"Big Brother, there's something I'm curious about!"
"That move you used to destroy the Palace of the Dead earlier was so impressive! Can you tell me what martial art it was?"
Cynthia's lively personality was the complete opposite of Nora's introverted and withdrawn form. It was hard to believe they were actually mother and daughter.
"I can tell you, but you have to be polite to me."
Alan reached out and stroked the doll's soft cheek, patiently saying to her:
"I'm your mother's peer, and even older than her. You have to call me uncle or brother. That's rude."
"A smart, lovely, and beautiful girl like you shouldn't make mistakes regarding generational status. It's ridiculous for being uneducated."
"I won't!" Cynthia flatly refused to change her tune.
Alan couldn't help but wonder. Even if we count from when Nora was conceived, Cynthia was only six or seven at most. Wasn't her rebellious phase coming a little too early? Nora lowered her head slightly, her eyes narrowed in silence.
Judging from the situation, Alan couldn't expect her to discipline his daughter.
On second thought, Alan walked over to Nora, placed his lips close to her delicate, almost transparent earlobe, and whispered softly.
"That move is called 'Finger Thunder.'"
He wanted to test whether Nora and Cynthia had a sense of connection, like master and familiar.
As expected, Cynthia let out a smug laugh.
"Fool! You think you can keep a secret from me just by whispering to your mother?"
"Finger Thunder, huh?"
"Strange! Neither the South Island Warlock Academy nor the Silver Moon Monastery has this inherited technique. Could it be a martial art you created yourself?"
Alan nodded, admitting it frankly.
"Tsk tsk! Awesome, little brother!"
How did he go from "big brother" to "little brother"?
Alan frowned. This little brat was getting more and more outrageous. She was definitely doing it on purpose!
"Cynthia, was that the sword your mother used to split the Vampire Count apart also a martial art she created?"
"Indeed! Level 7 Sky Slash, my mother's strongest move."
The rag doll proudly stood with her hands on her hips and chest puffed out.
"Your mother is also very powerful, but why doesn't she speak for herself, instead letting a little girl like you do the talking?" Alan asked Cynthia.
"Because my mother is shy, I'm not! Haha... wow!"
Nora, who had been dazed by the side, suddenly reached out, twisted the rag doll's cheek, and twisted it 90 degrees.
The unfortunate girl's face was completely twisted.
The rag doll's deformed mouth couldn't smile, and it cried out in pain.
Alan stared suspiciously at the bizarre mother and daughter.
Can a rag doll feel pain when its face is pinched?
He hadn't even had time to ask.
Nora had already picked up Cynthia and disappeared into the teleportation array.
…
The next day.
Trial Space, Evergarden.
This secret realm perfectly simulates the ecology of the "Fairywild."
The weather is spring-like all year round, with gentle breezes and beautiful sunshine, birdsong and fragrant flowers.
Fairies and supernatural plants coexist in this paradise.
But to outsiders, Evergarden is not as peaceful and beautiful as it appears.
Fairies are moody, and few can tolerate their mischief.
Not to mention, amidst the seemingly beautiful woods and flower gardens, there's always the possibility of animated plants more ferocious than tigers, leopards, jackals, or wolves lurking.
Looking down at the Evergarden, one can see a striking pattern in the distribution of the animated plants.
From the outside in, they form three concentric circles.
The outermost layer contains Level 2 plants, the middle layer contains Level 3 plants, and the inner layer contains Level 4 plants.
In the center of the garden, Level 5 and even Level 6 plants grow, along with mysterious elves and tree herders, protected by a barrier.
Only sorcerers with plant or fairy bloodline can enter, and only after sacrificing a certain amount of saturated black magicite.
As for animated plants below Level 2, the creators of the secret realm deem them insufficiently threatening to the trial-takers and unworthy of transplanting to the Evergarden.
The sky was clear, not a single cloud in sight.
A sudden roar of thunder shattered the tranquil and peaceful atmosphere of the Evergarden.
The defensive circle formed by the animated plants was being breached by a flash of blue lightning.
Ella, Olivia, Flora, and Avril followed Alan, who rode the lightning, through the scorched earth of the dense forest.
"Actually, Senior Brother Alan didn't need to resort to such extreme violence to clear a path through the forest."
Seeing the flowers and plants tragically damaged beneath her feet, Avril felt sorry for them.
"Before, Olivia, Flora, and I would just fly directly over the jungle and land in the center of the garden, saving both time and effort."
"Senior Sister Avril, you don't understand."
Ella smiled helplessly.
"If it was just about saving time and effort, my senior brother could have teleported directly to the center of the garden. He's traveling through the forest so he can pick food and sample wild fruits."
"That's right! Alan, that kid, looks like a starving ghost reincarnated!"
Olivia, well aware of her old friend's quirks, jokingly complained to the sisters.
"When you see something new and exciting, the first thing you think about is whether it's edible and whether it tastes good! Of course, you have to try it to know!"
There are indeed many supernatural plants that bear delicious fruits.
Alan had been eating as he walked, and everyone was used to it.
But when everyone reached Evergarden's third defense circle and witnessed Alan using his vortex claws to pull a pitiful and helpless burrowing root from its burrow, then using his hand to cut through its tough outer skin and devour its sweet and juicy ovary...
Avril couldn't help but gasp, clutching her chest with her hands as she felt a sharp phantom pain.
Olivia looked at her bestie with sympathy, understanding her feelings.
Avril's ancestral form happened to be a burrowing root.
Witnessing Alan's brutality, it was inevitable to feel a sense of sympathy, as if her own body was being gnawed and devoured by him.
"Avril, you're not covering much space, are you?"
Flora was still in the mood for a joke.
"Junior Brother Allen is eating the pistil of a burrowing vine. If you truly felt the same way, you should be feeling pain down there."
"You're the only one who talks too much!"
Avril blushed and glared at her.
Flora, fond of witticisms, soon met her comeuppance.
She walked a short distance forward and saw Allen catching a carnivorous plant, tearing off its colorful, thick petals piece by piece.
Flora's forehead was covered in cold sweat as she watched.
"Haha... dear Senior Sister Flora..."
Avril sniffed.
Flora chuckled dryly, her cheeks suddenly flushed.
"Honestly, when I first saw Junior Brother Allen destroying the Piranha Plant, I felt a little uncomfortable!"
A cool breeze blew through the forest, and Flora sneezed.
She pulled out a handkerchief to wipe the sweat off her face, then suddenly had an idea.
"This damn place is so cold and damp, it's making me sneeze non-stop!"
"Three Junior Sisters, how many clean handkerchiefs do you have? Lend me some."
"What do you need so many handkerchiefs for?" Olivia asked.
"I'm sweating so much. If I don't wipe them off quickly, I'll get sick!"
Flora smiled slyly.
The borrowed handkerchiefs, plus her own, made a total of ten pairs.
Carrying these handkerchiefs, Flora ran off to find Allen.
A short time later, she returned triumphantly.
In her left hand, she held a lipstick tube and a stack of handkerchiefs in her right.
Each handkerchief was signed by Allen, using lipstick as a pen.
Flora sat in the shade of a tree, sending a group magic message.
"Sisters! I have Allen's autographed handkerchiefs! Limited to ten pairs, each priced at only 99 magic stones. Hurry and buy now!"
Within two minutes of sending the message, red message orbs of light appeared around her like boiling bubbles.
"Ahhh? Really? I want them, I want them."
"I'll take all ten handkerchiefs. 20% off, okay?"
"Flora! I recognize you as my sister! Save one for me!"
...
"Hehe... I'm rich! I'm rich! I'm rich!"
Flora sold ten handkerchiefs signed by Allen, netting a profit of 990 magic stones. Her pretty face beamed.
Ella, watching nearby, couldn't help but question, "Senior Sister, the handkerchiefs you're selling aren't what you pictured, are they?"
"They say they're genuine handkerchiefs, but my senior brother only signed his name on them. He's never used them. How can they be genuine?"
"Junior Sister Ella, I'm a business person of integrity. Every handkerchief is stained with Junior Brother Allen's masculine sweat. Smell it for yourself if you don't believe me!"
Flora waved her handkerchief proudly.
"I just went to Junior Brother Allen and told him how sorry we all were for him exploring alone and how hard he'd worked. We asked me to wipe his sweat and offer him a kiss..."
"Junior Brother Allen was rather shy and declined my kiss, only accepting my handkerchief. Afterward, he graciously signed each handkerchief as a souvenir..."
"Wow! Senior Sister Flora, you're so cunning!"
"Alas, isn't this all driven by poverty? To make ends meet, I've had to use my wits. "
"Junior Sister Ella, you could actually do this business, too. With your close relationship with Junior Brother Allen, it would be easy to get your hands on his underwear, and selling merchandise would be incredibly convenient!"
"Forget it! I can't bear to sell my senior brother's personal belongings, and I don't need this little money... Senior Brother and Sister Kelly can't even spend all the pocket money they give me every month."
Ella's last, unintentional remark stabbed Flora in the heart, and her joy faded.
Ella didn't mind Flora's illicit activities, but Olivia and Avril couldn't stand her using their names to flatter Allen, swindle his signature, and pocket the windfall!
The two exchanged glances, then approached Flora from both sides, menacingly.
"What are you two trying to do... Don't, don't come over here!"
Flora retreated repeatedly until her back slammed against a tree trunk.
Olivia and Avril pounced, pinning the cunning blonde against a tree and demanding payment by the neck:
"Flora! Pay me back now!"
"Pay it back with interest!"
...
Evergarden, Central District.
Alan sat on the ground, his back against a large tree, a bunch of grape-like berries in his hand.
Across from him lay the core of the secret realm, enveloped by a barrier.
It was like a giant golden bowl, resting on the grass.
Ella, Olivia, Avril, and Flora, after sacrificing a black magic stone imbued with soul fire, were transported inside the barrier.
Alan, lacking either fairy blood or a naturalist, was unable to enter the barrier and waited outside alone.
Thankfully, his trip wasn't in vain.
Puff!
Crushing a berry, the sweet taste flooded his mouth.
Alan opened the system page to check the special ingredients he had collected along the way.
Ding Ding—
"Eat Special Ingredient: Creeping Monster Berry!"
"Spirit +1!"
"Potential +2!"
"Eat Special Ingredient: Burrowing Root Vine's Ovary!"
"Agility +1!"
"Potential +3!"
"Eat Special Ingredient: Man-Eating Nectar!"
"Constitution +1!"
"Potential +3!"
"Eat Special Ingredient: Treant Heart!"
"Constitution +1!"
"Potential +3!"
Current Attributes: Constitution 64, Agility 60, Spirit 64
Current Resistances: Virus Level 8 / Electricity Level 7 / Sonic Level 7 / Cold Level 5 / Negative Energy Level 7
Potential Reserve: 40 points
…
Swish!
A beam of teleportation light illuminated.
Ella emerged from the barrier, dejected, and returned to Allen's side.
"Brother, I... failed."
"It's okay, I'm fine."
Alan held his younger sister's hand, encouraging her to cheer up.
Olivia, Avril, and Flora all had over a 60% chance of success against the high-level treeman, the primitive magic vine, and Elona.
Only Ella, with her late-stage fourth-level cultivation, would have failed against the sixth-level graceful spirit.
Despite such a huge disparity, she still had the courage to attempt it, primarily because this advancement trial didn't require her to defeat the graceful spirit.
The graceful spirit possessed four forms: spring, summer, autumn, and winter.
If Ella dealt a small amount of damage to one form, it would switch to another.
If Ella could survive through all four seasons, she would be considered a success.
After that, Yaling would cease the battle, gift her bloodline essence, and acknowledge Ella as a new member of the Yaling family.
Defeating Yaling was an impossible task, but holding out for a few rounds shouldn't be that difficult, right?
With this mindset, Ella spent three Saturated Black Magic Stones to secure the opportunity to challenge Yaling.
In the end, she was eliminated after less than five minutes.
"Losing to Yaling isn't shameful. What matters isn't the result, but the journey." Allen caressed his junior sister's hair and asked softly, "Tell me what difficulties you encountered. Perhaps I can help you solve them."
Ella nodded and recounted the challenge in detail.
Yaling's four forms correspond to different combat modes and specialized spells.
In its Spring form, its spiritual attributes are greatly enhanced, and it radiates a "rejuvenating aura" that continuously provides healing.
The Spring Elegant excels at healing and buff magic, but is the weakest in single combat among the four forms.
The Summer Form significantly boosts its physical attributes, favoring melee combat with a fierce and domineering style.
Surrounded by a "Scorching Heat Aura," it continuously inflicts heat damage to enemies.
The Autumn Elegant excels in agility, with a combat style similar to that of an assassin.
The "Wind and Rain Barrier" creates a wind wall and rain curtain, combined with erratic movements and incredible speed, making it incredibly elusive!
The final form, the "Winter Form," also strengthens its mental attributes, radiating a "Severe Cold Aura" that freezes and slows enemies.
The Winter Elegant excels in spellcasting and is proficient in various cold-themed magic.
Regardless of form, the Elegant excels in three common traits: Damage Reduction Armor, Superb Grace, and Magic Resistance Barrier.
Yaling's damage-reducing armor can only penetrate a level 3 enchanted cold iron weapon.
Extraordinary Elegance: Ability to use spiritual power to strengthen defense, similar to Qi sensing.
Yaling's magic barrier is on the same level as those of the Gaiding Celestial Clan and the Rakshasa Demonic Ghost, reaching a staggering level 4!
Most of the martial arts and magic skills Ella possesses are incapable of penetrating Yaling's magic barrier.
The only weapon capable of breaking through it is the "Vortex Dragon Claw," instilled in her through meditation and dual cultivation.
With this move, combined with improvisation, Ella barely manages to survive Yaling's weakest "Spring Form."
When Yaling shifts into "Summer Form," faced with the vast disparity in power, Ella dares not confront it head-on.
All she can do is fight and run, looking for an opportunity.
However...
"Brother, Summer Yaling's 'Scorching Heat Spiritual Energy' is too unpredictable."
"That's right!"
Ella complained to Allen, feeling aggrieved.
"Whenever I get within sixty meters of her, my whole body feels like it's on fire!"
"I can only hide at a distance and use my vortex dragon claws to fight her."
"It's a shame we're cornered. If we don't surrender, we'll be roasted..."
Alan nodded, took off his ring, and placed it on her hand.
"Junior sister, this ring protects against fire damage below level 5."
"With this ring, you can fight Xia Zhiyaling and make it through this round. There's a good chance you'll survive."
"Thank you, senior brother! But..." Ella said sheepishly, "I only have one Saturated Black Magic Stone left. I need two more to challenge Yaling again."
"I still have plenty of Saturated Black Magic Stones." "
Alan smiled and comforted his junior sister.
The eight saturated black magic stones she'd traded from Nora, plus the remaining one from Ella, were enough for her to challenge three more times.
Ella accepted the black magic stone, kissed Alan on the cheek, and excitedly ran to the barrier, challenging again.
Soon after, another person teleported out.
Avril returned first, followed by Flora.
After a tough battle, the two finally passed the trial and earned the qualification to advance to the Primal Magic Vine and Elona.
Elona was the "Flower Fairy Queen" of Silvermoon Island.
Alan had originally fused the 4th-level martial art "Bone Shattering Explosion" to escape her devouring.
Alan had never seen the Primal Magic Vine before. It's said that this giant plant can transform captured prey into half-plant, half-flesh puppets.
Through telepathy, it remotely controls the puppets to fight for it.
It sounds similar to a fungus beast created by parasitic spores.
Furthermore, the acid spewed by the Primordial Demon Vine is as corrosive as that of a full-grown black dragon.
As soon as Avril and Flora emerged, Alan could smell the fragrance of a unique ingredient from them.
Flora's scent came from Elona's blood essence, similar in composition to nectar, which Alan had already tasted.
Avril's aura was quite fresh.
"Junior Sister Avril, can you give me a drop of the Primordial Demon Vine's blood essence as research material? I'll trade it with a Wood Demon Stone."
"Research material..."
Avril was momentarily stunned, then a look of realization crossed her face.
"Yes! "Brother, you're a master of potions, inventing the world-famous Holy Water of Panthes, a potent cure for lycanthropy!"
Alan smiled sheepishly.
I'm not going to reveal that his alchemy skills rely primarily on cheats.
Avril, the tomboy, was truly generous. Without a word, she handed the blood collection bottle to Alan.
"Brother, you've helped us before. Talking about money between friends is tacky!"
"You only need one drop, and it won't hinder my advancement. Take it."
"Wait!" Flora interrupted quickly. "Talking about money between friends is tacky? Then why were you pushing me to pay you back just now?"
Avril rolled her eyes.
"With a shameless friend like you, I can only be a little tacky." "
Flora snorted angrily, hugged Avril, and whispered in her ear.
"Bah! Stop giving me such bad advice! I don't have any such dirty thoughts about Senior Brother Allen!"
Avril pushed Flora away, turned her head to glance at Allen, but then blushed and avoided his gaze.
Alan chuckled to himself.
Pretending not to hear their whispers, he drew a drop of amber liquid from the blood collection bottle and put it into his mouth.
Drip—
"Consume special ingredient: Primal Demon Vine Nectar!"
"Potential +3!"
"Spirit +1!"
"Extract acid resistance?"
"Increase acid resistance to level 6!" "
Current Attributes: Constitution 64, Agility 60, Spirit 65
Current Resistances: Virus Level 8 / Electricity Level 7 / Sonic Level 7 / Cold Level 5 / Acid Level 6 / Negative Energy Level 7
Potential Reserve: 43 points
…
A teleportation beam lit up from the other side of the barrier.
Olivia had returned.
She was only halfway through her advancement quest.
She challenged a High Treant, narrowly defeated, and obtained Bloodline Essence.
However, to advance from High Treant to "Tree Herder," she still lacked a crucial sacrifice.
"Alan, you have many friends and connections. Could you please help me find the core of a Level 6 Evil Construct?"
"Once I have this thing and offer it as a sacrifice, I can separate my body and soul in my atavistic form, transforming my body into a High Treant while my soul remains as a Dryad."
"No problem. I'll ask for you right away." "
Alan was about to send a letter to his friends and family when he heard Avril and Flora's screams from behind him.
Looking back, he saw Ella stumbling out of the teleportation array, bloodstains on her body, her hair stained pale by frost...
After taking just two steps, she collapsed to the ground, motionless.
Alan's heart trembled, and he rushed forward, scooping up his junior sister.
Ella was seriously injured and unconscious.
Luckily, she possessed a strong self-healing physique, and her external injuries would heal quickly on their own. However, the coldness in her body was more troublesome.
Olivia, Ai Wei'er and Flora also gathered around.
The three nature sorceresses all knew some healing spells.
They all cast spells together, healing Ella's wounds and relieving her pain.
After a long while,Ella finally regained consciousness.
She opened her eyes and saw the concerned faces of Alan and the others.
Ella's eyes immediately turned red, her lips pursed, and she cried out, "Brother!" in a sobbing voice.
"I'm sorry... I messed up again..."
This time, Ella borrowed Alan's fire-resistance ring and successfully made it through the first two levels.
Yaling's "Autumn Form" The combination of violent wind and heavy rain, coupled with the incredible speed, made this the most difficult stage to overcome.
Fortunately, Ella herself was known for her agility and was familiar with the fighting style of the "Autumn Elegant Spirit."
She relied on "Insect Armor" and "Rapid Self-Healing" to trade injuries and survive this stage.
By this time, Ella was exhausted.
With her physical strength overdrawn, her body's self-healing ability also declined significantly, making it impossible to heal the wounds in time.
Despite this, Ella refused to give up and persevered to challenge the Elegant Spirit's final "Winter Form."
"Only If she had held on a little longer, she would have succeeded. What a pity…"
Ella's choked words betrayed a deep sense of resentment.
What a pity, Yaling was too strong.
No matter how much she wanted to win, no matter how resilient she was, her spirit couldn't make up for the vast disparity in strength.
Yaling, transformed into her "winter form," her hair as white as snow, her body radiating a bone-chilling cold.
Raising her hand, she unleashed an "Ice Orb," freezing Ella to death.
…
After hearing her story, Olivia couldn't help but smile bitterly.
"Junior Sister Ella, with your strength, it's too early to challenge Yaling."
"Take my advice. Go back and practice in seclusion. After you break through to the fifth level, buy an anti-cold potion from Mr. Miri, and then come back to challenge Yaling."
"That's right. Instead of wasting magic stones by relying on sheer strength, it's better to improve yourself and be prepared before challenging." "
Flora and Avril also advised her not to rush.
Ella bit her lip and remained silent.
Alan saw the determination in his junior sister's eyes and took her hand, saying, "Just say what's on your mind. Don't worry about what others think."
"Well... Senior Brother, I know what everyone says makes sense, but I still want to give it a try."
Ella raised her head, a look of stubbornness on her face.
"With so many people participating in the trial, I don't necessarily think I'll be the only one to advance to the Elegant Spirit realm. If someone else gets there first, it would all be in vain." "
The top bloodlines in the Trial Space, such as the Yaling, Crimson Mist Devil, Vampire Count, Sky Behemoth, and Kraken, are all unique.
Whoever emerges as the leader will extinguish the hopes of those who come after them.
Alan had personally experienced similar things and knew that his junior sister's concerns were not unfounded.
In fact, because he had killed the only Kraken and wiped out an entire clan of deep-sea squid, he had indeed earned considerable hatred within the Trialists' circle.
However, anyone else in his position would have made the same self-serving choice.
You only have one chance; if you don't fight for it, someone else will snatch it away.
If you don't seize what Heaven gives you, you will suffer the consequences!
"Brother, I'll try one last time. If it doesn't work, I'll go home and practice in seclusion, okay? "
Ella begged.
Alan nodded gently, pulled the "Snake Mother's Tear" from his pocket, and pressed it into her hand.
"Junior Sister, I'll lend you this orb as well. It can protect you from Yaling's cold attacks."
"Also, I'll grant you the power of 'Freedom of Movement,' allowing you to fly freely in storms and unimpeded by magical slowdowns and restraints."
Olivia, Avril, and Flora also came to help Anel with various buff spells and offered advice.
"Thank you, everyone! I'm determined to succeed this time!" "
Encouraged by the crowd, Ella regained her courage.
After a short rest and regaining her strength, she challenged Yaling once more.
Alan, Olivia, Avril, and Flora waited anxiously for half an hour.
Finally, the teleportation beam lit up.
A small figure knelt on the ground in a panic.
Hands on the ground, breathing weakly.
Swish!
In a flash, Alan rushed to Ella and gently embraced her.
"Brother..."
Ella raised her bruised face and grinned.
"Thanks to the ancestors for their blessings... No, more importantly, thanks to everyone for their help... I passed!"
Alan breathed a sigh of relief and kissed Ella's haggard face.
"My poor dear, you've worked so hard!" "
"Honestly, I can't believe you were able to overcome such a difficult challenge."
"Your performance makes me proud... Whatever reward you desire, Senior Brother will satisfy you!"
"Hehe... Senior Brother, I want to turn into a cat, lick you in bed at night, enjoying your caress, and then..."
Ella was too embarrassed to say what happened next.
The coy charm in her eyes and eyebrows spoke volumes.
Alan's heart fluttered, and he kissed the little beauty in his arms again.
He took the blood collection bottle from her and expended 10 potential points to pre-blend Ella's and Ya Ling's blood essences.
He ensured that Ella's fusion with Ya Ling's bloodline would be a 100% success.
The reason for choosing fusion over the more stable advancement was that Ella's cultivation was only at the late fourth stage. The minimum requirement for advancing to the Elegant Spirit stage is the late Fifth Stage!
‐‐ Only fifty days remain of the Hundred-Day Trial, and advancing two stages in a row is practically impossible!
‐‐ The subjective reason is that Alan couldn't bear to see his junior sister give up her beastly bloodline and become a cute cat and cat-eared bee lady.
‐‐ For him, losing his adorable pet attributes would be a huge loss.
‐‐ Furthermore, by choosing to fuse her bloodlines, she would retain her "Rapid Self-Healing" physique, a talent not even possessed by Elegant Spirits, and second only to her "Regeneration" physique as a life-saving asset!
‐‐ To help his junior sister retain these bloodline talents, spending 10 potential points was worth it.