Chapter 11: Eight Years Later
Somewhere within the Inner Circle of the Star Dou Forest.
"Leopard Bro, is this your territory? Not bad at all!"
Casually tossing down several corpses, Chen Xiaoming glanced around. It was a rare open space where sunlight could filter through. Shifting slightly, he wasted no time, burrowing his roots back into the earth.
"Leopard Bro, would you mind if I stayed here for a few years?"
His branches swayed, emitting a unique rustling sound as he addressed the leopard soul beast. However, his already basking posture hardly resembled someone seeking permission.
The leopard soul beast let out a pleased growl in response.
In the Star Dou Forest's inner circle, competition among soul beasts was fierce. Most Ten-Thousand-Year Soul Beasts claimed their own territory, forbidding intrusion. Unless there was a subordinate relationship or blood ties, two Ten-Thousand-Year Soul Beasts coexisting peacefully was nearly impossible.
Yet, the leopard soul beast had little objection to Chen Xiaoming residing in its domain.
Firstly, Chen Xiaoming had once saved its life and fought alongside it.
Secondly, Chen Xiaoming was a plant-type Ten-Thousand-Year Soul Beast — a far lesser threat due to their fundamentally different methods of growth.
"Roar, roar, roar."
Three angry roars echoed as another black figure leapt out, resembling the leopard soul beast. Two small, jet-black cubs followed closely behind.
The leopard soul beast exchanged a few guttural sounds with the newcomer. The black leopard grabbed several corpses and, along with the cubs, retreated into the distance.
One corpse, however, was dragged over to be buried beneath Chen Xiaoming's tree. The leisurely Azurewood Tree immediately swayed its branches, sweeping the corpse away — conveying rejection.
The leopard soul beast paused, confused. The corpse was rich in soul power — burying it would accelerate his cultivation.
But Chen Xiaoming remained resolute. Perplexed, the leopard soul beast took the corpse back.
Adjusting the branches atop his crown, Chen Xiaoming flicked at a split twig.
"Ridiculous! With my system, why would I need the soul power from a mere corpse? A few deep breaths will do the trick."
Ding!
[You took a deep breath, gained +100000 experience.]
Listening to the mechanical voice in his mind, Chen Xiaoming deemed himself the epitome of low-profile greatness — humble yet undeniably powerful.
He aspired to be a modest Azurewood Tree, facing the warm sun, blooming quietly each day.
Time flowed swiftly — eight years passed in the blink of an eye.
In that secluded corner of the Star Dou Forest, two black leopard cubs frolicked beneath the Azurewood Tree. From time to time, Chen Xiaoming would tease them with his branches, filling the place with laughter.
"Roar!"
A low growl echoed. The cubs paused, gazing longingly at the Azurewood Tree before bounding off toward their mother— the black leopard soul beast, who had returned with food.
"Ah, what a happy little family!"
Eight years had slipped by without Chen Xiaoming even noticing. Perhaps trees had a dull sense of time, or perhaps those playful cubs had added color to his days.
He had thought becoming a tree would be dull, but life had found its own charm.
Suddenly, a familiar figure darted over — the same leopard soul beast from years ago.
"Roar!"
Circling the Azurewood Tree, the leopard soul beast growled, asking its question once more.
"Alright, I've made up my mind — no need to persuade me."
Three days ago, Chen Xiaoming had informed the leopard of his impending departure.
Eight years was a long time. His experience points had already reached the threshold. Though reluctant to part, he knew his journey lay beyond these woods.
"Roar..."
The leopard soul beast's eyes reflected its sadness but offered no further objection.
Over the years, rival Ten-Thousand-Year Soul Beasts had attacked several times, especially when the leopard was out hunting, threatening its cubs. Had it not been for Chen Xiaoming's intervention — slaying those invaders — the cubs might never have survived.
"When? Now. Leopard Bro, thank you for your care all these years. If fate allows, we'll meet again."
The tree canopy trembled as Chen Xiaoming's roots emerged from the earth. With one last wistful glance at his companions, he uprooted himself.
"Don't die. Wait for my return!"
Leaving behind those parting words, Chen Xiaoming's figure blurred — his roots spinning like wheels as he sped into the distance.
The leopard soul beast watched him go, a sense of certainty rising within — they would meet again.
With a final glance, the leopard turned back to its family.
Half an hour later.
At the edge of the Star Dou Forest's inner circle, Chen Xiaoming found a secluded spot, rooted himself, and calmed his heart.
Eight years — he could finally shed his tree form.
Ding!
[You took a deep breath, gained +100000 experience.]
One more breath to steady his nerves.
"System!"
A shimmering panel appeared in his mind.
...
Host: Chen Xiaoming
Age: 35
Soul Beast: Azurewood Tree
Soul Power: 10008 years (+) 116135755000/1000000
Items: None
Experience Points: 116135755000
...
Eight years of time, over one hundred billion experience points—staring at the one million experience points required for the next breakthrough—he calculated that a total of ninety thousand years of cultivation would be needed. If nothing unexpected occurred, consuming roughly ninety billion experience points would be enough.
Chen Xiaoming took a silent, deep breath, a sharp gleam flashing through his eyes.
"Then... let's begin!"
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