419, Earthly Fiend

After taking care of the miscellaneous matters that morning, Gu Tao followed Ai deep into the mountains, where they found Xiaojuan's true form in a secluded and picturesque location.

Judging from the growth patterns of the ginkgo tree, it must be at least two thousand years old. It's older than that internet-famous ginkgo tree but still a bit younger compared to those aged five or six thousand years. However, due to its unique location, it had absorbed sufficient spiritual energy, which led to its transformation into a demon.

But now, it was clear that the trunk bore signs of erosion, the core was completely hollow, and the surrounding branches had been deliberately cut off. The leaves were wilted, no longer the vibrant green they should be, but rather a brownish-green like Xiaojuan's hair, as if they had lost their vitality.

Gu Tao walked up to the tree and circled it twice before patting its trunk.

"Don't touch me, you bastard!!!" Xiaojuan screamed from the sidelines.