Chapter 45: Spirits of Plants and Trees

Ye Yun had been traveling for one or two miles into the depths of the fog-covered island, but so far, he had not encountered a single 'spirit of plants and trees.' He had a general idea in mind, believing that these spirits were likely not abundant in the outer areas of the island. The landing site he had chosen, for the time being, was not an area densely populated with them.

Ye Yun was not in a hurry and continued moving forward. As he passed an emerald-green weed, it blended so seamlessly with the surrounding environment that Ye Yun didn't pay it much attention. However, as he walked past it, two slender leaves from the weed suddenly lashed out like green swords, stabbing sharply at Ye Yun's back.

Ye Yun had remained alert throughout his journey, his mental energy constantly radiating outward. The moment the weed's leaves attacked, he reacted. Without hesitation, he summoned a layer of black gloves on his palms and turned around, grabbing the leaves with precision.

When his right hand touched the green leaves, Ye Yun felt a strong impact, the leaves' tips having significant penetrating power. Fortunately, the Black God suit absorbed 90% of the attack's force, preventing any harm or disorientation. Using the enhanced strength of his gloved hand, Ye Yun firmly grasped the two long leaves.

After only a brief skirmish, Ye Yun quickly realized that this weed-like 'spirit of grass' was comparable to a mid-level lord-tier monster in terms of raw strength. Its natural camouflage and surprise attacks would pose a significant threat, even to a war god-level warrior.

Although his thoughts raced, Ye Yun remained focused. He summoned two flying knives, slicing rapidly toward the main body of the weed. As he held the two long leaves tight in his right hand, the remaining leaves collided with the flying knives. These knives were SS-level, and with just a few precise cuts, they severed all the remaining leaves. With a powerful yank, Ye Yun pulled the weed out of the ground.

Each 'Spirit of Plants' has a core, which is the most valuable part. For tree-shaped spirits like the willow tree, the core is usually the 'willow heart.' For most grass spirits, the core is often an essence derived from spiritual dew.

The core essences of these plant spirits are incredibly potent, each with its own effects. While the specifics may differ, their value is indisputable. These essences can even be valuable to planetary-level powerhouses, let alone war god-level beings. For example, a 'Millennium Willow Heart' can enhance cell activity, significantly improve recovery, and elevate physical fitness from the level of a primary war god to a high-level war god.

Other examples include the thousand-year-old black ash root, which can be soaked in wine to enhance physical toughness, and Bailu grass, which speeds up healing and neutralizes poisons.

Most of these plant spirits serve to improve physical fitness. Some of the top-tier ones can enhance it by six to ten times, though their effects typically max out at the peak of a high-level war god. Still, that level of improvement is extraordinary.

Ye Yun wasn't overly familiar with the 'Spirit of Plants,' but as he carefully examined the weed he had pulled out, he noticed that the thick roots might contain the essence, even if they weren't the core. He stored the roots and pressed on toward the island's center.

Ye Yun didn't know how many 'plant spirits' inhabited the island, and his goal wasn't to explore the entire area. As he ventured deeper, he encountered carnivorous plants with flowers larger than human faces and elusive vines as thick as small trees. Ye Yun kept calm, dealing with each one systematically. None of the creatures he encountered so far had posed a challenge he couldn't handle.

Along the way, he collected five different types of 'spirits of plants and trees' and gradually approached the island's core.

Ye Yun decided not to press any further. He had discovered a planetary-level Mo Yun vine on the island. This popular auxiliary plant life was much stronger than ordinary human warriors of the same level. Since Ye Yun hadn't even reached the planetary level, he knew he could not deal with it yet.

Earlier, while exploring the island's outskirts, Ye Yun had located the nine willow trees that housed 'spirits of grass and trees.' After gathering some information about them, he proceeded cautiously. Using his peak God of War-level mental power, Ye Yun struck swiftly, taking down a sturdy willow tree at the outermost edge and obtaining an egg-sized 'Millennium Willow Heart' crystal core.

Ye Yun didn't hesitate to use the treasure. His physical fitness was still far from the peak of the God of War, and he had only recently broken into the high-level God of War tier. He estimated that the essence of this 'Millennium Willow Heart' would help him reach that next level.

Thinking this, Ye Yun casually swung six throwing knives into a circular formation. The blades interlocked, leaving a small gap between them, with the pointed ends facing down. Under Ye Yun's mental control, the knives began spinning rapidly.

At first glance, the flying knives lost their individual shape, becoming a silver drill bit as they spun faster. Once fully formed, Ye Yun pressed down with his mental energy, and the drill bit plunged into the ground.

The SS-level throwing knives could slice through iron with ease. The dirt and rocks were no match for their movement, and within moments, a one-meter-wide hole appeared in the ground. Ye Yun continued to drill downwards. Soon, he reached a depth of 3,000 meters, where he found an underground river. Ye Yun cleared a ten-meter radius around the river's edge, sealed the entrance, and sat down to rest.

Ye Yun retrieved the five core essences of the 'Spirit of Plants' he had gathered, setting aside the other four, including the grass roots. He focused on the 'Millennium Willow Heart.'

From his understanding of the plant spirits, Ye Yun knew that the value of the 'Millennium Willow Heart' was in the middle among the five core items. Two others were likely even more precious. However, he chose to use the 'Millennium Willow Heart' first because he knew exactly how to harness its power.

Each 'Spirit of Plants' essence had a unique method of use, and it was critical to follow these practices to avoid unpredictable consequences. Operating them recklessly could lead to disaster.

The 'Millennium Willow Heart' was a crystal-clear green gem the size of an egg. Inside, Ye Yun could faintly see liquid flowing, resembling fine wine in a glass. Holding the heart, Ye Yun felt waves of coolness spread through his body, refreshing his mind. Beyond enhancing physical fitness, the heart could also boost cell activity and accelerate recovery.

Ye Yun gently tossed the 'Millennium Willow Heart' into the air. Using the sharp tip of an SS-level flying knife, he scratched the outer shell of the heart. The knife's sharpness, combined with Ye Yun's mental power, cracked the shell, releasing strands of green liquid, which Ye Yun quickly gathered with his mental energy. The liquid floated before him, ready to be consumed.

He controlled the ball of crystal liquid and slowly guided it into his open mouth. The amount was roughly equivalent to a small glass of wine. Once swallowed, the essence flowed quickly into Ye Yun's body. The energy surged, but instead of being overwhelming, it was cool and gentle, filling him with a sense of deep comfort.

As the essence spread, Ye Yun felt every cell in his body vibrating, with his genes rapidly improving. Useless genes were discarded, while new, improved ones integrated seamlessly, boosting his cell activity. The strengthening of his cells brought about noticeable physical changes, fortifying his skin, bones, and organs. The process was intense but painless, more akin to a soothing massage than a painful transformation.

With his body brimming with energy, Ye Yun could feel his physical strength growing rapidly. His physical fitness, which had only recently entered the high-level God of War tier, began to climb steadily toward the peak of that level.

Meanwhile, inside his sea of consciousness, Ye Yun's mental power surged as well. The dark golden sphere began to spin faster, fragmenting and merging into the ocean of mental power that was already at its full capacity.

After about half an hour, the energy from the 'Millennium Willow Heart' slowly subsided, signaling the end of its first burst. However, Ye Yun knew that not all of the essence had been absorbed. Some remained in his body, ready to enhance his physical fitness even further when he next exerted himself.

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