Under the God Tree

"So, what makes that tree different from an ordinary one?"

Standing before a village, Nanchuan You looked up at the towering God Tree ahead and asked.

Seven years had passed since he came to this world, and Nanchuan You was now vastly different from his former self.

At seventeen, he stood tall and straight, his bearing dignified. Clad in a long robe, he exuded an air of nobility as he stood there.

His features were handsome, and though his expression carried a lazy air, there was something about him that could not be ignored. Just standing there, he drew the gaze of many.

Over these years, he had changed greatly.

This was not only reflected in the transformation of the Land of Ancestors, but also in himself.

Through his tests, Nanchuan You had discovered that his original body seemed to influence the reincarnated vessel.

This was evident from how his current appearance was increasingly resembling his original form.

Beyond that, the gradual emergence of Chakra within him was another important proof.

Yes, after several years, Nanchuan You could now refine Chakra.

Though the difficulty of refining it was far greater than with his original body, it was indeed possible.

This also led Nanchuan You to uncover a new rule of reincarnation: the reincarnated vessel and the original body influenced each other.

As time passed, the reincarnated vessel would gradually converge with the original body, undergoing entirely new changes.

This was why Nanchuan You dared to lead people out of the Daimyo's Palace at will.

After all, for someone who had mastered Chakra, the threat of ordinary people was nothing much.

The so-called demons and monsters of this world were also nothing much.

As long as he was cautious, in this world without shinobi, even if he couldn't win a fight, he could always escape.

"Daimyo-sama, that God Tree is just ahead..."

Before him, the local Village Chief spoke with a respectful expression, inviting Nanchuan You forward.

That day, he arrived before the God Tree.

The God Tree's trunk was enormous, far more spectacular than any ancient tree Nanchuan You had seen in his past life.

"Such vigorous life force..."

Gazing at the God Tree before him, Nanchuan You carefully sensed it, marveling inwardly.

In his perception, the tree before him was filled with an immense life force.

That life force was so vast that even a brief sensation of it filled him with awe and dread.

How could a single tree possess such enormous life force?

He was somewhat puzzled.

Looking down at the surroundings, he easily noticed a fact.

Centered on the God Tree, all nearby plants had vanished, and even ordinary beasts were nowhere to be seen.

It was as if some unknown presence lurked in the shadows, devouring all life, plundering every bit of life force clean.

The one doing the plundering was undoubtedly the God Tree before him.

"Interesting..."

Standing in place, Nanchuan You mused to himself: "A God Tree that can plunder the life force of other beings to enhance itself?"

No, it was probably not just the life force of the surrounding life.

The plants nearby were only this much. Even if they were all drained dry, it wouldn't be enough for this tree to grow so large.

For this God Tree to have grown to this extent in such a short time, it must have also absorbed life force and energy from other places, allowing it to reach this size so quickly.

"A God Tree that can absorb life force and Natural Energy?"

Standing there, looking at the God Tree before him, Nanchuan You frowned. Suddenly, a vague sense of déjà vu arose in his heart.

For some reason, he felt this scene seemed familiar.

But when he tried to recall it, he couldn't figure out exactly what it was.

After a moment, he shook his head, deciding not to dwell on it. Instead, he turned to the Village Chief beside him: "How many people are in your village?"

"Only about five hundred," the Village Chief replied, somewhat confused. "Among them, roughly three hundred are young."

"Good."

Nanchuan You nodded. "After this, dispatch twenty people to guard this God Tree in rotating shifts. I want to know every change that occurs with this tree."

"As compensation, the agricultural taxes of these twenty people can be reduced."

Though he didn't know the origin of this God Tree, Nanchuan You instinctively felt it must be very important.

He couldn't keep an eye on it himself at all times, so having these locals watch it was not a bad choice.

As for protection, there was no need for that.

Given how tall and thick the God Tree was, even Nanchuan You himself would likely find it troublesome to chop it down. If someone could actually steal or fell it, then Nanchuan You would accept that outcome.

He would have to admit they had skill.

Leaving the village, Nanchuan You did not depart.

His time was precious, and opportunities to go out were even rarer.

Since he had managed to get out this time, he could not afford to waste it.

Taking this chance to survey the situation in various regions seemed like a good idea.

Thus, he planned to investigate thoroughly across the land before returning to the Daimyo's Residence.

However, only a few days into his survey around the area, an unexpected event occurred.

One night, the heavens suddenly changed.

At that moment, an inexplicable stirring rose in Nanchuan You's heart.

He stepped out of his dwelling and came outside.

Looking up at the sky, he saw brilliant sparks of starlight shining, and a streak of light appeared, illuminating the long night.

"It's a star..."

Beside him, an attendant responsible for service spoke respectfully: "Judging by that direction, it seems to be right around the God Tree."

"The God Tree..."

Nanchuan You's heart stirred, and he suddenly realized something.

"Pass my order."

Without a moment's hesitation, he rose and issued the command: "Everyone, move out. We'll go take a look."

With those words, he mounted his horse directly and led the surrounding attendants forward.

Because they were not far from the God Tree, they reached their destination in just a short while.

But upon arriving, they saw no trace of a meteor's fall.

"How can there be nothing?"

The attendants around were full of confusion.

Ever since learning of Nanchuan You's purpose, the attendants and samurai had secretly steeled themselves, eager to find that fallen meteor.

As Nanchuan You's retainers, they knew the Daimyo-sama was always generous. If they found what he sought, the rewards would surely be substantial, so they searched with great effort.

Yet no matter how they searched, they found no trace at all.

The ground was empty, completely lacking any sign of a meteor's impact.

But how could that be?

"It was definitely this direction..."

A samurai searched for a long time but found nothing, his heart full of confusion.

However, in the next moment, his expression suddenly changed as his gaze fixed on a certain direction ahead: "Who goes there!"

"Who is there!"

"Protect the Daimyo!"

With those words, everyone gathered around Nanchuan You, their faces tense as they stared ahead.

The next moment, under their watchful eyes, a woman's figure slowly emerged from the front.