The staircase winds downwards, deep into the belly of the mountain.
The further down they went, the more distinct the pure and ancient aura became, subtly opposing the pervasive evil aura around them. After descending about a hundred yards, the path suddenly opened up into a massive natural cavern.
In the center of the cavern, there wasn't the towering tree they'd imagined, only a peculiar little tree about three feet high, jade-like in its entirety, with branches and leaves appearing a pale golden color, rooted in a huge pale jadeite stone.
The little tree seemed unremarkable, yet there was a subtle flow of light between its branches and leaves, and the aura it emitted invigorated the spirits of those near, reducing the oppressive feeling and the encroaching evil aura around them somewhat.
"Is this... the Heavenly Jade Treasure Tree?" Ba Xiyue was somewhat incredulous; it looked more like a delicate bonsai.
