On the Divine Mountain, the enormous Divine Tree towered over the peak like a small hill piled upon a giant one, occupying most of the area.
At first glance, the Divine Tree did not appear very different from any other large tree. With its deep brown bark and lush, vibrant green leaves, it resembled a giant umbrella, casting a wide shadow under the sun. If it weren't for its hill-like size, this was completely different from what Chen Pingchuan had imagined. Of course, the mysterious patterns on the bark revealed its extraordinary nature; they were identical to the ones on the roots he had cut.
"Hey, where is Lord Divine Tree?" After observing for a long time and finding nothing unusual, Chen Pingchuan decided to just ask.
Meanwhile, Lan Duoduo stood with his eyes closed, his expression devout, and did not immediately respond. Chen Pingchuan was in no rush, as he could tell the follower named Lan Duoduo was likely communicating with the Divine Tree.
Suddenly, a figure slowly emerged from the other side of the Divine Tree. This person was tall and dressed in a luxurious robe, his eyes filled with arrogance and disdain. He looked at Chen Pingchuan and sneered, "Well, well, where did Lan Fat find another beggar? Nowadays, it seems any Tom, Dick, or Harry can come to see Lord Divine Tree."
Having missed the events at Steel City, the newly arrived follower of the Divine Tree was unaware of Chen Pingchuan's accomplishments. After the fierce battle, to say Chen Pingchuan's clothes were tattered would be an understatement. He was practically naked, with only a few nanites from his swarm remaining—just enough to maintain their mimicry of a pair of shorts.
Already on the verge of exploding, Chen Pingchuan's anger flared, his hands clenching into fists as flames ignited within him.
"Well, well. You've got guts," the follower of the Divine Tree looked Chen Pingchuan up and down, a contemptuous smile touching his lips. "Planning to fight me?"
Just as Chen Pingchuan was about to make his move, Lan Duoduo opened his eyes and quickly stepped in to stop him.
"Don't be rash. Lord Divine Tree has his own arrangements." After speaking, Lan Duoduo turned to the man, his expression hardening slightly as he said, "Lord Divine Tree instructed me to bring him inside. Drop the attitude. He might become one of our companions in the future."
Hearing Lan Duoduo's words, the man's expression froze. As Zhu Wu, the Snake of Destruction among the Five Holy Envoys, he knew just how strict the conditions were to become a companion. Even he himself had only earned this blessing through life-or-death battles.
Damn it, a wolf in sheep's clothing. So powerful, yet he's only wearing a pair of shorts. What a psycho!
Though he was internally cursing Chen Pingchuan's deceitfulness, Zhu Wu said nothing more. He just snorted and turned to leave.
Lan Duoduo watched Zhu Wu's departing silhouette and sighed.
It can't be helped. That prick Zhu Wu always has it out for me; it's always like this. For no reason at all. I clearly never provoked him, yet he always opposes me.
Lan Duoduo's thoughts raced, but his movements didn't pause for even a moment. "Lord Divine Tree is waiting for us. Let's go."
With that, Lan Duoduo walked straight toward the base of the Divine Tree. There was an entrance where the massive trunk emerged from the ground.
Lan Duoduo led Chen Pingchuan inside. A light fog lingered at the entrance, obscuring the path ahead.
At first, there was only utter darkness. After they had walked several hundred meters, Chen Pingchuan emerged into an exceedingly spacious area, and the view suddenly opened up before him.
The space inside the Divine Tree was immense. The surrounding tree walls exuded a soft glow, bathing the entire area in a bright, warm light. Beehive-like rooms covered the trunk, each one emitting a mysterious aura.
In the center of the grand hall stood a small, exquisite golden tree, radiating vibrant life. It was laden with plump, smooth fruits that flashed with a tempting luster under the light. They seemed to contain infinite energy and exuded a faint fragrance.
The small tree was encircled by a ring of silver pools. The water within was as clear and transparent as flowing crystal, its surface sparkling with soft light. This light interwove with the glow of the tree, creating a fantastical ambiance. Sunlight streamed in through cracks high above, casting dappled shadows on the ground. The leaves of the small tree swayed gently in the breeze, producing a soft, rustling sound.
Anyone who didn't know better would think this was the Divine Tree Immortal Realm, Chen Pingchuan thought. But I'm not just anyone. According to the simulation's information, this is a Tree of Calamity, capable of destroying the world. There's no way it's as beautiful as it seems.
Lan Duoduo led Chen Pingchuan forward until they stopped near the silver stream. He turned to Chen Pingchuan and said, "Lord Divine Tree resides here."
After speaking, Lan Duoduo pointed at the petite, radiant golden tree before them.
"That's it?"
"The Divine Tree?"
"Can it talk?"
"Outrageous!" The previously amiable Lan Duoduo's expression suddenly changed. With a bone-chilling voice, he whispered, "If you show any more disrespect to Lord Divine Tree, then despite your talent, death will be your only way out."
Sensing Lan Duoduo's fury, Chen Pingchuan hastily waved his hands. "Sorry, I didn't mean anything by it. I'm just asking. I mean, you brought me all the way here, but no one's talking to me. What's going on?"
Since Chen Pingchuan backed down, Lan Duoduo had no desire to start a conflict. "You don't need to worry about that. When the time comes, you will naturally understand. Stay here and don't wander off. Anyone without the Divine Tree's mark will be killed by the guards!"
After his final words, Lan Duoduo turned and left without the slightest hesitation. Just as his figure was about to disappear, a second sentence was whispered into Chen Pingchuan's ear.
"Inside the Divine Tree Space, the abilities of all espers are suppressed. This is true even for physical enhancers. I hope you can accept this reality."
The once-confident Chen Pingchuan's expression changed drastically. He desperately tried to summon his power. 'Fire God's Advent... Fire God's... Advent... Fire...'
Fine, then!
Chen Pingchuan had been prepared to take them all down with him. But it seemed they were already prepared, having restricted his abilities from the start. It was a checkmate; how could he possibly struggle now? Indeed, no one here was a fool.
Just as Chen Pingchuan was at his wit's end, a man's voice suddenly rang out.
"It's all your fault! This is all because of you!"
The speaker was the leader of the men in black. He was glaring fiercely at Chen Pingchuan, ranting nonstop, "Do you have any idea what you've done? Do you know why I came here? Do you realize the terrifying consequences of your selfish, reckless actions?"
As he spoke, his face turned crimson, and his eyes became bloodshot. "You don't know!"
"Um... is there any chance that I actually do know?"
"What could someone like you, who does whatever he wants just because he has a little power, possibly know? I—"
"The Tree of World Destruction!"