Vigorous Root sipped tea and said, "You humans have a saying, 'It's impolite not to reciprocate.' We tree people have a similar saying. The giant insects attack and then want to leave? There's no such easy thing."

"The tribal elders have issued a pursuit order against the giant insects, and this time the reward for war merits is about double that of defending the city."

"Not only that, but all alien allies participating in this pursuit can receive a month's supply of Water of Life in advance."

"A few of us have agreed to carry out the pursuit first, and then based on the situation, look for the Ancient Tree Fossil."

"However, this time the Ancient Tree Fossil has attracted strong warriors from various realms, both Innate and Grandmasters are many."

"If it weren't for the Grandmasters still fighting over an unknown Grandmaster's treasure, more than half of the Ten Realms' Grandmasters would come to the Tree-man World."

"We'll set off tomorrow, and when searching for the Ancient Tree Fossil, we might not return."

"So, we hope you team up with us to hunt the giant insects, and then search for the Ancient Tree Fossil together."

"The downside of doing this is that you'll have to fight the giant insects, but the advantage is that you'll get more help from the tree people. Especially when searching for the Ancient Tree Fossil, aside from a few insect race and tree people, other alien races are hard to sense."

Zhou Leng said, "I heard that the Ancient Tree Fossil is deeply buried in the ground or even embedded in rocks. Only certain insect race and tree people can sense them at relatively close distances. Also, their senses might be inaccurate or mistaken."

"Yes. So what do you think?"

Zhou Leng said, "I've always wanted to test the giant insects' strength but never had the chance. This is just right to join you. Moreover, I also want to collect Giant Insect Juice or even Radiant Juice."

"Oh? You dare to consume Giant Insect Juice?" Vigorous Root asked.

"The Giant Body is somewhat useful. Besides, you tree people can identify Giant Insect Juice. As long as its toxicity isn't too strong, I can consume it," Zhou Leng said.

Vigorous Root said, "I can't afford Radiant Juice, but we do have quite a bit of mildly toxic Giant Insect Juice. Bring some containers."

With rich experience, Zhou Leng had already prepared numerous containers in his Magic Spirit Bag.

He took out some steel pots and pans, all refined by Demon Spirit Masters and corrosion-resistant.

The tree people successively poured some mildly toxic Giant Insect Juice from their Magic Spirit Bags, filling two pots and four pans.

A peculiar smell filled the room, initially pleasant with a light grassy aroma.

But gradually, the scent in the room turned strange, as if smashed locusts, moths, green caterpillars, and crickets were poured onto the floor.

Zhou Leng covered them with large cling wraps to reduce the smell.

Looking at the colorful Giant Insect Juice in the pots and pans, Zhou Leng squinted.

Seemingly overlooking the most important issue.

Giant Insect Juice is hard to swallow.

That's one reason it doesn't sell well in the Humanoid Alliance.

The tree people displayed similar smiles, having seen similar expressions more than once.

Tree people absorb through roots, it's naturally different.

"You can go to a Demon Spirit Master to buy some Jelly Demonization Powder and flavor-changing items. Sprinkle and stir them together to form a jelly. It's said to taste great, whether you make it taste like meat or fruit."

Zhou Leng said, "As a martial artist, how could I fear Giant Insect Juice?"

Saying this, he picked up a steel pan, brought it to his mouth, and began to drink it in big gulps.

The once rich rotten insect smell and taste suddenly intensified a hundredfold, the texture like mucus.

Zhou Leng drank a few mouthfuls, wanting to stop, but found it slightly chewy.

The juice wobbled back and forth in his throat.

"Ugh..."

At the moment of almost vomiting, Zhou Leng controlled his body and forcibly manipulated his Qi to press the contents in his mouth and esophagus into his stomach.

Zhou Leng put down the steel pan with a grim face.

The tree people all praised him.

"Not bad, not bad, few humans can do this. Dwarves and Demon Spirit Masters vomit heavily every time they drink it."

"Even Giants and Beastmen can't handle it."

"Not to mention intelligent beings, Magical Beasts eat some and vomit it right out."

Zhou Leng looked at the multicolored Giant Insect Juice and slowly said, "As a martial artist, I don't fear it, but as someone from the Dragon Country, I truly can't handle such stuff. Forget it, I'll just go find a friend to buy some jelly powder and taste-covering magic potions."

Zhou Leng contacted Cyan Flame on the spot and talked about the pursuit.

"These potions are simple, I'll acquire them for you right away. Ask your tree friends if I can join the pursuit. If I'm by your side, no need for potions, I can directly use small spells to change the Giant Insect Juice."

Zhou Leng inquired, "Cyan Flame also wants to join the pursuit."

Vigorous Root said, "Since he's your friend, that's fine. Plus, I've heard he's a genius among Demon Spirit Masters, quite famous. Any more than that might not be convenient because, as you're not tree people, you can't merge with the environment. If there are slightly more people, the Giant Insect Race can easily detect you."

"Alright, then just the two of us, let's prepare starting today. Tell us what we need for the journey, we'll buy it now, let's go..."

Everyone began to head out.

Vigorous Root said, "As long as it's for battle needs, we'll buy it. We can offer discounts..."

Zhou Leng quickly found Cyan Flame and went with Vigorous Root to the base market to prepare for pursuing the giant insects and searching for the Ancient Tree Fossil.

After purchasing many necessary items, Zhou Leng suddenly spotted a somewhat familiar figure, small and short.

Zhou Leng quickly followed, weaving through the stalls and entering a hazy alleyway.

Both stopped.

The figure turned around, hesitated for a moment, and slowly took off the hat, revealing a fair face.

"Brother Zhou Leng..." Zhang Xiaoxiao looked timidly at Zhou Leng.

Zhou Leng looked at Zhang Xiaoxiao and smiled with relief, "You've become much healthier."

The last time he saw her, her face was sallow and thin, her gaze dim.

Today, her eyes showed melancholy, but there was light.

Just like before, Zhou Leng walked over.

Zhang Xiaoxiao's body tensed but gradually relaxed upon seeing Zhou Leng's normal expression.

"How have you been?" Zhou Leng asked.

"Pretty good," Zhang Xiaoxiao replied.

"Tong Tianxia is known for his chivalry. With him, you won't suffer losses."

"You know everything?" Zhang Xiaoxiao looked at Zhou Leng with a complicated gaze.

Zhou Leng smiled and said, "I won't tell Zhang Xinglie."

"Thank you." Zhang Xiaoxiao secretly breathed a sigh of relief.

Zhou Leng took out the chocolate, about to hand it over, but paused in mid-air.

Now, it seems different from the past.

Zhang Xiaoxiao smiled and said, "I'm not a child anymore."

Saying this, she reached out her slender fingers, picked up a piece of chocolate, peeled it, put it in her mouth, and looked up at Zhou Leng, her eyes bright.

Just like before, she slowly sucked on it, unwilling to chew.

"What are you going to do next?" Zhou Leng asked.

Zhang Xiaoxiao's eyes were dazed, thinking for a while, and she shook her head.

"How about you?" she asked.

"I want to go and see the depths of the starry sky," Zhou Leng said.

"I've also heard about the Ancient River Sect, but unfortunately couldn't learn from it." Zhang Xiaoxiao's tone was full of regret.

"There will be opportunities, everyone will have a chance in the future."

"Really?"

"Really."

"I don't believe others, but I believe Brother Zhou Leng," Zhang Xiaoxiao's eyes brightened.

Zhou Leng sighed secretly in his heart, reached out his hand, and gently ruffled Zhang Xiaoxiao's hair.

The girl did not hide, smiling happily.

"Live well, cultivate well, listen to Tong Tianxia, but... what he does is too dangerous. When encountering big events, remember to hide well."

"I know," Zhang Xiaoxiao said with a smile.

"I once told a friend to be kind to oneself, now, I give this sentence to you. Always remember, be kind to yourself."

"Hmm." Zhang Xiaoxiao nodded gently.

"See you later."

"See you later." Zhang Xiaoxiao smiled, raising her hand, and as her sleeve slipped, revealing her pale arm.

She waved her hand and turned to walk deeper into the alley.

Tears fell.

This wave was a farewell forever.

Zhou Leng suddenly shouted, "You still have a chance. As long as you surrender, I can find a way to arrange a new identity for you in the army or the Martial Guard."

Zhang Xiaoxiao's body trembled, she walked slowly a few steps, then quickened her pace, leaving without turning back.

There's no going back.

No more that human child, only the Demon Worship Sect's Zhang Xiaoxiao.

Zhou Leng quietly watched Zhang Xiaoxiao's figure disappear into the darkness.

"What a mutual feeling between a pair, being targeted by the innate of the Demon Worship Sect, yet thinking about a beautiful girl. As a Martial Guard, colluding with a criminal, even wanting to whitewash a Demon Cultist, truly a good martial artist for the country and the people."

A piercing altered voice came from the shadows.

Zhou Leng stepped forward and punched.

True Qi surged, striking a spell remnant.

The remnant dissipated.

Zhou Leng recalled the earlier voice, demonized altered voice, unable to guess the identity.

The content was ordinary, anyone who knew his identity could say it.

However, the tone had a special nuance.

"Demon Worship Sect's Innate?"

Zhou Leng returned to the market and bought some more things with Vigorous Root and Cyan Flame, then received the Water of Life, and headed back to the Tree Root Cave.

The next morning, he entered the first stage of cultivation under the tree as usual.

When the time was up, Zhou Leng emerged from the thin white mist.

In martial arts perception, the activity of his body had reached the True Liquid Innate's limit.

Next, it would be necessary to use treasures like Ancient Tree Fossils to enhance his body.

Then he would go to gain more blessings from Giant Ancestors to strengthen the Giant Body.

The blessings from the Dwarfs were no longer important, but whenever he had time, visiting them for some trials could also enhance his body's strength.

Zhou Leng followed Vigorous Root and other Tree-men and set off to pursue giant insects.

At the edge of the Tree of Life Square, some people glanced at Zhou Leng.

Zhao He returned to the Tree Root Cave.

Lou Fei Qiong entered the second stage of cultivation.

Jax and Tu Rong led a large group for the final preparations.

Shen Jun and Rao Mingxian disguised themselves, mixed in the crowd, watching Zhou Leng's distant figure with complicated expressions.

Shen Jun cursed in a low voice, "That Zhou Leng can be close buddies with the conservative Tree-men, he's simply a cold-faced succubus."

Rao Mingxian glared at Shen Jun.

Shen Jun continued, "The matter of the Ancient Tree Fossil is gradually spreading, various major forces entering the Tree-man World, including the Huang Meng Sect. However... everything must be prioritized, the will of the Celestial Calamity Envoy is always the priority, do you understand?"

"Understood."

The crowd replied, Shen Jun stared at Rao Mingxian.

Rao Mingxian also stared at Shen Jun.

Shen Jun snorted lightly and said, "You newcomers don't understand the power of the Celestial Calamity Envoy at all. Even someone as proud as Mrs. Xiyang can only obey."

"Isn't the Celestial Calamity Envoy just a shell carrying the Celestial Calamity God?" Rao Mingxian said.

Shen Jun said, "Isn't Zhao He just the grandson of a Martial Saint, why does he deserve what he has now? The Celestial Calamity Envoy is insignificant, but the Celestial Calamity God behind him ranks far above a Lord."

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