Tree King: What? I've become the Abundant Pharmacist?

Chapter 537 The Essence of the Black Tide

“Yes,” said Xiaodie.

"According to Gnaeus, while Nicardoli is one of the embodiments of calamity, he also bears the mission of resisting the Black Tide..."

"Perhaps this is another reason... that made Lord Bai'e so determined to plunge into the trial of 'Conflict'."

"Now, we must find another way, to try and ignite 'conflict'."

Aglaia sighed, but steered the conversation toward Wan Di.

Wan Di was aware of their intentions, but he didn't care.

"Tell me, Aglaia, what's the next step?"

“You know, it’s not up to me.”

“Wan Di, as the successor of the Suspended Edge, you naturally understand that victory on the battlefield of 'Conflict' would be a piece of cake for you…”

"But the weight of a god's responsibilities can ultimately only be borne by one person."

“It is recklessness and hesitation, not suspended divinity, that plunge the world into a dead fog.”

Hearing Aglaia's words, Wan Di fell silent.

He knew his responsibilities and the burdens he carried.

“I’m sorry, Aglaia, I need some time to think about it.”

“Of course, that’s your prerogative,” Aglaia said.

Wan Di nodded slightly and left.

“Please allow me to express my gratitude once again,” Aglaia said, turning to Eve and Danheng.

"If it weren't for you, Bai E probably wouldn't have been rescued so easily."

“No.” Eve shook her head.

"This time, it was Wan Di's own efforts."

“Perhaps he has already made his decision,” Eve said.

“Is that so?” Aglaia exhaled. “In any case, the journey to the fire cannot stop.”

"Gentlemen, I must take my leave now, I have other matters to attend to."

"I imagine you two must be quite tired. The hot spring water in the bath can help relieve fatigue. You two can give it a try."

After saying that, Aglaia and Tibo left.

Only Eve and Danheng remained on the spot.

"It seems there's an unspeakable purpose behind this trial," Dan Heng remarked.

"Otherwise, why drag us into this mess?"

Eve turned and walked toward the private bathhouse.

"Now we need to do a post-mortem."

Danheng immediately followed.

Private bathhouse.

"Kuroshio...."

“Eve, in your opinion, what comes to mind when you put these keywords together: ‘unspeakable,’ ‘of unknown origin’…” Danheng asked.

"Although I really want to answer with a certain octopus-like creature, it is clear that these terms, when put together, all point to one being: the Star God."

In this universe, the only beings that can be described as indescribable and of unknown origin are the Star Gods.

At least, from Eve's perspective, that's certainly true.

Dan Heng nodded. "That's one possibility."

"However, recall the characteristics of Onpharos—a world 'trapped in eternal night,' 'isolated from the world,' and 'consumed by an unknown force'..."

“I was already concerned about this. All indications suggest that Onpharos is definitely not a world that has never been in contact with the universe.”

"Neither the birth of the Titans nor the arrival of the Black Tide can be explained by the natural development of civilization."

"Its current 'closure' must have other hidden reasons. However, if the cause is also the cancer of all realms... some direct or indirect signs have not yet been confirmed."

"You mean the star core?" A hint of doubt flashed in Eve's eyes.

"While I cannot rule out that possibility, I did not sense the aura of the star core."

"That's how it seems at the moment," Dan Heng nodded.

"But we can't deny that the star core has been hidden, just like it was on the Immortal Ship back then."

"Besides, my intuition tells me it's probably not that simple..."

"After all, the situation here is too similar to the Voice of the Star Core."

"And Pinocchio's history also proves that the appearance of a world is not necessarily the result of a single destiny," Dan Heng speculated.

“Since things have come to this, let’s just wait and see,” Eve said.

"It is the principle of wisdom to remain skeptical of everything in the absence of certain information."

Dan Heng nodded. "I understand. We'll use the Black Tide as a breakthrough point. Now that Nicardoli has fallen, the forces suppressed by him will inevitably begin to retaliate..."

"It seems... our 'exploratory' journey is becoming increasingly significant."

.................

Meanwhile, on the other side of the Marble Palace

Tibo stood in front of Wan Di, seemingly wanting to comfort him.

"Don't worry, little enemy. This isn't the first time something like this has happened; it happened a long time ago..."

Wan Di shook his head. "I'm not worried about him."

“Oh… okay. But you’re a bit quiet.” Tibbo was still worried.

Wan Di only then realized that his attitude was inadequate.

“I’m sorry, I shouldn’t have been so rude. I know in my heart that the man will pull through.”

Tibo laughed, "It's okay, being direct is more like your style."

“Little enemy, what we want to ask is… what did you see in the trials of Nicardoli?”

Wan Di was silent for a moment, then said, "Something that terrifies me."

"Irony, isn't it? The word 'fear' shouldn't exist in the dictionary of those who are on the edge of the mountain." Wan Di couldn't help but laugh at himself.

Perhaps, without Eve and the others by my side, I would have become just as deeply entangled as Bai Er.

"Do you think...you have a chance to defeat it? That thing that scares you?" Tibbo asked.

Wan Di suddenly asked, "Was this also part of your plan?"

"What do you mean?" Tibo asked, somewhat confused.

“Aglaia knew that Bai'er might fail…”

"You all originally planned for me to be his substitute."

Tibo sighed, then nodded.

"Hmm. It seems you understand everything."

“I have no intention of condemning you,” Wan Di said calmly. “The journey to pursue fire is not child’s play, and I have long been aware of that.”

"With the fall of 'Conflict,' the threat of the Black Tide has intensified once again... If Ceres and Oronis are also affected, the consequences will be unimaginable."

"Yes. They are the only two Titans that still retain their sanity and are willing to coexist with humans."

"Unfortunately, the key to completing the trial does not lie with me. If I want to overcome that fear, I need the help of the other members of the Suspended Edge Clan."

“Give me some time to talk to my people…it won’t take long.”

Tibo nodded. "Oh, many hands make light work, right? But ultimately, the trial of a demigod must be faced by the individual..."

“Little enemy, your people…have always been hoping for a new king to be crowned, haven’t they?”

“If you were to take over the divine authority, they would surely follow you willingly… because you are the hero of Suspended Peak City.”

Wan Di hesitated. "I used to be. And this, Lady Tirisippius..."

"This is my deepest fear."

He turned and walked towards the door.

See you later, I'll be back.

“Little Enemy,” Tibo called out to Wan Di, who hadn’t completely left yet.

"Ok?"

"No matter what happens, *we* will stand behind you."

"Yes, thank you."

Wan Di turned around again, as if he had quietly made a decision in his heart.

............

High-temperature bath.

Wan Di had already made up his mind, but he still couldn't let go of his people.

So he came here to confirm one thing.

But as soon as he entered the bath, he saw a group of children playing and frolicking, which was very dangerous.

"Child, isn't he accompanied by his parents? It's too dangerous."

Wan Di immediately stopped the group of children.

"Children, don't play around here."

"Oh, it's the prince! Is the prince here to take a bath too?"

"Oh, the prince has arrived!"

"What a lucky day!"

"I want to hear your stories from the battlefield!"

The children recognized Wan Di at a glance.

"Prince...you are all sons of the Suspended Peak?" Wan Di asked, somewhat surprised.

"That's right, we're all Suspended Peak people! I heard from my elders that my family used to live right next to the arena... next to the arena!"

"My father was a centurion in the Serpent Lancers, my mother was the bravest warrior in the Aegis Brigade, and Grandpa Kratrus gave my family so many silver coins!"

“My parents are serving in the Holy City Guard... They are warriors of the Hanging Peak, braver than all the people of Ohma,” the children replied.

"Why are there only a few of you? Where is the master?" Wan Di asked.

“Hey, Mom and Dad are asleep. We sneaked out to play hide-and-seek with Grandpa Clatrus!” one of the children said.

Wan Di was somewhat troubled. "That old rascal... I happen to need to talk to him. Where is Kratrus?"

The child shook his head. "I don't know. We haven't seen him for a while. Could he have lost our way?"

Another child said, "How could that be? Grandpa Kratrus is the King's personal bodyguard, the King Wing Champion, and he's the best at tracking enemies."

"He's counting at the Lion's Mouth up ahead. I'm curious and want to run over and see, but I'm also afraid it might be a trap he's set..."

“Not bad, very vigilant. Which one is the Lion's Mouth of Truth?” Wan Di asked.

There are several Lion's Mouths in Ohma.

The children thought about it.

"Just... go out from here, turn a few corners... it'll be near the bathhouse!"

"Okay, I'll go find him. You guys can consider the game over and go home now. Don't play in the hot tub area next time."

Wan Di was about to leave, but the children called out to him.

"His Royal Highness Prince!"

"Is there anything else?" Wan Di turned around.

"I heard people say that you have brought back the flame of Nicardi..."

"Will we be able to go home soon?"

A hint of timidity flashed in the children's eyes.

Wan Di fell silent for a moment.

He spoke slowly.

"Have any of you been to Suspended Peak City?"

“You were born in the Holy City, and your lives are no different from those of the Ohma people. Your understanding of your race comes only from what others have told you.”

"You haven't even seen that celestial blade with your own eyes... In that case, how can you talk about returning home?"

"Because this is not home," the children said in simple language.

But these words stunned Wan Di.

"My parents said that the child of Xuanfeng is born with a sharp sword in his hand and is destined to go to the battlefield."

"They also said that the Prince's elite elite force was Onphalus's most valiant and invincible army."

"The children of the Holy City don't want to play with us. Knowing their parents are Suspended Peak people, they stay far away..."

"But we don't care. Everyone knows that one day, the prince will take us back home!"

Wan Di appeared very distressed by the children's words.

He forced himself to say, "It's not time yet. Young men of Suspended Peak, listen to my command: return to your parents, and from this day forward, dedicate all your time to diet and training. To become a qualified Suspended Peak warrior, these two things are indispensable."

Only then will you be qualified to "return home."

The children of Suspended Peak City cheered immediately, "Yes, Your Highness!"

At that moment, they made up their minds to become qualified soldiers.

Wan Di quickly left, not because it was too hot, but because he couldn't bear to look into the children's eyes.

.................

The true words are at the lion's mouth.

From afar, Wan Di could see the elder standing in front of the Lion of Truth, accompanied by two soldiers of Ohma.

They're here to keep watch.

"I see him. Is he arguing with that stupid lion?" Wan Di thought to himself.

Upon seeing the approaching enemy, the soldiers keeping watch appeared slightly flustered.

"Oh no, it's him, the crown prince of Suspended Peak City..."

"What's the panic! With the Senate's instructions, the Golden Clan wouldn't dare to do anything to us."

"You lackeys of the Senate, get out of the way," Wan Di sneered.

"Uh......"

The soldier panicked immediately, but still pretended to be calm.

"The military police in Ohma are on official duty. Please do not approach!"

"Don't make me say it a second time." Wan Di's tone turned cold.

His aura was subtly released.

The soldier eventually couldn't withstand the pressure and retreated to one side.

"This time, uh... this time I'll let you pass, but this time, this won't happen again!"

On the other side, the Lion's Mouth was communicating with the elder.

However, the lion in the truth was clearly sweating.

"My lord, please calm down and speak properly..."

"You think you're a know-it-all? Let me test you. Do you know how the golden lion head of Suspended Peak City was bricked into the wall?"

"I...I don't know, sir, haha...how did I get up there?" The lion in the true words laughed ingratiatingly.

"Haha, then let me tell you the story. Back then, the founder of Suspended Peak City led a group of warriors to hunt lions on the outskirts of Tretos City..." The elder laughed.

“That vicious beast with sharp teeth and claws has been a menace for many years, and the bones in its lair are piled up higher than the mountains surrounding Ohmma.”

"But guess what? The moment that beast poked its head out, the warriors of the Suspended Peak rushed forward, slammed it to the ground in a flash, and shattered its kneecap with a single blow. And then..."

"It's not even the most exciting part yet, why are you blushing already?"

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