Chapter 419: Invasion of the Wanlian Main Network Tree
At this moment, runes floated above my palm. With my knowledge of Rune Literature, the information from the Memory Shelf became the “tool” in my hand, with this composite rune as the core of the spell.
I was perfecting it into a spell that could exhibit magical effects.
Actually, I could have simplified things a bit, using a ceremony and extraordinary structure to directly refine this rune into a minor spell. However, I couldn’t be so shortsighted; to perfect it, I needed to construct it into a complete spell to truly understand what this was all about.
Time passed little by little as the runes in my hand were gradually refined. During this process, this spell continuously drew on the extraordinary energy in the environment.
From my understanding of elemental theory, these energies belonged to composite elemental energies. After all, you can’t expect those elemental energies to be purely perfect, just like there are no pure substances in nature; most are mixtures. The elemental energy being drawn by the spell fluctuations was likely wood element energy?
The wood element is also a composite of various elemental energies.
It is not surprising to mention plant technology and Tears of the Wild Shrubs, both hinting that this rune is inextricably linked to plants.
As the rune ceremony in my hand began to circulate autonomously, a hint of surprise flashed in my eyes—it seemed like I succeeded. In fact, I was not very skilled at this method of deducing spells from core runes.
I had barely practiced it a few times, primarily learning some techniques from the Academy Head while researching Reverse Summoning Spell, which were indeed very useful.
Before long, this spell was successfully cast. This kind of spell, which did not have a spellbook as a platform, was indeed a bit troublesome to execute; its latency was comparable to chant-casting mages. After marveling once more at the power of spellbooks, I hurriedly examined the effects of the spell.
The gathering elemental energy gradually began to coalesce under the effect of the spell, while I pondered whether this was an attack spell or just a simple effect spell.
Soon, these wood elements coalesced into intricate networks, radiating outwards from a single point.
In the pitch-black night, the glow of the spell illuminated my face. It resembled a seed, simulating the rooting process; it treated space as soil, extending outward from the “seed.” Subsequently, that seed-like spell point appeared to burst forth as if sprouting.
All of this was just the networks extending, like an unusual and strange plant pulsating, with root systems probing into the environment to capture the ambient elemental energy. As the energy was absorbed, this networked plant gradually grew larger and began to blossom.
Upon closer inspection, the blossoming networks resembled branches and leaves.
I refrained from wasting words, directly drawing magic from the Magic Source, then using a magic conversion rune to transform that magic into elemental energy.
This kind of magic conversion rune structure is typically found in nearly every shaping spellbook. After all, magic is not elemental energy but a far more terrifying high-energy extraordinary energy, as evidenced by the fact that ordinary people’s mental power cannot even harness it.
When I initially dismantled spellbooks, I had long memorized this magic conversion rune ritual.
At this moment, with the whole Magic Source’s magic conversion elemental energy as support, this networked plant shot up as if fertilized, growing to a height of over a person in no time, quickly reaching the ceiling, and it continued to grow.
Seeing such an abnormality, I abruptly dispelled the spell in my hand, as I was not yet sure how fierce this thing could be; it was best not to try this in my bedroom.
After the spell in my hand was dispelled, the small tree seedling of the network remained “sturdy,” as though it were still robust even after losing the support of the spell.
However, I soon realized that it had lost the supply of the highly elemental energy from the magic conversion. The elemental energy in the environment was now unable to support its current growth; it began to gradually “wither,” and the networks became somewhat dim… until it died.
Thus, a “plant life” ended its short-lived existence.
Yet this process still astonished me. If this tree were in an environment rich in elemental energy, then wouldn’t it have effects similar to that of a Great Spellbook?
No, no, no… it remained a transient spell effect; the only special aspect was that it was inspired by [Extraordinary Knowledge]!
Moreover, I also possessed the Great Spellbook, and I benefited from the wisdom and enlightening effects it provided. Thus, I quickly realized that the essence of this spell effect was not the same as that of the lasting effects of the Great Spellbook.
“It seems I can’t try this in the bedroom; I should go somewhere else.” I mumbled, because I had merely made a light attempt, almost filling my bedroom. To avoid any mishaps, it was evident I should not try this here again.
Upon finishing this thought, a spatial portal appeared before me, and in the next moment, my figure vanished from my bedroom.
In the night sky, I gazed at the lights of the roads below. These were all products of plant technology, though I couldn’t discern the plant characteristics of these artificial creations.
It was clear that the people of this world utilized their wisdom to cultivate these plants into bloom.
Furthermore, I was certain these plants were still alive; however, they no longer relied on photosynthesis to survive, but instead depended on a vast underground network of earth energy roots to sustain themselves.
This was the rooftop of the top floor where I lived, but I still felt it was not very safe.
Then, with a snap of my fingers, a mirror-like barrier covered the entire rooftop of the building, reflecting the sky at an inclined angle in the dark of night; no one could see anything unusual here.
This was actually the mirror spell I regularly used, but at this moment, it had become the most convenient concealment in the night.
Afterward, I repeated what I had done in my bedroom.
This time, I directly used magic to convert and enhance the elemental energy.
The seed of the spell gathered and flickered with a somewhat verdant glow, while the golden networks rose from the ground once again.
This time, I merely observed calmly. If this spell was just to birth a tree, then what use was it?
Or did it contain any insights within?
Or perhaps it was merely a simple tree-growing spell, and the tree it produced was one-time only.
As I watched the continually extending tree, I suddenly realized this tree seemed to have an overlay illusion on its outer surface. I had thought it was merely showing the extension of a network inside, but unexpectedly, as the networks grew, it developed a layer of elemental adhesive as rough bark.
With its continued growth, there was a hint of it surpassing the height of my mirror concealment.
“No, this can’t continue.” I looked on continuously, using my n*ked eye and Spirit Vision, utilizing all available means to obtain its possible expressions of insights, yet none produced good results.
And at this moment, I couldn’t just let it keep going; if someone found out a glowing tree suddenly sprouted here, I’d have to move immediately, or the first ones to arrive would likely be those Excavators, and if they showed up, I wouldn’t be able to find peace.
So I decisively chose to destroy the spell effect. The massive branches collapsed with a tremendous crash, yet it made no sound; the internal circulating elemental energy dissipated in an instant.
Subsequently, this energy even destroyed the fragile mirror spell, causing shattered glass-like cracks to appear in the night sky. Unfortunately, such a dramatic scene went unseen.
I did not intervene, allowing everything to unfold as I felt the night wind high above the rooftop. My gaze drifted into the distance before I released another spell.
“Looking far doesn’t necessarily bring you any insights, does it?” echoed my voice by my ear.
I did not turn back, as this was what the Illusionary Clone had said to me.
“Then do you have any insights?” I slightly turned my head.
At this moment, another version of me stood beside me, and then raised a hand, pointing in one direction.
It was Lanas University nearby where I lived. The identity of the young girl I borrowed previously was a student of this institution.
However, I knew the Illusionary Clone was not referring to this institution, but rather the most conspicuous large tree within it—the Wanlian Main Network Tree.
This was also the foundation of the plant network in this world.
“You’re right, the Wanlian Main Network Tree is the pinnacle crystallization of plant technology development in this world; perhaps I really should take action regarding this,” I nodded and said.
After all, since it was also a tree, perhaps the Wanlian Main Network Tree would react in a marvelous way to the tree produced by my spell.
But there was another problem; the defenses around the Wanlian Main Network Tree were simply too tight. Even though it was within this institution, students didn’t even qualify to observe it up close; they could only watch it from a distance.
Moreover, this tree was enveloped by a massive transparent protective sphere, utilizing special plant technology for protection. It was said to have been “grafted” with the Wanlian Main Network Tree, easily resisting the world’s most formidable weapons. However, I expressed skepticism about this, as it might not withstand the Fire Rain Field without a significant weakening spell.
I must admit, I was quite tempted by this protective facility. If it could be derived into a corresponding defense spell, it should have quite a high strength, right?
Putting aside those trivial thoughts, my mind returned to the Wanlian Main Network Tree.
I wanted to infiltrate it, which wasn’t particularly difficult; a transport spell was enough. But the internal surveillance measures were quite sophisticated, and it wasn’t empty inside; there were quite a few people living there—maintenance personnel who dedicated their lives to the Wanlian Main Network Tree.
Each of them was a top talent from Lanas Island, living within this protective facility, and they could only leave at specific times each year for personnel rotation.
If I transported inside, I would likely trigger an alarm immediately, and at that point, it wouldn’t be about investigating the Wanlian Main Network Tree anymore, but rather a direct assault. If possible, I naturally didn’t want to choose such a direct method unless I had no other options.
Even though I thought this way, my body still unconsciously moved toward that direction.
Leaping over buildings, I didn’t even need to use a flying broomstick; my powerful physical abilities were sufficient to cover the distance between structures.
In an instant, I arrived at this university.
The university was silent in the deep night, with few figures on the roads.
Before long, I beheld the massive protective facility resembling a landmark.
The base part retained a rough wooden structure, and the upper part was covered by a transparent dome akin to resin. It had no internal support yet did not collapse under its own weight; the strength of this material likely exceeded my imagination.
Underneath such a massive installation, I felt a powerful supply of earth energy. The Wanlian Main Network Tree was constantly receiving and transmitting vast amounts of information and data, and even beneath my feet, great streams of information surged.
At this moment, I did not advance any further since the area I was in was effectively a no-pedestrian zone; even at night, there were patrollers in this area, and they were certainly not slackening off, giving me no opportunity to take action.
However, while surveying the surroundings, I saw traces of past battles. These obvious marks of explosions and burns were clearly left by those Excavators.
It seemed those Excavators were also highly interested in this object; these marks were not from long ago but rather recent.
“Perhaps… I can frame those Excavators for this.” After much pondering, I really couldn’t think of any better way to slip in unnoticed.
And, coincidentally, there wouldn’t be any personnel swaps in the near future; the sole entrance was firmly controlled, and I couldn’t get in from above or below.
After considering all angles… perhaps it would be best to wait for an opportunity for a direct assault…
Then, cut off their “monitoring” as quickly as possible. After all, the troubles I caused would naturally have someone responsible for cleaning up.
At the core of the issue, I felt stymied mainly because I didn’t want others to know it was I who had stirred up such a big commotion. I had many methods at my disposal, such as ignoring these protective facilities with a space transport spell; the only thing I needed to be cautious about was those detectors and surveillance.
So… cutting off the earth energy supply of these facilities would resolve all issues; as for the possible chaos of paralysis of the plant network, to say something irresponsible… I don’t care.
Moreover, thinking even more darkly, I was also curious about what the world would become without the plant network.
Also, such a large-scale abnormality leading to martial law, but my main tactic was to exploit the time difference. Finding me hiding in such a large place would not be easy.
As long as I got close to the Wanlian Main Network Tree, the worst-case scenario was they would hesitate to act, and at that point, I wouldn’t have anything to fear.
Shouldn’t it be them fearing me?
My aim from the very beginning was simply to get close to the Wanlian Main Network Tree. I wanted to see the relationship between the most advanced technological creations developed under the influence of that [Extraordinary Knowledge] and the insights I had gained. I would then leave a transport mark for my convenience in returning.
When one’s strength and means are sufficient to inflict a dimensional strike on the opponent, there is naturally no need to care about their attitude, nor is there a need to overthink.
Having clarified this point, I no longer hesitated, immediately taking action.
…
In the early morning.
Qiu Ruxin, who couldn’t sleep all night, tossed and turned in bed, and only at this moment did her tired body urge her spirit to prepare for a poor quality sleep.
However, at that moment, a piercing alarm sound came from afar. Instantly, Lanas University was illuminated; all surrounding areas entered a state of alert, and the alarms placed everywhere blared at maximum volume to remind everyone that the Wanlian Main Network Tree was under invasion.
“Hmm?” Qiu Ruxin’s eyes, which had been squinting, were nearly closed in sleep, were suddenly awakened by such alarms, and instantly, she was in a bad mood.
Her weary and confused expression was filled with perplexity, wondering what had happened.
She struggled to open her room’s light with her powerless body, then, propping up her weary self against the wall, she made her way to the window.
“That is… Lanas University?” Qiu Ruxin exclaimed in astonishment, her drowsiness evaporating by three parts.
Such a commotion from the alarms and the entire city on alert—had the Wanlian Main Network Tree been attacked?
Qiu Ruxin could hardly believe it; who was reckless enough to touch that thing?
Could it be the Excavators?
Based on Qiu Ruxin’s understanding of those Excavators, they could indeed pull it off.
Even though the country allowed those Excavators to rampage within the nation, they dared not act against the Wanlian Main Network Tree; if they did, the whole world would genuinely clash with them!
Because they truly could not imagine how society would regress without a plant network.
“Sister Xiao Han… Sister Xiao Han? Something happened outside… Hmm? Where is she?” Qiu Ruxin exited her bedroom, not believing that such a commotion would go unnoticed by Sister Xiao Han, yet no matter how she knocked on the door, there was no response.
“Sorry…” she murmured softly, then took the initiative to open my bedroom door, only to find it empty. “Sister Xiao Han… no one? Wait… could it be that invader is Sister Xiao Han?”
