Chapter 827: Chapter 827: Illusory Heaven Divine Vine

What is that? A person and a tortoise, what is their origin? Why is there such a strong medicinal fragrance accompanying them?

Shi Hao took a deep breath, and even his injuries seemed to lighten as a warm current entered his body, bringing an indescribable comfort, as though he were about to soar into the clouds.

Beneath the blood moon, the ruins felt cold and desolate, yet that person and tortoise stood out strikingly, snow-white and crystalline.

“So tiny, what kind of race is that?” Hong Huang asked curiously.

The tortoise appeared relatively normal, about the size of a palm, snow-white and crystalline, with its shell covered in dense patterns that seemed like the evolution of dao principles. As for the person atop its back, she was only the height of a palm, exquisitely small, and glowing bright.

The woman was very petite, dressed in pure white, her head full of silver hair. Yet it was clear she was an adult–her figure was curvaceous and graceful. If enlarged, she would undoubtedly be an unparalleled beauty.

There was faint singing in the air, seemingly from the woman. Her voice was gentle, melodious, and captivating, akin to celestial music from the ninth level of heaven, permeating straight into one’s soul.

“Why do they have a medicinal fragrance?” Shi Hao murmured, his eyes reflecting a flicker of light.

Hong Huang frowned, then suddenly widened her beautiful eyes in excitement and exclaimed, “This… Could it be the legendary Supreme Sacred Divine Medicine?”

Her delicate face flushed as her emotions surged. With glowing eyes, she grabbed Shi Hao’s arm and said, “We’re rich! We’ve stumbled upon unparalleled fortune!”

The bone texts had similar records: certain divine medicines, if ancient enough, could undergo spirit communication and transform into various small creatures, roaming the mountains and rivers.

This surpasses a Divine Medicine–it’s a Supreme Treasure Medicine!

“Don’t get so worked up; calm down.” Shi Hao felt something was off for that faint, elusive singing held a seductive allure, pulling people toward it.

Could this be the manifestation of a medicinal plant?

He had previously encountered the Number-One Spiritual Root of the higher realms, which had once been planted in the Lower Realm. That particular plant had indeed transformed into a small figure–a curious phenomenon said to have been brought out of the No-Man’s Land.

But could it really be so easy to find another plant of the same caliber?

Shi Hao doubted.

He widened his eyes, and in his pupils appeared hazy symbols–the embryonic form of the Martial Dao Heavenly Eye, soon to activate and enhance his vision.

In an instant, the scene before him changed–both the snow-white tortoise and the crystalline, luminous woman vanished, and even the medicinal fragrance weakened.

“It can’t be fake. Now I remember–there are records excavated from a certain Ancient Immortal Ruin about this plant, capable of transforming into a white tortoise and an enigmatic woman.” Hong Huang said, her joy and excitement mounting once again.

Shi Hao remained silent, carefully observing before activating his dual pupils for a closer look. As expected, the person and tortoise disappeared again.

He then began pacing around the ruins, surveying in detail.

“Hmm… There’s a major formation here, preventing visibility from other angles. You can only see a portion from this side.” Shi Hao frowned.

Suddenly, he caught a glimmer of silver light, emitting a gentle glow, obscured by some plants. That seemed to be the true source of the fragrance.

Lost in thought, Shi Hao focused his gaze as the hazy symbols in his eyes condensed further. With his dual pupils, he scrutinized the location closely.

“It’s there. It’s generating illusions to lead people to break formations–a Divine Medicine!” Shi Hao was certain now. Inside was something extraordinary: a peerless treasure medicine.

But it hadn’t truly taken shape–it was merely creating illusions.

“What are you saying?” Hong Huang asked, puzzled.

Shi Hao explained what he had seen, leaving her shocked. She realized her senses had been fooled, but she quickly grew excited again. “That could be the Illusory Heaven Divine Vine.”

It was undoubtedly a Divine Medicine, referenced clearly in the bone texts. Known for its miraculous ability to resurrect the dead and heal any injury, it could even enhance one’s cultivation.

Additionally, it could generate illusions, enchanting those searching for medicine.

Its name bore the character for “illusory” precisely because of the eerie, mystical power it possessed.

This Divine Medicine rivaled the Tribulation God Lotus of the Celestial Immortal Academy, extraordinary in its rarity, such that even Celestial Gods would go mad for it, Sect Hierarchs might wage war over it, and it could safeguard the thousand-year fate of a sect.

“We must collect it!” Hong Huang exclaimed excitedly. In the higher realms, where countless great schools existed, only a few possessed such divine medicine.

She could scarcely believe she’d encountered one in these Ancient Immortal Ruins!

“Of course, we can’t miss this chance. It might even have seen that Sacred Ancient Medicine, which transformed into a white tortoise and a celestial woman.” Shi Hao suggested.

Since the Illusory Heaven Divine Vine had conjured images of a white tortoise and a snowy-robed woman, it might have witnessed them, thereby creating these visions.

“No wonder those people are chasing me–to kill me and shut me up! It turns out there’s something strange here, a Supreme Divine Medicine growing in secret.” Hong Huang protested, puffing her cheeks in anger.

At the same time, she reminded Shi Hao to be cautious. There were remnants of formations around, and during her previous attempt to harvest Divine Medicine, she had narrowly escaped danger.

Shi Hao nodded. He had already noticed the danger surrounding the central ruins, guarded by a mysterious array structure–impenetrable to ordinary cultivators.

The blood moon hung high, casting a hazy glow upon the ground.

With extreme caution, the two approached the ruins. As they drew near, the scenery shifted–this area expanded significantly, revealing an abandoned courtyard.

The buildings had collapsed long ago, with even the rubble nearly disintegrated.

Hong Huang explained she had harvested Divine Medicine here previously. Sure enough, there was still a shallow pit in the damp soil.

“Hmm, there seem to be multiple layers to this space.”

As they ventured further, the surroundings transformed again, and the scent of medicine grew stronger. This place harbored some Spiritual Medicine, rooted amidst the ruins.

“Their Divine Medicine… must have been collected from here.” Hong Huang pointed at two earthen pits, the soil freshly disturbed.

“What an extraordinary place. It appears to be desolate ruins, yet deeper inside, it hides mysteries–divided into layers, which surely must contain more Divine Medicine.” Shi Hao’s eyes sparkled.

Truthfully, reaching this point was already perilous. Despite the formation being partially broken, flashes of its patterns occasionally lit up, capable of slaying Deities!

Littered around were over a dozen corpses–all of them belonging to the Nether Race.

Proceeding carefully, they entered the third layer of space. This area still had remnants of walls and ruins; some structures had not entirely vanished–even a cracked palace remained standing.

Of course, it had long lost its past magnificence, and the halls were utterly empty, devoid of treasures.

“Divine Medicine!”

Shi Hao’s eyes lit up. He spotted one growing amidst the remaining formations: its radiance was dazzling, bursting into waves of golden light, resembling clouds or mist that shrouded the area.

“This is truly incredible fortune.” Shi Hao’s figure flickered, crossing the formation to harvest a stalk of Golden Grass Divine Medicine, its radiance dyeing his body entirely gold.

Suddenly, the formation patterns began to glow, unleashing soaring sword radiance. Shi Hao hastily shifted laterally, channeling the laws of thunder to block the attack.

Still, his shoulder spilled blood–as the blade narrowly missed decapitating him, an almost fatal disaster.

Hong Huang’s face turned pale, and she let out a panicked scream.

Shi Hao broke into cold sweat; despite meticulously avoiding all the remnants of the formation, harvesting the divine medicine still triggered an array, nearly costing him his life.

“Such power could easily kill a Celestial God!” Shi Hao’s expression darkened, inwardly thankful for his narrow survival.

Things were becoming ominous–the deeper they ventured, the greater the risk. To collect the renowned Illusory Heaven Divine Vine would prove daunting.

“Let’s move cautiously from now on.”

They moved into the fourth layer of space, which was far vaster–nothing remained here, not even rubble. All that was left was golden sand, barren and entirely devoid of vegetation.

“There’s a scent–the fragrance of Divine Medicine!”

Shi Hao’s sense of smell was sharp–he picked up on it instantly. He knew that if not for the residual formation sealing the area, the fragrance would surely have overwhelmed the air and spread miles away.

“Desert Silver!”

This was a silver-colored treasure medicine, rooted in the sand, glowing snow-white but emitting a fragrant aroma. Upon approach, the medicine turned the people and the surroundings silver.

Desert Silver often grew in the sands because of its overwhelming ability to absorb the earth’s essence–transforming even fertile pure lands into barren deserts, eventually culminating in wastelands.

This time, Shi Hao unleashed a Guardian Spirit to collect the medicine–but even then, he narrowly avoided death. It was becoming increasingly dangerous.

Pressing forward, they finally reached the fifth and final layer of space. Here, they found stone pedestals, stone tables, jade shovels, and fragmented jade baskets.

This was unmistakably a medicine field. The pale golden soil shimmered faintly with spiritual light, retaining its vitality even after countless ages–perfect for cultivating treasure medicines.

Hong Huang nearly lost herself in awe, unable to resist stepping forward, but Shi Hao pulled her back in time.

“Do you intend to sacrifice yourself for the formation?” Shi Hao admonished sternly.

Hong Huang snapped back to her senses. After borrowing Shi Hao’s Dual Pupils for a closer view, all illusions vanished–the divine medicine she had seen earlier had disappeared.

“The Illusory Heaven Divine Vine is truly formidable!” She stuck out her tongue, flustered. Without Shi Hao, she likely would have been killed by the cunning Divine Medicine.

Indeed, the legends were true: such a one-in-a-million divine medicine possessed eerie abilities, capable of deceiving even powerful cultivators.

While combing the area, they finally discovered the medicine hidden in the corner of the field–a single vine only a meter long and as thick as a thumb. Snow-white and crystalline, it was breathtakingly beautiful, resembling perfection from the heavens.

Its appearance was akin to a horned dragon coiled on the ground, adorned with snow-white leaves. A heavenly fragrance wafted over them.

Clearly, the divine medicine possessed intelligence and was deliberately avoiding detection.

Now aware it hadn’t fooled the two, the vine ceased its concealment. It unfurled, releasing blinding silver light like a snow-white sun, with the coiled horned dragon at its center.

The spectacle was stunning–the air filled with intensified medicinal aroma that caused one’s pores to relax, as though their body might float away.

“It’s been trapped here for years, hoping someone would blood-sacrifice the formation and help it escape,” Hong Huang explained.

This kind of Divine Medicine, when not trapped by arrays, might struggle to soar through the sky but possessed unrivaled subterranean escape abilities. If it broke free, catching it again would be nearly impossible.

Shi Hao cautiously tested the waters, provoking a horrifying streak of light that barely missed their heads and obliterated a distant mountain peak.

The two inhaled sharply, their faces pale–this was power capable of slaying Celestial Gods!

The formation here was in comparatively good shape, with only minor damage, thus presenting a significant challenge.

“We should retreat for now. We can’t budge this plant; the formations are too powerful,” Shi Hao advised. Divine treasures were precious, but they required one’s life intact to claim.

“What a shame.” Hong Huang looked longingly, full of regret. In the higher realms, even sects renowned throughout the Three Thousand States seldom possessed such treasures.

In truth, aside from rare exceptions like the Celestial Immortal Academy, which housed the Tribulation God Lotus, few great schools possessed comparable divine medicine. This vine, appearing as it had, would undoubtedly have sparked a world-shaking conflict.

At this moment, outside the ruins.

Not only were disciples from various schools visibly envious, breathing heavily–leaders and powerhouses alike had their eyes alight, fixated on the ruins.

It truly was a monumental opportunity, and yet they couldn’t enter to compete for it.

“Are we just going to give up?” After leaving the ruins, Hong Huang asked.

“I’ll summon reinforcements to break the formations,” Shi Hao replied. He was determined to claim the Illusory Heaven Divine Vine–it would decide his ability to transcend and carve his unique path.

After all, on the bluestone path, he had ignited 108 dao fires, nearly destroying himself. He had barely survived with countless scars. Attempting to ignite 3,000 dao fires would likely lead to disastrous death–even before reaching completion.

Shi Hao needed a peerless divine medicine to sustain himself, to withstand the forging and tempering of the three thousand dao paths without succumbing.

“You actually have reinforcements?” Hong Huang asked, surprised.

“Yes–hide yourself and don’t reveal your presence. Many others may have noticed the commotion earlier and might come here,” Shi Hao warned.

They parted ways.

Shi Hao sped away with swift shadow-like movements, evading detection. He quietly returned to the area surrounding the bluestone paths. At the remotest corner, he awakened the Divine Striking Stone.

Among his resources was also the Emperor Butterfly.

Following its consumption of the Heavenly Destiny Stone and Primeval Stone, the Divine Striking Stone had been in prolonged slumber, busily digesting its feast.

As for the Emperor Butterfly, it spent its days asleep.

Shi Hao safeguarded these creatures in the farthest corner while comprehending dao, ensuring they weren’t harmed accidentally.

Entering the Ancient Immortal Ruins was lenient in restrictions; as long as the accompanying objects weren’t excessively powerful to exceed limits, bringing pets or small creatures was permitted.

“What? Ruins, primordial Divine Medicine?” The Divine Striking Stone exclaimed. Then, after a pause: “What does this have to do with me? I can’t eat medicinal plants.”

Without hesitation, Shi Hao landed a series of harsh slaps.

“Ouch, stop hitting me–I’m going to crack! Fine, I’ll help you break the formation. But once it’s done, you’ll have to give me the rest of the Primeval Stone afterward!” Despite being bloated, it remained greedy.

Soon, Shi Hao returned to the mysterious small world accompanied by the Divine Striking Stone and Emperor Butterfly.

“I must acquire it!” Shi Hao vowed. Securing the Illusory Heaven Divine Vine was instrumental in achieving his path, exceeding the accomplishments of past sages.

“Leave it to me. Ordinary formations are nothing but trivial matters for me,” boasted the Divine Striking Stone.

When they returned, Shi Hao spotted Hong Huang, who appeared anxious. She informed him that other cultivators, including array masters, had entered the ruins.

Shi Hao’s heart sank–inside the ruins, figures darted around, and more people were rapidly approaching.

Their earlier activation of the formation had unleashed godly light, attracting widespread attention.

“No need to worry; this kind of formation can’t be broken quickly. Let them sacrifice themselves first,” said the Divine Striking Stone.

Hong Huang was startled; gazing at the talking stone, she silently doubted its reliability.

The Divine Striking Stone seemed entirely at ease, brimming with bogus confidence.

They ventured deeper and reached the exterior of the fifth layer.

As soon as they entered, they were assaulted by the overpowering scent of blood; dozens of people had already perished. Only a few lingered outside the formations, their faces ash-white.

They screamed in terror–some turned tail to flee, while others ventured into the formation, only to be ripped into a bloody pulp.

Clearly, several individuals had broken free of the illusions and fled, while the rest succumbed to self-destructive blood sacrifices for the formation.

“Can you break it?” Shi Hao asked gravely.

“I’ve seen this Array Chart before–it’s difficult but doable. However, that divine medicine inside is unsettling. It continually draws people to sacrifice, strengthening the formation while simultaneously destabilizing it. It’s unpredictable,” the Divine Striking Stone replied.

“Then we’d better act quickly.” Shi Hao decided, unwilling to take further risks. He was fixed on acquiring the Illusory Heaven Divine Vine.

“Fine, but you owe me those Primeval Stones!” the Divine Striking Stone insisted.

“Deal!” Shi Hao agreed instantly.

Thus, the Divine Striking Stone began its work, calculating for a moment before slowly removing obstacles one by one, steadily advancing.

As dawn’s blood-red light illuminated the skies, the Divine Striking Stone continued its measured progress, laboring to dismantle the formation. Several near-catastrophic incidents occurred, only narrowly avoided thanks to the stone’s reinforced durability from the Primeval Stones it consumed.

Shi Hao remained vigilant, acting as a protector.

By high noon, the Divine Striking Stone exhaled deeply: “It’s done. I’ve unraveled the Array Patterns–you should be able to enter now.”

“Excellent!” Shi Hao rejoiced.

“Since that’s settled, you can leave now!” Suddenly, a cold voice echoed from behind them.

A youth clad in silver robes stood in the distance, his expression impassive as he gazed at them. Sacred radiance swirled around his body; with sword-like brows and starry eyes, his aura was extraordinary!

Shi Hao turned back to face him, his countenance darkened. “Attempting to pluck the fruit of my labor? You won’t have the chance to leave!”

“He’s a Primordial!” Hong Huang warned, her face tense. She clearly recognized this individual and knew of his incredible mana and unparalleled talent.

(To be continued… If you enjoy this story, please visit to vote with recommendation tickets or monthly ballots. Your support is my greatest motivation. Mobile users can read directly at m.wuxiaworld.site.)