This Necromancer Just Wants to Plant Trees - Chapter 168

Chapter 168: The Touch of Spirits

In the endless darkness, Matthew seemed to transform into a flying insect.

The world was composed of black and white.

Speckles gradually formed into entities as he instinctively moved forward, encountering one fork in the road after another.

It felt like a maze here.

Matthew tried to look up but could only catch a glimpse of a small section of the scenery.

He couldn't even control his own body, only drifting along with the faint airflow.

After a moment.

He landed on a stone wall.

Not far away in the maze stood a massive locust tree.

On the branches of the locust tree.

Sat two figures wearing black cloaks and white masks, their lower bodies almost invisible.

Matthew couldn't see more details.

But he could hear their conversation.

One of them said:

"The bloodline of the Shape-Shifter is reviving. The Northern Troll Empire and the Barbarian Tribes are rising again. Though the Disaster Dragon is difficult to come by, the nutrients spilled from the ruins in the sky are enough to breed more evil. The imminent situation might be beyond the control of the Seven Saints Alliance."

The other person's voice sounded younger:

"What about those giants? Weren't they supposed to be quick too?"

The elder replied:

"I heard the giants aren't that fast yet. They need time after the odd-numbered days. The crucial thing is to watch Rona."

The other person asked:

"What's the situation with Rona now?"

The elder answered:

"Unclear. No one knew who targeted Rona before, but the recent news from the Seven Saints Alliance seems to suggest it was Isabel."

The younger man was surprised:

"Why would Isabel target her own student?"

The elder didn't seem surprised:

"I said it was hearsay; rumors might be false. Even if it's true, it's not unusual. Those who have long been in high positions in the world, if they can't break through, they'll inevitably go mad.

Isabel is probably just like the former Sun God. She has been a mage for too long and has seen the power of Catastrophe Mages. Naturally, she won't be content with idleness.

But no one knows how to ascend to Catastrophe status.

The Seven Saints Alliance is in a predicament because of this.

Their situation is similar to those poor souls in Heaven's Palace. The difference is that the mages have almost gone completely mad before reaching the top of the world, one after another."

The young man commented:

"It seems our Spirit Touch Hall has a great chance in the upcoming era."

The elder proudly declared:

"Of course, the Spirit Touch Hall is the most powerful force in the Raven's Roost Realm. With Viscount Van, we'll surely unify the realm within a few years."

"Viscount Van has summoned ten thousand Night Cloak Ghosts, three thousand vampires, and countless other creatures. He is the most powerful king of the realm!"

The young man also puffed up his chest:

"Just thinking that we also work under Viscount Van is an honor! Hey, you know..."

He didn't finish his words.

A distant voice shouted angrily:

"You two little ghosts are slacking off again? Hurry up and deliver today's dusk mail!"

"If you delay Viscount Van's matters, I'll scatter your souls!"

The two little ghosts disappeared from the locust tree instantly.

Soon after, Matthew saw a headless knight driving a carriage descending from above the maze.

He stayed on the locust tree for a while, cautiously surveying his surroundings. After a while, he respectfully addressed the direction of the carriage:

"Princess, please step out."

The curtain of the carriage was lifted by a fair hand.

Before Matthew could see the princess clearly, the headless knight suddenly turned towards Matthew's direction:

"Who?"

"A little bug?"

In an instant.

A powerful force struck Matthew's face.

He felt a sharp pain in his forehead.

A pleasant female voice exclaimed, "Oh!"

Then, his consciousness returned to his body.

"Note: You've entered the Shadow Erosion Realm and accidentally overheard information about the 'Spirit Touch Hall.'

As a reward for entering the realm, you'll gain two out of the following three abilities:

1. Shadow Erosion Fire: Designate one of your fingers as the emission point for Shadow Erosion Fire. From this fingertip, you can release a ball of shadow erosion energy without the need for incantations.

This fire instantly inflicts significant magical damage and continues to cause 2-3 points of shadow erosion damage per minute for ten minutes afterward.

Note: Shadow Erosion Fire has no daily usage limit, but excessive usage may darken and harden your designated finger.

2. Enchanting Whisper: Through the Shadow Erosion Realm, you can whisper to a target. If the target fails to resist, they'll enter a drunken state lasting for thirty minutes.

3. Spell Nullification: You can expend an equal amount of mana to negate a spell being cast by a target.

Note: The level of this spell cannot exceed the first tier of your own level.

This ability can be used twice daily."

"Spirit Touch Hall?"

"It sounds like an organization from the Raven's Roost Realm. Is their leader a Viscount named Van? Has the realm introduced titles of nobility, or is he a vampire?"

"Furthermore, both the Shadow Erosion Realm and the Graveyard Realm's entities exist within the Raven's Roost Realm..."

Matthew silently noted the information he'd just heard.

Then, he looked at the data panel.

Today's luck was truly exceptional.

Not only did he enter the realm in one fell swoop, but it seemed he ventured quite deep, gaining access to two abilities.

After a brief contemplation, Matthew chose the first and third abilities.

"Shadow Erosion Fire" was a high-value offensive spell. Beyond the direct damage, Matthew valued the continuous life deduction from shadow erosion damage, albeit minor.

"Spell Nullification" needed no further explanation. Although slightly inferior to counters and reflections, it was still a good backup plan and couldn't be overlooked.

As for "Enchanting Whisper."

This ability was intriguing. From it, Matthew deduced that the Shadow Erosion Realm might include elements like "intoxication," "alcohol," or "sleep."

This realm was quite niche.

Correspondingly, while using abilities from this niche realm, unexpected effects might surface.

Exploring the Shadow Erosion Realm also granted Matthew a permanent status.

"Shadow Erosion Resistance: Your body gains +10 resistance against shadow erosion damage; +5 resistance against intoxication; +5 resistance against sleep."

Matthew looked at the Shadow Erosion Bead in his hand.

The negative energy on it had dimmed by about one-third.

After tasting the benefits, he changed his mind, intending to explore it often in the future.

Matthew wasn't just after the abilities within the realm; he was more interested in the safety of his consciousness entering the Raven's Roost Realm while exploring.

This time, it was attached to a small insect; perhaps attaching to a stronger creature in the future might yield more rewards.

When Matthew returned to his senses, Margaret was standing in front of him, munching on melon seeds and scattering the shells everywhere:

"You've understood a realm just like that?"

Matthew nodded.

"Truly amazed by geniuses like you."

Margaret didn't hide her envy:

"At first

, I also wanted to be like you and explore the realm. But I was worried about being unable to leave my body behind."

"Ah."

Matthew understood.

"Let me teach you the secret."

Margaret immediately sat on the ground, her legs crossed:

"Then, teach me."

Matthew did the same.

"Sit down like me, close your eyes, and then imagine yourself as a piece of deadwood. Don't think about anything. Just imagine yourself as a piece of wood. Then, your consciousness will automatically separate from your body."

Margaret nodded and followed Matthew's instructions.

She closed her eyes and imagined herself as a piece of wood.

However, after a while, she opened her eyes:

"It doesn't work."

Matthew replied:

"I forgot to tell you; it might not work for some people. But don't worry; there are other methods."

Margaret chuckled:

"Let's forget it for now. I heard from the mermaid that you've obtained abilities from the realm. How many did you get?"

Matthew raised two fingers.

Margaret clapped her hands in excitement:

"Two! That's amazing!"

Matthew nodded:

"It's not bad."

Margaret asked with anticipation:

"Can you tell me what they are?"

Matthew briefly explained the abilities he acquired.

Margaret's eyes lit up:

"Shadow Erosion Fire and Spell Nullification! That's fantastic!"

Then, she chuckled:

"Maybe next time, I'll accompany you inside and see if I can get anything."

Matthew warned her:

"Be careful. Don't push yourself too hard."

Margaret nodded obediently.

Then, she changed the topic:

"Where should we go next?"

Matthew looked at the map:

"We're here. There's a temple over there. Let's go check it out."

Margaret nodded in agreement.

The two continued on their journey, heading towards the mysterious temple hidden within the dense forest.

Under the leadership of Bone Pigeon, they quickly arrived at the territory of the Old Bone Dragon, located below the King's Mountain, in a wind-protected basin.

Unfortunately, everything here disappointed Matthew.

Looking around, aside from some basic undead creatures, the basin was barren.

Even the dwelling place of the Old Bone Dragon, a small hill covered in glass shards and bone ash, held nothing valuable for Matthew.

Except for a soft dragon scale.

The scale lay discarded, covered in a thick layer of dust, nearly missed by Matthew's keen eye.

Clearly a scale weathered through ages, possibly from the body of the Old Bone Dragon in its lifetime.

Despite the scale's degradation, Matthew decided to keep it, planning to study its properties thoroughly later.

While Matthew and his companions were cleaning up the spoils of the Old Bone Dragon...

Little Fei also rushed over.

He lowered his proud head, looking expectantly at Matthew.

Matthew promptly fulfilled his promise.

He took out a bottle containing the remnants of the Old Bone Dragon's soul fire, uncapping it and allowing Little Fei to absorb it.

But Little Fei was considerate.

When halfway through, he stopped.

Soon after, a series of changes began on his body.

The color of the virtual dragon scale, snug against his ribcage, grew darker.

A greenish light spread out like ripples, rapidly growing like moss.

Soon, the virtual dragon scale completely enveloped Little Fei's lower body.

Simultaneously, long feathers sprouted from his back, yellowish-white and rougher than duck feathers.

Observing the other changes on Little Fei's bone dragon body—

His bones tightened, a thin film of blood appeared on his chest, and feathers similar to duck down grew outside the film.

More virtual dragon scales covered his head, and a white membrane covered his once-empty eye sockets.

Previously, one could see his soul fire through the eye sockets, but now, only a faint green dot was visible from the same angle.

On the data panel—

Little Fei's changes were more apparent—

"Prompt: Your summoned creature, Philorius, has won the King's Battle!

He has consumed enough residual soul fire and is completing the advancement of the King's template...

Philorius's level has increased to LV18.

Philorius's strength +1.

Philorius has gained two new abilities: 'Lord of the Six Rings' and 'Shadow Domain.'

Lord of the Six Rings: Philorius has officially become the king of the negative energy plane, the Six Rings, and is eligible to obtain a territory on the King's Mountain.

He has obtained a 'Six Rings Insignia,' and when the energy on the insignia reaches its maximum, he will have the chance to go to the Five Rings.

Shadow Domain: Philorius has entered the 'Shadow Domain' (the boundary between shadow and negative energy) and gained abilities like 'Shadow Sneak,' 'Shadow Summon,' 'Advanced Illusion'!"

Philorius is immensely grateful for your efforts in the King's Battle.

His loyalty to you has increased to 105, and he shares the ability 'Advanced Illusion' with you!

Advanced Illusion (Weakened Version): You can summon an illusion identical to yourself, lasting for 30 minutes.

During this time, you can control its actions with your mind.

The illusion cannot cause substantial harm and must stay within 100 meters of you.

If you're attacked while the illusion is active, regardless of its distance, it will instantly appear next to you to shield against the attack.

Within the next three seconds, parts of your body will partially shadow and gain 30% damage reduction."

Furthermore—

Matthew inspected Little Fei's original advanced illusion and discovered it could withstand three attacks and had a 60% damage reduction while shadowed.

After becoming the king, Little Fei exuded more majesty.

His appearance transformed from a bone dragon toward a spectral dragon, entirely against common sense.

Typically, spectral dragons evolve from true dragons, not bone dragons.

Yet, Little Fei's peculiarities didn't end there.

Matthew noticed the fur on his back resembled the feathers ancient dinosaurs had in their early evolution, especially akin to the Wind Spirit Wing's feathers.

If there indeed was a connection between the two—

Little Fei's power surge and physical changes seemed more like an evolution than an upgrade.

Margaret seemed to grasp this point.

Her gaze fixed on Philorius, she subconsciously bit her lip, then asked Matthew, "Are you selling this bone dragon?"

Matthew skillfully replied, "Do you have money?"

With teary eyes, Margaret looked at him, "Come on, this bone dragon is quite unique."

Unmoved, Matthew reminded her, "We can prepare to leave. My pets can handle what's left here."

Margaret stomped in frustration, "Don't look down on people!"

"When I've paid off my debts to my teacher and friends, I'll come and buy both your small and big unique ones!"

"Don't laugh, when I have money, I'll buy you too!"

Matthew tried hard not to laugh at the peculiar situation.

Bone Pigeon looked affectionately at Margaret, "Ms. Margaret, I'll be waiting for you to redeem me!"

Little Fei looked at him immediately, puzzled.

Unfazed, Bone Pigeon continued, "What's wrong, Little Fei? Didn't you hear the master and Ms. Margaret are going to defeat other monsters? Hurry up and present anything valuable, don't delay their trip!"

Little Fei shook his head vigorously, indicating he didn't have anything.

Bone Pigeon scolded him sternly, "Isn't there an undead holy spring in our territory? Hurry up and dig it all out to give to them!"

"You don't glare at me!"

"I'm telling you, your advisor, I'm quitting. I'll only stick with the master's master in the future."

"And, don't call me Bone Pigeon anymore, call me Little Unique!"

Saying that, he confidently walked away from Philorius.

Approaching Matthew and Margaret—

Bone Pigeon nodded and bowed, "Two esteemed individuals, I know the nests of monsters nearby. I can lead the way for you!"

Margaret's eyes twinkled, "Didn't you mention an undead holy spring?"

Capitalizing on this, Matthew asked Bone Pigeon, "Enough chatter, lead the way. I can't wait!"

The trio gradually moved away.

Soon, the Death Contract conveyed Little Fei's heartfelt gratitude.

Three days later—

At the edge of the Six Rings.

Within a dark cave.

With a mournful howl, Matthew's figure appeared at the cave entrance soon after.

Margaret followed, munching on sunflower seeds, giving feedback, "You could've used the Anti-Magic Barrier faster and more resolutely!"

"You've used it perfectly before, why the delay this time facing the Nesting Witch? Perhaps her appearance and demeanor appealed to you more, a moment of hesitation?"

"To say or not to say, the witch's nest smells awful..."

Ignoring the ineffective details in her words, Matthew earnestly analyzed the recent battle:

"When I got close, I did resist the witch's charm, but for some reason, my thoughts slowed for an instant."

"That's definitely not because of her appearance or physique."

"It's like something's forming in my mind, probably related to the battles these days."

Margaret's eyes lit up with

understanding, "You mean the enchantment of King's Mountain is starting to affect your mind?"

Matthew nodded, "It's possible."

"Moreover, the previous opponent was a trash-talker, but the witch barely spoke."

"Most of the time, she was only chanting incantations or giving orders to her familiars, even muttering was rare."

"She relied on her charm and direct attacks, without any intimidation."

"In the end, she didn't even utter her last words, disappearing into mist."

Margaret chuckled, "The Nether Witch may be arrogant, but she's certainly elegant."

"Even disappearing in that manner, maintaining her dignity."

Matthew smiled, "Indeed."

Finishing his analysis, Matthew closed his eyes and focused on the spiritual connection with Little Fei.

"Philorius, have you found it?"

After a while, the echoing howl of the spectral dragon resounded in Matthew's mind, "Master, I've found a magic tree that fits the criteria!"

"It's at the intersection of the Shadow and Negative Energy Planes!"

"The surroundings are heavily guarded by the Shadow Beasts."

"I've been investigating for half a day. This magic tree seems to absorb the essence from both planes."

"Master, do I need to wait for you before taking action?"

Margaret curiously asked, "What kind of tree is this?"

Matthew slowly explained, "It's a special kind of tree, the Plane Barrier Tree."

"It absorbs the essence from two different planes and can create a unique environment, beneficial for plants and creatures."

"For us, it's the perfect material to craft the Dimensional Barrier Net."

Margaret's eyes widened in astonishment, "A Plane Barrier Tree? That's extremely rare!"

"Although it's not an ancient tree, its significance is on par with one."

"Why would it absorb energies from both the Shadow and Negative Energy Planes?"

Matthew smiled, "I'll explain later."

"Let's hurry to Philorius!"

Quickly leaving the cave, Matthew activated the transfer array and disappeared with Margaret, heading towards Little Fei's location.

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