"Follow me," Wulu said, and instantly turned to walk ahead.

Yuan Ming knew this was not a place for conversation and followed silently.

Shielded by the Invisibility Stone Talisman, the two quickly left the perilous area dominated by tree roots and, after several twists and turns, arrived at a concealed cave.

By now, Wulu had reached his limit, his face pale. He closed his eyes for a moment of Breathing Control before he recovered.

"For today's events, thank you, Brother Wulu," Yuan Ming said, bowing in gratitude.

"It's a trivial matter. With Brother Yuan's Divine Skills, I believe you would have found a way out even without me," Wulu said with a smile.

"I had already run out of tricks. Without Brother Wulu's intervention, I would have surely fallen victim to those roots and turned into fertilizer. I truly couldn't rest in peace if that were to happen," Yuan Ming said with a shake of his head and a bitter smile.

The two looked at each other and laughed, easing some of the gloom from their hearts.

The two discussed their experiences over the past few days. Yuan Ming shared everything about his ordeal on Golden Sunflower Island, except for a few details that were inconvenient to mention.

Wulu listened, utterly captivated. Upon hearing about Zhao Gui, his expression shifted slightly and he asked, "Are you certain that person claimed to be Zhao Gui and wielded a hoe Magic Treasure?"

"Indeed, Brother Wulu, do you know of this person?" Yuan Ming asked, his interest piqued.

"I know a little. If I'm not mistaken, this person was a Nascent Soul Stage elder of the Guiyuan Sect in Qin Country three thousand years ago, famous for his mastery in nurturing Spirit Plants. However, he mysteriously disappeared over two thousand years ago. It's unexpected to find him on Three Immortals Island," Wulu said thoughtfully.

Without showing surprise, Yuan Ming transformed to show Zhao Gui's face for Wulu to identify.

"That's right, this man is indeed Zhao Gui. I saw his likeness in our family's secret archive many years ago. It's unbelievable he's still alive," Wulu said, astonished.

Yuan Ming dispelled his Mana, remaining silently contemplative.

During the grand battle at Fire Essence Palace, Zhao Gui transformed into a blackish-green Tree Demon. Is he now the Undead Tree Puppet mentioned by Hou Yi's Sun-shooting Bow, surviving till now by the power of the Undying Tree?

"Brother Yuan, it seems you know something about Zhao Gui. Would you mind sharing with me?" Wulu asked, looking at Yuan Ming's solemn expression and bowing slightly.

"Brother Wulu, there's no need to hurry. My ordeals on Golden Sunflower Island are not yet fully told. Listen further and you'll understand," Yuan Ming said with a slight smile, continuing his story.

Wulu's expression changed repeatedly as he learned about the Undead Demon Tree and the real reason for the activation of Three Immortals Island, leaving him stunned.

"So it turns out that Three Immortals Island is a deathtrap! No wonder it has remained a legend in the East Sea for so many years without detailed information about the island coming to light. Truly a monstrous calamity at work. Brother Yuan, what should we do now?" Wulu said gravely.

"Our best course now is to find some like-minded individuals and investigate the situation of the Undead Tree Demon, then figure out a way to escape this place," Yuan Ming said.

He did not inform Wulu about Qi Ye, partly because Qi Ye's matter involved Shura Blood Devouring Map, and also because he couldn't be sure of Qi Ye's trustworthiness.

"I know where some cultivators who arrived at Lank Island are hiding. Perhaps we could inform them about the Old Tree Demon and collectively think of a plan," Wulu suggested.

"Not for now. The minds of those on the island are varied, and we must not let the existence of the Undead Tree Demon be known, otherwise, the demon will definitely target us with its full might, and we would stand no chance of survival!" Yuan Ming considered for a moment before shaking his head.

"You're right. I was too hasty," Wulu sighed.

"I have just arrived at Lank Island. Brother Wulu, how long have you been here, and what do you know? Who are the cultivators here?" Yuan Ming inquired.

"I've been here for two days…" Wulu didn't hesitate and meticulously recounted the information he had gathered.

Yuan Ming frowned slightly, finding the situation Wulu described to be similar to Yun Jiuxiao's account.

However, Wulu had climbed the giant peak and knew the situation on the mountain; the Tree Men grew more numerous the higher one climbed, seemingly trying to prevent people from ascending.

As for the cultivators on Lank Island, Wulu had only encountered Bai Lin the White Scale Master and his party, which was less than what Yuan Ming had uncovered.

"Brother Wulu, have you found such a place on the island where there are simultaneously a black and a white sun?" Yuan Ming suddenly asked.

"A black and white sun? I haven't found such a thing," Wulu shook his head.

Hearing this, Yuan Ming's brow furrowed, hinting that Xi Ying was hiding in some secret place, and finding him might take some time.

"I don't know about a place with a black and white sun, but there is a location quite similar to what you described," Wulu said thoughtfully.

"Where is that?" Yuan Ming asked eagerly.

"At the top of Lank Island. I previously used the Stone Talisman to sneak up to the mountain top, where I discovered a peculiar cave. The entrance bore the inscription 'Time Cave', and it emitted a black and white light from within," Wulu said.

"Time Cave, black and white light! Although it might not be the place I'm looking for, it should hold some clues," Yuan Ming said, his eyes flashing with excitement.

"Brother Yuan, the mountain top isn't an easy place to reach. You just heard my account—further up the mountain, the more the Tree Men are perched, and unlike elsewhere, these Tree Men are exceptionally sensitive to aura and very difficult to deal with. There's also a very formidable Tree Man at Time Cave, whose strength has reached the Fourth-level Peak. This requires careful consideration," Wulu advised.

"Thank you for the warning, Brother Wulu. However, I have some reasons for needing to go there." Yuan Ming bowed slightly, his resolve firm.

"Where are you headed, Brother Yuan? On a treasure hunt?" Wulu inquired.

"Searching for a person." Yuan Ming did not conceal the truth.

"Searching for someone? It seems this person is very important to you, Brother Yuan. I happen to be free myself, so let me accompany you on this trip. Together, we might just have a chance to get through," Wulu said with a chuckle upon hearing this.

"Brother Wulu, your willingness to help is deeply appreciated. However, the situation on the mountain is perilous, and you are taking a significant risk. I wonder if there's anything you desire or wish to do, I will certainly do my utmost to assist you," Yuan Ming replied joyfully, earnestly. Wulu's invisibility Stone Talisman could indeed be a great help.

"That won't be necessary. To be honest, I too wanted to explore the Time Cave, but my Heavenly Escape Stone Talisman is difficult to activate. Once my mana is depleted, I would be at the mercy of others, which has deterred me from exploring. Now that you are with me, Brother Yuan, I couldn't ask for more," Wulu said with a smile.

"The Heavenly Escape Stone Talisman, is that the name of your Invisibility Stone Talisman?" Yuan Ming asked, slightly puzzled.

"Indeed, Brother Yuan. You might find the name a bit presumptuous, but the invisibility effect of the Heavenly Escape Stone Talisman is genuinely effective. Ever since I acquired this treasure, no one has been able to see through it, not even the Level 4 Peak Demon Trees from the Time Cave," Wulu stated confidently.

"If that's the case, let's join forces once again, Brother. I don't believe a Tree Man can stop us!" Having experienced the effect of the Heavenly Escape Stone Talisman himself, Yuan Ming wholeheartedly agreed.

"Indeed, we shouldn't delay. Shall we set off now?" Wulu asked, his spirits lifted by the conversation.

"We've just escaped from outside; we're not in top form yet. Let's practice Breathing Control for a while first," Yuan Ming suggested calmly.

Wulu nodded, and the two immediately sat down cross-legged, each restoring their mana.

A moment later, both had fully recovered and rose to set out.

Yuan Ming employed the Void Transformation Technique, transforming himself into a transparent phantom.

Wulu, having applied some kind of Divine Skill, also turned into a phantom, walking shoulder to shoulder with Yuan Ming.

"Earlier, Brother Wulu, you mentioned coming to Lank Island to search for something. Did you find it?" Yuan Ming remembered and asked.

"Not yet. I suspect that the item might be inside the Time Cave. This time I have entered to search for it," Wulu responded.

"And what exactly is this treasure?" Yuan Ming asked curiously.

"It's a chessboard, known as the Lank Chessboard, a Spiritual Treasure left by the Lank Immortal!" Wulu said after a slight hesitation.

"The Lank Chessboard?" Yuan Ming's interest was piqued.

"This treasure, reportedly the lifelong endeavor of the Lank Immortal, can manipulate the flow of time using Star Power," Wulu elaborated with longing.

"Manipulate time! There's actually such an Exotic Treasure in the world!" Yuan Ming exclaimed in surprise.

"I've only heard the rumors. Whether the Lank Chessboard can truly manipulate time, I do not know," Wulu shook his head.

Yuan Ming nodded, not asking any further.

The two quickened their pace. Before long, they encountered a group of Tree Men.

"Brother Yuan, don't release your Divine Sense. These Tree Men are not only sensitive to aura but can also detect the presence of Divine Sense," Wulu said as he pulled Yuan Ming into hiding.

"Can they really detect it? Let me try," Yuan Ming expressed his intent to use his Divine Sense.

Knowing Yuan Ming's decisive nature and that he would want to personally test the capabilities of the mountain's Tree Men—and with no immediate danger present—Wulu did not stop him.

No sooner had Yuan Ming's Divine Sense drawn near than the Tree Men became alert and looked towards their hiding spot.

"They really can detect it!" Yuan Ming said in surprise, yet he did not flee.

The sense of the first soul descended, casting an Illusion Technique on several Tree Men.

With the enhancement from the Stealing Heaven Tripod, the Divine Sense remained undetectable. Unaware of anything amiss, the Tree Men were immediately caught in an illusion, spinning around in place.

"Let's go." Yuan Ming smiled slightly, pulling Wulu as they continued toward the summit.

"Brother Yuan, what did you just do?" Wulu asked, filled with curiosity and admiration.

Previously, he had struggled immensely with the sharp senses of the Tree Men, relying entirely on the Heavenly Escape Stone Talisman for invisibility to approach the Time Cave, while Yuan Ming had effortlessly resolved this issue with a wave of his hand.

"Just a little Illusion Technique, nothing noteworthy," Yuan Ming spoke ambiguously.

Seeing that Yuan Ming did not wish to elaborate, Wulu did not press further.

Under the surveillance of the first soul, the pair easily bypassed waves of Tree Men and soon arrived at the mid-mountain.

As Tree Men grew more abundant, even Yuan Ming's ability to locate them ahead of time with the first soul and cast Illusion Techniques to confuse them could not avoid all enemies. They soon had their tracks discovered.

The two had no choice but to flee across the mountain, confronting lone Tree Men by attacking and large groups by escaping. When the pursuit became too intense, Wulu activated the Heavenly Escape Stone Talisman to hide their tracks.

If you find any errors ( broken links, non-standard content, etc.. ), Please let us know < report chapter > so we can fix it as soon as possible.