Lin Qianyu still stood transfixed in front of the Qi Tree, which now shone with new vitality.
Its bright green leaves sparkled under the morning sun, and its small flowers emitted an aroma so sweet it felt intoxicating.
She touched the tree trunk, feeling the strong pulse of pure Qi flowing within it.
Impossible. Even the strongest elders in the sect couldn't heal a tree poisoned this severely, let alone make it stronger and more vibrant like this.
She turned to Chen Xuwu, her eyes still radiating almost disbelieving admiration.
"You... who exactly are you?" Her voice was softer now, with a faint note of respect.
"Your ability... it surpasses our understanding of nature cultivation. This is... a miracle."
Chen Xuwu scratched his cheek, feeling a little awkward under the girl's intense gaze.
I don't even fully understand this yet. Just following the system's commands and it feels... natural. Should I tell her about the system? No, that's too strange. She might think I'm crazy. "Like I said, I'm Chen Xuwu.
Just a guardian of nature. Perhaps... I just have a very, very, very rare natural talent?" He smiled faintly, trying to downplay his power.
Lin Qianyu slowly shook her head, a faint smile on her lips. "Natural talent wouldn't be able to reach this level. This... this is absolute harmony with the Dao of Nature.
It's as if you are a part of nature itself, Chen Xuwu." She stepped closer, observing Chen Xuwu from head to toe, as if trying to read his hidden secrets.
"Your Qi aura... is so pure, without a single speck of impurity. And the Qi around you reacts so strongly every time you move or even just breathe."
SFX: (A gentle rustle of wind, whoosh, as if caressing Lin Qianyu's hair, reinforcing her words, followed by the rustling of leaves around Chen Xuwu feeling more alive)
"I'm certain you are someone blessed by Heaven," Lin Qianyu continued, her eyes sparkling with deep curiosity.
"Or perhaps... a reincarnation of an ancient nature spirit that has long been asleep?"
Chen Xuwu coughed, suppressing a bitter laugh.
Ancient nature spirit? I'm just a former corporate slave who died from lack of sleep and too much caffeine. Far from it. How could they misunderstand so much? "I don't know about reincarnation.
I just want to live peacefully now, and perhaps... protect this nature, as that voice told me." The voice from the system, of course.
Lin Qianyu nodded, her expression turning serious, as if contemplating something important.
"If you truly possess such an ability, and wish to protect nature, then you must come to the Green Sky Sect with me."
Chen Xuwu frowned. "Green Sky Sect? For what? I know nothing about cultivation."
"To learn," Lin Qianyu replied firmly, her gaze direct and full of conviction.
"To understand your extraordinary power. This world is vast and dangerous, Chen Xuwu. Your abilities are indeed unparalleled, but without guidance and knowledge of cultivation, of the dangers that lurk, you could easily become a target for the greedy, or even inadvertently cause great trouble.
Our sect is the best place for you. We are the largest nature cultivation sect in the southern region.
The elders will surely be very interested in you, and they can guide you."
Target? Trouble? I just got free from office troubles, don't want to get into new ones here. But she's right. I know nothing about this world. I don't even know how to survive if I meet a beast stronger than a rabbit. Besides, Lin Qianyu seems sincere and her sect sounds like the right place for me, a 'nature guardian'.
Chen Xuwu thought hard, weighing the pros and cons. This was an opportunity to learn and adapt.
"Alright," Chen Xuwu finally decided, nodding slowly. "I will come with you. But I know nothing about cultivation or sects. I don't want to be a burden."
A bright smile bloomed on Lin Qianyu's face, illuminating the valley as if the sun had just risen a second time.
"You won't be! Quite the opposite. You might become the most talented disciple the Green Sky Sect has ever had! I can feel it."
SFX: (Cheerful bird chirping, chirp-chirp, as if celebrating Chen Xuwu's decision, followed by a more vibrant rustling of leaves)
"Then, let's go. Our sect isn't too far from here, just a few hours' climb up the mountain."
Lin Qianyu began to walk, leading the way with light, enthusiastic steps.
Their journey began. The Sky River Valley was indeed beautiful.
Chen Xuwu was constantly amazed by the untouched beauty of nature. Trees towered high with dense foliage, some of them bearing exotic flowers with vibrant colors he had never seen on Earth, and the harmonious sounds of nature—the gurgling of the river, the rustling of the wind, the chirping of birds—all felt like a soul-soothing symphony.
As they passed through a somewhat barren area, Chen Xuwu saw several small withered plants among the dry rocks.
They looked miserable, struggling to live. Instinctively, he extended his hand.
SFX: (A gentle energy rustle, pzzzt, as Chen Xuwu's hand touched the plants, followed by the sound of rapidly blooming buds, pop!)
The plants instantly came back to life, their leaves expanding, and even some new buds quickly appeared.
Lin Qianyu, who was walking ahead of him, turned back, sensing the sudden wave of Qi. Her eyes widened as she saw the plants that had just been withered now blooming.
"You... you did it again!" she exclaimed, astonished.
"You didn't even need to fully focus! This is truly an extraordinary ability! Your Qi flows so naturally."
It seems this 'Touch of Life' skill is indeed very effective and easy to use. I don't even have to think hard. Chen Xuwu smiled faintly. Perhaps I am destined for this. Or at least, I have a talent for being a super gardener.
They continued walking. Lin Qianyu occasionally explained about the spiritual plants they passed, or the types of beasts that might be hiding in the bushes.
Chen Xuwu listened carefully, absorbing every new piece of information like a sponge. He asked about Qi, about the various stages of cultivation, about other sects on Zhongyao Continent, and how they interacted.
Lin Qianyu patiently answered all his questions, occasionally surprised by Chen Xuwu's unfamiliarity with this world.
"So, cultivators like you can fly?" Chen Xuwu asked, his eyes sparkling as Lin Qianyu explained about flying techniques using Qi.
This is much cooler than riding in a cramped, noisy economy plane. I have to be able to fly someday!
Lin Qianyu chuckled.
SFX: (Lin Qianyu's crisp laugh, hehehe)
"Of course! Cultivators at the Golden Core stage and above can fly freely using their swords or Qi techniques.
I myself am still at the Initial Foundation stage, so I can only hover for a short while or jump high. But with your talent, I'm sure you'll be able to fly faster than me!"
As they climbed a narrow path on the mountain slope, Lin Qianyu suddenly stopped.
Her expression turned wary, her eyes narrowed, and her hand instinctively gripped the hilt of the thin sword hanging at her waist.
SFX: (The sound of a snapping twig, crack!, from the bushes nearby, followed by a suspicious rustling of leaves, swish-swish)
"There's something there," Lin Qianyu whispered, her voice tense. "Its Qi feels... aggressive and dark."
Chen Xuwu felt the same. A cold and menacing aura began to spread from behind the bushes.
This isn't the aura of an ordinary animal. Something is wrong with its Qi.
Suddenly, a Shadow Wolf leaped out from behind the bushes.
Its fur was pitch black like a moonless night, its eyes glowed red like embers, and its fangs gleamed sharply, dripping with venomous saliva.
Evil Qi emanated strongly from its body, making the air around them feel cold and heavy.
SFX: (The wolf's low growl, grrrhhh, changing into a short howl, awooo!, followed by light but fast footsteps, tap-tap-tap)
"A Shadow Wolf!" Lin Qianyu exclaimed, her expression panicked. "It's a low-level spiritual beast, but very agile and venomous! It must have strayed from its dark territory!"
The wolf growled, ready to pounce. Lin Qianyu prepared with her sword, green Qi beginning to flow rapidly around her, forming a thin shield.
"Get back, Chen Xuwu!" Lin Qianyu shouted, her voice full of concern. "You don't have Qi to fight it! I'll handle it!"
However, Chen Xuwu did not move. He stared at the Shadow Wolf, and instead of fear, he felt something else.
A deep suffering. The evil Qi that enveloped the wolf felt like a severe illness, not its true nature. He's sick. Not evil, but sick. He's in pain.
He extended his hand towards the wolf, ignoring Lin Qianyu's warning.
"Calm down," he said, his voice gentle yet full of authority, as if speaking directly to the beast's soul.
The wolf paused for a moment, its growl subsiding into a confused snort. Its red eyes stared at Chen Xuwu with bewilderment, as if trying to understand something new.
[Bonus Mission: Pacify the Contaminated Spiritual Beast. Time limit: 2 minutes.]
[Warning: If failed, the wolf will attack with full force. Use 'Aura of Body Harmony' and 'Aura of Nature Purification' simultaneously. Focus on the core of its evil Qi.]
Okay, system. I understand. He needs help, not a fight.
Chen Xuwu stepped forward, ignoring the surprised Lin Qianyu behind him. He activated 'Aura of Body Harmony' and 'Aura of Nature Purification' simultaneously.
A soft, calming green light emanated from his body, enveloping the wolf, as if embracing it.
SFX: (A gentle aura rustle, syyyuutt, followed by the wolf's low groan turning into a mournful whimper, whimper, then a comfortable purr, purrrr)
The evil Qi that enveloped the Shadow Wolf slowly faded, like black mist blown away by the wind.
Its red eyes returned to their natural golden-yellow color, and its growl turned into a soft whimper.
Its tense body relaxed, and the wolf curled up at Chen Xuwu's feet, rubbing its head like a pet dog that had just found its master.
Lin Qianyu dropped her sword, her eyes wide with disbelief. "You... you purified it? Without fighting? This... this has never happened! How is this possible?" Her voice was barely audible, filled with awe and shock.
Chen Xuwu smiled, stroking the wolf's head, which now looked up at him with grateful eyes. "He was just sick. Now he's healed."
[Mission Complete: Pacified the Contaminated Spiritual Beast. +250 Exp. Skill 'Aura of Nature Purification' leveled up to Lv.2. You have shown true compassion. Additional reward: Affinity with Spiritual Beasts permanently increased.]
The wolf looked up, licked Chen Xuwu's hand once more, then turned and ran back into the forest, no longer radiating an aggressive aura, but a calm and peaceful one.
Lin Qianyu stared at Chen Xuwu as if he were a being from legend, or a god descended to earth.
"You... you are truly extraordinary. I am increasingly convinced you are a gift from nature itself. An envoy."
Gift from nature? Envoy? I just want to live peacefully and not die from work again. But... it feels good to help.
Chen Xuwu chuckled softly.
They continued their journey. Lin Qianyu now walked beside Chen Xuwu, occasionally stealing glances at him, as if trying to understand the mystery behind this strange man.
There was clear respect and admiration in her eyes, mixed with a hint of unconcealed curiosity.
Finally, after several hours of climbing, they reached the mountain peak. There, a breathtaking view unfolded.
A magnificent complex of buildings made of wood and green jade, blending perfectly with nature. Its roofs curved gracefully, its pillars were carved with leaf and flower motifs, and suspension bridges made of giant tree roots connected several pavilions.
Ancient towering trees surrounded the buildings, radiating a dense and pure Qi aura, making the air feel fresh and full of energy. Spiritual waterfalls flowed from the cliffs, forming clear pools that reflected the blue sky and green trees.
SFX: (The soothing sound of spiritual waterfalls, a gentle roar, and melodious bird chirping, tinkle, followed by the slow chiming of wind chimes, ting-ting)
"Welcome to the Green Sky Sect," Lin Qianyu said, her voice filled with pride and relief.
"This is my home. And perhaps, your new home too."
Chen Xuwu gazed at the scene in awe. This was a place far from the hustle and bustle of the city, from suffocating deadlines, from glaring monitor screens.
This was a place where nature reigned, and he, Chen Xuwu, was its guardian.
New home. I like it. This is much better than my stuffy apartment.
A new chapter in his life was about to begin, amidst the beauty and mystery of Zhongyao Continent.