"Let's get out of here!"
Upon seeing this, Cui Hong's face instantly paled. He immediately activated his movement technique and dashed into the distance while also sending a sound transmission to Ye Yunfei and Xiao Xiao, urging them to hurry.
Ye Yunfei and Xiao Xiao also dared not delay. They immediately moved at their top speed to follow Cui Hong.
The three instantly put a large distance between themselves and the entrance-exit of the Small World, and soon left that world behind.
Only after leaving that world and emerging into the outer space did Cui Hong finally stop. He looked back and saw nothing out of the ordinary, allowing him to finally heave a sigh of relief.
"An Advanced Void God just perished like that. The core region of that herb garden truly does hold something utterly terrifying," Cui Hong remarked.
Recalling their recent experience, Ye Yunfei and Xiao Xiao could not help but shiver with a lingering fear.
"By the way, did that expert from the Skillful Hand Pavilion just give you something?" Cui Hong inquired curiously.
"He did," Ye Yunfei replied honestly. "That senior wanted me to do him a favor, and as payment, he imparted his life's worth of alchemy knowledge to me."
"His life's worth of alchemy knowledge? That's fantastic! That Skillful Hand Pavilion expert was undoubtedly an extremely accomplished alchemist, and his strength was also formidable. His alchemy must be extraordinary. Young Master Ye, obtaining his alchemy knowledge is a tremendous gain."
Upon hearing Ye Yunfei's words, Cui Hong couldn't help but feel thrilled.
"Correct. Obtaining that senior's alchemy knowledge will undoubtedly lead to a significant leap in my own alchemy skills."
Ye Yunfei nodded. He was already capable of crafting pseudo-divine pills. Now, having received the lifelong alchemy knowledge of that white-haired elder, Ye Yunfei was confident he would be able to produce genuine Deity-level pills not long from now.
At this moment, Ye Yunfei began inspecting the spatial rings and the jade slip given by the white-haired elder. He had received a total of two spatial rings and one jade slip.
Ye Yunfei extended a tendril of Soul Power to probe into the jade slip and found it completely filled with records of alchemy techniques. With just a brief glance, he grew excited; the alchemy recorded within was profoundly advanced.
"I must diligently study the alchemy imparted to me by that senior, and strive to be able to craft Deity-level pills as soon as possible," Ye Yunfei secretly vowed in his heart.
Then, Ye Yunfei's Soul Power shifted to probe the other two spatial rings.
The moment his consciousness entered one of them, a burst of information surfaced, informing Ye Yunfei that this ring contained items the white-haired elder had left for his daughter.
Without checking its contents, Ye Yunfei immediately withdrew his awareness. Although the white-haired elder was dead and gone—having been utterly obliterated down to his last remnant of a soul—given Ye Yunfei's character, he would never dream of selfishly claiming what was meant for the man's daughter.
Next, Ye Yunfei's Soul Power entered the other spatial ring, and a jaw-dropped expression of shock appeared on his face. Inside, he found a massive quantity of medicinal ingredients, finished pills, and various heaven-and-earth treasures useful for alchemy. Additionally, there were many high-level alchemy furnaces.
Then, his gaze fell upon piles of energy crystals. These energy crystals emanated a rich aura of Soul Power.
"These... these must be divine-grade energy crystals specially used for cultivating Soul Power energy!"
Ye Yunfei grew extremely excited. For an alchemist, Soul Power was of paramount importance, which was why alchemists would go to great lengths to enhance their Soul Power capabilities.
As a highly accomplished alchemist, it wasn't strange that the white-haired elder had collected so many energy crystals designed for cultivating Soul Power.
Beyond these alchemy-related treasures, Ye Yunfei also saw a massive quantity of cultivation resources. Moreover, the vast majority were divine-grade resources.
The white-haired elder himself had been an Advanced Void God, so it was natural for him to carry a large stockpile of resources to aid his own cultivation. Now, all of these were given to Ye Yunfei.
Previously, Ye Yunfei had already possessed a significant store of divine-grade cultivation resources. Adding those bestowed by the white-haired elder meant the amount of divine-grade resources on his person was now staggering, far more than he could use up anytime soon.
"What are those? Could they be... strange fires?"
Suddenly, Ye Yunfei spotted three finger-sized jade vials placed in a corner of the ring's internal space. Each vial was transparent and contained a flame of a distinct color.
Even though confined within the vials, Ye Yunfei could still sense the staggering fire-attribute energy they radiated.
Being an alchemist who already possessed several strange fires himself, Ye Yunfei recognized them with a glance: these three flames were most likely rare, strange fires.
"These three strange fires likely outrank all the ones I currently possess," Ye Yunfei thought excitedly.
Indeed, every single item gifted by the white-haired elder could be considered incredibly valuable.
After examining the strange fires within the three jade vials, Ye Yunfei proceeded to inspect the other treasures within the spatial ring. He noticed a significant portion of the treasures were unrecognizable to him at present. He understood in his heart that these unidentifiable items were probably even more valuable and precious.
After informing Hun Lao about the spatial ring's contents, Hun Lao could not hold back from saying, "Judging by the description, I get the feeling that senior might have given you half of his entire fortune. He probably saved the other half for his daughter."
"Since I've received such great benefits from that senior, I must do everything in my power to deliver that message to his daughter if and when an opportunity arises," Ye Yunfei vowed to himself, his heart full of gratitude towards the departed white-haired elder.
Ye Yunfei immediately ordered one of his Soul Bodies and over a dozen Soul Power stars to begin comprehending the alchemy knowledge recorded within the jade slip. Simultaneously, he assigned a separate avatars to enter the Illusory Shadow Pagoda to study and practice alchemy in tandem.
The old man had been an alchemist from another void beyond this one, meaning the alchemy theories and techniques he understood and practiced differed from what Ye Yunfei was accustomed to. As such, they brought Ye Yunfei a fresh, new perspective.
The white-haired elder had bequeathed Ye Yunfei large quantities of alchemy materials, including an enormous variety of different herbs—naturally, most of these were divine herbs.
Ye Yunfei had also harvested a lot of herbs earlier in the herb garden, making the quantity of various herbs in his possession extensive, and the variety exceedingly complete.
"Well then, let's go check out other places now. The True Phoenix Tomb is vast. Resources and opportunities are scattered all over," Cui Hong said to Ye Yunfei and Xiao Xiao.
He then led Ye Yunfei and Xiao Xiao towards other areas.
Soon after, Ye Yunfei came across Star Mother Sand once more. Of course, he wouldn't let this treasure slip by and went to collect it immediately.
Roar! Roar!
Five or six Star Beasts materialized instantly, charging to attack Ye Yunfei.
Cui Hong and Xiao Xiao dealt with these newly-appeared Star Beasts, leaving Ye Yunfei free to gather the Star Mother Sand.
The sand was astonishingly heavy and could be used to forge magical treasures as well as for body tempering. It was incredibly useful for Ye Yunfei.
Over the following period, the trio of Cui Hong, Ye Yunfei, and Xiao Xiao continued exploring and treasure-hunting within the True Phoenix Tomb, steadily amassing more treasures.
On top of a shattered star fragment, Xiao Xiao spotted a pink-colored flower. Its shape was odd and exuded a strange, captivating fragrance.
At one glance, Ye Yunfei knew this flower was definitely not ordinary; it was likely some exceedingly rare heaven-and-earth treasure.
"That... that's actually the legendary Taiyi Divine Flower!"
Xiao Xiao was overjoyed and leapt towards it immediately.
"Be careful!"
Both Cui Hong and Ye Yunfei's expressions changed drastically as they sensed an aura of danger.
Buzzzzzz...
A swarm of oddly-shaped, bulky toxic bees abruptly appeared.
There were at least a few hundred of them. Their bodies were vividly colored, and from their rear stretched a long poisonous stinger emanating foul, pungent odors. Black mist poured out of them, spreading incessantly.
The toxic bees swarmed forward, surrounding and lunging for Xiao Xiao.
"Watch out! These bees are highly venomous. I have some specialized detox pills with me. Take a few first!"
Ye Yunfei waved his hand, sending a jade vial which landed in Xiao Xiao's grasp. The vial was packed with antidote pills.
Xiao Xiao, feeling a bit dizzy and lightheaded from the foul stench the bees gave off, did not dare delay. She hurriedly opened the vial and swallowed a few pills. Then she launched an attack. Abundant flowers materialized around her body, spinning at high speed, cutting towards the incoming bees.
Ye Yunfei and Cui Hong acted simultaneously. Ye Yunfei employed the Nine Sun Ancient Classic. Four massive golden globes of light soared skyward, radiating overwhelming golden brilliance that forged a terrifying energy domain.
At the same time, Ye Yunfei utilized the Emperor's Heart Scripture to form an Emperor Domain.
The combined effects of the Emperor's Heart Scripture and the Nine Sun Ancient Classic slowed the movement of those few hundred bees slightly, albeit temporarily.
"Young Master Ye, the cultivation techniques you practice are incredibly potent," Cui Hong could not help but remark.
Under the assault from Cui Hong and Ye Yunfei, the toxic bees posed no immediate threat to Xiao Xiao.
Xiao Xiao sat cross-legged in front of the Taiyi Divine Flower and began employing a secret art of her Blossom Divine Palace, attempting to refine and claim the flower.
"Please hold the fort for me. I need some time to refine and claim this Taiyi Divine Flower," Xiao Xiao said.
"Don't worry, we'll guard you," Ye Yunfei assured her.
As he spoke, Ye Yunfei unleashed a barrage of attacks and martial techniques, relentlessly beating back the few hundred bees.
Cui Hong, being more powerful, dealt with the bees with seemingly effortless gestures, swatting bee after bee, sending them tumbling away.
However, to Cui Hong and Ye Yunfei's surprise, these bees' bodies were incredibly sturdy. After being struck, they only flew back without sustaining significant damage, and would soon return to resume their attacks.
Moreover, Ye Yunfei discovered that the number of these bees was increasing. Most likely, bees from distant areas had received news and were rushing over to assist their kin.
It turned out that this Taiyi Divine Flower was actually a treasure these bees used for cultivation. Naturally, they wouldn't stand aside and watch Xiao Xiao try to take it.
As time passed, more and more bees arrived, blanketing the area like a sea of insects, launching frenzied assaults on Cui Hong and Ye Yunfei.
Fortunately, both Cui Hong and Ye Yunfei were formidable. Standing guard around Xiao Xiao, they repelled the bees time after time.
Finally, Xiao Xiao abruptly rose to her feet, an excited expression on her face. "Excellent! I've finally managed to refine and subdue this Taiyi Divine Flower."
As she spoke, she beckoned with her hand.
*Hum!*
The Taiyi Divine Flower rapidly shrunk in size, lifted into the air, and landed neatly in the palm of Xiao Xiao's hand.
Seeing this, all the remaining bees grew frantic and increasingly savage. Each one desperately charged toward Xiao Xiao.
"You creatures! Haven't you had enough!"
Xiao Xiao, now agitated, clenched her fist, absorbing the Taiyi Divine Flower into her body. She shouted angrily at the bees.
*Boom!*
An enormous flower materialized above her head.
Ye Yunfei observed that this colossal flower's interior somehow encapsulated the Taiyi Divine Flower Xiao Xiao had just obtained. Having refined it, the energy aura Xiao Xiao emanated had noticeably elevated by a considerable margin.
"It seems the Taiyi Divine Flower has greatly benefited Xiao Xiao," Ye Yunfei thought silently.
He saw the enormous flower above Xiao Xiao's head begin rotating swiftly. Its petals slashed with frightening speed, slicing the bees that flew towards it into halves with a series of sharp *cracks*.
"Let's go," Xiao Xiao said to Cui Hong and Ye Yunfei.
Having just obtained the Taiyi Divine Flower, she was in excellent spirits and didn't want to engage these bees any further.
Thus, the three fought their way through the dense swarm and left that shattered star fragment.
"How wonderful! I never thought I would actually obtain the legendary Taiyi Divine Flower. I'm so glad I insisted back then, begging my master to let me come and venture through the True Phoenix Tomb," Xiao Xiao exclaimed, overflowing with joy.
"The True Phoenix Tomb has always been one of the famed forbidden lands within the ancient Chaos Void Sea; a place many have always wanted to adventure through," Cui Hong said with a chuckle.
"Let's continue."
Cui Hong led Ye Yunfei and Xiao Xiao off towards other areas.
In the following period, Ye Yunfei once again harvested more Star Mother Sand sporadically. Cui Hong and Xiao Xiao yielded it all to him.
For Cui Hong, his current condition was merely an energy body of a corpse. This Star Mother Sand held no benefits for his 'flesh and blood.'
As the inheritor of the Blossom Divine Palace, Xiao Xiao cultivated her physique through a unique, special training method. She had no use for treasures like Star Mother Sand, which carried a predominantly yang-attribute essence for body tempering.
Ye Yunfei was different. This sand significantly benefited his physical cultivation. Of course, Star Mother Sand could also be used for forging magical treasures, but doing so would require the efforts of a Deity-level artifact smith—practically nonexistent within these voids.
Aside from Star Mother Sand, Cui Hong, Ye Yunfei, and Xiao Xiao each collected various other treasures as they went along.
**"Does the legendary, heaven-defying treasure, the Divine King Fruit, truly exist?"
"Indeed. I just received word of it, and I think this information is reliable because it came from Elder Lü. Elder Lü demands that we depart immediately for that location. The word has already spread, and hordes of experts have begun flocking there."**
Just as Cui Hong, Ye Yunfei, and Xiao Xiao emerged from another shattered world, they abruptly heard a few voices discussing animatedly in the distance.
Some seven or eight Deities were passing by not far off. With their powerful senses, the trio clearly caught every word spoken despite the considerable distance.
"Divine King Fruit? Senior Cui, do you know what this treasure is?"
Noticing the visible excitement flickering on Cui Hong's face, Ye Yunfei immediately asked.
"The Divine King Fruit is an incredibly precious treasure. Legend holds that after a God King perishes, their divine spark will occasionally remain. Over immeasurably long eons, that divine spark might transform into a Divine King Tree. The fruit borne from that tree is called a Divine King Fruit.
Ordinary Deities, if they can obtain a Divine King Fruit and consume or refine it, can instantly break through a cultivation level. Furthermore, this instant breakthrough does not destabilize their foundation. Quite the opposite—it strengthens their foundation while also greatly boosting their future chances of breaking through to become God Kings. Hence, for most Deities, the Divine King Fruit represents a treasure of immense value."
Cui Hong explained.
"A treasure that miraculous?! It allows Deities to instantly ascend realms and solidify their foundation even more firmly!"
After listening to Cui Hong, Xiao Xiao's eyes sparkled brightly.
"Let's go check it out ourselves. This kind of treasure is exceedingly precious. If possible, we should try competing for it," Cui Hong suggested decisively.