Peering out through the illusory bell wall, the scene in the living room was somewhat blurry.

"Hoo~"

The next moment, the ancient bell suddenly contracted.

The illusory ancient bell, along with the person and tree inside, all vanished without a trace.

As the gatekeeper, Du Yu was already very adept at opening and closing doors.

The Spiritual Artifact·Mountain and Sea Bell, when owned, was like the Shadow Gu Tower—its true form no longer isolated in the world.

Both the bell and the tower now existed within Du Yu's Acupoint Home; unless necessary, there was no need to call forth their physical forms.

The only pity was that the Celestial Gate Du Yu opened in the living room would also appear in the living room when returning from the Mountain and Sea Realm.

Honestly, if only the position of the Celestial Gate could be set freely, that would be perfect.

If so, Du Yu could use the Mountain and Sea Bell for long-distance teleportation…

Turns out, he was overthinking it.

"Shasha~"

Firethorn Branches stretched out, their leaves rustling.

Finally!

The Firethorn Tree could finally stand tall like a proper tree!

No more overhead ceiling, only blue sky and white clouds above.

No more surrounding walls, just the vast blue sea and shimmering waves.

"So you're actually this tall?" Du Yu tilted his head back, looking up at the 20-meter-high Firethorn Tree, a bit dumbfounded.

Before, at home, the Firethorn trunk had to bend, hugging the ceiling and sprawling everywhere, covering the living room, balcony, and half the dining area of Prince Du's Mansion.

Du Yu hadn't realized before, but now it was clear: the Firethorn Tree had really been wronged…

He raised his hand and patted one of the main trunks. "This place is called the Sea Realm. How does it feel?"

The Firethorn Tree stood on a reef, sensing the marvels of this world.

Though known as the "Sea Realm," the air here wasn't rich in Water Demon Breath.

There was some, but not from the direction of the sea—it came from within the island?

"Let's go." Du Yu stepped down from the reef.

A Firethorn branch reached toward the ground, following its master, moving along almost like a crab on a walk.

Well, it did have a lot more legs than a crab~

It's worth mentioning that the Celestial Gate's position inside the bell was also fixed:

On a pile of reefs in the Sea Realm, and above a mountaintop in the Mountain Realm.

So, Du Yu once again had to pass through the Begonia Forest and head for the center of the island.

"Master, they're all Demonic Plants." A Firethorn branch draped itself over Du Yu's shoulder, sending him its words.

"Yes, and they're all part of the same one." Du Yu nodded.

As the newly appointed Lord of Mountains and Seas, Du Yu learned a lot more from the Shatang Tree here.

These Begonia Trees growing on the stony ground were actually all part of the Sea Tree·Shatang.

Rather like the existence of the Twin Trees, except the Shatang Trees weren't like Twin Trees that blessed the world.

Every ordinary Begonia Tree here gave all its nourishment to its true body—the Shatang Tree.

"Like I said earlier, I found you a new friend." Du Yu patted the branch on his shoulder. "Its name is Shatang, and its power is formidable!"

Firethorn Tree: "..."

We've walked through this forest for so long—how could I not know how strong the other side is?

As the man and tree neared the island's center, the Water and Wood Demon Breaths grew thicker and thicker.

A huge Shatang Tree came into view, its deep red leaves swaying in the sea breeze, so beautiful it was almost outrageous…

"Meow~" Under the Shatang Tree, a giant beast stood up.

Silver lightning streaked toward them!

"Stop!" Du Yu quickly shouted, but stopping that silver bolt was impossible.

With a muffled thud, Du Yu was tackled to the ground.

He grimaced, sliding backward as his Demon Breath Battle Robe scraped furiously against the gravel, letting out a raspy sound.

The Desolate Silver Lynx pressed a massive paw on Du Yu's chest, pinning him as her enormous head leaned down: "Meow!"

"It's only been a few hours since we split up, and you're already this fired up?" Du Yu hugged the big cat's fuzzy head and gave it a disgruntled rub.

"Hmph." The Desolate Silver Lynx was equally annoyed, turning her head away.

Though she didn't know what a bullet train was, she figured it was the same as cars and warplanes.

She believed she could ride in them, not just be left here by Du Yu.

"You're here." The Shatang Tree's branch stretched over, a deep red leaf sliding under the lynx's paw, easily lifting her heavy foot.

"Thank you." Du Yu patted the deep red leaf. Over the past month, he had brought his colleagues here several times.

Compared to the headache that was the Mountain Realm, the Sea Realm was actually nice to explore.

The sea was, without question, a forbidden zone.

After all, the Sea-devouring Dragon Turtle resided there, so the Twenty-Ninth Bureau didn't dare venture in for now.

Only a solitary island remained, its endless Begonia Trees and nothing but sand and stone underfoot—not much left to investigate.

"This is my Demon Plant·Firethorn Tree. I brought it to meet you."

"Mm." The Shatang Tree was rather friendly, since Du Yu was its acknowledged new Lord of Mountains and Seas.

Instead, it was the Firethorn Tree that seemed timid—Du Yu couldn't help but secretly roll his eyes.

Bully?

Ha, tough only behind closed doors!

"Shatang, I want to build a home here. What do you think?" Du Yu looked up at the blue sky.

As a prison, the scenery here had been unchanged for millennia; naturally it could drive you mad.

But now that he could freely come and go, the Sea Realm's blue sky, white clouds, island, and sea truly made for a perfect little Arcadia.

The Mountain Realm over there was just too stifling—not a place for vacations.

While it was far richer in resources than the Sea Realm, Du Yu didn't need to scavenge for survival; he could always bring supplies in from the outside world.

Shatang's voice was ancient, rivaling Jia Rong Grass itself: "So, my task is no longer to guard prisoners."

Du Yu spoke softly: "Shatang, I want to turn this place into a sanctuary.

I have no idea when the Bottomless crisis might erupt, or how serious it will be.

No matter how the outside world changes, this place will be safe. I can shelter everyone I care about right here."

Shatang was silent for a long while before responding slowly: "It is my honor."

Du Yu patted the deep red leaf and sighed softly. "By the way, has the Dragon Turtle shown up?"

When it came to dangers, the only uncertainty in the Sea Realm was the Sea-devouring Dragon Turtle.

Shatang: "After our last encounter, I informed it of the outside situation; it hasn't appeared since leaving."

Du Yu: "Mm…"

"Don't worry. I will safeguard my master's home. No enemy will ever set foot on this island."

Master?

Du Yu was a bit moved. This was the first time the Shatang Tree had addressed him like that.

True, the Shatang Tree had already acknowledged him as the Lord of Mountains and Seas.

And over the past month, it had cooperated with all of Du Yu's research staff, never once showing hostility, but still…

Du Yu rolled a Shatang leaf between his fingers, lost deep in thought.

Was it because I want to settle down and make a home here?

Or because I've given it a new mission?

After centuries, it finally has a duty once again—a reason to exist?

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