Guarding the River of Time-Chapter 293 - 284: Three Lives Fruit on the Three Lives Tree – The True Supreme Transcends Reincarnation

Chapter 293: Chapter 284: Three Lives Fruit on the Three Lives Tree – The True Supreme Transcends Reincarnation

Very soon, the Blackwood Ship docked next to a small floating island.

But it wasn’t exactly a floating island, just a flat reef protruding from a tributary of the river.

Then, a small courtyard was built on the flat reef.

The area wasn’t large, not even eighty square meters, far from being comparable to my own courtyard.

.....

"Is this where you usually live?" Su Mu asked, pointing to the small courtyard as he stepped onto the reef island.

Upon hearing this, the skinny old man touched the back of his head awkwardly and said, "The place is indeed a bit small, please forgive me, Senior."

"This is not my exclusive place; I am staying here temporarily because I have a mission here."

This is the River of Time; how could he possibly own such a large estate here?

This small courtyard is a "Yin Hall Mansion" created by the Underworld at great expense and over many years.

There are eighteen "Yin Hall Mansions" on the River of Time, established at central locations closest to the most concentrated Reincarnation Bridges, used by the Underworld to oversee and maintain the Reincarnation Bridges.

Therefore, this "Yin Hall Mansion" is a public area of the Underworld, similar to an office, and not a private estate of Old Ten.

Although it’s not a private estate, not just anyone can live here. Those who can reside in a "Yin Hall Mansion" are at least of the same rank as Old Ten.

.....

After approaching the small courtyard, Su Mu found that although it was small, it was well-equipped and had everything it needed.

In the square courtyard, the most striking feature was a gigantic tree in its center.

Five people could not encircle this tree entirely; its canopy spread out, covering the courtyard like a natural roof.

Looking up, one could see thumb-sized fruits hanging from the branches, glowing faintly like lantern fruits.

Densely hanging down, they resembled tiny lanterns, forming a starry sky ceiling, each emitting a mysterious yellow light, which was quite beautiful.

.....

Su Mu sat down while Old Ten fetched a pot of wine and a cup of tea from inside the house, placing them on the table, along with a few fresh Spirit Fruits of unknown variety as snacks.

"Senior, care for some wine?" Old Ten asked with a smile.

"Sure, I’ll have a cup."

Su Mu hadn’t had wine for a long time; he was in high spirits today after earning so many Favor Points, so he decided to indulge.

After downing a bowl of wine, Su Mu’s eyes lit up.

Great wine!

This wine was not inferior to the wine he brewed himself; though it was strong, its robust flavor had its unique charm.

Seeing Su Mu gulp down a bowl, Old Ten sighed inwardly. As expected of a senior, this was one of the Underworld’s most precious wines—the "Broken Inference Wine."

This wine is typically used to entertain exceptionally esteemed guests. Old Ten himself only dared sip small amounts, never more than half a bowl at a time.

Having spent years in the Underworld, Old Ten had managed to stash away just three jars privately, and this was the last one.

Upon seeing Su Mu finish, Old Ten promptly refilled his bowl.

Su Mu, in good spirits, drank five bowls in succession.

Seeing the senior drink so much, Old Ten was not distressed at all; he was extremely delighted. Having a senior appreciate the wine so much was an immense honor for him.

This wine had been treasured for years, just for this day.

...

To keep pace with the senior, Old Ten drank two large bowls, ending up with a flushed face.

After the wine, Su Mu pointed at the hanging lantern fruits above and asked, "What tree is this? And what kind of fruit? It’s quite unique."

Upon hearing this, Old Ten was momentarily stunned but then smiled and said, "This tree is called... the Three-Life Tree."

"Did you plant it yourself?"

"No, no, no, it wasn’t me. It was planted by some seniors in the family; I’m merely responsible for its care and maintenance," Old Ten replied, waving his hand.

.....

The Three-Life Tree is a "Holy Tree" of the Underworld, not just a tree, but a gathering of laws.

When powerful creatures from All Heavens and Myriad Realms die, they don’t enter reincarnation directly but become "Three-Life Fruits" on the Three-Life Tree, which are those thumb-sized lantern fruits.

Upon becoming Three-Life Fruits, their memories, insights, and more are all contained within the fruit.

When the Three-Life Fruit ripens, it falls to the ground, transforming into a reincarnated soul, entering reincarnation to be reborn.

Unlike other reincarnated souls, those who return as Three-Life Fruits retain some memories, insights, or karma from their past lives.

This explains why, in some worlds, newborns trigger heavenly phenomena and are revered as "great beings reincarnated."

In terms of rank, the "Three-Life Tree" surpasses Old Ten’s status significantly.

He has neither the qualification nor the ability to interfere with the Three-Life Tree, only to watch over it.

.....

On the Long River of the world, there are eighteen "Yin Hall Mansions," corresponding with eighteen "Three-Life Trees."

To naturally transform into a Three-Life Fruit and re-enter reincarnation, the creatures must be among the top figures within the Ten Thousand Realms.

Of course, some even more supreme beings can avoid "Reincarnation Law" entirely. Even in "death," they have ways to reincarnate, bypassing the restrictions of the Reincarnation Law.

However, Old Ten has no chance of interacting with beings of this level.

.....

"May I be so bold as to ask, can I pick one to take back?"

Su Mu asked whimsically, his gaze fixed on the most central and prominent fist-sized lantern fruit, which stood out distinctly among the rest.

Hearing this, Old Ten looked troubled; it wasn’t within his power to decide such a thing.

Even if he agreed, he wouldn’t be able to manage it.

Each Three-Life Fruit is protected by the Reincarnation Law, making them impossible to pick forcefully.

Moreover, even if he could pick them, he had neither the authority nor the qualification to make such a decision.

.....

"It’s possible, but..." Old Ten was interrupted before he finished his sentence.

Without waiting for Old Ten to finish, Su Mu waved his hand, and the fist-sized lantern fruit was immediately picked and held in his palm.

Seeing this, Old Ten’s eyes widened, and the bowl in his hand slipped, shattering on the ground.

He was shocked not by Su Mu’s ability to pluck the Three-Life Fruit; given that a senior guarded the River of Time, it was not surprising he could do this.

He was shocked that... the senior picked that particular fruit!

Old Ten’s mind went blank, the wine effects clearing instantly, and his body trembled slightly.

Seeing this, Su Mu asked, "What’s wrong?"

He had just picked a fruit; why was the other so startled?