The mountain peak was razor-sharp, its biting winds howling relentlessly.
The group had been climbing the stone steps for hours, yet the summit remained out of sight.
"General Fang," Ling Feng finally asked, "why must we take this treacherous path instead of flying up?"
"This mountain is called the Three Thousand Realms," Fang Wentong explained. "The Ancient Tower Grove's entrance lies at its peak. But once you step into the Three Thousand Realms, not only is flight impossible—even circulating true qi becomes futile. Try it yourself."
Ling Feng and the others tensed. Testing their true qi, they found it completely suppressed. No wonder even their enhanced physiques were beginning to tire.
"The Three Thousand Realms..."
Ling Feng took a deep breath. This Ancient Tower Grove was far more mysterious than he'd imagined.
"General Fang, those stone giants at the mountain's base—who are they? Are they extraordinary experts from the military?"
"No." Fang Wentong shook his head. "Those four Heavenly Guardians are not mere stone giants. They are Celestials, ancient beings who have guarded this place since time immemorial."
The group exchanged bewildered glances.
"It's a long story." Fang Wentong smiled faintly. "We still have two or three hours of climbing ahead. I'll explain as we walk."
"Over seven hundred years ago..."
As Fang Wentong recounted, Ling Feng learned that the Three Thousand Realms had existed long before Qingtian Fortress was built. The Tianbai Empire's military had discovered this place—and its guardians—centuries ago.
These Heavenly Guardians could suppress even a Human Emperor with a mere gesture, as if they belonged to a realm beyond this world. Yet they showed no hostility toward humans. Instead, they formed a pact with the Northwestern Army, allowing its most exceptional talents to enter the Three Thousand Realms for enlightenment.
The grove's public name, Ancient Tower Grove, was merely a facade. For over seven centuries, the military had guarded this secret, ensuring outsiders believed it was just another secret realm.
"General Ling, the Commander-in-Chief trusts you deeply, which is why I've shared this history. But once we leave, these words must never leave your lips."
"Understood." Ling Feng nodded. He knew well what should remain unspoken.
"At the summit, you'll meet a Celestial who has taken the form of an ancient tree. He calls himself Tianshu and seems to be the guardians' master. Do not speak unnecessarily in his presence. Once he opens the grove's entrance, enter without delay. Typically, Lord Tianshu pays no heed to mortals like us."
Three hours later, they finally reached the peak. True to Fang Wentong's words, an enormous millennia-old tree stood at the summit. Its crown rustled, revealing an expressionless face that studied the group briefly before extending a branch like an arm. With a single motion, it tore open a shimmering luminous barrier.
"Our gratitude, Lord Tianshu."
Fang Wentong bowed deeply, gesturing toward the luminous barrier. "General Ling, step through here. There are no special techniques for comprehending the Three Thousand Great Daos. Simply find a stone monument that resonates with you. With luck, you may grasp a fragment of its Great Dao."
"Thank you for the guidance."
"That's all I can share. Most emerge within three days, though a rare few last seven. May fortune favor you."
Fang Wentong gave the group a slight nod. He had once entered the Ancient Tower Grove, though regrettably, he only managed to comprehend a single movement art.
Still, it was enough to make him stand out among experts of his tier.
Just as the group prepared to cross the barrier, the ancient tree shuddered violently. Its hollow eyes locked onto Mu Qianxue.
The voice was grating, abrasive—and carried an authority that brooked no refusal.
Mu Qianxue stiffened, startled.
The others froze. Fang Wentong's eyelids twitched violently. In all his years escorting entrants, he had never heard Tianshu speak.
The command came again, harsher this time.
Ling Feng immediately stepped in front of Mu Qianxue, bowing. "Lord Tianshu, has my companion offended you in some way?"
Ignoring him, the tree repeated, "You. Stay!"
A terrifying pressure crashed down like tidal waves. Ling Feng's knees buckled under the weight of mountains, yet he gritted his teeth and held his ground.
"Lord Tianshu, I ask—"
Before he could finish, Ling Feng spat a mouthful of blood. To Tianshu, crushing him would have been easier than squashing an ant.
A flicker of astonishment passed through Tianshu's eyes when he saw the blood Ling Feng had spat out. He gave a slight shake of his head before speaking slowly, "Never mind. You may enter."
They shared confused looks, unable to understand Tian Shu's motives.
But at least the immediate threat was over.
"Big Brother Ling..."
Mu Qianxue bit her lip, her eyes glistening with worry.
"It's nothing." Ling Feng wiped the blood away, his face pale but unharmed. Had Tianshu harbored killing intent, he wouldn't have survived.
Fang Wentong exhaled shakily, eyeing Tianshu nervously. "I'll take my leave now. There are matters requiring my attention."
With that, he fled down the mountain, eager to escape that suffocating aura.
Ling Feng bowed once more to Tianshu. "Our thanks, Lord Tianshu."
Then, with Li Bufan and the others, he stepped through the barrier.
As the last figure vanished, the ancient tree trembled again. Its expressionless face twisted into something resembling bewilderment.
"Two of them carried the divine race's aura. One bore the Jiuli Divine Fire, while the other... even my true self cannot discern its origin. Strange! Most strange!"
A sigh rustled through its leaves.
"Heaven's Mandate... how much longer must I wait? Seven hundred years have passed... Ah..."
The face faded, leaving only that whisper of lament hanging heavily in the thin mountain air...