Everyone had different thoughts.
Some had only heard of the Enlightenment Tea Tree and thought the Wang Clan Patriarch was being extremely generous for putting aside past grudges. But a small number of those with broader knowledge knew that this seed wasn't actually that valuable. Still, since it came from a Heaven-Man Realm expert, no one dared to speak out.
Ning Qi was watching from below, a look of anticipation flashing in his eyes.
Ever since he started researching and cultivating the Zhenwu Peach Tree, he had gained a lot of insight in this area. Maybe he could actually grow this Enlightenment Tea Tree—and even optimize it further in the future.
At that time,
The Zhenwu Sect would gain yet another layer of foundation, and it could also help him comprehend the Dao.
But as for how to proceed specifically, he would have to look at the condition of the seed first.
The Wang Clan Patriarch's restlessness didn't last long, as all eyes gradually turned toward the Green Ox Bladesman.
Among the Heaven-Man Realm experts attending today, he was the only one who hadn't offered a gift yet. Plus, with his status on the Heaven-Man Ranking, people were even more eager to see what kind of treasure he'd bring out.
Even Daoist Baihe and Lord Xiaoyao were curious.
After all, powerhouses on the Heaven-Man Ranking were always shrouded in mystery and rarely seen.
The Green Ox Bladesman didn't rush. He acted like no one else was around, still biting into his meat. Only after swallowing a big mouthful did he finally exhale and laugh heartily:
"Kid Longshan, I came in a hurry this time and didn't prepare much of a proper gift. But I happened to run into a vicious tiger harming people on the way here, so I took its inner core. You take it. I'll find another chance to give you a better one later."
As his words fell.
A beast core radiating with lightning floated up from the Green Ox Bladesman's hand. It still carried a terrifying aura, and one could faintly hear the roar of a fierce tiger. Even Qi Origin Realm experts felt their hearts tremble.
The Zhenwu Arena gradually quieted, as one gaze after another locked onto the lightning-infused beast core, full of awe and amazement.
"Beast King's core!"
"So casual and effortless—is this the power of a Heaven-Man Ranking expert?"
"Could that be the core of the Thunderstorm Tiger King from Leizhou? I once caught a glimpse of it from afar at the edge of the Blackwater Marsh. Who would've thought I'd see it again like this… Life really is unpredictable."
Whispers rippled through the crowd. As soon as the Heaven-Man Ranking expert made his move, he instantly overshadowed everyone who came before.
Ning Qi gazed at that core, equally amazed.
What was a Beast King?
Only exotic beasts capable of rivaling Heaven-Man Realm experts of the human race qualified to be called Beast Kings.
In other words.
This Green Ox Bladesman had casually slain an exotic beast that could match a Heaven-Man expert, and even used its core as a congratulatory gift—his strength was undeniable. Not only that, but a Beast King's core was extremely rare and precious.
Beast cores were already valuable, only the elites among exotic beasts could form one. For instance, the Condensed Qi Pill Ning Qi had previously developed mainly used beast cores. But to use a Beast King's core for such a pill would be a waste—it had far more valuable uses.
"There seems to be remnants of the power of heaven and earth on that core?" Ning Qi's eyes glimmered, and an unusual desire rose within him.
While everyone was marveling.
Daoist Longshan expressed his gratitude with emotion:
"Brother Green Ox, just coming to Zhenwu Mountain is already the most precious gift!"
This wasn't just flattery.
Now that word had spread that the Green Ox Bladesman had attended Daoist Longshan's Heaven-Man Ceremony, any other Heaven-Man Realm cultivators thinking of targeting the Zhenwu Sect in the future would have to think twice about the weight of this Heaven-Man Ranking expert.
The Green Ox Bladesman simply waved his hand and smiled.
He had always seen potential in Daoist Longshan.
And now, that had been proven right.
On the Zhenwu Arena.
The crowd still seemed reluctant to move on.
One treasure after another had opened their eyes—this was part of what made major events meaningful: broadening one's horizons, and having great stories to brag about later.
However.
Now that the gift-giving was winding down, everyone was growing excited. Up next… was the main highlight of the Heaven-Man Ceremony.
Daoist Longshan didn't waste any time.
He stood up, his Daoist robe gently fluttering, eyes sweeping across the venue with a smile on his face:
"Everyone has traveled great distances to come to Zhenwu Mountain for my Heaven-Man Ceremony. This poor Daoist is deeply grateful and has nothing to offer in return but to share with you all the Way of the Heaven-Man Realm."
"However, I am still just beginning to glimpse the Heaven-Man Dao. If I say anything incorrect, I ask for your forgiveness."
This last sentence was directed toward the four Heaven-Man experts.
After all, he had the shortest time and least experience in the Heaven-Man Realm.
However.
Daoist Longshan had his own confidence.
His comprehension wasn't low, and after a closed-door retreat of over half a year, he had developed his own insights into the Heaven-Man Dao. But more importantly, he possessed the secret art Heaven-Man Unity that Ning Qi had passed down to him. This technique had elevated his understanding of harmonizing with the world to a whole new level!
The entire arena echoed with a loud response:
"We shall forever remember the grace of the Real Person's teaching!"
Eyes were blazing with passion—especially those in the Core Formation Realm.
Even the few Heaven-Man experts slowly became solemn.
To reach the Heaven-Man Realm was no easy feat. Listening to another's perspective could only help. While Daoist Longshan had just entered the realm and was likely below the other four, he still deserved their respect.
The Zhenwu Arena fell silent—so quiet you could hear a pin drop.
Daoist Longshan sat cross-legged, his form gradually elevating.
He slowly closed his eyes, countless thoughts rushing through his mind as he began to preach:
"The so-called Way of Heaven-Man is to unite man with heaven, spirit with heaven. And how does one unite? By merging spirit with the core, reaching a state of no thought, no desire, no impurity, no dust…"
"…"
"To resonate with heaven and earth, one must use human strength to leverage the power of the world, transforming decay into miracles, turning the impossible into the possible…"
"…"
"The Heaven-Man Realm cultivates the Three Flowers of Heaven, Earth, and Man. The Human Flower governs essence, the Earth Flower governs energy, and the Heaven Flower governs spirit. When all three converge atop the head, wondrous changes occur…"
"…"
Daoist Longshan spoke calmly and steadily, his voice slow but imbued with a mysterious power. He was attempting to commune with the power of heaven and earth, doing his best to clearly convey his insights.
These guests had traveled from afar and brought valuable gifts. Naturally, Daoist Longshan wouldn't be stingy. Though it wasn't to the extent of giving away everything like he did with Ning Qi, he still shared beneficial insights to make sure they didn't leave empty-handed.
At this moment.
One martial cultivator after another was immersed in his words. Some faces lit up with joy, only to fall into confusion moments later. Some caught fleeting moments of inspiration, and though they couldn't fully grasp it, they desperately tried to hold onto the opportunity.
Many were too low in cultivation to understand anything, scratching their heads in frustration—but still doing their best to memorize the sermon.
Everyone began to feel deep admiration for Daoist Longshan. Whether he was preaching real insight, everyone could tell.
And it wasn't just atop Zhenwu Mountain.
As soon as Daoist Longshan began his sermon, Zhenwu disciples were running back and forth, relaying the lecture's contents to Zhenwu City. Though not as effective as listening in person, the content was intact and accurate.
Zhenwu City was in an uproar.
And the Heaven-Man experts.
Also silently nodded, a faint appreciation in their eyes—Daoist Longshan's comprehension was indeed remarkable.
But the thought didn't last long.
Soon, surprise and doubt crept into their expressions, and their faces grew more serious.
Daoist Longshan continued:
"In the realm of Heaven-Man Unity, merging the spirit with the core is one path. But is there another? The core is cultivated after birth—could there be something innate within the body that resonates with heaven and earth?…"
At that moment, even the Green Ox Bladesman's eyes became sharp with focus.
This teaching… might actually have something to it?