Light Pollution

This face opened its eyes slightly, glanced around, then closed them again. It was impossible to tell whether it was meditating or sleeping.

The giant tree was still growing slowly, constantly becoming thicker and taller.

At this moment, the giant tree became the most magnificent sight and landmark aboard the Ghost Ship.

The Temple Priests watched the giant tree warily.

"Could this be the legendary World Tree?"

"Unlikely. The World Tree's branches are incredibly rare. Even if someone obtained one, they would use it to extend their lifespan. Who would be willing to use it as a servant?"

"Suye would."

"..."

"However, the aura of this World Tree is strange. Why is it already at the Holy Domain Rank as soon as it appeared? Shouldn't it be at the Gold Rank?"

"Look closely at the cracks in the bark. Look carefully!" a priest suddenly shrieked.

Everyone looked closely and saw dark golden light slowly flowing within the cracks in the bark.

Aside from that radiance, the World Tree looked unremarkable. It was merely larger and taller.

"Send a Legendary Sword Angel to test the World Tree!" ordered the High Priest of the Temple of the Goddess.

A tall four-winged Legendary Sword Angel, surrounded by holy light, dove from above and swung his sword at the trunk.

The old face on the trunk slowly opened its eyes and stared expressionlessly at the four-winged Sword Angel.

The four-winged Sword Angel drew closer and closer...

When the Sword Angel came within fifty meters of the World Tree, light flashed repeatedly across the bark's surface. The bark first transformed completely into a metallic shell with wood grain, then gained a faint layer of rippling water.

Plant Armed combined with Ocean Armed.

Then, sections of the enormous canopy drooped from both sides, and two thick