Reincarnated as a Ginkgo Tree: I Create an Eternal Divine Kingdom - Chapter 11

“Spiritual energy resurgence,” Li Qianjue muttered, his eyes filled with anticipation and ambition.

In an era where spiritual energy was scarce, even the most talented cultivators found it difficult to progress in their cultivation paths. As the saying goes, “A clever housewife cannot cook without rice.”

Those who were unwilling to remain ordinary yearned for an era of abundant spiritual energy, where they could fully realize their potential.

“City Lord, with the increase in spiritual energy density, there has also been a significant rise in violent incidents in the forests across various regions,” Wen Yuchao reported. “Many of our people have discovered spirit beasts in the forests, something that was incredibly rare in the past.”

Li Qianjue’s expression grew serious. Such matters were indeed troublesome. The resurgence of spiritual energy not only benefited humanity in its pursuit of the Dao but also empowered the beasts and plants of the world.

However, humanity held an absolute advantage due to its superior wisdom, which had allowed them to develop formations and talismans, tools that became even more refined during the era of spiritual scarcity.

With the use of talismans, it was easy to kill spirit beasts. And if talismans proved ineffective, larger and more powerful formations could be deployed.

Thinking of this, Li Qianjue’s mind settled. “Continue to closely monitor and detect the spiritual energy levels across the South Ridge region,” he instructed. “I don’t care what happens elsewhere, but nothing must go wrong in South Ridge. Remember, if the spiritual energy levels reach a thousand Jie, report to me immediately.”

Jie was the unit of measurement used in the cultivation world to quantify spiritual energy density.

“Yes, sir,” Wen Yuchao replied seriously.

When the spiritual energy density in an area reached a thousand Jie, it became suitable for cultivation. Such regions were also prone to the emergence of spirit beasts.

Wen Yuchao worked with great efficiency. By the afternoon of the same day, he returned with a grave expression, bearing the results of his investigations.

As Li Qianjue read the report, his face darkened.

“In the area within a thousand miles of South Ridge, there are eleven forest regions where the spiritual energy levels have exceeded the standard.”

“The biggest problem lies in the Ancient Wilderness Mountain Range—seven out of the eleven regions with elevated spiritual energy levels are located within it.”

“Wait…” Li Qianjue’s eyes suddenly narrowed. “There’s a forest area within the Ancient Wilderness Mountain Range where the spiritual energy density has reached nine thousand Jie. Are you sure these readings are accurate?”

Wen Yuchao nodded. “My lord, I couldn’t believe it either when I first saw the results. That’s why I used the Heavenly Pivot Formation to conduct three separate tests. Each time, the results were consistent.”

He glanced nervously at Li Qianjue. “My lord, could it be that there’s some ancient secret realm in that area?”

“Secret realm?” Li Qianjue scoffed. “In this day and age, after three thousand years of spiritual scarcity, even the most powerful secret realms would have collapsed long ago.”

Realizing the gravity of the situation, Wen Yuchao’s face paled slightly. Nine thousand jie! South Ridge was located in Qingzhou, whose most famous cultivation site was the human-controlled Green Hills. Yet, even Green Hills did not boast a spiritual energy density of nine thousand jie. He could hardly imagine what kind of terrifying entity might have been born in the Ancient Wilderness Mountain Range.

“Yuchao, you must personally go to the Ancient Wilderness Mountain Range,” Li Qianjue commanded. “Make sure you uncover the truth of this matter.”

Back in the Ancient Wilderness Mountain Range, Su Mu’s branches stretched out slightly, enjoying the increasingly fresh sensation in the air.

“The spiritual energy in this world is becoming more and more abundant,” Su Mu mused.

Suddenly, a series of loud crashes reverberated through the forest. Su Mu extended his awareness and saw two massive figures locked in battle—a black ape and a leopard. The black ape was significantly stronger, completely overpowering the leopard. Within half an hour, the ape broke the leopard’s spine, killing it instantly. After its victory, the black ape beat its chest triumphantly, exuding a sense of arrogance.

[Species: Ironback Ape]
[Height: 30 feet]
[Lifespan: 200 years]
[Rank: First-Tier, Supreme Grade]
[Ability: Mighty Force]

The Ironback Ape’s strength was indeed formidable, and its temperament was just as domineering. After killing the leopard, it turned its gaze towards a nearby ginkgo tree.

From the tree, it sensed a strong aura of spiritual energy and decided it would break the tree and consume it.

With heavy steps, the ape charged toward the ginkgo tree. But before it could reach its target, the Snow Spirit Mink and White Spirit Python appeared to block its path.

The ape roared, but the Snow Spirit Mink and White Spirit Python were not intimidated. They engaged the ape in battle.

Su Mu chose not to intervene. Having spent so much time in the forest, he had grown somewhat bored. Watching these three fierce beasts clash provided some much-needed entertainment.

Besides, although the Ironback Ape was powerful, the Snow Spirit Mink and White Spirit Python were not weaklings either. Both had adapted to the mist, giving them an advantage. Su Mu was confident they could handle the ape.

While Su Mu watched the battle, a cavalry unit arrived outside Su Family Village. The leader of the cavalry was none other than Wen Yuchao.

He pulled on the reins, bringing his steed to an abrupt halt. In perfect unison, the cavalrymen behind him did the same, demonstrating their high level of discipline.

Wen Yuchao sat atop his horse, gazing at the seemingly endless mountain range in the distance. The Ancient Wilderness Mountain Range had been a forbidden zone for humans since ancient times.

Although it had become less terrifying during the era of spiritual scarcity, it was still a dangerous place. Knowing he was about to enter the mountain range, Wen Yuchao had come well-prepared, equipped with numerous deadly talismans.

“Deputy General Wen,” a middle-aged cavalryman with a bushy beard spoke up. “Up ahead is Su Family Village, which has stood here for over a thousand years. If we want to enter the mountains, it would be wise to have a local guide from Su Family Village lead us. This would minimize the risks.”

“Very well,” Wen Yuchao agreed.

He then addressed his troops sternly, “Everyone, stay alert. Once we enter the mountains, there can be no room for negligence.”

“Sir, we’ve been to the Ancient Wilderness Mountain Range many times before. While it’s dangerous, there’s no need to make such a fuss, especially with so many of us this time,” one of the cavalrymen remarked dismissively.

“That was before; this is now,” Wen Yuchao retorted sharply. “The Ancient Wilderness Mountain Range is no longer the same. If you act carelessly and lose your life, that’s one thing, but if you cause harm to others, how will you live with yourself?”

The cavalrymen fell silent, realizing the seriousness of the situation.

To further emphasize his point, Wen Yuchao moved to the center of the formation. There, in the middle of the cavalry, was a carriage. Inside the carriage was a long box. When the cavalrymen saw the box, their expressions grew solemn.

They knew that the box contained a magic sword. Such items had become exceedingly rare after the long era of spiritual scarcity, with most magical tools having been destroyed. Only a few had survived.

In Su Family Village, the arrival of the cavalry caused a stir among the villagers, who were initially alarmed. But Wen Yuchao had anticipated this reaction and quickly sent some of his men to reassure the villagers.

Upon learning that the cavalry unit was from the City Lord’s mansion in Nanjing City and seeing that the soldiers were polite, the villagers gradually calmed down.

A short while later, Wen Yuchao entered the village and began speaking with the village chief, Su Yan.

“Village Chief Su, I see that there are a couple of households in mourning. Has something happened?” Wen Yuchao asked.

Su Yan sighed and recounted the events that had taken place recently.

“So, three people became cultivators, but two died in the beast tide, leaving only one survivor,” Wen Yuchao murmured, clearly moved by the tale.

After a moment, he spoke gravely, “Five men from Zhang Family Village, all strong, and three girls from Su Family Village, two of whom were cultivators. Under normal circumstances, they should have been able to survive a beast tide. The fact that only one escaped suggests that there may have been a demon beast involved.”