Cyber Era Witch
Chapter 699 - 585: Amber Honey

Chapter 699: Chapter 585: Amber Honey

"This is a daunting project," Xu Yang realized the Forest Master was digesting the massive amounts of pollution and waste continuously emitted by 200 million people in the Northern Archipelago, a herculean task that was unbearable even for an Ancient Mystic.

"...However, it is like pushing a huge boulder up a slippery slope to the mountain’s peak, only to have it roll down again, causing the work to repeat. Every time I lick clean the remnants by the seaside, the dark currents push the filth from all around the world onto the embankments again, mixed with shipwrecks, decaying carcasses, and oil and plastic bags."

"Unless we unify the world, we won’t be able to manage the emissions and pollution of companies in other regions," Xu Yang mused.

Companies chasing profit certainly won’t take the initiative to switch to eco-friendly equipment. In other words, to truly clean the entire world and achieve harmony between humans and nature, global environmental legislation must be established after unifying the world. To some extent, deindustrialization must be pursued to prevent disorderly destruction of the environment, while continuing to cooperate with the Forest Master to digest pollution residue. Only in this way, can everyone be free from the impact of waste water and achieve truly happy and stable lives.

"...Great undertakings require lofty goals, climbing step by step..." the Forest Master whispered.

Xu Yang heard footsteps; around him, some devout followers were performing pilgrimage rituals.

Most of these followers were not locals, many had come from all over the world, mainly from the Taixi Continent.

They were passionate and extreme environmental enthusiasts, advocating for the cessation of fuel usage, the destruction of nuclear weapons, the promotion of ocean cleaning projects, and more. They had planned several attacks on museums and art galleries, intentionally damaging the works of great artists to condemn people’s preference of focusing on useless art pieces over caring for the natural environment they lived in every day.

Now that the Forest Master had taken root in the Northern Archipelago, these true environmental enthusiasts finally found a cause truly worth dedicating themselves to. Almost every month, dozens of people would follow the calling and join the Forest Master’s Secret Ritual Group, calling themselves "Children of the Forest."

All of them had taken the "Oath" miracle; the Forest Master’s oath made it impossible for them to betray each other, turning them into true allies with an eternal bond and creating a strong and supportive team.

Xu Yang observed closely and found that due to their devout belief in the Forest Master, they all had a strong familial influence on them.

Those less affected had withered fingers, waxen complexions, and moved somewhat slowly. They seemed placid and calm, content with everything and inclined to bask in the sunlight.

As for those more severely affected, tiny flowers bloomed on their skin, with veins protruding around them like vigorous plant roots. Moreover, small green branches grew from their hair, bearing fruits in development, and their skin had become nearly green. They were able to photosynthesize through their skin and could pluck the flowers and fruits growing on their bodies to trade.

This inevitably reminded Xu Yang of the former leader of the Secret Ritual Group, Yahara Masato, who could transform into a mighty Treeman. As these followers spent more time in the woods and deepened their devotion to the conservation and the natural way, they would someday become part of nature itself.

"Is this also a form of power? If one becomes a Treeman, they must be stronger than ordinary people," Xu Yang pondered.

"...To describe it as merely ’strong’ does not suffice; those devoted to the natural way are long-lived and wise, immortal and almost eternal, forming a realm of their own, majestic and singular, in utmost freedom. Animals are their allies, plants are their kin, and they dwell in a realm of everlasting tranquility."

"But besides this world, there is another world, the world in the gaps," Xu Yang thought of how Nangong Island had once fallen into the ’gap’ due to instability in space-time, a much larger space. Mond’s Moonlight Garden and Yan Duo’s scorching wastelands were also located within the gaps.

"...Yes, you are wise. Just as all Mystics treat the gaps as their private domains, my territory in the gap is called ’Ancient Greenness,’ which once was an eternally lush expanse of woodland...’Once,’ until I was harmed by other Mystics, until the industrial revolution’s mass deforestation destroyed all my sacred lands; until giant corporations dispatched armies to hunt and kill me, to the very Arctic. Since then, the power of Ancient Greenness has faded; now it is a dry wilderness, just as this rocky planet was in its early days, without the nourishment of sweet rain, only everlasting deathly silence..."

"Next, we are going to head to Jialong Slope, where the Mystic, the ’Great River Goddess,’ must also have a territory, right?"

"Yes..." the Forest Master had once shared dreams with the Great River Goddess. Xu Yang’s words clearly sent the Ancient Mystic into a reverie. Yet, memory is the prerogative of the Great River Goddess; if she wishes not to recall this history, the Forest Master can only chase after its tattered sighs.

After a while, the Forest Master swayed its massive bear head. Moving in the guise of a bear, the Forest Master appeared even more majestic.

"...I have made a pact with you, to assist one another. Now I will not skimp on aid. I will summon my most loyal handmaidens to provide resources for your expedition," the Forest Master said slowly.

"I am profoundly grateful," Xu Yang nodded repeatedly, pleased in his heart. If they could secure the support of the Forest Master, their chances of victory in the battle at Jialong Slope would be much greater.

"...My messenger was once the daughter of environmental protection in the Taixi Continent. Now that the people of the Taixi Continent dread the approaching harsh winter, determined to restart the fossil fuel power plants for warmth, dismissing her from the position of spokesperson. She harbored resentment day and night until, in her dreams, she found my light and sailed far to reach here, willing to dedicate herself to the secret meetings of the Children of the Forest. She forever opposes plastic products; she is the protector of those who plant trees, the defender of tropical rainforests; her loud questions will resonate through generations, compelling humankind to a longstanding remembrance..." the Forest Master continued eloquently.

Soon, the summoned environmental emissary appeared from the woods. She looked immature, her form indistinct, yet her stance was resolute. From a dark golden flower, she poured amber honey, spreading it onto a green leaf, which she handed to Xu Yang.

"This is..." Xu Yang held the leaf, infused with an amber glow, the honey languidly congealing upon it as if it were smooth grease, captivating his gaze and making it difficult for him to look away.

"...Amber honey is a secret treasure of the forest, to be tasted in three sips. The first sip heals wounds and brightens the spirit; the second regenerates limbs and restores internal organs; the third grants eternal life and rids all ailments. This substance, infused with the primordial azure intent, has seen only two portions in the past 100 years, this being one of them," the Forest Master whispered.

Xu Yang immediately felt exhilarated, for this was arguably the most powerful healing elixir in the world! If used wisely, it would certainly help them achieve a sweeping victory in the battle of Jialong Slope and bring even greater returns for the Nestor Corporation.

"...The messenger of the Great River Goddess is the Book Page Peacock, which is undoubtedly hastening through the Southern Region to summon back the Great River Goddess into reality. Each of its feathers is a fragment of secret script, drenched with myriad curses and taboos, causing chaos in the mind, a danger not to be underestimated. However, if it is made to gaze upon a mirrored object, it would be driven to mania by its own cursed feathers," the Forest Master slowly revealed the secret of the goddess’s messenger.

"We will certainly make good use of this information," Xu Yang nodded gravely.

Before long, the Forest Master retreated back into the tree bark, and all the Children of the Forest withdrew as well. Without the presence of the Forest Master, the entire area lost its initial intoxicating and vast atmosphere, becoming indistinguishable from any ordinary forest.

Step by step, Xu Yang returned to the city, leaving the forest far behind him, stepping into the bustling and noisy streets, completely distancing himself from the mystical atmosphere of the woods before catching a ride back.

After securing the amber honey, Xu Yang set about reassembling the Disciple Squad and the members of the Secret Front. Except for leaving the necessary forces to guard their headquarters, it would be best to send the rest on this mission to vie for the opportunity of Jialong Slope.

The Great River Goddess lay sleeping within the mysterious "August 0th," allowing for approximately two to three days of preparation time.

Upon receiving the message, Rinne sent a message to Lu Jing, having him come in time to serve as external support.

At that moment, Lu Jing was at the headquarters of Heavenly Cardinal Manufacturing in Shangjing, learning a much more powerful technique.

In the empty training ground, Liu Tianshi wore a synthetic fiber daoist robe with rubber cable and circuitry wrapped around his hair bun. His eyes emitted a faint blue light, his metallic face skin unlined and unblemished as if rejuvenated. When he operated, his daoist robe billowed and danced to the hum of exhaust fans.

"Bring forth the sword!" With a raise of his hand, Liu Tianshi launched a forearm-length alloy flying sword from his sleeve, its appearance like the dawn sun rising, its blade indestructible. Propelled by a nuclear power engine, the sword swiftly flew across the field in a frenzied dance, highly agile, deftly avoiding obstacles to execute strikes with boundless might.

"I want to learn too!" Lu Jing’s eyes sparkled. Liu Tianshi slowly nodded, continuing to nurture Lu Jing and preparing to entrust him with the secret Flying Sword Technique.

"To command the flying sword with the brain-machine interface, and to have it move as the wind—that is what immortals call ’effortless mastery.’" Liu Tianshi gazed ahead as the flying sword maneuvered up and down, circling and whirling under the control of his mechanical brain with exceptional speed, seemingly with its own will, the manipulation process incredibly smooth.

"I’ll give it a try..." Lu Jing turned towards the flying sword on the table.

Its name was "Cyclone."

Lu Jing connected with it, piloting the Cyclone Sword with Digital Mind. Thanks to Xu Yang who had previously helped her decipher and unlock all functions of Digital Mind, her efficiency in using it climbed even higher, and thus she handled the Cyclone Sword with ease.

Guided by Lu Jing, the Cyclone Sword quickly took flight, circling in the air. Using Digital Mind to control it, she multitasked without the slightest hiccup.

"Good!" Liu Tianshi exclaimed.

"Hehe." Lu Jing couldn’t help but smile, continuing to maneuver the Cyclone Sword quickly through the air. This flagship-level flying sword crafted by Heavenly Cardinal Manufacturing moved rapidly with endless variability, capable of vanquishing any enemy. It also came with built-in recording, photography, and multimedia features, convenient for producing advertisements.

Liu Tianshi then shared various secrets on controlling the flying sword with Lu Jing.

"This is from a secret tome obtained during the Great Zhao Dynasty era, from the Heavenly Master Wang. I hadn’t had time to decipher it before, but now that I have translated the content, I am amazed to find it is the supreme scripture of flying swords. I now pass it on to you, with the hope you will study it meticulously so as to truly master the flying swords and soar high with Cyclone," Liu Tianshi handed over the jade slip he had decoded to Lu Jing.

Lu Jing nodded slowly, accepting the ancient secret with gravity and began to skim through it.

After downloading it into Digital Mind, Lu Jing saw the title and her eyes widened abruptly, the secrets of the flying swords were laid bare.

This was...

"Aerodynamics!"