Chapter 177: All Things Will Fade
Chapter 177: All Things Will Fade
As the last rays of light vanished, a breathtakingly beautiful woman emerged.
Tall and elegantly curved, her olive-green skin bore delicate wood-like patterns. Her face, as flawless as a marble sculpture, exuded serene grace. Her almond-shaped eyes remained closed, long lashes casting soft shadows on her cheeks. Her hair, no longer mere vines, flowed with golden-green tendrils, cascading to her waist, dotted with delicate buds and leaves that swayed gently, releasing a faint floral fragrance.
Ai Lan’s upper body had nearly fully transformed into a human form, though her plant-like traits—texture and hue—remained evident. Most strikingly, as she descended, countless roots sprouted from her green skirt, anchoring into the soil to draw mana from the earth. These roots could retract or extend at will, allowing her to walk like a human or merge with the land.
When the final wisp of light faded, Ai Lan slowly opened her deep emerald eyes, golden specks shimmering within, like sunlight filtering through a forest canopy. Her gaze settled on Luo En.
“Master…” Her voice rustled like wind through leaves, rhythmic and soothing. “At last, I can speak to you in my own voice.”
“Mother Ai Lan!” Daire cried joyfully, rushing forward. She hesitated, suddenly cautious. “You… you look so beautiful!”
“My child,” Ai Lan smiled, extending her hand. “Don’t worry—I’m still the Ai Lan you know.”
Daire embraced her, silver hair mingling with golden-green vines, a tender scene.
“I missed you so much!” The young siren sniffled. “I waited every day for you to wake up. Even the petal candies aren’t the same without you—Liliya’s are good, but they lack your touch.”
Luo En chuckled as Liliya stiffened slightly beside him.
Ai Lan stroked Daire’s hair playfully. “I missed you too, little troublemaker. I felt every whisper you left on my bark. Even in the deepest slumber, you stirred me awake.”
Liliya stepped forward, blessing the moment with a smile. “Welcome back, Ai Lan! The Workshop felt soulless without you.”
“Thank you, Liliya,” Ai Lan replied, her rose-tinted lips curving. “I felt your dedication—every night organizing ledgers, every early morning tending plants. Even asleep, I heard you.”
Luo En observed her closely, sensing the immense life mana radiating from her—a pure, harmonious force. Activating “Transcendent Perception,” he analyzed her transformation:
[Ai Lan (Ancient Tree Fairy)]
Bloodline Purity: Gold-Ring 65% (High)
Status: Mana Stabilization in Progress
Special Abilities: Plant Control, Natural Perception, Life Guidance (Awakening Incomplete)
Potential Evaluation: High—Potential for Stellar Ring Tier with Further Bloodline Awakening
“The transformation surpassed expectations,” Luo En mused, surprised. He’d anticipated a near-Ancient Tree Fairy state, yet she’d evolved fully.
Ai Lan bowed deeply, the green hem of her skirt quivering. “All thanks to Master’s aid. Without your bloodline awakening and the environment you designed, I could never have reclaimed my true essence.”
Lifting her gaze, those jade eyes met his. “This debt, Ai Lan will never forget.”
She raised a hand, and the surrounding flora responded—a symphony of swaying leaves and blooming flowers. “Now, I can commune with all plants, even guiding their growth.”
A flick of her finger conjured a blue flower on a nearby shrub, blooming out of season. Its fragrance drifted toward Luo En, as if crafted for him.
“Beautiful,” he smiled, accepting the bloom.
With another gesture, two more blossoms unfurled for Daire and Liliya.
“Such a sweet scent!” Daire breathed. “Mother Ai Lan, you’re incredible!”
Ai Lan’s expression turned solemn. “I now perceive all energy fluctuations in my surroundings. Master’s Workshop will be safer than ever.”
Luo En nodded, recognizing the unparalleled security of her “plant sentry” abilities.
“Let’s celebrate tonight!” Liliya proposed, eyes gleaming. “A feast to welcome Ai Lan home and our reunion! I’ll prepare something special.”
“Great idea!” Daire bounced, grabbing Ai Lan’s hand. “I want your fruit juice and petal candies—the kind that explode with flavors in your mouth!”
Ai Lan laughed, a melodic chime. “Of course, little glutton! I’ve new recipes you’ll love.” She turned to Luo En, hopeful. “What do you think, Master?”
He smiled. “A celebration is deserved. After all the hard work, and…” He glanced at her radiant form, “to welcome the ‘reborn’ Ai Lan into our Workshop family.”
The Workshop buzzed with joy as preparations began. Liliya and Daire decorated the dining hall while Ai Lan crafted living lanterns and floral arrangements. Her touch made ordinary flowers glow brighter, branches sprout intricate patterns, and the air hummed with her floral essence.
At dusk, the table overflowed with dishes. Ai Lan’s petal candies shimmered like rainbows—stars, blossoms, each unique. Her juice, infused with color-shifting flowers, offered a new flavor with every sip.
“Try this!” Ai Lan handed Daire a golden candy. “Made with the sweetest nectar and morning dew.”
Daire popped it in, eyes widening. “Wow! It’s like… sunshine in my mouth!”
Ai Lan smiled mysteriously. “An Ancient Tree Fairy’s secret.”
Liliya’s grilled meat, seasoned with herbs grown from Ai Lan’s formulas, drew praise. “They’re not as perfect as yours, but…”
“You’ve done wonderfully, Liliya,” Ai Lan reassured. “Your care shines through their growth.”
Conversation flowed as easily as the wine.
“In my slumber,” Ai Lan mused, tracing a flower’s color-shifting petals, “I heard the forest’s whispers—secrets carried on the breeze.”
“What secrets?” Daire pressed, curious.
Ai Lan shook her head, vines swaying. “Some secrets belong to the forest alone. Perhaps one day, when you’re stronger, the sea will share its tales too.”
Daire, puzzled but undeterred, proudly showcased her ice sculptures—detailed models of the Workshop, each window etched meticulously.
Luo En watched, warmth spreading. These once-strangers had woven themselves into a family through chance and shared growth.
“Here’s to our Workshop,” he raised his glass.
“Here’s to the Workshop!” Glasses clinked, echoing into the night.
For the first time since entering the Black Mist Jungle, Luo En allowed himself to relax. Tomorrow’s burdens—refining the Abyss Project, purifying Daire’s bloodline, preparing for the Bloodline Altar—could wait. Tonight, he savored the fragile beauty around him, a fleeting moment destined to fade…
(End of Chapter)
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