Just as expected, this Golden Apple Tree fell into slumber after Li Yi’s strike and was influenced by the spiritual power, even the blood-red roots growing on the World Dragon became silent, losing some kind of restraint.
At this moment, the World Dragon broke free, roaring towards the sky, venting its anger.
Seeing this, Li Yi immediately used the Xuanhuang Seal to protect himself, hastily retreating without having time to pick the remaining Golden Apples, to avoid being affected by the dragon’s unleashed might.
"The spiritual weapon of World 36 is indeed handy at times, although the cost is a bit high, it does wield tremendous effects," he thought with a shudder, glancing at the cracked short stick in his hand.
No wonder it’s capable of restricting fierce ghosts.
Stepping on the auspicious cloud, Li Yi withdrew tens of kilometers away in one breath, finally safe and sound.
After the dragon’s roar, it began to move its body, the massive figure stood again like a mountain, freed from the blood-colored roots’ binding and influence, it finally spread its wings, stretching its limbs, allowing the long dormant body to awaken.
However, it remained weak, having been parasitized for so long, much of its essence had been plundered, unable to reach peak state.
Yet even so, the dragon was ecstatic, having finally shaken off the Golden Apple Tree’s influence, even if temporarily, it’s a moment of happiness.
After stretching its body, the dragon gradually calmed, not forgetting the recent happenings.
After coming to its senses.
The dragon’s enormous black and golden vertical pupils began searching for Li Yi’s trace, finally spotting him in the air on an auspicious cloud in a valley.
"Fear not, human adventurer, I am the World Dragon, the Ender of Darkness, grateful for your help in freeing me from the apple tree’s control."
The dragon, known as the World Dragon, let out a great sound, displaying its high intelligence, speaking the human language.
"No need for thanks, I merely did what I should, besides, dragon, you spared me earlier, not burning me to death, I feel obliged to return the favor, yet I haven’t completely dealt with the tree on you, it’s just in slumber, uncertain how long it will sleep, but surely it will awaken someday."
Li Yi amplified his voice with Jin Qi, communicating with the dragon.
The World Dragon said, "That’s sufficient, with your small stature causing the Golden Apple Tree to slumber, you’ve achieved enough, previous adventurers all failed, you’re the only success, as a reward, what do you wish? I possess a world’s riches, can fulfill any demand."
Li Yi said, "I need nothing, just the remaining Golden Apples, and send me out of here, my friends await outside the secret realm, I don’t wish to linger."
"Your demand is too humble, seek something higher," the World Dragon said.
Li Yi said, "This is enough, I am not greedy."
The World Dragon accepted Li Yi’s request, lowered its huge head, and with a strong shake, the Golden Apples, previously hard to pick, suddenly fell off.
Seeing this, Li Yi quickly gathered the fallen Golden Apples with Mana, swiftly storing them in the Five Elements Bracelet.
Aside from the two Golden Apples consumed by himself and Good Wings, he now possessed eleven. If all goes well, he might use the rest to illuminate eleven major acupoints, completely replenish the metal energy in the lung acupoint, and break through to the Five Qi Realm Second Layer.
Driven by this thought, Li Yi wanted to collect the remaining Golden Apples.
The World Dragon then extended its massive claw, lightly tapping at the original doorway of the secret realm, causing a ripple to arise, and the previously concealed door reappeared.
"This is the way out of the secret realm, human adventurer, you may leave whenever," the dragon said.
"Thank you for your assistance." Li Yi immediately flew towards the door upon seeing this,
As the door opened, he saw the familiar path once again.
Yet just as he was about to exit, the World Dragon suddenly called out: "Wait, adventurer."
Li Yi halted, turned back, and said: "Is there anything else, dragon?"
"Your bravery and sincerity moved me, as the World Dragon, I won’t allow you to leave with merely some Golden Apples, hence I wish to gift you this gemstone named World Heart, may it aid you," the dragon suddenly decided, opening its mouth slightly, a brilliant light emerged, and a basin-sized blue gemstone was spat out.
Merely appearing, the gemstone reflected a deep blue glow around, as if immersing in the ocean floor, captivatingly beautiful.
"This is..." Yet Li Yi’s expression shifted.
For he sensed a surge of Cosmic Energy emanating from the blue gemstone, chilling his body, as if turning him into an ice sculpture.