The Path to Immortality: Starting with an Analysis of Basic Concepts

"What's going on? What happened?... "

Not only Zhu Yu, but also the bald-headed, fire-tailed and other spirit beasts beside him, who were trying to take a bite of the giant mushroom, felt a sense of sadness for no reason.

"Is someone who's balding suddenly feeling really sad?"

"Firetail too..."

"Even Black and White are sad..."

"Kuroko is so sad, did his great-grandfather die?"

"It keeps saying it only has a few years left to live, it looks like it really is going to die..."

"Go back and compete in the market..."

"Cerberus," Kuroko said, tears welling in his six eyes.

As Zhu Yu was pondering this, he suddenly noticed a gigantic mushroom in his line of sight. Its white, jade-like body was covered with large black spots, which quickly merged into one patch and visibly collapsed and withered inward.

"This is…"

He was taken aback and looked around.

Black spots appeared on the mushroom forest in all directions. The larger ones could last for a few more breaths, while the smaller ones turned into pus and seeped into the ground in an instant.

In just a dozen or so breaths.

The field of vision became incredibly wide. To the naked eye, apart from a few scattered giant mushrooms that had not yet completely decayed, there were four or five places where dazzling colors of green, blue, or purple burst forth.

A gentle breeze swept by.

In Zhu Yu's perception, the air was filled with a dense layer of spores that fell like snowflakes. Immediately afterward, a surge of spiritual energy containing vigorous vitality rushed in, washing away and diluting the special wood-type spiritual energy of the "Fungal Domain".

He was in a daze for a moment, then suddenly realized where that sadness came from.

The "Fungal Realm" is gone, or rather, it was digested by the "Insect Realm".

"Such a peculiar 'domain,' what a pity..."

Zhu Yu looked up at the sky and, sure enough, the colorful sky disappeared, replaced by a sky blue similar to that of the insect realm. He shook his head slightly, and when he came to his senses, he suddenly realized that Cai Ling, who had just been beside him, had disappeared.

"Um?…"

She was momentarily puzzled, but didn't dwell on it. With Cai Ling's strength, she could protect herself in this area without any problems.

Suppressing his thoughts, Zhu Yu looked around. With the mushroom forest no longer obstructing his view, insects and beasts of different species came into view one after another.

"Huh..."

At this moment, Firetail suddenly exclaimed in surprise, as if he had discovered something. With a few leaps, he entered the place where the giant mushroom had disappeared earlier, and after a short while, he turned around and returned.

It walked up to Zhu Yu and opened its palm.

"Giant Peak, Giant Peak, look, isn't this a spirit seed?...

Zhu Yu looked down and saw a seed, about the size of a jujube pit, white as jade, with delicate patterns imprinted on its surface, lying quietly in Huo Wei's palm.

It exudes a unique life force belonging to the "spirit seed".

"Huh...it really is a spirit seed."

Zhu Yu's eyes widened in surprise. He flapped his wings and landed, picking up the white jade-colored spirit seed and gazing at it intently.

[Unknown "Fungus" type of spirit species: Consuming large quantities can refine the physical body's attributes, with a chance to transform into a certain type of physical spirit body...]

"Um?"

Upon receiving the information, Zhu Yu was stunned for a moment, then overjoyed.

Strengthening one's physical constitution may lead to the transformation into a spiritual body.

Definitely a "top-tier spirit seed".

Coming to his senses, Zhu Yu hurriedly asked Huowei, "Huowei, where did you find this 'spirit seed'?"

"Right there."

Firetail raised its claws and pointed to the spot where the giant mushroom had disappeared.

"Was it transformed from that gigantic mushroom?... "

Zhu Yu thought of the "seeding" category and suddenly realized that the answer was right. He then looked around and focused his gaze on the nearest giant mushroom.

"Let's go...treasure hunting..."

Having said that, it flapped its wings and took flight.

"Treasure hunt...treasure hunt..."

The spirit beasts roared and followed Zhu Yu as he galloped away.

When the group of insects and beasts arrived at the location of the next giant mushroom.

Then they saw a team of ten high-level red fire ant warriors, each over a meter long, emerging from where the giant mushroom had disappeared. Upon seeing the group of insects and beasts, the lead red fire ant stepped forward and hissed:

"The legacy of the 'Fungal Realm' was bestowed upon the 'Red Fire Ant' tribe by the 'Mother Goddess.' What you previously received belonged to you, but now everything in the 'Fungal Realm' belongs to the 'Red Fire Ant' tribe."

"Leave now, or your 'bags' will be left behind if you exceed half the allotted time..."

After saying this, without caring whether Zhu Yu and the other insects and beasts listened or not, he led a group of fire ants and turned to leave. Soon they entered the dark brown soil that was clearly different from the normal yellow soil. After searching for a while, they carefully put away the "spirit seeds" they found. If they didn't find any, they continued to the next place.

"No wonder…"

Zhu Yu suddenly understood why the "Red Fire Ant" tribe had gone to such great lengths to build a temporary market that could be demolished at any time. It turned out that it was not for the purpose of collecting entrance fees to the "Fungus Domain".

They are guarding the "Fungal Domain," waiting for the "Insect Realm" to be completely digested, and then collecting the various "Spiritual Seeds" that have been eroded and altered by the "Insect Realm."

Just as he was thinking this.

A streak of crimson light descended from the sky, revealing Cai Ling's figure. However, compared to not long ago, her feathers were somewhat disheveled, and a patch of her beautiful tail feathers was bald.

Zhu Yu was taken aback and quickly asked, "Cailing, are you alright?"

Cai Ling shook her head, opened her mouth and spat out a seed that shimmered with a faint blue light and was shaped like a barb, which she then handed to Zhu Yu, her voice slightly weary as she said:

"Giant Peak, the Red Fire Ant tribe can no longer remain here..."

"Um!…"

Zhu Yu's eyes lit up immediately upon seeing the seed. Without even examining it, he put away the "seed" and, without further ado, said:

"Let's pick up Xiong Da and Xiong Er and go."

Having said that, it flapped its wings and flew back in the direction it had come from.

The bald-headed, fire-tailed, and other spirit beasts followed without asking why.

soon.

A line of insects and beasts then arrived at the exit.

The two bears, Xiong Da and Xiong Er, who were waiting outside, immediately flew over, circling around Zhu Yu and shouting:

"Jufeng, Jufeng, you're back..."

"Jufeng, Xiong Da and Xiong Er are hungry..."

"We're going home; we'll give you food along the way."

Zhu Yu patted the two little bumblebees, then turned and flew towards the market exit with a group of insects and beasts, without bothering to check the back area.

As he approached the market exit, he suddenly spotted a shop selling "Life Dew" made by the red fire ant tribe's beast-faced creatures. He paused, flapped his wings, and flew inside.

A moment later, it flew out from it.

A line of insects and beasts left the market and quickly disappeared into the dark, cloud-covered sky and the dim light of the world.

And not long after they left.

Suddenly, bursts of spiritual light erupted from various parts of the "Fungal Domain," accompanied by incessant hissing sounds. If one looked down from the sky, one could see groups of insects and beasts emerging from the darkness.

Upon entering the "Fungal Domain," attack any insects and kill any beasts you encounter.

After looting a bit, they turned and ran...

However, not long after.

As a crimson sun rose, the "Fungal Realm" soon returned to peace, but apart from the "Red Fire Ants," there were no other insects or beasts there.

And a mountain peak a hundred miles away from the market.

Zhu Yu gazed at the red sun hanging in the sky, feeling the surge of spiritual energy around him and the explosive fire elemental aura contained within it. He turned to look at Cai Ling, who was preening her feathers, and said:

"Cai Ling, is that the lord of the 'Red Fire Ant' tribe?..."

Cai Ling glanced up, nodded slightly, and spoke in a slightly high-pitched voice.

"It's the 'Red King,' and it's always had a bad temper. If it catches us, we'll be exiled to the depths of the wilderness..."

"Red King..."

Zhu Yu nodded, unsure of the supernatural abilities of a "Lord" level Zerg, and dared not look any further. He turned and left, retracing his steps.

Non-stop.

They walked a distance of approximately a thousand miles.

Only when he could no longer sense the explosive fire elemental aura did Zhu Yu tell everyone to stop. He handed over some ordinary "spiritual energy food" that he had bought earlier to Huowei for distribution, while he carefully took a spider silk bag off his back and opened it gently.

A burst of light in three colors: cyan, blue, and white.

Cai Ling curiously moved closer, peering at Zhu Yu, waiting for him to explain.

"Wow... two 'divine gifts,' what a bountiful harvest..."

Sensing the three "divinely bestowed spirit seeds" brimming with boundless life force, and their nascent, chaotic spirituality, Zhu Yu felt genuinely happy, though he suppressed his joy. He gently took out the first "divinely bestowed spirit seed" he had obtained from the "black soil."

Its shape resembles a blooming flower, its entire body is blue like a gemstone, and its aura is filled with a rich water element.

Without a doubt, this is a "divinely gifted" Aquatic plant.

Zhu Yu glanced at him twice, his gaze fixed on him.

A message appeared.

[Unknown fungus "Divine Gift Species": ...]

It belongs to a small cluster of fungi, is of the water attribute, and its effect is to enhance water-related magic and supernatural powers…

"A moderately divine gift..."

Enhancing the Five Elements Yin-Yang Techniques, this is undoubtedly a "medium-level divine gift." Zhu Yu's eyes lit up with even more joy as he told Cai Ling, who was standing to the side, about its effects.

Suppressing his joy, he took out the second "divinely bestowed spirit seed".

It was obtained by Cai Ling from slaying that alien species, which covered thousands of miles with mycelium and resembled the sun, at the second stage.

It is shaped like a jade disc and is slightly warm.

Zhu Yu guessed in his heart that it was probably a "medium-level divine gift" of the fire element, and without thinking much about it, he stared intently at it.

An information panel appeared.

[Unknown fungus "Divine Gift Species": ...]

It belongs to a single large fungal species, and its attribute is not the fire attribute he guessed, but a special yang attribute. Its effect is to remove and purify negative injuries from the yin side.

It has a very special effect.

It's not a strengthening type, but rather a supportive treatment type...

"Is it absolutely a top-grade 'divine gift,' or even a special top-grade 'divine gift'...?"

Upon receiving the information, Zhu Yu was overjoyed and immediately shared the good news with Cai Ling, asking:

"Will this 'divine gift' be useful for the water chestnut?"

Cai Ling's eyes lit up, and she nodded. "It's useful." As if afraid Zhu Yu wouldn't take it seriously, she looked at him and repeated, "It's very, very useful to Cai Ling..."

Without hesitation, Zhu Yu immediately said, "Once the giant peak reaches its third age, we will nurture it as a 'seed of life'."

"Um."

Cai Ling nodded, her crimson eyes brimming with joy.

Zhu Yu carefully put it away, picked up the crescent-shaped, cyan "divinely bestowed spirit seed," and stared at it intently.

Information is made visible.

[An unknown fungus "gifted by God": ...]

It belongs to a small cluster of fungi, its attribute is wind, and its effect is to enhance wind-related magic and supernatural powers.

It also falls under the category of "medium-level divine gift".

However, in terms of value, the wind element is more valuable than the fire element.

Zhu Yu nodded in satisfaction, "Not bad, not bad..."

Three "divine gifts".

Two are of medium quality, and one is of exceptionally high quality.

He has truly made a fortune now, especially with the addition of the special superior spiritual seed "Flesh Ganoderma", the top-tier spiritual seed "Sea Witch Ulva", and the top-tier unknown fungal spiritual seed.

The trip to "Junyu" can be described as a great success.

In addition, there are superior spiritual seeds that enhance the five senses: "Sour Jujube Shrub", "King Banana", and "Blueberry Berry".

Before advancing to the "Mountain Lord Realm", he had no shortage of "spiritual seeds".

What he needs now is to develop further, until he advances to the "Mountain Lord Realm" and has five divine gifts in hand. At that time, it will be time for his divided spirit to nourish his main body.

"No rush, let's try setting up the market in the meantime..."

Zhu Yu's thoughts surged, and after a moment's thought, he called upon the spirit beasts to get up and continue their journey.

I remember the route on my return trip, and although the sky was overcast, it didn't rain.

Not long after.

The group of insects and beasts then returned to the "Cerberus" market.

Zhu Yu couldn't help but look at the place where the "big-nosed weevil" had been stationed not long ago. Seeing that the place was empty and without insects, he felt both relieved and somewhat disappointed.

Jia 23 is a good insect.

He will definitely treat it well next time he has the chance to meet it.

What he didn't know was...

A little boy who loves doing business but is unaware of his losses has been banned from trading and is about to complain to his mother, looking quite aggrieved…

I don't know if he was afraid of Cai Ling or didn't want to see Hei Zi.

During their stay at the "Cerberus Market," the three-headed dog from the Mountain Lord Realm never showed up.

Zhu Yu exchanged all the remaining "jade coins" in his hand for some low- and mid-grade "spiritual food," which was carried by Hei Da and Bai Er. He glanced at Hei Zi, who was frolicking in the market, and then turned and left.

journey.

White Hair and White Two, who were good friends with Blackie, were talking about coming to play with it together in a while when suddenly a pitiful "woof" was heard, and then a dark thing fell from the sky and crashed down in front of the insects and beasts.

It rolled over and stood up, its three dog heads baring their teeth at the sky and barking incessantly.

Zhu Yu looked up.

I vaguely saw a six-red lantern flash by.

When he came to his senses.

Then, "Cerberus" Kuroko walked dejectedly to his side.

"Kuroko wants to go visit Kyoho's family."

"It's definitely not that the ancestor disliked Hei Zi."

"Watch the house."

The three heads spoke one after another, but in general, they all wanted to go back with Zhu Yu.

"OK."

Zhu Yu hesitated for a moment before nodding in agreement.

Blackie has an extraordinary bloodline and a good chance of breaking through to the second tier. Apart from being a bit mischievous, it doesn't have any major flaws and is a good partner for guarding the house.

that's it.

With the occasional crazy troll around, the journey wasn't so boring.

Not long.

When those familiar mountain peaks came into view.

Zhu Yu felt a sense of peace and security for the first time in a long time. He quickly arrived at the top of the mountain by following the mountain path. As soon as he appeared, a blue rainbow appeared and hovered beside him, accompanied by the chirping of a hummingbird.

"Jufeng, Jufeng, you're finally back."

"A nasty bug stole your nest, and the hummingbird couldn't beat it..."

"..."

"Um!…"

Zhu Yu was taken aback, then felt a surge of anger. He flapped his wings and said, "Let's go see who it is."

"They stole the giant beetle's den, bald man, beat it up!"

"Beat it up! Beat it up!..."

The spirit beasts were furious and clamored to teach that insect a lesson.

Only Cai Ling's crimson pupils revealed a strange look.

"Didn't it go off in pursuit of freedom? Why is it back?... "

"And... you even lost the 'Life Realm'?..."

As if she had just thought of something, Cai Ling raised her head high, her eyes revealing a playful look of anticipation.

When Zhu Yu arrived at the withered banyan tree...

A foot-long red fire ant was lazily lying on a blue stone under a tree. Before he could scold or ask a question, a divine sense swept over, and along with it, a strangely familiar ethereal voice rang in his ears.

"Little one, do you know who I, your ancestor, am?...