Chapter 1075: Chapter 1075: A Treasure Tree in the Mountains

"What do you think that cow ate to become so powerful? Even you suffered so much because of it?" Lin Tian asked curiously, really interested in that vertical eye.

In myths, figures like Erlang God Yang Jian and Grand Marshal Wen Zhong were known to have third eyes, a sign of extraordinary ability. However, hearing of a beast growing a third eye was something new.

But the vertical eye of that strange cow was either chaotic or crimson red, clearly yet to awaken its intellect, otherwise it would be another spiritual entity.

Xu Xianrong was fiddling with a small transparent glass bottle in her hand, which contained the Foundation Establishment Elixirs prepared by Lin Tian. There were eight pills, each marked with pill patterns and veins, clearly not ordinary.

Honestly, these were the highest quality pills Xu Xianrong had seen over the years. It’s understandable since such a commotion was raised during alchemy, how could they be common?

On hearing Lin Tian’s words, Xu Xianrong spoke lazily, "You’d better not think about it. Its origins are not as simple as you think. The injuries I have are just superficial, it’s actually a stroke of luck."

"Oh? Then tell me more!" Lin Tian immediately became interested, turning back to say curiously.

This turn accidentally revealed a glimpse through the gap of the clothing, catching sight of a hint of her fair bosom.

No time to linger, Lin Tian quickly turned his head away. This woman was far more formidable than that wild cow!

Xu Xianrong glared at Lin Tian’s back angrily but didn’t say much. Instead, she began to explain, "Around my grandfather’s generation, that cow unexpectedly appeared and barged into Xu Family Stream. Although it lacked spiritual awareness, it was quite adept at finding treasures and went straight to the medicine treasury, where it destroyed a quarter of the Xu family’s stored medicinal materials and killed two experts, alarming the entire Xu Family Stream."

"Then it rushed into the great formation set by our family outside. Any ordinary Golden Core expert entering would come out severely injured, but that wild cow forced its way out, only suffering cracks on its horns and superficial injuries to its skin, then escaped back into the mountains."

"What happened next?" Lin Tian asked eagerly.

"Two days later, the Patriarch gathered the family experts and pursued the direction in which the cow fled. Their thoughts mirrored yours, hoping to gain something from that wild cow. Following the trail of destruction left by the wild cow, they found a mountain stream, where the cow was dwelling on a stone platform deep within, guarding an ancient tree. The tree bore crimson, chestnut-like fruits with spiked outer shells, making it impossible to see what was inside. It’s assumed the cow gained the vertical eye by eating the flesh within the soft shell."

Lin Tian gradually slowed his pace, contemplation rapidly swirling in his mind. In his knowledge, no such fruit existed, as ’Tyrant Emperor’s Record’ held no such record. This blind spot was a first for Lin Tian.

"Didn’t anyone bring back the fruit?"

"No, the tree grows on the stone platform, which is easy to defend and hard to attack. Although the cow isn’t highly intelligent, its brute strength in guarding the space is formidable. Also, a direct assault is unwise; if the platform collapses, the tree falls, causing the stone wall above to crumble too. You understand, the tree is the most valuable. The fruits mature in winter, and we originally planned to lure the cow down the platform and stealthily pick the fruits, but who knew the cow was too dim-witted to wait — it swallowed it whole before they ripened."

"Did you take the tree’s seedlings back? Perhaps replanting could yield another tree," Lin Tian suggested.

"No, such trees require decades to bear fruit, and their strict environmental needs mean even if taken back, they may not thrive."

Lin Tian’s lips turned up slightly, smiling, "I think we must take a trip to that mountain stream."

"Why? Summer is approaching soon, and the season is well past for fruit-bearing. Are you aiming for the seedlings?"

"Not exactly, but treasures like these might yield unexpected rewards nearby. Since it’s still early in the day, why not test our luck?" Lin Tian chuckled.

Xu Xianrong quickly replied, "Don’t even bother. That cow’s treasure hunting ability coupled with its penchant for destruction means any gains would have been devoured already. Besides, it easily bypassed our family’s great formation. Within the cave, mere stones won’t confine it; before long it will break free, and entering its territory means we’d likely face pursuit."

Indeed, it’s a headache.

"Moreover, that cow will definitely remember our scents. Once it leaves the cave, it might track us down. We should hurry back. At Xu Family Stream, that beast wouldn’t dare enter. Although it’s a bit dim, it recognizes the Xu family’s strength."

Lin Tian clicked his tongue, shook his head in disappointment, and sighed, "What a pity, what a pity."

Xu Xianrong laughed, "Not at all. Actually, Xu Beishan’s line is more anxious than us. They want the tree’s fruits, hoping it might have miraculous effects on Xu Nanhai’s eyes, but they’ve never been able to get them."

Lin Tian suddenly halted, grinning, "Now in Xu Family Stream, there are you, me, and the Martial Sect — three Golden Core experts. Do you think we could handle that fool?"

"Thinking of luring it into a trap?" Xu Xianrong said with a half-smile, "We considered that a long time ago. Even with three Golden Core experts, it would still be challenging, let alone if we had three more experts."

Again, Lin Tian sighed helplessly, realizing this matter must be postponed.

Soon, continuing their chat as they walked, they reached a hill outside Xu Family Stream. From here, they could overlook the entire stream, with houses beautifully sprawled out and the sounds of chickens and dogs intermingling, truly a fine place.

It’s such an idyllic location, yet danger lurks all around, with deadly formations surrounding Xu Family Stream; an accidental trigger could lead to certain death, unless you’re as capable as that wild cow.

"Your ragged appearance really isn’t very presentable." Lin Tian sneaked a glance at the unkempt beauty beside him, then quickly withdrew his gaze, laughing, "I really don’t want anyone else to see this scene. My clothes just have a bit of a sweaty smell, but you can wear them temporarily till you wash at home."

Xu Xianrong’s face flushed slightly, then she glanced at Lin Tian’s clothes. Clenching her teeth, she replied, "Alright, but you mustn’t look when I change! Or I’ll gouge your eyes out first!"

"Haha, as if I dare?" As he spoke, Lin Tian swiftly grabbed his collar, pulled off his clothes, and stuffed them into Xu Xianrong’s hands, "I’ll turn around to keep watch for you, rest assured."