Perennial trees were a new term for Xiao Xian. After working at Locke’s research center for a while, she encountered a lot of plant data that she hadn’t co across dostically. What she knew about perennials was mostly related to perennial flowers.
The so-called perennial flowers refer to those that due to environntal changes, enter a "hibernation" state in winter. When the above-ground part of these perennial flowers decompose and die, the roots or bulbs underground store nutrients, allowing them to endure the winter and regrow above ground the following spring.
This so-called marine and terrestrial perennial juniper was sothing Xiao Xian encountered for the first ti, prompting her to make the bold decision to return.
The water depth continued to decrease, and the Spiritual Energy Shield compressed from its original round pearl shape into an oval, creating a dangerous situation.
Luckily, it was still near the bay, and the water depth was at most only a hundred ters. Further down, Xiao Xian saw the Little White Jiao circling a cluster of "coral reefs."
"Why are there coral reefs?" Xiao Xian moved closer and discovered that the species resembling "aquatic plants" was actually a water-based Cliff Juniper about a ter tall with a crown of around half a ter.
It seems the juniper had been growing underwater for so long that its appearance closely resembled common aquatic plants. Its roots were embedded deep within the seabed, and the exposed trunk was entirely blue-green. The needle-like leaves felt soft and silky to the touch, unlike the prickly sensation of land juniper and pine.
"Master, this is a treasure, a true water-based tree spirit," said the Little White Jiao, imagining its mouth watering if it weren’t underwater. It wagged its tail eagerly beside the tree, hoping to nibble on so leaves.
The Little White Jiao, having seen Vincetoxicum fern before, quickly recognized the juniper rooted deep in the ocean as a treasure.
This juniper felt unlike terrestrial plants; it was soft and brimming with water.
"This thing must have been growing underwater for many years," observed Xiao Xian, who couldn’t discern its age imdiately. With her current vision, she could judge sub-century plants with clarity.
Xiao Xian took out the Spiritual Rhinoceros Scissors and signaled for it to cut off a branch.
The Spiritual Rhinoceros Scissors, always invincible on land, received the order and swiftly aid for the water-based Cliff Juniper, executing a precise horizontal cut.
Unexpectedly, the seemingly soft juniper, sensing a sharp attack nearby, had its needle-like leaves suddenly swing into action, entangling the Spiritual Rhinoceros Scissors.
The scissors, not easily subdued, perford a marvelous carp jump, cutting through the juniper with a dazzling knife glow that parted the water. The silky juniper branches broke in response.
Broken branches floated toward Xiao Xian and the Little White Jiao with the water current.
"Oh no, little Master, that thing..." The Little White Jiao was initially unfazed, but when a severed leaf hit him, it numbed his scales. Realizing sothing was amiss, he urgently called for Xiao Xian to retreat.
"Curse it, this thing has beco mystical; what on earth is it?" In the water, human movent couldn’t compare to mobility on land.
Xiao Xian had no choice but to stir the water, moving the Spiritual Energy Shield backward.
As she retreated, those severed leaves also began to retreat. Upon nearing the Spiritual Energy Shield, the broken leaves transford into countless blades suspended in water, crashing against the shield.
After diving deeply, the Spiritual Energy within Xiao Xian’s shield had depleted to a considerable extent, significantly reducing its durability. Although Xiao Xian wasn’t yet suffocating, she wasn’t comfortable either.
The broken leaves of the juniper surged forward like innurable small fish, catching one off guard and accelerating the underwater current. With the shield protecting her, Xiao Xian wasn’t imdiately worried about suffocating at the ocean bottom.
More and more leaves struck the Spiritual Energy Shield. Though not powerful individually, their sheer number gradually altered the shield, causing waves to rise abruptly above the serene sea surface.
"Xiao Bai, be careful," warned Xiao Xian as she noted the danger at the Little White Jiao’s location. The dragon’s solid scales had been battered, allowing indigo blood to seep out.
Evidently, both she and the White Flood Dragon underestimated the leaves’ power. Alarmingly, the leaves’ force varied with the water currents, becoming more stable and potent.
"Huh?" Just then, the space sugarcane seedling was at a critical breakthrough mont as the leaves damaged the Spiritual Energy Shield. When the shield broke, the oxygen she relied on dispersed instantly, intensifying the suffocation sensation.
Contrary to expectations, Xiao Xian felt as if her pores suddenly exploded, allowing a refreshing scent reminiscent of pine juniper to flow into her body.
As the leaves vanished, several streams of Spiritual Energy erged.
The water-based juniper shook violently, releasing continuous streams of tree spirit energy. Ribbons of blue gas rushed towards Xiao Xian, first swirling around her, then swarming toward her nose like fish seeking a ho.
In the void, the sugarcane seedling, silent for days, burgeoned with flower buds, emitting multicolored lights. In the peculiar glow, Xiao Xian’s facial expression began to change.
The Spiritual Energy Shield expanded under the rampant tree spirit energy while saltwater ceaselessly washed over her nose and features.
Waves grew larger underwater while the sea surface gradually cald. Several fishing boats out at sea sounded their whistles, and white sails unfurled slowly on the endless horizon.
The sudden influx of Spiritual Energy gave Xiao Xian a strange sensation as if struck by lightning.
She lost consciousness, feeling herself plunge through clouds, becoming dizzy yet inexplicably content. (To be continued. If you enjoyed this work, please visit Qidian (qidian) to vote with recomndation tickets and monthly tickets. Your support is my greatest motivation.)
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