Chapter 065 – He has the scent of oak!
......
"This is the second time we've held a sacrifice ceremony recently. There were fluctuations the first time, but this time there was no response at all."
The wrinkles on the old shaman's face were almost squeezed together:
"This is the first time I've encountered such a situation in my life."
A skinny young man next to him said worriedly:
To read the uncut version, go to [pawread.com].
"People in the tribe have always had complaints about giving sacrificial resources to Lumiere. After two consecutive failures, the second elder and the others are likely not to give in."
The old shaman nodded solemnly.
"I'll think of a solution later."
The old man turned around and glanced at the cave filled with candles, then sighed deeply.
"No need, Asaro, this is my personal advancement ceremony, there's no need to use the tribe's resources anymore."
The tall native named Lumiere said calmly:
"I don't want you to run around for my sake anymore."
The old shaman Asaro smiled kindly:
"Foolish child, you are the future of the Black Banyan tribe, it's my duty to do anything for you. I trust my judgment, among all the Jango people, only you have the chance to break through the fifth rank, even to reach the legendary level, you will become the king of the rainforest, Lumiere."
Lumiere walked over and grabbed the old man's dry hand, saying sincerely:
"I'm serious, Asaro, if you believe in your judgment, then you should believe that the future king of the rainforest can solve this problem himself."
Asaro was stunned.
He looked at the young man in front of him with a complex gaze, for a moment, he seemed to see the scene of him holding Lumiere, who was still a baby in swaddling clothes, crying loudly more than twenty years ago.
"You've grown up, Lumiere."
The old shaman was filled with emotion, his hand holding Lumiere's trembling slightly:
"I believe in you, but you have to tell me, how do you plan to solve this problem yourself?"
Lumiere said firmly:
"The spirit of the rainforest didn't respond to us, it doesn't necessarily mean it has abandoned the Black Banyan tribe, it could also be a test for me."
"In the next few days, I will hunt the two-legged flying dragons or spotted crocodiles alone, every hour, I will offer a creature of this level as a sacrifice to the noble spirit of the rainforest!"
"I believe my devotion is enough to move the spirit of the rainforest."
The old shaman was immediately moved:
"This is very dangerous."
Lumiere smiled confidently:
"The ones who should be in danger are the beasts in the rainforest, don't forget, Asaro, I am the only 'Blood Hunter' of the Black Banyan tribe!"
He let go of the old man's hands, called out to the skinny young man:
"Akin, take good care of Asaro for me, I'll be back soon."
"When I return, I will be the fifth rank 'Son of the Rainforest'."
"Wait for my good news!"
With that, Lumiere pounced on the tree like a cheetah, and moved around the branches like a monkey.
In a few breaths.
His figure merged with the vast rainforest.
......
Black Banyan Dreamland.
"Put away all those annoying things!"
The girl on the throne seemed furious:
"This is the Black Banyan Dreamland, it won't tolerate the desecration of arsonists."
Matthew smiled and slowly put away those items:
"You misunderstood, I'm not an evil arsonist, I'm just a humble Necromancer.
As you can see, I'm badly injured now - well, mainly mental trauma and shock, which mainly comes from your work mistake.
You seem to have transferred an advancement ceremony for a fourth-rank professional to me, a second-rank Mage, which can be considered an accident, right?
I think, as a responsible spirit of the rainforest like you, you definitely won't ignore this."
The girl immediately stomped her foot in anger:
"Are you blackmailing me?"
"You dare to blackmail a spirit of nature? Do you believe I can kick you out of here right now!?"
Matthew bowed even deeper, in a humble manner:
"I believe! Of course, I believe your power in the Black Banyan Dreamland is invincible."
"But what about outside the dreamland? Maybe you don't know, I happen to master the 'Oak' domain, and can access the 'Nature' domain through it."
"You wouldn't want the will of nature to know about this accident caused by negligence, would you?"
The girl's eyes widened, staring at Matthew as if she wanted to tear him apart.
Her ten toes on her fair feet were tightly clenched.
Obviously, she was extremely angry.
But when she heard the last sentence, her face suddenly turned pale, she was silent for a while, then she asked coldly:
"What do you want exactly? Annoying Oak man!"
Matthew still spoke humbly:
"Just a little compensation."
The girl said impatiently:
"Spit it out!"
Matthew looked at her with interest:
"First of all, I want to know your honorable name."
The spirit of the rainforest originally didn't have a name, but Matthew realized that the girl in front of him was somewhat special, so he wanted to know more about her.
Who knew that as soon as Matthew asked this, it seemed as if he had stepped on the girl's tail.
She jumped up from the throne and asked fiercely:
"What do you want to know this for?!"
Matthew smiled calmly:
"If it's inconvenient, you don't have to say."
The girl pursed her lips, and said reluctantly:
"Suya."
A name with a pronunciation structure somewhat distant from the common language of Ainduo.
Matthew was intrigued:
"Is it Suya? Not Suyat or something like that?"
Suya snorted, indicating affirmation.
"Who gave you your name?"
Matthew knew that the naming of the spirits of nature was extremely particular. Ella's name was bestowed by the Moonlight Goddess. The privilege of naming the spirit of the rainforest was not given to just anyone, let alone the fact that the structure of this name was so similar to that of the Su people further south.
He was naturally very interested.
"I won't tell you!"
Suya said indignantly:
"What does it matter what you call me? You stinky oak man!"
"Alright."
Matthew did not continue to dwell on it:
"Let's discuss the matter of compensation."
Suya crossed her arms, her gaze sharp as a knife:
"State your demands, but you'd better know when to stop."
Matthew said naturally:
"I want all three abilities in the rainforest domain."
Suya's just calmed expression instantly twisted:
"You have no shame!"
"How can you be so greedy? All three domain abilities, you want them all?"
"You're truly a disgusting oak man! You don't even know the most basic sense of shame."
Matthew was unmoved by her words:
"You can insult me more harshly, but it won't harm me. I'm just asking for a little compensation."
"Impossible!"
Suya decisively refused:
"This violates the rules set by the will of nature!"
Matthew said with a playful expression:
"But you've already violated the rules set by the will of nature."
Suya turned pale, trying to defend herself:
"That... that was unintentional."
Matthew shrugged:
"I'm afraid the will of nature won't see it that way."
Thud!
Suya slumped weakly onto the Black Banyan Throne.
Her gaze was somewhat vacant.
After a while.
She weakly propped herself up on the throne:
"At most... two."
"Deal!"
Matthew agreed readily.
Suya looked at Matthew in shock:
"You... you..."
Matthew, who had gotten his way, tried to make his smile as warm and friendly as possible:
"I'm actually a very easygoing oak man."
……
「Notification: You have obtained the domain abilities "Vigorous Energy" and "Poison of the Arrow Frog".
You have obtained "Poison Jar (Poison of the Arrow Frog)"*1」
……
Matthew now held a small wooden jar in his hand. It was like a small medicine bottle, made up of a hollowed-out piece of wood and a stopper.
The jar was empty, but after seven days, Matthew would be able to obtain a dose of poison extract from the rainforest arrow frog.
This was truly deadly poison!
Apart from the native species of the rainforest or men with extraordinarily high poison resistance, the poison of the arrow frog could almost instantly kill any ordinary person or monster upon contact with their blood.
It was a pity that the quantity was small, and he would have to accumulate it slowly.
But in any case, it was another significant enhancement for Matthew's hand crossbow.
In addition to the two major domain abilities.
Matthew also obtained a permanent status called "Predator" and a temporary status through the rainforest domain.
……
「Predator: When you attack in wilderness form, successfully hunt and completely swallow a medium-sized creature or larger, you can digest it completely within 60 seconds and receive additional physical strength, mana, and life value replenishment (cooldown time: 6 hours)」
「Soul of Rage: When you are deeply angry, anger will also give you strength (in a state of anger, all attributes +1).
You can also transfer this power to your summoned creatures.
Duration: 120 days」
……
"Predator" is a very useful recovery method.
Although it is limited to the wilderness form.
But it is precisely the wilderness form that recovers the slowest after being injured!
"Wind God Winged Dragon or Moon Bear, combined with Predator for a long battle, it's a bit invincible."
"The more troublesome part is that it requires swallowing whole, and it requires medium-sized creatures, at least the size of a cow or sheep, which might take some getting used to at first."
Matthew thought about the scene of swallowing whole, and a chill ran down his spine.
But he knew that this was just a process of adaptation. The wilderness form was different from humans, and he had to overcome this.
As for "Soul of Rage", it was rather ordinary.
As a temporary status, it was not even comparable to the "Double Harvest for a Single Plow" given by the oak, let alone the "Pale Hand" given by the undead.
All attributes +1 is indeed a very powerful boost, in a sense, it can also be used to save attribute enhancement scrolls.
But the problem is.
Matthew has a very good temper!
He rarely gets angry, let alone furious.
"Even if the duration of this ability is 360 days, I probably won't be able to use it."
Matthew shook his head in his heart.
So far.
The domains Matthew has ventured into include "Oak, Undead, Temperance, Dragon Slayer, and Rainforest".
Reflected on the Tai Chi symbol, it is two more small commas in the green comma on the left.
That symbolizes nature and its two sub-domains: Oak and Rainforest.
The right side of the undead also has an additional small comma: Undead.
And Dragon Slayer and Temperance are in the form of outer small commas, symmetrically surrounding the Tai Chi symbol, forming a situation where many stars hold the moon.
According to the current trend, Matthew is bound to become a master of domain integration!
But he was not complacent.
As Ronan had said, the domain is just a tool, one must not get too deeply involved."This is most evident in the Gods, who have elevated their domains into divine positions, possessing incredible power. However, this also means that they have drawn their own boundaries. Even without the arrival of the Cataclysm Mage, the path of the Gods may not necessarily be smooth.
……
"Thank you for your gift."
Having collected his benefits, Matthew politely prepared to take his leave:
"But before I go, I have a small request."
Suya, who was on the throne, had long lost her initial sharpness.
She replied weakly:
"Speak."
"I'm about to cross the rainforest. Although I've just entered the domain, it's not safe, so I hope to receive a blessing."
Matthew was quite candid.
Suya looked at him incredulously:
"Do you think I'm your slave, to give and take as you please?"
Matthew sighed:
"You're breaking my heart by saying that. I happen to possess the 'Oak' domain..."
Snap!
A white light flew out from Suya and quickly entered Matthew's body.
……
"Prompt: You have received the blessing of Suya, the Soul of the Rainforest, 'Suya's Pleasure'.
Suya's Pleasure: When you walk in the rainforest, most plants and creatures will show a friendly attitude towards you.
Duration: 18 days."
……
"Now, get out!"
The girl almost gritted her teeth as she shouted the word "out".
Matthew, who had gained an advantage, naturally had no reason to refuse:
"As you wish."
A flash of bright light.
Matthew's body turned into foam and disappeared without a trace.
On the throne.
The girl's body suddenly curled up slightly, her long neck involuntarily tilted back, her face flushed deeply, sweat like pearls appeared on her forehead, and her hands fell weakly.
After a long time.
A moan full of satisfaction sounded.
The humiliation and helplessness on Suya's face had long faded, replaced by intense joy!
At this moment.
A small flying squirrel fell from the black banyan tree above the throne.
The flying squirrel looked up at Suya and asked in confusion:
"Lady Suya, you deliberately transferred the ceremony, why do you still have to be threatened by him?"
Suya glanced at the flying squirrel, her face flushed with disdain:
"What do you know? He has the scent of oak!
And I hate oaks the most!
I can sense that the Soul of the Oak around him has not yet formed.
This is a great opportunity for me, I want to snatch him away from the oak!"
The flying squirrel thoughtfully said:
"So you still haven't gotten over that incident from the past, have you?"
Suya glanced at him.
Suddenly she kicked.
She kicked the flying squirrel far away.
After a while.
The second flying squirrel jumped down from the banyan tree, looking curiously at the throne:
"Lady Suya, if you want to snatch that man, why not be more straightforward?"
Suya propped her chin with one hand, still with a disdainful tone:
"What do you know?
A truly clever hunter often appears in the form of the prey.
Besides, I am the Soul of the Rainforest. If I want to snatch a man, I either conquer him or be conquered by him, there is no third possibility!"
The second flying squirrel nodded affirmatively:
"So you were probably conquered."
Bang!
With a practiced powerful kick, Suya sent the second flying squirrel flying to the horizon.
After a while.
The third flying squirrel landed.
This flying squirrel looked more honest, just diligently reporting:
"Lady Suya, the people of the Black Banyan Tribe have held two sacrifice ceremonies, begging you to hold an advancement ceremony for the blowgunner named Lumiere."
Suya's big eyes rolled upwards:
"Let him wait, I'm busy."
The third flying squirrel said with difficulty:
"But Lumiere is determined. In the past few hours, he has hunted and sacrificed eight two-legged flying dragons or equivalent monsters."
"You're neglecting your duties, and what's so good about that man? Why don't you look at me? Is there something that man has that I don't?"
The third flying squirrel suddenly puffed out his chest, looking at Suya with burning eyes.
Suya looked the third flying squirrel up and down, then scoffed:
"You're too small."
With that, she stood up with a menacing look in her eyes.
"Don't kick, don't kick, I can fly."
The third flying squirrel hadn't finished speaking.
But with a "puff!"
It was kicked into a black shadow, flying far away, even being kicked out of the Black Banyan Dream!
Suya stood on the throne, her eyes gradually sharpening:
"Nothing and no one can stop me from snatching a man!"
"Do you hear me?!"
With her full-throated declaration.
More and more flying squirrels jumped down from the banyan tree, forming a waterfall of flying squirrels!
"We heard you, we'll go and find out for you!"
For a moment.
All the flying squirrels in the Black Banyan Dream swarmed out, pouring into the rainforest.
……
Deep in the rainforest, by the river.
Matthew had rendezvoused with Ella and Lolan.
The latter gave him a big hug the moment she saw him.
This moved Matthew slightly.
"It's so good that you're alive, I was really worried that you would just die, and I would never get the answer to my second question!"
Lolan joked.
Matthew simply asked:
"So what's the second question?"
Lorran shrugged, "You are a Necromancer, that's a fact. But I noticed that you can use several wilderness forms, which can't be explained by mere coincidence, can it? Of course, I'm just curious. If this involves your secrets, you can refuse to answer."
Matthew chuckled:
"This is indeed my secret, but I would have told you this secret later anyway, so it doesn't hurt to say it now.
I yearn for life, and I pursue death.
I am well-versed in the Undead, and I keep company with the oak forest.
This may seem heretical to others, but for me, it is the best destination.
This is my path of legend."
Lorran looked at Matthew in surprise.
But before he could speak, a trembling voice came from the nearby woods:
"Wait, does this world still have practitioners of the path of balance?"
Matthew turned his head sharply.
He saw Old Ji, fully camouflaged in the jungle, looking at him with a complex expression.
……
(End of the chapter)