Cultivation Begins From The Desert-Chapter 707 - 691: The Test of Humanity

Zhouyang never expected that his reunion with Zhu Zizhen would occur under such circumstances.

When he discovered that it was Zhu Zizhen attacking the cave mansion from outside, he had to go out to stop her and invite her inside to prevent the formation from being completely destroyed.

"Please forgive my presumptuousness, Elder Zhu, but how did you find this place?"

After inviting Zhu Zizhen into the cave mansion, Zhouyang, as the host, inquired about her intentions.

It was hard for him not to be curious. This underground lava sea was vast beyond measure. To say Zhu Zizhen arrived here by chance, he simply didn't believe it.

However, upon hearing his words, Zhu Zizhen did not immediately respond. Instead, she looked at him with a similar expression of surprise and asked, "I'm also curious how Fellow Daoist Zhou came to be here, and you seem to have just endured a fierce battle!"

Zhu Zizhen remembered that the last time she parted ways with Zhouyang in the Donghua Continent Cultivation Realm, Zhouyang was only at the Eighth-Layer Golden Core cultivation.

Now, two hundred years later, Zhouyang had not only successfully formed his Nascent Soul but seemed to have done so a long time ago, and now was at the Second-Layer Nascent Soul.

Such cultivation speed was extremely rare among human cultivators.

If that were all, it would be fine.

What puzzled Zhu Zizhen was how Zhouyang came to be in the depths of the underground lava sea in the Wilderness Jungle, occupying a cave mansion that was evidently extraordinary.

She had seen the array outside this cave mansion. Although it posed no threat to her, a typical Early-Stage Nascent Soul cultivator would find it difficult to pass through.

Moreover, observing Zhouyang's aura, which was unstable and indicative of unrecovered injuries, it was clear he had recently experienced a life-and-death battle of great intensity.

The most perplexing thing for her was that she had sensed a Vermilion Bird's aura to find this place, yet there were no traces or aura of the Vermilion Bird here, which was highly unusual.

So many doubts filled her mind, making Zhu Zizhen very uncomfortable.

She knew that if anyone could help her unravel these doubts, it would surely be Zhouyang.

As for whether Zhouyang would help her, she wasn't worried at all, knowing that she had done him a great favor before.

Indeed, after being questioned by her, Zhouyang did not show any displeasure on his face. Instead, he nodded quickly and said, "There is nothing in this matter that cannot be shared with others. Since Elder Zhu wants to know, let me explain in detail."

He then proceeded to tell her how he accepted Zhao Yuanpu's invitation, came to this place together, killed the Poison Fire Crocodile Shark exotic beast, broke through the protective grand array, and fought the Fire Charm, among other things.

But he only mentioned the general process and outcomes, without detailing some specific matters.

Especially the thing Zhu Zizhen wanted to know the most, the Vermilion Bird's aura; he did not mention it.

Even so, Zhu Zizhen was incredibly astonished by the series of events he recounted.

"I remember clearly; when I parted ways with Fellow Daoist Zhou in the Donghua Continent Cultivation Realm — your cultivation was at the Eighth-Layer Golden Core, right? Yet now, even a Late-Stage Nascent Soul cultivator couldn't handle the Fire Charm, yet it fell at your hands. Your achievements in such a short time are truly unbelievable!"

When she said unbelievable, she meant it literally, which meant she suspected Zhouyang was bragging.

In response to her suspicion, Zhouyang wasn't angry; he simply smiled humbly and said, "It's all just luck. Compared to a true Great Divine Techniques user like you, Elder, my petty skills are not worth mentioning."

Zhu Zizhen didn't know about Zhouyang's previous accomplishments, so her skepticism of his abilities was understandable, and he saw no need to explain further.

His attitude, in turn, made Zhu Zizhen somewhat uncertain.

A flicker of suspicion flashed in her eyes as she observed him and suddenly said, "Fellow Daoist Zhou, didn't you just ask why I came here? Actually, there's nothing much to it. Last month I was comprehending the Law in the underground lava sea when I suddenly sensed the aura of a Vermilion Bird emanating from this place, and I followed it here, unexpectedly meeting you, Fellow Daoist Zhou."

Having said this, she kept her eyes fixed on Zhouyang, continuing without blinking, "Since Fellow Daoist Zhou has been here since last month, do you know about this matter?"

Indeed!

Brother Zhou sighed inwardly, having already guessed the reason.

He met Zhu Zizhen's gaze, a flash of brilliance in his eyes, and nodded slightly, responding, "If that's the case, Elder, you've found the right person to ask."

Zhu Zizhen's face lit up with delight, immediately looking serious as she said, "I sincerely hope Fellow Daoist Zhou can be truthful."

Zhouyang didn't speak, but merely lifted his hand and summoned the Vermilion Bird Fan.

"This is..."

Zhu Zizhen's gaze suddenly changed, shocked as she looked at the vermilion feather fan in Zhouyang's hand, before turning her eyes back to him.

"This magical artifact is named the Vermilion Bird Fan," said Zhouyang as he met Zhu Zizhen's gaze filled with shock, explaining the origin of the fan in a deep voice, "It was refined by a Tribulation Crossing True Immortal predecessor thousands of years ago using the feathers and skeleton of a True Spirit Vermilion Bird as the main material. It was placed in an artifact cauldron with special techniques to nurture for millennia before it finally became a formidable Tier Seven Immortal Artifact!"

"The Vermilion Bird aura sensed by Elder earlier likely emanated from this item when I used it to slay the Fire Charm, unintentionally released by the Vermilion Bird Artifact Spirit."

Zhouyang knew what it meant for Zhu Zizhen to see the Vermilion Bird Fan.

But he knew even more that if he falsely denied knowledge of it, Zhu Zizhen might not believe him, and he couldn't lie to himself either.

In the past, Zhu Zizhen genuinely helped him greatly, being his benefactor in the truest sense, and he had promised never to forget this kindness and repay her.

If he were to deliberately hide the truth now, he would have no face to speak of repaying her.

"Aren't you afraid that I might take it by force now that you've shown me this?"

Zhu Zizhen took a deep breath, her gaze sharp as she looked at Zhouyang, her voice chillingly cold.

As she spoke, she was also calculating her success rate in seizing the Vermilion Bird Fan by force.

With her Tier Six Top Grade Demon King cultivation and the advantageous terrain of the underground lava sea, she was not in the least afraid even when facing Ninth-Layer Nascent Soul Half-Step True Immortals.

Although Zhouyang had a Tier Seven Immortal Artifact in hand, his cultivation was only Second-Layer Nascent Soul, and he was injured. Zhu Zizhen felt there was an eighty to ninety percent chance of success if she acted.

This prospect was tempting.

But what she didn't expect was Zhouyang's calm response, "I am not afraid because there is no need for Elder to do so!"

"Oh, and why is that?"

Zhu Zizhen's face grew serious as she gazed at Zhouyang, full of curiosity.

She had no idea where Zhouyang derived the confidence to make such a declaration—was it merely because she once helped him?

This time, she guessed correctly.

Without delay, Zhouyang said, "In fact, when I first obtained this Vermilion Bird Fan, I thought of offering it to you, Elder, as a repayment for your kindness!"

"Haha, Fellow Daoist Zhou, isn't that a bit hypocritical of you? Such a treasure, would you really be willing to give it to someone else?"

Zhu Zizhen sneered with disdain, looking at him mockingly and saying, "If you truly had that intention, it's not like you don't know where I cultivate. Why have you never visited me then?"

No wonder she doesn't believe what Zhouyang said.

You must know that this is a Seventh-tier Immortal Artifact, a complete Seventh-tier Immortal Artifact!

Such treasures are few in the entire "Spirit Realm"; even those Ninth-Layer Nascent Soul "Half-Step True Immortals" mostly do not possess such treasures, let alone give them away.

Faced with her sarcastic questioning, Zhouyang wasn't annoyed at all. He just nodded slightly and said, "Since things are like this, it's understandable that the elder doesn't believe it, but I still ask the elder to listen to me explain before drawing a conclusion."

Without waiting for Zhu Zizhen to respond, he continued, "With your strength, elder, I'm afraid few in this world can pose a threat to you. I boldly speculate that the only worry you have is the True Spirit Celestial Tribulation!"

"I was fortunate enough to witness a Demon Cultivator crossing the True Spirit Celestial Tribulation, and the destructive power was truly extraordinary. Without the shelter of a powerful artifact, it's almost impossible to survive!"

"However, forgive me for being blunt. Although you are now a Tier Six High-grade Demon King, you should still need considerable accumulation before summoning the True Spirit Celestial Tribulation."

"Since you cannot summon the True Spirit Celestial Tribulation in a short time and have the power to fear no threats, even gifting you this Seventh-tier Immortal Artifact is just an embellishment without much effect."

"While I've only just formed my Nascent Soul and my divine abilities aren't developed, I am being eyed by enemies like the Dragon Taming Family. I need this item to protect myself for safety."

"So it's not that I'm reluctant to part with this object, but I wish to borrow its power to protect myself for a while. When I have enough self-preservation strength, I will personally present it to you to repay the kindness you showed me before!"

Zhouyang spoke with conviction, and his tone was very sincere.

However, Zhu Zizhen's expression did not change at all, obviously not believing what he said.

She looked at Zhouyang with a cold expression and said faintly, "When I traveled through the mortal world of the Human Race, I heard a saying: don't look at what people say, look at what they do. I think this saying makes sense."

"Fellow Daoist Zhou is speaking so eloquently now, but will your actions match your words?"

Zhouyang, hearing this, replied without hesitation, "I can vow to heaven that what I said just now is all true. If the elder needs to cross the True Spirit Celestial Tribulation in the future, just come to me, and I will absolutely hand over the Vermilion Bird Fan to assist in the tribulation!"

Upon hearing his words, Zhu Zizhen's expression finally showed a slight change.

For someone at the Nascent Soul Stage, daring to vow to heaven has severe consequences if broken.

But instead of letting the issue slide, she narrowed her eyes, a cold gleam flashing in them, and asked Zhouyang aggressively, "What if I want it now?"

Zhouyang heard this and fell silent.

After a brief silence, he suddenly waved his hand, and the Vermilion Feather Fan flew out from his hand, landing in front of Zhu Zizhen.

"Then the elder may take it!"

This time, it was Zhu Zizhen's turn to be silent.

She looked at the Vermilion Feather Fan in front of her, her eyes flickering with indecision, unsure whether to reach out for it.

But after throwing the fan, Zhouyang felt as though a burden had been lifted, feeling an indescribable relief.

He hadn't lied to Zhu Zizhen; when he initially acquired the Vermilion Bird Fan, he intended to give this Seventh-tier Immortal Artifact to her to repay an old kindness.

However, the series of events that followed gradually led him to selectively forget this initial thought.

As a result, he subconsciously resisted visiting Zhu Zizhen, reluctant to lose such a life-saving trump card.

Now, unexpectedly encountering Zhu Zizhen and having her notice the Vermilion Bird Fan, Zhouyang found there was no escape and had to face the matter directly.

For him, losing the Vermilion Bird Fan was undoubtedly painful and severely impacted his strength.

But if he could thereby resolve the debt of kindness owed, unburdening himself from it, it would also be a good thing.

However, a favor is a favor. He could give Zhu Zizhen the Vermilion Bird Fan in advance to repay the favor.

But after this matter, they would be strangers to one another.

Zhouyang had no desire to befriend someone who held favors as leverage.

Zhu Zizhen's hesitation was because she understood this equally well.

In the past, she wouldn't have hesitated at all, taking the Vermilion Bird Fan and leaving without a care for Zhouyang's thoughts.

However, Zhouyang's previous words made her hesitate.

What occupied her mind even more were the words Zhouyang spoke when asking for her help in the Donghua Continent Cultivation Realm.

At the time, she dismissed Zhouyang's words, helping him not for future repayment, but because he aided her in the Vermilion Bird Secret Realm.

But now, reality showed her that everything Zhouyang promised came true!

He was undoubtedly a cultivator blessed with great fortune and exceptional cultivation talent, whose future achievements were unimaginable.

If she broke the significant bond they had formed over the years just for an artifact destined to be hers, it would be shortsighted and immensely foolish. 𝙛𝒓𝓮𝒆𝔀𝒆𝙗𝓷𝒐𝙫𝒆𝙡.𝒄𝓸𝓶

The silence lingered for a long time, making this a difficult choice for Zhu Zizhen.

After nearly a quarter-hour passed, she finally decided, gently waving her hand to send the Vermilion Feather Fan back to Zhouyang, and said, "Since Fellow Daoist Zhou still needs this for self-defense, let him keep it. I only hope he won't forget his words today."

Zhouyang saw this and, without ceremony, accepted the treasure and said seriously, "Rest assured, I am known for keeping my word. As long as you need it in the future, I can hand it over to you anytime!"

Zhu Zizhen nodded lightly, indicating she understood, and then shifted the topic, looking at him curiously and asking, "From your earlier words, it seems you've witnessed a True Spirit Celestial Tribulation. Could you describe the situation in detail?"

"Of course."

Zhouyang readily agreed and immediately recounted the scene he saw of Mu Qingyun crossing the True Spirit Celestial Tribulation on Donglai Immortal Island, even using a secret technique to project the memory for Zhu Zizhen to see.

"What a powerful True Spirit Celestial Tribulation! If my future tribulation is that fearsome, even with the help of a Seventh-tier Immortal Artifact, I might struggle to survive!"

Watching the destructive thundering scene from Zhouyang's memory, Zhu Zizhen's expression shifted dramatically, sighing in deep concern.

Zhouyang reassured her, "You overthink, elder. Mu Qingyun committed many injustices and was a Plant Spirit Demon, naturally drawing a much stronger tribulation than other Demon Kings."

"In fact, when I watched the tribulation, two other Demon Kings were present; one was even a Tier Six High-grade Demon King who had awakened the bloodline memory. He told me that the typical True Spirit Celestial Tribulation for a Demon King is at least thirty percent weaker than Mu Qingyun's."

After hearing this, Zhu Zizhen regained her confidence and said, "If the power of my future tribulation is indeed lighter by three levels, I may have a chance to pass it safely with the help of the Vermilion Bird Fan!"

To which Zhouyang promptly flattered, saying, "I believe with your talent, elder, you will surely transform into a True Spirit in the future!"