Chapter 256: Eve Of Fleeing, Madly Amassing Wealth
After Yuan Zhu made up his mind to abandon his teammates and flee first, he activated crazy wealth accumulation mode.
First, he gathered 108 Worm Pillars as the core raw materials for opening a Domain back in his hometown. But returning with just these spoils was far from enough.
So, Yuan Zhu set his sights on the Reverse Life Tree transplanted by the captain.
This item was like a finishing touch that injected soul into the Shadow Domain. It made the private territory, which simply consumed ‘oxygen and spiritual energy’ in vain, produce Material Circulation.
The Reverse Life Tree had the ability of plants to absorb carbon dioxide and convert it into oxygen. At the same time, it also had the skill of Kunlun Spiritual Root to produce Spiritual Energy, purifying and refining the polluting energy of the underground world for Qi Refiners to cultivate.
Finally, the leaves grown by the Reverse Life Tree were important strategic supplies in the underground world. They were not only food but also served as Spirit Stones. At the same time, they could accelerate the growth and transformation of Mao Shi Worms, producing large amounts of silk to weave luxury children’s wear.
One Reverse Life Tree could nurture a large number of ‘plant communities’ adapted to the underground environment in the surrounding area, providing stable food for raising insects and Insect City residents.
In other words, the Reverse Life Tree was the seedling regrown from the remains of the Immortal Realm Tree after its death in the bubble world, adapted to the underground pollution environment.
If he could also transplant a Reverse Life Tree back to Running and plant it in the Mountain Lord’s Domain, could he achieve ‘spiritual energy freedom’?
With the ‘polluting energy’ produced by the Reverse Life Tree, could he artificially create the environment of the Eclosion World to raise Spirit Insects, cultivate Insect Cultivators, and support the brother and sister to continue cultivating?
……
With greedy desire for the Reverse-Life Mulberry Sapling, Yuan Zhu approached the management left by the captain and asked if this Reverse Life Tree could be sold? How much per pound? Were there fruits, seeds, or split plantlets that could be taken away and survive in other environments?
The botanist responsible for tending the growth of the Reverse-Life Mulberry Sapling answered his questions.
First, the number of Reverse Life Trees in the underground world was scarce, extremely precious, and had a very high Status, which could be regarded as offspring and descendants of the Immortal Realm Tree. Production and outflow channels had always been controlled by the Reverse Life Immortal Sect.
The Eclosion World had a total of five First Generation Reverse Life Trees. Four of them each opened different Grotto-Heaven Small Worlds, supporting the ancestral courts of the four major Reverse Life Immortal Sects, inheriting the Kunlun Immortal Path lineage, and secluded from the world.
Legend had it that the environment inside the ‘Grotto-Heaven Small Worlds’ was still from before the Great Destruction, a orthodox Kunlun Immortal Path spiritual energy environment. Therefore, the Immortal Sect remnants were very unadapted to the apocalyptic underground world and isolated themselves from the world.
As for the last Reverse Life Tree, legends about it had always circulated, but it had never been found.
What circulated in the underground world now were all Second Generation Reverse Life Trees sold by the four major Immortal Sects. Quality, attributes, and functions had all greatly declined and weakened. Even so, only a small number of Insect Cities affiliated with the Immortal Sects were qualified to obtain them.
Just one Second Generation Reverse Life Tree could support the ‘ecological cycle’ and ‘food consumption’ of an entire Insect City.
This type of Second Generation Immortal Tree also had the ability to open Miniature Grotto-Heavens. Inside, it could support a ‘spiritual energy plantation’ to produce large amounts of food and provide spiritual energy cultivation for Insect City high-level.
The Reverse Life Tree obtained by the captain was a further castrated Third Generation Reverse Life Tree, also the lowest-level ‘low-grade Reverse Life Tree’.
It could purify polluting energy through respiration. It could connect to nearby ‘Root Networks’, extract nutrients and spiritual energy from the decayed Immortal Realm Tree root tendrils, and open up a territory.
However, the captain had specially modified this ordinary Third Generation Immortal Tree, incorporating Mao Shi. Mulberry Tree Spiritual Root from otherworlds, greatly enhancing the originally thin ‘Immortal Tree bloodline’.
Then, the Third Generation. Reverse-Life Mulberry Tree linked dreamily with the multi-layered spatial structure of the Shadow Domain and the Expansion Edition. Shadow Dream Hole, further defying fate, purifying bloodline, successfully reaching the level of Second Generation Reverse Life Tree.
Ultimately allowing the Reverse-Life Mulberry Sapling to support a Shadow Grotto-Heaven, becoming a (Corpse Seed) plant, more than enough to sustain the entire Animal Husbandry Village.
Although it had the performance of a Second Generation Immortal Tree, its essence as a Third Generation Immortal Tree prevented it from continuing to differentiate into even lower-quality ‘Fourth Generation Reverse Life Trees’.
Therefore, Yuan Zhu’s delusion of obtaining a Reverse Life Tree and bringing it back to Running for planting was destined not to be realized. Unless he commissioned the captain to purchase one as a purchasing agent.
After thinking, the administrator of the Reverse-Life Mulberry Sapling introduced more.
If the ‘First Generation. Village Chief’ had low requirements, this Reverse-Life Mulberry Sapling in the Animal Husbandry Village could split off a large number of ordinary ‘seedlings’.
These ‘Polluted Mulberry Trees’ could be transplanted on a large scale and were now widely planted throughout the Animal Husbandry Village.
Yuan Zhu had originally been completely unaware of this, thinking they were branches grown by the Reverse-Life Mulberry Sapling’s root system penetrating the surface world. Turns out they were all independent small seedlings?
So he followed up: “What characteristics do these ‘Polluted Mulberry Trees’ have?”
The administrator explained: “This type of mulberry tree has severely degenerated spirituality, losing the possibility of counterattacking to become a Third Generation Reverse Life Tree (Kunlun Immortal Root). However, the plant itself is highly compatible with ‘shadow environments’. As long as nurtured with ‘shadow pollution’, it can survive. It can be taken to other worlds for planting attempts. The mulberry leaves grown are top-grade food for feeding ‘Spirit Insects, Mao Shi Worms, Yuan Shi Worms’.”
The more Polluted Mulberry Trees planted, the larger the scale of insect farming.
If deprived of this specific food and only fed with ‘food’ from the main world, the Spirit Insects would quickly lose ‘Insect System pollution’. And with reproduction and iteration, the bloodline information would be rapidly diluted, no longer usable for cultivation.
The rule of extraordinary bloodlines ‘declining in three generations, severed in five’ applied not only to humans but also to Eclosion Spirit Insects.
So Yuan Zhu decisively ordered 1000 small seedlings, planning to bring them all back to Running for a big ‘blackening’.
The leaves of Polluted Mulberry Trees were purple-black, worthy of being called ‘black plants’! Large-scale planting of this plant was naturally blackening, not greening.
…
After placing the order, the management of the Animal Husbandry Village began arranging personnel to inventory, release from storage, pack, placing the goods together with that pile of Worm Pillars, waiting to be teleported back to Happy Home.
Snake Snake commented: “These ‘plants’ are cheap, with low pollution degree, and the cost to transport back to the main world is extremely low. If the Shadow Domain is successfully opened, they can be mixed with Shadow Eggplants for planting, optimizing the natural environment inside the Domain. Boss, I suddenly have a bold idea! What if we plant more ‘Reverse-Life Mulberry Saplings’ in the Domain, could they become low-power air purification devices, absorbing Shadow Pollution and converting it to release ‘spiritual energy’?”
Yuan Zhu shook his head: “They all say it’s impossible. Only Third Generation Reverse Life Trees can convert spiritual energy. These seedlings only retain faint ‘Immortal Tree’ bloodline and can only be used to feed insects.”
Snake Snake said: “You’re viewing it from the Eclosion World perspective. There is only one most primordial Immortal Realm Tree, and after its death, it differentiated into four inferior Immortal Trees (First Generation Reverse Life Trees). But we Du Ling are different; we have the True. Peach of Immortality Mother Tree here. Even the floating islands of Taixi City are planted with Kunlun Immortal Roots. Whatever the Eclosion World lacks, we can make up from Du Ling!”
Yuan Zhu: “Hiss… interesting. But you’re overthinking it; you’re too focused on Spiritual Energy or Polluting Energy. Our Shadow Domain needs to forge its own ‘extraordinary path’, with the core always being Shadow Pollution. Not trying every way to scam the Kunlun Immortal Path.”
“That’s not right!” Snake Snake retorted: “Creating a ‘shadow spiritual energy macroenvironment’ is for better insect farming. With good insects, we can support the two siblings to continue cultivating… Recreating a ‘polluting energy’ environment helps the development of Yuan Shi Worms! I think Yuan Shi Worms have the potential to counterattack Mao Shi Worms.”
Snake Snake argued convincingly: “I’ve designed two evolution routes for our family’s Yuan Shi Worms. Plan A: Attempt Shadow Uniform transformation, artificially induce them to spit silk, weaving combat uniforms similar to luxury children’s wear. Knockoff scamming of Mao Mao King. Plan B: After creating a spiritual energy environment, cultivate Yuan Shi Worms as ‘Insect Egg Dao Seeds’, attempting ‘artificial spiritual roots’ again!”
Yuan Zhu rejected her idea: “Plan B has too many difficulties. Insect Cultivators can create the ‘Insect Egg-Meridian-Acupoint System’. First is the issue of the natives’ physique. Their ancestors have been enslaved by the Kunlun Immortal Sect for generations, with ‘plant spiritual root root tendrils (Kunlun pollution)’ pervading their bodies.”
“Passed down generation after generation, their physical bodies are innately capable of opening ‘Meridians’. That’s how Insect Eggs can grow Insect Meridians along the ‘plant spiritual root traces’ in the flesh. Ordinary Humans in Du Ling are completely different, with no latent Meridians in their bodies. Either actively accept Kunlun Immortal Method erosion and transformation to open Meridians with ‘plant spiritual roots’; or within three generations, have blood relatives who are Kunlun Immortals, inheriting bloodline pollution. Otherwise, ordinary people planting Yuan Shi Worms cannot form Meridians.”
Snake Snake nodded vigorously in agreement: “You’re right, but not absolutely! You forgot, once the Immortal Scripture Server is decompressed and installed, we might mass-produce ‘digitalized spiritual roots’ belonging to the Immortal Path Universe? Don’t you think this Yuan Shi Worm is a great ‘digitalized spiritual root carrier’? The Shadow Dream Hole has already collected massive ‘Qi Refiner’ body data. As for digitalized spiritual roots, they can be understood as a special edition of Immortal Scripture. Client.”
“You’ve fully experienced the flavor of the Holy Light Panel and Anti-Law Panel. This ‘data spiritual root’ is, to others, just a biological plug-in loaded on the ‘Yuan Shi Worm’. We can completely force-shape it, not giving users a chance to open other ‘pollution systems’, directly locking the Data System to ‘Insect System Immortal Cultivation’! Load and input Meridian and Qi Refining knowledge into Yuan Shi Worms, but detached from the traditional Qi Refining System, borrowing the power of ‘digitalized panels’ to remake a set of our own Shadow Spiritual Root Insects!”
“Whether the technology is mature or not, it can be sold via Anti-Law to new white mice. Through their personal evolution, timely collect data feedback, continuously iterate and optimize, ultimately screening out true Shadow Spiritual Root Insects. As the Seed of the Shadow System, what do you think?”
Yuan Zhu thought about it and felt it was quite promising: “Sounds good, I already have ideas in my head! Digitalized Spiritual Root Insects (Immortal Cultivation System/Client) can be divided into three directions: A leaning towards Kunlun Immortal Sect’s Feathered Immortals. B more towards Knight Breathing Technique’s Ironclad Immortals. C letting spiritual root insects parasitize the whole body, linking with Power Path reinforcement to open Powerhouses.”
Snake Snake nodded: “Yes yes yes, all can be tried, no cost anyway. As long as we make a prototype of Spiritual Root Insects, we can loan them via Anti-Law to premium clients. The favor of Great Wilderness. Immortal Loan can never be repaid!”
“It seems like they offer themselves to perfect one data immortal path after another for us. But in reality, it’s us contributing Immortal Scripture Technology to fulfill their ‘immortal cultivation dreams’! They’re ruthlessly sucking our blood; those who become immortals are themselves. The return is just negligible ‘shared data’ and Anti-Law loans.”
Yuan Zhu nodded fiercely: “Indeed, we’re at too much of a loss.”
Snake Snake added: “But who calls Boss you so kind-hearted.”
According to Snake Snake’s vision, in the future, users signing Anti-Law contracts contribute nothing, just simply sell themselves for experiments; and can exchange for Yuan Zhu’s ‘massive core technologies’, gaining step-to-heaven Immortal Path potential. Is there anything more profitable?
I’m losing too much! Losing all the way to becoming the Dao Ancestor of a brand new ‘data immortal path’.
So Yuan Zhu hurriedly packed and sealed all the Yuan Shi Worms carefully nurtured in the Shadow Space, waiting to upload. Leaving only 1/10 as seeds to continue receiving top care in the Shadow Domain.
After collecting the Yuan Shi Worms, he went next door to select local Spirit Insects that had become increasingly compatible with Holy Cough Particles after multiple iterations.
This time, he didn’t pick adult insects directly, but collected large quantities of insect eggs from Coleoptera and Hemiptera Holy Light compatible Spirit Insects, planning to take them back to Running and hatch them slowly.
After collecting the two special types of Spirit Insects, Shadow and Holy Light, he emptied the Universe Within The Belly again, accommodating a new batch of Ghost Companion. Shadow Giant Insects, preparing to bring them back to Running as labor.
…
Considering Snake Snake’s envisioned ‘artificial underground polluting energy environment’, Yuan Zhu realized that getting pure ‘Kunlun Spiritual Energy’ in the present world wasn’t difficult, but creating the ‘corrupt spiritual energy’ of the Eclosion World was extremely hard.
Even the ‘spiritual energy’ purified by Reverse Life Trees in the underground world was absolutely not Kunlun Spiritual Energy of the real world.
The Eclosion World environment was too terrible; Spiritual Energy was a product of multiple pollutions (Knight, Kunlun) mixed and fermented. To raise Polluted Mulberry Trees and Spirit Insects well… he needed to replicate the original ‘terrible environment’.
So he had a flash of inspiration and issued new instructions to the combat personnel of the Animal Husbandry Village.
Batches of combat squads cultivated by the captain entered the dangerous ‘Miasma Forbidden zones’ one after another, searching and successfully digging out several clumps of Activated Root Tendrils with not-too-high threat levels. Clumps of decayed and fallen ‘Immortal Realm Tree root tumors’.
Yuan Zhu had once devoured and refined a powerful such pollutant. After being refined by Ghost Companion Divine Ability, it became a clump of ever-spreading, plundering and absorbing nutrients ‘tree roots’.
This item could be grafted onto ‘Reverse-Life Mulberry Sapling seedlings’ to provide the seedlings with massive ‘decayed spiritual energy nutrients’, and could also serve as energy conduits for the Shadow Domain to set up formations. Recreate the polluting energy environment of the Animal Husbandry Village.
Bringing these Activated Root Tendrils back to Running, per Snake Snake’s idea, could artificially arrange the ‘polluting energy environment’ of the Eclosion World.
These Activated Root Tendrils were essential ‘pollution environment foundations’. With these crazily spreading, everywhere-polluting Activated Root Tendrils, he could simulate the ecological foundation of the ‘underground world’ (Immortal Realm Tree pollution root tendrils)!
