Eternal Cultivation Of Alchemy

The Guardian Tiger considered something for a long time.

“Your Azure Dragon’s bloodline is… non-existent, but your White Tiger’s bloodline is strong,” the Tiger said. “You may even have the quality of a King.”

Pearl’s face lifted suddenly. “I do.”

His aura changed, becoming stronger all of a sudden, as a certain symbol appeared on his forehead.

Alex had seen the symbol many times before, but hadn’t questioned Pearl much about it beyond learning that it was the effect of his bloodline. Bai Jingshen had warned Pearl from talking about it to anyone, including Alex—not because they didn’t trust him, but because it was far too important for them.

’The quality of a king?’ Alex thought.

“So you do,” the Tiger said. “I didn’t expect you to be able to use it already. That makes it much easier for me to make my decision.”

“What decision, senior?” Pearl asked.

The Tiger looked around. “You can’t leave this world right now, can you?” he asked. “You can’t leave the seal.”

“It’s too small,” Pearl answered.

“Then you might have to wait a few more years. Do not worry, it won’t take long before you get my gift,” the Tiger said. “Young man, I will be leaving now.”

“You can follow my spiritual sense, senior,” Alex said. “I’ve kept the path open.”

The Tiger nodded, intending to leave. Before it did, it took a look around the world once again. The massive world full of plants and beasts, including the Nine Yang Divine Tree and the World Tree, was a stunning sight even for a Primordial.

However, what still surprised the Tiger the most was not their presence, but rather how calm Alex felt during all of it.

’He holds so much burden to his spirit,’ the Tiger thought. It was no different than a mortal wearing clothes that weighed a lot.

The Tiger could only wonder how much stronger Alex could become should he shed that weight one day. He feared Alex hadn’t even realized that yet. For the sake of all these things that needed his care, it decided to not relay that information.

The Guardian Tiger changed back into a cub and flew out of Alex’s Soul Space.

Alex waited for the Primordial to speak.

“Come with me,” the cub said and started walking away from the location.

“Where are you going?” Bladedance asked from the back. “Can I come?”

“Stay there. This has nothing to do with you,” the cub said and took Alex along.

Alex curiously followed the cub, jumping up to the next root that was nearly a cliff’s length high. It extended for over a hundred meters before he arrived at the other root that grew right next to this one.

“Where are we going, senior?” Alex asked.

“Just follow. It’s on the other side,” the Tiger said and continued going.

Alex followed as told, looking around the tree. The size of the tree was much wider than he had thought. He couldn’t help it though, since it was hard to judge the size when all he could see was dark wood before him.

“Has the sun finally come out?” Alex asked curiously, looking to his left. The fog glowed brighter than ever before.

“The tree grows thick and wide, so the canopy blocks all light,” the Tiger said. “And since the sun rises from the other side, everything on this side remains a shadow. It is only around afternoon that sunlight finally comes through. But that is still protected by the fog.”

“I remember seeing darkness outside of this spatial wall. Does the tree extend beyond that?” Alex asked.

“No, that tiny gap between the two barriers was created by the tree to block as much light from coming in on this side. The darkness also neutralizes any Yang energy that may slip through the wall. Those things tend to permeate even through space itself.”

Alex nodded slowly. “The Tree of Life doesn’t rely on sunlight, does it? It gathers Yin to grow.”

“Yes. That’s just how Mother blessed them,” the cub said. “None of their siblings rely on sunlight.”

Alex was about to nod along when he paused at the information. “None?” he asked. “But the World Tree takes in sunlight, does it not?”

“She does, but that’s not how it was supposed to be. The tree was blessed to produce Qi through moonlight. But moonlight is just reflected sunlight, so that works too.”

“Oh, moonlight, was it?” Alex said. It made sense considering who had blessed them. She had put her own special brand on the trees, it seemed. Yin and Moon.

“What about the Soul Mother tree? What does it use?” Alex asked.

“Intent,” the Tiger said.

“Intent?” Alex asked. “Can that even be consumed?”

The Tiger smiled, walking along.

Alex hurried a little to catch up. “And what does it give out after consuming Intent?” he asked. “Its descendant, the Spirit Cleansing Lily, helped improve the Spiritual Sea and open it should it be locked.”

“The Soul Mother tree does not produce anything to consume,” the Tiger said. “Just as the World Tree produced pure Qi, the Soul Mother tree produced pure Spiritual energy.”

“Pure… Spiritual energy?” Alex asked. He should have guessed that based on the name, but hearing it was still surprising. He wondered if he could ever find it.

“Do you know where the Soul Mother tree is?” Alex asked.

“No,” the Tiger said. “The most I know is that it is somewhere that is difficult to reach. Thanks to that, she lives for now.”

“Would she tell me if I asked?” Alex asked.

“I doubt so,” the Tiger said. “At least, not before you have fully become Father. Many have come before you that had the ability to become Father, but all have died. You are the closest yet, so if you don’t end up dying somehow before then, she will tell you.”

The Tiger turned to look at him. “But, from what I can tell, there is almost no chance that you can die, so I suppose it is more or less a done deal, huh?”