Wisdom Tree

This face had only the rough outline of facial features. Upon closer inspection, it appeared to be the face of an old man. He seemed to be watching the two of them with curiosity in his eyes.

Zhao Xuan and Li Qing were the same, both curious and wary. Before them stood a Spirit Beast with cultivation nearing two hundred thousand years.

Granny Flower bowed respectfully. "Lord Sacred Tree."

The expression on the Sacred Tree's trunk shifted slightly, as though revealing a puzzled look. "Huali, what have these two powerful humans come here for?"

"It's like this, Lord Sacred Tree..."

Granny Flower then explained the entire course of events to the Wisdom Tree. Its branches swayed, as if it too had been shaken by the matter.

The withered face formed upon its trunk looked toward Zhao Xuan. After studying him carefully for a moment, it exclaimed in surprise, "What a strange human expert. His Soul Power is so low, yet he possesses such a powerful body."

After a pause, it added, "Human expert, may I take a look at the lightning you wield?"

Zhao Xuan remained cautious and did not immediately answer the Sacred Tree. Instead, he asked, "Sacred Tree, I want to know—if Granny Flower and the others live peacefully alongside Spirit Beasts, where do their soul rings come from?"

This was precisely what he and Li Qing had found difficult to understand before. If both sides got along amicably, how had they obtained their soul rings? After all, a soul ring could only be absorbed after personally killing that Spirit Beast.

Hearing this, Granny Flower revealed a bitter smile. She finally understood why Li Qing's attitude had suddenly taken such a sharp turn earlier—it was because of this question.

The Sacred Tree answered in an even, tranquil tone,