This Necromancer Just Wants to Plant Trees - Chapter 96

Matthew naturally didn't believe Yu Lian's words.

This guy had deviously deceived Blorken into entering. How could there not be some follow-up trap? So he asked, "Is the tomb of King Mingtan actually a dead end?"

Yu Lian replied in a relaxed tone, "Whether it's life or death, the choice is yours. Just as you guessed before, the path of life and death is indeed the same. If you remain greedy and want to explore King Mingtan's tomb even after inheriting the power of the Balance Messenger, then you're only a step away from a dead end."

Matthew breathed a sigh of relief. Yu Lian's implication was crystal clear; Blorken's journey was undoubtedly life-threatening.

Matthew contemplated as he looked at Yu Lian. This guy indeed had some skills. Despite not being very powerful on a personal level, he could manipulate the Grand Magus of the Dragon Cult. While there were factors like ancestral support and misinformation at play, achieving this was not easy.

Facing Matthew's blatant scrutiny, Yu Lian's tone gradually became stern. "Listen, Matthew, I've given you the right clues, and I haven't deceived you. I've only done what I should. I don't want trouble. I can see that you have a wide network, and many people around you."

With that, Yu Lian's gaze wandered in the direction of the black door for a while.

In the room, you could still faintly hear Reiga's voice, "I won, I won! Hey, don't be a sore loser; these are all mine..."

Yu Lian then looked directly into Matthew's eyes and said firmly, "But I, Yu Lian, have been able to survive in Coldor for so long, and I'm not to be trifled with. Sugar Babe! Sugar Babe!"

He called out several times in the direction of the corridor.

A few seconds later, a beautiful Tiefling with long horns on her head, wearing a silk nightgown, emerged from the room on the other side of the corridor. She was still half-asleep and crossed her arms.

"What's wrong, dear?" she asked.

Yu Lian became impatient, "Didn't we agree that when I call 'Sugar Babe,' I need you to help make things look more intimidating? Next time, turn into a dog before coming out!"

"Oh, sorry, I forgot," replied the Tiefling girl, sticking out her pink tongue. She then walked into the room, apparently undressing as she went.

The atmosphere became somewhat awkward. Fortunately, Yu Lian had thick skin and laughed it off, ready to change the subject. However, to his surprise, Matthew got straight to the point.

"I've said it before, I'm not here to cause trouble. Besides learning the truth, I also want to do business in Coldor. I think, coming to you for this matter should be most appropriate."

Upon hearing this, Yu Lian squinted his eyes, and he smiled as he lit up a new cigar.

"Business? Well, that's a different matter. Come, come, sit. Li Weiqi, you can sit too. I love discussing business with people."

With that, he shouted into the corridor, "Delores! Delores? Serve tea for our guests!"

Three seconds later, an evil aura emanated as a three-headed hellhound, its necks adorned with steel chains, squeezed in from the corridor. The three heads rose together, and their large mouths opened, emitting a foul-smelling rain of saliva that splattered on the faces of everyone in the office.

Yu Lian silently looked at the extinguished cigar in his hand and sighed in resignation. "Sugar Babe, no, Delores, should we change to a simpler passphrase next time?"

"Nah, forget it. I'll serve the tea myself from now on."

...

This conversation kept Matthew in Coldor for an additional three days.

In the end, Matthew promised to exchange one percent of the profits generated by the newly established "Oak Tree Guild" for Yu Lian's protection and support in Coldor.

Yu Lian was currently on the rise, having absorbed most of the territory and industries of the Dragon Cult after its demise. In the future, he was likely to become a dominant figure in Coldor.

Matthew also sensed the aura of Purgatory on him, and considering the Tiefling girl who could transform into a three-headed hellhound, he judged that Yu Lian was undoubtedly a hidden powerhouse. He was most likely the representative of Purgatory that had been cultivated on the Golden Coast.

In this situation, getting Yu Lian's protection for just one percent of the profits seemed like a great deal.

However, he was well aware that the reason Yu Lian offered such generous conditions was not due to his benevolence. Matthew knew that his companions who had visited the casino with him that day were the real heroes in the negotiation. Whether it was Li Weiqi or Lumie, both were genuinely powerful fifth-tier individuals. And Bobo, the mechanical engineer, was a headache-inducing character for Yu Lian. Even Reiga, with his formidable sword, was intimidating.

The next day, the "Oak Tree Guild" was officially established in Coldor with Yu Lian's help. With his support, the new guild's registration at the City Hall's Trade Department was completed in less than an hour.

In addition, Yu Lian secured a tax-free quota for Matthew within two years.

Matthew knew that this wasn't just Yu Lian showing goodwill; it was also a demonstration of his influence in Coldor. Matthew didn't mind Yu Lian flexing his muscles, in fact, he welcomed it.

As for the guild's name, Matthew initially intended to call it the "Rolling Stone Guild." However, Reiga claimed that the name was already used by him for a guild funded solely by the Lord, primarily engaged in trade between the North Trading Post of Rolling Stone Town and the Emerald Grove. It was a stable but not particularly profitable business.

Bobo suggested naming it the "Matthew Guild," but Matthew declined, deeming it too conspicuous and risky since he was a necromancer, and it might negatively affect the guild's business in the future.

In the end, the name "Oak Tree Guild" received unanimous approval from the three founding shareholders for its friendly and approachable appeal.

After registration was completed, the guild was ready to start its journey.

The initial balance of the Oak Tree Guild's account showed 9,000 gold coins and a small portion of yet-to-be-sold magical crystals.

There were three shareholders: Matthew, Bobo, and Reiga.

When it came to dividing the ownership, Reiga voluntarily stepped forward, claiming that he hadn't contributed much to their journey. The magical crystals were secured by Bobo, and the Dragonbreedery was breached by Matthew. He believed he hadn't done much to earn a significant share. So, he settled for a ten percent stake.

Then Bobo also chimed in, mentioning that she hadn't made significant contributions during the attack on the Dragonbreedery either and requested a thirty percent share.

However, Matthew didn't quite see it that way. He knew that Bobo's lack of performance during the Dragonbreedery attack was mostly due to Reiga's hindrance. He thought taking sixty percent all for himself was too much.

But Bobo was equally firm in her stance. She believed even taking forty percent was too much.

Both sides felt they shouldn't take that much, leading to a heated tug-of-war with words.

Neither could convince the other.

In the end, it was Reiga, with his experienced advice, who proposed, "Actually, if you don't mind the trouble of dividing it, you can split it 3.5:5.5."

Matthew's eyes lit up. He and Bobo looked at Reiga in surprise.

"Our Lord seems to be quite useful," thought Matthew.

And so, the ownership of the three initial shareholders was settled.

Over the next two days, while Matthew was exploring the shops in the trade district with Yu Lian's recommendations, he decided to rent a storefront on a prime street. Fortunately, the influx of South Shore refugees had only slightly inflated prices in the trade district, increasing them by about thirty percent.

The previous owner of the shop was an Earth Gnome who seemed friendly and reasonable.

After signing a three-year contract, the shop with a small courtyard became the first base of the Oak Tree Guild in Coldor.

With a place to settle, they had to clean the house, furnish it, and recruit help.

In this regard, Lumie was the most enthusiastic. Just a few days ago, he had received over four thousand gold coins from Matthew, and he was in high spirits.

While Matthew and Bobo were looking for shops, Lumie was browsing the city's rental market.

Matthew initially thought Lumie was picking love nests for himself and his harem.

Upon inquiring further, he learned that Lumie was looking for places for some elderly and disabled people and their families in the tribe to recuperate.

He told Matthew that he wanted to provide the elderly in the tribe with places like these.

Over the next few days of casual conversation, Matthew learned that Lumie had intentions to develop in Coldor. He wanted to experience the customs of outsiders here, learn about their knowledge and achievements.

Matthew encouraged Lumie but also advised him to be cautious and not to be deceived, especially by Yu Lian and the criminals lurking in the city. Although Lumie's strength made him formidable, he was far from the level of Bobo.

Considering that Lumie had repeatedly expressed his willingness to work for the Oak Tree Guild without pay, Matthew decided to appoint Lumie as the guild's "Security Advisor," albeit a nominal role. He made it clear that if Lumie wanted to help, he was welcome to come to the shop anytime. If Lumie encountered any difficulties, he could use the guild's channels to communicate with Matthew.

Regardless, Lumie staying in Coldor was good news for the Oak Tree Guild. In case something happened in the future, they would have each other's backs.

...

As for the first guild president of the Oak Tree Guild, Matthew didn't take the position himself. Instead, he directly appointed it to Lysanna, the Oathbreaker.

Upon receiving this news, Lysanna was quite surprised. She straightforwardly asked Matthew why he trusted her so much.

Matthew's answer was equally candid: "I want my guild president to be someone who will never betray me. The Shadowfell can't accommodate you, and the Doomsday Cult will forever be after you. Your race and appearance are unlikely to be accepted on the surface. If you ever dare to betray me, you might as well meet Gairan for the rest of your life."

Lysanna, after hearing this, felt a mix of regret and gratitude. She had nowhere else to go, as Oathbreakers were naturally shunned by all deities or organizations. People couldn't trust her, having already betrayed once. Moreover, her unique appearance, a mix of light and dark, made most people instinctively uncomfortable.

Matthew's approach was indeed reasonable.

But ultimately, the past few days spent together had led Matthew to place some trust in her.

At the time, Lysanna didn't say much in response, merely assuring Matthew that she would do her job well.

The morning after her appointment, as the new guild president, she was prepared to assume her role.

Matthew saw Lysanna struggling with a book she had apparently picked up from a local stall.

He took a quick glance—

Book Title: "How I Made a Million Gold Coins in a Year: My Success Story"

Author: Audrick Toefingers

The book cover featured an Earth Gnome lounging in a pile of gold coins.

Matthew couldn't help but smile.

The Guildmaster of the Oak Tree Guild didn't need such things at the moment.

However, Lysanna's attitude made him realize that he had likely made the right choice.

...

Three days later, at the northern gate of Coldor City.

Matthew was all geared up, ready to depart.

Yesterday night, he had seen off Reiga and Li Weiqi, who had come to tour, through a form of reverse summoning facilitated by Ayla and the Moon Goddess, Aesia.

And today, he was bidding farewell to Bobo here. After that, he would embark on the long journey back to the north with Lysanna.

"No need to see me off; I'll be perfectly safe," Bobo said nonchalantly at the city gate, adjusting her helmet. "As I mentioned before, I'll be following the Golden Coast, heading west, passing Giantstone City, and finally reaching Kanan City. I'll be tracking the traces of the Hough Sisters' Guild, and they don't have many options for relocating their headquarters. West should be the right direction."

Matthew smiled and said, "If you can't find the Hough Sisters' Guild and feel lost, you can always come back. Our guild is here in Coldor, and if you're really unsure, you can go north. I'll be waiting for you in Rollingstone Town."

Bobo nodded enthusiastically. "Rollingstone Town, I'll remember that. Is it Uncle Reiga's territory, right? He invited me to visit as well. If I have nowhere else to go, I'll come to you guys. But don't have too high expectations; I'm going to be a mechanist who can blow up the Heavenly Harmony Palace! Even if I can't find the Guild, I'll still find that legendary book, 'Machines, Dragons, and Titans.' Just wait, Matthew; I'll amaze you the next time we meet."

As she spoke, she suddenly handed a small, black box to Matthew.

"This is a farewell gift for friends, and only true friends can receive it," Bobo emphasized.

Matthew accepted the gift, feeling somewhat embarrassed because he hadn't prepared a farewell gift for Bobo. He fumbled around in his Bag of Mystical Wonders but found nothing suitable, except for a pile of bones.

"Sorry, I don't have anything to give..." Matthew's words were cut short.

Bobo waved her hand nonchalantly, then turned and adjusted her backpack. She walked coolly into the distance.

...

"Hint: You've received Bobo's gift, the 'Mystic Mountain Black Box.'"

Mystic Mountain Black Box: With this item, you can periodically or sporadically communicate with other members of the 'Mystic Mountain Pen Friends' who possess a black box. Note: After activating the Mystic Mountain Black Box, you have only one minute to communicate with a specific pen friend by writing text. Can be used once a day. Interdimensional communication available.

...

A mechanist's version of a super satellite walkie-talkie?

Matthew was taken aback. "Can Cyberdragons already create such extraordinary things?"

"Interdimensional communication across any distance, I wonder about the cost," he thought.

Though tempted, Matthew put the box away for now.

He bid farewell to Bobo and then started his journey with Lysanna, leaving Coldor City and heading toward the Rainforest.

To ensure that Lysanna could independently handle future trading missions, Matthew needed to escort her along the same route, especially the section from the Rainforest to Zellertown. Even though Lysanna was now a Fourth-tier Oathbreaker at the peak, they couldn't afford to be careless.

Before noon, as they entered the Rainforest, Matthew couldn't resist the urge to connect to the Black Banyan Dream.

This time, entry went unusually smoothly.

Matthew traversed that familiar Black Banyan Forest, and all traces of Blorken's attack had been wiped away. The land was once again teeming with vibrant life.

On the familiar throne, Suya sat with her legs close together, sitting up straight.

Her expression was serene, and her voice was cold, "I thought you would come to bid me farewell when you left the Rainforest."

Matthew sensed a hint of resentment in her tone and scratched his head, "I came over as soon as I could..."

Suya interrupted him, "But you haven't defeated Blorken or found my Verdant Bough. If you're only coming for your reward at this stage, you're thinking too highly of yourself, don't you think?"

As Matthew listened, he felt as if he were being harshly scolded.

Suya didn't give him much chance to explain. She continued coldly, "As long as Blorken remains alive, there's no safety in the Black Banyan Dream. To protect myself, after you leave, I'll keep the Black Banyan Dream closed for an extended period."

At that moment, Afei, perched on Suya's left shoulder, nodded, "That's right, little horse. Suya and I are going to live our own lives in isolation."

Suya expertly grabbed Afei and kicked him towards Matthew.

"Take this pesky bat with you," she said. "I see you two get along so well; you might as well spend time together."

She added with a disgusted look, "What are you waiting for? Leave! Do I have to escort you?"

Matthew picked up the dazed Afei, ready to leave.

However, Suya said, "Hold on! Since you're leaving, you might as well return all those blessings you received from me!"

With those words, green light emerged from Matthew's body. These blessings were bestowed by Suya a few days ago, right before they attacked the Dragonbreedery.

Now, they were all taken back.

Although Matthew was internally strong, he felt a profound sense of loss.

He didn't say anything more and left with Afei in tow.

But just before he departed...

As Matthew reached the point of leaving the Black Banyan Dream, he heard a gentle call by his ear once more:

"Matthew!"

Instinctively, Matthew turned around and, for a moment, he saw a pure, flawless tuft of fur. His lips felt like they had been brushed by something fragrant and soft, followed by a burning sensation on his lower lip.

"Last time, you asked me why I'm called Suya, right?" she began. "I'll tell you next time. Now, go find your Oak Tree."

Her voice, both alluring and fiery, continued, "Now, off you go, and find your Oak Tree!"

A gentle force pushed Matthew out of the Black Banyan Dream.

He licked his lips, tasting a faint, sweet, yet slightly spicy sensation, and his initial reaction was, "I hope I didn't get rabies."

...

"Hint: You've obtained Suya's life-giving blessing, 'Fox's Grace.'"

Fox's Grace: Your Perception +1, Your Agility +1. The blessing 'Suya's Joy' you previously had has been upgraded to 'Suya's Affection.'

Suya's Affection: As you traverse the Rainforest, you can enter the Black Banyan Dream anytime and teleport across long distances using the dream. When you're in the Rainforest, the Rainforest's soul will sense your presence. With very few exceptions, the majority of creatures in the Rainforest won't actively attack you. Duration: Permanent.

...

After reading through all the blessings, Matthew let out a soft sigh. For a moment, a sudden impulse welled up within him. It drove him to knock on the door to the Black Banyan Dream once more. But reality was unyielding.

...

"Hint: Suya, the Soul of the Rainforest, has temporarily closed all entrances to the Black Banyan Dream."

...

"So soon?" Matthew exclaimed incredulously, his head tilting in disbelief.

Beside him, Layla watched silently. "Rejected?"

Matthew shook his head. "I'd say more like playing hard to get."

Layla replied matter-of-factly.

With a sigh, Matthew retorted, "I'm a necromancer, after all. I've got a heart as cold as ice. I just want to go home right now!"

With that, he took long strides northward, and Layla shrugged before catching up.

...

Three days later, inside Zellertown.

Matthew and Layla arrived at the area between Gate 11 and Gate 12.

Matthew pointed to a sign in front of a tavern. "This place, 'Jungle Dance,' has a good reputation. The owner is also very kind. If you ever need supplies or rest, this would be a good place to stop. Next time you come alone, and if you're not confident about traversing the Rainforest, you can ask the owner to arrange a guide named Old Gito. Just mention my name, and it should work out."

As he spoke, he led Layla forward.

As they approached the tavern, a loud voice could be heard from inside:

"What am I? Just some Naga from the sea? You think I'm something special? Not really, not really. You guys have no idea. My brother Matthew, now he's something special. He even—"

Bang! The door to the inn was pushed open with force.

Matthew appeared, wearing a smile, at the entrance. "Long time no see, my brother, Lorand."

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