Chapter 058. Gou Mang’s Embrace
A verdant, dew-kissed sprout appeared in Qin Gou’s palm, its roots dusted with a bit of crystalline powder. From the moment this ‘Bud of Taihuang’ spirit tool manifested, layers of swirling spiritual mist naturally formed around Qin Gou’s body, with wisps of colorful light flickering within, like clouds in the sky, as if sacred.
“System, tell me all the detailed information about the Bud of Taihuang.”
“Ding.”
Natal Spirit Tool: Bud of Taihuang (Earth Tier, Growable)
Effect One: ‘Symphony of Three Hundred and Sixty Million,’ can perfectly simulate any plant of Earth Tier and below, its form, characteristics, and effects exactly the same as the original.
“It’s done.” Qin Gou’s eyes lit up. The object it could perfectly simulate had indeed grown from Profound Tier to Earth Tier, a qualitative leap. To put it another way, the difference between an Earth-grade Longevity Fruit and a Profound-grade Longevity Fruit was like night and day.
Effect Two: ‘Agile Stance,’ as long as the host’s spiritual power is sufficient, the size, length, shape, and ‘quantity’ of the plant simulated by Effect One can be freely changed.
“Quantity?!”
With a single thought, Qin Gou dropped the Bud of Taihuang in his hand onto the ground. Instantly, over a dozen small white flowers bloomed, casually arranged in an indescribable shape, causing Qin Gou’s eyes to gleam.
Previously, Qin Gou could summon at most five spiritual plants simultaneously using the Myriad Seed along with four clones. Now, to achieve such an effect, he only needed one Bud of Taihuang.
Effect Three, ‘Peaches and Plums,’ summons six Bud of Taihuang clones…
Effect Four, ‘Gou Mang’s Embrace,’ with sufficient spiritual power, the Bud of Taihuang can cover the host, transforming the host perfectly into nine ‘Heaven Tier’ spiritual plants and any ‘below Heaven Tier’ plants, their forms, characteristics, and effects exactly the same as the original. Limited to half an hour. (Note: In this state, the host themselves can also be used as medicine.)
“It can actually transform myself into nine Heaven Tier spiritual plants?! Wait, what did that last sentence mean?” Qin Gou almost doubted his ears, his heart stirred by tumultuous waves.
“Ding. Heaven Tier spiritual plants are rarely seen in the world. Once revealed, they are bound to cause a sensation in all directions. Please consider your safety and use this ability judiciously.”
“Then, if I were to have a part of my body accidentally severed while transforming into a spiritual plant, what would happen when I revert to my true body?” Qin Gou’s heart sank, his brow furrowed.
“Ding. The severed part of the spiritual plant cannot be restored and will truly become half a spiritual plant. Before the host reverts to their true body, they can choose which part of their flesh and blood to sacrifice, excluding hair, nails, etc.”
“If you hadn’t said it, I really would have considered using my hair as a sacrifice… Interesting. These rules are as if they were created specifically to prevent ‘I cut myself’ and then obtain a Heaven Tier spiritual plant to refine a divine pill.” Qin Gou shook his head and chuckled wryly.
“Ding. This action is absolutely not feasible. Please do not make a fool of yourself.”
“Don’t worry, I’m not that stupid.” Qin Gou spread his hands, then suddenly said with a strange expression, “However, old pal, do you know if there’s something in our Human Race’s bodies called… an ‘appendix’?”
System: ?
…
Exiting the quiet room, Qin Gou smiled as he looked at Li Yuanzhen, Qiu Qianyue, and Ao Banwei. With a casual wave, a precious light shone.
“This is a small reward for the three of you guarding me.”
Each of them received five precious Earth-grade Longevity Fruits!
“Master, this is…”
Qin Gou waved his hand lightly, “Just a small snack. If you want more, your master has plenty.”
“In that case, your seed-like Natal Spirit Tool must have completed its advancement?”
“Of course. And it was a perfect advancement, which has made this master very satisfied.” Qin Gou clasped his hands behind his back and smiled, “Follow me, let’s go try it out together.”
They arrived at a vast open space.
Qin Gou gently stepped on the ground. Centered on himself, fragrant flowers emerged from the ground, quickly spreading out like waves. In an instant, the formerly ordinary open space was filled with blooming flowers, a riot of color, vying for beauty, as if it were a paradise on earth.
“So beautiful!”
Seeing this scene, the three women were delighted and instinctively bent down to admire and sniff.
“Wait, don’t move!” Qin Gou’s expression changed slightly, and he quickly warned them, but it was too late.
Countless flowers suddenly stretched out their slender roots, coiling around them like monstrous pythons. In an instant, the three women, Debt Girl, Little Gambler, and Little White Dragon, were dumbfounded and wrapped into zongzi, unable to move.
“Master, what are you doing?”
“Demon Master, you plotted against me…”
“Master, Banwei wants it tighter!”
These seemingly ordinary flowers were actually Living Corpse Vines with altered appearances.
This was the true terror of the Bud of Taihuang’s second effect, ‘Agile Stance,’ in its current form. With shape-shifting and quantity, Qin Gou could even actively create an entire dense forest full of deadly intent, or a maze of certain death. Once one wandered in, the distinction between reality and illusion would be lost, and its power would be unfathomable.
“Who would have thought that you women like flowers so much? I hadn’t even finished speaking, and you all fell into the trap.”
Qin Gou quickly untied the three women. Just then, a familiar, androgynous voice could be heard.
“Master!”
Dressed in a purple robe, the peerless Zhao Xinting arrived with bright spirits, “Xinting was sentenced to be a menial laborer by the damnable laws of this Female Country. Information was blocked, and I only learned of your actions this morning. It’s laughable that Wenkong was so arrogant and dared to make a move against you. He truly deserved to die. Master, have you captured his soul? If so, please hand him over to Xinting to be sent to the Purple Extreme Demonic Sect. Xinting will make her properly experience the price of being arrogant in front of Master.”
“Xinting, do not misunderstand. I eliminated Wenkong because he had committed wicked deeds for many years and brought about his own demise. It was absolutely not for any personal desire. Nor was it because my eldest disciple suffered grievances from her.” Qin Gou stood with his hands behind his back, his tone stern and upright.
“Xinting understands.”
Zhao Xinting felt she understood his intentions, smiling with both shame and emotion. How could she not know that her master was being deliberately indirect and distancing himself from this matter to save face for her, the dignified Purple Extreme Demon Lord?
Who was she, Zhao Xinting? The leader of a sect, a titan of the demonic path, now holding a pivotal position in the Cultivation World. To have her old, esteemed master come to rescue her from afar was truly undignified.
Therefore, to outsiders, Qin Gou’s elimination of Wenkong must have absolutely nothing to do with her!
Even the primary purpose of coming to this Hidden Female Country was not for him at all!
Her esteemed master, Qin Gou, was always so thoughtful and considerate. For a moment, Zhao Xinting felt an overwhelming warmth, her smile exceptionally bright and filled with affection.
At this very moment, Qin Gou’s gaze sharpened. He continuously examined Zhao Xinting approaching him, his expression quite peculiar as he asked, “Why are you limping when you walk?”
