We agreed to set sail, so you'd become the ruler of the deep sea?

Chapter 237 Forbidden Topic

Upon seeing the treant in front of him, Xia En raised an eyebrow and instinctively adopted a wary posture.

But soon, Shane discovered that this tree-man's appearance was very different from the other tree-men.

Its bark is dry, withered, and extremely rough, with a pale reddish-brown color.

It resembles the color of mangroves that live at the boundary between land and sea.

The branches and leaves were withered and yellow, unlike the other tree people who maintained their emerald green color, and their vitality was abnormally declining.

Like a piece of rotten, damp, dead wood.

It could even be described as "ugly".
If it weren't for the pair of dim eye sockets and small mouth on its ancient trunk, Shane would have found it hard to distinguish it from the tree people.

Although the tree-man's appearance was astonishing, Shane was not one to judge by appearances.

He took the initiative to speak, saying, "Thank you for your help, senior."

"……Um?"

Upon hearing his voice, the decaying treant exclaimed in surprise, "That voice... you've consumed the Seed of the Sea's Sound?"

The reason why Shane was able to master the ability of underwater communication was because he received the Seed of the Sea Sound from Trish in the Emerald City.

Judging from the tone of this tree-man's voice, it seems that he also recognizes this strange seed?
This undoubtedly further proves the connection between the City of Giant Trees and the Elf race.

Xia En nodded and admitted, "I did indeed swallow one by chance."

"It seems your background is not simple."

The old tree-man's eyes gleamed with a faint light as he continued.

"But no matter who you are, if you want to live, you should leave the City of Giant Trees as soon as possible."

"This is no longer a place for the living."

Xia En didn't explain further, simply saying, "I have reasons for needing to delve deeper into this city."

A hint of surprise flashed in the old tree man's eyes.

Having clearly witnessed the entire forest stirring up in turmoil just now, how dare this outsider utter such words?

This cannot be simply described as "commendable courage".

However, the old tree man used all his strength just to maintain his own survival.

Saving this person was already a great act of kindness; I really didn't have the energy to meddle in his affairs.

Thinking of this, the old tree man said directly, "In that case, I can only wish you good luck."

"This forest has long become the domain of those traitors. As long as you are in it, they will find you sooner or later."

"However, the intelligence of the forest is limited. If you disguise yourself as one of us, you can last longer... Do you understand?"

At first, Shane thought the old tree man was just saying a simple goodbye.

But upon closer listening, he realized that the other person was actually teaching him how to hide in the forest.

Xia En felt a little strange.

This old tree-man is like a peculiar old man; he wants to express goodwill, but he insists on going in circles.

However, considering this detail and its earlier assistance, Shane can basically conclude that the old tree spirit is most likely a "good person".

Both in appearance and personality, they are quite different from those tree people who are willing to sacrifice other living beings.

and……

"traitor?"

Xia En noticed the word the old tree man used.

"The traitors, do you mean those tree people who worship the [Giant Tree God]?"

A thought flashed through Xia En's mind, quickly sketching out the general outline of the situation: "The tree people betrayed their original faith? Betrayed the elven goddess?"

"So, this old treant is still a follower of the Elf Goddess?"

Just as Xia En was about to ask a question, he saw a small tree-man, about two or three meters tall, floating down from the sea like a jellyfish not far away.

Compared to its relatives, it is naturally small and delicate in size.

"Grandpa Hunter, I'm back!"

"Huh? Who is this guy...?"

As they approached the old tree spirit, the little tree spirit naturally discovered Shane's presence.

A look of surprise appeared on the face formed by tree trunks, and at the same time, an exclamation was made.

"Human! Grandpa Hunter, is this a human?!"

"Shh! Keep your voice down!"

Old Tree Man Hunter glared at Little Tree Man, while warily glancing around.

Fortunately, there were no treants worshipping the "Giant Tree God" in the vicinity, which prevented a tragedy from occurring.

The little tree-man realized he had almost caused a disaster and quickly lowered his voice, saying, "Sorry, sorry, I didn't mean to."

"This is the first time I've ever seen a living human being, so I'm a little excited."

"Let me introduce myself. My name is Mumu. What's your name?"

Xia En carefully examined the little tree-man named Mu Mu and found that although it was young, its trunk was as thin and withered as Hunter's, with wrinkled bark and sparse, dry leaves.

His entire body exuded an aura of aging and exhaustion.

This surprised Xia En.

He had assumed that Hunter's decline was due to his long lifespan and impending death.

But judging from the similar traits of Mumu, it seems to be due to another, deeper reason?

At the same time, Xia En also noticed that Mu Mu's branches clearly showed signs of breakage, as if they had been broken by external force.

There were several wounds on his body that looked like they had been whipped, but they were mixed in with the wrinkled tree bark and were hard to distinguish.

Before Shane could answer, Hunter's expression suddenly changed, and he asked.

"Mumu, where did you get these injuries? Did they bully you again?"

Upon hearing this, Mu Mu's high spirits immediately plummeted, and she stammered.

"No, no, my older brother and sister were just playing around with me."

"They are no longer your older brothers and sisters!"

Hunter's expression was grave, and his tone carried a hint of anger: "From the day they knelt before that [Giant Tree God], they were no longer our kind!"

"But Grandpa Hunter, why must we insist on upholding our faith in the Goddess of Life?"

Mumu was puzzled and felt wronged, so she couldn't help but ask back.

"If we simply accept the Seed of Life bestowed by the Giant Tree God, our bodies will no longer rot and we can even grow taller and stronger."

"And, Grandpa, you'll live a little longer, won't you..."

"Shut up!"

Upon hearing this, the old tree man Hunter finally couldn't hold back his rage and roared, "You don't understand! This is a betrayal of the gods! One day, you will be punished by heaven!"

"Besides, do you think the [Giant Wood God] is anything good? That guy..."

Hunter wanted to continue, but seemingly mindful of the peaceful forest around him, he ultimately only said what he had to say.

"No matter what, as long as I'm alive, I will never allow you to accept the Seed of Life!"

"If you say another good word about the [Giant Wood God], I'll disown you!"

"I never want to see you again!"

Mumu's intention was to show concern for Hunter, but instead she was scolded so harshly that her pent-up resentment exploded.

"Hmph! Fine, I won't see you then! I'll just leave!"

After leaving those words, Mumu turned and left.

"……you!"

Old Tree Man Hunter paused, stunned.

He vaguely realized that he had gone a bit too far, but he had just finished scolding her, and given his personality, it was impossible for him to soften his attitude on the spot and persuade Mu Mu to come back.

Old Hunter sighed only after Mumu's figure disappeared from sight.

"Kids these days are getting more and more troublesome." It turned to Shane beside it and said, "Sorry, you must have seen this."

"Grandpa, you and your grandson have a really good relationship."

Xia En sighed softly.

Watching Hunter and Mumu argue, he inexplicably thought of some past events on Earth.

Therefore, he knew that Hunter would never have said such harsh words if he didn't really care.

Similarly, Mumu persuaded Hunter to accept the so-called "Seed of Life" for similar reasons.

However, at the same time, Xia En couldn't help but feel a little curious.

What exactly is this so-called "Seed of Life"?
It seems that it is because of its existence that the tree people have the ability to live so comfortably underwater.

If that's the case, why is old Hunter so wary of it?
"Ahem, young man, I'd like to ask you for a favor."

Just then, old Hunter coughed twice and said, "My grandson is stubborn. I don't know how long it will take for him to calm down after one of these tantrums."

"If those traitors indoctrinate us with bad ideas and take the opportunity to implant the Seed of Life in us, then we're doomed."

"I see you're quite capable. Could you look after it for me and try to persuade it while you're at it?"

The old tree man's words were somewhat euphemistic, but Xia En immediately understood his meaning.

Clearly, after saying those words, old Hunter regretted it a little, but he couldn't bring himself to apologize to his grandson.

That's why they approached Xia En, both to protect Mu Mu and to act as a lubricant to ease the tension between grandfather and granddaughter.

"He really is a peculiar old man..."

Xia En thought to himself, "Your grandson's personality is probably learned from you!"

Despite the complaints, considering Hunter's previous help, Shane will definitely lend a hand.

"give it to me."

After saying that, Xia En prepared to chase after Mu Mu.

"Wait, don't move yet, let me disguise you."

Then, Old Hunter picked some branches and leaves from nearby trees and decorated Shane with them.

Before long, Shane had completed a very rough disguise.

It looks like...

how to say……

Is it somewhat like the Viet Cong in the jungle?

Although, in Shane's opinion, the disguise was so clumsy that anyone could see the difference between him and the tree man.

But according to Hunter, this level of disguise was enough to deceive the will of the forest.

If they encounter other tree people, they can quickly pretend to be a harmless bunch of flowers and plants.

Shai En suppressed the strange feeling as he walked through the underwater forest.

To be honest, after being covered by this layer of leaves, the faint malice around us did indeed dissipate by more than half.

Never mind if it's ugly or not!
Just tell me if it's useful or not.

……

……

It didn't take long.

Xia En caught up with the little tree man, Mu Mu.

In fact, at this little tree-man's speed, it wouldn't be able to run for long.

At this moment, it was leaning against a big tree, kicking the mud and sand under its feet, and humming.

"Hmph, you stinky grandpa, you bad grandpa!"

"Even though he can't hold on much longer, he still refuses to use the Seed of Life."

"No matter what side effects it might have, it's better than dying, right?"

As she spoke, Mu Mu's tone suddenly turned somber.

"I just want Grandpa to live..."

At this moment, Shane emerged from the woods and asked directly.

"What exactly is this 'Seed of Life' you speak of?"

"Whoa!"

Mumu, who had clearly not noticed Xia En's disguised state before, was startled and exclaimed in surprise.

"You...you're that human from earlier?"

"How did you become like this?"

Xia En's lips twitched; he didn't really want to answer the question.

Mumu seemed very interested in human beings and immediately came closer, wanting to touch him.

This feeling is somewhat similar to the feeling people have when they go to an aquarium to see rare animals.

Upon getting closer, Xia En could see more clearly Mu Mu's rough, decaying body and the numerous wounds.

—Those appear to be marks left by the whipping of vines.

Shaen immediately thought of the other treants' methods of attack.

It's obvious that those who harmed Mumu were the tree people who accepted the Seed of Life.

Shaun couldn't help but ask, "Why did those treants attack you?"

"Sigh, isn't it all because Grandpa and I refused to absorb the [Seed of Life]?"

Mumu sighed and said, "Do you know why I swam down from up there?"

Xia En cooperated, asking, "Why?"

"Because we tree people, who do not have the Seed of Life, need to regularly go to waters near the surface of the sea to absorb sunlight and store energy in order to live in the sea."

Mumu explained, "It was while I was absorbing sunlight that I encountered the tree people who worshipped the [Giant Tree God]..."

"Anyway, it's a sarcastic jab at us for being old-fashioned and inflexible."

"But one of the guys was really rude and even insulted Grandpa Hunter, so I couldn't help but snap back at him, and that's how it happened."

Mumu looked somewhat sad and asked, puzzled.

"Sometimes I really don't understand, those guys only just received the Seed of Life not long ago."

"How can you turn around and say such vicious things?"

Xia En said, "I guess all traitors are like that."

"So, the Seed of Life can solve the problem of you Tree People living in the sea?"

"But you and Hunter are still alive, aren't you? Is it because of... the power of the Elf Goddess?"

"hiss……"

Upon hearing the name "Elf Goddess," Mu Mu's expression changed drastically, and she quickly covered Xia En's mouth with her hand.

"Are you insane! How dare you say that name here?"

"He has become a taboo subject in our city."

"If they are discovered by other tree people, they will be taken away by the executioners!"

Xia En was taken aback.

He hadn't expected that a mere name could elicit such a strong reaction from Mu Mu.

This also shows that faith is strictly controlled in the City of Giant Trees.

Tree people who still believe in the goddess of elves are very likely to be regarded as heretics!
This also shows that the relationship between the Giant Wood God and the Elf Goddess is by no means harmonious.

at this time.

A rustling sound came from the nearby forest...

(End of this chapter)