Chapter 18: The Divine Tree's Blessing

Luke and Bader could not imagine that they had evolved into Demon Humans in such a short time and become so powerful.

Was all of this the work of that Demon Tree? Could it truly be a Demon Tree? The Forest Elves might indeed have been bewitched. They had just doubted whether it was truly a Spirit Tree—could this all be a misunderstanding? Now, there was no doubt: this was the same Magical Beast from before, the same Demon Tree.

Mark and the others also wore expressions of despair. What was the point of arguing now? They were still doomed to die. If only the Forest Elves could awaken, perhaps there would still be a chance.

“Liya, do you really think that’s a Spirit Tree? Those Magical Beasts have all turned into Demon Humans. This might be an illusion. Only you can return immediately to report to the City Lord.”

“No, this is a Spirit Tree. I am utterly convinced. I can feel it—the Spirits are very active in this space, and my Magic Power has also become active, as if I’ve returned to my homeland.”

Liya raised her hands in prayer, as devout as a Believer entering a temple of faith, her face radiant with happiness.

“She’s gone mad.”

Luke watched this scene, never expecting that he would be betrayed by the powerful allies he had sought out. It was too hard to accept.

He shouldn’t have been greedy for a small advantage back then. Forest Elves harbor great hostility toward Demon Trees, as it seems to relate to their homeland. That was why he could hire such powerful fighters at such a low price. Yet, in the end, those fighters turned around and betrayed them.

“So, how did you evolve into Demon Humans in such a short time?”

Liya spoke as if she were already good friends with Xiong Da and the others, naturally striking up a conversation.

“Divine Tree Blessing, of course. We just got a name, and then we evolved. My mom evolved the same way.”

Xiong Da explained it as if it were the simplest thing in the world.

“Blessing?”

Everyone simultaneously wore stunned expressions, uttering voices of disbelief. That was a Blessing—and it had blessed two Magical Beasts at once. What exactly was this Divine Tree, that it could bestow Blessings?

“What? That shouldn’t be possible. Why can a Spirit Tree perform a Blessing? Isn’t it only the Spirit King Tree that can bestow Blessings? Could it be that you are the Spirit King Tree?”

Liya was also shocked. Her frost-like face finally showed a different expression.

“I never imagined that the Spirit King Tree our clan has been searching for has finally been found by me. This is truly too fortunate. I am truly too lucky.”

“Great Spirit King Tree, could you please continue to shelter us, bestow Blessings upon us, and restore the glory of the Elven Clan? We will surely dedicate our lives to you and become your guardians.”

Liya could no longer control her emotions. She knelt before the giant tree that was Zhai Guangyi, fervently praising him, singing his praises incessantly, to the point where Zhai Guangyi felt a little embarrassed.

Zhai Guangyi thought to himself that this Forest Elf must have mistaken him for another tree. He wasn’t as great as she made him out to be. But since she had spoken such beautiful words, if Zhai Guangyi didn’t give her something as a gesture, he would feel a bit embarrassed.

System, exchange for one Blessing Power.

“Ding, one thousand System Currency consumed. Successfully exchanged for one Blessing Power.”

Zhai Guangyi bestowed a Blessing upon Liya, who was kneeling on the ground in prayer, and simultaneously named her Liya. Zhai Guangyi had used Appraisal to check—this Forest Elf Liya originally had no name, but since everyone called her that, he simply named her Liya.

A golden light flew from the tree canopy and directly merged into Liya’s forehead.

Race: Forest Elf (Liya)

Level: 39

Life Value: 100

Magic Power: 4000

Strength: 200

Defense: 20

Speed: 750

Skills: Magic Arrow Level 7, Gale Level 3, Spirit Magic Level 3, Stealth Level 1, Appraisal Level 1, Teleport Level 2, Magic Resistance Level 2, Potion Mixing Level 1, Agriculture Level 2.

Blessed One: Nameless

After completing the Blessing, Liya’s strength had improved slightly, and Zhai Guangyi could now see the Skills she possessed. These Skills were truly diverse—although their levels were generally low, they covered a wide range.

Liya never expected that she would receive a Blessing and a true name in this way. Among their Forest Elf clan, no one had received a Blessing for a long time.

Since the incident with the Spirit King Tree, for several hundred years, the new generation of Forest Elves had not received any Blessings. Now, she was likely the first among her generation to receive one—enough to boast about to many Forest Elves when she returned.

Zhai Guangyi’s consciousness could finally be conveyed to Liya, telling her that he was not the Spirit King Tree, but he was very happy that she supported him.

“Thank you for your Blessing. As for your identity, I am absolutely certain—you are the Spirit King Tree. Only the Spirit King Tree can bestow Blessings; ordinary Spirit Trees cannot do this. Perhaps you have lost your memory for some reason, but we will definitely help you remember.”

Liya remained extremely excited, showering Zhai Guangyi with endless flattery.

Zhai Guangyi didn’t want to say much more. Since others kept making excuses for him, he felt too embarrassed to lower his status and could only continue pretending to be an expert.

Mark and the others had just witnessed a close-range Blessing, leaving them so shocked they were speechless.

Beings capable of bestowing Blessings were legendary figures or Deities. Now, right before their eyes, there were three Blessed Ones, suggesting that this tree might truly be the legendary Spirit King Tree.

Such a high-status existence appearing here—and a being capable of bestowing Blessings could likely erase people like them as easily as drinking water.

They couldn’t help but wonder if these beings truly intended to spare them, rather than immediately wiping them out, and genuinely wanted to discuss peaceful coexistence.

Seeing how generously the Lord Divine Tree had bestowed a Blessing upon Liya, Xiong Da glanced back at Xiong Er before turning to look at Mark and the others.

Now it was his turn to discuss peace with Mark and the others. After witnessing a real Blessing, Mark and his companions became much quieter and more obedient. They understood just how terrifying a being capable of bestowing Blessings could be.

In human society, only an Archbishop or a powerful Mage could bestow Blessings, and typically only members of the Royal Aristocracy or knights who had made outstanding contributions to the nation could receive them.

Any being capable of bestowing a Blessing is not someone ordinary people can afford to provoke—they are either a Deity or a Demigod.

Compared to the Demon Tree they initially believed it to be, they now found it easier to accept that Zhai Guangyi was the Spirit King Tree. Moreover, Xiong Da appeared to be here for negotiations, with no intention of wiping them out.

Seeing their reaction, Xiong Da was still somewhat puzzled. A single Blessing had left these Natives utterly astonished. Was a Blessing really such an extraordinary thing? Could this tree be the legendary Otherworld Golden Finger?

In truth, after encountering Humans, Xiong Da had wanted to leave this place. He longed to live in the Human World and attempt to integrate into Human Society under safe conditions. However, he wanted to wait for Xiong Er, who had not yet evolved into human form. Moreover, their mother, Xiong Batian, seemed unwilling to leave, so Xiong Da had remained hesitant. Now, it appeared this tree might very well be their opportunity.