Several more days passed.
At last, Lu Feng and the others reached the point when the Divine Tree would enter its restorative slumber. Ever since Tang Yuan had agreed to become Ye Fan's "accomplice," he had remained unusually quiet these past few days, afraid that Lu Feng might spot some clue.
Only when it was finally time to leave did his expression ease somewhat.
At this moment, on the grounds of the Central Region of the Heaven Rain Clan, groups of clanspeople worked together to carry enormous branches and leaves over from afar, piling them into the strange markings carved into the ground.
The branches had all begun to yellow, and the edges of the massive leaves showed signs of withering. Yet upon closer sensing, one could still detect a considerable aura of the Divine Tree contained within them.
The Heaven Priest came over to Lu Feng and the others and casually explained, "The Divine Tree's restorative slumber this time may be because it expended too much energy. It has shed far more branches and leaves than usual—almost as much as it normally sheds in an entire year."
As she spoke, she had several enormous leaves brought over and gestured. "Once you leave this place, drape these leaves over yourselves. They will conceal your auras well and keep you from being sensed by the ferocious beasts on the surface."
While distributing them, she suddenly noticed that Ye Fan was absent from the group and asked curiously, "Where is your other friend?"
An awkward look appeared on Lu Feng's face.
Tang Yuan said irritably, "He's still lingering affectionately with the women of your clan. Unless it's the very last moment, he probably won't be willing to leave."
"Hey, Old Tang, talking behind my back again?"
Ye Fan approached with a teasing