"Gotta run, gotta—oh no, I can't run now."
After its bold declaration, the Heavenly Dream Ice Silkworm didn't forget its current predicament and immediately turned to flee.
But the moment it turned around…
Σ(°△°|||)︴.
Uh-oh… I'm done for. Mom, I miss you. Can you take me with you?
Because as soon as it turned, a group of familiar faces appeared before it.
Among them were Di Tian, who was glaring at it murderously after being insulted; the Scarlet King and his group, struggling to hold back laughter; the Silver Dragon King, eyeing it with interest; and the Three-Eyed Golden Lion, which always drained its energy the most ruthlessly.
Aside from these old acquaintances, the Heavenly Dream Ice Silkworm also noticed a group of humans staring at it with unreadable expressions…
?!!!!
Humans?!
Di Tian was working with humans? But he hated humans the most!
Never mind, that wasn't important. The real issue now was…
Figuring out how to survive Di Tian's wrath.
Think fast, think fast! Come on, Heavenly Dream, you can do this!
The Heavenly Dream Ice Silkworm's brain worked at full speed, but after a long while…
Nope, I got nothing.
With no solution in sight, Heavenly Dream immediately switched to a fawning expression, grinning obsequiously at the group before it:
"Hey there, big bros and sis! Enjoying your meal? I won't disturb you any longer. Gosh, how did I even end up here? Must've been a fluke. I'll just head back on my own."
As it spoke, it inched backward toward the Lake of Life:
"I just came up to take a look—no plans to escape. Now that I've seen enough, I'll just… head back. No need to trouble you all."
With that, it spun around and bolted for the lake.
Almost there… just a little further…
Seeing the lake surface within reach, Heavenly Dream's face lit up with joy.
But in the next instant, that joy froze.
Because Di Tian made his move…
What followed was a scene so brutal that even Wu Tong and his group couldn't bear to watch, turning away in unison.
…
After teaching the reckless Heavenly Dream a lesson, Di Tian, now in a much better mood, introduced the limp, jelly-like creature to Wu Tong.
"Sir Wu Tong, this is the Heavenly Dream Ice Silkworm. It's currently a 990,000-year spirit beast, but despite its age, it's not particularly strong.
"After all, its cultivation was gained through sheer luck—eating and lazing around. So it's all bark and no bite. Even some 10,000-year spirit beasts could take it down…"
"Enough, I already know all this. Besides, I'm not after it for its combat prowess."
Wu Tong waved his hand, signaling that he was well aware of these details.
If it came to a fight, he could handle it himself. What use was a weakling like Heavenly Dream?
Then, looking at the ice silkworm pretending to be unconscious, Wu Tong chuckled. "Alright, Heavenly Dream, drop the act. I know you're awake. Di Tian and the others have handed you over to me. From now on, you're with me. Any thoughts?"
What kind of devil asks for a testimonial after selling someone?!
Heavenly Dream's lip twitched as it cursed internally, but outwardly, it voiced no objections.
"None at all, Boss Wu Tong! I'll follow you from now on. Just give the word, and I'll go through fire and water for you!"
Heavenly Dream wasn't stupid. Judging by how Di Tian and the Silver Dragon King treated Wu Tong, this was clearly a massive opportunity.
And it seemed even Di Tian couldn't afford to offend him. So… did that mean its dream of clinging to a powerful patron had come true?
Hehehe…
Di Tian, just you wait. Once I've solidified my place by this big shot's side, you'll regret this…
Lost in its fantasies, Heavenly Dream couldn't help but giggle, a trail of drool dripping from its mouth.
Watching this display, Wu Tong and the others couldn't help but twitch their lips.
"Miss Gu Yuena, where might the Golden Tree be now?"
Suppressing the urge to smack the silly worm, Wu Tong turned to Gu Yuena and inquired about the Golden Tree's whereabouts.
Gu Yuena paused, then realized Wu Tong was preparing to leave. Suppressing an inexplicable pang of reluctance, she replied, "The Golden Tree is deep within the Star Dou Great Forest, under the protection of our spirit beast kin. I'll have Di Tian take you there."
"But remember, while we're entrusting the Golden Ancient Tree to you, you must safeguard it at all costs. It's the life core of the Douluo Continent—nothing can go wrong."
"Understood. You have my word."
Wu Tong nodded solemnly at her reminder, then glanced at Di Tian.
Soon after, Di Tian led Wu Tong away from the Lake of Life, venturing even deeper into the Star Dou Great Forest.
Before long…
Di Tian brought Wu Tong to a secluded valley in the heart of the forest.
Passing through a barrier sturdy enough to withstand divine attacks, the two pressed onward without pause.
Soon, an enormous Golden Ancient Tree came into view.
Its trunk, branches, and even leaves were all gilded in radiant gold, emitting a soft golden glow. Interwoven with this light were waves of immense life energy.
Pale green life force condensed into mist, shrouding the tree like a veil.
This added a vibrant hue to the already resplendent Golden Ancient Tree, making it appear even more majestic and awe-inspiring.
At its base, a large group of Three-Eyed Scarlet Demon Mastiffs and Darkgold Terrorclaw Bears patrolled, guarding the tree diligently.
So these were the spirit beasts Gu Yuena mentioned.
Wu Tong nodded to himself, unsurprised.
After all, this was the life core of the Douluo Continent. If anything happened to it, the consequences would be catastrophic.
"Greetings, Beast God."
Spotting Di Tian entering with an unfamiliar human, the spirit beasts bowed respectfully despite their confusion.
"Hmm."
Di Tian acknowledged them with a nod but paid them no further mind.
In his eyes, any spirit beast below the 100,000-year mark was beneath his notice.
"Sir Wu Tong, this is the Golden Tree."
Di Tian's gaze lingered on the tree, his expression briefly distant. Soon… this treasure would no longer belong to the spirit beasts. Ah, and the Lake of Life, too.
...
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(End of Chapter)