Chapter 258 | Chapter 259 | Chapter 260
Chapter 258: Xinxing City!
Lin Lele scrolled through the communication channel.
Her expression was somewhat dazed. “You guys quickly look at the communication channel. Players from the Third Shelter are saying that while they were inside the Survival Instance, a giant ancient tree monster suddenly grew out of the floodwaters outside their Shelter. This giant tree was extremely powerful and almost destroyed the Third Shelter.”
“Really?” Zhang Li found it incredible.
Everyone started looking at the communication channel.
Su Ning, after hearing Lin Lele’s exclamation, also recalled what Kou Dingshan had said earlier.
He mentioned that Tang Yuanbin from the Third Shelter had come to the Fifth Shelter to borrow Mu Feiyu, who possessed the Appraisal Talent.
The goal was to resolve the hidden threat around the Third Shelter. Who knew that this giant tree would grow rapidly while all the players were inside the Survival Instance, nearly succeeding in a sneak attack on their home base.
communication channel
[Oh my god, it’s simply devastating. Are plants in reality this terrifying now? If Tang Yuanbin hadn’t arrived in time, our entire Third Shelter would have been turned into nutrients for this giant tree’s growth.]
[This giant tree isn’t dead yet. I have insider information: the tree’s vitality is incredibly tenacious. I heard that Mu Feiyu from the Fifth Shelter appraised it and revealed the monster’s powerful talent. As long as there are plants nearby, the giant tree can Transfer its powerful consciousness into the plants to continue storing strength and wait for the next attack.]
[No way. With such a threat nearby, this Shelter won’t be safe even when entering the Survival Instance in the future. What if one day we return and find our home has been taken over?]
[What I know now is that the safety of the Third Shelter has been secured. The giant tree monster, which was defeated by Tang Yuanbin with absolute strength after Mu Feiyu appraised it, is no longer within the Third Shelter’s perimeter. It’s just unknown where that thing went.]
[Setting that aside, have you heard? The former Seventh Shelter is now controlled by a woman. The Seventh Shelter also has a new name, just like the City of Sin—it’s called Xinxing City.]
[I know, I’m right in the so-called Xinxing City. This woman who controls the former Seventh Shelter is remarkable; she has great methods and terrifying abilities, capable of turning men around her finger. However, she also has someone under her whom I believe is completely equal in strength to a powerful player like Tang Yuanbin.]
[Really? What is this woman’s name? If I see her in the future, I must avoid her. Also, don’t just speak in riddles—what is the name of the player whose strength is not inferior to Tang Yuanbin’s?]
[The controller of Xinxing City is named Zheng Yaxian, and she has a powerhouse under her whose strength is not inferior to Tang Yuanbin’s. His name is Bai Jin; he’s a swordsman and incredibly formidable.]
Su Ning and the others were originally watching the situation with the Third Shelter, but unexpectedly, the conversation completely derailed.
Su Ning saw the familiar name Zheng Yaxian and was somewhat surprised that this person had already taken control of a shelter.
“Indeed, those who are reborn have no small ambitions.”
It wasn’t just Su Ning who was surprised; Zhang Li also looked astonished after seeing the news about Zheng Yaxian.
“Zheng Yaxian actually established Xinxing City?”
Zhang Li looked at Su Ning, feeling this was like something out of a fantasy.
Lin Lele didn’t yet know why Zhang Li was so surprised. Seeing Zhang Li’s reaction, she asked, “What’s wrong? Do you know this Zheng Yaxian?”
“Know her? More than that. Zheng Yaxian was a classmate of mine and Su Ning’s. At first, when I saw Zheng Yaxian’s name, I had some doubts, but after seeing the descriptions of her by other players in the communication channel, I’m certain this is the Zheng Yaxian I know.”
After Zhang Li finished speaking, everyone else looked toward Su Ning.
Su Ning nodded. “Zheng Yaxian’s ability allows her to seduce and control males. Any man who cannot resist her charm will be controlled by her.”
Lin Lele gasped, “A living fox spirit! Why don’t I have an ability like that?”
Gao Peng narrowed his eyes after hearing Lin Lele’s words. “Hmm? What do you mean?”
Lin Lele’s gaze became evasive.
Zhang Li said, “I never expected this person to become the controller of a city. It’s truly unexpected.”
Nan Sheng commented, “Yeah, we’re still here worrying about how to get by tomorrow, and she’s already about to control a city.”
Huang Zhenggang stroked his chin. “This news isn’t good. More people will surely imitate this, establishing their own factions and bases.”
“But as long as we can survive, I’m willing to join any faction, regardless of what it is.”
Li Yun, who was holding Coco on the side, suddenly interjected.
Su Ning and the others fell silent.
At this moment, they hadn’t fully considered the existence of someone like Li Yun, who was not a player.
Xie Linjia strongly agreed with Li Yun’s words.
“My thoughts were the same as Li Yun’s before. If one can protect oneself and survive, I can join any faction.”
Lin Lele said, “Why talk so much? We are doing very well right now; there are no external enemies and no internal strife.”
However, Huang Zhenggang didn’t think so. He looked at Su Ning, contemplating a different plan in his mind.
Xinxing City!
Zheng Yaxian hadn’t expected the news to spread so quickly.
But she wasn’t worried.
Having been reborn, Zheng Yaxian’s heart was filled with anticipation and confidence.
Although she failed to obtain the coveted item that granted luck, fate seemed to favor her exceptionally, because she had grasped an even more crucial head start—finding those peerless powerhouses who had yet to emerge.
As her gaze shifted, Zheng Yaxian landed on the handsome youth beside her.
He stood tall and straight like a pine tree, with a cold, gleaming longsword hanging at his waist. The young man seemed detached from the mundane world, exuding an undeniable aura of a powerhouse.
His cold yet resolute temperament perfectly accentuated his extraordinary nature.
Looking at the figure before her, Zheng Yaxian’s smile became even brighter, almost uncontrollable.
At this moment, the handsome youth’s eyes held only Zheng Yaxian; it was as if she were his entire world, his everything.
This complete dependence and infatuation stirred a strong sense of satisfaction deep within Zheng Yaxian’s heart.
“The powerhouse later known as the Limitless Sword God is now just a man I can manipulate at will,” Zheng Yaxian murmured softly, a determined gleam flashing in her eyes.
“Once I find the Sea Prince and take down that mysterious man in the City of Sin, even the male Administrator will eventually kneel at my feet!”
Zheng Yaxian deeply understood that with the unique advantage granted by her rebirth, she could certainly seek out those powerful male players who would become famous in the future amidst the vast sea of people.
These individuals might currently only be nascent stars with potential, but with her meticulous nurturing and guidance, they would inevitably become her invincible sharp weapons.
Thinking of this, Zheng Yaxian began planning her next step.
Chapter 259: The Idea of Establishing a Faction, the Life Giant Tree
However, before Zheng Yaxian could make a move, she faced a new problem. Even if outsiders knew she controlled Xinxing City,
Many people still didn’t dare to believe in the existence of Zheng Yaxian’s strength and wanted to eliminate her to let their own faction take control of Xinxing City.
…Su Ning, on the other hand, began exchanging information with Huang Zhenggang again.
Meanwhile, Lin Lele learned that Su Ning and Zhang Li had actually entered the same instance.
“What? Just holding this pearl allows me to breathe freely underwater?”
Lin Lele’s eyes widened, staring in astonishment at the pearl in her hand, which emitted a faint pink glow.
As a woman, she had no defense against such a beautiful pearl, and learning that it possessed such a magical effect, how could Lin Lele not be utterly surprised?
“Su Ning, this is truly a good item. Are you sure you want to give it to us to use?”
Su Ning smiled faintly, speaking with an almost-smile, “Since I can take it out, it means I have gained quite a bit in the instance. However, don’t think these things are being given to you for free.”
Lin Lele gave Su Ning a coquettish glance, saying sweetly, “Tell me, what do you want me to do? I definitely won’t refuse.”
As she spoke, she even winked flirtatiously at Su Ning, as if saying, “Your humble servant awaits your command at any time.”
Seeing this, Su Ning rolled his eyes dramatically.
Watching Zheng Yaxian so eagerly want to establish her own faction and gather strong individuals, Su Ning secretly thought there must be some unknown reason behind it.
Reincarnators must know some things about the future, but he knew nothing about them.
However, based on Zheng Yaxian’s series of actions, it could be inferred that a huge crisis was definitely coming in the future, otherwise, she wouldn’t go to such great lengths to gather experts and form a faction.
“Although the faction Zheng Yaxian is building is like a harem, it is also a testament to her capability.”
Su Ning couldn’t help but sigh inwardly when thinking of Zheng Yaxian’s ‘Alluring Beauty’ Talent, admitting it was indeed her outstanding quality.
Huang Zhenggang also couldn’t suppress his curiosity and asked, “Since you are giving us these pearls, Su Ning, what do you plan for us to do?”
Su Ning smiled mysteriously, waved his hand gently, and instantly, a pure white cloud floated out like an elf.
Everyone present looked on with confusion.
Nan Sheng curiously reached out a finger and gently poked the small and exquisite white cloud.
The Cloud Island seemed to respond to a summons and immediately floated next to Su Ning.
Su Ning explained softly, “This is the Cloud Island, a unique existence that can continuously grow by devouring special resource minerals.”
As he spoke, Su Ning took out an energy ore he obtained from the Cosmic Mine from his scavenger backpack and threw it to the Cloud Island. The Cloud Island was immediately enveloped by the energy ore. The next moment, an energy fluctuation flashed past, and under everyone’s astonished gaze, the Cloud Island grew slightly larger.
“How magical!” Zhang Li exclaimed.
It wasn’t just Zhang Li; everyone present also expressed some admiration for this Cloud Island.
Su Ning then informed everyone about the Cloud Island’s function.
Huang Zhenggang looked incredibly surprised after listening, “You mean, as long as there are enough resources, this thing can completely grow into a mobile Floating Island base where all of us can live?”
Su Ning nodded.
“I won’t waste words. The pearls are just one condition. The natural disaster apocalypse is still ongoing, and who knows what the future days will bring? None of us can predict. We want a place to settle down but are afraid of being dragged into strange conflicts. So, instead of relying on others for protection, we might as well establish our own faction base, just like most players in the communication channel right now.”
Huang Zhenggang looked at Su Ning seriously. In fact, he had the same idea. He was initially thinking about how to find a way to make Su Ning agree to unreasonably organize a faction led by Su Ning, but he hadn’t expected Su Ning to take the initiative to establish one first.
Thinking this way, Huang Zhenggang was naturally very happy.
Lin Lele, however, was overjoyed, “Really, Su Ning? You should have said so earlier! Even if you didn’t use these water-repelling pearls to tempt me, I would have jumped into your arms directly.”
Zhang Li looked at Su Ning, wondering when he had grown into such a figure. Thinking about how they used to argue, Zhang Li found it a bit amusing.
“Experience truly changes a person.”
Knowing Su Ning was excellent, Zhang Li still didn’t want to fall too far behind him.
Zhang Li was also slowly becoming stronger.
Zhao Fuqing seemed to sense Zhang Li’s feelings and grabbed her hand, “Sister, we will definitely live well.”
Needless to say, when Su Ning announced his requirement to establish his own faction, everyone agreed without objection and joined immediately.
This surprised Su Ning a bit. He had expected these people to have reservations, but they all agreed so readily.
Lin Lele said, “Su Ning, you don’t know how strong you are in our eyes. Joining your organization means we can completely live a life of leisure.”
“Leisure? That doesn’t exist. I will definitely make you work hard and let you experience the sinister face of a capitalist.”
Everyone had their own tasks.
Of course, the first task was to feed the Cloud Island.
Although the scavenger backpack contained many mineral resources, one person’s resources were limited. With more people, feeding it should be easier.
Besides, who wouldn’t want a mobile base?
The growth of the Cloud Island could completely turn it into a Floating Island, avoiding some threats on the ground.
Because she was happy, Lin Lele started talking about their experience in this instance.
“Little Ning, you might not know what kind of instance we entered this time. It wasn’t a Survival Instance, but a Welfare instance.”
Su Ning listened with great interest.
Lin Lele said, “We entered an island entirely made of delicacies to survive, and the mission was to prepare delicacies for the monsters inside that had gluttonous attributes. As long as we made the food well, we completed the mission.”
Speaking of delicacies, Lin Lele’s mouth started watering.
“The food inside was very magical. After eating it, there were candies that could change hair color and all sorts of magical ingredients. It was simply a dream world.”
When Zhang Li and Zhao Fuqing heard Lin Lele’s description, they felt a sense of familiarity.
“The instance you entered, wasn’t it called ‘Delicacy Island’?”
Gao Peng asked, “How did you know?”
Zhang Li replied, “Because we entered it too. That instance is indeed very good, with all sorts of magical delicacies.”
As she spoke, she looked at Su Ning, who didn’t understand.
Zhang Li then mentioned the bread that had given Zhao Fuqing stomach cramps!
Su Ning immediately remembered the incident.
“Intestine-cleansing bread!”
Su Ning took out the bread from his spatial storage.
The group laughed about Zhao Fuqing’s embarrassing incident, making Zhao Fuqing blush profusely.
While Su Ning was having a pleasant chat, Tang Yuanbin of the Third Shelter was looking somewhat disheveled.
Tang Yuanbin grumbled, “I didn’t expect this monster called the ‘Life Giant Tree’ to be so unbelievable, actually possessing the ability to transfer its consciousness. Damn it, if I had known, I shouldn’t have just blasted it to death, or else its consciousness wouldn’t have escaped after transferring.”
Mu Feiyu said, “That’s also because I didn’t pay attention. Who would have thought that the so-called ‘Wild Grass Burns Inexhaustibly’ Talent meant this? It was all because I didn’t properly discern the true talent ability, leading to the failure of the kill.”
Tang Yuanbin sighed, “I wonder where this Life Giant Tree fled to.”
Chapter 260: Feeding the Cloud Island, How to Develop It
“Whew—I finally managed to escape! That was way too close! Who would have thought that I, having just been born into this world, would almost be obliterated in a single strike by the players here? What kind of terrifying world is this? It’s full of dangers and perils everywhere; a single misstep could lead to utter ruin. It seems I’ll have to develop cautiously and stealthily.”
A gentle breeze brushed by, and the originally clear sky had, at some point, begun to drizzle again.
In the raging, turbulent floodwaters, a slender and fragile willow twig drifted slowly along with the current.
However, what was astonishing was that a large portion of this willow twig’s body was charred black, as if it had once been struck by a thunderous force, presenting a shocking sight.
Speaking of this willow twig, it was actually no ordinary thing.
It was originally a part of that terrifying monster growing around the Third Shelter—the Life Giant Tree.
Not long ago, after the Life Giant Tree brutally devoured the lives of many players, this willow twig unexpectedly received the empowerment of the system’s power. Even more miraculously, it actually awakened intelligence.
Thus, brimming with confidence, it happily believed that as long as it could use the mysterious energy contained within this rainwater to nourish itself continuously, given time, it would inevitably grow into an absolutely terrifying and powerful being.
Unfortunately, ideals are plump, but reality is always so bony.
Just as it was full of ambition, fantasizing about how it would dominate in the future, it never expected fate to play such a huge joke on it.
It hadn’t even fully evolved into its strongest form yet when it was unlucky enough to have its trail discovered.
A powerful individual who could control lightning appeared in the vicinity.
Although the unknown power brought by the flood had strengthened it, the water + electricity attack nearly caused it to be annihilated outright.
With the shadow of death closing in step by step, at the critical moment, it had to muster all its strength and employ one of the Talents it possessed.
In the end, it successfully transferred its consciousness to a willow tree that had just mutated, thus narrowly escaping disaster.
Now, although it had temporarily preserved its life, the fire of hatred in this willow twig’s heart burned ever stronger. It secretly vowed to silently accumulate strength and continuously develop and strengthen itself. When the time was ripe, that would be the moment for its revenge and to wash away the shame!
The willow twig drifted and drifted, arriving at a manor. Here, it sensed that not many people were living within, and the energy fluctuations weren’t very strong either.
The Life Giant Tree nodded in satisfaction, muttering to itself, “Hmm, this place is quite good. After resting and recuperating here for a while, by the time I awaken, I can turn all these humans into my nourishment. At that time, I will surely return to my former peak state!” As soon as the words fell, a bizarre scene suddenly appeared.
A slender willow twig was seen moving slowly in an extraordinary and extremely bizarre posture, like a nimble snake, silently winding its way towards the manor’s soil.
The Life Giant Tree thought, “First, let me rest properly; other matters can be dealt with later.” With that, half of that willow twig’s body had already deeply buried itself into the manor’s soil, as if merging with the land.
It closed its eyes tightly and began to devote all its efforts to healing its wounds.
At the same time, in order to fully commit to recovery, it resolutely severed its Perception of the outside world.
However, at that very moment, a figure abruptly flashed into existence from a certain space without any warning.
The aura emanating from this figure was overwhelmingly powerful, even more terrifying than the man who had previously defeated the Life Giant Tree’s main body.
It’s just that the Life Giant Tree was now in slumber, completely unaware; otherwise, its soul would have been scared out of its wits.
Lin Lele, holding an umbrella, originally wanted to check on the surrounding water moss to see if more needed to be planted to absorb the rainwater in Dusk Manor. She just didn’t expect to see a suddenly appearing willow twig in the manor.
“Sister Lele, why did this willow twig suddenly grow? Is there any problem?” Ye Yunwu inquired.
Ye Yunwu and her sister, in order to integrate into the team, were also actively doing tasks. When she saw the special plant like water moss, she became curious and came to act together with Lin Lele.
“It’s nothing. It’s just another mutated plant appearing in the manor. No need to worry; this is a common occurrence. You didn’t know, but that guy Gao Peng once ate a carrot that suddenly grew in the manor and ended up with diarrhea.”
The two observed the willow twig for a while before leaving, not noticing the willow’s eerie swaying, even though there was no wind at all around.
Meanwhile, after Su Ning emerged from the space.
She took out the large amount of ore stored in her scavenger backpack and fed it all to the Cloud Island.
As a continuous stream of ore was poured into it, the originally football-sized Cloud Island actually began to grow rapidly at a visible rate!
Finally, it transformed into a massive floating Cloud Island with an area of a full two hundred square meters.
This excited everyone watching nearby, and they all leaped onto this spacious Cloud Island.
They were delighted to discover that such a large space was completely sufficient for them to live freely upon it.
Thus, Lin Lele and the others began enthusiastically planning how to build their cozy little homes here.
“Su Ning, look, since this Cloud Island can fly freely, we could totally have it ascend into the sky in the future! That way, we could directly avoid those terrifying dangers on the ground,” Zhang Li said excitedly.
Su Ning nodded repeatedly in agreement after hearing this: “That’s true! But I also hope that in the future, our Cloud Island can have a powerful protective barrier like the Fifth Shelter. That way, even if we encounter formidable enemies or natural disasters, the Cloud Island’s safety wouldn’t be a concern!”
Although this Cloud Island possessed the miraculous abilities of movement and continuous growth, this did not mean it was indestructible and immune to external damage.
It’s important to know that if it suffers damage from a powerful enemy’s attack, although it can be slowly repaired by continuously feeding it energy ore, this would undoubtedly consume a large amount of precious resources.
Therefore, regarding how to better ensure the Cloud Island’s safety and stable development, everyone still needed to rack their brains to think of strategies.
The enormous amount of ore Su Ning had previously collected from the Cosmic Mine only managed to grow the Cloud Island to two hundred square meters. Now, all of them could live on it, but creating an independent space for each person was still very difficult.
“We still need to obtain more ore.”
Su Ning considered whether to go mining in the Cosmic Mine instance again later?
But before this matter could even begin, it was hindered by other events.
It was December!
