Chapter 311: The Crow's Ancestral Evolution Begins

Chapter 311: The Crow's Ancestral Evolution Begins

A verdant glow enveloped the trunk of the ancient tree, leaving it in a state of utter bewilderment.

The ancient tree, prepared for death and ready to accept its fate, could sense that its withered roots, which had completely lost all vitality, were now revitalized at an astonishing speed by a strange liquid that had entered its body.

Something was amiss!

It wasn't just about regaining vitality; the ancient tree felt a peculiar sensation.

Its power, which had been severed due to its injuries, was now being enhanced by a strange force transmitted from its roots.

At the same time, a powerful energy, similar in origin to the Wood Element but with an even greater destructive potential, rapidly emerged from the once-lifeless roots.

What was happening? How was this young Beastmaster achieving such feats? Su Ping breathed a sigh of relief, grateful that the Green Demon Spring Ginseng was willing to lend its aid.

Now it seemed that his suspicions were confirmed; the Green Demon Spring Ginseng was indeed well-intentioned.

Moreover, as a plant-type companion beast, the Green Demon Spring Ginseng's willingness to help a fellow plant-type creature was perhaps even more significant.

So, when Su Ping attempted to communicate and request assistance, the Green Demon Spring Ginseng did not refuse.

Indeed, only the Green Demon Spring Ginseng could have revived a dying Wood Element Monarch Rank ancient tree with such ease.

And it did so without breaking a sweat.

Not only did it restore the ancient tree's vitality, but it also brought about a peculiar transformation.

As a cultivator, especially after studying plant-type creatures, Su Ping immediately noticed the subtle changes in the ancient tree.

The verdant glow slowly merged into the ancient tree's body, revitalizing the roots and enhancing the tree's appearance with a unique power.

Su Ping was all too familiar with this power, and it was incredibly dangerous.

"Poison Element?"

Su Ping scratched his head, momentarily stumped by the situation.

makeup was always dramatic, with dark eye shadow and bold lips, enhancing her striking features.

As a Wood Element creature, it was normal for the Green Demon Spring Ginseng, a legendary-quality resource, to possess Poison Element abilities.

After all, Xiao Qing's mutated bloodline originated from this very source, but witnessing it firsthand still left Su Ping in awe of the Green Demon Spring Ginseng's formidable capabilities.

Perhaps sensing Su Ping's surprise, the face on the ancient tree's trunk slowly faded, revealing the once-decaying roots, now revitalized, and on the connected trunk, new branches, and too much turnover is not a good thing.

However, the newly emerged branches, leaves, and flowers were not like the ancient tree's normal foliage; they exuded an unmistakable air of danger.

Su Ping's guess was confirmed beyond a shadow of a doubt.

A true mutation? And not just any mutation, but a rapid one induced by the Green Demon Spring Ginseng's fluid, allowing the ancient tree to undergo such a transformation!

Su Ping directed his True Vision towards the ancient tree.

Despite the ancient tree's higher cultivation level, it did not hinder Su Ping's observation, allowing him to witness the ancient tree's transformation firsthand.

【Mutated Ancient Tree (Wild)】

【Attributes: Wood, Life, Poison】

【Current Realm: Monarch Tenth Rank】

【Race Potential: Imperial Second Rank】

【Skills: Life Infusion (Mastery), Life (Poison) Ripple (Proficiency), Life Fruit Condensation (Proficiency)...】

As expected, within just ten minutes, the ancient tree had undergone a Poison Element mutation!

Moreover, its race potential had skyrocketed by two levels, crossing a significant boundary for a companion beast of its caliber.

Was the Green Demon Spring Ginseng, a legendary resource, truly this formidable?

Su Ping looked at Xiao Qing, perplexed.

The swaying shadow had completely disappeared, as if it had never existed.

He shook his head, acknowledging the Green Demon Spring Ginseng's peculiar strength.

The glow on the ancient tree's body faded away, and the face on the trunk spoke again, surprising Su Ping:

"Thank you for saving my life! From now on, you are the master of the ancient tree. I am willing to serve you..."

Su Ping was taken aback:

"You're too kind. Just treat me as you did before!"

"You saved my life and took care of those little creatures. Although we couldn't form a contract, you are still my master!"

The face on the ancient tree's trunk looked extremely sincere.

Su Ping blinked and didn't insist.

After all, it was just a title, and he had friendly relationships with his companion beasts, but not a master-servant dynamic.

However, the ancient tree, having grown up in the wild, respected the law of the jungle.

The title of 'master' was the highest form of respect in its eyes.

It was not only a life-saving gesture but also a way to continue its cultivation and raise its upper limit.

After witnessing Su Ping's actions over time, the ancient tree was now fully convinced and, in the spirit of the wild, could be said to have 'submitted' to Su Ping.

Su Ping heaved a sigh of relief, relieved that the ancient tree's injuries had healed, and with the connected Forest Heart and Phoenix Heart, any issues could be swiftly communicated.

Action: In the future, if there's a chance to advance to the Imperial Rank...

However, it's extremely difficult. Even with racial potential, ascending to the Monarch Rank and above is nearly impossible.

Moreover, it seems there's more to it. Although the issue with the Life Ancient Tree has been resolved, there's still a lot to do in the Phoenix Heart, which is connected to the Life Ancient Tree through the mountain range.

Arriving at the Phoenix Heart, Su Ping stood on the Buddha's Hand Cliff, looking at the well-maintained hanging forest path above the Phoenix Heart. He nodded in satisfaction.

The Phoenix Heart was created by Master Zhu Hong using the rare and unimaginable resource of Vital Soil, which he had evolved and cultivated.

Nowadays, it has become an even more impressive and unique landscape.

Although the flying bird-type companion beasts hidden within are not many, and as wild beasts, they either show hostility towards humans or keep their distance, rarely showing any warmth.

But Su Ping is in no hurry.

"Where's Yaya?"

In the entire Phoenix Heart, the giant bird's nest is what Su Ping cares about the most, and naturally, it's the mutated Fire Crow, Yaya.

"She should be on the Hundred Birds Paulownia Tree! Lately, this little one has been listless, even losing interest in her favorite candle grass."

Uncle Guan and Su Ping walked one after the other on the hanging wooden steps, finally reaching the highest forest layer of the Phoenix Heart, over two hundred meters high.

As Uncle Guan had mentioned, on the towering Hundred Birds Paulownia Tree, Yaya's dark figure stood in the built nest.

Among the birds, there was a strict order.

Ordinary bird-type companion beasts did not have the qualifications to build nests on the Hundred Birds Paulownia Tree.

Currently, the only one who could build a nest was Yaya, Su Ping's second most cherished companion beast, and this was a symbol of her current leader status among the birds.

However, upon seeing Su Ping's arrival, Yaya paused, then weakly uttered:

"Caw!"

Her voice was no longer as loud and grating as before, and there was even a sense of weakness in it.

But she was also welcoming him for finally returning.

Su Ping's eyebrows furrowed, and he quickly rushed to the little one's side:

"Yaya, what's wrong with you?"

Su Ping asked not only Yaya but also the Hundred Birds Paulownia Tree.

However, to his surprise, neither Yaya nor the tree gave him any explanation.

'I don't know what happened, but she's like this now!'

This was the response from both Yaya and the Hundred Birds Paulownia Tree.

Su Ping didn't hesitate. He took Yaya and, without paying attention to Uncle Guan's astonished gaze, activated the 'Floating Technique' that he had previously possessed.

From the Phoenix Heart, he leaped down to the foot of the mountain.

Uncle Guan didn't have extensive knowledge about companion beasts, so he couldn't tell that Su Ping was using his companion beast's power or some kind of technology.

For now, the most important thing was the little crow's safety.

Carrying the little crow, Su Ping drove the sightseeing car back to the laboratory area of the Wood Heart. Without stopping to greet Li Shu and Guan Lilily, he immediately placed the little crow on the life detection instrument.

Li Shu and Guan Lilily watched Su Ping's anxious expression and quickly followed. Finally, Li Shu spoke up:

"Brother Ping, we've examined Yaya before, and her vital signs are normal! And she's also very resistant to our attempts to examine her."

Su Ping's eyebrows furrowed slightly, and he immediately took the edible resource prepared by Li Shu and held it in front of the little crow's mouth.

As expected, the little crow remained listless, and it was clear that she had no appetite.

Even the resources that could help her improve her strength didn't interest her?

Su Ping scratched his head; this didn't make sense!

However, there was indeed a situation like this.

In fact, Little Qing's enthusiasm wasn't high either, and she didn't have much interest in ordinary food or resources.

That's right; companion beasts also behave like this when they are about to evolve.

But on Little Qing's body, the light of evolution had flashed countless times when they were saving the Life Ancient Tree.

However, on the little crow, there wasn't even a hint of the light of evolution!

Wait a minute!

Su Ping suddenly paused, as if he had thought of something.

He glanced at the little crow in front of him, and then his mind moved, taking out an item from the beast taming space.

Flame Fruit!

In the characteristic environment of the Fire Cultivating Domain, this was a special resource that only Su Ping could create.

It had an extremely short shelf life and was a very useless resource with significant limitations.

However, this thing was Little Huoniao's favorite and had also been Yaya's favorite before.

And as expected, as soon as the Flame Fruit appeared in Su Ping's hand, the previously listless little crow immediately raised her head, staring intently at Su Ping's hand. Her excited appearance made Li Shu exclaim, 'Medical Miracle!'

"Caw! Caw! Caw!"

The little crow's voice seemed to have become much louder at this moment.

Su Ping didn't tease the weak little one; he immediately threw the fruit to her.

As expected, after consuming the fruit, Yaya seemed to have satisfied her addiction, and her previous listlessness and lack of energy disappeared.

Was it really like this? Su Ping's eyes narrowed slightly.

As a highly accomplished breeder, he hadn't forgotten the research results and theories he had worked on with Ye Zhou.

The little crow was an important reference companion beast for regression evolution.

Su Ping hadn't forgotten the dark flame crow he had encountered before.

The theory he had deduced about this was that in ancient times, the energy characteristics in the air had undergone some changes, causing some companion beasts to degenerate due to the disappearance of this characteristic, resulting in a weakening of their power.

Although it seemed that some other companion beasts might have become stronger due to the disappearance of this characteristic, the current focus of research was still on regression evolution.

And the Fire Crow and Ancient Flame Crow might very well be part of that group.

So, the reason why Yaya is so weak at this moment is probably due to the lack of intake of this ancient energy, right?

You must know that in the valley before, the flame totem in the mouth of the little fire crow, the Fire Phoenix worshipped by countless birds, appeared with a massive leak of ancient energy, which might have caused Yaya's mutation.

Not only that, but it also caused the powerful Fire Crows, Yaya's kin, to devolve into the Ancient Flame Crows that had been extinct for hundreds of years!

At that time, Yaya did not lack this energy trait.

However, after coming to the Heart of All Spirits, this energy gradually disappeared, and naturally, it became lacking!

Thinking of this, Su Ping's eyebrows furrowed.

Wait a minute!

According to the theory of Companion Beast evolution and mutation, Yaya, who has already completed her mutation, even if she lacks this unknown ancient energy, should not be this weak! Because Yaya's life form has not been affected.

It's just that without this energy, Yaya's future offspring will not undergo this kind of devolution, but will continue to evolve into ordinary Fire Crows.

So, what's going on with this weak little crow?

Su Ping held his chin and turned his gaze back to the recovering little crow.

The latter's head, already much larger than an ordinary Fire Crow, was gently rubbing against Su Ping's palm, expressing the little one's affection and Su Ping's provision of flame fruits.

Su Ping then asked through mental communication:

"Little guy, do you want more?"

"Caw caw caw!"

The little crow's dark pupils were filled with longing.

Su Ping didn't hesitate and immediately took out two flame fruits again, both of which were high-quality products condensed by his current Overlord Rank.

The little crow didn't hesitate and swallowed them in one gulp! An indescribable flame aura quickly burst forth from the little crow's body.

At the same time, pitch-black flames appeared around Yaya.

Su Ping's gaze fixed on the little crow, and in the flames, the little crow's body seemed to grow larger again, but this change quickly returned to normal.

"Burp~"

A burp that didn't belong to an ordinary Fire Crow came from the little one's mouth.

Obviously, Yaya was very satisfied.

"Are you full? Do you want more?"

"Caw caw caw!"

Yaya shook her head and continued to display her affectionate demeanor.

However, Su Ping revealed a smile.

Although he wasn't completely sure, but he could also guess why Yaya had undergone such a change.

This isn't bad! In fact, it's a great surprise that he didn't expect! If his guess is correct, Yaya might be following the path of the Ancient Flame Crow's corpse from the Fire Phoenix Valley, about to begin devolution!

Recently, Su Ping had also gained a deep understanding of the Ancient Flame Crow.

After all, there was a ready research subject for this ancient beast from hundreds of years ago.

As the name suggests, the Ancient Flame Crow is a special and powerful Companion Beast with both darkness and fire attributes.

However, after the Ancient Flame Crow devolved into the Fire Crow, the darkness attribute completely disappeared, and only the current fire attribute was retained.

In Su Ping's speculation, to complete the devolution into the Ancient Flame Crow, the Fire Crow should awaken the darkness attribute! This was confirmed by Yaya's body.

That's right, the reason why Yaya is so weak is because her energy is abundant, and she is about to undergo devolution, but the energy from ancient times cannot support her in completing this devolution!

After Su Ping returned, as long as he continuously supplied flame fruits, this Ancient Flame Crow could complete its devolution by absorbing the Fire Phoenix's energy!

After understanding all this, Su Ping's eyes also flashed with a crystalline light.

However, judging by Yaya's appearance, she would need to be fed a few more times, and after several similar upgrades, she would truly complete the devolution and become the 'Ancient Flame Crow' they had seen before.

He continued to watch as Yaya flapped her wings in his gaze and happily returned to the Phoenix Heart.

"Brother Ping, your nurturing ability has improved again. What's going on with this little crow?"

"It's nothing. It should be considered a special evolution related to the devolution Ye Zhou studied. You wouldn't understand it either. In summary, it's actually similar to normal Companion Beasts, but there's a special energy body that hasn't been researched yet..."

Su Ping didn't hide anything.

However, it was clear that both of them didn't fully comprehend it.

Su Ping then said, "If you're interested in this later, wait until Ye Zhou is free, and we can start evolving the Wood Spirit Wolves for the Forest Heart together!"

"Ah? Okay!"

Li Shu also tensed up, his body filled with excitement.

He had also been promoted to the Elite Rank, and his second contract Companion Beast was undoubtedly the Wood Spirit Wolf.

However, his first contract, the Fallow Deer, was also quite beloved, and he wanted to focus on developing in that direction.

Previously, Su Ping had said that this year, the Wood Spirit Wolves would temporarily enter a stable state, and they would begin researching other categories, starting with the Mistletoe Deer.

"As for you, Lily, I brought back the Thornwolf breeding method from the Pine Ridge Cabin in North Province. You can mainly focus on this breeding evolution during this time, and we'll see the results later."

"Yes!"

After arranging for these two, Su Ping finally returned home after half a month and lay comfortably on his bed.

His body's relaxation didn't mean his mind stopped working.

In fact, his brain began to turn rapidly again.

In reality, the Life Ancient Tree, and even this little crow, might be part of that group.

However, obtaining the Green Demon Spring Ginseng went much smoother than he had imagined.

Since the Green Demon Spring Ginseng was willing to return home with him, Su Ping didn't want to waste the favor. He asked the Dong Family to take the Heaven's Reflection Mirror, a Holy Spirit Rank beast, to the Northern Plains once more.

It would be more convenient at home.

Now, everything was ready, even the east wind was favorable!

"Very good. After resting for a night, tomorrow, you will enter a near-death state, where you will perceive the boundary between life and death. You will undergo an evolution, transforming into a semi-elemental body form. At the same time, this is also for cultivating the Hall's advanced skill, 'Exterior Avatar'!"

"Woof!"

Xiao Qing didn't mind the so-called near-death state. As long as it could make her stronger, she had been looking forward to this day for a long time!

Su Ping turned his attention to Xiao Qing, the other special existence:

"Green Demon Spring Ginseng, thank you for your help just now!"

Along with Su Ping's mental communication, a swaying green body slowly detached from Xiao Qing's body.

The Green Demon Spring Ginseng didn't speak, or rather, it had never spoken before. Its body swayed gently like green flames, seemingly unbothered by Su Ping's thanks.

In fact, that's true, Su Ping said, adding, "This is my home. You can live wherever you want. Just tell me your requirements!"

Su Ping supplemented again. In fact, if possible, he really wanted the Green Demon Spring Ginseng to stay in his Beast Taming Realm. Although there were certain risks, the resources in his Beast Taming Realm had been growing and improving explosively! The created wealth was significant! But, this was unlikely.

However, Su Ping's words seemed to have piqued the Green Demon Spring Ginseng's interest. This time, the Green Demon Spring Ginseng stood in place and thought for a moment, and then, it sent Su Ping several more scenes.

In these scenes, Su Ping immediately sensed a 'familiar' figure in the first one.

I

When the plant beast gift package was given, this guy was the greediest. Just a mere Overlord Rank plant beast, yet it audaciously demanded dragon blood.

After getting whipped by the Life Ancient Tree, it had become well-behaved.

I

A

Su Ping raised his eyebrows and continued to look at the other scenes.

The second scene wasn't a beast either, but a very common resource.

Wood Spirit Grass.

Mostly cheap and ordinary-grade Wood-type resources.

However, in the scenes sent by the Green Demon Spring Ginseng, these Wood Spirit Grasses were half a meter tall, all over twenty years old, and even more precious than elite-grade resources.

S

A

This was...

Su Ping somewhat understood the Green Demon Spring Ginseng's intention.

He continued to look at the third scene.

T

'Carrion Earth Dragon!'

It was the most beloved bug-type beast for plant-type beasts, capable of directly devouring rotten grass roots beneath the soil, while excreting substances that greatly enhanced the soil's energy absorption. It also increased soil activity during burrowing.

There wasn't much to say about the Carrion Earth Dragon. Although rare and precious, it was actually low-ranked and ordinary-grade. However, there seemed to be restrictions and requirements on the number.

The fourth scene was something Su Ping was quite familiar with.

Smiling Sunflower! Old Sha's favorite snack. When Xiao Qing vented her uneven poison energy, planting this thing almost poisoned Su Ping.

Now, Su Ping had a stress response to this plant.

It was also an ordinary-grade resource, and Su Ping wasn't concerned. He continued to look at the last scene.

Compared to the previous scenes, the last one was exceptional.

Because at this moment, the final scene was a Monarch Rank beast.

It was a huge lotus.

From the scene sent by the Green Demon Spring Ginseng, the lotus had enormous petals and a lotus platform, over ten meters tall.

It was similar to the Luoshui Fairy Lotus used by Sang Sheng.

Of course, the Luoshui Fairy Lotus was an Imperial Peak-level existence, while this one, Su Ping quickly recognized it.

"Yunshui Qinglian?"

Yunshui Qinglian, a water-type plant beast, could improve water quality, had excellent abilities on water, and could condense water dew, forming localized rainfall with its spiritual water...

The five scenes made Su Ping understand what the Green Demon Spring Ginseng meant.

Su Ping looked at it and said uncertainly:

"

Upon hearing this, the Green Demon Spring Ginseng's root filaments swayed slightly, seemingly very pleased with Su Ping's understanding.

"Should I plant them according to the distribution map you provided?" Su Ping asked.

The Green Demon Spring Ginseng casually 'nodded', as if saying, 'That's the best you can do'.

It was clear that taking care of this grandmaster required some effort.

Other things were manageable, but getting the Yunshui Qinglian was truly challenging. However, Su Ping could only grit his teeth and spend a large sum!

"Rest assured! In ten days, no, within five days, I will definitely get it done. You can choose where to plant it first!"

The Green Demon Spring Ginseng nodded in satisfaction and then disappeared without a trace.

Su Ping wasn't worried about finding it again. With Xiao Qing around, their auras were connected, so it would only be a matter of time.

Su Ping exhaled and sent these things to Uncle Guan, especially regarding the purchase of Yunshui Qinglian. Then, he turned his attention back to Xiao Qing.

On the first day back home, Su Ping didn't tell Liu Fuhai and the others. After all, they had been chatting casually while in the Northern Plains.

Compared to these pleasantries, the upcoming task was a crucial matter.

Overnight, Su Ping and Xiao Qing adjusted and prepared for the next day.

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end