A month later, the scorching summer had arrived. Walking through the mountain jungle brought a delightful sense of coolness to the body.

At this time, on the mountain path just outside the perimeter of the Grotto-Heaven and Blessed Land, He Yiming and the others had already gathered. Except for Ma Yu, even Ji Mofan Shu, Precious Pig, Mou Zilong, and One Hundred and Eight were all present.

The moment he saw Ji Mofan Shu, He Yiming felt a wave of deep emotion. He never expected that after leaving the Land of Death, they would still have opportunities to cooperate. However, what surprised him was that Ji Mofan Shu seemed to have completely forgotten the unpleasantness of the past, never once mentioning the lost Divine Dao Puppet, as if such a thing had never occurred.

But He Yiming knew that this was entirely due to the overwhelming power he currently possessed; should his strength wane one day, the other party would certainly settle old scores with him.

Of course, now that everyone shared a common enemy, even if they disliked each other intensely, they would absolutely not resort to internal strife first.

After passing through the shaded avenue, a few li from the main gate of the Grotto-Heaven and Blessed Land, Ao Minxing’s voice carried from a distance: “Distinguished guests arriving from afar bring glory to the humble abode of the Five Elements Sect. Elder Wei, please welcome them in.”

The expressions of He Yiming and his group shifted slightly. Although they had arrived openly, they had not submitted any visiting cards, and they had suppressed their auras along the way. Their goal was to release that pressure all at once upon reaching the Grotto-Heaven and Blessed Land, to make Ao Minxing and the others feel a touch of apprehension.

While this action carried a hint of provocation, given that so many Divine Dao experts had joined forces, and the Five Elements Sect had actively extended the invitation, it was absolutely impossible for Ao Minxing and the others to become furious and turn hostile.

However, no one expected that shortly after they entered the range of the Grotto-Heaven and Blessed Land, their movements would already be discovered. This fact instead made them feel increasingly wary.

Mou Zilong suddenly whispered, “It’s not Ao Minxing.”

Bao Yanzhu chimed in, concurring, “Although Ao Minxing possesses the Divine Artifact Five Elements Ring, making him unparalleled in the might of the Five Elements, his spiritual perception is far from capable of detecting us.”

Among the group, these two understood Ao Minxing the best, so their surprise grew even deeper.

He Yiming’s heart tightened. Since it wasn't Ao Minxing, the only one capable of discovering their stealthy entry must be that individual.

He said coldly, “Could it be that the Divine Dragon has already arrived at the Five Elements Sect?”

The faces of the others changed subtly. They all understood that the Divine Dragon He Yiming spoke of certainly wasn't referring to the Eastern White Dragon or the Western Divine Dragon, but that massive entity known as the foremost Divine Beast under heaven.

Bao Yanzhu gave a wry smile and said, “If that Divine Dragon has truly come to the Five Elements Sect and is willing to serve as their Protector Divine Beast, then perhaps no one in the Eastern World will be able to stand against the Five Elements Sect anymore.”

The group exchanged glances. Precious Pig and the others naturally remained detached, as if it concerned them not. But the eyes of Mou Zilong, Ji Mofan Shu, and the members of the Lingxiao Treasure Palace held an undisguised bitterness.

Bao Yanzhu, in particular, had painstakingly gathered so many Divine Dao experts. If all his efforts were to come to naught at this final moment, suppressed by the Divine Dragon, it would be enough to anger him to the point of spitting blood.

After a moment of thought, He Yiming waved his hand and declared, “We’ll face obstacles as they arise; why should we fear him? Even if the Divine Dragon appears…” He hesitated before finally retracting his boastful words, lacking confidence, “We’ll see when the time comes.”

The others couldn't help but smile faintly. However, after He Yiming’s interruption, their minds felt much calmer. He Yiming was right; since they had already arrived here, what else was there to hesitate about?

After traversing several mountain paths, Wei Jinshun indeed came forward to greet them. His gaze swept over the group, as if he had long known their intentions. A faint, mocking smile touched his lips. “Gentlemen arriving together—was the journey pleasant?”

Bao Yanzhu burst into hearty laughter. “We cultivate diligently at home, and we are not plotting against others by every means possible, so naturally, we had a very pleasant journey.”

Wei Jinshun was momentarily stunned, seemingly unprepared for Bao Yanzhu to utter such words immediately upon meeting. But with a cold snort, his brow furrowed slightly, and unwilling to yield, he retorted, “Brother Bao, I believe you will have an even more pleasant time in the future.”

After engaging in a sharp verbal sparring match, their pace did not slow in the least. Led by Wei Jinshun, they proceeded directly into the depths of the mountain range.

A flicker of surprise crossed He Yiming’s eyes; the area designated for hosting guests in the Grotto-Heaven and Blessed Land seemed far behind them.

“Brother Wei, where are we going?” He Yiming asked in a deep voice.

Wei Jinshun laughed heartily, “Brother He need not worry. We are heading to the Valley of Ten Thousand Trees.”

Precious Pig’s eyes instantly lit up, and it called out, “The Divine Fruit has ripened?”

Wei Jinshun paused slightly, glancing at Precious Pig with a look of sudden gravity.

Precious Pig’s body had long returned to its normal size, and it was currently lying on One Hundred and Eight’s back, looking no different from a small piglet. However, the powerful aura emanating from it made it clear to everyone what kind of tiger, clad in pigskin, this seemingly frail little creature truly was.

“This must be the Divine Beast Precious Pig from the Northwest,” Wei Jinshun said with a forced smile. “May I ask if Brother Precious Pig comes representing the lineage of the Northwest Heavenly Pool, or the Totem Clan?”

He Yiming’s expression changed slightly, and he quickly said, “Brother Wei misunderstands. Precious Pig is my sworn friend; he merely accompanied me on this visit. If Brother Wei dislikes it, I will send him back immediately.”

Wei Jinshun’s gaze sharpened. Internally, he absolutely did not believe it.

Moments later, everyone arrived in the Valley of Ten Thousand Trees. The valley was vastly different from before. Around the immense, ancient tree, a life aura so dense it defied description radiated outward.

Upon entering the area, everyone was immediately captivated by this life aura, seeming to sink into an intense euphoria. Even the circulation of divine power within their bodies became more vigorous than usual.

Simultaneously, an indescribable, soul-stirring fragrance drifted into their nostrils. They all knew this was the scent of the Divine Fruit borne by the Divine Tree. Yet, looking up, they could see nothing.

The group exchanged glances, a trace of horror in their eyes.

With the changes in the power of Heaven and Earth, the greatest transformation had occurred in this Divine Tree that had lived for countless years. With the care of this tree, the benefits gained by the Five Elements Sect were undoubtedly enormous.

“Brother Ao, the location of your sect’s gate is called the Grotto-Heaven and Blessed Land, and it truly lives up to its name. It is truly enviable,” Mou Zilong sighed deeply and said softly.

Among the many Divine Dao experts present, he was the only lone cultivator who had never visited this place before, hence his heartfelt exclamation upon seeing the unusual state of the Valley of Ten Thousand Trees.

A clear laugh rang out from not far away. In the valley, seats and a banquet had already been prepared for them; they were clearly ready and waiting for the guests to take their places.

“Elder He, the Northwest has sent quite a few people this time,” Ao Minxing stepped forward, saying with a half-smile.

He Yiming repeatedly shook his head. “Brother Ao, as an Elder of the Lingxiao Treasure Palace, I am here upon invitation. As for these friends, they are merely accompanying me to sightsee. If Brother Ao is displeased, I will have them return.”

Ao Minxing let out an awkward laugh. “Elder He jokes too much. Although the Divine Tree has just begun bearing fruit, it certainly won't begrudge a few of these fruits.” He paused, “To be able to invite so many Divine Dao experts, we would be thrilled.”

His expression subtly shifted, as if sensing something, then he laughed loudly, “Brother Ma has arrived so quickly! Please enter the Divine Tree Valley for a chat.”

A long cry suddenly echoed from afar. Ma Yu called out loudly, “Brother Ao truly possesses great skill; I yield to you.”

He Yiming and the others inwardly stiffened. They had felt nothing at all, and they couldn’t discern how Ao Minxing had tracked their movements, causing them all to drum their hearts nervously and become secretly vigilant.

A moment later, Ma Yu arrived. Although he wore a smiling face, He Yiming and the others knew that this person was likely feeling immense frustration as well. No one would feel comfortable being called out by name immediately upon stepping into the Grotto-Heaven and Blessed Land, especially powerful Divine Dao experts.

After everyone was seated, Ao Minxing waved his hand, and servants immediately brought golden basins reverently to the front of each person’s table.

Here, even White Horse Lightning and Precious Pig were given a seat. Since ascending to the Divine Dao, there was little distinction in status between human Divine Dao experts and Divine Beasts, so Ao Minxing naturally could not neglect them.

In these golden basins rested large, vividly red peaches.

Even with just a glance, He Yiming could tell that the life force contained within these peaches was incredibly vast, which would certainly bring immense benefits to whoever consumed them.

“This must be Mr. One Hundred and Eight,” Ao Minxing raised the wine cup before him, speaking sincerely. “Mr. possesses divine might; by single-handedly closing the passage, you have conferred a sea-like grace upon the world. I propose everyone toast Mr. One Hundred and Eight.”

Regardless of Ao Minxing’s ultimate intentions toward the group, his words at this moment were absolutely sincere. If it weren't for One Hundred and Eight, none of them would have escaped that terrifying fate.

Setting the Immortal Fruits aside, everyone raised their wine cups and toasted One Hundred and Eight.

One Hundred and Eight drank it down decisively and then silently sat back down.

After this exchange, the atmosphere among the group became somewhat harmonious.

Ao Minxing smiled faintly, about to speak, when his expression suddenly changed slightly. “Brother Bao, today’s matter is an internal affair of our Eastern World; outsiders should not be involved.”

Bao Yanzhu calmly replied, “Brother Ao, Elder He Yiming is an Elder of our sect; he is not an outsider.”

Ao Minxing snorted coldly. “It is acceptable for Elder He to be involved, but why did you invite people from the West? Have you forgotten their wolfish ambitions?”

The group was startled and couldn't help but exchange confused glances. When had they established ties with Western experts?

P.S.: I checked the monthly ticket count for Baihe just as I was posting—it’s so low, how depressing! I estimate Baihe’s effect from three chapters is less than that of someone else’s two chapters, sigh… Brothers who have guaranteed monthly tickets, please cast a few! Thank you.