"A Fang, wait until I return to talk."
Cui Hong said.
"I've waited for you for such a long, long time. Waiting a bit longer won't make a difference."
The Third Palace Master replied.
Cui Hong looked towards the palanquin, momentarily at a loss for words.
"Young Master Ye, before I take you to that place, there's one thing I must clarify: That place holds immense danger. Even a Deity entering it risks falling. In fact, from ancient times to the present, no one knows how many Deities have already perished within. It is an extremely hazardous Forbidden Land. However, it's also a place that contains great opportunity. If your luck is good after entering, you might obtain a significant harvest at any moment. Young Master Ye, before we depart, you need to think it over carefully: are you truly willing to take the risk? If not, I won't force you."
Cui Hong turned and said to Ye Yunfei.
"Senior, could it be that your body is hidden within that Forbidden Land?"
Ye Yunfei asked upon hearing Cui Hong's words.
"Correct, Young Master Ye. My body is indeed hidden within that Forbidden Land. Right now, my energy form has already entered that place. Besides me, many other powerful individuals are continuously heading towards that Forbidden Land."
Cui Hong nodded.
Cui Hong was, of course, aware that the Third Palace Master of Flower Goddess Palace had already told Ye Yunfei he was out seeking his own body.
"Young Master Ye, you must decide for yourself whether you are willing to take the risk before we depart. That place truly is dangerous, yet it also truly holds the possibility for immense gains. If you truly don't wish to go, do not force yourself."
Cui Hong asked Ye Yunfei once more.
"A Forbidden Land... immense danger, but also the potential for huge rewards. Isn't that just treasure hunting and exploration?"
Hun Lao transmitted his voice after hearing Cui Hong's words.
"That's right, it's exploration and treasure hunting. It seems Senior Cui Hong hid his body in a Forbidden Land back then, and now his energy form is going there to retrieve it. And judging by the look of things, aside from Senior Cui Hong, many other powerful individuals intend to venture into that Forbidden Land."
Ye Yunfei replied.
"If even Senior Cui Hong says that place is highly dangerous, then it truly must be a terrifying place. Whether to go or not, you really need to consider this carefully," Hun Lao said.
"Treasure hunting and exploration are about seeking great wealth in danger. I've faced many hazardous forbidden realms in the past and never backed down. This time will be no exception. To have the chance to explore a Forbidden Land is rare. Of course I'm going."
Ye Yunfei pondered for a moment before replying to Hun Lao.
"Senior Cui Hong, I've made up my mind. I intend to take a look."
Ye Yunfei said to Cui Hong.
"Young Master Ye, I knew this would be your choice. That's why I sent the message back to inform you."
Cui Hong said with a smile.
Cui Hong had known Ye Yunfei for some time and had a certain understanding of his character. He knew that under these circumstances, Ye Yunfei would undoubtedly choose to explore that Forbidden Land. That was precisely why he had deliberately sent the message back, allowing this Soul Power imprint of his to notify Ye Yunfei.
"Since that's the case, let's set off now, Young Master Ye," Cui Hong added.
"Wait."
At that moment, the Third Palace Master's voice suddenly emerged from the palanquin.
"A Fang, do you have something else to say to me?"
Cui Hong quickly asked.
'This Third Palace Master's attitude towards Senior Cui Hong is extremely respectful, even appearing somewhat gentle each time she speaks to him. It seems their past relationship must have been very good,' Ye Yunfei thought to himself.
"Has that place truly opened already?"
The Third Palace Master asked.
"Yes, the entrance to that place has been opened. A Fang, do you also wish to go?"
Cui Hong answered.
"Do you want me to go and die? My current state is unstable, unsuitable for such risks. Take my disciple with you. Let her gain some experience. Xiao Xiao, you follow them."
The Third Palace Master spoke.
"Your disciple is coming with us?"
Cui Hong was momentarily stunned upon hearing this.
"Indeed. Xiao Xiao is my youngest disciple. Although her time under me is relatively short, her talent is excellent. She is now a Beginner Void God. She needs proper experience. Take her there for me, to explore and hunt treasure alongside this fellow. Of course, I hope you can help look after her for me."
The Third Palace Master replied.
"Master, I don't need him to look after me. My realm is higher than his."
At this moment, a relatively young-looking woman among the dozens of Flower Goddess Palace women stepped forward and spoke.
Her voice sounded rather icy, similar to the Third Palace Master's. The aura she emitted, however, was that of a Deity, its formidable Divine energy creating tremendous pressure that caused the surrounding space to slightly distort.
Furthermore, this woman's appearance could be called peerless. Her tall, slender figure paired with that finely shaped oval face gave off an air of nobility.
"This lass is quite young, yet she's already a Deity. Her talent is indeed quite good, possibly even better than yours," Hun Lao remarked while sizing up the Flower Goddess Palace woman named Xiao Xiao.
"To become a Deity at such a young age, her talent truly is extraordinary," Ye Yunfei nodded in agreement.
"Xiao Xiao, although this fellow's realm is lower than yours, his experience venturing outside is certainly richer than yours. Moreover, his actual combat prowess is also quite decent, not much weaker than yours. When you get to that place, partner up with him. Look after each other. It will add a bit more safety," The Third Palace Master said to Xiao Xiao.
She left unsaid another point: Ye Yunfei was under Cui Hong's wing and was absolutely reliable.
"Fellow, did you hear what I said?"
The Third Palace Master suddenly spoke to Ye Yunfei.
"Senior, I heard. I am willing to partner with this young lady and look after each other," Ye Yunfei hurriedly replied.
"Xiao Xiao is a core disciple of our Flower Goddess Palace. Her talent and strength are not inferior to yours. Therefore, asking you to partner with her doesn't mean she is taking advantage of you," the Third Palace Master said in a cold tone.
"You are too serious, Senior. This junior wouldn't dare think such a thing," Ye Yunfei hurriedly replied.
"Alright then. I will impart a divine technique to you. I can see that you have cultivated a wood-law divine technique called the Sky-Piercing Divine Vine, correct?"
The Third Palace Master said to Ye Yunfei.
"Senior, how did you know? I have indeed cultivated the Sky-Piercing Divine Vine."
Ye Yunfei was startled upon hearing the Third Palace Master's words, as he had never used the Sky-Piercing Divine Vine in front of this Third Palace Master before.
The Sky-Piercing Divine Vine was a technique that Kang Wan had imparted to Ye Yunfei back in the Three Thousand Worlds. At that time, Kang Wan passed on the Great Way Law of Wood to Ye Yunfei and conveniently taught him a divine art called the Sky-Piercing Divine Vine, which Ye Yunfei had successfully mastered.
However, the enemies Ye Yunfei faced nowadays were generally Deities. Using the Sky-Piercing Divine Vine against Deities likely wouldn't be very effective, so Ye Yunfei rarely employed this art in battle anymore. He hadn't expected this Third Palace Master to recognize it at a glance.
"Of course I know. In ancient times, this divine technique, the Sky-Piercing Divine Vine, should have been spread abroad from our Flower Goddess Palace. However, the version circulating outside is incomplete. The true, complete version of the Sky-Piercing Divine Vine has always been in the possession of our Flower Goddess Palace. Also, after you receive the Sky-Piercing Divine Vine from our Flower Goddess Palace, you are only permitted to cultivate it yourself. You absolutely must not pass it on to anyone else. If I later discover you have violated this, I will certainly not be lenient with you," the Third Palace Master said to Ye Yunfei.
'So that's how it is. The Sky-Piercing Divine Vine art actually originated from the Flower Goddess Palace. No wonder the Third Palace Master could tell at a glance that I had cultivated it before,' Ye Yunfei understood upon hearing the Third Palace Master's words.
Hearing this Third Palace Master say she would impart the complete version of the Sky-Piercing Divine Vine to him, Ye Yunfei couldn't help but feel very excited.
"Senior, rest assured. I definitely will not pass on this divine technique to anyone else," Ye Yunfei hastily made the promise.
"A Fang, I never imagined you'd also recognize Young Master Ye's talent and potential. A Fang, don't worry. I know Young Master Ye's character. Since he has made a promise, he will definitely keep it," Cui Hong said, somewhat surprised to see the Third Palace Master intending to impart a Flower Goddess Palace divine technique to Ye Yunfei.
"I don't care a bit about his so-called talent and potential. The reason I'm imparting the Sky-Piercing Divine Vine to him is to enhance his strength a bit. When the time comes, it will add to his ability to protect himself in that place. That's beneficial to Xiao Xiao as well. If this fellow's strength is too weak, he'll end up holding Xiao Xiao back. When traveling companions, the worst is having a teammate as useless as a pig," the Third Palace Master replied in a frigid voice.
Hearing her words, Cui Hong could only let out an awkward chuckle.
"Young Master Ye, don't mind the Third Palace Master's words. Her tongue is sharp, but her heart is soft. She means no ill," Cui Hong transmitted to Ye Yunfei.
"Senior Cui Hong, don't worry. The Third Palace Master Senior is imparting a divine technique to me. I feel grateful, how could I take offense?" Ye Yunfei transmitted back.
Just then, Ye Yunfei felt a massive wave of Soul Power information surge out from the palanquin and enter his Soul Sea.
It was indeed the secret manual for the divine technique—the Sky-Piercing Divine Vine!
Upon briefly scanning this Soul Power information, Ye Yunfei couldn't help but be overjoyed.
"I also have a Divine Pill here. Your physical body quality is quite good and should be able to withstand it. This Divine Pill contains potent floral and wood essences. Consuming and refining it can allow you to quickly master the Sky-Piercing Divine Vine," the Third Palace Master's voice sounded again.
Immediately after, a pill radiating dense divine brilliance flew out from the palanquin and landed before Ye Yunfei.
A rich fragrance of flora immediately diffused, filling a large area of space around them with an enchanting aroma.
"Thank you for your great kindness, Senior!"
Ye Yunfei was profoundly grateful and respectfully performed a deep bow towards the palanquin.
"No need for such courtesy. Having received benefits from me, you must look after Xiao Xiao. If anything happens to her, I'll settle accounts with you," the Third Palace Master said.
"Senior, rest assured. I will certainly do my best to ensure Young Lady Xiao Xiao's safety," Ye Yunfei hastened to say.
"Good," the Third Palace Master's voice came from within the palanquin, and then silence fell, with no further response.
"Young Master Ye, since A Fang has imparted this divine technique to you, you should seize the time to cultivate it quickly. Once you enter your time-folding treasure, you should master it quite soon," Cui Hong said to Ye Yunfei.
"Very well, Senior. I will begin cultivating this divine technique immediately," Ye Yunfei nodded.
He then took that Divine Pill and entered the Shadow Tower, beginning his cultivation of the complete Sky-Piercing Divine Vine.
Because Ye Yunfei had cultivated the Sky-Piercing Divine Vine before, he already possessed a relatively profound understanding of this technique. Coupled with his possession of two Soul Bodies and over twenty Soul Power planets, his comprehension was astonishing. Cultivating the complete version wasn't a difficult task.
After repeatedly studying and researching the complete Sky-Piercing Divine Vine manual more than a dozen times, Ye Yunfei took out that Divine Pill and swallowed it directly.
*Hong!*
An unimaginably vast wave of plant and wood essence energy instantly erupted within Ye Yunfei's body. An endless flow of plant energy began to roar and surge wildly throughout his system.
Fortunately, Ye Yunfei's physical body quality had already reached the Deity level; otherwise, the energy from this Divine Pill would have caused him to explode on the spot.
Ye Yunfei immediately began cultivating the complete Sky-Piercing Divine Vine, guiding and absorbing the terrifyingly immense volume of plant essence energy within his body.
Unknowingly, half a year passed within the Shadow Tower.
Half a year later.
"I've finally achieved preliminary success in cultivating the complete Sky-Piercing Divine Vine! The Sky-Piercing Divine Vine I can now manifest possesses the combat prowess of a Deity. It can be used against Deities."
Ye Yunfei abruptly stood up. Several thick green vines instantly burst forth from the surrounding space, resembling colossal green flood dragons.
After sensing the energy aura of these green vines, Ye Yunfei retracted them and exited the Shadow Tower.
"I report to you two Seniors, I have achieved initial success in cultivating the Sky-Piercing Divine Vine."
Ye Yunfei announced.
"Hahaha… Young Master Ye, being able to comprehend and successfully cultivate a divine technique A Fang imparted to you in such a short time truly demonstrates your outstanding talent," Cui Hong laughed heartily.
"You've really already cultivated the Sky-Piercing Divine Vine of our Flower Goddess Palace to success?"
The young woman named Xiao Xiao was somewhat surprised to see Ye Yunfei succeed so quickly and couldn't help but ask.
"Yes, Miss Xiao Xiao. I've achieved… preliminary success."
Ye Yunfei nodded. He then directly deployed the Sky-Piercing Divine Vine. Dozens of thick green vines instantly roared out from the space around him. Each vine emitted dense wood energy, and surrounding them, ethereal green chains representing wood laws manifested.
"You really did master it!"
Xiao Xiao stared at the green vines surrounding Ye Yunfei, her expression one of shock.
"Alright, Young Master Ye, we can set off now. Now, I will take you and Xiao Xiao and quietly depart from the Fire Realm," Cui Hong said to Ye Yunfei.