123: The missing Huangzhongli plum, the naturally formed banyan tree

Hearing this, Feng Lei opened his mouth, truly at a loss for how to retort for a moment.

It was just as Li Yun said; although his original fruit was of immense value and a dream for countless Cultivators...

After all, consuming it allowed one to obtain three Laws, all at the Entry-Level, which could then be further comprehended and Cultivated. Its value was beyond doubt.

While its value was indeed massive for ordinary people, it was completely insufficient to catch the eye of the Three Purities, let alone tempt them.

To put it bluntly, in the eyes of powerful Cultivators, it simply couldn't be compared to the original fruit of the Five-Needle Pine.

At this thought, Feng Lei's pride instantly vanished, but he still said somewhat indignantly, "It's still a Law, after all!"

"I admit these three Laws aren't as good as top-tier Laws, and their combat value isn't that high, but the combined power of wind and thunder isn't much inferior to top-tier Laws."

"Most importantly, these three Laws can be stacked and applied to one's Escape Technique. As long as one masters a top-tier Escape Technique and overlays these three Laws onto it, then speed becomes power. So what if an opponent is stronger than me? If they can't catch me or even keep up, then I am invincible!"

Hearing this, Li Yun and Laozi both smiled.

Although it was sophistry, it couldn't be denied that Feng Lei's words held some truth and practical application.

Speed is power.

This held true at the Grand Unity Golden Immortal level, and even at the Quasi-Saint level.

However, once one surpassed the Quasi-Saint stage, speed would become meaningless, especially against those who mastered the Law of Space.

Yet, the two didn't argue. After exchanging a look, Laozi spoke quietly, "Since this item isn't of much value, I have no need for it."

"You can take it as payment or a bargaining chip to trade with the Wu Clan. Although you already have a method to prove the Dao and become a Quasi-Saint, I believe you wouldn't mind having another. If it can complement your existing Method of Proving the Dao, its value would be immense."

"What do you mean?"

Feng Lei opened his mouth and looked at Laozi with confusion.

Seeing this, Li Yun quickly stepped forward to explain, "Fellow Daoist, it's like this..."

After all, according to Laozi, if Feng Lei used the original fruit as a bargaining chip, he could indeed exchange it for a Method of Proving the Dao, and the fruit would eventually belong to Li Yun.

The value of three High Grade Laws wasn't massive, but if they were combined and integrated into his Golden Light Escape, or added to the Golden Crow Rainbow Transformation Art after the Three-Legged Golden Crow Transformation, they could indeed push his speed to the limit. It would be an excellent ability for escaping and survival.

"I see!"

After listening to Li Yun's introduction of the Wu Clan and Di Yi, Feng Lei suddenly understood.

Immediately after, he felt moved.

Just as Laozi said, he didn't mind having another Method of Proving the Dao, especially if it could complement the one he was already Cultivating.

"Thank you for the reminder, Fellow Daoist!"

Cupping his hands in a salute, Feng Lei completely gave up the idea of reclaiming his Main Body.

Since things had come to this, he had a new destiny and choice. He needed to commit to this path; only by being firm in his choice could he reach greater heights.

At this thought, Feng Lei no longer hesitated and said, "Then I'll start building my residence first. Fellow Daoist Laozi, take me with you when you go to the Wu Clan!"

Saying so, Feng Lei returned to the area where his Main Body had previously been.

After mobilizing his power, another immortal apricot tree quickly grew, though its aura was much weaker than before, only reaching the level of a Medium Grade innate spiritual root.

Seeing this, Li Yun and Laozi did not linger.

After exchanging a glance, the two left the cliffside.

Flying all the way under Laozi's lead, the two soon arrived at a peculiar canyon.

As far as the eye could see, the canyon wasn't large but was extremely deep, as if a crack had been sliced into Kunlun Mountain.

As they entered, the interior of the canyon was pitch black, without a single speck of light.

However, with their Purple Gold Divine Pupils and Divine Sense, visibility was not an issue for Li Yun and Laozi.

After flying for a while longer, Li Yun frowned and asked, "Fellow Daoist Laozi, are you sure the yellow middle plum is here?"

"Under the inspection of my Purple Gold Divine Pupils, there is no aura of any living being!"

Hearing this, Laozi also frowned.

His Divine Sense also failed to detect the yellow middle plum, but he remembered clearly that he had seen traces of it in this area before.

Its absence now meant only one thing.

The yellow middle plum had relocated; it had moved its residence.

At this thought, both Laozi and Li Yun's expressions turned sour.

After all, the yellow middle plum was the final innate spiritual root promised by the Three Purities and Li Yun's last objective on Kunlun Mountain.

Just as everything was about to be completed, the yellow middle plum had suddenly vanished. How could they not be puzzled and suspicious?

"Come, let's go out and look!"

Almost instantly, Laozi spoke up, "I remember there's another innate spiritual root nearby. Since we can't find the yellow middle plum, we'll ask the fellow living there about the situation."

"Alright!"

Nodding, Li Yun did not refuse.

Following that, he flew out of the canyon with Laozi.

After flying for a while longer, the two arrived at a forest.

Led by Laozi, they soon reached a massive banyan tree. After observing it for a few moments, Li Yun said in surprise, "A High Grade innate spiritual root!"

"But why does its aura feel not much inferior to the Five-Needle Pine or the Wind and Thunder Immortal Apricot?"

Hearing this, Laozi gave a bitter smile and said, "Fellow Daoist, you might be mistaken. This fellow's potential is indeed inferior to the Five-Needle Pine and the Wind and Thunder Immortal Apricot, but that doesn't mean he is weak."

"A High Grade innate spiritual root, in terms of a Cultivator's foundation, is equivalent to a high-tier Innate Deity. Reaching the Quasi-Saint level is not impossible, let alone just the Grand Unity Golden Immortal level."

"Furthermore, their lesser foundation actually allows them to Cultivate faster. That's why my Three Brothers and I have minded our own business and avoided conflict with them for all these years!"

Hearing this, Li Yun gave an embarrassed smile.

He had indeed been making assumptions and hadn't thought it through.

Thinking of this, Li Yun fixed his gaze on the banyan tree and asked, "In that case, does Fellow Daoist Laozi still intend to subdue it?"

"Why not!"

With a smirk, Laozi stopped wasting words. He stepped forward to the front of the Innate Banyan Tree and spoke slowly, "I am Taishang Laozi, the Lord of Kunlun Mountain. You have lived here and enjoyed the protection of the Three Purities and Pangu for many years. Now, I give you two choices!"

"First, submit to the Three Purities. From now on, you will be a Cultivator of our lineage. I will allow you to continue residing on Kunlun Mountain, but in the future, if Kunlun Mountain is in danger, you must lend your assistance!"

"Second, Shapeshift and leave this place right now. However, your Main Body has enjoyed Pangu's protection for so many years; the Karma incurred is more than you can bear. You must leave your Main Body behind for the Three Purities to repay this Karma, or else today shall be the day you die!"