Chapter 295: Starfall - Acceleration

Chapter 295: Starfall - Acceleration

Nine different species wasn't a large number, and Ji Xinghuo wasn't surprised. This was to be expected of the monsters on Diyuan Star.

However, there was still something amiss about this situation.

Qianlu had displayed over twenty different abilities during their battle, yet she didn't possess the corresponding number of different species.

The reason for this anomaly was the "Plant Primal Body."

It was a Solar Eclipse species!

Ji Xinghuo hadn't considered this possibility during their fight, but now that he examined the species information, everything became clear.

The Earth's database on different species did not contain any data on the Plant Primal Body.

He had never heard of it either.

Since he hadn't captured the species yet, Ji Xinghuo couldn't discern the exact effects of the Plant Primal Body. He only knew that it was an extremely rare Solar Eclipse species.

Right now, he only wanted to know one thing: Did Sister Ren know, prior to today, that this banyan complex possessed the Plant Primal Body?

Furthermore, how did she plan to distribute this Solar Eclipse species?

Ren Mian's face lit up with joy, and it was evident that she was delighted. She said, "Xinghuo, you're skilled at collecting species. Why don't you give it a try?"

"Sure," Ji Xinghuo readily agreed.

A segment of the Spirit Sword smart ring detached and transformed into a sharp "fire sword," which he skillfully manipulated to swiftly cut through the tree trunk.

After being scorched by that white ethereal flame, the hardness and toughness of the banyan complex's trunk had significantly diminished.

The fire sword sliced through the trunk like a chainsaw.

Ji Xinghuo searched for the species' location according to the information on the interface, with Ren Mian providing directions from the side.

One by one, the different species were located and cut out.

First was a palm-sized piece of tree heart, which Ren Mian immediately recognized. She introduced it, saying, "This is the Heart of Flora and Fauna, an Ultra Limit species."

"It enables an alien to communicate with surrounding plants, granting them a wide range of sensory abilities. It can also amplify the efficiency of cultivating plants, enhance their physique, and absorb the vitality of plants to heal wounds."

"If a Plant Witch were to fuse with it, their strength would at least double!"

"Do you want it, Sister Ren?" Ji Xinghuo asked.

Ren Mian shook her head. "I already possess similar abilities, so it's of no use to me."

Ji Xinghuo set the Heart of Flora and Fauna aside and continued cutting, uncovering a green wooden fragment. The interface indicated that this was "Life Revival."

This was also an Ultra Limit species.

After fusing with it, if one entered a near-death state and their life force dropped to an extremely low critical point, the revival mechanism would trigger, healing their wounds and restoring them to their peak condition within a few seconds.

Although revival consumed star power and physical strength, the required amount wasn't excessive. Even a legendary powerhouse could revive thrice.

Life Revival was an excellent means of survival, enabling an alien to become akin to a cockroach that just wouldn't die, creating opportunities for a counter-attack in dire situations.

Nevertheless, it wasn't without its counters.

If one were to suffer a fatal blow, incurring damage far beyond their endurance, resulting in instant death, Life Revival wouldn't activate, leading to immediate death instead.

Hence, Life Revival was most suitable for aliens with robust defensive capabilities and vitality.

Ji Xinghuo himself was a good fit.

The Myriad Star Pupils indicated an 88% fusion success rate, which was already very high and tempted him. However, what surprised him was that Qinghong also had a high fusion success rate with Life Revival—a staggering 85%!

"Perhaps I should give it to Qinghong..."

Ji Xinghuo pondered as he continued collecting.

Soon, he dug out a tree knot from a large section of the trunk; it was only the size of a fingertip, almost perfectly spherical, with a smooth and transparent surface like a glass marble.

Its interior featured peculiar geometric lines, where curves and straight lines intersected, forming a simple yet intricate pattern that seemed to embody a physical law.

It resembled an artificial creation rather than a species.

Even Ren Mian was perplexed by it. She exclaimed in surprise, "What species is this?"

Ji Xinghuo observed it for a few seconds before murmuring, "Acceleration." The species information interface had already popped up in front of him.

[Species: Acceleration]



[Grade: Starfall]



[Fusion Success Rate: 98%]



[Upgradeable: Yes]



This was the first time he had heard of this species, and the information provided by the Myriad Star Pupils astonished him even more.

As its name implied, the effect of this species was to enable control over acceleration, a physics concept describing the rate of change of an object's velocity.

It could drastically shorten the acceleration process, allowing one to reach their maximum speed almost instantaneously.

Instant deceleration was also possible.

Acceleration or deceleration, the swift alteration between fast and slow, enabled one to attain their desired velocity.

Of course, this was limited to the velocity range achievable by the individual.

Even after attaining maximum speed, further acceleration was possible by expending star power, pushing one's moving speed beyond their limits and making them increasingly faster.

Moreover, acceleration was a "vector" with magnitude and direction.

Controlling acceleration meant controlling the direction of movement, overcoming inertia, and arbitrarily changing course during high-speed movement, resulting in trajectories that defied the laws of physics.

This was a conceptual ability! Any ability involving concepts could be classified as a mystical power, with capabilities and value far surpassing those of similar-grade abilities. They held immense potential for growth and development.

Conceptual abilities of the Starfall grade were especially rare and unheard of.

Ji Xinghuo had never come across such a thing.

Only now did he understand why Qianlu's speed had been so astonishing, allowing her to fly in a trajectory resembling an electrocardiogram.

"Acceleration?" Ren Mian was momentarily bewildered.

Ji Xinghuo explained, "This species is called Acceleration, and it's a Starfall species."

"Ah?"

Ren Mian was flabbergasted. "A conceptual power! And it's Starfall-grade!" Then, she found it a bit odd. "Xinghuo, how did you know about this? I recall that the Earth's database doesn't have any information on Acceleration, does it?"

"I happened to overhear an alien mentioning it when I was at Tianzhuai Cliff," Ji Xinghuo improvised.

He briefly described the effects of Acceleration.

"If a speed-type alien knew about 'Acceleration,' I wonder how crazy they'd go!" Ren Mian exclaimed. "It's not a good match for me, but it'd be incredibly useful for you. Your speed is already impressive, and this would not only make you faster but also be immensely beneficial in combat."

Ji Xinghuo nodded in agreement.

Ji Xinghuo continued cutting through the tree trunk.

One by one, he collected the different species: Omnidirectional Vision, Flight, Omniform Limbs, Insight, and High-Frequency Thought. Each species had a unique appearance, but they were all composed of plant material and brimmed with potent vitality.

Finally, Ji Xinghuo cut open the section of the tree trunk near the roots and dug out a golden-hued species.

It was olive-shaped, about five centimeters long, and its dazzling golden radiance was captivating.

Ji Xinghuo held the species gently between his fingers, bringing it close to his eyes for observation. He sensed an aura unlike any he had encountered before, starkly different from the other species. It seemed to contain a surging life energy within.

Even "Acceleration" paled in comparison.

He knew that if he were in the Star Realm, this would have already attracted celestial phenomena.

[Species: Plant Primal Body]



[Grade: Solar Eclipse]



[Fusion Success Rate: 78%, 29%]



[Upgradeable: No]



Ji Xinghuo's expression remained unchanged, but he felt a twinge of disappointment. The fusion success rate for this Solar Eclipse species was a bit low. However, even with a less-than-ideal success rate, he would still be willing to try for a Solar Eclipse ability.

He already knew the effects of the Plant Primal Body.

Yet, he feigned ignorance and turned to Ren Mian, asking, "Sister Ren, do you recognize this species?"

Ever since Ji Xinghuo had extracted the species, Ren Mian had been staring at it, completely captivated. Her eyes were filled with longing, and this was the first time Ji Xinghuo had seen such an expression on her since he had known her. Her usual calm and serene demeanor was replaced by intense desire.

Hearing Ji Xinghuo's question, Ren Mian tore her gaze away, and her beautiful face regained its relaxed expression.

She looked directly into Ji Xinghuo's eyes and said softly, "I recognize it."

"This is the Plant Primal Body, a Solar Eclipse species."

Ji Xinghuo's face betrayed his shock, and Ren Mian continued, "The Plant Primal Body is the dream of every Plant Witch. By fusing and modifying their bodies, they can graft plants onto themselves and thus master the corresponding abilities."

"The abilities of grafted plants become stronger."

"Some abilities are always active, while others need to be activated through transformation. As long as there are no conflicts, the stronger one's strength is, the more plants they can graft, starting with over ten varieties."

"Moreover, when using abilities, one no longer needs plants as a medium, essentially achieving the same effect as fusing with a species."

"The grafted plants can be replaced at any time."

"The effect of one species is equivalent to fusing with ten species, and there will be even more in the future. It can make a Plant Witch almost omnipotent."

Even though Ji Xinghuo already knew the effects of the Plant Primal Body, he was still deeply shaken by Ren Mian's explanation.

The expression on his face was half genuine and half feigned.

Indeed, it lived up to its status as a Solar Eclipse species!

A single one could be worth several dozen regular species. An alien who fused with the Plant Primal Body might not even need expansion artifacts anymore.

Even if one wasn't a Plant Witch, it would still be well worth changing one's specialty for this species.

"It's too powerful!"

Ji Xinghuo exclaimed in admiration, studying the species in his hand but showing no signs of giving it to Ren Mian. The atmosphere became a bit tense.

"I know what you're thinking, Xinghuo," Ren Mian said without a hint of urgency in her voice. "Before we came here, I already had a fifty percent certainty that this banyan complex possessed the Plant Primal Body, but I didn't tell you."

"It wasn't that I intentionally hid it from you or didn't trust you."

"Just before the fight, I reminded you of some of the abilities it might possess. I didn't want you to be distracted by the Solar Eclipse species or develop other ideas."

Ji Xinghuo nodded slightly, acknowledging the truth in her words.

"I just wanted you to stay focused and not be sidetracked by the allure of the Solar Eclipse species."

Ren Mian spread her hands, indicating that she meant no harm. "I've seen too many people turn against each other over things they haven't even obtained yet, even becoming bitter enemies. I didn't want us to end up in such a ridiculous situation."

Ji Xinghuo suddenly smiled, "Aren't you worried that I might take the species and turn against you?"

"You won't," Ren Mian said with absolute certainty. "I trust you."

"Why?" Ji Xinghuo found himself even more puzzled.

The value of a Solar Eclipse species far surpassed any monetary measurement. Even trading with ether crystals wouldn't be enough.

A single Starfall species was enough to make many people give up everything, turn against their spouses, or pit father against son.

And a Solar Eclipse species could bring about the destruction of an entire race.

He did like Ren Mian a lot. She possessed perfect looks and an exquisite figure, a rare beauty in the world, with a gentle and amiable personality. She had taken him under her wing, and her generosity and kindness had earned his deep admiration.

However, in the face of the immense benefits of a Solar Eclipse species, such emotions were insignificant.

Beautiful women were merely a basic level of scarce resources.

A true powerhouse would not be swayed by hormones.

With Ren Mian's strength and intellect, she naturally understood this. She wouldn't be naive enough to believe that his admiration for her would be enough to make him willingly hand over a Solar Eclipse species.

Yet, she said she trusted him.

"Xinghuo, you're truly remarkable!"

Ren Mian suddenly smiled, her face radiant. "If you had given me the species without hesitation, I would have looked down on you. The fact that you were tempted by my beauty today means you could be swayed by other women tomorrow. But you didn't give in."

"You already possess all the qualities needed to become a true powerhouse."

Admiration shone in her eyes.

"Your talent surpasses mine. You have strong principles, and you're a bit of a lecher, always making advances toward me, but you never cross the line..."

At this point, Ren Mian's face took on a flirtatious expression, as if she were teasing him.

Ji Xinghuo's face reddened slightly.

"Love without a foundation of mutual benefit is unstable. Your talent, principles, love, and the exchange of benefits are enough to ensure that you're willing to give me the Plant Primal Body species.

"Of course, it will be a fair exchange."

Ren Mian gently caressed her left hand, and a ring appeared on her slender finger. The ring was crafted from a silver-white metal with a wide band and an inset multifaceted gemstone that pulsed with subtle energy.

She slipped the ring off and sent it floating towards Ji Xinghuo's hand.

"This 'Photosynthesis Ring' is my most valuable treasure. It's a Heaven's Key Second Star artifact from one of the most powerful nations in the Star Realm, the Stellar Spirit Empire."

"It has an 'Ether Resonance' effect."

"When wearing the Photosynthesis Ring, you can directly absorb light energy and convert it into what your body needs. You won't need to eat or breathe, and only a small amount of water will be sufficient for your survival. You can also use light energy to restore stamina, maintain body temperature, and even survive in outer space."

"The ring can also summon a 'Blade of Light,' a pure energy weapon that is extremely sharp despite its length of only 20 centimeters. It can easily slice through titanium alloys."

"Go ahead and try it on."

Ji Xinghuo was stunned by what he heard. A Heaven's Key Second Star equipment was just too extravagant!

He put on the Photosynthesis Ring on his right ring finger and immediately felt his perception of ether energy strengthen.

With two ether resonances already, the addition of the ring gave him a total of three.

His star power recovery speed immediately increased.

Ji Xinghuo instantly realized that he could directly control the stray ether energy around him!

A sense of extreme ease filled his mind. Although the underground city was dimly lit, he could still absorb some of the light energy, converting it within his body, which felt warm and fulfilling. His stamina was constantly replenished, and he no longer felt any hunger.

He clenched his right fist and willed it.

Shick!

A semi-transparent blade shot out from the gemstone on the ring, only 20 centimeters long and about two fingers wide. The entire blade was composed of light-colored luminescence, extremely stable, and seemingly solid, yet it emitted no heat.

Ji Xinghuo casually waved his hand, leaving a thin mark on the nearby tree trunk.

There was almost no resistance during the cutting process.

"So sharp!"

Ji Xinghuo was amazed. The sharpness of the Blade of Light was only a hair's breadth away from that of the Purple Lightning Sword.

After all, the Blade of Light was an energy blade, while the Purple Lightning Sword was a high-frequency blade with a physical form.

Maintaining the Blade of Light consumed star power—5 points per second.

That amounted to 300 points per minute, an enormous consumption rate. However, it was clear that this was not the intended way to use the Blade of Light. Instead, it was meant to be activated suddenly in close combat to pierce an enemy's heart.

Ren Mian watched as Ji Xinghuo deactivated the Blade of Light and asked, "So, what do you think of the Photosynthesis Ring?"

"It's powerful!"

Ji Xinghuo took off the ring.

Although it was an incredibly powerful Second Star equipment and very suitable for him, it still couldn't compare to a Solar Eclipse species.

Ren Mian immediately said solemnly, "Aside from the Plant Primal Body, the rest of the species are yours, plus this Photosynthesis Ring."

"Also, after I fuse with the Plant Primal Body, I'll have a chance to obtain the 'Green Spirit Holy Leaf.' It's a capacity-expanding wonder that even works on Star Saints. It grants an additional fusion opportunity, and if I get my hands on it, I'll give you one."

Ji Xinghuo's heart skipped a beat.

The higher the rank of an alien, the rarer and harder it was to find capacity-expanding wonders.

The fact that the Green Spirit Holy Leaf worked even on Star Saints showed its immense value, comparable to that of a Starfall species.

Although it was just a promise that might not be fulfilled, it still demonstrated her sincerity.

Ren Mian saw that he didn't respond and didn't rush him.

"No matter how many treasures I have, I don't have more to offer. I've already given you the usual stuff." She smiled and said, "Xinghuo, don't be too greedy."

"Sister Ren, you still have plenty of treasures, hehe..."

Ji Xinghuo's gaze swept over her, and he stroked his chin, a playful smile on his face.

"Do you want to die?" Ren Mian glared at him, pretending to be angry and about to make a move.

"Hey, I'm just joking."

Ji Xinghuo quickly begged for mercy and threw the species in his hand towards her, saying, "Here, the Plant Primal Body is yours."

Ren Mian caught the species and breathed a sigh of relief.

In fact, this trade hadn't even touched her preset bottom line. She could offer more, and if Ji Xinghuo still disagreed, she would have to add something else.

As for turning hostile and seizing it, that thought flashed through Ren Mian's mind and was immediately rejected.

She knew that Ji Xinghuo wouldn't be so ruthless, and turning hostile would only result in losses for both sides.

The deeper reason was that Ren Mian wasn't confident she could defeat Ji Xinghuo. She couldn't see through this man anymore.

Ji Xinghuo, unaware of her thoughts, was also full of admiration. Sister Ren had a good grasp of his situation and psychology.

The Plant Primal Body wasn't a good match for him. For other aliens, taking on the Plant Primal Body to become a part-time Plant Witch would be a great deal, but to him, it wasn't that attractive.

The Electromagnetic Overlord was much more appealing!

There was also a conflict between these two templates. Giving the Plant Primal Body to Sister Ren would allow her to bring out its full potential.

He put the Photosynthesis Ring on his right ring finger, and it immediately turned transparent, blending into his skin and becoming invisible.

"That's three rings now."

With the Stealth Ring and the Acceleration Ring on his left hand, he now had the Photosynthesis Ring on his right hand as well.

He looked at his hands, feeling that three rings were a bit too much.

"Next time I go back to Earth, I'll give the Acceleration Ring to my second brother, Zhong Ming." The Acceleration Ring's effects of ether sensitivity, high-frequency thought, and agile footsteps weren't very useful to him anymore, but they would be perfect for his second brother.

"We should go now."

Ren Mian kept the species, "Now that the Banyan Complex is dead, the monsters underground will soon discover that this underground city's territory is ownerless. We must leave quickly to avoid being surrounded by monsters."

"Okay." Ji Xinghuo also put away the other species.

He picked up Ren Mian and flew towards the passage leading out of the underground city.

The entrance had been collapsed by Qianlu, but Ren Mian used her plants to pry open a gap, and the two quickly slipped through, leaving the massive underground city behind and returning to the dim and quiet surroundings.

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end