Chapter 270: The Forest Guardian and the Knowledge Tree

Chapter 270: The Forest Guardian and the Knowledge Tree

"What exactly is the Abyssal Combat Mode?" Rong Xincheng voiced the question that had been on his mind.

Among the six people here, only Lu Heng had encountered the Abyssal Combat Mode.

So it wasn't just Rong Xincheng who was unaware; Su Muyu and Lin Zeyu also had no idea what this mode entailed.

From the moment the teleportation was complete, Su Muyu had been pondering this question, and as she thought, she voiced her speculation:

"I noticed that the first challenge task is to kill 20 Abyssal Summoners. Could the Abyssal Combat Mode be related to this task?"

Lu Heng nodded, picking up a stick and doodling on the floor.

"Summoners, the meaning of these three words is quite clear. We are summoners from the human world.

"So, the Abyssal Summoners mentioned in the first challenge task are those summoned by the Abyss, appearing in a similar manner to us but from a different faction."

Upon hearing this, everyone present gasped in shock.

"You mean there are other humans...no, other races summoned by the Abyss, and they are hostile towards us?" Rong Xincheng understood the implication of these words, feeling a sudden surge of pressure.

Lu Heng nodded in confirmation, "Yes, if you consider yourself a player, then the Abyssal Summoners are hostile players brought in by the Abyss."

Lin Zeyu's eyes widened, and he asked, "Hostile players? Do you mean there are hostile human metahumans?"

Lu Heng shook his finger, correcting him, "They could be human, but it's highly unlikely. Usually, they are other races from the Abyssal world, races that have already submitted to the Abyss, like the bloodline demons we've encountered before."

The information about bloodline demons was no longer a secret among the metahuman community.

Su Muyu thought of additional information and said, "No wonder bloodline demons have skills and ranks. It turns out that bloodline demons can also be summoned, but the world will that summoned them is likely different from the one that summoned us, hence the hostile relationship."

Lu Heng snapped his fingers in approval, "That's right. The first challenge task has already made it clear that there are Abyssal Summoners in this Abyssal battlefield, so the danger level is higher than we initially thought."

Rong Xincheng quickly asked, "You just said they could be human?"

Lu Heng explained, "Yes, Abyssal Summoners could be human because there are traitors among humans. Traitors can also be summoned by the Abyss, but this is a rare occurrence. Most of the time, Abyssal Summoners are bloodline demons or other Abyssal races."

While listening to the analysis, Rong Xincheng kept his eyes on the task panel and then asked, "Then what about the second main task, evading the pursuit of an unknown force? Does this unknown force refer to the Abyssal Summoners?"

In fact, this question had been on Lu Heng's mind as well, but he hadn't found the answer yet.

"That's possible, but there's a paradox. The first challenge task already hinted at the existence of Abyssal Summoners. If we need to evade the pursuit of Abyssal Summoners, why not state it directly? So, there's a conflict between the information provided by these two tasks."

In such cases, it's usually the world will that issued the tasks that doesn't know what the "unknown force" is.

The reasons for this ignorance are numerous.

Lu Heng, in an analytical tone, listed a few possibilities:

"It could be that the Abyssal Will is hiding the identity of the pursuers, or perhaps this unknown force has the ability to evade the observation of the world will.

"Or maybe the identity of the pursuers is ambiguous, possibly having dual identities or an uncertain identity.

"In any case, this unknown force could be anyone, and they might even be among us."

If this unknown force referred to traitors, then the danger was indeed close by.

Rong Xincheng noticed the scrutinizing gaze in Lu Heng's eyes and quickly assured him, "We are definitely not traitors. You can rest assured. Feel free to stay vigilant, it's fine. We sincerely want to ally with you."

Lu Heng nodded in agreement, "I'll make my stance clear as well. As long as you are sincere in your alliance, I promise to treat you as allies."

"Thank you," said Rong Xincheng, nodding in gratitude.

After the six of them finished their conversation, Lu Heng stood up and said, "For now, our analysis of the tasks ends here. I'm going to look for the forest guardian. You're free to do as you please. We'll probably set out to find the Elven King's City tomorrow, and we'll notify you when the time comes."

"Okay," Rong Xincheng agreed with a nod.

Lu Heng and the other two left the treehouse and ventured into the forest to find the forest guardian named Serien.

...

In the Moonshadow Forest, Blake Feld and his team members wore expressions of elation as they headed deeper into the forest.

Before them was a space surrounded by giant trees, like a gateway to an enigmatic realm.

Their team's sensor had discovered this place, and Blake Feld led them into it.

As they approached the Tree Gate, a gust of wind blew past, rustling the leaves.

The forest guardian, Serien, slowly descended from the air, blocking their path with a deep and solemn voice:

"Beyond here is the Forbidden Forest. Entry is forbidden. Friends from the human world, please turn back."

Blake Feld sized up Serien for a moment and said, "Is the Knowledge Tree inside? We just want to take a look at the Knowledge Tree."

Serien's voice turned cold, and he repeated, "Entry is forbidden. Please turn back."

His words still included the word "please," maintaining politeness, but his tone had clearly turned less friendly.

Blake Feld and his team weren't planning to give up so easily. They threatened, "We just want to take a look at the Knowledge Tree. If you won't even agree to this request..."

I suspect there's an Abyssal pollution source inside."

Serien's expression grew stern, and he coldly hummed, "We asked you to back off for your own good. Don't blame me if you offend us again!"

Blake Feld whispered to the Sensor beside him, and a cold smile crept onto his lips.

The Sensor in his team had detected the energy fluctuations on Serien, and his energy level wasn't particularly high.

His organization had obtained information about the Quel'Dore continent, so he knew what the Knowledge Tree was.

In a sense, encountering the Knowledge Tree was a great opportunity; as long as they ventured in, they could gain enormous benefits.

Under such circumstances, there was no way they would back down.

If Serien had demonstrated terrifying strength, they might have retreated, but the energy fluctuations he exhibited were not of a high level.

Blake Feld raised his hands, revealing two arm blades, and coldly hummed, "We must see the Knowledge Tree today. I advise you to step aside, or else I won't be so polite."

Neither side was willing to back down, and the atmosphere instantly turned frigid.

...

At this moment, Lu Heng and his two companions were also heading deeper into the forest.

Su Muyu's Celestial Phoenix had spotted the conflict ahead and spoke up, "Blake Feld's team is in a confrontation with the Forest Guardian, Serien. They want to enter the forbidden area of the forest to see the Knowledge Tree, but Serien disagrees. It looks like they're about to fight."

Lin Zeyu curiously asked, "What is the Knowledge Tree? What benefits can we get from seeing it?"

Lu Heng was familiar with the Knowledge Tree, having heard rumors about it.

"The Knowledge Tree is a unique life form in the elven world. Its lifespan is incredibly long, and the Knowledge Tree may have endured thousands of years of trials, possessing a certain degree of divinity.

"If we encounter the Knowledge Tree, we may have the chance to receive its blessings and obtain various rewards, possibly enhancing our physical attributes or even acquiring skills."

Su Muyu nodded and said, "No wonder Blake Feld's team wants to see the Knowledge Tree. What should we do? They might start fighting."

Lin Zeyu's eyes lit up at the mention of rewards, "Should we sneak in while they're fighting and claim the Knowledge Tree's blessing first?"

This method was a bit opportunistic, but it did have a chance of success.

However, the main quest clearly guided humans and elves to establish diplomatic relations, and offending an elven elder at this time was not a wise choice.

Moreover, Lu Heng had a hunch that Serien was not ordinary, "You should consider one thing: Serien's age may be over 700 years. Are you sure you want to be enemies with such an existence?"

Lin Zeyu laughed and said, "I'm just suggesting an idea. Respecting the elderly is our tradition."

Su Muyu asked, "Should we step in to help?"

"Let's wait a moment." Lu Heng wanted to know what level of elf Serien was.

The three continued walking forward, but they didn't intentionally speed up.

...

Deep in the forest.

The standoff between Blake Feld's four members and Serien continued.

Serien still hadn't made a move, nor had he stepped aside.

Blake Feld noticed that Serien, the elderly elf, seemed hesitant to act, as if he had seen through his weakness.

In his eyes, if Serien had the strength, he would have attacked by now. Not attacking meant he lacked the ability.

It was time for him to show his true colors.

A cold smile appeared on Blake Feld's lips as he took a step forward, "Step aside if you know what's good for you, or bear the consequences."

His three teammates also drew their weapons, their faces filled with disdain, preparing to walk past Serien.

Serien's eyes darkened, and he shouted, "Stop!"

Blake Feld's team didn't halt; they stared at Serien with provocative eyes, about to walk past him.

Serien snorted angrily, raising his palm, and a surge of magical energy stirred.

The ground bulged with a dozen small mounds, and then, over a dozen tree vines burst through the soil, wrapping around Blake Feld's team.

Blake Feld coldly hummed and swung his arm blade, slicing through the vine that entangled him.

Now that they had started fighting, he intended to finish off the elderly elf with lightning speed.

After cutting through the vine, he leaped into the air, pouncing towards the mid-air Serien, shouting, "Give me a shield!"

The Support Practitioner in his team immediately waved his staff, casting three or four types of shields on Blake Feld.

Blake Feld charged towards Serien, brandishing his arm blade, and threatened, "I'll give you one more chance. Let us pass, or I'll trample over your body!"

"Arrogant!"

Serien roared, and his palms spread wide, causing the surrounding space to tremble. The entire forest seemed to sway in that instant.

Immediately, a pair of antlers sprouted from his forehead.

As the antlers grew longer, the energy level emanating from his body increased.

A bright symbol appeared on his forehead, and for a moment, he seemed to embody the Forest God, with all the trees in the world heeding his call.

The Sensor in Blake Feld's team was terrified, his face turning ashen, and he exclaimed, "No! Ultra-high energy level! Ultra-high energy level!"

In that instant, Blake Feld's arm blade was about to strike down on Serien's head. Hearing the Sensor's exclamation, he felt a chill, wanting to retract his blade, but it was too late.

Even if his arm blade didn't continue its downward slash, his body still collided with Serien.

A gust of wind blew around Serien's body, and with a loud bang, Blake Feld was sent flying.

Blake Feld hit the ground, rolling several times before coming to a stop.

Despite the multiple layers of protection, Serien was unharmed.

At this moment, Serien resembled an enraged deity, and the entire forest echoed with a low, angry hum.

Blake Feld felt an immense pressure crushing down on him, and he quickly pleaded, "I'm sorry, Lord Serien. We didn't mean any offense. We'll leave now."

"Get out!"

Serien chose to let them go, refraining from taking their lives.

Blake Feld got up and hurried away, not daring to linger.

After walking a few dozen meters, he turned back and quietly asked the Sensor who had followed him, "What level is he?"

The Sensor shook his head, "I can't sense the exact level, so it's definitely more than 10 levels higher than me."

...

Meanwhile, several hundred meters away.

Lu Heng and his two companions were walking towards the site of the conflict, their pace unhurried.

Su Muyu witnessed the power displayed by Serien and gave an answer similar to the White Eagle Team, "More than 10 levels higher than me, which means 42 levels or above, with no upper limit."

This level of power was likely enhanced by the forest, indicating that Serien was unfathomably powerful.

The Queldorei elves were inherently friendly, and Serien, as the forest guardian, had an even more composed temperament.

So, even though Blake Feld and his group had offended him, he didn't choose to kill them.

There might have been other reasons why he didn't take their lives.

After all, he had mentioned that the Knowledge Ancient Tree prophesied that a human guided by the Moon Goddess would come to aid the Queldorei."

In other words, Blake Feld and his four companions were also within the scope of the Moon Goddess's guidance.

Through this incident, Lu Heng confirmed at least one thing: Serien indeed possessed a very high level, aligning with his initial expectations of the world's levels.

After Blake Feld and his group left, Lu Heng and his companions arrived at the Forest Passage.

Serien remained there, but instead of hovering in the air, he had descended to the ground, and the powerful pressure he had emitted earlier had dissipated, returning him to the appearance of an elderly elven elder.

Although he appeared aged, his face didn't show any wrinkles, but he still carried the demeanor of an elder.

When Serien saw Lu Heng and his companions, a hint of disappointment flashed in his eyes, and he asked, "Do you also want to enter?"

Lu Heng answered sincerely, "We do want to enter, but without your permission, we won't go in."

Serien was very satisfied with this response and resumed his gentle smile.

Lu Heng's answer was nearly perfect; it demonstrated honesty and respect for the forest guardian.

Saying he didn't want to enter would have been too insincere.

"Then what do you intend to do here?" Serien continued his inquiry.

"I hope to have a chat with the elven elder, as an exchange between our two races," Lu Heng stated his purpose.

Serien pondered for a moment and replied, "You should go to Colossus City and find the Queldorei king."

Lu Heng nodded in agreement, "I will go, but before I leave, I still hope to have a chat with you."

"Alright."

Serien exhaled, considered for a moment, and turned to Su Muyu, asking, "What's your name?"

Su Muyu was taken aback, then quickly answered, "Um... Su Muyu."

Serien gestured behind him towards the Tree Gate and said, "You can go in."

Hearing this, all three of them froze.

"Me?"

Su Muyu's eyes widened in confusion.

"You can go in. You two follow me." Serien said, and then he strode towards the treehouse.

Su Muyu's face was filled with bewilderment, and she sought Lu Heng's opinion with her eyes.

Lu Heng nodded at her, then turned and followed Serien away from the Tree Gate.

Based on the events that had transpired, Serien didn't seem to have any ill intentions, so there must have been another reason why he allowed Su Muyu to enter the Tree Gate.

Moreover, from his words, it seemed that only Su Muyu was allowed to enter alone.

Su Muyu watched Lu Heng and the other leave, feeling a bit nervous as she stood alone.

As Lu Heng left the Forest Passage, he turned back and gave her a reassuring glance, then pointed at the Celestial Phoenix.

Su Muyu understood the meaning of his gesture; he wanted her to keep the Celestial Phoenix outside, so it could alert him at the first sign of danger.

She wasn't sure if this arrangement would be useful, but it made her feel much more at ease.

Once the three figures disappeared at the end of the Forest Passage, Su Muyu took a deep breath, turned, and walked towards the Tree Gate.

Before her stood a circular structure made of trees and vines, towering several dozen meters high.

It was called a gate, but it was actually a round passage leading to an unknown place.

A faint, peculiar radiance flowed within the passage, obscuring the view beyond, making it impossible to see what lay on the other side.

Su Muyu cautiously stepped forward, slowly lifting her feet to cross the layer of radiance.

After passing through this layer of light, she entered a strange space.

The sky was filled with flowing light, and the ground seemed to be covered in a liquid-like substance that was in motion.

However, as her feet touched this liquid, it began to evaporate, forming tiny specks of light that drifted in the air.

In the center of this space stood an ancient great tree.

This tree was so old that it had barely any leaves left, but its roots were thick and exuded an air of mystery, as if it had existed since ancient times.

Su Muyu thought to herself, "This must be the Knowledge Ancient Tree."

Then, she took a step forward, wanting to get a clear view of what the Knowledge Ancient Tree truly was.

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end