This Necromancer Just Wants to Plant Trees - Chapter 169

Chapter 169: Are You Honeymooning?

...

"Warning: You are in Gem Dragon's 'Decay Domain,' and your body will age three times faster than usual!

You used the 'Necromantic Transformation - Dwarf Skeleton' to immunize against decay effects.

Warning: You've encountered the ancient dragon's superior Dragon Might!

You can't maintain the 'Necromantic Transformation' state.

You've reverted to human form and will continue to be troubled by the Decay Domain..."

...

At the entrance of the cave, Matthew staggered and returned to his original form.

He took a step back, just managing to withstand the unintentionally released Dragon Might of the ancient dragon. The Dragon-slaying Domain gave him remarkable resistance to regular Dragon Might.

But the ancient dragon's Dragon Might judgment was more domineering.

Even for Matthew, maintaining normal bodily functions was a struggle.

"So much concentrated decay element. With this level of domain control, as long as this Gem Dragon wishes, it can instantly wither a forest while flying over it!"

Matthew steadied himself, intending to activate the Oak Domain to counter it.

However, at that moment, Margaret hastily jumped out of the tent, barefoot and rushed towards him.

Margaret cast a 'Protective Spell' on Matthew to nullify the effects of the Decay Domain before speaking:

"Don't open your domain, don't try to confront him."

She stood shoulder to shoulder with Matthew, both gazing at the continuously receding black dot in the sky.

"It's a Gem Dragon, such a colossal body! It's my first time seeing a dragon this huge, even for an ancient dragon, it's oversized."

"We absolutely cannot provoke him!"

Margaret's expression was grave.

Curious, Matthew asked, "I thought Lady Suyan's students would naturally lack awe for dragons."

Margaret shook her head and said, "Gem Dragons is a kind of Gem Dragon. My mentor is good friends with an ancient Emerald Dragon and has never targeted Gem Dragons."

"The recent Gem Dragon is a legendary creature; there should be information about him within the Alliance. I need to research thoroughly."

She was about to close her eyes and concentrate.

Matthew inquired, "I don't know much about Gem Dragons. Any information to share?"

A white glow appeared on Margaret's index finger as she instructed, "Open your mouth."

"Huh?"

Perplexed, Matthew complied, opening his mouth.

Margaret flicked her finger.

The glow entered Matthew's mouth and upon touching his throat, it vanished entirely.

Immediately, a wealth of information flooded his mind.

...

"Tip: Margaret has used the spell 'Knowledge Sharing - Gem Dragons' on you!

Your Knowledge - Gem Dragons +10"

"Knowledge (Gem Dragons) —

1. Overview:

Gem Dragons is a giant dragon infused with gloomy erosion energy.

Their nature is closely tied to elements of decay, deterioration, and despair.

Gem Dragons believes that all things in the world will ultimately perish; decay, deterioration, and eventual dust are irreversible processes.

They are willing to witness and maintain these terrifying processes that mortals find abhorrent.

Consequently, their actions and personalities appear solitary and erratic.

2. Appearance:

Adult Gem Dragon have scales resembling translucent polyhedrons, ranging in color from bright yellow to full amber.

Their bodies are wider at the hips and gradually taper towards the head, allowing them to effortlessly traverse both air and water with their wing shape.

Yellow gem-like spines float on their backs, representing their current mood.

3. Habits:

Gem Dragon is a dragon with rough manners, numerous quirks, and inherent contradictions.

For instance, they nest on cliffs by the sea but detest the dampness of the coast.

They abhor any place with water.

However, they are more adept at swimming and catching marine creatures than other Gem Dragons.

Their common activity involves complaining about the saltiness and humidity of seawater while spending hours submerged, solely to catch their favorite food —

Giant squids.

4. Ideology and Preferences:

The contradiction in their personalities extends to their domains; although they are the bearers of withering and decay domains, they cherish the traits of creating life.

They consider destruction a necessary condition for clearing the path for new life.

Similar to how a forest fire clears deadwood and enriches the soil, allowing the forest to rejuvenate healthier than before.

To achieve this goal, they use their power to break down collapsed structures or diseased plants into dust, paving the way for new life and construction.

They are fond of destruction and new life but are not particularly fond of the transitional phases between the two.

5. Quirks:

Gem Dragon is fond of collecting various undead creatures.

6. When encountering a powerful Gem Dragon in the wild, remember these pleasing principles:

-

Pretend to also adore undead creatures.

Pretend to endorse Gem Dragon's views on decay and rebirth.

-

Pretend that you want to have many offspring. If a heterosexual couple encounters Gem Dragons in the wild, it's best to pretend to be a newlywed couple.

This way, it won't harm you and might even bless you.

—Information summarized by an unknown dragon research scholar, Hodin"

...

As Matthew absorbed the information, he marveled at the richness of Margaret's knowledge.

Yet, he couldn't help but notice a slight similarity between Gem Dragon's ideology and his own.

As Matthew assimilated these basics, Margaret concluded her deep knowledge search and opened her eyes:

"We've found him; it's the Dragon of Decay and Creation, Krite Tischi, one of the five known legendary dragons in the inner plane."

"His inclination towards negative energy planes might be to seek unique undead beings for his collection."

Relieved, Bradshaw sighed, "Thankfully, we don't have any exotic undead beings here."

Margaret silently stared at him.

Bradshaw involuntarily shrank.

"He should have left."

Matthew strained his eyes, looking into the distance.

The shadow on the mountainside was no longer visible, and the Decay Domain had vanished.

The immediate crisis was resolved.

He was curious about the knowledge Margaret shared: "Where did you gather this extensive dragon knowledge?"

Margaret replied, "Where else? The Alliance Grand Library."

Impressed, Matthew expressed, "Remembering so many diverse knowledge segments must be exhausting, right?"

Margaret nodded knowingly, "Indeed, it is. It cost me over six hundred thousand."

Matthew paused for a moment, then realized, "Knowledge can be cemented?"

Margaret explained, "Knowledge can't be solidified, but it can be imbued.

The Alliance Grand Library offers knowledge infusion services, where in an hour, about a hundred thousand words can be infused for a gold coin per standard word.

My friend manages this service. If you're interested, I can ask her for a discount for you."

Matthew pondered, "So, apart from Lady Suyan, this is why you owe your friend money? Not just two million, but two million six hundred thousand?"

"You're quite daring."

Margaret shrugged, "My friend dares to lend me money; what should I fear?"

Matthew agreed with her logic.

With so many debts, as long as Margaret passed through that mental barrier, as creditors, they'd prefer her to stay safe and sound every day, eating and drinking as usual.

He was also intrigued by the Grand Library's knowledge infusion service and

inquired, "Is there no discount for knowledge obtained through infusion?"

Margaret shook her head, "Absolutely not. They say it's infusion, but it's more of a dream-learning technique.

During infusion, you enter a mental world where time moves slowly.

You read numerous books tirelessly here, acquiring knowledge.

While most people feel fatigue or pain when reading, this dream learning method doesn't.

It gets you addicted to reading, making memory instinctive.

Whenever you comprehend a difficult piece of knowledge, you feel an uncontrollable joy deep within.

This sensation loops, making you forget time's passage.

It's an indescribable process. It fascinated many mages for a time, visiting my friend daily, willing to pay 10 or 50 gold coins for the infusion service."

Matthew wondered, "Even with fifty gold coins, you'd only remember fifty words. Won't the subsequent dream world be dull?"

Margaret scoffed, "Those stinking men thought about that, so they secretly brought study materials to leisurely use in the dream world."

Although Margaret didn't explain what the study materials meant, Matthew caught on from her tone and demeanor.

"If I can bring my own materials, can't I observe visual images in the dream learning?"

Matthew attempted to draw a parallel.

Margaret nodded, "As long as you convince my friend to cooperate, you can see anything in the dream world.

In fact, this spell was initially for entertainment."

"Only if you give enough money, my bestie would gladly arrange a group of female teachers in your dreams that suit your preferences."

Matthew hurriedly corrected, "My preference isn't female teachers!"

Margaret smiled mischievously, "How about female teachers in specific uniforms?"

Matthew was about to deny it when a deep voice interrupted from outside the cave, "Sorry to disturb. Are you honeymooning?"

It was a sudden appearance of an old man, clad in a dusty gray robe, holding a rotting cane in his hand.

His eyes were cloudy, but upon closer inspection, obscured vertical pupils could be seen.

At the sight of him, both hearts skipped a beat.

Margaret quickly reacted, intimately linking her arm with Matthew's, "Yes, we got married just last month."

The old man appeared pleased, "That's wonderful! When do you plan on having children?"

Margaret choked momentarily, but thankfully, Matthew caught on, gently holding Margaret's hand, "We plan to let things happen naturally, but we both love children. If the heavens bless us with a few more little ones, it'd be a joyful thing for us."

The old man seemed very satisfied, "Very well! You should have more children. The world needs more newborns."

He then turned to Matthew, "But I must remind you, your wife might have secretly undergone the 'Menstrual Closure' spell. It doesn't affect fertility but hampers the body's natural metabolism. In the long run, it's not good for conception."

"Menstrual Closure? What's that?" Matthew looked puzzled at Margaret.

Like a husband who just discovered his wife's secret, Margaret forced a smile, "But I'm a battle mage. I don't want my spells affected by menstruation."

Understanding, the old man said kindly, "Pregnancy could have the same effect as Menstrual Closure."

This revelation left both 'spouses' speechless.

Seeing their response, Matthew tried to take control of the conversation, "I'm Matthew, and she's Mary. We're both mages of the Seven Saints Alliance. And you are?"

The old man introduced himself, "No need to be nervous. I'm just a traveler. I'm a follower of the Traveler God, known for being amicable. Look, this is my emblem."

He casually showed a rough bronze ornament, circular with some patterns on the back, but the front was empty.

Margaret couldn't help but ask, "Where's the emblem of the Traveler God?"

The old man glanced, explained, "Well, I used to be a follower, but he's quite useless, locked away in the palace. Couldn't assist in my travels and magic. So, I scratched his image off. Useless god, why bother believing in him?"

Matthew and Margaret couldn't respond. Each sentence from the transformed old man revealed extraordinary information.

Was it intentional or sheer indifference?

Matthew wasn't sure. He just felt an immense pressure, invisible yet terrifying.

"Can I join you?" The old man asked enthusiastically. "Don't worry, I'm just curious about human reproduction, especially observing the scene of human life's birth. Oh, don't be afraid. I won't force you. Do your thing as if I'm not here."

Matthew and Margaret exchanged glances, reluctantly agreeing.

After the old man's arrival, the fierce wind outside ceased. They left the cave, heading toward the coastline.

Along the way, the old man actively sought conversation. Initially reserved, upon learning Matthew was a necromancer, he engaged him ardently, leaving Margaret pushed to the background, silently observing the two men chatting.

"I absolutely adore undead creatures!" he exclaimed. "Skeletons, zombies, vampires, ghosts, and the cutest of all, mummies! Can you imagine a mummy who trips every three steps due to its bandages? Hahaha!"

He continued, "Besides, I've been pondering: after I die, should I become a lich or transform into a Shadow Dragon? Bone dragons work too, but they're generally weak, aren't they? As a necromancer, could you give me some advice?"

Matthew, feeling embarrassed, rubbed his forehead, "You're a dragon?"

He pretended to realize it just then.

The old man showed surprise, "Did I give myself away?" Then, he relaxed, "Well, I don't need to pretend to be human anymore!"

"Yes, I'm a scholar of the Yellow Jade Dragon. You can call me Kreet, but I prefer the nickname Druids gave me—Dragon of Decay and Birth!"

"I'm an expert in demographics, knowledgeable in both world destruction and reproduction. I've always wanted to be friends with a human newlywed couple. Would you like to visit my home?"

Seeing Kreet's hopeful gaze, Matthew and Margaret dared not refuse.

The effectiveness of the potion had disappeared the moment the Yellow Jade Dragon appeared!

Under the invisible threat from the dragon, something in Matthew's mind seemed to grow faster.

With the consent of Matthew and Margaret, Kreet put his thumb and forefinger in his mouth and produced a sharp whistle.

"Surprised? I know this too! It's an ability I learned from a human hunter."

Proudly, he displayed his rare skill.

Margaret and Matthew praised him.

The 'couple' successfully boosted Kreet's ego.

Two minutes later, a massive dark cloud appeared in their sight, descending rapidly before them.

Kreet stepped onto it, inviting the pair to join him.

"This is the 'Sky Leap' from the Wind Elemental Plane. They are friendly magical beings, ideal for flying mounts. Sadly, they've had a contract with the Eastern mages since a calamity. It's led them almost to extinction. The one I have might be the oldest among them, but it doesn't hinder its speed. Right, buddy?" The Sky Leap emitted roaring sounds, akin to a beast's howl.

They boarded the Sky Leap, soaring off at incredible speed.

The fierce winds in the sky made them sway. Kreet created a force field to shield them from the wind, all the while discussing undead creatures with Matthew.

However, their speed gradually slowed, and the altitude dropped. Matthew gazed ahead, spotting an island close to the coastline.

A massive tree grew askew on a cliff, with several treehouses below, where many small people worked diligently.

"That's my home ahead."

"Welcome to Eternal Island," Kreet said warmly. "Treat it as your own. Do whatever you want!"

...

"Hint: You've entered the junction between the Negative Energy Plane and the Air Elemental Plane, discovering Eternal Island.

Eternal Island: Lair of the Dragon of Decay and Birth, the origin of the Spore Society!

Spore Society: A Druid society venerating fungi, decay, and withering, mainly consisting of 'Dusk Elves'…"

...

At that moment, a Dusk Elf covered in moss and mushrooms approached. He saluted Kreet and handed two mushrooms to Matthew and Margaret, saying, "Welcome to Eternal Island."

"Hello, do you eat mushrooms?"

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