Wizard: Starting from Escape from the Thorn Garden

Kate stood at the edge of the central square of the Emerald City, gazing at the hazy green area surrounded by a huge, living forest in the distance.

That is the legendary Emerald Temple—the place where the Root of Immortality may exist.

The morning sunlight streamed through the pale green sky unique to the demiplane, casting a soft glow over the entire city-state.

The air was filled with the fresh scent of grass and trees and a faint magical aura. Various strange races came and went on the streets, but all of them maintained a respectful distance from the area protected by the forest.

Kate took a deep breath, feeling the spatial energy flowing through her body.

After fusing with the Void Vine Seed, his mental strength has reached 78.5 points, just one step away from the peak of level four.

More importantly, his spatial perception has tripled, enabling him to vaguely detect weak points and micro-cracks within a 500-meter radius.

"Seed of Origin, scan the area ahead," Kate murmured to herself.

Dark golden roots spread through the sea of ​​consciousness, while a stream of icy analysis surged into awareness:

[Target Area: Outskirts of the Emerald Temple]

[Energy Attributes: Highly condensed life energy (SS purity), with traces of residual astral energy]

[Spatial structure: stable, but with multiple protective barriers]

[Threat Perception: High! At least twelve powerful life forms (peak level 4 and above) detected, with energy fluctuations highly consistent with activated plants]

[Recommendation: Non-violent entry method; must demonstrate special value or pass a test]

Kate frowned slightly. Forcing her way in was clearly not a wise move.

He needed to find a point of entry that would be acceptable to the Temple Guards.

"Demonstrate the ability to cultivate magical plants..." Kate recalled Selena's hint, a glint of light flashing in her eyes.

He turned and walked toward the city-state's magical plant trading area, stopping in front of a shop called "Emerald Garden".

The shop entrance is decorated with all sorts of strange magical plants, from singing glowing mushrooms to vines that can change color.

The shopkeeper was a wood elf with long, pointed ears and pale green skin, who was carefully applying a pale blue nutrient solution to a small sapling with leaves as translucent as jade.

"Excuse me," Kate said politely. "I'd like to buy some suitable magical plant seeds, preferably rare varieties with spatial or life-related characteristics."

The wood elf shopkeeper looked up, his emerald green eyes scrutinizing Kate: "A wizarding apprentice from out of town?"

His voice rustled like leaves, "Seeds with spatial properties are rare, even valuable to a level 4 peak apprentice wizard. We do not accept magic stone transactions."

Kate calmly took out a small bottle from her dimensional bag, containing a few drops of extract from the luminescent algae: "I can barter with it."

The wood elf's pupils contracted slightly. He took the small bottle, sniffed it gently, and a look of surprise appeared on his face: "This is... the Radiant Algae from the Purification Temple? How could you...?"

"A serendipitous discovery during an adventure," Kate said casually. "I became very interested in cultivating magical plants, especially those special varieties that can coexist symbiotically with their environment."

The wood spirit nodded thoughtfully, then turned and took out three small jade boxes from deep within the counter:

"I only have these three types of seeds with spatial attributes: Shadowweed, which can move short distances when the light changes; Voidmoss, which can absorb trace amounts of spatial energy to grow; and Starjugating Fern, whose leaves can record spatial coordinates."

Kate took the jade box, and the Seed of Origin immediately began its analysis:

[Target: 5 Dormant Shadowweed Seeds]

[Special Feature: Light-sensitive spatial displacement, maximum jump distance 0.5 meters, cooldown time 30 seconds]

[Cultivation Difficulty: Medium, requires alternating light environments]

[Target: Voidbryophyte Spores (Active) x10]

[Characteristics: Absorbs spatial energy, grows slowly, and can enhance spatial equipment]

[Cultivation difficulty: High, requires a stable spatial environment]

[Target: Star-jumping Fern Spores (Active) x3]

[Features: Spatial coordinate recording, can be used to create simple spatial beacons]

[Cultivation Difficulty: Extremely High, requires astral energy immersion]

None of them are particularly powerful spatial magical plants, but they are sufficient as exhibits.

“I’ll take them all,” Kate said. “Also, could you tell me more about the Emerald Temple? I’ve heard that the guards there treat those skilled in cultivating magical plants with special regard.”

The wood elf narrowed its eyes slightly: "You wish to enter the temple?"

He lowered his voice, "Not just anyone can enter that place. The leader of the Emerald Guardians—the Ancient Tree Sage Aldrich—has been guarding the temple for three hundred years."

"For the sake of the condensing algae, it is said that he only meets with those who can prove that they have unique insights into the way of life."

Kate nodded and took out a small bottle from her dimensional bag, containing a drop of highly diluted holy spring water: "What if I take this with me?"

The wood elf gasped, nearly dropping the jade box in its hand: "Life...Holy Water of Life?!"

He quickly looked around to make sure no one was watching before whispering, "Where did you get this... No, don't tell me. Listen, if you truly possess such a treasure, it might pique the interest of the wise man. But you must pass the 'Green Path Trial'."

"The Green Path Trial?"

"In the living forest surrounding the temple, there is a path that only those who are recognized can see. Follow it, and you will encounter three trials, each testing your understanding of life, growth, and balance."

The wood elf explained, "After you pass through, you will be able to meet the wise man."

Kate seemed thoughtful.

He bought the seeds and traded some Lesser Life Essence with the Wood Elves for more information about the Greenpath Trials before leaving the shop.

Back in her room at the Lin Yu Hotel, Kate immediately began preparations.

He took out three spores of the star-jumping fern and placed them in a specially made petri dish.

The bottom of the dish was covered with a layer of void fragments containing trace amounts of astral energy, brought back from the Starfall Rift.

Then, he dripped in a drop of highly diluted holy spring water and used the Seed of Origin to guide a wisp of moonlight essence to envelop the spore.

"The original seed, optimized cultivation program, accelerates the growth of Star Jumping Fern."

[Command received...]

[Energy Balance Adjustment: Astral energy percentage increased by 15%, life energy decreased by 10%]

[Environmental Simulation: Spatial fluctuation frequency adjusted to a micro-oscillation every 3 seconds]

[Estimated ripening time: 36 hours]

Kate set up a protective barrier, allowing the spores to grow on their own.

Next, he needs to prepare for the Green Path Trials.

The next morning, Kate brought the three cultivated Star Jumping Fern seedlings—strange ferns with silver spatial patterns already appearing on their leaves—to the edge of the revitalized forest surrounding the Emerald Temple.

The towering ancient trees stand like loyal guardians, their trunks adorned with patterns resembling facial features, radiating a powerful life force.

The vines intertwined in the tree canopy, occasionally shimmering with magical light.

Kate took a deep breath and activated her Moon Shadow Perception.

In his vision, the world transformed into a grid composed of countless lines of energy.

He searched carefully for the path that the wood elf had described as "only visible to those who are recognized."

Finally, on the right side of a particularly thick ancient tree, Kate discovered a faint path made of pale green dots of light, winding its way into the depths of the forest.

"Found it," Kate murmured to herself, stepping onto the green path.

As he moved forward, the scenery around him began to change.

Ordinary trees are gradually being replaced by more exotic plants, such as the "Mirror Tree" with a trunk as clear as jade, the "Heart Fern" whose leaves change color according to the observer's mood, and the "Living Golden Vine" whose branches flow like liquid metal.

The air was filled with a rich life energy, and every breath Kate took invigorated her.

But the Seed of Origin's warning alerted him that danger lurked beneath the calm surface:

[WARNING! Multiple protective barriers detected]

[Types: Life Perception Barrier (identifies hostility), Growth Inhibition Barrier (restricts non-approvers), Balance Monitoring Barrier (detects energy imbalance)]

[Recommendation: Maintain the outward release of life energy, suppress the fluctuations of the Blood-Devouring Vine, and avoid overuse of spatial abilities]

Kate adjusted her breathing, guiding a wisp of purified life energy to her body surface, forming a pale green halo.

At the same time, he suppressed the aura of the Bloodthirsty Vine to a minimum, maintaining only the most basic Thorn Armor defense.

After walking for about ten minutes, the path ahead suddenly forked, forming three different trails.

At the entrance of each alleyway grows a strange plant, emitting a unique fragrance.

[The First Test: A Choice That Shall Be Made?]

Choose the path that represents the essence of your life.

Kate carefully observed the three paths:

At the entrance of the small passage on the left is a huge carnivorous flower with bright red petals covered with sharp thorns and corrosive liquid dripping continuously from its center.

Several insect remains, being digested, were entwined on the flower stem.

The central entrance is a seemingly ordinary oak tree, but its trunk is covered with tiny holes, each containing a glowing insect, forming a strange symbiotic relationship.

The path on the right is blocked by a dense vine covered with small white flowers that exude a tranquil fragrance.

However, upon closer inspection, one can see that the roots of the vines are submerged in a murky puddle, with the skeletons of several small animals floating on the surface.

"The three aspects of life..." Kate murmured to herself, "plunder, symbiosis, purification..."

Quick analysis of the Seed of Origin:

[Carnivorous Plant Path: Symbolizes plunder and growth, suitable for the Bloodvine trait but may provoke hostility from Guardians]

[Symbiotic Oak Path: Symbolizing balance and mutual assistance, it best aligns with the Temple's philosophy but needs to demonstrate symbiotic capabilities]

[Purification Vine Path: Symbolizing purity and sacrifice, it appears peaceful but harbors hidden dangers; its purifying field may repel the Bloodthirsty Vine.]

Without hesitation, Kate walked toward the symbiotic oak tree in the middle.

He reached out and gently touched the tree trunk, while guiding the energy of the Bloodthirsty Vine, Moon Shadow Essence, and Seed of Origin within his body to form a delicate balance.

A few seconds later, glowing insects flew out of the holes in the oak tree, hovering around him and forming a brief halo of light. The trunk slowly moved aside, revealing a path leading to the next section of the trail.

[First test passed]

[Evaluation: Demonstrates the ability to maintain a symbiotic balance, aligning with the Temple's values]

Kate continued forward, the path gradually narrowing, and the plants on both sides becoming increasingly dense.

A strange spore began to fill the air, and contact with the skin would cause a slight stinging sensation.

[Growth-inhibiting spores detected]

[Effect: Slows down the metabolism of non-plant life forms, causing them to move sluggishly]

[Resistance Strategy: Accelerate the circulation of life energy within the body to counteract the spore effects]

Kate immediately guided a wisp of the Holy Spring's energy to circulate within her body, maintaining a normal metabolic rate.

At the same time, he noticed that the path ahead was blocked by a rapidly growing thicket of thorns, which were spreading at a visible speed, trying to completely close the road.

[The Second Trial: The Barrier to Growth]

[Showcase your understanding of the nature of growth and break through the barriers of thorns]

Kate carefully observed the thicket of thorns and discovered that their growth pattern exhibited a regular fluctuation.

The Seed of Origin quickly identified the key:

[Thorn Growth Energy Node: Each thorn clump has a main energy node at its core, which controls the direction of growth]

[Breakthrough Solution: Interfere with energy nodes to guide the thorns' growth path]

Kate took out a starfrog seedling she carried with her and gently placed a leaf on the nearest thicket of thorns.

The spatial patterns on the leaves glowed faintly, resonating with the energy fluctuations of the thorns.

Next, he channeled a wisp of moonlight essence to create a tiny spatial distortion near the energy node of the thorn bush.

The direction of the thorns' growth immediately shifted, clearing a narrow path for Kate.

[Second test passed]

[Evaluation: Demonstrates precise control over growth energy]

After passing through the thorny barrier, Kate arrived at the final stretch of the path.

The scene here is completely different from the previous two sections—the ground is covered with the remains of various plants, some already rotten, and others just beginning to decompose.

The air was filled with an atmosphere of decay and rebirth.

At the end of the path stood an ancient tree, half withered and half lush. The trunk was covered with cracks, but new shoots were stubbornly pushing their way out from the cracks.

[The Third Test: The Understanding of Balance]

[Understanding the balance between decay and rebirth, gaining the approval of ancient trees]

Kate approached the ancient tree and felt a powerful mental fluctuation sweep over her.

He immediately realized that this was not just a test, but also an opportunity for dialogue.

He took out three prepared items from his dimensional bag: a Starfly seedling, a drop of diluted holy spring water, and a small fragment of abyssal crystal he had brought back from the Corruption Garden.

"Rotten things give birth to new ones, and death nourishes life," Kate said softly, placing the three items at the base of the ancient tree.

"Without the darkness of the abyss, the preciousness of light cannot be shown; without the end of death, there is no such thing as the continuation of life."

He poured the holy spring water onto the abyss crystal. The moment the two came into contact, the dark energy in the crystal was purified and transformed into pure life energy, nourishing the roots of the Star Jumping Fern.

Ferns grow at a rate visible to the naked eye, and the spatial patterns on their leaves become more distinct.

The ancient tree emitted a deep rumble, the cracks in its trunk began to heal, and new buds grew rapidly. A soft green light shone down from the canopy, enveloping Kate.

[Third test passed]

[Evaluation: Demonstrates a profound understanding of the true meaning of life's balance, showcasing the ability to purify and transform.]

After the green light dissipated, Kate found that the scene before her had completely changed.

He stood in a wide-open circular plaza, in the center of which stood a magnificent building formed naturally from revitalized ancient trees and vines—the Emerald Temple.

The temple walls are made of intertwined emerald vines, and the roof is made of huge, luminous leaves that emit a soft green light.

There was no door at the entrance; instead, it was guarded by two tall tree-men whose eyes were two enormous emeralds, radiating a light of wisdom.

"Outsider," the treant guard on the left spoke in a deep voice, "you have passed the Greenpath Trial and are qualified to meet the Sage. But remember, the Temple is not to be desecrated; maintain reverence."

Kate nodded in acknowledgment and stepped into the temple.

The interior space was even more expansive than it appeared from the outside, as if one had stepped into a separate demiplane. Countless luminous fruits hung from the towering dome, illuminating the entire hall like stars. The floor was covered with thick moss, soft and springy to the touch.

At the center of the temple was a huge circular pool, its water a vibrant emerald green, radiating a rich life force. Around the pool stood twelve exquisitely carved stone pillars, each topped with a uniquely shaped Light Healing Spirit.

Above the pool, a platform made of pure energy floats.

On the platform sat Aldridge, the guardian of the Emerald Temple and the ancient tree sage.

The wise man resembled an ancient tree in human form, nearly three meters tall, with a trunk-like body covered in emerald bark, a clearly visible facial profile, and a long beard made of tiny vines.

His eyes were like two deep green gems, containing endless wisdom and a sense of history.

"Welcome, young explorer." The wise man's voice was like the wind rustling through the forest, soft yet powerful. "Few can pass the three trials to come before me. State your purpose."

Kate took a deep breath, took out the cultivated Starflipper Fern, and placed it on the ground: "Sage, I am a wizarding apprentice researching symbiotic relationships between magic and plants. I have come seeking knowledge and wisdom, and also hoping to obtain guidance from the legendary 'Root of Immortality.'"

The wise man's gaze fell upon the Star-Jumping Fern, his emerald eyes gleaming slightly: "Interesting... You combined astral energy with the essence of life to create this mutated fern. It seems you truly have unique insights into the path of symbiosis."

He raised his root-like finger and tapped it gently.

The Starflied Fern floated up and flew to the wise man: "But the 'Root of Immortality' is not something just anyone can access. It is the foundation of the temple, the embodiment of the rules of life. Tell me, why do you seek it?"

Kate didn't hide anything: "I hope to further understand the mysteries of life, create a more powerful symbiote, and take that step beyond the level of life."

The wise man remained silent for a moment, then slowly rose.

His figure appeared even taller on the platform: "Your reasons are valid; the trials of the 'Root of Immortality' far surpass the trials of the Green Path. You must prove your purity and resolve in the 'Source of Life'."

He pointed to the depths of the temple, where a portal radiated intense life energy: "Pass through there, and you will face a test of the essence of life. If you succeed, you may gain a sliver of recognition from the Root of Immortality; if you fail, your life energy will be absorbed by the temple, becoming nourishment for plants."

Kate's gaze was firm: "I accept the test."

The wise man nodded, and a beam of green light shot from his fingertips, enveloping Kate: "Then, go. May the path of life guide you."

With a flash of green light, Kate's figure disappeared from the temple and was teleported to the mysterious trial space—the Source of Life.