# Chapter 1950: The Temptation of the Sky-Connecting Divine Tree
Back at the Truth Divine Temple, Zhang Ruochen had overheard a conversation between Shengshu Cainü and Mu Lingxi, learning some things about Huang Yanchen.
He had thought she was already dead.
Never did he expect to see her again in a place like this, under such an identity, in such a situation.
"Big Brother, what's wrong? Are you alright?"
Noticing that Zhang Ruochen's state seemed off, Feng Yan couldn't help but ask.
With powerful enemies all around—not just the Death Clan, but also the Devouring Spirit Insects—losing focus would undoubtedly be very dangerous.
Hearing Feng Yan's voice, Zhang Ruochen snapped back to reality, pulling himself out of his tangled thoughts. His tightly clenched fingers slowly relaxed, and he let out a light breath. "It's nothing. I just suddenly remembered some things."
Hearing this, Feng Yan felt relieved. He had truly been afraid that Zhang Ruochen might run into trouble at a moment like this.
The way Zhang Ruochen had seemed possessed just now had genuinely startled him.
"She is Bore. She's the one who sent those two Death Saint Guards after you," Ji Fanxin said.
Back when they had subdued that man and woman possessing the Great Saint Elephant Soul and Great Saint Dragon Soul, Ji Fanxin had been the one to extract information from their souls.
Among the most valuable intelligence was that Bore, one of the three Divine Maiden candidates of the Destiny Temple, had appeared at Xianji Mountain, indicating that the Destiny Temple was orchestrating the arrangements here from behind the scenes.
"Bore."
Zhang Ruochen softly uttered this name, his gaze once again falling upon that familiar yet unfamiliar figure standing atop the nine-headed Xuanwu.
After locking eyes with Zhang Ruochen for a moment, Bore withdrew her gaze, appearing very calm, as if nothing had ever happened.
As soon as Bore appeared, the three white-robed priests immediately stood respectfully behind her. Even though their cultivation had reached the Lintao Realm, they still did not dare show any disrespect toward Bore.
Even if Bore ultimately failed to become the Divine Maiden of the Destiny Temple, her status within the temple would still be extremely high—far beyond what they could compare to.
"Rumble."
The Death Altar was violently shaken as forces from deep underground surged against it.
The force striking the Death Altar was none other than the Devouring Spirit Insects.
A massive swarm of Devouring Spirit Insects emitted blue flames, illuminating the underground space, creating a dreamlike spectacle.
Those Death Knights who had been hiding in the shadows all revealed themselves, flashing onto the altar, afraid of being attacked by the Devouring Spirit Insects.
Watching their companions being burned to ashes just moments ago had truly shaken them.
They might not fear death, but they didn't want to die without any meaning either.
"Milord, the Devouring Spirit Insects are striking the altar. The altar is becoming increasingly unstable. What should we do?" a white-robed priest asked nervously.
Even attacks at the Undying Great Saint level could hardly damage the Death Altar, yet these inconspicuous Devouring Spirit Insects could threaten it—and it looked like they intended to devour the altar like food.
Bore showed no sign of panic. She calmly said, "The Sky-Connecting Divine Tree cultivates the Path of Life and is the natural nemesis of the Death Clan. The Devouring Spirit Insects share the same origin as the Sky-Connecting Divine Tree, so they naturally possess similar abilities. No need to worry—I will subdue them."
"Roar."
The nine-headed Xuanwu let out a low roar, manipulating the Nether River to sweep toward the Devouring Spirit Insects.
In an instant, all the Devouring Spirit Insects that had surged out from the pitch-black hole were enveloped by the Nether River.
Struck by the Nether River's waters, the insects trying to fly out were suppressed and forced back underground.
With the Devouring Spirit Insects gone, the underground space became dim once again, thick Death Evil Qi spreading throughout.
However, after being battered by the Devouring Spirit Insects, the Death Altar's operation was clearly disrupted. For the time being, it should be unable to absorb any more revival power.
With a flicker of movement, Bore flew off the nine-headed Xuanwu's back, left the Death Altar, and plunged into the pitch-black hole beneath it.
"The Sky-Connecting Divine Tree—legend has it that it was once the Heavenly Earth Spiritual Root of the Kunlun Realm. If I can obtain it, I will surely become a god in the future." Bi Yunhai's eyes gleamed with light.
Such a divine object would stir the hearts of even Great Saints and gods, making them yearn to possess it.
Without the slightest hesitation, Bi Yunhai activated his movement technique, transforming into a streak of light as he shot straight toward the pitch-black hole.
With such a divine treasure before him, he could no longer care about anything else—even the Hundred Flowers Fairy was temporarily pushed to the back of his mind.
"Anyone who dares approach will be killed without mercy."
The white-robed priest with a vertical eye on his forehead let out a cold shout.
The Death God's Shadow extended a hand, and a massive amount of Death Thought Power condensed into a Hell Demon Dragon, which lunged at Bi Yunhai with claws bared.
A sharp glint flashed in Bi Yunhai's eyes. He executed the Blue Sea Azure Sky Palm, condensing a towering wave that crashed toward the Hell Demon Dragon.
"Boom."
The Hell Demon Dragon shattered the wave, and then a dragon claw stamped onto Bi Yunhai's chest.
Bi Yunhai was sent flying backward, spitting out a mouthful of blood—clearly wounded once again.
"Overestimating yourself." The white-robed priest with the vertical eye sneered.
Bi Yunhai clutched his chest, nearly spitting out another mouthful of blood, furious beyond words.
He had thought that with the Death Altar malfunctioning, there would be little threat left. He never expected it could still injure him so easily.
Zhang Ruochen, Ji Fanxin, and the others were all watching from the side, which undoubtedly made him lose face.
Countless thoughts flashed through his mind. Suddenly, Bi Yunhai soared into the air and let out a long roar: "The Sky-Connecting Divine Tree of the Kunlun Realm is not dead—it's beneath Xianji Mountain!"
Since he couldn't break through alone, he might as well muddy the waters and drag more people into this.
As for who would ultimately claim the Sky-Connecting Divine Tree, that would depend on each person's skill.
Bi Yunhai's voice instantly spread across ten thousand miles. Everyone on Xianji Mountain heard it clearly.
"The Kunlun Realm's former Heavenly Earth Spiritual Root is actually not dead!"
"The Sky-Connecting Divine Tree is one of the oldest living beings in the Kunlun Realm. Its own power is immense, and it holds countless secrets. If one could obtain it, becoming a god would be within reach."
"The Sky-Connecting Divine Tree cultivates the Path of Life and is the nemesis of our Death Clan. We absolutely cannot let the Heavenly Court side obtain it—we must seize it for ourselves."
"The Sky-Connecting Divine Tree was cut down a hundred thousand years ago and then disappeared without a trace. So it was actually in Xianji Mountain. This trip was worth it."
...
Upon hearing the words "Sky-Connecting Divine Tree," both the Heavenly Court faction and the Hell Realm faction were stirred, losing all desire to continue fighting.
With remarkable tacit understanding, both sides stopped their slaughter and activated their movement techniques, rushing toward the central area of Xianji Mountain. No one wanted to miss out on this great opportunity.
Inside the underground space, Zhang Ruochen frowned slightly. Bi Yunhai spreading news of the Sky-Connecting Divine Tree was truly not a good thing.
The more powerful individuals gathered, the harder it would be to retrieve the Sky-Connecting Divine Tree's trunk.
Zhang Ruochen turned to look at Feng Yan, Xiang Chunan, and Pei Yutian. "The space containing the Sky-Connecting Divine Tree's trunk is fraught with danger. It's best if you don't enter. If possible, find a way to destroy the Death Altar. If things go wrong, retreat immediately—don't worry about me."
After a moment's thought, Zhang Ruochen took out a Space Teleportation Scroll. "Take this Space Teleportation Scroll. Keep it for emergencies."
No matter what, he couldn't let his brothers take risks. After all, this matter had little to do with them in the first place.
"Big Brother, what are you saying? The more dangerous it is, the more we should stand together. Otherwise, what kind of brothers are we?" Xiang Chunan glared.
It was Feng Yan who reached out and took the Space Teleportation Scroll, pressing down on Xiang Chunan's shoulder. "Third Brother, listen to Big Brother. The two of us are still too weak. Even if we follow him in, we won't be of much help—we might even become burdens. It's better to stay outside. Who knows, at a critical moment, we might be able to assist Big Brother."
"But..." Xiang Chunan was clearly unwilling.
Feng Yan said, "No buts. Time is pressing—we can't delay any longer. Big Brother, be careful."
Zhang Ruochen nodded. "Don't worry. Nothing will happen. Fairy, let's go."
Ji Fanxin didn't speak. She simply moved alongside Zhang Ruochen, flashing forward. She desired the Sky-Connecting Divine Tree's trunk even more than Zhang Ruochen did.
Seeing Zhang Ruochen and Ji Fanxin rushing over, the three white-robed priests immediately moved to block them. The Death God's Shadow swung its black scythe, tearing through space, reaping toward the two at unimaginable speed.
In an instant, the black scythe swept through where Zhang Ruochen and Ji Fanxin had been, but it touched nothing.
Using Spatial Displacement, Zhang Ruochen brought Ji Fanxin directly above the pitch-black hole, then plunged into it without hesitation.
"Damn it!"
Having failed to stop Zhang Ruochen and Ji Fanxin, the three white-robed priests were all furious.
There was nothing they could do. Zhang Ruochen's spatial techniques were unfathomably mysterious, and with the Death Altar temporarily losing contact with Xianji Mountain, it couldn't suppress this space. They could only watch helplessly as Zhang Ruochen and Ji Fanxin barged in.
However, they were all well aware of how terrifying Bore's strength was. Even if Zhang Ruochen and Ji Fanxin followed her in, they would surely gain nothing good.
Bi Yunhai's expression was also rather unpleasant. Zhang Ruochen and Ji Fanxin had gotten in, but he was blocked outside. When Xuan Yuan Liekong and the others arrived, they would surely mock him.
Above the evil spirit, Feng Yan, Xiang Chunan, and Pei Yutian stood, their gazes directed upward.
"They're coming fast. Let's withdraw to the side first," Feng Yan said.
The evil spirit immediately swung its massive body, flying toward a dark corner to temporarily hide, avoiding becoming a target for everyone.
Of course, it wasn't that they were afraid of anyone. With the evil spirit and Xiang Chunan's Metal Demon Crown, they might even be able to fight top-tier experts.
Moreover, they still had the Space Teleportation Scroll. If they truly ran into trouble, they could simply leave this place—no one could do anything to them.
So, they were now very calm, acting like mere observers, quietly watching events unfold.
"Whoosh."
"Whoosh."
...
Figures descended from above one after another—Saint Qi, Demon Qi, Death Evil Qi... various powerful forces spread out.
Everyone's gaze was fixed on the pitch-black hole beneath the Death Altar.
Although no Devouring Spirit Insects were appearing now, strands of Wood Spirit Saint Qi were seeping out, even mixed with a few wisps of Divine Wood Qi, suppressing the Death Evil Qi.
Anyone could feel the rich life energy surging from the pitch-black hole, standing in stark contrast to the environment here.