Lucian silently pondered to himself, ’Doesn’t this mean that refining the Bodhi Fruit can grant an Innate Fate related to comprehension? Well, I’ll test this idea on Lyra first. If she really achieves an Innate Fate related to comprehension, then maybe Mom and Isabella can also obtain one.

    And perhaps, even Aunt Eloise could benefit from it too. But even if they don’t, the fruits can still quickly increase their Cultivation progress. Alisa doesn’t need it, that means I have only three Bodhi Fruits to spare.’

    While Lucian was thinking, Iris already went and carefully pulled out the Bodhi Tree. She came back to Lucian and stuck out her hand with the glowing green tree.

    "Here," she said, "Oh, I forgot to mention, but you can even refine this whole Bodhi Tree. Right now I don’t have any specially made box that alchemists use to store it. And although a space ring can store it, the medicinal properties will slowly degrade over time."

    Lucian nodded, then plucked a green fruit from the tree, and handed it to Iris.

    "You can have this," he said gently.

    "You’re giving me one?"

    Lucian shrugged, "What!? Do you want more? Then here..."

    He was about to pluck one more, however,

    "No. That is not what I meant. In fact I don’t need this! My comprehension is not something this Second grade treasure can improve. Besides, I’ve already reached the pinnacle of Foundation Establishment, so refining it would be a waste of resources. If it weren’t for the Heavenly Treasure my mother needs, I wouldn’t have even bothered coming here."

    Lucian smiled and teasingly spoke, "It seems your mouth only wants one thing."

    She immediately blushed and turned her head away, "W-what are you talking about, you pervert?!"

    But her lips unconsciously licked as she remembered the taste from before.

    Lucian chuckled softly and then he instructed.

    "Iris, use a protective Array Formation to seal this place while I refine the Bodhi Tree," Lucian said.

    She took out several jade Array Plates and placed them according to the Formation around the cave entrance. After placing the Spirit Stones, she controlled the Array Formation and barriers of light sprang up, sealing off the area.

    As an extra precaution, she also set up an Illusion Formation. With a simple command, the formation enveloped the shattered hill and restored it to its previous state before Lucian had broken it.

    Then she moved to a spot by the entrance and sat down cross-legged, closing her eyes. She also spread her Qi Sense to survey the area for any potential ambushes.

    Meanwhile Lucian sat down cross-legged, holding the Bodhi Tree. He closed his eyes and began to circulate his Cultivation Technique to calm his mind.

    Half an incense stick of time later,

    Tiny droplets of water materialized in the air around the Bodhi Tree, suspended as if by an invisible force. The droplets swirled, gently washing away the dirt that clung to the tree’s body, fruits, leaves and branches.

    Although Lucian didn’t possess a natural affinity for water Element, this simple cleaning spell was well within his capabilities.

    On the other hand, if he were to cast an "advance" spell using an opposing Element in a battle, the power output would be significantly reduced compared to what could be unleashed by someone with a natural affinity for that Element.

    Lucian then plucked four fruits, and placed them into his space ring.

    But he didn’t immediately begin to refine it. Instead, he turned to Iris with a mischievous glint in his eye.

    Crack!

    Lucian felt as if an invisible barrier had broken inside his body as he finally broke through and reached the 7th stage of Foundation Establishment.

    With the meat of a Foundation Establishment beast, Bodhi Tree and its three fruits, he barely broke through.

    His meridians had expanded, allowing Crimson Flame Spiritual Energy to flow more freely.

    His Dao Lotus emitted a dazzling a light as the sixth petal slowly bloomed. Find your next read on empire

    Furthermore, one could see at the center of the Dao Lotus, where a normal mortal lotus would have its carpel and stamen, there was a glowing... Core!

    Also the Dao Platform beneath, now an impressive 159 cm in diameter, rotated slowly, drawing in Spiritual Energy from the surrounding environment.

    For another full day, Lucian remained seated in meditation to fully stabilize his cultivation.

    Finally, he opened his eyes and exhaled a long breath.

    Then Lucian stood up and walked silently towards Iris, who was meditating near the entrance.

    A mischievous grin spread across his face as he reached out to touch her silky purple hair.

    But just as his fingers were about to make contact, an arrogant voice echoed from outside the array.

    "Eh? There’s actually an array here in this barren place. Whoever is inside, come out and show yourself!"

    Lucian frowned as he heard the voice. Iris’s eyes snapped open, her meditation interrupted.

    "Who dares disturb us?" she murmured, clearly annoyed.

    Through the barrier of the array, she saw three figures standing outside. All of them emitted Foundation Establishment aura.

    She immediately furrowed her brows as she identified them, "Why are they here?"

    "Do you know them?"

    "They are not important, but these three are lackeys of the Demon Prince. So if they are here, he must be nearby," Iris said quietly, her expression serious.

    "Oh? Who is this Demon Prince?" Lucian asked curiously, noticing her serious expression.

    "He’s the Dao Seed of the Demon Sect for this generation. Without my Dragon Form, I’m afraid I’m not his match. Moreover, he seems to have..." Iris’s voice trailed off, hesitating.

    Lucian’s eyes flashed coldly, "He seems to have what?"

    "He’s been pursuing me," Iris admitted reluctantly.

    Meanwhile, outside the array,

    Three cultivators stood impatiently, their eyes scanning the seemingly empty hillside. They wore dark robes with demonic sect’s symbols, marking them as disciples of the Demon Sect.

    "I said come out!" the leader shouted again. He was a tall, muscular man with a scar across his face.