240: Heart of the Wood Spirit

In the center of the clearing, the space beside the heavily injured treant rippled like water. Countless crystalline emerald points of light, like fireflies, precipitated from the surrounding ancient trees, vines, and even the humus layer beneath their feet, converging like a pilgrimage. The points of light gathered more and more, growing brighter, yet they didn't feel dazzling at all; instead, they exuded a vibrant vitality that calmed the mind. They circled and fused, finally outlining a hazy and brilliant silhouette about two people tall.

The silhouette was roughly humanoid, yet it had the gnarled outlines of an ancient tree. Its entire body was composed of flowing emerald radiance, with faint shadows of branches, leaves, and roots appearing and disappearing within it. It had no specific facial features, but when it "faced" the crowd, Qin Feng and the others clearly felt a gentle, ancient "gaze" that seemed to perceive the essence of life sweep over them.

The Spirit of the Ancient Wood Deep Forest.

This title naturally surfaced in everyone's hearts, carrying an unspeakable awe. Its very existence was like the manifestation of the will of this boundless forest—serene, profound, and majestic.

In "Rock Armor's" lava-like eyes, the violence and anxiety instantly faded, replaced by incomparable piety and submissiveness. All its dancing vines drooped down obediently, and its massive body lowered slightly, emitting a low, bow-like hum.

The Wood Spirit's silhouette seemed to "nod" slightly, acknowledging the Guardian Guard's respect. Then, that invisible "gaze" bypassed the battle-ready Qin Feng, Tao Yuanyi, and the others, as if penetrating all barriers, and landed precisely on Xiao Chun, who was being firmly protected in the center of the group.

"Eh?"

A clear, peaceful sound of light surprise rang out directly in everyone's Sea of Consciousness, carrying unconcealed astonishment.

"Within such a young human shell... there actually slumbers such a sea-like, majestic, and spring-like pure Origin of life?" The Wood Spirit's mental fluctuations flowed naturally, like a breeze brushing through the treetops. "Though it is like unpolished jade with its spiritual radiance restrained, this thick Foundation and exuberant vitality... even in my long years, it is rare."

Its "gaze" seemed to carry warmth, making Xiao Chun shudder involuntarily. She instinctively shrank behind Qin Feng, and Little Fire in her arms also let out an uneasy low cry.

The Wood Spirit made no further move, but the silhouette seemed to become a bit more solid. Its mental fluctuations turned toward Qin Feng, its tone peaceful yet pointing directly to the core:

"Young travelers, and this girl who possesses a Treasure Trove. I mean no ill will; I only sensed that the offspring of my guardian is in mortal danger, and among you, there happens to exist a slim possibility of saving its life."

Within the silhouette, a particularly condensed wisp of emerald light, nearly the color of liquid Imperial Jade, separated itself. It was about the thickness of a finger and a foot long. It wasn't dazzling, but it contained a mesmerizing rhythm of life and a pure aura of the wood Law, floating quietly in mid-air.

"This is a wisp of the Origin essence of the 'heart of the wood spirit'." The Wood Spirit introduced, its voice explaining directly in everyone's hearts. "It is the crystallized condensation of my long years of accumulation and the forest's blessing, containing extremely pure Wood Spirit vitality and natural Dao resonance."

Its "gaze" fell back onto Xiao Chun once more:

"Child, although the vitality in your body is thick, it is like an unguided river—surging but lacking order, making it difficult to precisely apply to a specific target, and it is too dazzling, easily attracting prying eyes. This wisp of the heart of the wood spirit essence can temporarily coexist with you. It can serve as an excellent 'bridge' and 'amplifier' to guide your own life force, making it more affinity-based and penetrative, focusing on healing. More importantly—"

The Wood Spirit paused, its silhouette flickering slightly:

"It can emit a layer of natural spiritual resonance originating from the ancient forest, cleverly covering and neutralizing your overly special fluctuations of the life Origin. While it is in effect, unless you encounter a being whose Realm is far higher than mine or one who has delved deeply into the Law of life and deliberately investigates, others will find it difficult to easily identify the uniqueness of your Physique."

As soon as these words were spoken, a sharp light flashed in Qin Feng's eyes! Masking the special aura of the Myriad Medicine Body! This was exactly what they needed! One of their biggest concerns before was that Xiao Chun's Physique was like a bright lantern in the dark night, easily attracting unnecessary trouble and covetousness. If this heart of the wood spirit truly had such an effect, its value would be immeasurable!

The Wood Spirit continued to state the terms of the transaction, its voice peaceful yet carrying the unquestionable nature characteristic of the forest's will:

"My power is one with the prosperity and decline of this forest, subject to the most primitive Laws of natural balance. Regarding the injury of an individual offspring, unless it involves the overall survival of the forest, I cannot directly interfere with its life process; this is an ironclad rule. But I can provide assistance and compensation."

"The trade is simple: this wisp of heart of the wood spirit essence is gifted to this girl. She needs to use it as a guide to mobilize her own vitality and attempt to awaken and repair the nearly extinguished Origin of my offspring (pointing to the dying treant). You may all act as Protectors by her side."

"Regardless of whether you ultimately succeed in saving it—"

The Wood Spirit's mental fluctuations were clear and firm,

"As long as you do your best and have no intention to cause harm, 'Rock Armor' will follow my will and personally escort your group along the safest 'Shady Ancient Path' through the Ancient Wood Deep Forest, until you are beyond 'Old Crow Ridge'. There, it will point out the most convenient and safe path toward your destination."

"If the treatment is successful, the Ancient Wood Deep Forest will remember this friendship, and you may receive additional blessings; if it fails, it shall be considered fate. You may leave peacefully, with neither side owing the other. As for today's events, the forest's will shall keep the secret."

The conditions were clean and efficient, the pros and cons clearly laid out on the table.

Qin Feng's brain worked rapidly. The benefits were obvious: First, obtaining the heart of the wood spirit to hide Xiao Chun's Physique and solve a long-term hidden danger; second, regardless of the treatment's success, they would gain the personal escort of this terrifying forest's guardian to safely cross this dangerous land, completely avoiding the Yin Demon Sect's search network that likely started from 'White River Village'—this was the most practical free escape route at hand; third, the opportunity to befriend an ancient and powerful forest will, which might have potential benefits in the long run.

What about the risks? Mainly Xiao Chun's consumption and safety during the treatment. But the Wood Spirit explicitly allowed them to act as Protectors. With two experienced Late Stage Martial Kings like Tao Yuanyi and Cold Peach Blossom, plus himself, Xia Ya, and Ji Ruxue on guard, safety should be somewhat guaranteed. The Wood Spirit's attitude was sincere, and having sworn by the forest's will, its credibility seemed high. As for the treatment itself, they just had to do their best; success wasn't forced, so the pressure wasn't great.

No matter how he looked at it, this deal was a guaranteed win, especially the promise of a 'safe escort,' which was like sending charcoal in the snow for their current situation.

Qin Feng and Tao Yuanyi quickly exchanged a glance. Tao Yuanyi nodded imperceptibly, indicating that the trade was feasible and the risks were controllable.

"Xiao Chun, what do you think?" Qin Feng asked the girl behind him softly; after all, she needed to lead the treatment.

Xiao Chun looked up at the gentle silhouette of the Wood Spirit, then glanced at the treant not far away whose aura was weak as if it would completely wither at any moment. A flash of pity and sympathy crossed her eyes. She could vaguely feel the pain and the desire for life coming from that treant. She took a deep breath and nodded to Qin Feng: "Brother Feng, I'm willing to try. With the help of the heart of the wood spirit, it shouldn't be too difficult... and, it looks so pitiful."

Qin Feng squeezed her hand to encourage her. Then, he stepped forward, cupped his fists toward the Wood Spirit's silhouette, and said loudly, "Senior's conditions are fair, and your sincerity is evident. We are willing to accept this trade. Please, Senior and the Guardian Guard, ensure the absolute safety of my companion during the rescue process."

"Good." The Wood Spirit's silhouette rippled slightly, seemingly with a sense of approval. "The forest's promise is heavier than a rock."

The wisp of emerald heart of the wood spirit essence floating in the air seemed to possess spirituality as it drifted lightly toward Xiao Chun. Xiao Chun reached out somewhat nervously, and the radiance merged into her palm like a water droplet into a sponge, flowing silently through her arm's Meridians directly toward her heart.

"Buzz—"

A slight sound, as if plants were sprouting, came from within Xiao Chun. In an instant, a gentle emerald green halo bloomed around her. It wasn't dazzling, but it made her look like a forest elf. She felt a cool, comfortable, majestic, and incredibly familiar surge of vitality energy dissolve at her heart, quickly flowing through her limbs and bones, blending perfectly with her own life Origin. Not only was there no rejection, but it acted like the best catalyst and guide, causing her perception and control over the vast vitality in her body to instantly rise by several levels!

What was even more wonderful was that a faint, natural, fresh aura originating from the ancient forest spread from her body, as if draping her in an invisible 'forest garment.' Under the cover of this aura, her originally pure and tempting 'Myriad Medicine Body' Origin fluctuations—which were hard to hide even when deliberately restrained—were indeed cleverly covered and neutralized. It became subtle and reserved, as if it were merely a talent with high affinity for wood-attribute Spiritual Qi. (Sensed by Sword Heart; outsiders might not necessarily know.)

Qin Feng sensed carefully, and a heavy stone fell from his heart. This masking effect of the heart of the wood spirit was indeed extraordinary!

Xiao Chun closed her eyes and felt for a moment. When she opened them again, a flash of emerald light passed through her eyes, and her entire temperament seemed a bit more serene and transparent. She nodded to Qin Feng and the Wood Spirit: "I'm ready."

"Go, child. Let nature take its course; just do your best," the Wood Spirit said gently.

The Guardian Guard "Rock Armor" also emitted a low hum, and all its vines retreated further, leaving a larger space. Its lava eyes stared intently at its offspring, a mix of tension and expectation.

Qin Feng signaled everyone to spread out, forming a loose semi-circle to protect Xiao Chun's rear and flanks. Tao Yuanyi and Cold Peach Blossom linked their Qi, locking onto "Rock Armor" and the surrounding environment. Xia Ya tilted her giant shield slightly, and Ji Ruxue's fingertips were wreathed in frost.

Xiao Chun calmed her breathing and, under everyone's protection, walked once more to the side of the heavily injured treant. This time, with the cool flow and guidance of the heart of the wood spirit essence at her heart, her perception was crystal clear. She could even "see" the dim and broken Origin core within the treant, as well as the scattered and chaotic life streams everywhere.

She gently placed her hands near the most severe crack in the treant's trunk, emerald halos flowing in her palms. With a slight thought, it was no longer the relatively crude vitality transmission from before. Instead, under the precise guidance of the heart of the wood spirit essence, her own life force was refined and shaped, turning into countless threads of vitality—thinner than hair and shimmering with a faint emerald luster. Like living roots, they tenderly yet firmly probed into the treant's wound, avoiding those violent and chaotic energies, winding toward the silent and dying Origin core.

The treatment officially began. The shadows in the forest were mottled, and only that emerald radiance of life flowed slowly, nurturing hope in the silence.