Reincarnated as a Ginkgo Tree: I Create an Eternal Divine Kingdom - Chapter 68: The Moon of Qingzhou

Su Yao’s heart stirred as she quickly understood why Xia Yuerong had such an attitude. It seemed that the Heaven and Earth Pavilion wasn’t a regional power but rather a purely research-focused organization.

Even if she joined the Heaven and Earth Pavilion in the future, it wouldn’t prevent her from serving Green Hills Mansion. Moreover, the Pavilion would help cultivate her talents, which Green Hills Mansion would undoubtedly welcome.

“However…” Wang Yuan continued, “Miss Su, while I’ve certainly recognized your extraordinary talent, there is still a formal process to follow. As part of that process, I will have to test you. I will suppress my cultivation to the early Foundation Establishment stage, and if you can withstand my attacks for half a cup of tea’s time, you will have passed the test.”

Su Yao looked up at Wang Yuan. His words revealed an underlying arrogance, suggesting he didn’t truly believe she could match him.

“Yao’er, don’t take Wang Yuan’s confidence as mere arrogance,” Xia Yuerong said seriously. “His Great Sun Spiritual Root is exceedingly rare, granting him formidable potential in both fire element and physical strength. Even with his cultivation suppressed to match yours, his combat experience far surpasses yours, so don’t underestimate him.”

Su Yao nodded thoughtfully.

“Miss Su Yao, please do your best,” Wang Yuan said, “and show me the strength of the ‘Moon of Qingzhou.'”

In Green Hills Mansion, Su Yao’s brilliance had earned her the title ‘Moon of Qingzhou,’ as she shone as brightly as the full moon.

“Very well!” Su Yao was never one to hesitate. Without delay, she made her move. As she extended her hand, a green vine shot forth, quickly multiplying into dozens of tendrils that wrapped around Wang Yuan.

In an instant, the vines had bound him tightly.

Wang Yuan remained calm. “In the face of overwhelming power, all such flowery tricks are meaningless.”

With a sudden burst of strength, a fiery light seemed to flash in his eyes. The next moment, an intense force erupted from his body, like a blazing sun. The vines binding him were instantly shattered.

“Let me teach you another lesson: in battle, speed is key. One must aim for a swift and decisive victory.”

With that, Wang Yuan stomped on the ground, launching himself at Su Yao like a leopard pouncing on its prey. His power was indeed formidable. Even with his cultivation suppressed to the early Foundation Establishment stage, the strength he unleashed far exceeded that level. Any other early-stage Foundation Establishment cultivator would have struggled to resist such an attack.

However, Su Yao remained composed. As Wang Yuan’s punch neared her, it was as if he struck nothing but air, and Su Yao drifted backward lightly.

No matter how powerful Wang Yuan’s attack was, it couldn’t find purchase on her.

As she gracefully retreated, Su Yao smiled slightly. “Young Master Wang, I suppose I should take this more seriously.”

Wang Yuan’s brows furrowed. Her words implied that she had been holding back, which stung his pride. Did she really think he couldn’t handle her full strength?

But before he could react, a green light began to coalesce in front of Su Yao, forming a single leaf. Wang Yuan didn’t take it seriously at first. While the leaf was clearly charged with power, he didn’t see it as a significant threat.

However, as soon as the thought crossed his mind, more leaves began to form. Within moments, over a hundred leaves had appeared.

Wang Yuan’s pupils contracted sharply. He had clearly underestimated Su Yao’s spiritual power.

The leaves, now numbering over a hundred, shot toward Wang Yuan simultaneously.

His expression changed drastically, and he could no longer afford to be careless. He quickly channeled his spiritual energy to defend himself. A sphere of fiery energy formed around his fists as he punched forward, unleashing a devastating explosion.

The hundred leaves collided with his fiery barrier and detonated in a series of violent explosions. The resulting shockwave sent Wang Yuan flying back over ten feet.

To everyone’s shock, the once confident and poised Wang Yuan now appeared disheveled and utterly embarrassed.

The spectators were stunned. Wang Yuan, who had been so sure of himself, had actually been overpowered by Su Yao? Even though he had suppressed his cultivation, the outcome was still astonishing.

Many onlookers couldn’t help but recall Wang Yuan’s earlier arrogance, finding the contrast amusing.

Wang Yuan himself realized how badly he had misjudged the situation, his face flushing with embarrassment. He had lost face today.

Xia Yuerong, though surprised by her disciple’s strength, was pleased. Su Yao had exceeded her expectations, proving to be even more exceptional than she had imagined.

“Master Wang,” Xia Yuerong said with a smile, “I believe my disciple has passed your test?”

Wang Yuan’s mouth twitched as he reluctantly nodded. “Of course, she has passed. Honestly, this was just a formality. The Heaven and Earth Pavilion welcomes you, Junior Sister Su Yao.”

Later that night, Su Yao meditated, visualizing the Silver Ginkgo Tree. Her thoughts connected with Su Mu as she shared the events of the day.

“Heaven and Earth Pavilion? You mentioned before that they’re quite an extreme group,” Su Mu commented.

“Indeed, they’re known for their radical approach,” Su Yao replied. “But they’re highly respected within the Great Xia Empire, even receiving the Emperor’s support. If I join them, it would be my first step into the empire’s power structure.”

“Just be cautious,” Su Mu advised. “Focus on what’s best for you. Don’t worry too much about the Misty Territory.”

Su Mu felt increasingly confident in his power, no longer particularly fearful of the Great Xia Empire.

“Yes, Lord Tree,” Su Yao responded.

Outside the Misty Territory, near the Wushui River, the spirit marmots continued their work on the Sui River. The river had almost reached Wushui, and a slender figure watched the process with keen interest. It was Huang Shuling, whom Su Mu had sent.

The connection between the Sui River and Wushui was crucial to the Misty Territory’s strategic expansion. By making this connection, Su Mu would effectively link the Misty Territory to the outside world, extending his influence further. Given the importance of this task, Su Mu had sent Huang Shuling to oversee it. Her unique abilities would help prevent any unforeseen dangers.

Despite Wushui being a significant river, especially as it connected to Qingjiang, a tributary of the Chijiang, rivers in history and myth were often homes to powerful creatures. Su Mu’s caution was warranted.

After half an hour of digging, the marmots finally broke through the last barrier of earth between the Sui River and Wushui, allowing the waters to merge.

But just as the two rivers connected, Huang Shuling’s instincts screamed of imminent danger. A massive wave suddenly surged from Wushui, and a huge green shadow, resembling a giant serpent, burst forth from the water.

Despite her strong intuition, Huang Shuling’s strength was still too limited. Before she could react, the massive green shadow had already coiled around her, dragging her into the water.