"Spring Returns to Withered Wood!!"
Yi Tianxing witnessed the sight and felt his spirit surge, a strange gleam flashing in his eyes.
He saw that nearly every wooden object in the room was sprouting new buds, tender leaves unfolding, and even regrowing roots—rapidly blossoming with new life. It was as if the entire scene had been painted with the vibrant brush of spring's return, immersing everything in a lush, green world.
**"Such potent vitality! Just a mere trace of its aura is enough to bring dead wood back to life… This gem alone is a heaven-and-earth treasure—a Life Gem."
Yi Tianxing marveled silently, quickly using a divine ability to seal and restrain the surging life force to prevent it from leaking out at will.
The Wordless Heavenly Tome had already revealed the true identity of this mysterious gem. It was a natural treasure, born of the fusion of myriad realms during the merging of the Eternal World.
Long ago, this gem had been an egg containing a powerful embryonic lifeform. Unfortunately, due to unforeseen circumstances, it failed to hatch—the life within perishing before birth. However, the immense life force contained within did not dissipate. Instead, it condensed through countless ages of transformation into a gem imbued with boundless vitality.
A true heavenly treasure.
The miraculous workings of fate were truly awe-inspiring.
The power of the Life Gem was self-evident. Its presence alone could revive dead wood—how much more potent must the core vitality it contained be? Even a desert could be transformed into a thriving oasis.
Most importantly, while this gem wasn't one of the Infinity Stones, it was of equal standing, functioning in a similar fashion. It embodied the Law of Life. Once refined and worn, the Life Gem could bestow seemingly inexhaustible vitality. Even mortal wounds could heal in moments.
Severed limbs could regenerate. Flesh could regrow from bare bone.
Countless miracles, unthinkable under normal circumstances, became trivial before the Life Gem's power. Its wonder was undeniable.
"A truly remarkable treasure."
Yi Tianxing couldn't help but praise it inwardly.
Life Gem: A Heaven-and-Earth treasure, containing immense life force. Grants its bearer limitless vitality and powerful healing capabilities. As if undying and immortal.
At the Yellow Rank, grants 10x vitality and healing speed.
At the Profound Rank, 100x.
At the Earth Rank, 1,000x.
At the Heaven Rank, 10,000x.
Note: Only restores the physical body, not the soul or divine consciousness.
This record surfaced within the Wordless Heavenly Tome.
It was, without doubt, a top-tier treasure—no less than an Infinity Stone. Possessing it was akin to possessing immortality. However, like the Infinity Stones, it came with its own caveats.
To evolve and ascend, it too required the consumption of vast amounts of Faith Power, Willpower, and even Fortune. The stone had to be tempered with faith, allowing Life Dao Runes to gradually emerge. But the required amount of willpower was staggering.
Ding!!
At Yi Tianxing's waist was a dark-gold belt, and embedded in it was a gemstone radiating subtle Daoist rhythms. Though its brilliance was hidden, it exuded quiet nobility.
That was the Power Gem.
He had acquired the belt and gem from the Behemoth King, and had since integrated them into his own equipment. The Power Gem had long been refined—whenever he wished, he could instantly call upon its strength-enhancing abilities. It was one of his trump cards.
Now, without hesitation, he embedded the vivid green Life Gem into the other side of the belt. The gem and the belt fused naturally, now boasting a gem on each side, making it look even more harmonious and majestic.
As soon as it was embedded, a surge of vast vitality poured into his body, merging into his flesh and blood. He instantly felt his essence, energy, and spirit restored to peak condition. Fatigue vanished. His mind was clearer than ever.
He could sense an abundance of vitality infused deep within his blood and flesh.
Of course, the gem didn't make him invincible—it was just one more ace up his sleeve.
Knock knock knock!!
Early the next morning.
A crisp knock sounded from outside the door.
"Who is it?"
Yi Tianxing hadn't slept—he had replaced rest with cultivation, using every moment to comprehend his Path of Sovereignty, and temper the Life Orifices within his body. His body was constantly being honed.
"This general is Xu Chu, Commander of Jinshui City. I apologize for disturbing you, Mister Yi."
A rugged voice called from outside. It was unmistakably Xu Chu.
"Oh? Please, General, come in."
Yi Tianxing showed no surprise. Since he had intervened the day before, albeit without overtly revealing himself, he hadn't gone out of his way to hide either. With Xu Chu's abilities, it wasn't surprising he'd identified him by now.
He was an outsider—his attire and bearing alone made him memorable. Not to mention, he had met Xu Chu face to face. It was only natural that he'd draw attention afterward.
The door opened.
Xu Chu, dressed in civilian attire, stepped into the room. Upon seeing Yi Tianxing, he cupped his hands respectfully and said, "On behalf of Jinshui City, I thank Mister Yi for your aid yesterday. Without your intervention, our city would've likely fallen to the Undying Legion. Blood would have flowed through the streets, and few civilians would have survived. Your actions were a monumental act of merit."
Xu Chu spoke with sincere gratitude.
He knew well what happened to human cities overrun by the Undead Army under the Great Wei Dynasty—utter devastation, especially for civilians. Survivors were few and far between.
Yi Tianxing's intervention had saved countless lives.
"As the General says—what I did was simply what I ought to do. I, too, am of the human race. How could I stand by while the Undead ravaged our lands and slaughtered our people? It was nothing more than my duty."
Yi Tianxing replied calmly.
Given the circumstances, how could he possibly ignore it? To turn a blind eye would have gone against his very nature.
"Even so, this kindness will never be forgotten by the people of Jinshui City," Xu Chu said without hesitation. "We will remember this favor."
"Then, may I ask what brings the General here today?"
Yi Tianxing smiled faintly, not rejecting the goodwill, and asked directly.
For someone to show up so early, it clearly wasn't just to express thanks. It likely involved an attempt to recruit him. The Great Wei Dynasty was in turmoil—having a powerful human cultivator like Yi Tianxing on their side would be a tremendous boon. Drawing him in was the logical move.
"The King wishes to meet Mister Yi," Xu Chu replied.
"Cao Cao wants to see me?"
A strange light flickered in Yi Tianxing's eyes.
If Xu Chu had identified him, then it was only natural the information would be reported. For someone like Cao Cao, it wouldn't be difficult to deduce more. Yi Tianxing hadn't even hidden his name—Cao Cao might've already connected a few dots. Hence the invitation.
"Yes. His Majesty sent word, requesting that you make a trip to Xuchang. He said that if circumstances weren't so urgent, he would've come personally to greet you. Instead, he asks that you come to Xuchang, where he will host a banquet and offer his apologies."
Xu Chu spoke swiftly.
Even he had been shocked by the message. Never before had anyone been treated with such deference by Cao Cao. To offer apologies? That was recognition of status, of someone worthy of being treated as an equal.
Cao Cao was the ruler of a destiny-bound dynasty. For him to offer such courtesy—few in the world could accept such an honor.
"Oh? I was planning to visit Xuchang anyway. Since there's a banquet waiting, it would be rude of me to waste such hospitality."
Yi Tianxing chuckled.
After a brief moment of thought, he agreed. Xuchang had been on his list from the beginning. He'd already learned quite a bit from the black market, but nothing compared to speaking to Cao Cao directly.
Howl!!
At that moment, a high-pitched cry pierced the sky above Jinshui City. The sound echoed through the city, heard by every citizen.
People stepped out of their homes to look toward the sky.
"That's the Dragon Sparrow, the divine beast of our Great Wei Dynasty!"
"They say His Majesty acquired it by fate. It has followed him ever since. Since the founding of Great Wei, it has served as the dynasty's guardian beast. It never leaves the capital lightly—why has it appeared here?"
The citizens exclaimed as they gazed upward.
A massive Dragon Sparrow soared through the skies, hovering over Jinshui City.
It had the head and neck of a dragon, covered in shimmering dragon scales, with wings on its back and a long tail trailing behind—like a perfect blend of dragon and skylark. Yet it looked completely natural, emanating a divine aura. Its presence alone spread an invisible pressure across the land, inspiring reverence in all who saw it.
"May I ask, is Mister Yi present? Cao Pi offers his greetings. I apologize for the intrusion and beg your forgiveness."
Standing atop the Dragon Sparrow was a young man.
He radiated an extraordinary aura and bore striking features. Standing there in the sky, he exuded nobility and strength, leaving a deep impression on all who beheld him.