Following a Hundred Years of Cultivation, I'm dying Before I Got Cheats

Chapter 1061: Opportune Lands and Sinister Shadows
Editor: Henyee Translations

The next day, messages imbued with the essence of Qin Shenwu’s Dao traveled stealthily from Haoran Sect, reaching the hands of several righteous sects’ Daolords.

Established powers such as Pantheon Sect, Infinite Sect, and Divine Shadow Gate were all included.

All parties took Qin Shenwu’s sudden transmission seriously and with caution.

After all, Haoran Sect had grown into a colossal force within the Floodgate Realm, starkly different from a thousand years ago. It was now an entity that stood above other sects within the current power structure of the Floodgate Realm.

Fortunately, Haoran Sect did not enforce any rule to suppress the natural growth of their Qi, allowing other sects to develop without oppressive interference despite its immense power.

Upon opening Qin Shenwu’s message, the Daolords from various factions had markedly different reactions. Some were puzzled, some contemplative, and some silent with doubts. Regardless, none chose to respond immediately.

…

At the same time, in a certain part of the Floodgate Realm.

A colossal mystical realm stood between heaven and earth, its brilliant aura transforming thousands of miles into a land of vibrant colors.

This realm had appeared several days ago, drawing countless cultivators and wandering cultivators continuously.

Within a valley inside this realm, two groups of cultivators in different attire were facing off. Between them lay a cold spring, its icy chill enveloping the valley in a deep blue hue.

“Brother Li, I didn’t expect to see you here. This Ice Heart Spring is perfect for our sect’s cultivation method. Could you perhaps concede it to us?” asked the leader of one group, clad in a blue robe.

The other group, dressed in red robes and fiery hair, had their leader step forward, responding:

“Unfortunately, Brother Wang, this Ice Heart Spring is equally beneficial for our sect’s practice; it helps eliminate the fire poison within us. It’s difficult for us to give it up.”

For a moment, the cultivators from both sides exchanged glances, understanding that this opportunity was not easily monopolized.

However, contrary to expectations, no conflict ensued.

The cultivator from the cold sect said with a smile, “If that’s the case, then let’s share the Ice Heart Spring. Brother Li, would you have any objections to that?”

“That sounds reasonable. Nowadays, with so many opportunities around, it makes little sense to fight to the death over a small location.”

Surprisingly, both groups agreed to share the spring peacefully, without any scheming or deceit—an almost unthinkable scenario in times past.

This scene, however, was merely a microcosm of the current state of the Floodgate Realm.

With opportunities springing up like mushrooms after rain—appearing at a rate ten or even a hundred times more frequent than before—why should cultivators fight to the death over a single opportunity?

Now, as long as one is alive and traveling through the Floodgate Realm, numerous opportunities can be encountered along the way. It is indeed a golden age for cultivators in this realm.

In this context, interactions between various sects’ cultivators appeared unusually harmonious and friendly.

However, unnoticed in the shadows, as the cultivators from the cold and fire sects collected water from the Ice Heart Spring, a sinister shadow quietly entered their bodies without their knowledge.

Meanwhile, at the peak of a high mountain within the same realm, two exquisitely dressed cultivators stood above the clouds.

Both exuded the power of Dao Integration, indicating their formidable strength.

Before them was a peculiar snow lotus rotating slowly, emitting a powerful aura.

This lotus, known as the Tri-Heart Lotus, was invaluable for extending a cultivator’s lifespan.

“Saint Misty Peak, this Tri-Heart Lotus was discovered by me first; surely you do not intend to take it by force?” the older cultivator in a yellow robe said with displeasure.

This Tri-Heart Lotus was his first find, and he was about to harvest it when the other party intervened. Had it been in the past, he might have suppressed the opponent without hesitation.

However, with the advent of an era bursting with opportunities, he was reluctant to engage in conflict.

“Not at all, not at all,” replied Saint Misty Peak with a smile.

His response, however, only fueled the other’s curiosity: “Speak then!”

“Saint Yellow Wind, this Tri-Heart Lotus is an essential component for a potion I am concocting. If you are willing to concede, I am prepared to trade a location with a heavenly treasure for it!” Saint Misty Peak confidently proposed.

Indeed, the offer caused Saint Yellow Wind to hesitate. Although the Tri-Heart Lotus was precious, it paled in comparison to a heavenly treasure. If this trade went through, it would be a significant gain for him.

“How can I trust you?” Saint Yellow Wind asked.

“I can swear by my Dao heart, if that would suffice,” replied Saint Misty Peak, maintaining his amiable demeanor.

Eventually, they reached an agreement. Saint Misty Peak swore by his Dao heart and then joyfully collected the Tri-Heart Lotus after the oath, considering the deal beneficial even though he needed the lotus for his breakthrough.

As he collected the Tri-Heart Lotus, a sinister shadow flickered at the plant’s roots and silently merged into Saint Misty Peak’s body. None of the mighty saints present noticed this eerie occurrence.

Following the shadow’s trajectory, one could see a vast shadow lurking beneath the brilliance outside this mystical realm, continuously merging with it. Nearly all the opportunities within this massive mystical realm were infiltrated by this shadow, and all cultivators acquiring these opportunities unwittingly allowed the shadow to enter their bodies.

The most terrifying aspect was the complete absence of any awareness among the cultivators. Neither Void Returning cultivators nor the saints perceived the existence of this sinister shadow.

This eerie shadow, spreading as the realm’s visitors came and went, was surreptitiously moving everywhere.