The world has turned into Hell's Game, why should I stay human?
Chapter 554 - 423 French Plane Tree: No Matter How Big It Is, It’s Not Bigger Than Me

Chapter 554: Chapter 423 French Plane Tree: No Matter How Big It Is, It’s Not Bigger Than Me

"Didn’t you drain them all?"

Liu Zheng asked.

"Idiot human, I only drained their spiritual essence, not their vitality."

"This body naturally contains spiritual essence, which I happened to not need."

The French Plane Tree said.

"Oh, I get it. You’re trying to let the surplus spiritual essence and Power of Nature be absorbed by other trees, so you don’t overflow yourself."

He suddenly understood.

"Hmph, at least you’re not completely dumb."

The French Plane Tree arrogantly replied.

"Then you could just pick any tree, right? Look, that one isn’t the same species as you, isn’t it? Perfect chance to find yourself a wife or husband."

Liu Zheng pointed to another French Plane Tree.

"If it were that simple, would I be hesitating here? Haven’t you heard of ’two tigers can’t share one mountain’?"

The French Plane Tree rolled its eyes at him.

"What’s there to fear? It’s just a newborn sapling. Could it possibly beat you?"

From having no wisdom to gaining wisdom, it could almost be called a rebirth.

"Of course it can’t beat me. But it’s still public property, and even though I am too, I can’t outright destroy other public property. I can only slowly rob it of nutrients and drain it to death."

"But the longer the draining process takes, the more unpredictable variables arise."

The French Plane Tree explained.

"What kind of variables?"

"Do you think staking my flag on this street was easy?"

The French Plane Tree sneered.

If it weren’t for its combat ability and status as public property, others would have smashed its territory long ago.

Once there’s a second tree with wisdom, those eyeing this street will definitely support the newcomer to compete for resources against it.

"Then why not find a tree that’s not public property?"

"Idiot human, not just any tree can handle the Wood Elf Royal Family’s essence."

The French Plane Tree shook its leafy face.

It could choose freely on this street because these trees were planted by City Hall, inherently possessing the foundation to become sentient beings—whether they get the chance depends on luck.

But outside of this area, you might not find even one qualified tree out of ten thousand.

"I do have one, though. See if it works for you."

Liu Zheng recalled the Ginseng Sprite Yuan Baoer had given him.

"Name: Comatose Ginseng Sprite"

"Type: Tool"

"Quality: Exquisite"

"Effect One: Restores a large amount of physical strength."

"Effect Two: Grants ’energetic’ status; cannot trigger simultaneously with Effect Three."

"Effect Three: If the player is in a near-death state, using it prevents further natural deterioration of injuries for an hour; cannot trigger simultaneously with Effect Two."

"Remarks: How many times do I have to say it? The welfare institute cannot adopt Ginseng Sprites! Scram!"

"Is it instance-portable: No"

"But if it’s not contained in a gold vessel, it might try to escape. You got one?"

Liu Zheng asked.

"Just release it directly. No plant has ever escaped me."

The French Plane Tree said confidently.

"Alright then, but if it gets away, don’t blame me for not warning you. You’ll owe me a similar replacement."

He laid out the conditions first.

"Such a nag, hurry up and take it out."

The French Plane Tree urged.

Liu Zheng shrugged and pulled the Ginseng Sprite out of the System Space.

"Ah!"

The moment it opened its eyes, the Ginseng Sprite let out a sharp scream.

Then, it snatched off the red bellyband it was wearing.

Its miniature ample chest was exposed to the air and quivered twice.

A second later, the entire Ginseng Sprite disappeared, leaving only a sprawling leaf in Liu Zheng’s hand.

"It actually ran away."

"It won’t get away."

The French Plane Tree said, as the Black Soil began churning.

Countless roots extended in all directions, like a celestial net. Underground creatures either frantically fled or closed their eyes and accepted death.

Normally, it wouldn’t mind grabbing a snack while at it.

But now, its focus was solely on that streaking little figure.

Soon, a root broke through the soil, with its tip tied like ropes around a trembling little person—it was the escaped Ginseng Sprite.

"Behave yourself, little one."

The French Plane Tree fixed its gaze on it, the wooden orbs of its eyes glowing with menacing green light.

"Otherwise, I’ll swallow you whole, not bothering to chew even your bones."

As it spoke, it moved to send the Ginseng Sprite into its mouth.

"Ah!"

The Ginseng Sprite let out a cry and instantly fainted.

"Such a coward."

The French Plane Tree mocked with its words but showed an oddly pleased expression.

A weakling suited it just fine; too much boldness would have annoyed it.

"Well? Does this work?"

Liu Zheng asked.

"Barely passable. Plenty of spiritual essence but weak foundation. Even if it absorbs the Wood Elf Royal Family’s remains, it won’t amount to much."

The French Plane Tree appraised.

"Well, that’s perfect then. If it became a big deal, you’d be worrying about it biting back."

"Hmph, it might grow big, but it won’t outgrow me."

It declared haughtily.

"Alright, alright, you’re the biggest, you’re the biggest, fine? Anyway, after it helps you absorb everything, what are you planning to do?"

Liu Zheng asked.

"If it evolves into a tree spirit, of course I’ll devour it directly to boost myself. If not, I’ll keep it around for now. It seems pretty quick on its feet, so it might come in handy."

The French Plane Tree considered.

"Sounds good."

Keeping the Ginseng Sprite meant it had a slim chance of survival. If left in Liu Zheng’s hands, it likely would have been eaten in the end anyway.

Now, having this additional lifeline can be considered an act of kindness.

Sigh, Liu Zheng just couldn’t help being a sunshine-hearted, soft-spoken big guy.

"Nothing else to settle now, give me the thing quickly."

Liu Zheng stretched out his hand.

"A mere human, how dare you rush me? Do that again, and I’ll burrow right out of your mouth."