Dragon Prince Yuan c1-1251

by Translator: Yeow

  Wei Canglan responded, “It is said that at their peak, the Battle Puppet Sect possessed a hundred thousand strong battle puppet army. An army that was practically invincible and unstoppable.”

  Zhou Yuan clicked his tongue. A hundred thousand strong battle puppet army. If they were all at the Qi Nourishing stage, it was likely that no empire would be able to match them. Yet, why had these ancient factions of Blackwater ultimately disappeared?

  Wei Canglan waved his hand and twenty figures shot forward, heading straight for the dozen battle beast puppets that were blocking their way.

  Thump thud!

  Genesis Qi erupted the moment both parties clashed. Wei Canglan had sent out Qi Nourishing stage practitioners, but the dozen battle beast puppets knew neither fear nor death, hence, the fighting was exceptionally intense.

  The battle lasted for several minutes, before it gradually came to a close.

  The dozen battle beast puppets had been dismembered, but five of the twenty Qi Nourishing stage guards had also been injured. It was clear that these tireless and fearless battle beast puppets were rather troublesome opponents.

  Yaoyao walked over with some interest while carrying Tuntun and began inspecting the dismembered battle beast puppets. Her fair slender finger gently traced the now dim runes as she mumbled to herself, “Powered by Genesis Runes…”

  After some examination, she stood up and walked back to the group.

  Zhou Yuan then nodded to Wei Canglan and they began to advance once again.

  In the following period of time, they encountered wave after wave of battle beast puppets. Fortunately, Zhou Yuan’s group was a strong well trained force, and they were able to cleanly sweep away all resistance they encountered.

  As such, they arrived at a lake half an hour later.

  Other human figures were already present by the lakeside, likely other treasure seekers that had rushed here. The fact that they had been able to arrive here was testament to their strength.

  These people also sensed the arrival of Zhou Yuan’s group and their eyes immediately filled with wariness.

  Wei Canglan took one quick look at the surroundings and pointed towards the middle of the lake. “The Jade Infant Fruit is at the center of the lake.”

  Zhou Yuan lifted his head to look, and saw fog drifting over the surface of the lake. At the very center of the lake was a small island where a giant jade-green tree stood at the middle.

  Zhou Yuan’s gaze locked onto the tree from which two crystal-like fruits hung. The fruits were shaped like a rather adorable newborn baby and gave off a sweet and enticing fragrance.

  His heartbeat quickened as he observed the fruit that was seemingly made from crystal.

  “Jade Infant Fruit, I’ve finally found you!”

  Not long after Zhou Yuan’s group arrived at the lake, some noise was heard from another direction and everyone watched as another group emerged from the mists.

  “Qi Hao.”

  A frosty look flitted across Zhou Yuan’s eyes when he saw the familiar figure leading the group.

  Qi Hao and the Black Venom King arrived at the lakeside and shot a look in Zhou Yuan’s direction. The corners the former’s mouth immediately lifted as he pointed at the center of the lake and displayed a playful smile at Zhou Yuan.

  “Zhou Yuan, if you want the Jade Infant Fruit, you’ll have to first ask me if I agree or not.”

  Chapter 78 Method to Reach the Island

  Although Zhou Yuan remained expressionless after hearing Qi Hao’s words, intense killing intent emerged within the former’s eyes. The Jade Spirit Fruit was connected to the matter of his mother’s lifespan. He would not let anyone snatch it away no matter what methods he had to use.

  It was at this moment that Wei Canglan suddenly remarked, “Your highness, there is something strange about this lake.”

  Zhou Yuan withdrew his gaze. He had similarly sensed that something was amiss. So many people had arrived here before them, but all of them only waited at the lakeside, not daring to enter the lake and seize the Jade Infant Fruit. It was obvious that they were afraid of something.

  Yaoyao cast a glance at the air above the lake and said, “There is a damaged Genesis Rune boundary above the lake.”

  Wei Canglan nodded in agreement. The damaged Genesis Rune boundary made even someone like himself feel threatened, and he did not dare to carelessly enter. This place was evidently rather important to the Battle Puppet Sect.

  “Can we cross by walking across the water?” Asked Zhou Yuan.

  Yaoyao shook her head. “There is something strange about the water. It seems that the stronger one’s Genesis Qi, the more easily one will sink…”

  Wei Canglan was a little taken aback. He quickly waved his hand, indicating for some of his men to confirm. Sure enough, they discovered that those with stronger Genesis Qi would sink more easily, as if the lakewater was unable to support them.

  “It will be difficult for even a Qi Nourishing stage expert to walk across the water.” Wei Canglan frowned. If so, won’t an Alpha-Origin stage expert like himself sink straight to the bottom?

  He could feel danger from the bottom of the lake. It was highly likely that portions of the damaged Genesis Rune boundary had fallen into the lake, making it extremely dangerous.

  Yaoyao’s mouth opened slightly as she said, “It seems that this place does not welcome Genesis Qi users… likely a precautionary method of sorts. With such a precaution in place, they would only need a few disciples to protect the Jade Infant Tree.”

  Su Youwei curiously asked, “How would one cross the water without Genesis Qi?”

  Zhou Yuan’s eyes flickered in thought for a moment, before turning to meet Yaoyao’s gaze as he slowly said, “Spirit.”

  Spirit power was completely different from Genesis Qi. Moreover, Zhou Yuan had discovered that the Spirit that had originally been suppressed in the fog had turned lively again after reaching the lake.

  “Let me try.” Zhou Yuan walked forward and placed a foot onto the water, the Spirit between his brows flickering as Spirit power surged out and covered his legs. The body that had originally sunk slightly into the water immediately stabilized.

  “As expected, the power of the Spirit can be used here.” A look of glee flitted across Zhou Yuan’s eyes.

  “So you have to rely on the Spirit…”

  Nearby, Qi Hao raised an eyebrow as he watched. Soon after, he waved his hand and a man immediately walked forward from behind.

  This man’s complexion was rather pale, and his lips were as thin as the edge of a blade. The Genesis Qi undulations around him were quite weak, but light flickered indeterminately between his brows.

  He was clearly a Spirit practitioner.

  “Zhao Qingfeng, your teacher master Ying was framed by this brat, causing him to fall into the hands of the great general’s faction. This is the best opportunity for you to take revenge.” Qi Hao smiled at the man.

  Iciness flashed in the pale man’s eyes when he heard this. He looked towards Zhou Yuan and said, “How can a kid like him possibly be my master’s match?”

  “He is after all the prince of Great Zhou and naturally has his ways.” Qi Hao smiled faintly as he continued, “As long as you are able to seize the Jade Infant Fruit, not only will I guarantee your master’s safety, you will become a valued guest of Qi Manor in future and we will provide you all of the cultivation resources you need.”

  Desire flashed in the eyes of the man called Zhao Qingfeng as he nodded and said with a cold smile, “Don’t worry, if we compete in Spirit, dealing with him will not be difficult.”

  His tone was filled with pride. Though he had only trained under master Ying for three years, his Spirit had already reached the mid Illusory stage, and even his master often praised his talent. Thus, he did not believe that a much younger Zhou Yuan would be able to match him in Spirit.

  After leaving these words behind, Zhao Qingfeng flew forward and landed on the water.

  Spi
rit power shook as his sole touched the water’s surface without sinking.

  A mocking smile formed on his lips as he looked towards Zhou Yuan.

  While the two stood on the water, the other factions also came to the same realization. Hence, after some activity, another dozen figures appeared on the surface of the water, each individual clearly a Spirit practitioner.

  Wei Canglan shot a look in Zhao Qingfeng’s direction and remarked, “That person’s Spirit is not weak.”

  “If only Spirit can be used here, I may be able to help you.” Yaoyao’s bright eyes seem to swirl. Given her Spirit level, no one here would be able to contend with her.

  Zhou Yuan pondered for a moment after hearing this, but he ultimately shook his head. “The situation is complicated and no one knows if there will be other hidden dangers. It is not ideal for you to go.”

  Although Yaoyao’s Spirit was powerful, she was unable to utilise Genesis Qi, resulting in an extremely frail body. If anything unexpected happened, the probability of Yaoyao being seriously injured was high.

  Therefore, while Yaoyao was very powerful, she was also very weak.

  Back then, master Cang Yuan had solemnly entrusted him with Yaoyao’s safety. Hence, he did not dare to let Yaoyao take such a risk.

  Zhou Yuan said, “Observe first, if anything happens to me, at least there will be the great general and you to save me.”

  Yaoyao did not persist after hearing this and her sharp snow-white chin gave a tiny nod.

  Atop the lake, Zhou Yuan calmly cast a glance at the nearby Zhao Qingfeng. Undisguised hostility burned in the latter’s eyes, but it did not matter to Zhou Yuan. No one would be able to stop him from obtaining the Jade Infant Fruit today.

  The lake water under his feet rippled as he took in a deep breath and looked towards the small island at the center of the lake. He then took a step forward, beginning his step by step advance on the lake surface.

  The others also started to very cautiously walk forward.

  Around the lake, no one dared to blink at they watched the figures walking on the water. It was completely silent.

  Several minutes later, Zhou Yuan and the rest gradually approached the area within a hundred feet of the small island. The lake was still calm and no one had encountered any obstructions.

  When the crowd by the lakeside saw this, they could not help but murmur in bewilderment, “So simple?”

  Under those puzzled gazes, Zhou Yuan and the rest stepped into the area within a hundred feet of the island.

  Buzz!

  A buzzing sound seemed to emerge from the small island at this moment, and everyone watched as dazzling jade light was released from the Jade Infant tree at the center of the island.

  Plop!

  The jade light seemed to sway as countless barely discernible specks of light shot out from within. Like a storm, they began to engulf the ones who had stepped into the hundred feet perimeter around the island.

  “It’s a Spirit attack!”

  Zhou Yuan focused on the barely visible specks of light. These light dots contained Spirit power.

  He did not dare to delay a moment longer and the Spirit between his brows began to flicker. If one looked, one would be able to see a blurry silhouette seated in a cross-legged position. An invisible ripple pulsed outwards as Zhou Yuan’s hand pulled out the Heavenly Yuan Brush at his waist.

  The tip of the brush rapidly moved across the air, leaving behind almost visible strokes.

  “Grade 1 Genesis Rune, Spirit Shield!”

  The completed Genesis Rune immediately transformed into partly transparent shield of light. The Genesis Qi ripples from the light shield were extremely weak because the shield was mainly composed of Spirit power.

  Plop plop!

  Jade light rained down from the sky, falling upon the transparent light shield, causing it to ripple violently.

  Ah!

  Blood-curdling screeches began to ring out. Several individuals were unable to guard in time, and were immediately shot full of holes by the jade light, their bodies crumpling before sinking into the water.

  As these individuals fell into the water, berserk undulations exploded within the lake. Bloody water quickly rose and spread across the lake surface.

  The ones that had fallen into the waters had been instantly blasted to pieces.

  This sight caused the hearts of Zhou Yuan, Zhao Qingfeng and the other fortunate survivors to shiver. It seems that the waters below were indeed filled with danger, ensuring certain death if one was to fall into them.

  Looks like reaching the small island at the heart of the lake and retrieving the Jade Infant Fruit not going to be as easy as expected.

  These ruins were abundant with death traps.

  Chapter 79 Fear

  After the a round of jade light bombardment, almost half of the individual's standing on the lake surface had been wiped out. Of course, the ones that were left naturally had some ability. In front of each of them stood a flickering translucent light shield similar to Zhou Yuan’s, that fully protected their bodies.

  With their bodies protected by Spirit shields, the footsteps of Zhou Yuan and the rest did not stop as they continued their cautious advance towards the small island.

  As they approached, the Jade Infant Tree sent out another two waves of jade light bombardments, shattering the shields of several individuals, causing them to fall into the water and transform into pools of blood.

  By this time, Zhou Yuan and several others were only twenty feet from the island, practically moments away from reaching it.

  At the lakeside, everyone held their breath in silence as they watched.

  Zhou Yuan’s eyes were tightly fixed on the small island. The nearer he got, the more tense he became. He had a feeling that the obstruction from the island was not merely limited to its earlier antics…

  Step by step, Zhou Yuan and the rest approached the island and soon reached the distance of only ten feet from its shore.

  Bang!

  It was at this moment that jade light once again exploded from the Jade Infant Tree on the island, sweeping outwards in a circular fashion.

  Zhou Yuan and the rest were immediately engulfed by the light.

  Buzz!

  A buzzing noise immediately rose in the heads of Zhou Yuan and the rest as the scenery before their eyes faded into darkness. A wasteland quickly appeared before them. Only one thing stood on this barren land, a giant jade colored tree.

  Tiny as ants before this giant tree, an indescribable pressure swallowed them, causing them to feel intense fear. Fear that made one’s Spirit tremble so hard that it began to show signs of dissipating.

  By the lakeside, Su Youwei gazed upon the surface of the lake where Zhou Yuan, Zhao Qingfeng and the rest had stopped moving, their bodies now completely still. She immediately sensed that there was something wrong, worry flashing in her eyes as she turned towards Yaoyao and asked, “Big sis Yaoyao, what is going on?”

  Yaoyao frowned a little. “It’s Spirit pressure. They’ve been caught by a certain type of Spirit attack and if they are unable to endure, even their Spirit will be crushed to pieces.”

  The expressions of Wei Canglan, Wei Qingqing, Lu Tieshan and the others changed. If the Spirit was shattered, one would become a vegetable. In other words, the consequences were extremely serious.

  Wei Canglan declared in a low voice, “We must save his highness.”

  Yaoyao shook her head as she softly said, “Don’t worry, he is not so easily defeated.”

  If it was anyone else, Yaoyao would not have spoken with such confidence, but since it was only a Spirit attack, hurting Zhou Yuan who had learnt the Primal Chaos Divine Grindstone Visualisation Method was practically impossible.

  While they were conversing, the remaining figures on the lake began to fall one by one. The eyes of each one becoming hollow as if their minds had been wiped clean.

  Splash.

  Their bodies fell into the water, sinking to the bottom
of the lake where they were ripped to shreds by the damaged Genesis Rune boundary before rising again as pools of blood.

  In the short span of a few breaths, only two figures were left atop the lake.

  Zhou Yuan and Zhao Qingfeng.

  ...

  The colossal jade tree towered before the eyes of two individuals as waves of pressure swept over them.

  “Spirit pressure huh…”

  Zhou Yuan stared at the incomparably gargantuan jade tree. Although his Spirit was trembling due to the overwhelming pressure of the tree, he did not crumble in fear.

  After all, the terror he had experienced before was far greater than anything this jade tree could produce.

  “Let me show you the meaning of true terror.”

  With a thought, formless and primal chaos began to descend from outside the barren land. From within the void emerged a mottled divine grindstone as a seemingly infinite shadow slowly descended.

  A slowly turning divine grindstone evaporated everything into nothingness.

  The giant jade tree was already frozen with shock. Before the mottled divine grindstone, the former was extremely small and tiny.

  The divine grindstone slowly approached and the jade tree together with the barren land were turned into nothingness…

  On the lake, Zhou Yuan’s tightly shut eyes suddenly opened. The life flowing within them made it clear that his Spirit had not been destroyed by the Spirit pressure.

  He turned his head and waved towards the anxious Su Youwei and the rest on the bank, indicating that there was no need for them to worry.

  Wei Canglan, Su Youwei and the rest breathed a sigh of relief when they saw this.

  After freeing himself from the Spirit pressure of the Jade Infant Tree, Zhou Yuan walked forward once again, and soon stepped foot onto the small island. He did not face any obstructions this time.

  When Zhou Yuan stepped onto the small island, Zhao Qingfeng’s body shook and his tightly shut eyes slowly opened, fear flashing within them.

  The giant jade tree had previously immobilized him with fear. Fortunately for him however, he had managed to endure till the bitter end.