241: recovery

Under Xiao Chun's palm, those countless emerald threads of vitality were like the most skillful weavers or the roots of the earth, gently and continuously probing into the tree spirit's shattered body. They were not forcibly injected; instead, under the subtle guidance of the heart of the wood spirit's essence, they first brushed over the meridians and wood fibers that were chaotic and scorched by the impact of violent demon power like a clear spring, slightly soothing and cooling them down.

The tree spirit's faint remaining consciousness seemed to feel a touch of cool solace amidst the endless pain and darkness. The continuous oozing of dark green sap, representing the loss of life, slowed down significantly.

But this was only the beginning. The true key lay in the "Origin Spirit Core" that sat silent at the center of the tree spirit's trunk, covered in spiderweb-like cracks with its light nearly extinguished. That was its source of power and life Foundation as a Half-step Martial Emperor tree demon, yet at this moment, it was like a candle flickering in the wind.

Xiao Chun focused all her mental energy, controlling more threads of vitality to avoid the "ruins" and "traps" along the way, cautiously wrapping toward where the spirit core was located. She did not rashly use the Origin vitality from the deepest part of her Myriad Medicine Body—that was her trump card and would consume more energy. At this moment, she mainly relied on her own regular vitality guided and amplified by the heart of the wood spirit's essence, as well as the pure and peaceful life rhythm of the ancient forest carried by the heart of the wood spirit itself.

These emerald threads, like the gentlest tentacles, lightly adhered to the surface of the dim and damaged spirit core. They did not force their way in but began to release a gentle, life-filled "calling" and "nourishment." It was like spring rain soaking the parched earth, or the morning light awakening a dormant seed.

Gradually, that deathly still spirit core trembled imperceptibly. A faint green glow, almost undetectable, flickered with great difficulty deep within the narrowest crack.

It worked!

The guardian sentry, Rock Armor, who had been watching tensely, suddenly jolted its massive body! In its lava-like eyes, an expression of unbelievable ecstasy erupted! Between the gaps of the heavy, ashen bark armor on its body, dozens of tender green new leaves sprouted at a visible speed. The dancing vines on its head moved excitedly without any wind, rustling and swaying as if a human were dancing with joy!

It felt it! Though faint, it was a spark of activity rekindled within its offspring's Origin Spirit Core! It was a sign that the fire of life had been relit! This human girl had actually done it! Moreover, she seemed... not to have used that deeper power that made even it feel trepidation. Using only the heart of the wood spirit as a guide, combined with her own vast yet gentle vitality, she had reached the core!

Rock Armor's gaze toward Xiao Chun was instantly filled with gratitude and awe. The sense of estrangement originally brought about by its anxiety and pressure vanished completely.

The Wood Spirit's silhouette remained suspended quietly, but its emerald light seemed much softer and warmer, conveying thoughts of approval and expectation.

Xiao Chun remained focused, fine beads of sweat breaking out on her forehead, but her gaze was still intent. She guided the threads of vitality, continuously providing the purest and gentlest nourishment to that reviving "flame." The heart of the wood spirit's essence acted as the most stable energy source and mediator, ensuring her output of vitality was both sustained and precise, avoiding any secondary impact on the fragile spirit core.

Time passed quietly amidst the flow of light and shadow in the forest. One hour seemed exceptionally long, yet also seemed to pass in the blink of an eye.

The glow on the tree spirit's core gradually expanded from a single spark to several cracks, like a prairie fire. More and more cracks were filled and mended by this emerald light full of vitality. The spirit core itself began to rotate slowly; though slow, it was steady and powerful. It began to absorb the vitality Xiao Chun provided on its own and gave back a faint but pure wood-attribute demon power, starting to slowly repair the severe wounds throughout its body.

The edges of the hideous, massive gash on the main trunk began to squirm, growing fine, milky-white new wood as it tried to connect. At the broken branches, tender green buds also stubbornly poked out. The chaotic demon power gradually smoothed out, and the exchange of Spiritual Qi with the forest environment was re-established.

The moment the last major crack was completely covered and healed by the emerald vitality—

"Buzz..."

A low hum, filled with comfort and the sense of new life, emanated from within the tree spirit. Its entire trunk, including the new parts, simultaneously emitted a soft and stable emerald radiance. Though its aura was still weak and far from recovering to the level of a Half-step Martial Emperor, the decay and despair of impending death had completely dissipated, replaced by a solid, steadily recovering life force! The Origin Spirit Core was stable, and the cycle of life was rebuilt!

It had been pulled back from the brink of total annihilation!

"Heh... heh..." The distorted, pained face on the tree spirit's trunk smoothed out completely, letting out soft breathing sounds like an infant sleeping soundly as it fell into a most stable restorative slumber.

"Success! It really worked!" Rock Armor could no longer contain itself. Its low roar was full of excitement and gratitude. Its massive body even trembled slightly with excitement, causing the surrounding ground to quiver and the new leaves to rustle. The way it looked at Xiao Chun was as if it were looking at the forest's benefactor.

The Wood Spirit's silhouette also fluctuated slightly, conveying clear relief and gratitude: "Child, you have done better than expected. By awakening and stabilizing its Origin in such a gentle and precise manner, you have avoided possible future troubles. The forest shall remember this kindness."

Xiao Chun took a long breath and withdrew her hands, the emerald halo slowly receding into her body. Her face was somewhat pale, and her breathing was slightly unsteady; an hour of high focus and continuous output had taken quite a toll. However, her eyes were full of joy and the relief of completing a major task. Qin Feng immediately stepped forward to support her, feeding a Medicinal Pill to restore Origin Qi into her mouth, and said softly, "You've worked hard. You did a wonderful job."

The Wood Spirit's silhouette turned toward Qin Feng: "The time to fulfill the promise has arrived."

As soon as it finished speaking, the trees around the clearing seemed to come alive, their branches stretching out. Over a dozen fruits of various shapes, all emitting an alluring luster and dense Spiritual Qi, were carried by soft natural forces and flew before Qin Feng and the others. Some of these fruits were like red jade, some like ice crystals, some were wrapped in lightning patterns, and some emitted a strange fragrance. Every single one was a treasure, and the spiritual power and medicinal properties they contained were not at all inferior to the top-grade Spirit Pills produced by the Medicine King Valley, even surpassing them in certain special effects.

"A few forest fruits to express my gratitude. They can replenish your consumption on the way," the Wood Spirit said gently.

Qin Feng did not decline. He cupped his hands in thanks and properly put away the spiritual fruits. These were truly good things.