Chapter 79 The Tree of Life Absorbs the Vitality of the Mountains and Forests
When they finished work early, carrying shovels, they received envious glances from the educated youth who were still struggling in the mud.
After all, partnering with Xu Zhili means efficiency, quality, and precious rest time.
Xu Zhili seemed to be used to this. She didn't pay much attention to those gazes and went straight to Xie Dongmei, the scorekeeper, who was sitting on a small stool under the shade of a tree.
She raised her hand to wipe the fine sweat from her forehead, her face flushed from the work, her smile gentle yet earnest: "Comrade Xie, thank you for your hard work. Please make sure you record the work points for my group and Sister Chunyan's group today accurately."
Xie Dongmei looked up, her face immediately breaking into a warm smile, and nodded repeatedly: "Don't worry, Xu Zhiqing, when have you two ever been quick and efficient? I remember it all clearly, there's no mistake."
Looking at the slender yet incredibly strong girl from the south, she couldn't help but admire her: What a rare and good comrade! She's reliable and hardworking, without a trace of fussiness.
At this moment, Li Chunyan also came over with a smile, affectionately taking Xu Zhili's arm, her voice full of joy and gratitude.
"Zhili, you're such a lucky star! Working with you is so fast and efficient, and it's not tiring at all. Next time... next time, can we work together again?"
Her eyes sparkled with anticipation.
Xu Zhili, being held by her arm, felt the genuine closeness and trust from the other person, and couldn't help but laugh heartily, revealing a row of neat pearly teeth, her voice clear and bright.
“Sure, Sister Chunyan, as long as we can team up when assigning tasks, there’s definitely no problem! It’s easy for me to work with you.”
She gently patted Li Chunyan's hand, which was linked with hers, in a natural and affectionate gesture.
"It's settled then. I'll go back and wash off this mud first."
Li Chunyan let go of the shovel with satisfaction, picked it up, and walked briskly toward the educated youth settlement, her back view exuding ease and joy.
As the sun rose higher, Hsu Chih-li sensed the outside world through her spatial watch; there were still about two hours until noon.
A sense of peace and warmth welled up in her heart—she had An'an at home, and the Life Tree avatar was protecting her; now was the perfect time to go to the back mountain.
The mountain breeze swept across the fields, carrying the unique sweetness of the grass and trees.
Xu Zhili recalled the life-giving tree in the space that seemed eager to grow.
The message it conveys is vague yet urgent, as if it needs to draw upon some kind of vitality, and the essence of plants is the first choice.
Although I don't know exactly how it works, it wouldn't hurt to give it a try.
She carried a slightly worn wicker basket on her back and walked briskly along the path leading to the back of the mountain.
The forest is dappled with sunlight and shadow, filled with the chirping of birds. Far from human habitation, the air is filled with a refreshing and invigorating atmosphere.
The deeper you go, the stronger the vibrant life force originating from the myriad plants becomes, as if you can touch an invisible, energetic pulse.
"You felt it too, didn't you?"
Xu Zhili silently inquired about the divine tree within the space in her heart.
Her response was a clearer, almost excited urging, like a fledgling eager to venture out of its nest.
As you walk towards the mountain stream, a clear, cool brook flows gently.
Xu Zhili couldn't help but squat down and scoop up a handful of stream water.
The cool touch instantly dispelled the slight heat from walking, and she sighed comfortably, splashing water on her cheeks. Water droplets dripped down her chin, bringing a refreshing coolness.
Sunlight filtered through layers of leaves, dancing on her dew-kissed eyelashes and making her eyes sparkle.
Just then, the longing emanating from the divine tree in the space reached its peak, almost with a coquettish "pulling" sensation.
Xu Zhili smiled gently and looked around.
This mountain forest is lush and the terrain is relatively flat, with few people around.
With a slight thought, the phantom of a divine tree, radiant with light and its branches and leaves seemingly woven from stars, materialized in her palm.
It was so dazzling and out of place in this simple mountain forest.
"Be good, keep a low profile." Xu Zhili concentrated her mind, and an invisible force enveloped the Tree of Life.
In an instant, the dazzling light subsided, and the illusory image took root on the ground, transforming into a seemingly ordinary oak tree with exceptionally lush foliage, except that the edges of its leaves faintly shimmered with an almost imperceptible emerald green halo.
The Tree of Life seemed to sway its branches and leaves gently, as if feeling somewhat aggrieved. Then, like a traveler who had been parched for a long time and finally received rain, it stretched its invisible roots deep into the earth.
The surrounding air seemed to distort slightly, and wisps of pale green fragrance, invisible to the naked eye and containing the essence of plants, gently and continuously flowed towards its roots, as if drawn by an invisible force.
It absorbed the nutrients with utmost focus and satisfaction, its branches and leaves moving without wind, emitting a very subtle rustling sound, like a satisfied sigh.
Watching the Tree of Life take root peacefully, slowly and steadily absorbing the vitality bestowed by the mountains and forests, Xu Zhili felt a strange sense of peace and satisfaction welling up in her heart.
She gently patted the rough tree trunk and whispered, "Absorb slowly, I'll just stay here and keep an eye on things." The Tree of Life transmitted back a languid and joyful feeling.
After settling the sacred tree, Xu Zhili began her "treasure hunt".
She moved with light steps, her gaze like the most precise scanner, carefully scanning the dense bushes, the gnarled tree roots, and the thick layer of fallen leaves.
Fresh wild vegetables, unknown mushrooms, and potentially useful herbs... each of these could become a part of your household's reserves.
More importantly, in this vibrant mountain forest, prey means fresh meat, and it also means that through her mother's promise of a mysterious system, she can obtain more security for her family.
Suddenly, a faint rustling sound came from a small patch of low grass ahead.
Xu Zhili held her breath instantly, her body remaining still as if blending into the shadows of the trees.
She squinted slightly, and through the gaps in the grass, she vaguely caught a glimpse of a bright, colorful feather.
It's a plump pheasant!
It was strolling leisurely, occasionally lowering its head to peck at grass seeds or small insects, its long tail feathers reflecting a gorgeous luster in the sunlight.
A hint of joy crept onto Xu Zhili's lips, but she quickly suppressed it.
Like a cheetah poised to pounce, she slowly crouched down, her fingertips groping in the damp soil until she touched a small, rounded pebble.
Her eyes were fixed on the curve of the pheasant's neck as it turned, her whole body tense, waiting for the perfect moment.
Now!
The moment the pheasant lowered its head to peck at the food, Xu Zhili suddenly exerted force with her wrist, and the pebble, with a slight whooshing sound, accurately hit the grass stem at the pheasant's feet!
"Gurgle!!"
Startled, the pheasant let out a short, sharp cry, its huge wings flapping violently, kicking up a cloud of grass and dust.
It rushed diagonally towards the direction where Xu Zhili was hiding, without thinking of any direction!
In the blink of an eye, Xu Zhili sprang up from her hiding place like an arrow released from a bow, her hands moving with lightning speed.
With his left hand, he precisely clamped the base of the pheasant's frantically flapping wing, while his right hand quickly pressed down on its struggling, kicking feet and its sharp beak that was trying to peck at people.
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