"No, that's not a Geovishap... it's an Primo Geovishap!"
Master Lu Ban took a step forward, his expression deeply moved. "According to folklore, after the 'draconic calamity' that led to the ruins of Tianqiu Valley, the Primo Geovishap and Geovishap borrowed deep into the earth, awaiting the chance to rise once more...To think the legend is true!"
At that moment, the giant Ruin Machine, despite the heavy blow, seemed unscathed. It swiftly rose to its feet, its steel body coiling as the yellow core in its eye glowed, gathering a high-energy beam that struck the Ancient Geovishap's body.
The fierce battle between the two colossal beings shook the cavern, sending debris flying. Several rocks whizzed perilously close to Master Lu's face, a heart-stopping sight.
"Wait... could that be?!"
But Master Lu's eyes locked onto something, his gaze unwavering. He stood rooted to the spot, even leaning forward as if to move closer.
"Master, be careful!"
Lu Xian and Lu Tai rushed forward, grabbing Master Lu's arms, trying to pull him back.
"You two rascals, let go of me! This is your master's order!" Master Lu, unable to break free, spoke with uncharacteristic severity in his frustration.
His usual authority over his disciples still held sway. Lu Xian and Lu Tai reluctantly released him but cast pleading looks toward Ji An.
"Master Lu, this place is too dangerous. Since we've already uncovered the reason behind the Ruin Guard disturbance, the purpose of our expedition is fulfilled. Perhaps we should retreat the way we came," Ji An advised.
He, too, was intrigued by the petrified tree that both the Ruin Machine and the Ancient Geovishap were fiercely contesting. If he were here alone with Herloxia, he would have certainly stayed to observe, waiting for a chance to benefit from their conflict. But the current situation was far too perilous for Master Lu and his apprentices. The safest course was to leave promptly.
"We cannot leave! Young Ji, look beside the tree roots!" Master Lu gestured urgently for Ji An to look at the base of the petrified ancient tree. "Do you see it?"
Ji An paused, following his gaze. After a moment, he frowned. "Master Lu, are you referring to those... blue crystals beneath the tree?"
Master Lu nodded eagerly. "If I'm not mistaken, those are what's known as Ancient Tree Resin!"
"Ancient Tree Resin?" Ji An echoed, puzzled.
"Exactly."
Master Lu confirmed, then turned to Xiangling. "Miss Xiangling, you asked why you've never witnessed the so-called 'blessings' in all your life. I answered that the necessary conditions were lacking. Well, now those conditions are met!"
"According to the ancient texts, the energy contained within Ancient Tree Resin can疏clear the 'pipes' of the Ley Lines, refining the stagnant substances within—essentially, the blessings the Ley Lines bestow upon the world."
He looked back at Ji An, excitement blazing in his eyes. "So now you understand why I cannot leave? We can witness a miracle with our own eyes! Such an opportunity comes once in a lifetime! If we come back another time, the tree and the resin might both be destroyed by those creatures. What a waste that would be!"
Hearing this, a conflicted look appeared on Ji An's face.
Master Lu pressed urgently, "Young Ji, those two behemoths are locked in combat. They haven't noticed us. Perhaps we could—"
"No," Ji An shook his head firmly. "They ignore us because we pose no threat in their eyes. The moment we attempt to approach the tree, we'll draw their combined fury."
"But... must we simply let this chance slip away?"
For the first time, Master Lu's expression held a note of pleading. For a researcher like him, the temptation to glimpse the Ley Lines secrets was overwhelming.
Xiangling couldn't help but chime in. "Ji An, with me, Guoba, and Hu Tao here, if we're quick, shouldn't it be okay?"
Ji An looked deeply troubled and instinctively glanced at Hu Tao.
"Xiao An... do you also want to try?" Hu Tao bit her lip. Naturally, she didn't want Ji An to take risks. But with her heart wholly tied to him, she could also see his desire. He was clearly interested in this so-called blessing but was choosing the safest path for their sake.
"If you want to, then let's try. Xiao An, don't worry. I'll protect you!"
Hu Tao extended her small, warm hand and grasped Ji An's palm. She had failed her childhood friend in the past. Now that he was miraculously returned to her in this world, if possible, she didn't want him to experience any more disappointment or sorrow.
"Director Hu..." Ji An wasn't made of stone. He could feel the girl's feelings. The turmoil in his own heart was known only to himself. A thousand words condensed into a simple, heartfelt "Thank you."
...
"Master Lu, let me discuss this with them."
Ji An spoke at length with Xiangling and Hu Tao. They covered precautions for the operation, assessed their strength relative to the Ruin Machine and Primo Geovishap, and planned how to handle the creatures wrath if they succeeded in obtaining the resin.
'The time window is only a few minutes.'
After their discussion, Ji An reached this conclusion.
'That seems extremely tight, but with Herloxia's addition, there should be no major problems.'
Following Ji An's instructions, Herloxia was already waiting just outside the cavern, ready to provide support if needed. Reassured, he addressed the group.
"Since that's the case, we must act swiftly. Everyone, stay cautious. Use the rock pillars for cover and move along the edge of the cavern."
"Above all, do not attract the attention of those two giants. If we do, turn and run immediately without a moment's hesitation!"
Thus, they proceeded with the plan, stealthily approaching the petrified ancient tree. Fortunately, the process went smoothly. The two titans were locked in intense combat, paying no heed to these "ants."
Finally, Ji An and the others reached the base of the ancient tree.
"So this is Ancient Tree Resin..."
Master Lu crouched down, excitedly prying loose several solidified crystalline chunks and cradling them in his hands.
"Wow, they're so beautiful! There seems to be the shape of a tree inside!" Xiangling's eyes sparkled.
"I can feel it... they contain abundant energy. Here, take them. Try them."
Master Lu gazed at the resin in his hands with fascination, a look of profound satisfaction on his face. Then, he handed the pieces to Ji An, Xiangling, and Hu Tao.
Ji An was taken aback. "Master Lu, you're... giving all the resin to us? Don't you want any?"
He found it hard to understand. Master Lu had seemed so eager earlier; Ji An had assumed he wanted the so-called blessing for himself. Yet now, he was giving the acquired resin to them.
"We are merely artisans and researchers. What we crave is knowledge."
"For us, witnessing what comes next with our own eyes is enough. Obtaining what is not rightfully ours may not be a blessing."
Master Lu shook his head with a smile. His noble and principled stance was something Ji An could comprehend. Unexpectedly, even Lu Xian and Lu Tai chimed in with smiles:
"Please accept them. You've earned it."
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