Chapter 597

Chapter 597: The Gift of Genius

In response to Changhe Zhenren’s inquiry, Wang Chen did not hesitate to present the two remaining Reverse Spirit Tongtong Fruits.

"So, it is the Reverse Spirit Tongtong Fruit…"

Seeing the branch with the fruits in Wang Chen’s hand, Changhe Zhenren looked at him with a strange expression. "You gave one to Sùlán, didn’t you?"

Wang Chen nodded. "Master has a keen eye."

"For her brother’s sake, she has truly exhausted herself."

Changhe Zhenren clearly understood the situation and sighed with emotion. "This child has really gone through a lot in recent years."

He then asked, "What do you plan to do with the remaining two Tongtong fruits?"

Wang Chen answered without a second thought. "I plan to use one for myself."

As for the last one, he could either sell it, exchange it for cultivation resources, or keep it for himself.

Changhe Zhenren understood. "Your root bone is a bit lacking."

Wang Chen’s heart skipped a beat at those words.

It was clear his master had already seen through some of his background but had never mentioned it before.

Currently, Wang Chen’s root bone was at best mid-level, and with his cultivation level rising so quickly, it might attract unpredictable troubles in the eyes of observant people.

However, Changhe Zhenren showed no intention of digging into his secrets.

"Let me help you."

Changhe Zhenren reached out, and with a gentle motion, the two Tongtong fruits instantly detached from the branch and fell into his palm.

Wang Chen did not move.

He did not believe the other party would covet the Reverse Spirit Tongtong Fruits.

He observed as this Golden Core true master enveloped the two fruits in a gentle glow of spiritual light. The fruits silently burst open, and deep red juice oozed out, quickly consolidating into a blood-red liquid sphere.

Once the essence of the two fruits was fully extracted and condensed into one, Changhe Zhenren flicked his fingers. This sphere of essence, roughly the size of a longan, instantly shot out and struck Wang Chen’s forehead.

Wang Chen felt a cool sensation at his brow as a refreshing and lively aura surged into his body, rapidly spreading downward throughout his five organs and every part of his body.

The next moment, Changhe Zhenren’s voice rang in his ears: "Circulate your energy to refine the medicinal power; I will guard you."

Wang Chen immediately sat down on the ground, activating the Preheaven Five Element Technique to refine the essence of the Tongtong fruit that had entered his body.

The two Reverse Spirit Tongtong Fruits contained extremely pure spiritual energy from heaven and earth, along with an indescribable vitality. These two powers soaked into every muscle and bone of Wang Chen, finally converging within his spine.

A wave of heat surged instantly from his dantian, shooting upwards straight toward the heavenly gate!

Wang Chen’s head surprisingly emitted a mist of white vapor.

In that moment, Wang Chen experienced unimaginable pain and torment.

He felt as if every bone in his body was being crushed and tempered by an invisible force, then reassembled and consolidated.

This process repeated endlessly!

If it weren’t for his incredibly strong willpower, it would have been easy to faint on the spot.

Wang Chen was well aware that the power of the Tongtong fruit was at play, so he exerted all his strength to remain alert and composed, continuously channeling his magical energy to guide the boiling Qi and blood within his body.

Time crept by, and Wang Chen lost track of how long he had been enduring.

Just as his consciousness began to blur, a striking notification suddenly appeared in his vision.

【Root Bone +3】

【Insight +2】

Wang Chen nearly leapt to his feet!

Three points—his root bone had actually increased by three whole points!

It was worth noting that Wang Chen’s four fundamental attributes had already been enhanced four times; to enhance them further would require 10,000 Heavenly Merit. Gaining three points in root bone would take a staggering 1,110,000 Heavenly Merit!

How many cultivators would he need to defeat to amass such an amount of Heavenly Merit? Wang Chen didn’t even want to think about it.

This harvest felt like a dream come true!

With a root bone of 10 points, Wang Chen had now stepped into the ranks of geniuses.

His greatest weakness had been completely remedied, and his cultivation level limit had been elevated to an extraordinary height.

At the very least, he no longer faced any innate barriers in forming his Golden Core!

As for the additional two points of insight, that was an unexpected delight.

In that moment, Wang Chen felt as though he were floating on air.

From this day forward, he no longer needed to envy those prodigious talents; he had surpassed the majority of cultivators and now stood among the elite.

Summoning immense willpower, Wang Chen managed to keep his composure and rose to bow. "Thank you, Master!"

Without Changhe Zhenren’s assistance, he would have struggled to handle the two Reverse Spirit Tongtong Fruits. Had he consumed them directly, the effects would not have been nearly as potent as they were now.

"This is your fortune; there is no need to thank me."

Changhe Zhenren waved his hand and said, "After you return, enter closed-door cultivation and consolidate your gains."

The Golden Core true master seemed to recall something and added, "Unless absolutely necessary, do not venture outside. Focus on elevating your cultivation level first."

Wang Chen replied, "Understood."

"Go."

After leaving the Dao Palace, Wang Chen returned to Listening to the Waves Manor.

In the days that followed, he secluded himself within the manor, dedicating himself entirely to his training.

With his root bone now at 10 points and his insight increased to 9 points, Wang Chen could clearly feel that his cultivation had become significantly smoother.

The rate at which he gained experience in his primary Preheaven Five Element Technique had greatly accelerated, meaning his cultivation efficiency had improved dramatically.

At his current pace, he could reach the sixth level of the Purple Palace in no more than three months!

However, a new challenge soon emerged.

With the enhancement of his innate talent and the rise in his cultivation level, Wang Chen began to sense that the world’s rejection of him was also intensifying.

It had been imperceptible before, but now it was becoming increasingly evident.

If the Mountain-Sea Realm could be likened to a person, Wang Chen felt like a newly formed cancer cell—initially unwelcome in this realm.

Though the analogy might not be entirely precise, it was somewhat fitting.

Exiled Celestial Demons!

"To break free from the chains of this world’s karma, I must ascend to a higher realm!"

Wang Chen couldn’t help but recall Formless’s words.

This Eminent Monk had once told him that he bore a great karmic burden, which temporarily shielded his fate from being scrutinized. However, as his cultivation level rose, the calamities he faced would grow more severe, potentially leading to his downfall!

This was a natural response from the heavenly laws. Unless Wang Chen gradually integrated into this world from infancy, as Formless had done, spending countless years eroding his karma, he would not escape the calamity of annihilation.

This realization made it difficult for Wang Chen to settle down and continue his closed-door cultivation.

Finally, a talisman from Yin Sùlán prompted Wang Chen to leave the quiet room and head to the immortal city in the western sea to meet his senior sister.

When Wang Chen met Yin Sùlán again in a private room at the Xiaoyao Pavilion in West Sea City, he noticed her radiant aura and vibrant spirit.

He couldn’t help but smile and ask, "Senior sister, have you encountered some good fortune?"

"My brother has recovered."

Yin Sùlán smiled and said, "Wang Shidi, I truly owe you this time. I’ve discussed it with my family; if you need anything, just let me know. As long as the Yin family can provide it, it’s yours."

"The Yin family’s secret vault is entirely open to you; take whatever you desire!"