Chapter 760: Chapter 759: Dividing (Extra for ’Just Love to Gnaw Watermelons’, 1/3, ask for votes!)
Southeast side of Nine Heavens Mountain.
In front of a glowing cliff.
Everyone was breathing heavily, their eyes glittering with anticipation.
"I wonder what the legendary Heavenly Hidden Fruit looks like. I’ve never seen it before."
Zhu Ling had seen much in her role as the chief steward of Wuling Villa, even maintaining her composure in the face of Xin Zhuliu’s Earthly Immortal powers, but she could not stay calm now.
This was the Heavenly Hidden Fruit, something that could even tempt masters of the Void Origin Realm!
Shifting her gaze, Zhu Ling looked at Shi Xiaole, her beautiful eyes filled with flickering lights. She refused to believe this was simply a coincidence, could this be a fortuitous opportunity brought by Shi Xiaole?
Don’t assume that the concept of destiny doesn’t exist. A man with no background managed to stir up storms in the Flying Horse Dynasty and outshone his peers. Anyone who believes Shi Xiaole had no destiny would be a fool.
However, this didn’t matter. What mattered was that she was on Shi Xiaole’s side. The stronger and more profound his destiny, the happier she would be.
Crack, crack, crack.
Small cracks appeared on the cliff. As time passed, the cracks widened, and an extremely rich aroma, capable of penetrating the soul, hit them directly.
Luckily, twenty-nine mobile Array Systems had been set up, which successfully contained the fragrance within its boundaries.
Of course, the main reason was that they did not purposely suppress the scent of the Heavenly Hidden Fruit a few days ago. They allowed it to diffuse around Nine Heavens Mountain, and under Shui Lingping’s disguise, outsiders were misled into thinking it was the Three-Transformation Yin Fruit.
Otherwise, chaos may have broken out at this moment.
Through the cracks, the eight people present could clearly see a ten-meter-long black vine, as thick as a finger. It looked like it was made of jade, transparent yet carrying an unfathomable depth.
There were twenty black fruits on the vine. Nineteen of them were about the size of an adult’s fist, flat and round, with irregular white patterns on their surfaces.
The last one was at the top of the vine. It was only half the size of the other nineteen but round and full, with a sparkling surface reminiscent of a star diamond. A mere glance at it caused a soul-comforting moan.
Shi Xiaole clearly heard the six people’s heartbeats. He couldn’t blame them; he himself could barely contain his own excitement.
The warrior who maxed out his potential at the Dragon Gate Realm proved to be just mediocre. But after consuming the Heavenly Hidden Fruit, he became a world-class expert within two hundred years. This was a chilling thought.
He didn’t believe that a world-class expert was merely at the Divine Barrier Realm. The least would be at the Void Origin Realm, right?
Martial Emperor reached the Void Origin Realm around the age of one hundred. Judging from the current situation, Young Dragon also showed great potential to achieve this feat.
However, most masters at the Void Origin Realm were only able to reach this stage in their three or four hundreds. But all who achieved this level were the pride of their generation, weren’t they?
To transform a person of average aptitude into an outstanding prodigy, the Heavenly Hidden Fruit’s effect was absolutely terrifying—it could be said to be a destiny-altering miracle.
In the silence, Su Yanru said: "Lele, I heard that the effective period of the Heavenly Hidden Fruit is ten days. You should consume it quickly."
Shi Xiaole gratefully gazed at her. At this moment, his aunt was the first to think about him.
His arm was lightly squeezed, and Xia Yunxi was also urging Shi Xiaole in secrecy.
Strictly speaking, with the intelligence of the two women, there was no need to show such impatience. The Heavenly Hidden Fruit was his after all. But be it his aunt or a woman who had fallen in love with him, both were too anxious to wait. They would only be reassured once the fruit was ingested.
Utter rationality in the face of overwhelming benefit would mean that they didn’t care enough.
"Actually, I don’t need the Heavenly Hidden Fruit."
Suddenly, Shi Xiaole shocked everyone with his statement.
While the Heavenly Hidden Fruit could transform a wastrel into a prodigy, Shui Lingping informed Shi Xiaole that it could also be seen as a limitation.
The Heavenly Hidden Fruit would transform one’s Vigorous Air into the Heavenly Concealment Energy, one of the strongest energies in the world. This would also refine the martial arts, leading them further.
However, this meant setting an upper limit.
In other words, for 99% of the people, the Heavenly Hidden Fruit was unrivaled. But for those like Shi Xiaole, Martial Emperor, and the Four Demon Beasts, it would be a limitation that hindered their potential for further progress.
Shui Lingping also told Shi Xiaole that for freaks like him, the vine that bore the Heavenly Hidden Fruit was the most valuable thing. So, from the start, Shi Xiaole had his sights set on it.
"The Heavenly Hidden Fruit bears the mystery of heaven and earth. Whether or not you can it depends on fate. You all should try your luck."
Shi Xiaole laughed and explained his reasoning, preventing others from overthinking.
Only then did everyone understand. However, no one moved as they all seemed a bit embarrassed. After waiting for a while, Shi Xiaole had to specifically ask Xia Yunxi, Su Yanru, Zhu Ling, and Jade Axe Lady to pick the fruit first.
Women were thoughtful and held grudges easily. He did not wish to offend any women. By letting the four ladies go ahead, the remaining three men would have less resentment.
Unexpectedly, each of the four women only picked one from the nineteen fruits and no one touched the one at the top. It wasn’t that they didn’t want to, but they felt dizzy and weak just getting close to it.
"It seems you have no fate with the Heavenly Hidden Fruit."
Shi Xiaole shook his head regretfully.
"Having gotten a Heavenly Hidden Seed Fruit, I am already very contented."
Jade Axe Lady held the fruit in her hand, looking ready to fight anyone who would dare to snatch it from her.
Although the Heavenly Hidden Seed Fruit was not as superb as the Heavenly Hidden Fruit, it was still extremely rare. At the very least, it could improve a person’s talent by two or three levels. After this, the three odd people would have no problem becoming top-tier Earth Immortals.
The Golden Saber Elder and the Silver Sword Gentleman turned an excited bright red, each plucking a Heavenly Hidden Seed Fruit.
Gratitude comes with contentment.
Their lives were drawing to an end, with no assurance of breaking through to the Divine Barrier Realm. They had prepared themselves for peaceful death, but who would willingly leave this vibrant world?
Now, having unexpectedly received a miraculous opportunity, a single Heavenly Hidden Seed Fruit had made them dizzy with happiness. Who would ask for more?
Reflecting on this, the three were filled with unspeakable gratitude toward Shi Xiaole. Their already resolute loyalty grew even stronger, unbreakable.
Xin Zhuliu also received a Heavenly Hidden Seed Fruit. Though he appeared indifferent, inside he was overjoyed.
His natural talent was already among the world’s best. With this fruit, his aptitude might not increase by two or three stages, but it was more than enough for one, which would allow him to surpass people like Ji Morou.
Of the nineteen Heavenly Hidden Seed Fruits, twelve remained. Shi Xiaole ordered, "Summon Hua Yiyun, Yuan Yuying, Qiao Yu, Crown Sword Marquis, and the Ai Family siblings."
Zhu Ling suppressed her excitement, bowed her head, and left. She guided the unsuspecting individuals to the Array System, where she unexpectedly had them swear their most solemn oaths. Though the people were confused, they trusted Zhu Ling, who they believed meant them no harm, so each of them swore his oath.
Once they entered the Array System, learned of the situation, and finally understood Zhu Ling’s actions, each one looked at Shi Xiaole with incredibly complex expressions.
Had they been in his position, they could not imagine being as generous as him.
How can one not form a strong connection with such a person?
Amid the excited trembling, each of them stepped forward in turn.
The Crown Sword Marquis, the Ai Family siblings, and Qiao Yu each plucked a Heavenly Hidden Seed Fruit. When it was Hua Yiyun’s turn, under the stunned gazes of the others, he directly plucked a Heavenly Hidden Fruit.
Hiss!
All around, the sound of gasps filled the air.
Hua Yiyun was taken aback himself.
He had merely hoped to try his luck, thinking it would be a blessing simply to obtain a Heavenly Hidden Seed Fruit. But how had it gone so smoothly? Was this the Heavenly Hidden Fruit that the martial world coveted yet couldn’t obtain?
Looking at the glowing fruit in his hand, he was certain he must be dreaming.
But the light patting on his shoulder made Hua Yiyun realize that this was better than any dream.
"Yiyun, congratulations," said Shi Xiaole with a smile.
"Brother Shi, I... I can’t accept this."
"This is your opportunity. Except for you, no one here can get the Heavenly Hidden Fruit. Do you want to spoil heaven’s gift? Of course, your junior sister Yuan hasn’t tried yet. If you’re worried about her being upset, you can give it to her."
Before Shi Xiaole could finish speaking, Yuan Yuying stammered, "No... I mind, I mean, I don’t mind, not at all..."
Her beloved man had received a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. She was more excited than anyone, feeling like she was about to explode on the spot.
The Crown Sword Marquis also laughed, "Brother Hua, just accept it. We are only envious of you, not jealous."
The others chimed in with encouragement.
Everyone was intelligent. Since they couldn’t obtain it themselves, letting a friend receive it was the next best thing. Moreover, everyone could see how much the pure-hearted Hua Yiyun respected Shi Xiaole.
In the end, with a blush on his face, Hua Yiyun accepted it. What he also accepted was a deep sense of belonging to Wuling Villa. From now on, this place would be his home.
After everyone received their portion of the twenty fruits, there were still seven Heavenly Hidden Seed Fruits left.
Unlike the Heavenly Hidden Fruit, which only had a ten-day window of potency, Shi Xiaole immediately ordered Zhu Ling to put these in a specially made secret box, leaving one for Lian Chen, who was in seclusion.
These remaining six Heavenly Hidden Seed Fruits would be one of the major assets in the rise of Wuling Villa, and would be preserved with a high priority. Only those who demonstrated loyalty, good character, and competent management in all regards would be qualified to receive them.
Concerning Shi Xiaole’s two official disciples, fearing they would not be able to keep the secret, Shi Xiaole decided to keep hold of the fruits for now.
Zhu Ling, her face flushed, nodded repeatedly, promising to establish the strictest review system.
After the harvesting, everyone made gains and was overjoyed. They all returned to their dwelling places to properly digest the situation.
After everyone had left, Shi Xiaole picked up the Heavenly Ghost Vine and, following Shui Lingping’s instructions, mixed it with some medicinal ingredients he had prepared in advance.
Before long, the Heavenly Ghost Vine began to wilt, drop by drop, its essence overflowing, soon to be completely absorbed by Shi Xiaole.
He sat cross-legged on the spot and began to circulate the Dragon Gate Divine Skill.
Half a month later.
"As I thought, they didn’t trick me, my cultivation speed has increased significantly."
The Heavenly Ghost Vine wasn’t as effective as the Heavenly Hidden Fruit, but for Shi Xiaole, it was even better because it expanded his meridians, effectively enhancing his ability to cultivate inner energy.
Relying on the medium of Scarlet Sun, Shi Xiaole’s vigorous energy was already more robust than others. Now with the aid of the Heavenly Ghost Vine, his cultivation speed increased dramatically, which even he found astonishing.
Wuling Villa once again descended into quietness, with everyone performing their duties. In the Martial World, people occasionally mentioned the previous great battle.
However, no one knew that the key members within the villa had undergone earth-shattering transformations. Quietly accumulating power and concealing their sharpness, under the leadership of that young man, they would one day shine radiantly!
