"You may not know, Senior, but all these Heavenly Mulberry Divine Trees share the same root system. In truth, they are still one and the same divine tree." This was no secret, so the old man explained without holding anything back.
"So that's how it is. I've long heard that the Heavenly Mulberry Divine Tree is a spirit tree surpassed only by the Three Great Divine Woods. So this is what it looks like — it truly opens
Following this, Han Li descended with the cultivators toward what appeared to be a grove of trees. Just then, the surrounding spiritual energy suddenly surged and flickered, and before his eyes, the scenery transformed dramatically.
A small mountain several hundred zhang tall materialized before him. With this mountain at its center, pavilions and exquisite towers of varying sizes had been constructed on all sides, and cultivators could be seen coming and going ceaselessly.
"You all may disperse and attend to your own affairs. I shall escort the two Seniors there myself." The old man waved his hand at the remaining cultivators and issued his orders.
Upon hearing this, the other cultivators accepted the command without hesitation and departed one after another.
Han Li and his puppet followed the old man straight toward the mountain's summit, where a wooden hall constructed from massive logs stood, quite expansive in area.
At the entrance to the hall, four cultivators clad entirely in green armor stood guard, each holding an identical long halberd.
The old man brought Han Li and the other down to land directly at the entrance of the wooden hall. The four cultivators stood motionless with expressionless faces, like puppets.
The corner of Han Li's mouth quirked upward, and he felt a slight twinge of surprise.
Although these four were only at the Foundation Establishment stage, the purity of the wood-element spiritual energy within them far surpassed that of cultivators at the same level. Moreover, Han Li could tell at a single glance that both their armor and halberds were top-grade wood-attribute spirit artifacts — quite peculiar indeed.
Seeming to notice Han Li's surprise, the old man smiled and offered an explanation of his own accord:
"Those are Wood Spirit Guards personally trained by my master. They are cultivators who cultivate a special technique that draws upon the power of the Heavenly Mulberry Divine Tree. Although their cultivation is not high, they excel in coordinated combat arts. If Senior has the opportunity, you might consider offering them some guidance."
"Mm, they are certainly quite different from ordinary cultivators," Han Li nodded.
Seeing Han Li's noncommittal reaction, the old man prudently said nothing more.
The wooden hall's structure was not complex. Besides a main hall, there was only a single side chamber. As soon as Han Li and the others stepped into the main hall, they immediately noticed a tall figure standing with his back to them — clad in a long green robe, his white hair like snow.
The moment the old man saw this figure, his expression changed dramatically. He bowed deeply, then silently stepped to the side and stood with his hands clasped respectfully.
"You must be
"That's right — this old man is Bitter Bamboo. You two look very unfamiliar. Could it be you've come from the mainland? May I ask your names?" The green-robed man let out a long laugh, then turned around.
Han Li narrowed his eyes. The white-haired figure had ruddy lips and neat teeth, clear brows and refined features — he looked remarkably like a youth of sixteen or seventeen, save for a faint layer of green qi draped over his face.
Seeing the other party look like this, Han Li was naturally startled.
Old Man Bitter Bamboo, just like himself, had somehow maintained his youthful appearance — truly beyond what he had expected. He had anticipated meeting a wrinkled old man.
Although Old Man Bitter Bamboo wore a smile, the moment he caught a clear look at Han Li's appearance, a flicker of surprise also passed through his eyes.
"We are indeed not cultivators of the overseas islands. My surname is Han, and this is my Senior Brother, surnamed Li. Forgive our unannounced visit — I hope you will not take offense, Fellow Daoist," Han Li said courteously.
"Not at all! You two are clearly no ordinary individuals. Having you visit this island is something this Island Master could only welcome. This Fellow Daoist Li's cultivation is especially unfathomable — this old man cannot even determine his realm. It truly broadens my horizons." Old Man Bitter Bamboo looked Han Li and the humanoid puppet up and down several times, then suddenly broke into a grin.
It was clear the island master had mistaken Han Li's puppet for a Nascent Soul cultivator who cultivated some mysterious technique, and was greatly startled in his heart.
"You are too modest, Fellow Daoist. The name Bitter Bamboo is one that rings like thunder for us both," Han Li said with a faint smile.
"Heh heh. Please, both of you, have a seat and try the Mulberry Wood Tea unique to this island first." Old Man Bitter Bamboo chuckled lightly and gestured for Han Li and the other to sit.
Two crisp claps rang out, and several young female cultivators promptly entered the hall carrying tea trays. They brewed a pot of pale-green spirit tea for each of the three, then withdrew from the wooden hall with respectful bows.
"Mulberry Wood Tea — could it be that this tea is related to the Heavenly Mulberry Divine Tree?" Han Li lowered his gaze to the spirit tea on the table, sensing the rich wood-element spiritual energy within, and asked with some interest.
"What sharp eyes, Fellow Daoist. Indeed, this tea is brewed from the spirit leaves of the Heavenly Mulberry Divine Tree. It has the effect of brightening the eyes and calming the spirit. I imagine nowhere beyond this island would you find a second cup." Old Man Bitter Bamboo spoke with a trace of pride.
"In that case, I really must give it a try." Han Li's eyes flickered. He first used his spiritual sense to carefully scan the spirit tea in the cup. Only after confirming there was truly nothing wrong with it did he pick up the cup without further ceremony and take a small sip.