Chapter 710: The Steps

A world of its own—an isolated paradise! That was Liu Xi's first impression after leaping through the waterfall. On the other side, he and Qing Yanjing found themselves standing before the entrance of a magnificent cave mansion.

A radiant tunnel extended deep within, shimmering in all colors, while beyond the cave lay boundless mountains and rivers. This place was indeed a world unto itself. Perhaps because no one had entered it for ages, rare flowers and spiritual herbs thrived in every corner, filling the air with vitality.

Liu Xi's eyes gleamed with delight as he gazed at the cave mansion ahead. "Let's take a look inside first. If there's treasure here, it'll definitely be within."

Qing Yanjing's expression mirrored his excitement. Her bright eyes sparkled as she took in the ethereal scenery. When she had been outside, she hadn't sensed much, but now that they were within, she could clearly feel the profound and mysterious aura that lingered in the air.

"Alright," she said softly, "but since our Spiritual Energy is still sealed, we should stay alert."

Liu Xi nodded. He agreed completely — and more importantly, he valued his life far too much to be careless. If danger appeared, he'd be the first to flee.

He took the lead while Qing Yanjing followed close behind. The tunnel was clean and dry, without a trace of dust or foul air. The walls glowed faintly from embedded crystals that radiated gentle Spiritual Energy and colorful light, illuminating their path in a dreamlike brilliance.

Though Liu Xi stayed cautious, no traps or threats emerged. Walking through the shimmering tunnel felt like strolling beneath a star-filled sky.

Qing Yanjing found herself lost in the beauty of it all. Perhaps it was because of the hardships they had endured before, but now this tranquility felt like a reward.

Since entering this sealed domain, their Spiritual Energy had been cut off. Liu Xi had led her through beast tides, over mountains, and through waterfalls. Even for someone as strong as Qing Yanjing — a Perfect Earth Sovereign — reaching this place alone would have been impossible.

That alone spoke volumes of how extraordinary this place was.

The deeper they went, the more winding the tunnels became, splitting into countless paths. Yet Liu Xi somehow always knew where to go, following the faint, peculiar energy he sensed ahead.

After walking for what felt like an eternity, they reached the end of the cave mansion. The chamber before them was vast, and from the ceiling above shone a natural skylight where golden sunlight poured through, making the entire space bright and warm.

Drip… drip…

The soft sound of water echoed through the chamber. Liu Xi and Qing Yanjing followed the sound and soon came to a stone platform, where a shallow depression had formed. Within it pooled a milky-white liquid, mist curling above it like silk threads. Its fragrance alone was enough to soothe the spirit.

Qing Yanjing's eyes widened. She drew in a sharp breath and whispered in astonishment, "That's… Earth Core Divine Essence!"

Liu Xi blinked. Coming from the Dou Qi Continent, he wasn't entirely familiar with this world's treasures. "Is it valuable?" he asked casually.

Qing Yanjing rolled her eyes at him, half exasperated, half amused. "Valuable? That word doesn't even begin to describe it! Earth Core Divine Essence can help a Perfect Earth Sovereign refine their body and condense their Heavenly Sovereign Spiritual Body—it's a priceless treasure that aids one in breaking through to the Heavenly Sovereign realm!"

Liu Xi finally understood. In the Great Thousand World, Heavenly Sovereigns were the true apex powerhouses. Even among the ancient clans and great sects, they stood as the core strength of their lineage. Anything that could help one ascend to that level was enough to drive countless people mad with desire.

"Then you should take it," Liu Xi said with a smile. "It'll help you break through soon."

As he spoke, his gaze shifted upward toward the massive stalactite above the stone platform—the very source from which the Earth Core Divine Essence dripped. Something about it felt familiar. Curiosity tugged at him.

Qing Yanjing, seeing his sincerity, didn't refuse. After all, such a treasure was of little use to those above the Heavenly Sovereign realm. She happily took out a jade vial to collect it, her heart fluttering at the thought of finally reaching the Heavenly Sovereign realm — of being able to stand beside Liu Xi as his equal rather than behind him.

Meanwhile, Liu Xi crouched slightly, then leapt straight up. Though he couldn't use Spiritual Energy to fly, his sheer physical strength carried him more than ten meters into the air. As his momentum waned, he reached out and grabbed hold of the stalactite, climbing upward like a leopard — swift and agile.

In a matter of seconds, he had scaled several hundred meters to the stalactite's root. There, a faint spiritual glow pulsed from within the crystalline stone.

A smile tugged at Liu Xi's lips. "Just as I thought."

Wrapping his legs around the stalactite for support, he produced a jade ruler and carefully inserted it into the stone, carving a neat incision. The moment he removed a small section, a wave of intoxicating fragrance spread through the air.

Within the hollow of the stalactite rested a viscous, milky-white substance, brimming with concentrated Spiritual Energy. Even just inhaling its scent made Liu Xi's entire body feel refreshed.

"Not bad," he murmured in satisfaction, digging out more than half while deliberately leaving some behind. After replacing the carved section, he watched with amazement as the stalactite slowly regenerated, healing the cut as if it were alive.

Carrying a jade bottle filled with the precious liquid, Liu Xi descended gracefully, landing beside Qing Yanjing moments later.

She had just finished collecting the Earth Core Divine Essence and looked up curiously. "What were you doing up there?"

Liu Xi lifted the bottle in his hand and grinned. "Take a look at this."

Qing Yanjing's expression changed instantly. She stared hard at the bottle, her eyes widening in shock. "That's… Earth Core Origin Essence! It's a divine substance that can temper a Heavenly Sovereign's Spiritual Body. Even Heavenly Sovereigns would kill for this!"

Liu Xi raised a brow. "So it can also help someone break through to the Heavenly Sovereign realm?"

"It's far more than that!" she said seriously. "Anyone who possesses Earth Core Origin Essence can achieve a breakthrough with complete certainty."

Liu Xi chuckled. "Then it's yours."

Before Qing Yanjing could respond, he pressed the jade bottle into her hands with a smile, leaving her no room to refuse.

She stared blankly at the treasure, then looked up at him, her lips trembling. "I can't accept this… it's too precious."

But Liu Xi's smile was warm and unwavering. "Between us, there's no need to divide what's yours or mine."

With that, he turned and walked toward the far end of the chamber, where a staircase rose before him — nine steps in total, each carved from dark jade and emanating a faint, eerie glow. At the top of those steps stood a high platform bathed in strange light, its aura so compelling that it seemed to draw the soul itself toward it.

Behind him, Qing Yanjing gazed at his retreating figure, her heart trembling softly. Gradually, a gentle smile curved her lips.

(End of Chapter)

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