Published: February 13, 2025
At the intersection of the branches, each notch bore a fruit.
Ye Zhongming and Liu Zhenghong were relatively calm, but the others were exceptionally surprised. They looked at the fruits growing on the first crown and then at those nestled within the branches. Was this... a double-layered fruit?
"What purpose does it serve?"
Ye Zhongming asked the Hypocritical Ghost Tree, as it was the entity of these fruits and likely knew their function.
"The state is more stable than those above," Liu Zhenghong sneered. "Does it even matter if your fruits are stable or not? In the end, they will all become your vessels. Even if this fruit can actually stabilize a person's evolutionary realm, who would want to become your avatar? They might end up losing their own consciousness!"
The fruits of the Hypocritical Ghost Tree were also its seeds, which would take root in the human body after consumption, serving as a means of reproduction.
Knowing the characteristics of the Hypocritical Ghost Tree, those at Cloud Summit Villa were very cautious. Part of its fruits was handed over to Liu Zhenghong for research, while the rest would be destroyed after maturing.
After all, if this creature were left unchecked, the situation would become uncontrollable. Back when Ye Zhongming and the others were at the second star level, this entity was already at level three.
"This one, not mine, is a seed."
Upon hearing the Hypocritical Ghost Tree say this, Ye Zhongming floated up and collected the fruits from several branches, totaling six.
"Take a look; no one understands it better than you. Let's see what connection these fruits have with the potion."
Ye Zhongming handed the fruits to Liu Zhenghong for her to study. If the appearance of these fruits was a result of the potion's influence rather than the Hypocritical Ghost Tree's own evolution, then the Fuleira Potion could not be deemed very successful due to the many uncertainties involved.
While it appeared advantageous for the Hypocritical Ghost Tree, who could guarantee it would be beneficial for other types of life? Too many uncertainties would sharply reduce its value.
Liu Zhenghong accepted the fruits with a serious expression, clearly aware of the implications.
"Do you have any ideals?" As everyone was about to leave, Ye Zhongming suddenly asked the Hypocritical Ghost Tree.
Including the Hypocritical Ghost Tree, no one expected Ye Zhongming to speak in this manner.
"Ideals...?"
"Yes," Ye Zhongming replied. "I believe that the current world will inevitably reach a conclusion. When that time comes, as someone who has greatly helped Cloud Summit, do you have any wishes or ideals? Speak up, and I will do my best to help you achieve them."
"I... have never thought about it."
The Hypocritical Ghost Tree fell silent for a moment before responding slowly with its mental power.
Ye Zhongming nodded and looked at the Hypocritical Ghost Tree seriously. "Once we defeat the slave tribe and resolve the crisis on Earth, and when we can freely step into the universe, I will find a planet for you to settle down, prosper, and reproduce there, turning it into your own planet. What do you think?"
The others listened quietly.
"My own... planet?"
"Yes, I can guarantee that I will make it happen." Ye Zhongming nodded. "In this universe, there are many planets suitable for life. There are countless planets larger than Earth with thriving life. By then, you may even be able to choose within a certain range."
As he spoke, Ye Zhongming kept an eye on the Hypocritical Ghost Tree, then added, "If you prefer not to leave Earth, I can also provide you with a separate continent, but it cannot be a national region; the southern hemisphere is preferable."
...
The group emerged and headed towards Le Da Yuan's test site. Xia Lei and Liu Zhenghong laughed at Ye Zhongming for painting a big dream for the Hypocritical Ghost Tree, hoping to keep it motivated to work for Cloud Summit without any ulterior motives.
They weren't worried about the Hypocritical Ghost Tree overhearing them; at their level, they could still sense the presence of its branches and roots nearby.