Chapter 1236: Fruit Tree Genesis

Sun Erlang covertly observed the battle between the Five Elders Association cultivators and the large ape, and slowly, a sense of solemnity arose in his heart.

"So strong..."

This was his assessment of the group of cultivators before him.

There were no spiritual energy fluctuations, and the destructive range of both sides' techniques was confined to a specific space, preventing Sun Erlang from discerning their exact cultivation levels. However, judging solely by their coordinated combat, fearlessness in battle, and calm handling of various crises, the proficiency of this team of cultivators was unlike anything he had ever witnessed. Even including what he had encountered in the simulated worlds of the Dao Transformation Stone, this group of cultivators remained exceptionally formidable.

What surprised Sun Erlang even more were their attack methods and healing techniques. Besides various artifacts, the cultivators occasionally used rather peculiar items such as books, wine cups, and even necklaces. These provided buffs to themselves while inflicting various negative effects on the large ape. Furthermore, their healing speed was frighteningly fast. New Dao cultivators, whose bodies reside in a grotto-heaven, would typically require at least several breaths of time to regenerate from it after their physical form was destroyed. Yet, these individuals recovered from even the most severe injuries instantly with just a flash of white light. One moment they were critically wounded by the ape's attack, and the next they were full of vigor under the glow of the white light.

Even with its thick hide and strong physique, the large ape could not withstand such prolonged attrition. What was also strange was that the demonic beast seemed single-minded and made no attempt to flee. It fought until its last breath, then crashed to the ground. The moment the large ape died, it transformed into dazzling golden light that flowed into the bodies of the cultivators who had slain it. The group immediately erupted in cheers.

"This boss was ridiculously tanky. Good thing we brought enough supplies, otherwise we'd definitely have failed."

"The experience points were considerable; I'm almost ready to break through to the next realm."

"It's a shame its Snow Ape Holy Armor didn't drop from the bestiary; otherwise, we'd have really struck it rich this time."

These words elicited agreement and sighs from the entire team. Sun Erlang, however, listened to these utterly incomprehensible words with a subtle expression.

"Let's go, there's nothing good around here anymore. We should head back to Utopia first."

"This Profound Yellow Realm truly isn't a place for people to stay. If it weren't for the mission, I really wouldn't want to come here."

The cultivators streamed into the ship in the sky, discussing animatedly. Enveloped in a burst of colored light, the ship vanished from the sky as if teleporting. Sun Erlang stared at the spot where they had disappeared, while the Dao Transformation Stone in his mind continuously replayed the recently recorded footage.

"Utopia..."

"That must be within the sphere of influence of the Carefree Heavenly Venerate. It seems somewhat different from other parts of the Profound Yellow Realm."

"To call the Profound Yellow Realm 'not a place for people to stay'... interesting."

"Perhaps I should report this matter to Master."

Thinking this, Sun Erlang did not pursue the peculiar ship. Keeping his Master's instructions firmly in mind, he continued his journey toward the Kingdom of Truth.

Three days later, upon passing through a barrier of white mist, Sun Erlang distinctly felt something in the world change.

"The region I just left belonged to the Human Dao Celestial Realm. As for here, this must be the Kingdom of Truth."

Sun Erlang knew that within the Kingdom of Truth, under the laws governed by the Heavenly Venerate's principles, no cultivator could utter a lie. Therefore, he became even more cautious. Being new to the place, everything was unfamiliar. Sun Erlang decided to first gather information before seeking a way to meet the Heavenly Venerate.

The Kingdom of Truth appeared more peaceful compared to the Human Dao Celestial Realm. He rarely saw patrolling cultivators from the Five Elders Association. The distinction between mortals and cultivators within its borders was not particularly pronounced. From a distance, he could see them residing together in the same cities.

"Those are indeed mortals, without any cultivation. It seems the power of the Immortal-Mortal Miasma is suppressed here."

After careful observation, Sun Erlang reached his conclusion. What he found even more novel was that the actual hierarchy here was not determined by the level of cultivation. He even witnessed a young Core Formation cultivator respectfully bowing to a mortal elder. This left him marveling.

After three days of discreet observation, although he had gained a general understanding of the Kingdom of Truth's customs, he still hadn't found a suitable opening.

"I can't just shout in the street that I'm here to meet the Heavenly Venerate of Truth, can I?"

Just when Sun Erlang was at a loss, he suddenly noticed several outsiders, just like himself, on this particular day.

"People from the Myriad Immortals Alliance?" Sun Erlang narrowed his eyes.

After secretly following and listening for a while, Sun Erlang understood. These four cultivators had been captured during the conflict between the Five Elders Association and the Myriad Immortals Alliance and were now naturalized individuals undergoing a probation period. Their freedom was unrestricted, and they were permitted to travel throughout the Three Great Realms of the Five Elders Association, excluding Carefree Utopia.

"Brother Xu, how do you find the Five Elders Association compared to the Immortal Alliance?"

All of them wore conspicuous, uniform green robes resembling prison attire. One of them, a middle-aged man with a long beard, asked his companion. The cultivator named Xu seemed not yet recovered from a serious injury, his face pale. He coughed lightly, then replied, "Compared to the Immortal Alliance, it is indeed much freer and more leisurely."

"Although we have to sign the Soul Contract, when we were in the Myriad Immortals Alliance, even without contractual restrictions, weren't we unable to refuse any orders from the Alliance? In my opinion, there's practically no difference."

Another young cultivator chimed in, "And once you sign the contract here, you won't lack any cultivation techniques or resources. As long as your talent is sufficient, there's infinite room for development, and no one will obstruct or suppress you. Unlike the Myriad Immortals Alliance, hmph..."

Although the long-bearded man's expression was somewhat grim, he had to agree with their points.

"It seems Brother Wang Yang still harbors fantasies about the Myriad Immortals Alliance!" the cultivator named Xu scoffed, observing Wang Yang's expression. "You remember the Myriad Immortals Alliance, but does the Myriad Immortals Alliance remember you? I've never heard of a cultivator captured by the Five Elders Association successfully escaping back to the Alliance. Besides, even if you were to miraculously escape, the Myriad Immortals Alliance would likely only treat you as a spy and arrest you immediately."

Wang Yang's expression fluctuated, but ultimately, he could only sigh deeply, unable to retort. The four fell into an awkward silence.

"Oh, right, the esteemed senior previously mentioned when introducing the Five Elders Association that cultivators in every region here have the chance to directly meet a Heavenly Venerate. I wonder if it's true or false." It was the young cultivator who spoke up to break the ice.

"Brother Zhang, you can rest assured about that. I've inquired before, and it's absolutely true. However, the methods to meet a Heavenly Venerate vary in each region, and without exception, they are all extremely difficult. Only unparalleled prodigies can achieve it."

"For example, in the One Mind Immortal Sect, cultivators who achieve twenty consecutive victories in duels within their territory, proving unrivalled, have a high chance of being summoned before the One Mind Heavenly Venerate."

"Or here in the Kingdom of Truth, it is said that as long as one sits under the Truth Fruit Tree and meditates to comprehend the Dao, the longer one perseveres, the greater the chance of receiving guidance from the Heavenly Venerate," the cultivator named Xu explained volubly.

"I once tried the trial of the Truth Fruit Tree myself..." The cultivator named Xu said, pausing deliberately. Once the others' gazes were fully on him, he continued, "Difficult! Difficult! Difficult!"

"As you all know, lies do not exist within the Kingdom of Truth. Yet, the trial of the Truth Fruit Tree requires you to weave as many lies as possible!"

The cultivator named Xu's expression became somewhat strange: "Sitting beneath the fruit, it's as if you become an omnipotent creator deity. You need to create something from nothing, fabricating an illusory, alternate world. The richer and more realistic the world's details, the longer you can endure the cleansing effect of the fruit tree."

"Wait..." Wang Yang interrupted the cultivator named Xu upon hearing this. "Are there any restrictions on this world-weaving? Otherwise, wouldn't it be quite easy if one were to simply replicate the unique landscapes of the small worlds within the Profound Yellow Realm?"

The cultivator named Xu shook his head: "At the very least, small worlds that genuinely exist within the Profound Yellow Realm cannot be manifested in the fruit's illusion. It's like..." He pondered for a moment, then slowly said, "It's somewhat similar to the principle that different cultivation methods cannot be practiced simultaneously. A world copied by simply imitating an existing one will crumble into dust the moment it takes shape. Only a completely fabricated world can exist stably and withstand the fruit's trial. It's indeed a bit abstruse to describe in words, but you'll understand once you experience it yourselves."

"Even if one ultimately cannot meet the Heavenly Venerate of Truth, meditating under the Truth Fruit Tree is a tremendous opportunity for cultivators like us. Weaving a world involves countless Great Daos, and it's truly difficult to achieve with a cultivator's own power. During the trial, one primarily relies on the power of the fruit tree. It's as if the Heavenly Venerate lends a brush to help us paint with ink..." The cultivator named Xu's expression drifted, seemingly reliving that mystical experience.

"What is the Heavenly Venerate's purpose in doing this?" Wang Yang slightly furrowed his brow.

The cultivator named Xu scoffed, "Purpose? Why bother with that? All I know is that completing the trial brings no loss whatsoever; in fact, it's highly likely to lead to enlightenment and breakthroughs. Such a good fortune, in the Myriad Immortals Alliance, would certainly only be enjoyed by a select few. But here in the Five Elders Association, everyone has a chance to try."

"The Truth Fruit Tree takes root and sprouts in illusion, blooming in every city. Anyone interested can sit beneath it and meditate."

"This manifestation of the fruit doesn't seem far off either. You all can certainly experience it yourselves. If it weren't for the fact that each person only gets one chance in a lifetime, I would definitely try the opportunity to create a world again," the cultivator named Xu said with regret.

The other three had various expressions. Sun Erlang, who was secretly listening from afar, narrowed his eyes.

"What a coincidence? Someone brings a pillow just as I'm drowsy? Could I have been discovered? Is this some kind of conspiracy?" This thought immediately flashed through Sun Erlang's mind.

"No, that's not right. Master must have known in advance that there are ways to directly meet various Heavenly Venerates in different regions of the Five Elders Association, which is why he sent me on this trip. Otherwise, under normal circumstances, what chance would an outsider cultivator have to meet a Long-lived Realm supreme ruler?" After pondering for a moment, Sun Erlang suddenly realized.

"The Truth Fruit, then?" A thought stirred in Sun Erlang's heart. He possessed the Dao Transformation Stone in his mind and had experienced another life in its simulated world. Participating in this so-called creation under the fruit tree should give him an advantage.

"I'll try it first and see; if it doesn't work, I'll think of other methods." With a plan formed in his mind, Sun Erlang waited patiently.

Over twenty more days passed. On this particular day, the peaceful city suddenly became somewhat agitated. On the ground, a shadow rapidly spread from the city's center. It enveloped the entire city. Then, a verdant, towering tree rose from within the shadow. It appeared both real and illusory. On its branches hung numerous glistening, tender green fruits, captivating anyone who laid eyes on them.

"The Truth Fruit Tree has manifested, existing for seven days and seven nights. All beings within the realm may seek enlightenment beneath it."

The clear chime of a bell resonated, spreading far and wide. A resounding voice descended from the sky, appearing in everyone's ears.

"We thank the Heavenly Venerate for his grace!"

Within the Kingdom of Truth, countless beings bowed in unison, expressing their gratitude. This was repeated three times, the echoes lingering. After the ceremonial formalities concluded, cultivators began to steadily walk towards the shadow of the Truth Fruit Tree, sitting down with their eyes closed. The city instantly became very quiet, as if fearing to disturb the cultivators undergoing the trial.

The group of naturalized Myriad Immortals Alliance cultivators whom Sun Erlang had previously encountered also slowly walked towards the Truth Fruit Tree. Sun Erlang promptly followed suit. Along the way, he didn't encounter anyone conducting inspections. The Heavenly Venerate's statement that all beings could try was indeed not an empty boast.

Arriving beneath the tree's canopy, Sun Erlang even saw not only humans but also various flying insects and walking beasts occupying spots in the tree's shade. This peculiar sight filled Sun Erlang with emotion.

"It is said that ancient sages taught without discrimination. Not only humans but all beings in the world could receive their guidance. This Heavenly Venerate of Truth indeed possesses some of that essence."

Sun Erlang also emulated the others, sitting cross-legged on the ground. He closed his eyes.

In an instant, Sun Erlang felt as if the surrounding world had vanished. The faint rustling and small sounds that had lingered in the city were now completely gone. Although his eyes were closed, Sun Erlang felt as if he had opened them again. Before him was a vast expanse of white nothingness.

"Create a world..."

Various rules and information continuously surfaced in Sun Erlang's mind. "First, the general outline of the world." Sun Erlang then proceeded to set up the world based on the simulated world he had previously experienced within the Dao Transformation Stone. The blank world then gained color.

However, to his surprise, just as the world was about to take shape, it collapsed abruptly like a sand sculpture. It reverted to a blank state.

"Even an adapted world based on the Profound Yellow Realm isn't allowed?"

"A completely fictional world?"

Sun Erlang couldn't help but frown slightly. However, then a flash of inspiration struck him, and he recalled a world his Master had used as an example during his teachings. Immediately, an idea formed in his mind.

"The Immortal Dao is concealed; only materialism endures."