Such a prolonged benefit cycle is evidently unfavorable for the rapid expansion of cultivation forces.

Nevertheless, after verifying the mystical effects of the Bodhi Tribulation Fruit, Xiong Chan and the others were still predominantly pleased.

After the return of Households Commander Zuo, he reported in detail to Xu Qing about the unusual phenomenon when the Blood Bodhi Tree bore fruit.

He presented a delicate sandalwood box, and inside, three jade-like Bodhi Seeds were emitting vein-like threads of blood. At the bottom of the box lay a handwritten letter from Xiong Chan, written on great Zen Temple's specially crafted gold dust paper.

"For what Young Protector Xu desires, this old monk will definitely give my utmost support." The lotus stamp at the end of the letter subtly exuded a noble aura—it turns out Xiong Chan actually used the imperial ink bestowed by the old Emperor.

Xu Qing gently rubbed the letter with his fingertips, using the Heavenly Repairing Tribulation Hand, and instantly deciphered the three-layered hidden messages in the letter: The superficial layer contained the regulations of their partnership in cultivating spirit plants, the inner layer detailed the bronze Nine Cauldrons' structure of the Imperial Mausoleum's Earth Vein, and the deepest layer revealed a mysterious scripture from the "Sutra of Marrow Cleansing".

"The Great Monk truly is a generous and straightforward person." Xu Qing secretly praised in his heart.

Three days later, tea fragrance surrounded the meditation chamber of Xiong Chan, with white mist exuding from Lingnan's new tea.

Xu Qing played with the Bodhi Seeds in his hand, letting the Beiming Vortex in his palm slowly transform the fruit's Qi-blood into pure Taichu Demon Qi, and said: "Master, did you know that in the hands of the Lao Mountain Pill Cauldron Sect, this fruit can be refined into a 'Scripture-cutting Pill,' at Dragon Tiger Mountain it can serve as a 'Thunder Tribulation Guide,' while with me here…"

Before finishing his words, he suddenly crushed the fruit's shell, and a wisp of black spirit quickly entered a sparrow outside the window.

In the blink of an eye, the sparrow's body rapidly expanded, turning into the size of a golden eagle, becoming a majestic bird of prey.

The sparrow, now golden eagle-sized, initially appeared somewhat bewildered, then let out a high-pitched and exhilarating cry, spreading its wings and flying into the dense forest among the mountains.

Xu Qing's astonishing divine skills left Xiong Chan in utter amazement.

He well understood that such a terrifying technique could only be performed with unimaginably profound comprehension of Martial Arts and Dao Skill, almost akin to "enlightenment," faintly possessing a trace of a creator's quality.

It had to be said, Xiong Chan's discernment was exceptional. With one glance, he recognized that this technique was precisely Xu Qing's deep insight into Inner Heaven and Earth, thereby grasping a mere trace of a creator's skill.

The Buddha Beads in Xiong Chan's hand suddenly emitted a crisp sound, and the eighteen Shariputras simultaneously reflected different angles of Xu Qing's face. He said, "Young Protector Xu, the demon blood flesh that the old monk needs, I ask you each month's seventh day to have Households Commander Zuo deliver it. Certainly, we will also provide the corresponding Bodhi Tribulation Fruit on time. But regarding these Bodhi Seeds, I hope Young Protector will not casually spread them around."

After all, the Bodhi Tribulation Fruit is tainted with some demonic nature. If it were to spread, it could damage the reputation of the Great Zen Temple as a stronghold of the Righteous Path, hindering the recruitment of disciples.

Indeed, only with a good reputation can young talents with a sense of justice be attracted to study. If the reputation is tarnished, it becomes easy for individuals with improper intentions and those who betray their masters to infiltrate, which is extremely detrimental to the unity and stability within the temple.

Xiong Chan has always had a long-term vision. Even when engaging in some unknown secret dealings, he has always primarily directed the younger generation toward good.

From a single temple to an entire country, if the values of truth, goodness, and beauty are not vigorously advocated, sustainability becomes challenging. When everyone becomes accustomed to malicious acts, each person is consequently in danger.

"Naturally." Xu Qing nodded slightly, a scroll subtly slipping from his sleeve. Upon unfolding it, it turned out to be a survey map of the underground river beneath the Great Zen Temple. "In exchange, the Heavenly Work Institute will install Fang Immortal Dao's 'Primordial Instrument' at the Earth Vein nodes of the Great Zen Temple, ensuring the Blood Bodhi Tree isn't adversely affected by Dragon Qi."

Seeing this, Xiong Chan clapped in gratitude. He understood in his heart that this wasn't out of kindness from Xu Qing but rather Xu Qing's concern that he and the old Emperor might secretly conspire, thus taking preventive measures in advance.

Xiong Chan's facial expression remained calm without any expression, but internally, he complained bitterly; stuck between the old Emperor and Xu Gongming, he found himself in a difficult position, resembling an oppressed young wife despite being a Martial Saint in his prime, leaving him unable to express his grievances.

…

…

Xu Qing returned home.

The branches within Inner Heaven and Earth trembled slightly, as numerous Bodhi Tribulation Fruits within slowly transformed into refined Essence Qi.

The originally vibrant green leaves of the old Wutong Tree, having absorbed this Essence Qi, exhibited faint blood-colored patterns, which gradually returned to normal under the wash of Tai Shi Demon Qi.

Clearly, the Essence Qi obtained from the Bodhi Tribulation Fruit was far more beneficial to the old Wutong Tree than directly extracting the essence from demon blood flesh.

This is akin to a martial artist consuming Yellow Millet Rice as opposed to ordinary rice, with the nourishment obtained being worlds apart.

Sustained by this pure Essence Qi, the old Wutong Tree appeared increasingly vibrant, its branches and leaves growing more luxuriant, with each leaf shimmering with a peculiar luster.

Xu Qing's mind, content, swept over all this.

Needless to say, the side effects of the Bodhi Tribulation Fruit were, in fact, an advantage for him, the Heavenly Demon.

The demonic nature emerging from the Bodhi Tribulation Fruit directly nourished the Taichu Demon Qi.

Even within the dietary list for Taichu Demon Qi, the demonic nature from the Bodhi Tribulation Fruit had now ranked as the foremost delicacy.

How intriguing that the divine roots of the Buddhist sect possess outstanding nourishing effects on the Heavenly Demon.

Buddhism and demons as one.

Xu Qing's collaboration with Xiong Chan had another intent, namely, that the matter regarding the Life Extension Fruit should not be easily exposed; the Blood Bodhi Tree of the Great Zen Temple serves just right as a camouflage.

Of course, he also admired Red-haired Yan Kong's decisiveness.

This revealing move effectively bound the Great Zen Temple with Red-haired Yan Kong.

With the protection of the Great Zen Temple, Red-haired Yan Kong naturally would not easily fall.

In this world, few of the experts are simple-minded.

Next, as the Demon Hunting Bureau got on track, Xu Qing ventured into Yannian Palace, preparing to discuss an extremely important matter with the old Emperor.

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