A Top Scholar in Everything-Chapter 976 - 962: Tai Mai Ancient Tree
This ancient tree is so enormous that it blends seamlessly with the forest, making it hard to notice.
At this moment.
As the tree moved, Baiyu and Machima finally saw its full form.
The tree towered into the clouds, its main trunk resembling a piece of land, covered with countless small plants.
And those tendrils.
Are the parasites growing on this ancient tree.
The vines were wrapped around the trunk, incredibly numerous, but for such a colossal tree, these vines were like mere hairs.
However, to Baiyu and Machima, these tiny vines were deadly weapons.
"Mortals, what is your purpose for coming here?"
A grandiose voice echoed simultaneously in the minds of Baiyu and Machima.
The spirit and spirituality of the other party were terrifyingly strong, able to communicate directly via Spiritual Power. This also meant that if their spirit pressed down on them, Baiyu and Machima might not withstand it and become distorted.
Most mortals glimpse gods for this reason.
The spirituality and spirit of gods are too strong, surrounded by Extraordinary Power, and any casual act could be devastating to mortals.
"We mean no harm, but the god Seven Coils of this place has been dead for years. Slain by the Scar God.
The Scar God was originally a mortal.
But with the help of other deities and the Ant Mother, directly killed Seven Coils."
Machima answered truthfully.
The ancient tree remained silent for a long time, as more vines extended from the ground and sky, trapping Baiyu and Machima.
"Your spirituality tells me that everything you say is true. The great god Seven Coils has indeed been silent for so long that it feels eternal to me."
After saying this, the ancient tree fell silent again.
Baiyu and Machima now realized the other party was probably not silent but rather slow to respond.
This named one.
Seemed to be a gentle type.
"May I ask who you are?"
Machima asked again.
The ancient tree trembled slightly: "Guardian, Tai Mai. Mortals, you may retreat, and I will spare you the crime of intrusion."
Baiyu and Machima sighed in relief.
As Machima had said before.
They had a bit of bad luck, not only encountering a named one but also a special, ever-more powerful species.
But for now.
This named one didn’t seem to have much desire to attack.
However, if Machima were to just give up this opportunity, she would be unwilling.
"Tai Mai, we mean no harm. But the god Seven Coils has been dead for too many years, and His Divine Country is collapsing. If you stay here, you might soon have no place of refuge.
You must consider your own survival.
We can offer you a place to live if you need it."
Machima tried to recruit him.
After all.
A named entity of this form, if relocated to the Great City, could become its guardian god.
Such named beings.
Are always welcomed by any faction.
However.
The massive ancient tree, Tai Mai, did not respond.
After waiting for a long time, Tai Mai remained silent.
But at this point, another group arrived at the site.
It was a team from the Laine Clan.
"Machima!"
Ali Lane wanted to attack immediately upon seeing Machima but was fortunately held back by her confidants.
Laine Clan members were always explosive.
Ali was especially famous for her fiery temper.
"Miss, something’s wrong here. The two are motionless before the ruined temple, clearly bound. Look at the vines around them..."
The advisor beside Ali said gravely.
She then noticed the vines around Baiyu and Machima.
"Miss Ali, I have never harmed your Laine Clan during my years in the Free Federation. Do you want revenge on me too?"
Machima asked with a smile.
Ali snorted coldly: "My uncle, the chairman of Eagle Lion Bank, died at your hands. Still playing the good person?"
"Oh, you mean him. He was long controlled by a Demon. If I hadn’t eliminated him in time, he would have endangered your entire Laine Clan someday.
Strictly speaking.
You should be thanking me."
Ali was infuriated by Machima’s flippant tone.
But the situation remained unclear.
She had to restrain herself, daring not to act rashly.
At this moment.
Baiyu, who had remained silent, finally seized an opportunity and intervened in their conversation: "Fighting now benefits no one. Why don’t we discuss cooperation?
I think.
The Free Federation isn’t the only family entering these ruins.
This treasure.
Whoever finds it first owns it. If you and we waste time on each other, it’ll only be futile. Moreover, the cultists who previously escaped are still inside; you don’t want them to get the benefits, do you?"
Baiyu’s words effectively eased the tense atmosphere between the two sides.
Ali stared at him: "You clearly can’t escape from here. What grounds do you have to cooperate with me? If I wanted to kill you, it’d only be a thought away."
Baiyu stood firm: "Then you can try."
Despite Ali’s fiery temper, she was no fool. She could tell Baiyu was not bluffing. From the beginning until now, both Machima and Baiyu seemed calm and unafraid.
However. 𝒇𝒓𝒆𝒆𝙬𝒆𝒃𝓷𝒐𝓿𝙚𝙡.𝒄𝓸𝒎
Having brought it to this point.
Not acting would be humiliating before her subordinates. Moreover, she wanted to test the capabilities of these two; if they proved worthy, cooperation was possible.
The Laine Clan’s prominence.
Was not just built on strength.
They were also intelligent.
Pure brutes couldn’t survive in the Mysterious Realm.
"Long Er, test them."
Ali looked at a burly man beside her.
Named, the man with a build like a tower stepped forward. Bending his legs, he burst with immense power, pushing off like a cannonball towards Baiyu.
At this moment.
Baiyu and Machima remained motionless.
The ruthless smile on Long Er’s face froze as he suddenly found himself immobilized.
Two vines sprang from the ground, tightly binding him.
Seeing this, Ali and her team were dumbfounded.
"Since you don’t want to leave, stay here with me."
At this moment.
Tai Mai’s grand voice resonated again.
Immediately.
Ali finally noticed the massive, nearly terrifying ancient tree standing behind the ruined temple.
Such a colossal tree.
Could easily incite a primal fear of nature.
"I’ve heard the Green Mother’s true form is a tree; could this be related to her?"
Ali thought.
Realizing her feet were also bound by vines.
