Chapter 119: Chen Xu and Liu

Vix’s expression was unusually anxious. Zorro trembled in her grasp like a lotus leaf shaken by the wind, yet her physical strength at most reached the level of an intermediate martial artist, clearly insufficient to harm him. Despite her body still shaking violently, Zorro’s voice remained steady and clear as he replied:

“Within my field of vision, there wasn’t a single survivor. That blue brain seemed quite selective while hunting; the guards were ripped to shreds. If you want to see for yourselves, it’s just over there on that nearby clearing. Honestly, the scene is rather gruesome, so I wouldn’t recommend going too close.”

He paused, a puzzled look crossing his face. “As for those members of the expedition team, each one was grabbed by the tentacles of the ‘Blue Brain’ and stuffed into its mouth. I don’t know why, but that damned mushroom reconnaissance technician seemed uncannily accurate—it killed the guards and ate the technicians. I’m not sure how it could be so precise.”

Vix suddenly stopped moving. She loosened her grip and put Zorro down, then crouched, covering her face with her hands. Her shoulders shook continuously, as if overwhelmed by profound sorrow. Catherine wanted to comfort her but found herself at a loss for words, standing there dumbfounded.

Ling Mo was also silent, unsure of what to say. He only sighed softly, filled with a sense of melancholy. This was life—real life. No one was like the protagonists in dramas, always appearing at critical moments to save a collapsing empire or turn the tide. In most cases, by the time reinforcements arrive after hearing the news, the worst has already happened. All that remains for the survivors is to collect the bodies and seek vengeance.

The somber atmosphere lingered for a while until Zorro spoke cautiously, “Lord Ling, may we leave now?”

Ling Mo waved his hand. “You haven’t told me why you came here. You surely didn’t come just to protect those technical workers, right?”

“Of course not! You must be joking,” Zorro hurriedly explained. “In fact, I only learned about all those technicians after arriving here. You know, whenever there’s information about the World Tree, my master pays close attention. I was sent to investigate the residual power of the World Tree and see if it has condensed into the ‘Silken Star Willow.’”

“Silken Star Willow?” For the first time, Ling Mo’s face showed confusion, and he asked, “What is that?”

Zorro looked troubled, as if harboring some unspeakable secret. Yet seeing Ling Mo’s sharp gaze, he resignedly explained, “Lord Ling, you must have witnessed the World Tree’s activity a few times. Although the World Tree is very active and leaves growth records in many places, after it grows, it disappears without a trace. But occasionally, when its activity ends, residual special energy combines with the ambient mana to form the ‘Silken Star Willow.’”

“Despite its name, the Silken Star Willow only slightly resembles a willow tree and has no real relation to it. According to legend, the World Tree can form a unique resonance with the countless stars in the sky. The Silken Star Willow, as a remnant of the World Tree’s power, inherits this trait. Its seeds resonate with the constellations, enhancing the accuracy of diviners’ prophecies and strengthening spells that draw upon stellar forces.”

Hearing this, Ling Mo nodded in understanding. “Ah, now I recall. Your master must be the continent’s greatest astrologer. Is this material very precious to her?”

“Extremely precious. Not only does it greatly amplify the power of star magic, but most importantly, using the seeds of the Silken Star Willow might elicit a response from the twelve zodiac constellations!” Zorro gestured excitedly. “Though it’s unlikely to receive the strongest response from the ‘Clockwork Constellation,’ even the weakest, the ‘Headhunter Constellation,’ is formidable. After all, these are the twelve zodiac constellations!”

“The twelve zodiac constellations include those two?” Ling Mo asked in surprise, only to find that Zorro, Catherine, and Vix—the two women and the cat—were even more astonished. Catherine’s tone carried disbelief. “Master, you don’t know the twelve zodiac constellations? They’re one of the most important references for orientation in the wild!”

Ling Mo rubbed his temple in frustration. “I despise the stars most of all. Their names always confuse me, making me feel disoriented in time and space. So I never bother to memorize them. Tell me, what are the twelve zodiac constellations?”

“From east to west, they are: Asathoth, Hellhound, Lich, Seraph, Titan, Clockwork, Android, Northern Cross, Phoenix, Black Dragon, Empress, and Headhunter. The Clockwork Constellation boasts the three largest and brightest stars in the entire sky, granting it the greatest power.” As Catherine took the rare opportunity to be Ling Mo’s teacher, she couldn’t hide her excitement. “Each constellation has a beautiful story behind it. For example, the Lich Constellation is said to be the favored consort of Emperor Keswis, who was poisoned to death by the jealous Empress with a necromantic toxin. Seeing her tragic fate, Eo elevated her to the heavens...”

“Alright, enough,” Ling Mo interrupted quickly, sensing Catherine’s storytelling would go on endlessly. “I’m not interested in myths. Zorro, take me to see this Silken Star Willow.”

Zorro’s expression clearly showed reluctance, but he dared not defy Ling Mo. He obediently led the way. The three humans and two cats walked for some distance before rounding a corner, where a strong stench of blood hit them. Catherine cautiously surveyed the surroundings; the ground was littered with neatly chopped chunks of flesh. All the trees were stained a deep crimson. The meat pieces were so small they no longer resembled human shapes, which made the scene less horrifying.

Catherine felt somewhat nauseous but noticed that neither Ling Mo nor Vix showed any reaction. She forced down her discomfort and pretended indifference. After passing through this “corridor of blood and flesh,” they emerged from the woods, and the large pit where the World Tree had sprouted days ago came into view.

The World Tree was nowhere to be seen, but at the bottom of the pit stood a small tree less than three meters tall. It was no ordinary plant; it radiated a faint pale glow. Its trunk was straight, and its canopy resembled that of a willow, with dozens of slender branches hanging down like willow twigs. These “willow branches” swayed gently in the breeze, scattering countless twinkling lights, creating a breathtaking spectacle.

“Look, that’s the Silken Star Willow,” Zorro pointed at the strange tree and explained, “It doesn’t last long. Judging by the traces nearby, the expedition’s scholars have noticed it and are examining it, but there’s no result yet. Well... let’s not dwell on that sad story. Lord Ling, I want to collect some seeds now. May I?”

Ling Mo nodded, and Zorro quickly descended into the pit. Approaching the Silken Star Willow, he reached out his small claw to touch a branch and collect seeds. Suddenly, the branch snapped back sharply, and the entire tree burst forth a dazzling light, too bright to look upon. As the light faded, the Silken Star Willow had vanished. In its place stood a little girl glowing faintly with a soft radiance.

At that moment, behind Ling Mo came Vix’s voice filled with surprise, joy, and disbelief:

“Auntie?!”