On the snow-capped mountain not far away, Wen Zhihan used the original story as his clue and quickly located the true form of the Leaving-Man Tree.
According to the descriptions in the original story, this Leaving-Man Tree possessed a vast amount of knowledge and secrets, but it was completely unaware of the existence of transmigrators, so it simply regarded Wen Zhihan as a wicked person who bullied his disciple.
Wen Zhihan did not intend to expose the fact that he had been possessed early on, especially since he had now returned and chased away the possessor. Faced with potential hostility, he had made thorough preparations.
He deliberately used a spell to conceal his aura and footsteps, fearing that he might inadvertently startle the Leaving-Man Tree and be driven away before any conversation could even take place.
Yet, upon seeing its tree-like shadow from afar, until he walked right up to it, this Leaving-Man Tree had no intention of intentionally frightening him away or pulling up its roots to find another place to stand.
That certainly made things convenient.
Seeing that the Leaving-Man Tree had no intention of fleeing, Wen Zhihan put away the prepared talisman papers and instead produced a translucent, emerald-green jade purification bottle.
He had considered whether he should simply eradicate this sentient Leaving-Man Tree altogether.
However, this tree was no ordinary spirit beast; its root system spread far too wide. If every single root were not completely destroyed, even a single surviving strand would allow it to slowly grow back.
By then, the future troubles would be endless.
Therefore, Wen Zhihan still chose to prioritize a friendly approach.
He noticed that the humanoid dead tree swayed slightly as if caught by a breeze, but still showed no sign of paying attention to him. He gently shook the jade bottle in his hand.
“This is a bottle of supreme Jade Sweet Dew. Leaving-Man Tree, if you like it, I will give it to you.”
Jade Sweet Dew.
This substance was considered a luxury item throughout the entire cultivation world.
Even in the eyes of mortals, it was the ultimate enjoyment, more fragrant and mellow than fine wine, yet non-intoxicating. Under the moonlight, it sparkled with tiny points of light like the Milky Way, while in the daylight, it resembled silk spun from gold; when carefully touched, it would melt into a dense, viscous liquid.
Rumors claimed it was brewed from the blood of dragons, while ancient texts mentioned it was the dew dropped by the ancestral progenitor of immortality when resolving a world-destroying catastrophe among mortals, capable of bringing dead wood back to life.
This liquid was even more precious and mysterious than a spiritual spring. Whether human, ghost, spirit, or even a demonic cultivator, drinking it allowed one to experience an unprecedented, wondrous sensation. Furthermore, consuming it could stimulate unprecedented potential in a short period of time, and those with superior innate talent could even use it to break through the karmic trials of fate.
Wen Zhihan had never tasted this substance himself. He simply felt that although it seemed precious and possessed subtle effects, it offered no significant help toward the long-term pursuit of the cultivation path; instead, it would cause many people to neglect their meals and sleep over it, making it truly unnecessary.
Yet, he had gambled correctly, as the Leaving-Man Tree was extremely interested in such a rare and miraculous item.
The rough, mottled tree bark morphed into human facial features, bowing down bit by bit in his direction.
Because it was a tree, its stature was still a foot taller than Wen Zhihan. As it approached with its head full of withered branches, it cast a small, spiderweb-like shadow over him.
Human, this smells very sweet. Are you trying to tempt me?
You brought this right to my face, do you have a request of me?
“I do indeed have a favor to ask.”
Wen Zhihan showed no fear of the Leaving-Man Tree’s attempt to loom over him and display its formidable physique, as he still smiled with composure. “Work for me, Leaving-Man Tree.”
Such arrogant phrasing, what do you mean?
“My meaning is that you possess immense power, endless longevity, and are a spiritual entity forged by heaven and earth. Since that is the case, do you not wish to be praised by all ages and enjoy boundless offerings?”
Wen Zhihan stepped closer. To lower the Leaving-Man Tree’s vigilance, he even unbuckled his own spiritual sword and tossed it aside.
Countless withered branches resembling monster arms stirred to life, rapidly wrapping around the silver sword and binding it layer upon layer, ensuring that even if he executed a sword incantation, he would be unable to draw it.
More branches reached toward Wen Zhihan as well, as though attempting to trap him there. Several branches continued to grow, transforming into vine-like, slender stalks and leaves that coiled tightly around Wen Zhihan’s ankles, anchoring him firmly to the ground.
Aren’t you afraid that I’ll kill and eat you right now? Such an immediate benefit is far better than those deceitful human mouths of yours!
“Then go ahead and try, see whether you kill me first, or this bottle of liquid runs dry first.”
Wen Zhihan remained unhurried, raising his hand to directly pour that unimaginably precious Jade Sweet Dew onto the snow.
The mouth of the bottle in his hand was tilted at a halfway angle, transforming the golden, fragrant liquid into a thin, steady stream that poured downward, striking the soft snow and wasting away continuously.
The Leaving-Man Tree panicked immediately. Several roots pulled themselves out of the ground, frantically catching the liquid beneath while wrapping upward toward the bottle’s mouth, grabbing his arm in an attempt to stop him from continuing to pour.
Stop! Are you retaliating against me? Hurry up and stop, you wasteful scoundrel!
It shouted irritably, yet Wen Zhihan’s arm remained completely unmoving. Branch after branch and root after root coiled around his wrists and arms, nearly dragging him up to hang suspended in the air. However, with abundant spiritual energy gathering within Wen Zhihan’s body, such thick vegetation proved utterly powerless against him.
After merely a moment of hesitation, an entire bottle of precious Jade Sweet Dew had been poured out completely by Wen Zhihan.
“Leaving-Man Tree, I merely wish to make an exchange with you. Calm down.”
In stark contrast to his actions, the tone of Wen Zhihan’s voice was exceptionally calm and gentle. “There is plenty more of this Jade Sweet Dew. You need only help me with two matters…”
Clearly, staying calm was not that easy.
Ahhhhh, crafty, cunning, despicable villain, shameless scoundrel, ahhhhh!
The Leaving-Man Tree cursed furiously, the entire tree pulling itself out of the ground and instantly transforming into a towering ancient tree several stories high, with countless branches stabbing toward Wen Zhihan from all directions.
With a deafening boom, white snow exploded outward like a blast.
After the snow fog cleared, a black figure radiating icy murderous intent was seen standing guard in front, wielding a sword flashing with dark light that slashed a vast cluster of branches clean in half, leaving a deep sword gash even on the thick trunk ahead.
Behind him stood Wen Zhihan, completely unharmed in his original spot. One hand was clasped behind his back while the other formed a spell, enveloping his entire body in a faint golden light that successfully blocked all the remaining branches behind him.
A rumbling sound echoed as countless branches and roots fell onto the snow. Those parts that failed to reach Wen Zhihan instantly lost their vitality as if struck by lightning.
Wen Zhihan looked at the figure that had suddenly appeared before him, staring in stunned shock. “Shen Zong? Weren’t you…”
Shen Zong did not look back at him, standing rigidly in place with his long sword pointing straight at the giant humanoid tree ahead.
For a moment, the Leaving-Man Tree fell silent as well.
Oh no.
Panic gripped the Leaving-Man Tree inwardly. It had been negotiating with these two people separately! Although it had acted on impulse just a moment ago, it was merely a momentary lapse in judgment!
If these master and disciple matched notes, the fact that it had been playing both sides of the negotiation would be exposed, resulting in a total loss on both ends!
Following a brief silence, the Leaving-Man Tree swiftly shrank its entire body back into the earth, leaving behind only the tip of a tiny tree twig.
It fled.
Shen Zong uttered not a word and strode forward in pursuit.
Yet before they had gone far, just after closing the distance to a place where neither side could be seen, the small tree sapling stopped.
Not only did it stop, but it immediately began buttering him up.
I said I didn’t mean to, do you believe me?
Shen Zong wished he could chop this sapling down with another sword strike, but doing so would be entirely meaningless. Suppressing his rising anger, he said, “I believe I already made it clear: he is mine, and only I am allowed to kill him. No one else is permitted to make a move! What were you trying to do just then?!”
I just acted on impulse! Who told him to infuriate me?
If you care about him so much and don’t want him to die, you should’ve just said so! I figured as long as we didn’t kill him it would be fine…
“Shut up.”
Shen Zong clutched his temples, snapping, “Stop saying such disgusting things! And don’t do anything unnecessary!”
Although this Leaving-Man Tree possessed unfathomable power and knew many secret techniques and lost arts that existed only in legends, its brain genuinely seemed less than stellar. Rather than living for five hundred years, it acted more like a five-year-old child.
Shen Zong truly loathed the idea of it messing up his plans.
Fine, fine, I’ve already told you the secret art for faking your death; just follow the instructions. But don’t forget to keep a branch of mine by your side; I will assist you in completing this matter.
You mentioned there was a second matter, what is it?
The Leaving-Man Tree shook the little sapling atop its head, hurriedly steering the conversation back to business.
On the other side, Wen Zhihan raised a hand to give chase, but his ankle caught tightly, nearly causing him to stumble. Looking down, he saw that the Leaving-Man Tree’s roots were still gripping him.
“What are you doing?”
Nothing, just leading the troublesome person away! I was only trying to scare you; he was genuinely out for my life!
A phrase automatically flashed through Wen Zhihan’s mind: serves you right.
Changing the subject, Wen Zhihan asked, “Leaving-Man Tree, have you made up your mind?”
A green shoot indeed broke through the ice, appearing before him with a deeply unconvinced demeanor.
You’re already in such a pathetic state, and you’re still trying to negotiate with me?
I’ll have you know I’m an ancient spirit tree; my grandfather’s grandfather existed ten thousand years ago… Why am I even telling you this?!
Wen Zhihan was slightly amused by it.
“I still have plenty of such fine items. If you regret it now, listen carefully to my conditions.”
Are you a person of your word?
“I am the peak master of Qiongwu Peak; my word naturally holds weight.”
Wen Zhihan slowly continued, “To keep it brief, there are only two things I require you to do for me. First, help me track down the whereabouts of a lingering soul; I already know the general region.”
Oh, that’s easy enough. All my plant friends will keep an eye out for it. What’s the second thing?
“The second thing is to stay far away from my disciple, Shen Zong.”
As Wen Zhihan spoke, his tone abruptly chilled. Whether it was imagination or not, the Leaving-Man Tree’s leaves trembled, sensing a hint of threat.
Do not attempt to lure him into doing anything.
That’s simple!
Elsewhere, Shen Zong stated in an equally cold tone,
“Stay far away from Wen Zhihan. Without my permission, no one is allowed to meddle in affairs between him and me.”
The Leaving-Man Tree’s leaves fluttered. Although it lacked human facial features, an overwhelming aura of speechlessness radiated from it.
You master-and-disciple pair…
“What?”
Are you two out of your minds?