenery.

As he stood there, with a cup of tea in hand, Chen Xun found himself drawn to this place as if answering a call, a bond formed in a season long past.

The guardians of this place were oblivious to his presence. A cool breeze brushed by as he approached a gravestone engraved with the name “Zheng Yi.”

For a brief moment, he seemed to glimpse the familiar figure of a spry elder tugging on his beard, his face full of reluctant farewells.

“Zheng Yi, I’m back. I trust I didn’t let you down.”

A gentle smile spread across Chen Xun’s face as he sat cross-legged before the grave, taking out two small cups of tea. “Da Li truly is vast—I’ve barely explored a fraction of it.”

He poured a cup of tea, his voice warm. “But I did leave a mark among the Bai Li Clan, and even introduced myself as Qian Country’s Chen Xun.”

He chuckled softly as he spoke, filling one of the cups. “This tea—I forgot to share it with you back then, so let’s make up for it now.”

A touch of weariness colored his gaze. Zheng Yi had taught him much about the art of alchemy, sharing rare recipes and insights, becoming something of a mentor to him along the way.

“If I manage to find a path forward, reach the Three Thousand Worlds, I’ll still be Qian Country’s Chen Xun. And if I make a name for myself, I’ll be sure to come back to visit.”

With those words, he poured the tea over the earth and rose with a smile, bowing deeply. “Farewell, old friend.”

Life’s journey brings a kaleidoscope of people. Though Chen Xun’s encounter with Zheng Yi had been brief, through all the towering mountains and fleeting years, it was a memory he held dear.

Sigh…

Time moved like the wind, carrying with it that lone figure, fading like the breeze among the mountains, never to be seen again.