Chapter Fifty-Five: The Elder Within the Tree

Gu Zhiping pointed at the Frost Divine Tree, his tone uncertain. Shen Wan, upon hearing this, felt his body grow even colder and shivered involuntarily before finally glancing in the direction Gu Zhiping indicated.

The enormous Frost Divine Tree stood tall; its trunk was as thick as a massive pillar of ice, the bark formed from layers of dense frost. Within the ice, something seemed to be faintly concealed. Shen Wan squinted, staring for quite a while before he discerned that there was indeed a person inside—a figure towering seven or eight meters high, almost impossible to spot without careful observation.

“That’s... a Titan,” Yun Yi said solemnly, stepping forward without emotion.

“A Titan?” The two beside her finally understood. They had entered the burial grounds of the Titans; Shen Wan had heard his senior discuss some history of this race back at the inn. Though he hadn’t fully grasped it, he’d gained some knowledge.

“A Titan—no wonder the body is so large. Incredible,” Shen Wan murmured, just as he heard Gu Zhiping swallow audibly.

Turning to look at him, Shen Wan saw Gu Zhiping’s cheeks flushed, his eyes gleaming as he gazed at the Titan’s remains.

“Damn! Has he been bewitched?” Shen Wan quickly shuffled away, afraid Gu Zhiping might turn and take a bite out of him.

Yun Yi merely snorted coldly at the scene. “Young Master Gu, do you intend to take this body out?”

“Uh…” Gu Zhiping did entertain the idea. If such a body appeared on the market, it would fetch a fortune. He’d grown up poor, so whenever he saw rare treasures, his mind immediately calculated how many spirit stones they might bring.

Yun Yi’s interruption dispelled the mental image of counting money. Scratching his head awkwardly, he laughed, “How could I possibly think that? I never would.”

“Hmph, good. This relic lies within the boundaries of my Valley of Shadows Sect. Even if you wished to take it, you couldn’t,” Yun Yi’s words were blunt, offering no courtesy.

Gu Zhiping shrank back, pouting with dissatisfaction.

“Trying to sell this old man off? Are youngsters so ambitious these days? Hahaha…” Suddenly, a clear, resounding voice echoed through the icy cave, coming from nowhere and everywhere, as if descending from the heavens.

All three were startled, stepping back in unison. Yun Yi instinctively placed her hand on her sword hilt, while Gu Zhiping suddenly produced a staff from nowhere.

Shen Wan was somewhat calmer, merely tensing his neck and scanning his surroundings nervously.

The voice lasted no longer than a single breath before fading. Then, from within the colossal Frost Divine Tree, a spectral figure stepped out.

“After ten thousand years, I finally see living beings again! Hahahahaha!” The apparition appeared excited, laughing heartily, his long beard trembling. Though his voice was loud, it was not deafening, leaving the three in a daze.

The apparition resembled a three-dimensional projection, flickering occasionally as if short-circuiting.

At last, the laughter ceased abruptly; the apparition sighed low and finally looked down at the trio before him.

“You are humans, aren’t you?” Yun Yi hurried forward and bowed deeply.

“Junior Yun Yi of the Valley of Shadows Sect, I was unaware of your presence here, and meant no offense. If I have disturbed you, I beg your pardon, elder.”

“Ah, yes, yes, junior Gu Zhiping of the Ancient Gate. My earlier words were mere jest; I hope you won’t take offense.” Gu Zhiping, seeing Yun Yi’s gesture, followed suit, nearly prostrating himself.

Shen Wan was the slowest to react. Gazing at the enormous apparition, he felt it resembled his own master somewhat, especially the manner of arrival. This comparison eased his nerves.

Seeing the others, Shen Wan imitated their posture, clasped his hands, and spoke solemnly, “Junior Shen Wan, ninth elder of the Hidden Profound Sect. It’s my first time meeting you; please guide me.”

Gu Zhiping and Yun Yi were surprised to hear Shen Wan introduce himself as an elder; they wondered at his meaning.

“So, you’re an elder? But what does ‘please guide me’ mean?” The apparition, however, laughed heartily, unconcerned.

“Interesting, interesting. The youth of today are finally less rigid. Hmph, back then, those stubborn old fools clung to tradition. If not for that, the Heaven-Sealing Realm wouldn’t be in such a state.”

Recalling unpleasant memories, the apparition sighed deeply.

“Hmm?” Suddenly, the old man uttered a soft exclamation, his gaze shifting toward a certain direction. He raised his hand, his fingers moving slightly.

“Sun, moon, stars, all things arise, three mornings and three evenings, time leaves no trace…” He muttered as if reciting scripture. Shen Wan couldn’t comprehend, and seeing the others’ solemn expressions, he refrained from interrupting.

Finally, the old man’s eyes gleamed, and he burst out laughing again.

“At last, I’ve waited for this! My descendants, finally, I’ve waited ten thousand years, hahahahaha!”

“Uh…” Shen Wan was speechless. The old fellow, after finally awakening, did nothing but laugh.

“Child, is the Titan domain now within the Valley of Shadows Sect?” the elder asked softly.

Yun Yi replied respectfully, “Elder, our sect was founded here, honoring the Titan relic as our sacred ground, and has protected it for thousands of years.”

She spoke truthfully, though to Shen Wan it sounded suspiciously like flattery. This girl had some skill.

The old man was pleased, stroking his beard as he fell into contemplation.

He looked up, and in the sky appeared a cloud of thunder, forming a screen of light. Within it, the sun, moon, and stars changed, scenes flashing by like a movie as time rapidly reversed.

Yun Yi and Gu Zhiping gazed upwards, entranced, entering a strange state. Their pupils widened, heartbeats quickened.

Shen Wan, however, seemed lost; the three shared the same expression, as though something wondrous appeared above. He looked up as well, but saw nothing.

After about the time it takes to burn a stick of incense, the old man sighed softly.

“Time surges like the tide, shifting in an instant. In just ten thousand years, humanity, once plain, has become the rulers of the Heaven-Sealing Realm. If those old fools knew, they’d drop their jaws in astonishment.”

He seemed to ask himself, but showed no regret.

Yun Yi and Gu Zhiping were still awestruck. Though only an incense stick’s time had passed, to them it felt like a thousand years.

“Amazing… Only now do I realize I’m like a frog in a well. My world is but the tip of the iceberg, a mere drop in the ocean. I am… so insignificant,” Gu Zhiping murmured, transformed, suddenly matured.

Yun Yi closed her eyes, and an invisible force surged within; a ray of light pierced the barrier before her, dazzling her vision.

She’d reached the fourth stage of Focused Spirit.

Simply tracing the old man’s memories had elevated her cultivation.

Gu Zhiping was startled by this, watching Yun Yi’s hair float gracefully, marveling at her newfound aura. Now, he stood even less chance against her.

At last, Yun Yi quietly opened her eyes, now brighter than before. She exhaled deeply, then knelt on one knee, speaking sincerely.

“Thank you for your guidance, elder. I have gained immeasurably.”

The old man nodded with satisfaction, stroking his beard.

“Indeed. Now that the Heaven-Sealing Realm is ruled by humanity, it is not mere fantasy. It seems that old fellow guessed correctly. Black God, I wonder if you can see this day.”

He smiled faintly and gently brushed his sleeve toward Yun Yi.

“Rise. Today, fate has brought you to me. That was but your own exceptional insight, nothing to do with me. Since we are bound by this ten-thousand-year destiny, I shall grant you further fortune.”

Hearing this, all three looked up at him, eyes shining with anticipation.

Well, except for Shen Wan, who was still pondering the elder’s words.

The old man looked at the three juniors, satisfied once more.

“Before anything else, I must introduce myself. I am Yemizhi, Grand Sage of the Titans.”

His voice was mighty and authoritative.

Shen Wan smacked his lips upon hearing this.

This old man was just like his own master—both experts at putting on airs.