Chapter 935: Secret Treasure Appears
Translator: Lordbluefire
With this monkey to guide the way, Sun Mo’s group no longer had to waste effort in traveling unnecessary paths. After going on for two hours, they appeared on a piece of green land.
There were no longer big, thick, and strong unknown trees growing here. Instead, there was green grass that was over one foot tall, and the area was the size of two soccer fields.
When the summer wind blew, it gave off the picturesque feeling of green plains with sheep and cows.
In the center of the plains, there was a big towering tree. No one knew how many thousand years it had been growing for. The coarse tree bark seemed to be inscribed with the grief of passing time.
A thick and strong purple vine wound around this ancient tree like a python and sent down over 1,000 green vines dangling down like a willow tree’s branches.
From afar, it looked like a huge green jellyfish..
Squeak squeak!
The monkey pointed to the big tree and let out two cries.
“Little White says that it’s here.”
Lu Zhiruo looked over. “Why don’t I feel any sense of danger? How did it create the maze?”
“This is a natural ability!”
Sun Mo introduced. In the words of the Nine Provinces’ people, this vine was born with the aptitude to influence one’s sensory ability.
It was like how Xianyu Wei was born with great strength. This was also a type of inborn aptitude.
If one had to explain this in modern science, this vine was emitting a kind of magnetic field that would interfere with human’s brainwaves.
Sun Mo activated Divine Sight and observed it while introducing it to everyone, “That big tree is Larix potaninii, a species of conifer. It is over 10,000 years old and can be said to be very old.”
“Other than that, there’s nothing special about it. However, it has lived for very long after all and its tree trunk has a faint fragrance. If it’s made into furniture, it has the effect of refreshing the brain.”
“Sun Mo, where did you learn about all this information?”
Mei Ziyu felt curious.
Even though her mother, Mei Yazhi, was one of the future leaders in alchemy, Mei Ziyu had no interest in alchemy at all.
She liked to raise plants, so she had read all the books in the Jixia Learning Palace about plants. Therefore, she could be sure that there were definitely no records of such plants in them.
The Jixia Learning Palace’s book collection was very great, being at the top of the Nine Greats. Other than the unique copies that some famous schools had, all other books could basically be found there.
“I read about them in some ancient books.”
Sun Mo smiled. “If you wish to read them, I’ll recompile the information of those unrecorded plants into a book.”
“I’ll thank you then.”
Mei Ziyu didn’t stand on ceremony.
Li Ruolan hadn’t thought much about it, but after Mei Ziyu asked this, she suddenly realized that Sun Mo was very knowledgeable. His knowledge base was so big that it was a little frightening.
Even Murong Mingyue, who hadn’t had any interest all this while, turned to look at him for a little.
“That vine is something good. Did you guys notice that there are no invasions from snakes, bugs, mice, and ants? This is its effect.”
Sun Mo continued to explain, “Its leaves and stolons can be used to infuse in water to make a drink. The former helps one to focus and stay calm, helping one to sleep better. The latter helps to clear fats and slim down, helping a fat person to slim down very quickly.”
“Slim down?”
Li Ruolan’s eyes lit up. Women would always think of having a good figure.
“En, but the drink made from infusing the stolons tastes extremely bad.”
Sun Mo walked forward.
Everyone immediately followed after him. Xuanyuan Po kept his guards up on the surroundings, hoping that a protector beast or something would appear and he’d be able to have a fight with it.
“If it’s just this effect, it shouldn’t be considered very valuable, right?”
Ying Baiwu felt that it couldn’t be sold for much money.
Sun Mo wanted to continue to explain, but he saw the monkey that was riding on Lu Zhiruo’s neck suddenly perked its ears and looked around.
In that instant, Sun Mo’s brows furrowed.
It was because there was a powerful magnetic field in the vicinity. Therefore, the ferocious beasts and bug swarms wouldn’t come here. But why did the monkey have its guard up?
There was only one answer for this. They had been followed.
(F*ck your mom. Is it Zou Qi’s group from the Bozi Academy or some other famous school group?)
All sorts of thoughts appeared in Sun Mo’s mind, but he appeared calm and composed. Then he revealed an excited expression.
“We’ve struck it rich. This vine is good stuff!”
Sun Mo purposely spoke very loudly after he got close to the tree, using the wooden blade to move the vines.
This was it. If his expression was too calm, wouldn’t it mean that this discovery wasn’t good or astonishing enough?
“How do we bring it back?”
Ying Baiwu threw a glance toward the tree crown, looking a little troubled.
As the vine runners went everywhere, they were already deeply bound together with the primitive Larix Potaninii.
“Bring back a part with the thickest root system. We’ll be able to transplant it and then get some of its leaves.”
As Sun Mo said this, he punched toward the ground.
Boom!
Strong impact waves sent the soil splattering, revealing a big hole. Some of the roots that had soil attached to them appeared within everyone’s vision.
Sun Mo glanced around and didn’t see the thing he was expecting. He punched out again.
Boom!
Not far away, some birds were alarmed and flew away. The surrounding grass also fell over from the impact.
“Teacher, what do you want to do?” Helian Beifang stood out. “You can just give the instructions and leave it to me.”
“Break open the ground and find the thickest stolon to bring back.”
Before Sun Mo finished his words, an explosive bellow rang out from nowhere.
“Stop!”
A group of people rapidly darted out from the forest, heading straight over.
“It’s Zou Qi.”
Xianyu Wei instantly became nervous. “Why have they come here?”
To this girl who had already slimmed down, the appearance of a 5-stars great teacher meant that the spoils that they had found were going to be snatched away.
First come first served?
Sorry!
Exploration of the Darkness Continent was a competition of strength. The stronger person was the one who had the say.
“Teacher Zou, you followed us?”
Mei Ziyu’s countenance turned into rage. She felt that this guy was really shameless.
They had relied on that monkey to find this place. Without it, they’d have to walk around unnecessarily.
Zou Qi might be able to think of a solution, but he’d definitely not be able to do it as fast as Sun Mo.
Moreover, Sun Mo’s solution required the support of a powerful spiritual control technique, and these few great teachers didn’t emit the mysterious and cold aura that spirit controllers usually had.
“It’s a matter between great teachers. How can it be called following?”
Cui Xiangxin pouted. “This is called intelligence, do you understand? Intelligence!”
“You can only blame yourself for being too foolish!”
“We’re the mantis at the back[1].”
“What kind of rubbish analogy is that? It’s the oriole that’s behind, please.”
“But there aren’t any orioles. The vine is a precious secret treasure. These Central Province Academy’s teachers and students are the cicadas, hankering after the secret treasure. Won’t we be the mantis then?”
“Can you shut your mouth?”
The group of teachers and students appeared to be quibbling, but they also casually emitted their strength, composure, and confidence.
“Teacher Sun, thank you.”
Zou Qi didn’t deny it.
Firstly, there was nothing unglamorous about this. Even if Sun Mo were to spread this out, everyone would just say that he was too foolish while praising Zou Qi for being meticulous.
This was an exploration. Everyone depended on their own capabilities.
Secondly, Sun Mo was no fool. Even if Zou Qi were to deny it, Sun Mo wouldn’t believe him. It’d just give him a vile and sneaky reputation, which made others despise him.
“What do you mean by that?”
Xuanyuan Po flicked his silver spear and pointed it toward Zou Qi furiously.
Li Ziqi looked displeased and tried to rack her brain to think of a solution to get out of this situation.
“Teacher Sun, you guys are the ones who found this vine after all. I’ll allow you to bring back a part of the runners and leaves. Of course, they mustn’t be taken into consideration of the results.”
As Zou Qi spoke, he looked toward the monkey that was riding on Lu Zhiruo’s neck. His gaze revealed a hint of jealousy.
He was a bug master.
A great teacher who specialized in the control of bugs.
When Sun Mo had appeared in the morning, Zou Qi hadn’t thought too highly of him. However, after Cui Xiangxin spoke a few words of advice, saying that Sun Mo might really be able to find the way out, he had a change of mind.
After all, one’s reputation was like a tree’s shadow. Sun Mo’s brilliant result of being the three-time champion would make even Zou Qi drool with envy.
Therefore, they resorted to schemes.
But they didn’t expect to hit the jackpot and find this place.
Moreover, he had also heard all of Sun Mo’s introduction of this monkey, the rock spear in its hand, as well as of the big tree and vines through the bugs’ ears.
The monkey was good stuff. However, Zou Qi still wanted to uphold his morals. Moreover, he was also wary of Sun Mo’s limitless prospects. If he were to snatch it forcibly, they’d definitely become arch-enemies.
Zou Qi didn’t want to bring things to that stage.
“Ha? It’s something we found, but you’re only allowing us to bring back a portion?
Xuanyuan Po sneered. “Is there something wrong with your head?”
“When he said this, it gave people the urge to beat him up.”
Xianyu Wei was very angry.
“But he is a 5-stars, so he has this right.”
Qin Yaoguang shrugged. “I don’t think that we’ll be able to win against him even with all of us added together.”
“Teacher Sun, you better quit while you’re still ahead!”
Zou Qi persuaded Sun Mo.
In his heart, he admired Sun Mo for his great knowledge. He didn’t know about all these things, but Sun Mo was able to introduce them with great ease.
He was really amazing.
Ding!
Favorable impression points from Zou Qi+300. Friendly (900/1,000).
Sun Mo turned and looked at his students. He then smiled. “I admit my loss since Teacher Zou is more skilled. However, I’m unconvinced to leave just like that. I have a proposal. Why don’t we have three rounds of duels? Two victories out of three rounds to decide who this vine will eventually belong to.”
The moment Sun Mo said this, everyone looked toward Zou Qi.
“Teacher Zou, there’s no need for that,” Cui Xiangxin persuaded.
“Teacher Cui, what are you afraid of? Regardless if it is students or teachers, I feel that we won’t lose.”
A young male great teacher spoke up, instantly bringing about a series of cheers.
Those who could be selected to represent a school in the league tournament were all elites of their school. They were all confident and proud.
Zou Qi fell silent.
“Why? Teacher Zou isn’t afraid of ending up in a flop, are you?”
Sun Mo chuckled.
“Alright, we’ll decide with two victories out of three rounds.”
In order to uphold his reputation, Zou Qi decided to agree to this request. After all, no one would be able to complain if they could gain the species of darkness fair and square.
“I’ll go first!”
Xuanyuan Po pulled back Ying Baiwu who wanted to fight. Then, with a somersault, he landed in the center of the field, his gaze sweeping out. “Xuanyuan Po, Spirit-Refinement realm.”
“How many acupoints have you opened?”
Cui Xiangxin asked.
One was required to open 108 acupoints to be able to advance to the Blood-Ignition realm from the Spirit-Refinement realm.
“It doesn’t matter how many acupoints I’ve opened. Even someone from the Blood-Ignition realm can step forth!”
Xuanyuan Po said firmly, his gaze looking unbridled.
“What arrogance. I’ll beat you.”
Chu Long came forward.
Zou Qi’s group didn’t stop him. It was because Chu Long was ranked at the top amongst all the third-year students of his school. He was quite an amazing rising star and had been taken in by the headmaster as his personal disciple.
After the two young men bowed and greeted each other, they immediately clashed.
Saber against longspear.
Ding! Ding! Ding!
Amongst the densely-packed colliding sounds, sparks splattered.
“Junior Martial Brother Chu, all the best!”
Chu Long’s senior martial sisters cheered him on.
Zou Qi’s brows instantly furrowed.
Although the battle situation looked on par, Chu Long’s expression didn’t seem right. It was too solemn. This showed that the other party was far stronger than he had expected.
On the other hand, Xuanyuan Po looked very excited.
“Your blade technique is a little interesting, but it still isn’t enough!”
Xuanyuan Po attacked fiercely, his spear thrusting out like a dragon. It was as if there were many big snakes biting out suddenly. “Perform your ultimate moves!”
After 30 breaths and 15 moves, Chu Long finally couldn’t hold on anymore. He took a step back with his right foot and then, as his disposition waned, he kept on backing off in defeat.
Bang bang bang!
Xuanyuan Po’s longspear was like a great seething river, wanting to drown Chu Long. While fighting, he shouted, “Perform your ultimate moves! Your ordinary attacks won’t be able to kill me!”
(I also want to perform my ultimate moves, but you have to give me the chance to do that!)
Chu Long clenched his teeth, feeling that all of his internal organs were compressed. This feeling was caused by the counteracting forces. However, he persisted on, waiting to look for a chance.
One step!
Two steps!
Three steps…
After Chu Long backed off for 15 steps, Xuanyuan Po’s lips widened.
“Trash!”
As Xuanyuan Po said this, he performed his ultimate technique.
Great Flame Azure Dragon!
Boom!
The longspear started burning like an orange-red fire dragon that smashed onto Chu Long’s body. It then encompassed him as if wanting to engulf him.
Bang!
Chu Long flew out. After he landed, his life or death was unknown and his entire body was charred. He was in a forlorn state.
“Junior Martial Brother Chu!”
His few senior martial sisters immediately rushed toward him. A female great teacher also came over quickly to treat him.
“…”
The gazes of the other teachers and students from Bozi Academy turned solemn as they stared at Xuanyuan Po.
They could understand that Chu Long had been defeated, but it was a little unbelievable that he had lost so quickly. This meant that his opponent was overwhelmingly strong.
“Xuanyuan, the reason I had you guys fight isn’t to win that vine. Instead, it’s to create chances for you guys to have actual combat and accumulate experience.”
Sun Mo preached, “So, why did you end the battle so quickly?”
“But he’s too weak.”
Xuanyuan Po felt that he wasn’t in the wrong.
“All geniuses have their strengths that you can learn from. Xuanyuan, you’re always so arrogant and criticize others. Don’t always judge a person based on their combat prowess.”
Sun Mo advised.
Xuanyuan Po lowered his head. “Teacher, I know my mistake now. For the next round, I’ll fight for three minutes.”
“This is atrocious!”
Bozi Academy’s students were all enraged. (What do you think we are?)
Several students immediately stood up, wanting to fight it out with Xuanyuan Po.
“You can step down.”
Sun Mo stopped Xuanyuan Po. His gaze then turned to Jiang Leng and Helian Beifang.
Swoosh!
Helian Beifang took a step forward, blocking in front of Jiang Leng, his intent of requesting a battle was very clear.
“Let me do it!” Jiang Leng drew a dagger that was over one foot long from its sheath. “Junior Martial Brother Helian can hold the line.”
The second round determined the win or loss. It was extremely important. Therefore, Jiang Leng wanted to do it himself.
“Alright!”
Helian Beifang didn’t insist on going first. Even if Jiang Leng won, he’d still fight the third round.
(They dare to scheme against Teacher? They deserve to die!)
Helian Beifang had decided that he was going to pick Zou Qi’s personal disciple as his opponent and then cripple him.
[1] A word-play from the saying, the mantis stalks the cicada, unaware of the oriole behind. The saying’s means that one covets the gains ahead without being aware of the danger behind.