Chapter 97

Under the heavy clouds and black mist, Little Bump did his utmost to resist, but ultimately could not hold back. His body became increasingly blurry, and he angrily shouted.

For some reason, seeing this troublemaker about to be expelled, the crowd lacked sympathy. Many people laughed until their mouths twitched.

"Hehe..."

"Haha..."

"I will come back!" Little Bump, filled with reluctance, regret, and anger, left behind this childish voice.

"Wait for you to come back!" Old Jingbi squinted his eyes, his white beard quivering as he loudly responded.

"Come and go quickly, don't be so obsessed with wealth next time." Uncle Chui laughed heartily, waving a broken hammer to bid him farewell.

"Sigh, what a poor kid, actually being expelled from the Void Spirit Realm. This is a record, I think it's never happened before." Old Niao sighed. This child was truly speechless, indeed a bit extreme, willing to do anything to obtain the precious bone.

"Huhu..." Little Bump was angry, actually being expelled. Struggling was useless, and he was squeezed out of the initial land by the black mist.

A vast wasteland appeared before his eyes, with broken walls and ruins exuding an ancient and沧桑 (weathered) aura. Rubble was everywhere, telling the story of past glory.

Even more ancient magic mountains, shrouded in chaotic energy, appeared at the horizon, awe-inspiring, as if they had come from before the creation of the world.

This was also the Void Spirit Realm, constructed by the gods with their mental power. However, this place transcended the initial land and various blessed lands, not belonging to the same category.

In the distance, a towering willow tree was rooted in the wasteland, its five tender branches swaying in the wind, absorbing the mist and condensing chaotic energy, shimmering with green light.

"Willow God." Little Bump called softly, his face gloomy, unhappiness etched on his small face as he slowly moved over.

The Willow God awakened from a special state of cultivation, a bit surprised, and said, "Why did you come back? With your talent, even if you stayed for another half a month, your physical body in the outside world would not be greatly affected."

"I was driven back." Little Bump was indignant, grinding his shiny, crystalline little tiger teeth, and said, "I am very unwilling. Is there a way to fight my way back?"

"Who drove you back? Did you encounter an opponent and lose, and get beaten out?" the Willow God asked, his voice gentle, making people feel calm and peaceful.

"I was expelled from the Void Spirit Realm; they don't want me in there anymore." Little Bump was dejected, his head lowered, kicking a piece of rubble.

"Hmm?" The Willow God was surprised. Always calm and serene, it seemed to show emotional fluctuations, and asked, "What happened? Why did the Void Spirit Realm expel you?"

"I... cracked a stone. Then I accidentally broke a stele and dug out a few bones. I was warned and then covered by the black mist." Little Bump answered.

"That's not right. Something special must have happened. Tell me more specifically. If you were really bullied or treated unfairly, you can go back." the Willow God said.

"Oh, that stele was a record stele, and that stone was a passage to the Void Spirit Realm..." Little Bump briefly explained what happened.

The Willow God: "..."

For a long time, the willow tree was speechless. The scorched tree trunk absorbed the chaotic mist, and the five fresh, dripping willow branches drew in the essence of the void, as if petrified.

"Willow God, you must speak. Can I reason with it and go back? I am very unwilling!" Little Bump showed a hopeful look and asked softly.

"No!" The willow tree was concise and straightforward, directly denying him.

"Why?" Little Bump was uneasy.

The Willow God sighed, "You really... can you be any more outrageous? If it were me, I definitely wouldn't exile you."

"I knew the Willow God is the best. Sigh, it's a pity you're not that heartless Void Spirit Realm."

"If it were me, I would throw you into the black beast prison." the Willow God said.

Little Bump was stunned upon hearing this, scratching his head. He defended himself softly, "The Void Spirit Realm is so vast, with so many steles. It doesn't matter if one is broken, and it doesn't say not to break them."

"Come back in two years." the Willow God concluded, decisively and straightforwardly dispelling his thoughts.

"I will come back!" Little Bump ran to the edge of the wasteland and shouted at a large green stone, which was a passage to the initial land.

"Huh, did I hear that kid's shout? Is it real? He was expelled, does he have such great power?" A group of people in the initial land were uncertain, looking at each other.

In the wasteland, green light flowed like water. The Willow God's body glowed, and then suddenly burst with a surging wave. The five tender branches grew immeasurably, piercing the sky.

"Boom!"

The void trembled, a portal appeared, shrouded in thick mist and auspicious energy. It carried Little Bump up into the sky, leaping through the portal.

In the Stone Village, the Willow God's main body glowed, casting endless divine light, enveloping the entire village. Then, a powerful will appeared, descending into the tree.

Under the tree, a beautiful child was sitting in meditation, his face as white as jade, with long eyelashes. He suddenly opened his big eyes and quickly stood up.

"Child, you're awake. How do you feel?"

"You didn't move your physical body, and your spirit was absent. We thought something was wrong with you. Did your soul leave your body?"

A group of villagers gathered, very worried, their faces tense.

"I'm fine. With the Willow God's care, I won't be in danger. I went to a place called the Void Spirit Realm." Little Bump stood up and told them that he had only wandered in the spiritual realm.

"Ah, I should have known it was the Void Spirit Realm, but I've never been there." The village chief exclaimed.

"Wow, wandering in the spiritual realm, what kind of feeling is that? What is the Void Spirit Realm like?" Qingfeng was curious, and a group of children gathered around, chattering, urging him to tell them quickly...

Little Bump told the truth, without any concealment. The crowd listened in amazement, all stunned, and then burst into laughter after a moment.

"Child, you really are a troublemaker. Being expelled is not unjust."

Everyone laughed, but Little Bump's face was dark, still indignant.

"We also want to go there to cultivate." A group of children clamored, very eager.

After exiting the Void Spirit Realm, everything returned to normal. Little Bump began cultivating again, entering the deep mountains and the vast wilderness every day, battling various fierce creatures.

But every night, when he was alone, holding the original true interpretation and contemplating, he could not calm his mind, always thinking about his recent experiences.

This spiritual journey allowed him to see the outside world, filled with longing. There were so many strong people in conflict, countless sects, pure lands, and ancient royal states vying for supremacy. He wanted to participate.

Finally, he told the village chief his thoughts. The latter was silent for a long time before nodding. "Child, you indeed should spread your wings and soar. The Stone Village is too small, no longer suitable for you."

The villagers gathered upon hearing this. Although they understood Little Bump's decision, it was hard to let go.

Seeing him learn to walk, babble, and then become so extraordinary, now about to leave, all the aunts and grandmothers shed tears.

Even a group of adult men were silent, the child had finally grown up. The small Stone Village could no longer hold Shihao; he needed a broader sky to spread his wings.

"Little Bump, why don't we go with you?" Er Meng, Pi Hou, and others came over, also wanting to see the outside world.

"No, your cultivation is not yet sufficient to leave this vast wilderness. You are far from ready. Stay here and cultivate well!"

"That's right. Er Meng, Pi Hou, you are both twelve or thirteen years old. You should get married and have children before you leave."

Their parents and the elders opposed, even mentioning marriage, making these children blush and feel very embarrassed.

"I will go with the little brother." Qingfeng said.

No one objected because Little Bump was going to send him to the Buxi Pavilion.

"Good, we will set out tomorrow, cultivating and exploring along the way." Little Bump nodded. Finally, he bid farewell to the Willow God and asked for his opinion.

"Go, be careful on your journey, but it's best to return before you turn twelve." the Willow God suggested.

Little Bump showed confusion and asked why.

"Return to the Stone Village for the baptism." the Willow God informed him.

Children from large tribes, royal descendants, and disciples of pure lands undergo several baptisms at the ages of five, ten, and fifteen, using the true blood of fierce beasts and rare medicinal herbs to refine their true bodies and cleanse their organs, as it relates to their future achievements.

Before the age of five, Little Bump had been sealed in a tripod, refined with the precious blood of the ancient legacy species Suanni, laying a solid foundation.

"You have good bones. The second baptism can be done a year or two earlier or later, but you must not miss it. Remember to come back." the Willow God reminded him.

Little Bump nodded seriously, indicating he remembered, feeling grateful. This time, the Willow God seemed to take it very seriously, and he didn't know what kind of baptism he would undergo.

Finally, the day of departure arrived. The entire village came to see them off. The unicorn Xiao Bai glowed, silver and shiny, almost like it was cast in fine gold, its horn surrounded by runes, almost transforming into a fierce beast, and now it was the leader of the group of unicorns.

The unicorns and the people of the Stone Village were no longer strangers, almost accepting everyone.

"Xiao Bai, you can't come this time. The place we are going is too far and dangerous." Little Bump patted its large head.

Bird calls sounded, Ziyun, Dapeng, and Xiaoqing descended, each several meters long, becoming more divine and powerful, their bodies flowing with runes.

In another year or two, they would fully grow up, dominating the nearby mountains. At that time, not only would the Stone Village be impregnable, but the villagers would also be safe when hunting outside.

"Ziyun, you can't come either. The journey is too far and dangerous." Little Bump comforted them, asking them to stay and protect the Stone Village.

The three strange birds rubbed their heads against his body, showing affection and dissatisfaction, but they had no choice.

In the end, only the golden ball of fur jumped onto his shoulder, mainly because it was only the size of a fist, a small target, and easy to carry wherever they went.

Before leaving, the village chief took out a stone box, opened it solemnly, and took out a red feather, saying, "Child, take it."

This was left by the little red bird from years ago. The willow tree healed its injuries, and it left a divine feather as a token of gratitude, which could be a powerful deterrent to some great tribes.

Finally, Little Bump and Qingfeng set out, the villagers sending them off for several miles, many people shedding tears, truly fearing that these two children would have an accident, as they were still so young.

The world was vast, and the vast wilderness could span hundreds of thousands of miles. A single departure made it difficult to meet again, and many women in the village cried. Even some adult men had tears in their eyes.

"Little Bump, you must come back soon. We are waiting for you to take us on adventures!" A group of children shouted. When they met again, they might have grown up, become fathers and mothers.

"Goodbye!" Little Bump also shed tears, looking back one last time, and then, with Qingfeng, sped off into the distance.

Time passed quickly, and several months flew by.

Little Bump and Qingfeng had not yet left the mountains. If they walked, the thirty thousand miles would be an astronomical number. However, the two were very resourceful. Along the way, they tamed many fierce beasts to ride, though the mortality rate was extremely high, and they often needed to change mounts.

Because this time, they were mainly focused on honing themselves, not rushing to their destination. They constantly explored, visiting many forbidden areas, and several times almost met with fatal dangers.

This was also why Little Bump did not bring the unicorn, as he had developed feelings for it and did not want it to die on the journey.

"Ah!"

Qingfeng shouted, in the air, very nervous, with the wind howling around him.

Little Bump had caught a fierce bird, and the two jumped onto its back, flying at high speed over the mountains. The bird went mad, almost throwing them off several times.

But the two children clung to it like stickers, controlling it to move in one direction.

After several days, the bird was exhausted, foaming at the mouth, and they let it go. In fact, they also needed to replenish their food and water.

"Really exciting!" Qingfeng was very excited; this journey was very novel for him.

However, this was also very dangerous. Sometimes, the fierce birds and beasts were too fierce, directly charging into some forbidden areas, attracting terrifying creatures.

In fact, the next day, they encountered danger. They caught a fierce beast with purple scales all over its body, which carried them into a swamp, attracting a giant centipede over ten meters long, which spewed poison, instantly destroying a forest.

This purple-scaled beast died on the spot, turning into a pile of bones. If Little Bump and Qingfeng had not been quick to jump off and run back, they would have been reduced to nothing.

They were not in a hurry to travel, exploring and cultivating along the way, and found more than a dozen medicinal herbs, as well as hunted many fierce beasts' precious blood, greatly benefiting their cultivation.

In the end, after more than half a year, the two left the thirty thousand miles of wilderness and arrived at the border of the Stone Kingdom.

During this period, Little Bump opened his fifth cave heaven, a volcano spewing golden liquid, gushing into Little Bump's body.

By then, his head, both sides of his body, and his chest and back were surrounded by volcanic craters, and he was only a little over nine years old.

"Big brother is so powerful. In just half a year, he broke through again. Grandpa the village chief said that others take at least several years to open one cave heaven!" Qingfeng was almost worshipful, in his small heart, this age-matched big brother was simply invincible.

"Not enough, I need to become stronger." Little Bump said softly.

In the past half a year, Qingfeng also made rapid progress. With Little Bump's help, he hunted many fierce beasts, using their true blood for baptism, and consuming medicinal herbs. He had already entered the Blood Moving Realm and was almost at the middle stage.

His runes were already very deep, but his only weakness was that his body was not strong enough, and he could not compete with pure-blooded divine birds and the descendants of fierce beasts like Little Bump.

Finally, they entered the Stone Kingdom, not by the same route as before, but through another city.

"Huh, I can sense the Void Spirit Realm, but I can't enter it." When they entered the Stone Kingdom and came to a large city, Little Bump discovered this fact.

"Qingfeng, go into the Void Spirit Realm and find a few people named Uncle Chui, Old Niao, and Old Jingbi. Ask them where the Buxi Pavilion is and how to get there."

Last time, he only stayed there for less than a day and didn't have time to ask these questions.

In the end, Qingfeng sat down, calmed his mind, and sensed the Void Spirit Realm, finally entering it.

After more than half a day, Qingfeng's spirit returned to his body, and he slowly opened his eyes.

"How was it?" Little Bump was eager, in fact, he missed that mysterious world very much.

"Big brother, I didn't expect you to be so famous. That world is boiling because of you." Qingfeng was very excited.

"What happened?"

Qingfeng said, "You did so many things, breaking the Void Spirit Realm's passage, breaking a record set by a double-pupil, and destroying the record stele. Although you haven't appeared for half a year, you have become a legendary figure. However... your reputation isn't very good." Qingfeng carefully added.

Little Bump's face darkened, touching his chin, still indignant, always wanting to fight his way back.

"Uncle Chui let it slip. Many people may know you are going to the Buxi Pavilion and Zhulü Academy. Now that world is crazy and in turmoil, and many people want to follow you to the Buxi Pavilion and Zhulü Academy." Qingfeng said, a bit uneasy.

In fact, at this time, the Void Spirit Realm had really caused a huge stir, all because that legendary troublemaker was about to reappear, and in reality.

(To be continued...)