Assistant Zhang gasped for breath, then speaking very quickly, his eyes revealing a look of shock.

"Anomaly? What kind of anomaly could make you so flustered? Tell me specifically, what exactly happened?"

Upon hearing that there was an anomaly in the Imperial Capital, Director Lin's face turned serious, and he spoke solemnly to Assistant Zhang.

Many treasures come into the world accompanied by anomalies, but for something to make Assistant Zhang so flustered, it must be absolutely extraordinary, something he could not ignore.

"Alright, Director, the anomaly appeared in an uninhabited, abandoned courtyard. Tens of minutes ago, that courtyard suddenly emitted a large amount of azure light, extremely eye-catching.

And this azure light was most extraordinary; the flowers, grass, and trees around the courtyard grew crazily after being touched by the light, and many nearby residents saw their stubborn ailments completely heal after being brushed by the light.

Eventually, upon receiving reports, relevant personnel went into the courtyard to inspect it and saw a mysterious willow tree..."

Assistant Zhang finished speaking in one breath, carefully narrating the entire event.

"You say a willow tree? That... willow branch from Qingyuan City? Is it true?"

Director Lin, shocked, stood up straight, looking at Assistant Zhang incredulously.

"That's correct, Director! As for whether the willow branch from Qingyuan City is from that source, it remains uncertain for now."

Assistant Zhang nodded, his expression serious.

"Let's go! Take me to see it!"

Director Lin, feeling a rush of excitement, urged urgently.

This willow tree is likely the creation of that entity from Qingyuan City, who, with power enough to easily hold off the Black Demon Tiger and scare away the Golden Tiger, surely possesses sufficient might to protect the Great Qin Empire.

And if they are willing to step in at a crucial moment to help the Great Qin Empire overcome a crisis, it suggests they hold some goodwill towards the Great Qin Empire or mankind.

If this power can be brought to their side, they wouldn't need to fear Black Demon Tiger invasions anymore.

"Director, I have already dispatched people to seal off the area; I'll take you there right away!"

Assistant Zhang swiftly replied.

Then, the two hurriedly left the Extraordinary Research Institute and headed towards the East District under the protection of a group of Extraordinaries.

Soon enough, Director Lin and his party arrived outside the small courtyard.

By then, the entire area was under military control, with armed Extraordinary Warriors from the military surrounding it, barring others from approaching.

With Assistant Zhang leading the way, Director Lin entered the courtyard.

"Director, it's right there!"

Assistant Zhang pointed to a pool in the southeast corner of the small courtyard, where brilliant light was scattering all around.

A segment of a willow stump lay horizontally by the pool, resembling a lightning-struck, charred, and curled piece of dead wood.

This seemingly lifeless stump had, in its middle section, sprouted a willow branch over a meter long.

This vibrant willow branch emitted azure light all over, its branches seeming as if they were carved from translucent divine jade, with lush green willow leaves exuding a dense green mist, incredibly mystical.

Meanwhile, the terrifying aura emanating from that willow branch swept in all directions, and even standing a hundred meters away, people felt immense pressure, making it hard to breathe.

"That must be it..."

Director Lin halted his steps, staring intently at the willow branch on the stump, lost in thought.

The willow branch was identical to the one that appeared in Qingyuan City.

Just then, the willow tree ahead suddenly changed, right before their eyes.

Mysteriously, as if a force surged into the stump, streaks of azure spiritual light suddenly exuded.

The ashy dead skin peeled off, revealing a tender green shoot that grew rapidly, emitting green mist, until it reached the length of the first willow branch before finally stopping.

"This willow tree has grown again!"

Director Lin observed the increasingly vigorous willow tree, murmuring to himself.

"Watch out!"

Suddenly, the two willow branches that had just been swaying in the wind snapped towards the direction of the crowd.

In the startled eyes of everyone, a wave-like green light surged at them, passing through them quickly as they retreated.

Fortunately, after the panic subsided and they realized the green light seemed harmless, everyone calmed down.

No one noticed Director Lin's face, however, which was now full of delight.

The next moment, under everyone's watch, Director Lin bowed to the willow tree in front of them, saying, "I understand. I will no longer disturb you unless absolutely necessary, Elder!"

Then, Director Lin forcibly led the confused crowd away.

Outside the courtyard.

"Director, what happened? Did the willow tree speak?"

Unable to comprehend Director Lin's earlier mysterious actions, Assistant Zhang couldn't help but ask.

"Indeed, the Elder has expressed willingness to protect the Great Qin Empire in times of national peril but desires peace and quiet, warning me not to disturb them unnecessarily in the future."

Director Lin nodded, his smile radiant.

"So it really was that one from Qingyuan City!"

Assistant Zhang and the others around him all showed looks of shock.

"Xiao Zhang, with the Elder's protection for the Great Qin Empire, we should express our gratitude. Arrange to honor the Elder as the Willow God and announce their role as Guardian God of the Great Qin Empire to the nation!"

After pondering for a moment, Director Lin instructed Assistant Zhang.

"Yes, Director, I will arrange it immediately!"

Assistant Zhang nodded.

...

After parting with Nangong Luo, Fang Yuan first led the Vajra Giant Ape back to gather the scattered demon soldiers lurking near Qingyuan City.

Afterward, he led the Vajra Giant Ape and numerous demon soldiers straight back to Yin Yue Mountain.

In the dim valley, Fang Yuan lay beside the Cold Pond, his body glowing red with blood light, operating the Heaven-Swallowing Demon Scripture to heal his wounds.

"That willow branch..."

Fang Yuan's gaze shifted; recalling yesterday's battle, he hastily took out his communicator to see if there were any announcements from the Great Qin Empire.

A moment later.

"What nonsense Willow God, once this Demon Monarch perfects his skills, I will surely swallow you alive!"

Reading the news about the willow branch, Fang Yuan was furious, eager to go out and battle this absurd Willow God over three hundred times right then and there.

It took Fang Yuan quite a while to calm down.

Then, he remembered that if not for the intervention of third brother, he might not have survived today.

Once again, he owed big brother his life.

Fang Yuan turned his head towards the Vajra Giant Ape not far away, instructing, "Vajra, prepare a large number of Spiritual Objects. This Demon Monarch will head to Tiger King's Ridge to thank big brother!"

The Vajra Giant Ape, who was almost dozing off, suddenly woke up, curiosity filling its eyes as it cautiously asked, "Um, big brother, can I accompany you to visit the eldest brother?"

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