The colored light blazed, like swirling mist and rosy clouds, a phoenix arriving from the west. The radiance reflected on the rippling water and splashing droplets, refracting into vibrant, dancing bands of light, slowly rotating, soft and ethereal.
In an instant, the bloody cave seemed to come alive. The dull luster of the bronze tree appeared clear and bright under the light.
“Damn…” Wu Tianzhen looked at the scene, deeply regretting not bringing his optical computer. But in reality, no technological product could capture even a fraction of this beauty. So, the group stopped, their eyes quietly imprinting this moment of peace.
Fatty wasn't very impressed by such romantic things. After the initial surprise, his mind quickly turned to the precious jade tablets on the jade platform, which had been smashed to pieces by the firecrackers before he could even pry them off. His face gradually contorted into a mask of pain.
His greedy heart still lingered. He tried to take one last look at the bronze tree, to see if he had missed any treasures. With that, he grabbed the bare skin on his back and pulled away the giant cat that was busy licking the light spots.
The cat bared its teeth, its sharp claws extending, ready to teach this large chunk of meat a lesson. But then, the back of the Black Gold Ancient Saber lightly tapped its head. Remembering the disparity in strength, it could only back down, secretly making a mental note.
Black Cat: My lost thorns have made me endure too much that a little kitty shouldn't have to.
The one who had just hit it was Zhang Qiling. It twitched its whiskers, proudly lifting its head and pacing to stand beside (Zhang Qiling) on the other side.
For some reason, it felt a very pleasing aura emanating from this person, similar to the previous cheap litter box cleaner, but even more potent.
Seeing the cat approach, (Zhang Qiling) subtly glanced at Zhang Qiling. Seeing no reaction, he avoided the sharp claws and gently tapped the cat's forehead.
A soft, warm touch conveyed a familiar yet uniquely novel sensation. He slightly curved the corners of his lips, and the lingering loneliness in his heart was somewhat alleviated.
Wu Tianzhen stole a glance at this scene, and for some reason, a hint of relief welled up in his heart.
… Anyway, they were now upper-level collaborators on the public payroll. When they got out, a word to Song Shuning should be enough to get this little brother an ID card.
Then…
His mind began to conjure up a backstory for this new little brother to deal with his parents. Wu Tianzhen almost shed tears of sympathy for the tragic experiences he himself was fabricating.
But at this moment, Fatty’s surprised voice rang out—
“Holy crap, is this bronze tree blooming again? What’s with the sudden regrowth?!”
Under the glow of the colored light, during the brief moment of peace, the silent bronze tree, completely defying its nature as a bronze artifact, began to sprout and grow like a living tree!
Dense branches gradually extended outwards. Amidst the grating sound of metal friction, there were crisp cracks like layers of metal breaking. From a distance, it could be seen that metal particles, resembling buds or flower buds, were emerging from the hollow branches. In a short time, these particles covered the trunk and branches densely, making the bronze tree look as if it were covered in tumors.
Looking at this scene, Zhang Qiling inexplicably thought of the crazy growth of grass and vines outside the cave, in the Cangshan region. A bad premonition arose in his heart.
His body moved with his thoughts. The moment he threw the grappling hook, he had already grabbed Wu Tianzhen’s shoulder.
Looking across, he saw that (Zhang Qiling) had also grabbed Fatty.
The anxiety in his heart intensified. Without further ado, they exchanged glances, and then each displayed their skills, darting through the moving branches like shooting stars, landing on the flat ground beside the pool at the base of the tree.
Wu Tianzhen, inexplicably dragged along for a wild ride, was now dizzy and disoriented. He leaned against the wall to recover for a moment, only to see Fatty leaning against the wall beside him.
“…How are you, Tianzhen?” Fatty wore a forced smile.
“One-on-one extreme sports, with handsome guys personally escorting you. The bronze tree’s famous bungee jumping project!”
“Young Master Tianzhen, do you think this proposal is the light of wealth?”
Wu Tianzhen: …
He didn’t reply. To be honest, he was feeling a delayed nausea, and he was afraid that if he opened his mouth, he would vomit.
The two Little Zhangs didn’t look at Wu Tianzhen and Fatty anymore. They tightened their grip on the Black Gold Ancient Saber, their gazes fixed on the bronze tree with uniform caution.
Upon reaching the bottom, the source of the colored light on the trunk was finally revealed!
The colored light rotated and flickered slowly, almost forming a giant vortex-shaped portal. The few of them tried to peer through the light membrane in the center, but only saw a mass of twisted, bizarre lines. Staring for too long even induced a sense of inexplicable nausea and headache.
The cat lightly followed them down. It arrogantly chose between the two Zhang Qilings, finally deciding to favor (Zhang Qiling) first.
Zhang Qiling paid no mind to the cat’s behavior. He knew that Wu Tianzhen and Fatty were restraining their concern for (Zhang Qiling) out of consideration for him.
He was hesitant about this, but there was nothing he could say. Now that the cat could freely interact with (Zhang Qiling), all of them felt a sense of relief.
This thought flashed through his mind, and Zhang Qiling stopped thinking about it.
For some reason, even though they had left the bronze tree, an ominous shadow seemed to hang over him.
At this moment, the light spots formed by the single-eyed worms had been completely absorbed by the bronze tree. Zhang Qiling keenly sensed that this was followed by a slowdown in the tree’s growth.
If the bronze tree wanted to continue growing, then…
Thinking of this, his expression changed drastically. He grabbed Wu Tianzhen and retreated instantly!
“Don’t go near the tree!”
(Zhang Qiling) immediately followed with Fatty. And almost the moment they left their positions, a massive semi-transparent halo erupted from the trunk of the bronze tree!
The halo expanded in an instant to encompass the entire cavity. Zhang Qiling clearly saw the two or three water monkeys in the pool, who had been watching curiously, turn into withered bones and sink into the water the moment they were swept by the halo!
The bronze tree, appearing incredibly sacred, trembled slightly and grew taller.
… This tree was actually growing by absorbing life force?!
How far would it grow? If Xue Ren Peak could no longer contain it, would it break out of the stone prison, cover the entire Cangshan, and kill every living creature within its sight?
Just then, there was another rumble!
It seemed to come from within the bronze tree. This sound, this friction, was like the opening of a great door!
Zhang Qiling suddenly looked up. Behind the towering bronze tree, the phantom of a great door was slowly emerging in the colored light and unfolding at a steady pace!!
—This is the Bronze Door?!
No, that’s not right, it’s just a projection.
His turbulent emotions calmed down, but at this moment, this scene perfectly matched an image in his memory.
The door, the tree, the people, and the Ghost Seal on the human skin scroll flashed into existence, clearly recording the current situation!
… That person wasn’t summoning the bronze tree with the Ghost Seal; he was trying to seal the bronze tree with the Ghost Seal.
As for why it didn’t succeed…
Zhang Qiling looked into the depths of the colored light vortex—
He probably had to enter it to find out.
Gripping the ancient saber, he already had an idea. Knowing that Wu Tianzhen and Fatty would definitely not allow it, he quietly gathered his strength, aiming to rush in.
But at this moment, his arm was firmly grasped.
The immense strength was identical to his own. For the first time, he understood how Fatty and Wu Tianzhen felt when he held them. But at this moment, he could feel the pain and determination in the other person’s heart even more.
(Zhang Qiling) stared intently at the vortex, and for the first time, turned his head to look directly at him.
In their gaze, the sense of similarity grew stronger. (Zhang Qiling) was silent for a moment, showing a hint of relief and understanding.
He suddenly smiled.
“Actually, the current bronze tree feels very familiar to me.”
Zhang Qiling froze for a moment. The strength he had gathered instinctively dissipated. Just as he was about to ask, he heard the person in front of him softly utter three words:
“I’m sorry.”
And in that very instant, (Zhang Qiling) rushed forward!
Zhang Qiling immediately understood his intention. Reacting quickly, he pulled out the grappling hook and threw it with all his might. The grappling hook shot like lightning, almost touching his black clothing. But with a clang, the Black Gold Ancient Saber suddenly severed the rope of the grappling hook!
(Zhang Qiling) didn’t look back again. His Black Gold Ancient Saber fell to the ground with a crisp sound.
Upon entering the halo, he felt a strange sensation of life force being drawn out. This was peculiar because it made him realize that even a clone like him possessed life.
He brushed his left hand across the bronze tree. With a shift of his thoughts, his right hand materialized a Ghost Seal.
… He went in.
All of this happened in the blink of an eye. By the time Wu Tianzhen and Fatty reacted, they could only rush forward and restrain Zhang Qiling, who had already dashed several steps ahead.
The bronze tree paused for a moment, and the halo suddenly retracted. Just as the vortex was about to dissipate, a dark figure flashed by and followed right behind, disappearing into it!
… It was the black cat.
… Perhaps what he said was true, the bronze tree was very attractive to them in their materialized forms.
… Materialized.
Zhang Qiling stood frozen in place. After a long time, he slowly walked over and picked up the Black Gold Ancient Saber that had lost its owner.
A famous saber recognizes its master. Even when facing an identical person, it no longer emitted light. It had now gathered its luster, appearing like an ordinary blunt knife.
With a burst of sound, dust and smoke scattered. Looking again, the bronze tree had vanished, leaving behind only a bottomless pit.
Zhang Qiling sheathed his saber and turned around. Fatty was gloomily smoking a cigarette, while Wu Tianzhen was weeping uncontrollably.
I’m sorry…
He could understand what he meant. (Zhang Qiling) felt that his existence was fake, and his existence was a harm to the real Zhang Qiling.
But he actually didn’t mind.
After all… who could be truly more real than anyone else?
Even he, who appeared to be real, was merely a clumsy imitation of another person, relying on the skills provided by the system, to gain the friendship of Wu Tianzhen and Fatty.
If anything, he was the truly fake one.
[Detected that the host has successfully experienced the Little Brother’s doubt about his own existence. Role-playing degree +5, current role-playing degree 76%, unlocked ability: Superlative Aquatic Skills]
…………
—
When they walked out of Xue Ren Peak, the trees in Cangshan had stopped their rampant growth. A few sparrows chirped and flew by, making the place look like an ordinary forest once again.
The three followed the signal smoke to find the car, which had already become a home for unknown birds, covered in dry grass and branches.
Fatty and Wu Tianzhen cleaned the grass and branches with grim expressions. Zhang Qiling stepped forward to help, but suddenly felt something prick his neck.
He reached up to touch it and found it was a hard thorn left by the cat.
… So the scratches on him were indeed left by the cat.
He twitched the corner of his mouth and carefully put the thorn away. As he moved, the Black Gold Ancient Saber and the blunt knife collided, making a crisp sound.
They didn’t get to use the car. Song Shuning, who had brought people in to rescue them when their signal was suddenly lost, found them here.
Seeing that all three were safe, although he found the heavy atmosphere between them strange, Song Shuning was relieved.
But after his relief, he reluctantly made a request.
“That…” he said sheepishly, “I originally planned to rescue you, but when we entered, we encountered Chi She and the Human-like Tree. Two of our medical personnel were captured.”
“The instruments on them can be tracked. Could you possibly help rescue them?”
The three: …