I Can See Through Everything-Chapter 479 (2)

Before long, Lu Qing was brought before an ancient tree. Though not very tall, it was incredibly thick, and its roots extended far and wide, forming a structure akin to a small temple. Within this root-formed sanctuary, a luminous green pearl was nestled.

"Immortal, this is the divine artifact passed down through the generations of our Huangsha Village," the elder said nervously.

At first, he had been concerned that Lu Qing had come to seize their ancestral treasure. But now, he fervently hoped that this was what Lu Qing sought. Only then could their people have a chance to leave this endless desert.

Lu Qing examined the green pearl.

In truth, even before arriving, he had already confirmed that this was the Wood Spirit Pearl.

Unlike the other Spirit Pearls, which remained dormant, this one was clearly in an awakened state.

Whether it was the environment here that had triggered its revival or some other reason, he did not know.

With a casual gesture, Lu Qing summoned the pearl. The Wood Spirit Pearl trembled slightly within the root temple, as if about to fly toward him.

But in the next instant, an unusual force anchored it in place. Simultaneously, the ancient tree's roots suddenly constricted, tightly enveloping the pearl.

A surge of angry intent emanated from within the tree, as if chastising someone.

"This... this..."

The sudden change stunned the elder, causing him to stagger backward in shock. He pointed at the ancient tree, his mouth agape, his face filled with disbelief.

Never had he imagined that the tree his people had worshipped for centuries could move like a living being.

"Oh? You've developed sentience?"

Lu Qing raised an eyebrow in mild surprise.

This ancient tree had concealed itself well—even he had almost been deceived.

Of course, this was largely because his attention had been focused on the Wood Spirit Pearl.

The pearl's potent Wood Elemental Power had masked the tree's nascent spiritual awareness.

Still, a newly awakened spirit within a mere tree posed no challenge to Lu Qing.

A flicker of Nanming Bright Fire appeared in his palm.

He spoke coldly, "Release the pearl, or I will burn you to ashes."

The moment the Nanming Bright Fire emerged, the tree’s leaves and branches quivered violently.

It instinctively sensed the terrifying power of the flames in Lu Qing’s hand.

If that fire touched it, its meager cultivation would stand no chance—it would be reduced to cinders in an instant.

Yet, parting with the Wood Spirit Pearl was something the tree was deeply reluctant to do.

Ultimately, the ancient tree emitted a ripple of grievance.

"You say that without the Wood Spirit Pearl, you won’t be able to withstand the scorching heat of the endless desert, and you will slowly wither away?"

Lu Qing sensed the tree’s sorrowful intent and understood its plight.

After pondering for a moment, he said, "I must take this Wood Spirit Pearl. If you do not wish to wither away and die here, then come with me."

"I will find you a land of spiritual abundance where you can take root and thrive, a place far better for your cultivation than this barren desert."

"This desert is ultimately inhospitable, its earth devoid of life. Even with the Wood Spirit Pearl, your growth will always be stunted."

The tree's leaves trembled lightly, as if it was contemplating.

Lu Qing was in no hurry. He stood there calmly, waiting, while the Nanming Bright Fire in his hand remained alight.

He had not immediately resorted to force because he recognized how rare it was for a tree to develop spiritual awareness in such a harsh environment.

But if it refused to cooperate, he wouldn’t hesitate to turn it into firewood.

Fortunately, though slow-witted, the ancient tree was not foolish.

After a brief moment of deliberation, it finally relented and sent out another ripple of intent.

"You wish to follow me and cultivate under my protection? That’s simple. I agree."

Among all things in existence, for trees, rocks, and grasses to attain sentience was an exceedingly difficult feat.

Although this tree had no combat ability to speak of, it could prove useful in channeling earth energy, acting as a formation core, and strengthening arrays.

After all, it was just a tree. Finding a place to plant it would be trivial.

Lu Qing had no trouble offering his protection.

Upon hearing his promise, the tree radiated joy.

Without waiting for further prompting, it uncoiled its roots and gently placed the Wood Spirit Pearl before Lu Qing.

Lu Qing did not hesitate to take it.

The moment he grasped the pearl, he immediately felt an incredibly potent surge of vital energy radiate from within it.

Wood energy was intrinsically tied to life force.

The most wondrous aspect of the Wood Spirit Pearl was the boundless vitality it contained.

It was precisely because of this that the oasis had been able to persist for so long in this merciless desert.

With the pearl relinquished, the ancient tree's position trembled.

It began retracting its vast root system from deep within the earth.

At the same time, its form gradually shrank.

In the end, it became a three-foot-tall sapling with countless tiny roots extending outward.

Then, with a light hop, it moved beside Lu Qing.

"You have such an ability as well?"

Lu Qing was slightly surprised, then smiled.

With a wave of his hand, a vortex formed out of thin air, pulling the tree inside.

The ancient tree was startled, but the next moment, it found itself inside a strange space.

Lu Qing’s voice rang from above.

"Stay here for now. Once we leave, I will find a suitable place to plant you."

"For now, use the power of the Wood Spirit Pearl to sustain yourself."

As he finished speaking, the green pearl landed gently before the sapling.

Upon hearing this, the ancient tree felt reassured.

Since Lu Qing had even placed the Wood Spirit Pearl inside this space, he clearly wasn’t deceiving it.

Extending a few fine roots, it touched the pearl and began absorbing its Wood Elemental Power to maintain itself.

After settling the tree, Lu Qing finally turned his attention to the village elder, who had been standing in stunned silence.

"Old man, have your people pack up. Prepare to leave with me."

The elder jolted from his daze and quickly nodded.

"Y-Yes! Immortal, please wait a moment. We will be ready soon!"

He rushed off hurriedly, excitement filling his heart.

Lu Qing’s astonishing abilities had left no doubt—he truly possessed great divine power.

Now, the elder no longer had the slightest concern about whether Lu Qing could lead them out of the endless desert.

Hope was a mighty force.

The villagers of Huangsha did not take long to gather in the village center.

"Immortal, we are ready."

The elder, carrying a small bundle, approached Lu Qing.

Lu Qing glanced over them.

In truth, each villager carried very little.

Most of their belongings consisted of dried fish and preserved food.

Beyond that, they had only a few woven baskets and little else.

Even basic cookware like pots and bowls were scarcely seen.

Their poverty was plain to see.

This was no surprise.

The tiny oasis had limited resources to begin with.

Even after generations of accumulation, the villagers had almost nothing to take with them.

Lu Qing made no comment.

With a flick of his hand, he conjured a vortex and swept all the villagers into the Li Huo Cauldron.

Then, transforming into a streak of light, he soared into the sky, heading beyond the endless desert.