Chapter 2
The signs of the storm grew increasingly clear, as gray-white walls of clouds pressed down relentlessly on the desolate plains like enraged beasts. The earth trembled incessantly, and the roots of plants stirred, preparing for the impending catastrophe.
I cling tightly to the soil, my roots penetrating every inch of the moist earth. The bud spirit within me flickers with a faint light, becoming my only solace and guidance.
“Two, three, seven, a storm is coming. We must accelerate rooting and strengthen the resilience of the root system, or we will be uprooted.” Ya Ling’s voice was tense.
I felt the tremors on the surface of the soil growing more and more rapid. Not far away, the remains of the competing plants that I had defeated were being torn apart by the storm, turning into humus and merging into the earth.
I began to absorb the remaining nutrients with all my might and mobilized the energy in my body to strengthen the root system.
[Skill Trigger: Root Enhancement Lv2]
[Deeperization of roots +30%]
[Improved toughness and enhanced resistance to pull-out]
The storm finally arrived, with howling winds carrying dust and broken leaves. The sunlight was instantly obscured by dark clouds, the temperature plummeted, and a chill seeped into my stem.
The storm, like an invisible giant claw, dug, shook, and tore at my roots.
"Don't let go!" the bud spirit cried out inside me. "Concentrate your strength and protect the root system!"
I mobilized the nutrients accumulated within my body, transforming them into countless fine roots that tightly intertwined, forming a sturdy root network. The soil was churned up, mud splashed everywhere, but nothing could stop my perseverance.
In the storm, I felt an unprecedented pain and a clash of forces. Each blow from the storm felt like a test of fate, trying to make me give up on growing.
Time seemed to stand still, and my roots gradually became tough and strong.
Finally, the storm gradually subsided, and the desolate plains regained a brief moment of tranquility. Sunlight once again shone gently through the clouds.
The Bud Spirit vibrated excitedly: "Two, Three, Seven, you have passed the 'Storm Trial'! Your root system's resilience has significantly improved, and your roots are now more firmly planted."
I slowly unfurled new leaves, feeling life flow through my entire body once more.
But I know this is just the beginning.
Not far away, the ground suddenly shook, and a towering black shadow slowly rose up—a mature "shadow leaf mother plant," whose huge leaves blocked out the sky and whose roots were deeply embedded in the ground.
[System Warning: Shadow Leaf Mother Plant Appears, Top Ecological Competitor]
[Target of the shadow-leaf mother plant: Eliminate all competing seedlings and monopolize sunlight and nutrients]
The light in the bud suddenly tightened: "It is our greatest threat. It is powerful and possesses the unique skill 'Shadow Devouring,' which can greatly reduce the photosynthetic efficiency of opponents in a short period of time."
I felt a surge of energy within me and knew I had to react quickly.
"Bud Spirit, activate the 'Vine Growth' skill and evolve with all your might! We can't let it suppress us!" I said resolutely.
The bud spirit's light grew brighter and brighter, and its form gradually changed, extending out countless slender vines.
"Prepare for battle, two, three, seven, we cannot back down."
The massive shadow of the mother plant's leaves slowly descended, and my roots and vines suddenly burst forth with a powerful growth momentum, lunging towards it...
The mother plant of the Shadow Leaf is like a living, giant green tower, its thick leaves cutting through the air like blades, casting shadows that seem to devour all light. Its massive root system lies deep in the soil, carrying boundless power and murderous intent.
"Shadow Devour, activate!" Sprout warned in a low voice.
A surge of dark energy erupted from the roots of the mother plant, spreading rapidly, and photosynthesis began to weaken drastically. My leaves gradually lost their luster, and my vitality was steadily eroded.
"We can't let it succeed!" I gritted my teeth, mobilized the remaining nutrients in my body, and urged the bud spirit to release its skill.
"Vine growth, Lv2, full burst!" The bud spirit's light suddenly intensified, and countless vines shot out from my body like steel cables, spreading rapidly in the soil like living things, piercing the roots of the Shadow Leaf mother plant.
The vines and roots intertwined fiercely, shaking the soil until it cracked. The mother plant tried to fight back with her roots, her razor-sharp branches sweeping wildly, but the vines' suppleness made them difficult to catch.
[Skill Trigger: Strangulation Net Lv2]
The vines spread out countless fine net-like structures, firmly binding the roots of the mother plant and restricting its movement.
"Keep absorbing!" the Bud Spirit called out.
I focused my mind and began to use my roots to absorb nutrients from the bound root system, trying to weaken my opponent.
The mother plant struggled violently, and the shadow energy fluctuations became even more intense, attempting to break free of its restraints with "Shadow Devouring".
"Attention! The shadow energy fluctuations are increasing dramatically!" Ya Ling warned urgently.
I felt a chilling surge of energy; the leaves were covered in darkness, and photosynthesis almost stopped.
"Concentrate all your energy and launch the final attack!" I shouted.
The bud spirit condensed into a bright green flame within my body, like a sharp blade of light, piercing straight towards the main root of the mother plant.
[Skill Trigger: Light Blade Slash]
The blade of light pierced through the shadows, severing the roots and tearing open a fatal rift.
The mother plant of the shadow-leafed plant emitted a deafening "tearing sound," its leaves withered one after another, and its huge trunk swayed unsteadily.
Finally, its main root was severed, the enormous creature collapsed to the ground, and sunlight once again bathed the entire battlefield.
[Defeat the Shadow Leaf Mother Plant]
[Nutrients +50, energy concentration greatly increased]
[Unlock Skill: Photosynthesis Enhancement]
[The Sprite has been upgraded to its intermediate form and the "Light Blade Slash" skill has been unlocked.]
I felt an unprecedented surge of power coursing through my body; the leaves became greener, and the roots stronger.
The bud spirit trembled gently: "Two, three, seven, we've taken another step closer to the mother tree."
I took a deep breath of the sun-drenched air, my heart filled with unwavering resolve.
"Yes, Bud Spirit. No matter how many storms and enemies I face, I will grow until I become a true mother tree."
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com
