Chapter 121: Bitterness and Astringency

The moment that title was mentioned, Gu Wudi immediately understood who was speaking—it was the male and female Dao Servants under the command of the Lord of the Forbidden Zone.

Though referred to as Dao Servants, they were far from ordinary; they had long reached the realm of immortal dao.

Even the Dao Servants were true immortals, which gives us some idea of the power held by the Lord of the Forbidden Zone during his lifetime.

In his prime, he once embarked alone on a path that would intimidate even the Immortal Kings, warring across the Sea of Realms to its depths. Unfortunately, in the end, misfortune befell him. After countless battles, he returned, barely clinging to life, crossing the threshold back into the Primordial Ancient Realm before finally succumbing.

Such power suggested he had reached the echelon of a giant.

After all, when the golden skeletal hand, the crystal skull, and the bleeding eye were recognized by Ao Sheng and Taishi, they were considered equals, indicating they wielded Immortal King-level strength in life. When the three ancient beings encountered the Lord of the Forbidden Zone, they marveled at how far he had traversed, even using the phrase "When will you transcend from above?"

All indications are that the Lord of the Forbidden Zone was a colossus in life, transcending the usual pinnacles reached by Immortal Kings, occupying a high and aloof position.

Yet, the Realm Sea was too perilous. Even one as strong as he could not dominate it and finally fell.

As Gu Wudi's thoughts wandered, a pair of figures emerged ahead, enshrouded in celestial mist—a man and a woman.

The man appeared to be around twenty, in the golden years of youth, while the woman seemed younger, resembling a young girl, extraordinarily beautiful, ethereal, as if a celestial being had descended to the mortal realm.

They walked together, exuding immortal aura, holy and transcendent.

Qingyue was somewhat surprised, not expecting the companions of the Forbidden Zone's Sovereign to be so young.

Yet, she dared not truly think them youthful, for from their world-weary eyes, it was evident that they had lived for unimaginably long ages, otherwise, they wouldn't possibly stand beside the Sovereign of the Forbidden Zone.

"Is it you who traversed that path?" The young man approached step by step, each move harmonizing with the dao of heaven and earth, radiating immortal brilliance.

"Yes, Senior, it was us."

Gu Wudi responded with measured humility.

"Hmm? Your path... it's quite unusual, unprecedented, perhaps..."

The man had only looked at Gu Wudi for a few moments before intrigue overwhelmed him.

Hearing this, the woman also gazed at Gu Wudi, and after a glance, she too showed surprise.

As Dao Servants of the Lord of the Forbidden Zone, they had accompanied him through endless eons, witnessing generation after generation of extraordinary prodigies arrive, earn the Lord's favor, and receive great teachings.

These prodigies all had remarkably brilliant paths, seen at a glance to be future immortals, yet never had any being instilled such a profound sense of amazement as Gu Wudi.

The path he walked seemed like an unprecedented, supreme path.

The two Dao attendants exchanged a glance, spotting the shock in each other's eyes.

In that instant, many thoughts flooded their minds, and the way they looked at Gu Wudi gradually changed, as if they were witnessing the rise of an invincible immortal king, destined to dominate the world.

"Gentlemen, my master is inside. Please, come in." Both Dao attendants respectfully gestured, their attitudes shifting as if they were welcoming esteemed guests.

Qingyue observed this without surprise. After all, planting one's own body as the seed was an extraordinary feat; even an immortal king had failed on this path, yet Gu Wudi succeeded. It was an event significant enough to shake the ancient history of the era, though not yet recognized by the masses.

Gu Wudi was overwhelmed by the change in treatment, bowing back with Qingyue, before proceeding into the residence of the Lord of the Forbidden Zone, with the Dao attendants leading the way.

This grand reception was hard to believe—it was rare for two true immortals to willingly bow their heads with such reverence.

The truth was, they knew the Lord of the Forbidden Zone's lifelong wish—to nurture a truly unparalleled being in all of existence.

Following the path through layers of vegetation, the four of them arrived at a wooden bridge.

It was green, stretching from the distant hills and mounds, lush and vibrant, sprouting tender, dripping buds, filled with a strong aura of life.

"This is the trunk of an ancient immortal tree, ascended to immortality but slain, its trunk repurposed as a bridge," Gu Wudi murmured.

Qingyue was amazed by such extravagance; using the main body of an ancient immortal tree as a bridge could only be the deed of an immortal king with such power and leisure.

They stepped onto the wooden bridge, and instantly, the scenery began to recede rapidly, indicating they were moving forward at an incredible speed.

In the next moment, they reached the end of the bridge.

Here was a rare flat area, surrounded by low mountains, standing in clusters. On the mountains stood numerous ancient metal halls of varied colors, majestic and overwhelming, filling one with awe from just a distant glance.

Gu Wudi and Qingyue took only one look before quickly retracting their gaze, hearts pounding with unease.

At the end of the wooden bridge lay some humble thatched cottages; simplicity embodied with greatness, exuding an extraordinary aura of Dao.

Mist shrouded the area, obscuring the view, yet vaguely, a white figure could be seen sitting still, their actions unknown.

"After traversing that path, one would typically need to cross the Cosmic Lake to meet the master, but now, it's unnecessary. With your talent, the Cosmic Lake is merely symbolic, not worth the time," the male Dao attendant explained.

Then, leading the group around the crystalline, mystic Cosmic Lake, approaching the thatched cottages.

Approaching closer, the mist could no longer obscure their vision, and they saw the back of a man in white, coming into view.

Dressed all in flawless white, with long black hair casually draped and swaying in the breeze.

At this moment, the man in white sat on a tree stump, back to the group, facing a tea table. Across from him was another stump, empty, yet a cup of tea was placed on the table.

"Is this the Lord of the Forbidden Zone? Drinking in front of an empty seat, with a melancholic ambiance, as if reminiscing something."

Two Dao attendants halted respectfully, several yards away from the tea table, waiting silently without daring to disturb their lord.

Gu Wudi and Qingyue also wisely chose not to act rashly, standing quietly at a distance.

After a long while, the man in white drained the tea in front of him, picked up the teacup opposite him, and poured it in a certain direction. The tea vanished the moment it left the teacup, transforming into a mighty army with cries and roars of warriors, and, finally, the sound of ocean tides, as if an endless sea was breathing.

Completing this ritual, he sighed deeply at the sky before turning to face the Dao attendants, Gu Wudi, and Qingyue.

Upon seeing Gu Wudi, the expression of the man in white changed visibly, showing surprise and joy. He then glanced at Qingyue, his eyes lighting up.

"A kindred spirit? It has been a long time since I've seen a being like you." The man in white admired as he praised Gu Wudi.

His allure was undeniable, possessing a gentle smile and otherworldly beauty, making him an extraordinary handsome man. His deep and bright eyes were intimidating to meet directly.

The Dao attendants inwardly affirmed that with Gu Wudi's talent and path, he certainly had potential to reach or even exceed their lord's level, while they themselves could only stop at their current level.

"You also hold promise to reach the King Realm."

Two beings, each evaluated by the Lord of the Forbidden Zone differently, showing the stark contrast between Gu Wudi and Qingyue: one regarded as a peer, the other merely hopeful of reaching an immortal king status.

"Sit, Boys, serve the tea."

Without hesitation, Gu Wudi and Qingyue took seats opposite the Lord of the Forbidden Zone.

"Throughout the ages, this tea table always had only two seats. Today is an exception; you both are worthy to sit here and drink," the man in white spoke softly.

At this moment, a male Dao attendant arrived, presenting two cups of tea before them.

A True Immortal serving tea—it was surreal, especially with the exceptional tea which emitted enchanting aromas and extraordinary visions.

Within the teacup, a true phoenix flapped its wings and swam, releasing a captivating fragrance.

"Senior, is this immortal tea?" Qingyue asked curiously.

The day's surreal experiences included entering the forbidden zone, passing a terrifying path of trials, meeting its master, and now being bestowed an ancient immortal tea—indeed, a dreamlike scenario.

"No."

"Even if it isn't, it must be similar. Thank you, senior, for the tea," replied Qingyue gratefully.

The man in white chuckled at her remark.

"What kind of transcendent tea is fairy tea? This tea pales in comparison; it's just a simple bitter tea tree, watered every year, yielding a few leaves."

As the voice faded, the movement in the two teacups slowly died down. The true phoenix had vanished, leaving only the bright red tea leaves sinking to the bottom, breathtakingly beautiful.

Is it truly just an ordinary cup of tea? Yet its fragrance is distinctly invigorating, clearing the mind, akin to the world's rarest and most precious medicinal brew.

Gu Wudi naturally knew what this tea was, while only Qingyue remained in the dark.

He lifted the teacup to his lips, taking a shallow sip. Instantly, Gu Wudi's expression changed, his face becoming slightly unnatural.

It was unbearably bitter, so bitter that his tongue tingled, almost intolerable, prompting him to take a sharp breath, with every particle within him vibrating intensely, trying to digest this bitterness.

For ordinary beings, this tea might be bitter enough to take their life directly.

Before Gu Wudi could adjust, a terrifying astringency swept over him again, nearly causing him to stumble.

Had it not been for his immense control over his body, Gu Wudi might have made a fool of himself on the spot.

"How is it?"

The man in white asked.

Gu Wudi swallowed, frankly stating, "Bitter and astringent."

Observing his state, Qingyue couldn't help but feel a bit apprehensive. The tea had appeared sacred just moments ago; how could it be so harsh?

Nevertheless, she knew there was no time for hesitation now, so she swiftly lifted the teacup and took a small sip.

"Boom!"

Flames of cyan surged upwards, enveloping her. Gu Wudi saw nothing, yet he could imagine her expression—certainly one of agony.

For the bitter tea tree planted by the Lord of the Forbidden Zone was genuinely bitter, genuinely astringent, capable of sending someone away on the spot.

"And you?"

The man in white looked at Qingyue.

"Bitter and astringent."

Qingyue spoke the truth. There was no point in flattering with falsehoods before the Lord of the Forbidden Zone, which would only lead to disdain.

"Only eight people have tasted this tea. Others may wish for a single drop, but they don't have the fortune to partake," the Lord of the Forbidden Zone sighed gently.

"Eight people? Apart from the senior, who are the other seven?" Gu Wudi asked.

The Lord of the Forbidden Zone heard this, his eyes filled with deep sorrow.

"They are extraordinary talents from different periods, remarkable individuals of their times."

As he spoke, he gazed into the distance, hands clasped behind his back, his eyes filled with reminiscence, remembrance mingled with endless regret.

"From the beginning of the Ancient Immortal Era to this moment, seven young beings have crossed the path in front and the Cosmic Lake to come here and drink this tea. Unfortunately, it's lamentable." He was deeply saddened, a look of grief in his eyes.

"Senior, what is regrettable?"

"It's regrettable that most of them have died," the Lord of the Forbidden Zone stated bluntly.

"Most have died?" Qingyue murmured to herself, puzzled about how they died. Logically, those who could cross that path and pass through the Cosmic Lake must be exceedingly talented, yet in the end, most perished. There must be some deeper reason behind this.

"Yes, only two are still alive, the others have all fallen."

The Lord of the Forbidden Zone appeared lost, his eyes reflecting the grandeur of myriad worlds, with terrifying visions of stars falling and cosmic seas fracturing, as if the apocalypse had descended, the world crumbling like bubbles bursting into nothingness.

Gu Wudi and Qingyue were deeply shocked. Is this the supreme power that an Immortal King possesses?

In the next instant, the scene reflected in the Lord's eyes changed, and seven lifelike beings appeared, both male and female.

"Drink the tea."

He urged.

Gu Wudi and Qingyue felt their bodies stiffen slightly, exchanged glances, then gritted their teeth, lifted their teacups, and drained them in one go.

Instantly, a tremendous bitterness and astringency surged up their throats, lingering relentlessly in their mouths.

Just as they were overwhelmed by the bitter torment and about to falter, suddenly, the light and shadows shifted before them, and a figure approached.

He was tall, a full ten feet, with unkempt hair, robust like a steel tower, shrouded in faint strands of chaotic mist, exuding a formidable presence.

"He is called Ao Gu, the first young person to come here, hailing from the Chaos Clan. In the early Ancient Immortal period, he swept through his peers unconquered. I taught him the Dragon Battle Art."

Gu Wudi and Qingyue were astounded, recognizing at a glance that this youth was a physical cultivator, his body immensely powerful. The Lord of the Forbidden Zone taught him the Dragon Battle Art, undoubtedly maximizing his physical advantages to the utmost, a terrifying thought.

"When he achieved the True Immortal status, extremely powerful, he ignored my advice and embarked on that path too soon, ultimately perishing." sighed the Lord of the Forbidden Zone, his words tinged with regret.