Spirit Root Tree

"It really is a Spirit Root Tree," Liu Wenyin confirmed after looking at the photo.

She then proceeded to share everything she knew about Spirit Root Trees.

Spirit Root Trees can take root in both soil and rock. The part exposed above ground is very small, making it appear as a sapling or even a blade of grass. The vast majority of the tree is hidden beneath the surface.

Its roots spread incredibly far, reaching hundreds of meters underground. It not only absorbs nutrients from the soil but also attacks living creatures, making it a carnivorous spiritual plant.

"The Spirit Root Tree is a treasure trove. Its bark, leaves, and roots can all be used in medicine. Its extracts are the main ingredient for manufacturing Saint Tier evolution medicines, and its wood is also excellent material for defensive gear. Coupled with its enormous size, the value of an entire Spirit Root Tree is immeasurable. Of course, the most precious part is the 'Tree Marrow' found in the main trunk.

"The trunk of a Spirit Root Tree is hollow and stores liquid Tree Marrow, which is the essence of the tree. Humans who consume it can not only heal various injuries but also extend their lifespan."

As she said this, Liu Wenyin's gaze fell upon Aunt Yun, and Su Ze immediately thought of Aunt Yun as well.

Aunt Yun only had about two months left to live. If they could obtain the Tree Marrow from a Spirit Root Tree, perhaps there would be a chance to attempt a breakthrough to the Saint Tier.

Aunt Yun shook her head. "Let alone my current weakened state, even at my peak, I wouldn't dare to think about it. That's something even Saint Tier experts covet. How could we contend for it?"

Su Ze and Liu Wenyin knew it was unrealistic and were merely thinking aloud.

With the news of the Spirit Root Tree exposed, not only the Luofan Kingdom and Mu Kingdom would fight over it, but the Netherworld Organization would likely get involved as well.

The most sensible choice for Su Ze and the others would be to escape Mengka City while the conflict erupted and return to the Dongli Kingdom as soon as possible.

After the news of the Spirit Root Tree spread, it caused a huge stir online, with countless people joining the discussion. Netizens from the Luofan Kingdom and Mu Kingdom were particularly excited, as it was practically in their backyard.

Netizens from other countries were also quite interested. For example, netizens from the Peninsula Kingdom cited ancient texts and discussed historical events, ultimately concluding that the Spirit Root Tree was planted by their ancestors and belonged to the Peninsula Kingdom.

The official governments of the Mu Kingdom and the Luofan Kingdom also reacted swiftly.

Mu Kingdom Official Statement: "The Black Rock Mountain Range has been an inalienable part of our country's territory since ancient times. All resources within it belong to our nation, including but not limited to mineral deposits, exotic beasts, and spiritual plants."

Luofan Kingdom Official Statement: "The Black Rock Mountain Range has been our country's inherent territory since ancient times. No one is allowed to enter without permission!"

The Mu Kingdom and the Luofan Kingdom, which had a relatively good relationship, began to bicker over the interests.

When it was time to act, neither country acknowledged the Black Rock Mountain Range as their territory. Now, driven by profit, they were both scrambling to incorporate the Black Rock Mountain Range into their own borders.

This was only the information visible online; the exchanges and negotiations that took place privately between the two countries were unknown.

The situation took a turn the next day when the Mu Kingdom and the Luofan Kingdom reached an agreement, acknowledging that the Black Rock Mountain Range would be jointly governed by both nations.

Furthermore, each country would dispatch an additional Saint Tier expert, bringing the total to four Saint Tier powerhouses who would cooperate to take action against the Spirit Root Tree in the near future.

This outcome was within the expectations of many.

If the two countries continued to deadlock, the other four nations on the Linhua Continent might get involved, especially the Guan Kingdom, which was notorious for seizing resources.

Moreover, the Spirit Root Tree was powerful, and dealing with it wouldn't be easy. They also had to remain vigilant against the Netherworld Organization. It would be difficult for either the Mu Kingdom or the Luofan Kingdom to claim it alone, so cooperation was inevitable.

The additional Saint Tier experts dispatched by both countries arrived in Mengka City and Black Rock City that same day. This brought the total number of Saint Tier experts in and around the Black Rock Mountain Range to over five, further escalating the tension.

Su Ze and the others also felt the urgency, but it wasn't from those Saint Tier experts.

For the past two days, Zhang Fantie had been leading a group of people, meticulously searching every rental apartment from the north of the city.

Su Ze hadn't left their residence for several days. Aunt Yun went out to buy groceries and gather information.

This morning, Aunt Yun discovered wanted posters with Su Ze's photo two blocks away from their current location.

Su Ze had frequented the nearby areas before, and many people had seen him, though no one knew his address.

However, even if others didn't know, the landlord who rented them the apartment and the agent who showed them the place certainly did. Therefore, they couldn't stay any longer.

"Let's go."

Su Ze got into the driver's seat of the sedan and motioned for Liu Wenyin and Aunt Yun to get in quickly.

This car was rented. To Su Ze's surprise, Liu Wenyin, who was proficient in everything, couldn't drive, nor could Aunt Yun, a Butterfly Transformation Stage expert. They both claimed they failed their driving tests due to the theory section.

So, the driving task fell to Su Ze.

"You're not an adult yet and don't have a license. Are you sure you can drive?" Liu Wenyin asked again, sounding concerned.

"Don't doubt my driving skills," Su Ze said confidently. "In my hometown, I consider myself the second-best driver."

"Who's the first?"

"A man named Youtian."

The car slowly started and headed south, towards the Black Rock Mountain Range.

They weren't planning to enter the mountains yet, just to hide in a village near the Black Rock Mountain Range for a few days.

However, the Luofan Kingdom had too large a population, making it difficult to find a deserted place. They circled around the Black Rock Mountain Range and finally stopped in a random spot.

This was a patch of wasteland, but there were two villages not far away, and people still passed by occasionally. In the rural areas of the Luofan Kingdom, where private cars were not yet common, a sedan parked here was quite conspicuous.

Su Ze and the others couldn't afford to worry about it anymore. If anything happened, they would immediately enter the mountains to hide.

Another three or four days would be enough for Aunt Yun's combat strength to recover.

Two days prior, Su Ze had completely assimilated the Immortal Salamander extract within him, bringing his physical abilities to a new peak.

After digesting the extract, the improvement in his physical fitness was no longer as significant. However, by taking Body Strengthening Pills daily and practicing Swan Dance, his progress was still much faster than before, though it consumed a lot of Body Strengthening Pills.

Su Ze used to take four pills a day, but now he needed eight.

Simply put, it's just spending a bit more money, no big deal.

After digesting the Immortal Salamander extract, Su Ze could actually consider the second vial of extract for his Pupal stage.

He had asked Liu Wenyin for her opinion on this.

Liu Wenyin's reply was that he now possessed the Regenerative Body skill, making his survivability sufficient. The next step should be to further enhance his strengths.

Su Ze knew his strongest aspect was his offensive capability, so his next skill should further boost his attack power.

"Ant Strength" combined with "Needle Strike" was an extremely powerful single-target combo skill. Su Ze realized he lacked a way to deal with multiple opponents, so his next skill should ideally be an area-of-effect skill.

There were many Tier 2 Exotic Beasts with area-of-effect skills, and quite a few S-grade ones as well. Su Ze planned to seek out channels to obtain one after he had stabilized himself a bit.