Ethereal World: Vicious Cannon Fodder's Immortality Road

"Master, you’ve advanced because you successfully escaped the past illusion with a firm mind and strong determination. Most people would have ended up with a heart demon or failed, leading to serious consequences," Xiao Yun said as he floated near her, nibbling on a strange-looking fruit he had picked from one of the new trees in the Land of Paradise.

"I almost forgot about this, Yunyun," Shenlian Yingyue’s eyes lit up. Even though the scene she had witnessed in the illusionary formation didn’t seem long, it had felt endless in her heart.

When people suffer, time feels long. When people are happy, time feels short. Though only a short moment had passed in reality, to her, it had felt like countless days and nights.

"Unfortunately, I don’t remember how I broke free from the illusion," she admitted, shaking her head.

"You learned to control your emotions when facing the past, choosing to cherish the present instead of being trapped by old memories. You didn’t allow yourself to be consumed by negative emotions. That is a great success in breaking an illusionary past, Yue’er," Shenlian Yinzhu gently stroked her hair, speaking with serious intent.

She nodded in understanding. It sounded simple and easy, but only those who had experienced it knew how painful it was. Illusionary past formations forced people to relive bitter memories that stirred their souls.

It was a test, one that required calmness, wisdom, spiritual insight, and emotional control. Only those with strong hearts and minds could walk this dangerous path, the road to immortality.

She firmly believed that her advancement came from her hard work, not from shortcuts. As long as she succeeded through her own efforts, she had nothing to fear. A relaxed smile bloomed on her face.

The group spent quite some time in the library, searching for answers. They soon realized that the ancient trees were the source of the ancient energy that nourished the other fruit-bearing trees in the Land of Paradise.

As long as these ancient trees existed, they would provide an eternal supply of fruit, water (from the mystic pond), and spiritual energy, sustaining the entire land. The trees even produced a calming light, influencing the emotions of those who lived nearby.

One of the ancient trees, with its glowing blue and silver leaves, was particularly special; it acted as a weather controller, governing the seasons, rainfall, and even natural disasters.

"This is both a blessing and a disaster," Xiao Qiu frowned.

"Big Brother Yun is here. Everything will be fine," Xiao Lan reassured him.

Everyone turned to look at Xiao Yun.

"I’ll teach Master how to communicate with the ancient trees. If she can earn their recognition, she will be able to control the weather and seasons within this small world," Xiao Yun said, rubbing his chin with a smile.

While studying the glittering mystic pond, they discovered that drinking its water granted temporary divine blessings, but the blessings came with unknown consequences.

"In the future, unless it’s a life-or-death situation, do not touch the water in this pond. Understood?" Shenlian Yingyue warned them, her tone gentle but firm.

"Got it, Master!" everyone nodded in unison.

Once they found the answers they sought, they gathered to watch as Shenlian Yingyue practiced communicating with the ancient trees under Xiao Yun’s guidance.

"Master, some ancient trees possess wisdom and consciousness, acting as advisors, protectors, or even deities. Please be careful when you speak to them. Try to earn their acknowledgment first," Xiao Yun advised, stepping back.

He couldn’t help her beyond this. It was her path to walk. Everything depended on her abilities.

"You don’t have to leave now, Xiao Yueyue. Take your time practicing here first," Xiong Zi Ying said, placing his hands on her shoulders.

When he had first entered the Ethereal Small World, he had been shocked by the abundant resources and spiritual energy. Yet, instead of feeling greedy, he had felt relief, knowing that she was living a good life.

At the same time, his heart ached. These resources had come with a price. He didn’t know what she had endured in the past to gather such treasures. But he was grateful she hadn’t been alone.

"I understand, Master. You should stay and practice here with us," she nodded at him.

"My disciple, you little fool. You don’t have to be this kind to me. Don’t forget, in the future, I may become your enemy," Xiong Zi Ying said, his hands clenching slightly on her shoulders, his eyes reddening.

How could Xiao Yueyue allow someone with a grudge against her family to live here with her?

The more kindness she showed him, the more tormented he felt. He felt like a scoundrel.

"I cherish the present, Master. The future is the future," she said seriously, shaking her head.

Right now, he was like family to her. How could she stand by and watch him be hunted, injured, and nearly killed? If she turned away from him now, she would develop a heart demon.

Xiong Zi Ying’s jaw tightened. He suddenly pulled her into his arms, embracing her. This time, he wasn’t as stiff as he had been in the past.

One Month Later.

A month passed, yet she still failed to communicate with the ancient trees. No matter what she tried, they refused to respond, as if they were rejecting her.

She remained patient and did not force them.

"If one day you are willing to communicate with me, I will welcome you with open arms," she said softly.

Standing before one of the ancient trees, she fixed her gaze on it. The glowing silver and blue leaves radiated a calming energy, refreshing her spirit.

"I mean no harm," she said, her voice gentle. "If I have done something wrong, I sincerely apologize. Perhaps you were pulled here against your will, without your knowledge. I don’t know how you ended up in my world."

She sat cross-legged, her small figure dwarfed by the towering ancient trees.

"I do not wish to control you or use you for power over the seasons. I am only worried that one day, you may unleash a natural disaster that could harm my friends and destroy my home," she admitted, spreading her arms helplessly.

"If you wish to leave, please tell me. I will set you free," she said, gently rubbing the Abyssal Veil Orchid tattoo on her right wrist. A warm current flowed from it, soothing her skin.

Suddenly, a cold, ethereal voice pierced her soul, sending a chilling shiver down her spine.

"Hypocrite human!!!"

Her breath caught. She snapped her gaze toward the silver-blue ancient tree before her.

Had it just roared at her?