The conversation between them was clear, and Liu Shu got to learn a lot of information. First, and most importantly, Ceperet was now considered an "Open" planet. This meant that anyone could come here and mess with it because the natural Level Limit was lifted.

One might think that, after a World Tree opened the world, they would be instantly invaded by a foreign force. This was not true for many reasons.

Veyra explained. "First. We are very high-level people. Killing low-level people punishes us with terrible Experience Point penalties. For someone at our level to be willing to massacre non-ascended creatures, it would take a lot of accumulated grudges and hatred."

Liu Shu understood this principle. She had sadly experienced it, an event that still flashed in her mind from time to time.

"Secondly," Veyra continued, snapping Liu Shu out of her daze. "Whenever a world is opened, a higher-tiered power is usually staying there. So, by accepting recruitment offers, you can walk under the protective canopy of an interstellar power. If someone attacks you after that, the interstellar power will defend you and send powerful experts your way."

"Hm~." Liu Shu wasn't against being part of a power as long as her freedom wasn't too limited. She was willing even to pay fees for them. Of course, within limits.

Noticing that Liu Shu was thinking, Veyra didn't rush and waited patiently. The World Tree's face returned to normal a few seconds later, and she nodded. "Anything else?"

"Definitely." Veyra laughed. "The most glaring and important limiter for these actions was resources. It is not easy to move people between stars, and it isn't cheap either. The only reason the Covenant spent a large sum to send us here was because you, Liu Shu, showed incredible promise."

Liu Shu knew that her worth was high. She was not stupid enough to humble herself. Of course, she was careful not to overestimate her own worth. Nevertheless, with the new titles and blessings, she was more than sure that she would be valuable to all beings up to Level 199.

For those above that level, her aura lacked influence to affect them. While it didn't explicitly state that her buffs couldn't affect those above Level 199, she could see the limits by looking at the five powerful envoys.

In her mind, if she wanted to accept them, she would need to use quite a bit of effort to link them with her bonuses. After the link, the strain would lower tremendously. Nevertheless, that new feeling of strain told her that her blessings had limits.

With that in mind, Liu Shu was not polite and spoke confidently. "Alright. If the Covenant wants me to form part of itself as I grow, you will need to fulfill a few conditions. Naturally, as I grow stronger, these conditions might change."

Veyra's white eyebrow gently rose, her purple eyes flashing with amusement. "So… You are just making time until you become large enough to swallow us?"

"Yeah!" Liu Shu nodded frankly. She didn't have anything to hide from these people, since these were her sincere expectations.

Elyne covered her mouth, hiding her smile. While Cael and Lysara raised their eyebrows, their gazes filled with interest.

Veyra chuckled. "Alright, speak. What do you want from us?"

Liu Shu proceeded to list several conditions. Nothing overbearing, but in the vacuum, they sounded quite greedy. Veyra frowned after listening to the list. "That's… Too difficult. I understand your potential, Liu Shu. Nevertheless, you must understand our position as well. We can't give you that much freedom and preference without a proper reason…" After speaking as such, she glanced at the World Tree and asked, smiling. "So… Do you have a proper reason?"

"I do." Liu Shu spoke confidently, and then, her aura flowed around the four envoys. They initially frowned deeply, but Liu Shu calmed them down. "Don't resist. I am giving you my blessings. I promise that there is nothing harmful in them."

She thought to herself. 'My titles influencing your psyche a little is not really harmful. You just will be very slightly more agreeable to be on my side~.'

When they heard her, Elyne was the first one to relax her defenses and allow Liu Shu's blessings to flow into her being. The instant they did so, her eyes widened, and pure strength and vitality flooded her insides.

"What… Is this…?"

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At that instant, Elyne's heart almost burst with emotion. As she saw her stats skyrocket, she looked at Liu Shu with eyes full of disbelief but with hidden worship. She was someone who followed the teachings that all World Trees were sacred and that there were specific World Trees that needed protection and nurturing to bloom their incredible potential.

She had already been sure that she wanted to protect Liu Shu. But now, that thought transformed from an opinion into a conviction. She rose to her feet, and then she lowered her body, her dress spreading out like an open flower as she lowered her head. "Oh, Lady Liu Shu. You who blessed the World with your existence will reach far beyond the stars! This Elyne swears to follow and protect you. To be your priestess and apostle!"

Her sudden actions were baffling not only for Liu Shu but for almost everyone involved. Only Cael, Veyra, and Leysara understood Elyne's heart. They, too, rose to their feet and lowered their bodies behind Elyne. While they didn't pledge anything, their solemn actions spoke volumes.

"That… Huh? What is happening?"

Elyne looked up at Liu Shu's bewildered face and laughed gently, her eyes shining with boundless gentleness. "Don't worry, Liu Shu." She slowly stood up, Lysara, Cael, and Veyra following her gestures. "It was me mumbling some unimportant things."

The young World Tree blinked a few times, and she looked over to her family members. Seeing Liu Shu look over for her, they all rattled their faces from side to side. 'Don't look at me! I know nothing!'

Meanwhile, the guards who followed Elyne and the others were so surprised that they couldn't keep their stoic nature. "...Did Lady Elyne really make that vow? Wasn't she going to bow to Lady World Flower after completing her training?"

"I also thought that. Her talent to reach her current level at her age is not that outstanding. However, she has cultivated her foundation beyond perfection, making her basically matchless within the same cycle."

"Yeah, I heard the High Priestess speak about that as well… Now, though…"

Ignatia kept her ears on their conversations, and she instantly knew that this was trouble. 'In the future, we will probably clash with those people. Ugh. Well, Elyne's support should be much more important than preventing such things. Moreover…'

Looking at Elyne's face, Ignatia sighed. 'It's not like we can make her retract her words.'

So, from then on, the talks with Liu Shu were quite smooth.

After a few hours, Elyne asked where Skyflower was located. Liu Shu told her, but she also warned that she was in the middle of her advancement.

"That's a shame. I wanted to see that little flower." Elyne showed reluctance, but she later shook her head and chuckled. "Let's wait until she wakes up."

Ignatia spoke up at this moment, curious. "Speaking of which, what is the average time for this jump in strength among World Trees?"

Veyra answered. "They usually take between one and two centuries. Of course, the higher the quality of the First Ascension, the more time it will take."

"Hm… I understand."

After their diplomatic conversation, Liu Shu moved them all to an empty <Lignified Tree House>. She also asked the child to modify its internal structure to fit 200 people comfortably. Being Level 99, the Lignified Tree House remodeled its structure in less than a day.

From that day on, they all explored and got in touch with the Golden Sap Arborarchy's culture. Elyne was especially enthusiastic, visiting everywhere and observing the lifestyle of those living here.

"They are so…" Elyne trailed her words, and Lysara finished them. "Happy. Right?"

"Yes." Elyne smiled widely. "It's as if they don't fear anything and can walk safely as long as they are under Liu Shu's canopy."

The reason Elyne didn't use respectful speech was Liu Shu's own preference. "When creating the church here, I should force those on the lower ranks to speak respectfully, and only those above to direct their words with familiarity… That will allow us to separate the ranks more clearly. After all, we can't plant any type of seed. A wrong move, and the entire place will soon grow hard-to-kill weeds."

"...Church?"

Hearing Liu Shu's questioning and, honestly, somewhat reluctant voice, Elyne chuckled. "Of course, Lady Liu Shu. You must have a way to gather and process the power of <Faith>. You are still immature, so don't worry too much for now. Nevertheless, we must lay down a strong foundation!"

Liu Shu muttered. "O-Oh. I see. Is it that important?"

Elyne explained slowly. "Gathering the power of <Faith> is very important. You can use it to create miracles and overcome impossible situations. Of course, a religious community is not the only way to gather. If you are a strong leader who seeks the good of the empire, they will trust in you. If you are a hero who fights the enemies of the people, they will adore you."

Liu Shu asked back, confused. "Then… Why not do that? I don't really like people worshiping me… It feels too foreign and isolating…"

While she had become accustomed to people revering her, it wasn't any formal form of adoration. So, Liu Shu just ignored it. But if it became official, then she would probably need to partake in some kind of ceremonies in the future.

Elyne spoke with a slightly helpless tone. "All my thousands of years, I've learned the path of religion and belief. Therefore, it is the path where I can help you the most. Do not fear it, Liu Shu. I understand you might be reluctant, but I promise I won't create a group of fanatics, but one of wholehearted believers."

"Alright…" Liu Shu agreed, but inside, she was crying to the sky. 'Why are those two descriptions so similar! I can't feel the difference! QAQ!'

Lysara, hearing the doubts and fears in Liu Shu's voice, chuckled and reassured her. "Lady Elyne will take good care of it. Do not worry, Liu Shu. You just need to follow some of our arrangements and keep an eye so that we don't overstep."

With another reluctant sigh, Liu Shu decided to trust them. She still remembered how she stopped Taro from creating something similar in the past. 'If Taro had started it back then, would it have been beneficial?'

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