"What does Senior Qing need me to do?"

With both hands cupped in a fist, Chu Ming asked in a low voice.

"When I was in the Realm of Transcendence back in the day, I once trained near the North Sea and discovered a Wood Profound Fruit on a green island. At that time, the Wood Profound Fruit was not yet ripe. Along with me, a male martial artist also discovered it. We resisted the temptation and made an agreement that we would compete for it five hundred years later based on our individual strengths."

The Cyan Bird King explained blandly. Cyan Bird King had been a King of the Life and Death Realm for three hundred years. Five hundred years ago, she had not yet become a King of the Life and Death Realm.

"However, just a few days ago, when the two of us were preparing to seize the Wood Profound Fruit, we found that the Wood Profound Fruit had already become sentient, and a barrier covering dozens of nautical miles had formed around the island, separating the island from the outside world. Even with our strength, we couldn't shake the barrier in the slightest."

"Nevertheless, we eventually discovered that martial artists with strength below the Realm of Transcendence who also possessed the aura of wood could enter."

"Thus, we agreed once more that our successors would enter and compete for the Wood Profound Fruit. As for the final outcome, it would be up to their own capabilities."

The Cyan Bird King spoke about the whole sequence of events and then quietly watched Chu Ming.

"Oh? So, Senior Qing intends for me to enter the barrier and seize the Wood Profound Fruit for you?"

Chu Ming couldn't help but laugh, then continued, "I have never cultivated a Wood Attribute Technique and don't have the aura of wood."

"I became a King through the Secrets of Wood; possessing a mere aura of wood is just a trivial matter for me."

The Cyan Bird King spoke nonchalantly, and with a light wave of his arm, a green pearl appeared in his hand, spinning. The aura of wood was exceptionally rich, and taking a breath of it made one feel mentally and physically refreshed.

"With your abilities, Senior Qing, I believe you could find a high-tier Transcendent to do this instead of me. Why choose me specifically?"

Chu Ming asked in return.

"I and the Profound Spirit King agreed that the successors must be martial artists under forty years of age."

The Cyan Bird King responded indifferently.

"If you are willing to enter, I can give you a middle-tier Secrets Martial Arts as a reward. And if you successfully seize the Wood Spirit Fruit for me, I can not only give you a middle-tier Secrets Martial Arts but also promise to owe you two favors within my capabilities."

The Cyan Bird King continued, knowing that a middle-tier Secrets Martial Arts could fetch several billion upper-grade Spirit Stones at an auction. He didn't believe Chu Ming would not be tempted.

Chu Ming pondered for a moment. Indeed, he was tempted — a middle-tier Secrets Martial Arts could significantly boost his strength in a short time. It was likely that the Cyan Bird King's highest martial arts were only high-tier Secrets Martial Arts.

Moreover, if he seized the Wood Profound Fruit, the Cyan Bird King would owe him two favors. A favor from a King was more valuable than a middle-tier Secrets Martial Arts.

"Agreed."

Chu Ming gently nodded. With his strength, he was quite confident in obtaining the Wood Profound Fruit.

"Good, we will depart in half a month. To increase your chances of seizing the Wood Profound Fruit, you may first choose a middle-tier Secrets Martial Arts from the City Lord's Mansion's treasury."

Upon hearing Chu Ming's affirmative response, the Cyan Bird King was overjoyed and immediately summoned Xu Xuanze, instructing him, "Take Young Hero Chu to the City Lord's Mansion's treasury to select a middle-tier Secrets Martial Arts!"

"Yes, City Lord!"

Xu Xuanze promptly replied, "Then, Senior Qing, I will take my leave first."

Chu Ming and the Cyan Bird King respectfully said their goodbyes, and then Chu Ming followed behind Xu Yingce, walking slowly.

The City Lord's Mansion had rows of pavilions, small bridges, and flowing water, with teams of majestic guards patrolling.

After about half an incense stick's time, Chu Ming followed Xu Xuanze to a small golden palace. The golden palace rose straight out of the ground and floated in mid-air, emitting a subtle golden light.

"This is the City Lord's Mansion's treasury."

Xu Xuanze said with a hint of pride in his eyes, introducing it to Chu Ming.

"Lord Cyan Bird has governed Southern Celestial City for two hundred years and has placed over a hundred treasures in the treasury."

Chu Ming nodded slightly. With his soul power, he could vaguely sense a terrifying soul fluctuation, like a storm that could erupt at any moment, lying dormant in the golden palace's hidden corners. This soul fluctuation was dozens of times weaker than the Cyan Bird King but far stronger than even a peak Ninth Layer Transcendent expert. It appeared to be a half-step Life and Death Realm King.

Aside from that, there were also many restrictions around the golden palace. Chu Ming was certain that even a low-tier King would fail if they attempted to take the treasury by force.

Whoosh!

Xu Xuanze brushed his right hand against his storage ring, taking out a green token and infusing it with spiritual power. Instantly, a vast green light spread out, transforming into a beam of green light that shot into the golden palace.

Buzz!

Poof!

The space shook, then an emaciated hand reached out from beside the golden palace, grabbing the green token. Subsequently, a one-eyed elder in a gray robe stepped out from the space, his eyes filled with ferocity and ruthlessness.

"Greetings, Elder Guo!"

Upon seeing the one-eyed elder, Xu Xuanze immediately bowed with a respectful expression. Chu Ming realized that the terrifying soul power he had sensed earlier must have come from Elder Guo, who was a half-step Life and Death Realm King.

"Hmm, what brings you here?"

The ferocious Elder Guo slightly nodded, looking down and asking indifferently.

"Lord Cyan Bird has instructed that Young Hero Chu may enter the treasury to select a middle-tier Secrets Martial Arts."

Xu Xuanze explained truthfully, his respectful demeanor unwavering.

"Hmm!"

Elder Guo nodded slightly and extended his right hand, tearing open a rift before the small golden palace. The power of space erupted, forming a spatial tunnel that allowed one person to pass through.

"Enter, and remember, you may only choose one middle-tier Secrets Martial Arts. If I find out you are greedy, don't blame me for being unkind!"

Elder Guo narrowed his eyes, his words full of threat.

"Understood!"

Chu Ming leaped, landing in the spatial tunnel. As the tunnel closed, his figure vanished.

Buzz!

Having reached the Realm of Transcendence, Chu Ming had essentially grasped the Secrets of Space and traveling through the spatial tunnel did not affect him in any way.

When he opened his eyes, he instinctively looked around, seeing a splendid golden square extending endlessly before him. Hundreds of white light clusters floated in the air, containing a variety of items, including weapons, defense armor, and spirit pills, all emanating strong spiritual power fluctuations.

Whoosh!

Chu Ming exhaled a breath, his figure quickly extending as he scanned the sky. The Cyan Bird King cultivated high-tier Secrets Martial Arts. Chu Ming assumed that even in the Southern Celestial City's treasury, middle-tier Secrets Martial Arts were rare.

If he could obtain a middle-tier Sword Dao Secrets Martial Arts, it would be ideal. Otherwise, a middle-tier Fist Technique Secrets Martial Arts would also suffice.