Chapter 21: Ominous Omen
Sunlight Wetlands · Fungus Village.
The Mushroom Prophet held an exalted status in the Fungus Village, evident from its treehouse dwelling. This was a stump left behind after the collapse of a primordial tree, later converted into this treehouse.
A man sits at home, and the Law Destroyer knocks on the door. Horizontal scroll: A bandit has arrived.
This was precisely the situation the Mushroom Prophet now faced. If not for its extensive life experience, its legs would have given out, and it would have collapsed to the ground.
The Mushroom Prophet wasn't afraid of Su Xiao. Toward him, it felt a mix of wariness and vigilance. What truly terrified the Mushroom Prophet was Mawen Hua'erzi.
That was about a few months ago when the Mushroom Prophet encountered Mawen Hua'erzi. It was worth noting that since signing a contract with the Void Tree and establishing a notarized relationship, the Mushroom Prophet had inevitably gotten a bit cocky, gradually developing into a black-market merchant.
When it met Mawen Hua'erzi, if the Mushroom Prophet had conducted business honestly, there would have been no problem. The issue was that its prices were exorbitantly high, and it was the kind of black-hearted merchant who knew what Mawen Hua'erzi needed and jacked up the prices on the spot.
Faced with this situation, Mawen Hua'erzi was deeply gratified. He immediately subdued the Mushroom Prophet, set up a pot and fire, and even prepared the side dishes.
Although the Mushroom Prophet managed to keep its life afterward, it developed a phobia of Law Destroyers. The last time it met Su Xiao and sold things so cheaply, it was hoping to get rid of him quickly.
Previously, the Mushroom Prophet felt that the "Demon Sea World" was no longer safe. What if another Law Destroyer showed up? So it decided to relocate, but where to go left it hesitant. Going to another Eighth Rank world, what if it encountered that young Law Destroyer again? If he got displeased and stewed it, that would be disastrous.
After much deliberation, the Mushroom Prophet decided to leave its hometown and return to the Treeborn World. It was safe there, its permanent residence. Its home had already been moved there. It would go back and lie low for a while, wait until that young Law Destroyer perished in some Eighth Rank world or advanced to Ninth Rank, then it could go out and do business again.
As steady as an old dog, the Mushroom Prophet returned home. First, it went to the Black Forest to visit an old friend. Learning that its friend was in poor condition, it commissioned someone to send condolence gifts. Then it returned to its home in "Sunlight Wetlands · Fungus Village," deciding not to go out for at least a year or two.
What the Mushroom Prophet never expected was that on a calm and sunny afternoon, a Law Destroyer would come knocking. Although it only caught a glimpse of his blade, it was so startled that its mind buzzed, and it nearly passed out from a lack of breath.
"Has this old thing croaked?"
"Maybe it's been so long since we last met, the reunion was too emotional, and it fainted from excitement."
"I feel... this old mushroom was scared unconscious."
"Nonsense! The last time the boss and I met it, we had a great talk. We even made a deal worth tens of thousands of Soul Coins. When we left, it saw us off for a long way."
These voices reached the Mushroom Prophet's ears, becoming blurry and ethereal. It took a moment to catch its breath, and the double vision gradually faded. It focused its gaze and confirmed that it was Su Xiao, not Mawen Hua'erzi, before it finally fully relaxed.
"Please, come in."
The Mushroom Prophet's voice was old and slow. It turned and entered the house, and Su Xiao's group followed.
Everyone sat down. Two plant servants about 1 meter tall served tea and snacks. These plant servants were somewhat similar to the Vine Clan but were low-intelligence species.
"Are you here to 'visit' me on the way?"
The Mushroom Prophet emphasized the word "visit," probing.
"Mm."
Su Xiao set down the painted ceramic teacup. As an expert in poisons, in such situations, he only symbolically picked up the tea without drinking.
"Then I understand. You're here for that device."
The Mushroom Prophet sighed. Hearing this, Wood, sitting diagonally behind Su Xiao, stood up and said, "Bai Ye, I saw something interesting. I'll step out for a bit."
"I'll join you."
Zuiyasi also stood up, and the two walked out of the treehouse together. Were they going to reap benefits? No, they were actively avoiding the situation.
Both Wood and Zuiyasi had their own purposes for their previous northward and southward journeys.
As long as their actions didn't involve him, Su Xiao selectively ignored them. This was the basis of cooperation. Adhering to the mindset of "everything is mine" would lead to a quick rift with any partner.
Why did both Wood and Zuiyasi come this time after entering the Treeborn World? Because of their cooperation in the World of Paintings last time. Although the three had fought each other in the Sea God Palace, when they left the World of Paintings, Su Xiao, Wood, and Zuiyasi all reaped significant benefits.
Whether they all fled when danger arose or stabbed each other in the back like brothers, as long as everyone made a big profit in the end, did the process really matter?
Now, Wood and Zuiyasi were actively stepping out to avoid directly involving themselves in Su Xiao's core purpose for this southward journey: the "Talent Awakening Device."
"Um... I need to use the restroom. I'll step out for a bit."
Aiduo'er was a bit slow to react but finally caught on. The treehouse now contained Su Xiao, Bubu Wang, Baha, and the Elf, Laigo.
Seeing that Laigo was still there, the Mushroom Prophet sipped its tea leisurely without continuing.
Sitting in the corner, the long-faced Laigo was busy eating snacks and gulping down flower tea. With this level of social awareness, it was no wonder he couldn't make it in the Elf Capital.
"Laigo, don't you need to pee?"
"No."
"Go out and patrol a few rounds."
"No need. The Fungus Village is safe."
"Get lost!"
Baha was so angry it almost clawed this idiot. Although Laigo still didn't understand what was happening, he picked up his snacks and went out. Now, only the Mushroom Prophet, Su Xiao, Bubu Wang, and Baha remained in the treehouse.
"As a Law Destroyer, it's not surprising that you're looking for that ring-shaped talent device. Besides, it originally belonged to your kind, the Law Destroyers."
As the Mushroom Prophet spoke, it reached up and took a book from a nearby shelf. The cover read "The Awakening of Talent," authored by Berai Aronde, the first Elven King in history.
The Treeborn World had a very ancient tradition: one could not be crowned king until their reputation and strength reached a certain level. Otherwise, the Dark Spirits of the Black Forest would come and kill anyone who dared to claim the title.
The Elf Clan had inherited most of the Yada Civilization and dominated the south, but no one had ever been able to be crowned king.
The first Southern Border King of the Elf Clan, Berai Aronde, had a legendary life. He lost his father as a child and grew up with his mother and sister. He achieved nothing in his youth and was down and out in his prime. It wasn't until he was past middle age, nearing old age, that Berai Aronde rose abruptly. With an unstoppable momentum, he subdued the major clans of the Elf Clan and finally crowned himself king.
"Seeing this book, you should be able to guess how Berai Aronde climbed to the throne."
The Mushroom Prophet took out a pipe, lit the tobacco in the bowl, and began to puff smoke. It tapped the book "The Awakening of Talent" on the table with its pipe, leaving everything unsaid.
Berai Aronde's sudden rise in his middle and old age was most likely because he discovered the "Talent Awakening Device" and activated it through some method.
"Berai Aronde was different from other 'Crowned Kings.' He wasn't that strong himself, but he had a group of subordinates with similar strength. After Berai Aronde crowned himself king, the Dark Spirits of the Black Forest came knocking. The result... the Dark Spirits were driven back."
Saying this, a hint of nostalgia appeared in the Mushroom Prophet's eyes. It continued, "Back when the Northern Border Queen, Yuro, was crowned, I was there. The Dark Spirits came in response to the crown, knelt before the queen, and acknowledged her as the Northern Border Queen.
As for Berai Aronde, he didn't have the bearing of a king, but he had the ambition of one. After he was crowned, the Dark Spirits tried many times to kill him, but he and a few trusted subordinates fought them off. He once said that whether he was qualified to be crowned king was not for the Dark Spirits to decide, but for his subjects to decide."
Saying this, the Mushroom Prophet's tone carried a hint of reverence. Both the queen and the old Elf King, Berai Aronde, were worthy of respect. The former suppressed the spread of Abyss power in the north with the mandate of heaven, while the latter, though lacking the bearing of a king, defied the world to crown himself, leading the Elf Clan to prosperity and allowing them, who once could only huddle in the far north's "Great Ruins," to dominate half of the Southern Continent's land.
"So, the Elf Clan found a way to use the Talent Awakening Device many years ago?"
Su Xiao was very familiar with the "Talent Awakening Device." It was a large device that could no longer be moved. When the Law Destruction Era ended, it broke away from the Law Destruction Hall and fell into the Treeborn World.
This device was commissioned by the Ancestral Law Destroyers from the "Slinte Clan." It took a total of 105 years and a massive investment of resources. When inside this device, a Law Destroyer could awaken their unique talent ability. However, because the awakening process was too dangerous, the Law Destroyer undergoing the talent awakening had to sacrifice one of their already awakened talents to proceed.
Su Xiao's current "Elemental King" talent ability was meant to be sacrificed to awaken a unique talent ability of the Law Destroyers.
Su Xiao wasn't surprised that the Elf Clan had activated the "Talent Awakening Device." Its essence was to awaken high-level talents. However, even if others successfully activated it, they couldn't awaken the unique talent ability of the Law Destroyers. This was determined by the energy infused.
Su Xiao currently had 43,372 Mana Points, which could be converted into 43,372 points of Cyan Steel Shadow Energy. When he found the "Talent Awakening Device," he would need to inject at least 150,000 points or more of Cyan Steel Shadow Energy into it to properly start the device.
Only Cyan Steel Shadow Energy combined with the Law Destroyer's unique constitution could 100% activate the "Talent Awakening Device." If others tried to activate it through shortcuts, they could at most reach 60-80%, awakening a high-level talent ability.
After all, this was crafted by the "Slinte Clan" over a century, with massive resources invested by the Law Destruction Faction. Its effects were naturally powerful. Identity verification was basically nonexistent. This thing used to be inside the Law Destruction Hall. Unless someone had lost their mind, they wouldn't sneak in there.
The Law Destruction Faction had never been selfish. When it came to allied factions, such as the Demon Race or the Yemengard Clan, they would allow the children of allied factions to come to the Law Destruction Hall. The Slinte Clan members would operate the "Talent Awakening Device" to awaken high-level talents.
This was a huge help for growth, no, it was at a life-changing level.
If the "Talent Awakening Device" was only activated to 40-45%, it wasn't as dangerous as imagined. Plus, with the Slinte Clan operating it, it was very stable. But the experience was unforgettable.
At such times, the Law Destroyers would sit on the steps of the Law Destruction Hall, eating melons and watching the show. The children brought by their parents were initially full of curiosity, but soon they would start crying.
Then, a Demon Race brother would chase his son around the Law Destruction Hall. The little demon would cry while running in an S-shaped pattern to avoid being caught by his father.
"What energy did the Elf Clan use to activate the 'Talent Awakening Device'? Biological energy?"
Su Xiao asked. Hearing this, the Mushroom Prophet hesitated before answering, "Soul Stones. They used Soul Stones to activate the 'Talent Awakening Device.'"
"..."
Su Xiao was quite surprised inwardly. After a moment, he said, "They haven't gone extinct yet. Tough."
"Ah~, that's the essence of the Treeborn World. If you don't want to perish, you have to keep moving forward. How many years does it take to produce someone like the Northern Border Queen, who brought peace to the north for so long? The south wasn't so lucky. They could only move forward through thorns. When they couldn't walk, they crawled, crawling until they were covered in blood. When the blood ran dry, they perished."
Saying this, the Mushroom Prophet sounded a bit wistful. Through its further introduction, Su Xiao roughly understood the situation here.
The entire Southern Continent could be divided into two parts: the Hot Jungle and the Elf Clan's territory, each occupying half.
"Sunlight Wetlands," "Soul Arena," "Great Ruins," etc., were all included in the Elf Clan's territory and were only a small part of it.
The entire Elf Clan had a population of over 50 million. There were nearly a hundred forest cities and settlements with populations of hundreds of thousands, all interconnected through trade and bound by laws.
Among these population centers, "Elf Capital · Pandalan" was the absolute center of power and trade.
The "Great Ruins" was located behind the "Elf Capital · Pandalan," closely connected to it. This was already a sacred site for the Elf Clan. Not to mention outsiders, even 95% of the Elf Clan's nobles could only enter the "Great Ruins" once in their lifetime.
The Elf Clan had several major clans, passed down through bloodlines. As for the Elven Royal Family, the High Elves, from the time of the old Elf King Berai Aronde's coronation to the present, the throne was not inherited by bloodline but through a fierce and dangerous selection system.
The current generation's Elf King, Cromwell, emerged from many candidates and had been on the throne for 27 years. It was said that when he was crowned, all the Dark Spirits summoned by the crown knelt before him. Cromwell was the first Elf King to be fully acknowledged by the Dark Spirits in history.
Hearing the Mushroom Prophet's account, Su Xiao basically understood the situation.
First, the "Talent Awakening Device" was inside the "Great Ruins." To reach the "Great Ruins," one must first go to the "Elf Capital · Pandalan" and then find the passage to the Great Ruins through the innermost royal palace. This was a setup the Elf Clan had perfected over many years.
Going to the Elf Capital wasn't difficult; they could go now. The problem was how to find the passage to the Great Ruins inside the royal palace.
Forcing their way in was clearly not an option. The Elf Clan had developed for so many years and had become the strongest force in this world. Plus, the current Elf King, Cromwell, was both intelligent and powerful, reaching the Crowned King level.
The good news was that the Elf Clan didn't care much about the primordial tree. They only regarded the primordial tree inside the "Elf Capital · Pandalan" as a landmark.
Once he completed the recording of this primordial tree, Su Xiao could use the [Ancient God Statue] to travel between the Black Forest (far north), the Ancient Capital (central), and the Elf City (far south).
Su Xiao's strategy was to temporarily avoid provoking Grey Gentleman. Once he awakened the Law Destroyer's unique talent ability through the "Talent Awakening Device," his combat power would surely increase. Then, he could focus on crushing Grey Gentleman.
"Mushroom Prophet, do you have any new goods?"
"No."
The Mushroom Prophet's tone was firm. Hearing this, Su Xiao made as if to stand up.
"Wait."
The Mushroom Prophet's cloudy old eyes narrowed slightly as it probed, "What is your relationship with Mawen Hua'erzi?"
"He is my guide and half-mentor."
Hearing this, the Mushroom Prophet was inwardly shocked, but its expression didn't change. It thought for a moment, and the next second, Su Xiao received a notification.
[Notification: Purchase list activated. You can purchase the following items.]
1. Soul Crystal.
Stock: 7 pieces.
Price: 320 Soul Coins each (lowest price sale).
2. Blood Purification Secret Medicine (Potion Formula)
Stock: --
Price: 3950 Soul Coins (lowest price sale).
3. Holy Serpent Guardian
Effect: A lucky charm from a certain primitive world. The guardian serpent inside the pendant, though smiling, is alive. It is said that carrying this pendant can bring good luck.
Stock: 1
Price: 1580 Soul Coins (lowest price sale).
There were only three items. The first and third needed no explanation; they must be bought. The [Blood Purification Secret Medicine (Potion Formula)] was a bit puzzling.
"Don't think this formula is expensive. This is the lowest price I can sell it to you under the Void Tree's permission."
The Mushroom Prophet was hinting at something. Su Xiao didn't say anything else.
[You have paid 7770 Soul Coins.]
[You have obtained Soul Crystal Core x7.]
[You have obtained Blood Purification Secret Medicine (Potion Formula).]
[You have obtained Holy Serpent Guardian.]
Su Xiao put away the Soul Crystals and examined the [Holy Serpent Guardian] pendant. The pendant's cord was braided from animal hair, with several small bone-polished beads strung on it. The main part was a translucent golden gem.
This gem was hollow. Inside the clear liquid was a miniature snake with golden scales. This was the Holy Serpent.
The Holy Serpent swam ethereally inside the gem, but inadvertently, its gaze fell upon its new owner. The Holy Serpent's movement abruptly stopped, realizing that this generation's owner was not simple.
[Holy Serpent Guardian]
Origin: Xidi Continent · Ten Thousand Serpent Tribe.
Quality: Special.
Carrying Effect: Can absorb the carrier's misfortune, thereby improving the carrier's luck.
Introduction: The Holy Serpent feeds on misfortune. It can grow by consuming misfortune, continuously increasing its capacity to devour misfortune until it completely consumes all of the carrier's misfortune. When the carrier has only good luck left, the Holy Serpent can break free and regain its freedom.
Su Xiao stored the [Holy Serpent Guardian] in his storage space, quite satisfied. As a lucky charm, the [Holy Serpent Guardian] seemed much more durable than the [Wandering Phoenix].
"If there's nothing else, you should leave. For the time being, I don't want to be associated with a Law Destroyer."
The Mushroom Prophet's words were meaningful. It seemed like a dismissal, but it was actually a veiled reminder for Su Xiao not to reveal his identity as a Law Destroyer within the Elf Clan's territory.
The Mushroom Prophet's attitude was that it wouldn't offend either side, nor did it need to. It was just a traveling merchant who could walk between worlds.
Su Xiao stood up and walked out of the treehouse. As soon as he exited, Wood and Zuiyasi "happened" to return.
"..."
Su Xiao took out two Soul Crystal Cores and tossed one to each.
"I don't believe in such good fortune."
Zuiyasi was in a good mood. Although he didn't believe in freebies, he would never let go of benefits that came his way.
"I need to know the secrets of the Elf Clan."
"To what extent?"
Wood tossed the Soul Crystal Core in his hand.
"Preferably the secrets of the High Elves, or something related to their survival?"
Although Su Xiao wasn't sure about the Elf Clan's situation, he was certain that using Soul Stones as energy to start the "Talent Awakening Device" would have dire consequences. The Elf Clan's glamorous exterior must hide a shocking truth.
The Law Destroyers had also tried using the soul power from Soul Crystals as the starting energy for the "Talent Awakening Device." The result was that the device's activation rate, for the first time without relying on Cyan Steel Shadow Energy, reached over 90%.
Starting the "Talent Awakening Device" this way could indeed awaken talent abilities, but at the same time, it would cause a deep awakening of the bloodline.
Upon discovering this, the Law Destroyers and the Slinte Clan stopped further testing. They knew it would produce adverse effects, so there was no need to waste time.
Deep bloodline awakening was different from talent awakening. Talent awakening enhanced oneself and awakened abilities, a process of self-improvement. Deep bloodline awakening, on the other hand, caused distortion and mutation.
Su Xiao suspected that the reason the Mushroom Prophet sold him the [Blood Purification Secret Medicine (Potion Formula)] was precisely this. Because the Elf Clan had used the "Talent Awakening Device" incorrectly, their bloodlines had developed problems, hence the need for this potion called [Blood Purification Secret Medicine].
Where this potion formula came from, Su Xiao didn't know. He speculated that the Mushroom Prophet's relationship with the current Elf King, Cromwell, wasn't good, but it didn't want the Elf Clan to perish. This was more like a favor, both to curry favor with the Law Destruction Faction with this formula and to slow down the Elf Clan's extinction to some extent.
The Mushroom Prophet's veiled meaning was for Su Xiao to present this potion formula to Elf King Cromwell to establish a friendly relationship, then bide his time for an opportunity to reach the Great Ruins.
What the Mushroom Prophet didn't know was that Su Xiao didn't need to present this potion formula to Elf King Cromwell. After a preliminary examination, Su Xiao understood the purpose of [Blood Purification Secret Medicine]. It was a potion used to temporarily suppress bloodline mutations, treating the symptoms, not the root cause.
This formula was a good buy. The Mushroom Prophet had localized the materials in the formula. Based on the core content of this formula, with brief development and Su Xiao's mixing techniques, he could first concoct a 2.0 upgraded version of [Blood Purification Secret Medicine], followed by a 3.0 complete version, and finally a 4.0 ultimate version.
"There's no need to investigate the Elf Clan's secrets. I think I've already figured out the problem."
Su Xiao spoke. His words made Wood and Zuiyasi immediately pocket the Soul Crystal Cores. Refunds were out of the question.
"There's another matter I need your help with. Find the whereabouts of Xian Ji, Shenfu, and Crow Woman. I estimate they are already in 'Elf Capital · Pandalan.'"
Su Xiao's journey south had been too smooth, making him suspect that Xian Ji had finally given up that foolishly childish method of pursuit and had used some means to get several or a dozen people to the far south quickly.
"No problem."
"We'll meet in the Elf Capital."
Wood and Zuiyasi left one after another. They didn't travel together. Now that they had passed the Hot Jungle, it was time to temporarily split up. When the time was right, they would join forces for a major operation.
Su Xiao's gaze fell on Kaisa. Kaisa's smile gradually turned sly, and he also left.
"Laigo, lead the way. Target: Elf Capital · Pandalan."
Baha spoke. Laigo, who had eaten his fill of snacks, led the way. While traveling, Baha asked, "Laigo, have you been to Elf Capital · Pandalan?"
"Yes."
"What impression do you have of it?"
"The tree in the city center is particularly tall."
"Besides that?"
"The queen is really beautiful."
Saying this, Laigo had a silly grin on his face.
Ignoring Baha and Laigo's conversation, Su Xiao took off his long leather coat and stored the long knife at his waist in his storage space. He changed into a white robe and put on a hood. Although the Holy Flame Alchemist couldn't come online, a traveling alchemist could.
After traveling for three hours, the setting sun hung low on the horizon. A majestic city backed by mountains appeared ahead. There were no city walls. Exotic buildings were scattered like stars, and a waterfall cascading from the rear mountain moistened the Elf City, bathed in the sunset, with a touch of mist.
No one could imagine that a city with a population of over two million could blend with nature to this extent, without any of the expected crowding.
Elf Capital · Pandalan had arrived. Su Xiao gazed at the distant scenery for a moment before recalling a question: Where had Amu and Beini gone? It had been five or six days, and they still hadn't rendezvoused.
...
Eastern Sea.
The sea breeze was gentle. A few seabirds burst from the water. Having evolved gills, they could travel long distances over the sea.
This sea area once had a name: the Endless Sea. Here, all methods of orientation were useless. Even supernatural means were meaningless. As for using the sun to determine direction, the sun here didn't always rise in the east.
On the sea surface, a piece of floating ice was nearly stationary. Beini, Amu, and a woman stood on the ice. The woman's name was Black Rose. She had met Beini and Amu at sea two days ago.
Initially, Beini and Amu were almost going crazy from isolation. But after meeting Black Rose, their mood improved slightly. The feeling of "I'm not the only one unlucky" was truly uplifting.
But now, Beini, Amu, and Black Rose faced a big problem. After swimming here, they found that they had reached the end. A wall of fog blocked their path. Even diving a hundred meters into the sea, the fog wall was still below.
"Meow?"
"Don't panic. I'll try consulting the Void Tree. What landmark is this fog wall? I feel like we might have reached the coast. See, I was right about the direction, wasn't I?"
Black Rose pressed one hand against the fog wall. At sea, they couldn't consult the Void Tree for directions. But with this landmark fog wall, by paying Soul Coins, it was likely possible.
Black Rose succeeded. She learned where this place was, but her face turned pale.
"Meow!"
Beini was anxious, urging Black Rose to speak quickly. Black Rose's eyes lost their luster, as if her soul had left her body.
"This is... the Far East."
Saying this, Black Rose buried her hands in her black hair, a look of utter shock on her face.
"Meow~?!"
Beini's cry carried a tremble. The Endless Sea they were in was located on the eastern side of the continent. Being at the Far East meant that the direction they had been swimming was not toward the land but toward the open sea. They had reached the fog wall at the Far East. They had swum for several days, only to find they had gone in the wrong direction.
After repeated consultations, Black Rose, Beini, and Amu finally confirmed that they had indeed swum in the wrong direction. This caused Amu to immediately go into a state of self-isolation. Beini shed sparkling tears, while Black Rose felt her mentality shatter.
s: (Recommending a friend's book, titled "The Man Behind the Empress." Interested readers can check it out.)