The emergence of the Bodhisattva Ancient Tree set the entire Central Plains ablaze with turmoil.
Its appearance shook half the continent; countless powerhouses surged forth, one after another, only to fall midway before even glimpsing the tree's divine radiance. As reports returned from the wilderness, hearts across the Central Plains turned cold — too many famed experts had perished, even Dou Saints were no exception.
Before the eyes of many, the Heaven Demon Phoenix Tribe's Elder Ying Huang was struck down by the Bodhisattva Ancient Tree itself, reduced to nothingness. That single event reminded all of the terrifying might of the divine tree and left the continent trembling in awe, though some secretly took pleasure in watching the tribe's humiliation.
After all, the Heaven Demon Phoenix Tribe had always been overbearing. Even for them, the fall of a Dou Saint was a wound to the bone.
The furious Jiu Feng scoured the lands searching for Xiao Yan, but luck deserted him entirely. Every path he took led to misfortune, and he eventually slunk back to the tribe in fear, vanishing from public sight thereafter.
The two Ancient Clans — the Hun Clan and the Gu Clan — had also suffered grievous losses: one lost a divine-grade bloodline, the other a ninth-grade bloodline, while the Gu Clan's sole divine-grade bloodline, Gu Xun'er, was gravely injured.
Both sides raged in frustration, yet also found bitter satisfaction in the other's suffering. As long as the opposing clan suffered more, their own wounds felt less painful.
The remaining clans simply watched from the sidelines — spectators with no stake in the tragedy. To put it bluntly, the greater the losses of the two dominant clans, the more relieved the others felt. The Hun Clan was too mysterious, the Gu Clan too powerful, and its recent rise had become a growing concern for all.
As the event spiraled outward, open conflict followed. The Gu Clan dispatched elite forces, razing one Hall of Souls branch after another, severing the Hun Clan's grasping tendrils. The Hun Clan retaliated swiftly, ambushing and hunting the Gu Clan's envoys. Blood flowed freely across the Central Plains.
Yet, both sides maintained an unspoken restraint — not deploying too many Dou Saints. For the ancient clans, Dou Saints were the very foundation of their existence. Beneath that level, however, warriors were as plentiful as grains of sand, and through repeated slaughter, many broke their bloodline shackles, stepping into new realms of power.
In short, the Central Plains had become a land of unrest.
It seemed only a spark was needed to ignite the powder keg — or perhaps, just one final straw to break the camel's back.
Meanwhile, beyond the Central Plains, the Spatial Trade Fair… had begun.
When the Bodhisattva Ancient Tree appeared, three sects — the Mysterious Space Sect, Ground Line Gate, and Reflecting Treasure Mountain — had all participated in the chaos. But these sects were cautious and pragmatic; they never acted without clear intelligence. Though they gained little, they escaped unscathed.
Now that the storm had passed, the three sects sighed and regrouped, organizing the Spatial Trade Fair. Even without the divine tree, life — and business — had to go on.
To revive morale and escape the shadow of failure, they decided to showcase their deepest treasures, unveiling the finest artifacts hidden within their vaults.
Meanwhile, Liu Xi, who had departed from the Ancient Wasteland Region with his gains secured, was making his way toward the northwest to avoid attention. The Purifying Demonic Lotus Flame Fragment Map awaited him here — the last piece he needed. With three fragments already in his possession, this final one would complete the set, allowing him to summon the Pure Lotus Demon Saint and seize the Purifying Demonic Lotus Flame, third on the Heavenly Flame Ranking.
A prize within reach.
Amid the endless yellow sands, a ten-zhang-wide black vortex rotated silently within a barren basin. Spatial ripples spread faintly from it, warping the air. Who could have imagined such a desolate wasteland would serve as the venue for one of the Central Plains' most secretive gatherings?
As the space around it twisted, two figures appeared before the vortex — a man with a faint smile, and a woman whose bright eyes shimmered with curiosity.
"Young Master, this Spatial Trade Fair is really held in such a remote place," said Qing Lin softly. "It's completely different from the grand auction houses elsewhere."
Liu Xi smiled, his gaze kindling with restrained excitement. "That's what makes it special. This is the most magnificent and mysterious trading event in the Central Plains — a place ordinary people could never access. And after the ordeal in the Ancient Wasteland Region, tell me, how many of those who entered are still alive to attend?"
His tone carried both admiration and lament. So many who had gone seeking the Bodhisattva Ancient Tree — from the northlands to the heart of the plains — had perished empty-handed.
From his storage ring, Liu Xi withdrew two black cloaks, tossing one to Qing Lin and donning the other himself. He carefully adjusted his aura, concealing every trace of identity.
This storm had been immense. Half the Central Plains had been dragged into it — the Heaven Demon Phoenix Tribe, the Hun Clan, and even the Gu Clan — all titans of the world. Were his identity as the one who reaped the tree's fortune exposed, every major power across the continent would hunt him down. Even as a 3-Star Dou Saint, Liu Xi knew he could not yet contend with those ancient sovereign forces.
Caution was his ally. After all, the miraculous opportunity of the Bodhisattva Ancient Tree had been wholly claimed by him alone.
"Young Master, I'm ready," Qing Lin said gently. Her graceful figure was hidden beneath the dark cloak, her stunning beauty veiled from sight.
Liu Xi's form was equally obscured. Within the Spatial Trade Fair, such anonymity was common — many sought to conceal their backgrounds. In this mysterious market, black cloaks were the unspoken uniform of secrecy.
"Let's go," Liu Xi murmured, eyes glinting. "Let's see what treasures await us within this Spatial Trade Fair."
With that, he stepped forward into the black vortex.
Qing Lin nodded and followed him in.
Darkness enveloped them for an instant — then light burst forth. Before their eyes stretched a small yet bustling town.
Despite its size, the place brimmed with energy. The people walking its streets were all powerhouses above the Dou Zun realm. Clearly, even after the slaughter in the Ancient Wasteland Region, the Central Plains' strength remained staggering.
As they moved along the lively streets, their cloaked appearances drew little attention. Here, secrecy was the norm.
"High Level Di Class Dou Technique — Wind God Leg!"
"High Level Di Class Dou Technique — Tyrant Blade!"
"8th Rank Monster Core for trade!"
Voices rang through the market like waves.
Liu Xi nodded quietly. The fair truly lived up to its reputation — even the goods on open display were rare treasures in the outside world. But to him, a Dou Saint, such items were hardly impressive. Only Tian Class Dou Techniques could truly spark his interest now.
After browsing through the stalls and finding nothing extraordinary, Liu Xi led Qing Lin toward a grand pavilion at the intersection of several main streets. The ancient wooden building exuded an air of timeless age, its aura dignified and serene.
Two gray-robed guards stood at its entrance, both emanating formidable Dou Qi — unmistakably 6-Star Dou Zuns.
Such experts were the pillars of any top-tier faction. For the three organizing sects to assign two of them as mere gatekeepers spoke volumes of their deep foundation. Their strength was no weaker than the likes of the Profound Sky Sect or Flower Sect, though they preferred to act with far more discretion.
(End of Chapter)
---
This Fanfiction Has Been Completed on Patreon, There is 2 Chapters Ahead of Release for Free Members on my Patreon.
Support me if you like this Fanfiction.
Patreon,com/Fallen_Archangel_
(Remove comma for dot.)
Leave a 5 star Review and a Power Stone.