The strangling fig can literally strangle intelligent plants that are several times larger than its own body, relying on those aerial roots that dangle down from the treetops. Right now, these aerial roots are like flailing tentacles, lunging straight at the two humans who are about to become a meal.

Even Lan Luohai, an eighth-tier ability user, might not be able to escape unscathed from such a fierce attack, let alone a powerless pharmacist. Lan Luohai never expected that Shi Jingxian would make such a bold move.

But what surprised him even more was the strangling fig’s reaction.

The aerial roots, which were making a whistling sound as they sliced through the air, actually slowed down under Shi Jingxian’s gentle touch from a distance. Then, as if soothed to sleep like a baby, the strangling fig slowly lowered all its aggressive aerial roots in front of Shi Jingxian.

Only one aerial root, which looked different from the others, timidly reached out, gently touching the outstretched hand of Shi Jingxian with its slightly tender tip.

Shi Jingxian instinctively stroked the tip of the root a couple of times, as if he were petting a young creature.

“…”

Lan Luohai vaguely felt that this scene was somewhat familiar.

The situation changed in an instant, but even more miraculous developments were yet to come. After being touched by Shi Jingxian, the other aerial roots of the strangling fig quickly resumed their movements.

This time, instead of attacking everywhere, they spontaneously intertwined, weaving together to form a net-like structure, ultimately creating a sturdy rope bridge. The rope bridge settled down at Shi Jingxian’s feet, almost as if it were enthusiastically welcoming him to step on it, ready to serve.

Shi Jingxian indeed lifted his foot and stepped onto the rope bridge. As soon as he did, the strangling fig moved on its own, lifting him into the air.

At that position, he was just able to meet the astonished gaze of Yuan Xiaoyao, who was not far away.

Originally, the strangling fig had been captured by Yuan Xiaoyao, but now it was using its aerial roots to protect Shi Jingxian in front of him. Yuan Xiaoyao’s face darkened as he furiously questioned, “Ji Xuanran, did you spy on our plant manipulation technique?!”

Shi Jingxian replied calmly, but his words only added fuel to the fire: “Marshal, can your so-called plant manipulation technique make the strangling fig so obedient?”

If it really worked, Yuan Xiaoyao wouldn’t have to go through all this trouble, trapping the strangling fig in his protective shield just to bring it along. He could have simply commanded the strangling fig to follow him and attack.

Yuan Xiaoyao, exposed, was furious and reckless, launching an attack at Shi Jingxian, determined to capture him alive.

After all, only Ji Xuanran was his best material for advancement.

However, just moments ago, he had failed to succeed against Lan Luohai alone, and now with the protection of the strangling fig, how could Yuan Xiaoyao possibly reach Shi Jingxian? Before Lan Luohai could act, the strangling fig directly ensnared Yuan Xiaoyao with its aerial roots, quickly weaving them into a cocoon that trapped him inside.

Shi Jingxian turned his head to look at Lan Luohai on the rooftop. Before he could speak, several aerial roots crawled to Lan Luohai’s feet, lifting him to Shi Jingxian’s side as well.

Lan Luohai hesitated and asked, “…Is it listening to you?”

“Yes, remember the Lièchǐguǒ?” Shi Jingxian replied straightforwardly, “Its toxin stimulated my awakening, and now I think I’ve grasped a way to communicate with plants.”

As soon as they finished speaking, a sudden loud explosion echoed from not far away. The strangling fig still steadily supported the two of them but noticeably shrank back in pain.

The cocoon that had originally imprisoned Yuan Xiaoyao was now being cut open from the inside by an ability. Yuan Xiaoyao broke free and began to slash at the aerial roots around him.

Although his advancement was not yet complete, he was still a ninth-tier ability user. In comparison, the strangling fig’s abilities simply couldn’t overpower Yuan Xiaoyao.

Seeing this, Lan Luohai immediately planned to intervene.

However, before he could act, Shi Jingxian stopped him.

“No need to trouble the prince,” Shi Jingxian smiled and said, “There’s another helper, and it’s getting impatient.”

As soon as he finished speaking, several thick vines poked their heads out from the edge of the rooftop. The vines were laden with large seed pods, each with sharp serrated openings.

Yuan Xiaoyao, who was fighting the strangling fig, nearly spat blood.

Where did the Lièchǐguǒ come from?!

One strangling fig was already enough of a headache; he had no energy to deal with the even more ferocious Lièchǐguǒ. What made Yuan Xiaoyao even more uneasy was that these Lièchǐguǒ seemed to also obey Shi Jingxian’s commands.

Faced with such an absolute disadvantage, Yuan Xiaoyao did not linger in battle; he immediately planned to retreat.

But the long-awaited Lièchǐguǒ finally had its chance to shine and would not let Yuan Xiaoyao escape. It happily waved its vines and directly grabbed the retreating Yuan Xiaoyao.

“Let go of me!!” Yuan Xiaoyao roared, “Ji Xuanran! Tell this thing to let me go!”

“I’m telling you, if I die, no one will ever know the method to break through to the ninth tier! You have to make it let go…”

The vines tightened continuously, and Yuan Xiaoyao struggled, his voice growing weaker.

“Quick… cough, hurry…”

The massive Lièchǐguǒ had already approached him, its terrifyingly sharp serrated teeth glinting in front of him. Yuan Xiaoyao suddenly recalled how he had watched the Fánpài being torn apart by the Lièchǐguǒ right in front of him. At that time, he had been indifferent to the death of the Fánpài, but now he suddenly felt the kind of despairing terror that Fánpài must have experienced.

Watching the still provocative Yuan Xiaoyao, Shi Jingxian’s expression turned cold.

“Yuan Xiaoyao, are you satisfied with using others’ lives to advance your own?”

Beside him, Lan Luohai glanced at him.

Yuan Xiaoyao, nearly suffocated by the Lièchǐguǒ, saw him respond and immediately ignited hope.

As long as he could respond, it meant there was still room for negotiation.

“It’s just… a necessary cost…” he struggled to say, “No need to…”

Shi Jingxian coldly replied, “Just in time, the growth of Lièchǐguǒ also requires a bit of cost.”

Before his words fell, Yuan Xiaoyao let out a scream.

The massive Lièchǐguǒ directly bit off his arm. In the next second, Yuan Xiaoyao’s limbs were quickly devoured by four Lièchǐguǒ. Blood gushed from the entwined vines, quickly absorbed by the Lièchǐguǒ. The abundant ability energy overflowed, making the Lièchǐguǒ even more excited to feed.

By the time it finally finished eating, all traces had disappeared, the night was empty, and a cool breeze blew, as if Yuan Xiaoyao had never existed.

【Ding——Task repair progress, 85%】

The system prompt sounded in his ear, and the progress bar was nearing completion.

However, the closer it got to the end, the harder the repair progress became. As Shi Jingxian contemplated the remaining 15%, he suddenly saw a flamboyant seed pod floating in front of him.

It was indeed a literal “flamboyant seed pod.” The satisfied Lièchǐguǒ had just regurgitated the two Shēnghuā seeds it had swallowed, and it leisurely shared a bit of energy with the Shēnghuā, wrapping the blooming multi-petal flowers around its spherical fruit, presenting it as a floral ball to Shi Jingxian.

If one didn’t look closely, they might mistake it for some new style of bouquet.

Shi Jingxian chuckled; he reached out to rub the floral ball, simply helping the Lièchǐguǒ sort out the energy it had just absorbed. Once the Lièchǐguǒ settled down contentedly, he arranged for it and the strangling fig to have a new destination.

Previously, to guard against Yuan Xiaoyao, Shi Jingxian had deliberately left a yòutǐ of the Lièchǐguǒ at the research institute. Once it had absorbed enough specialized nutrient solution and high-tier growth agents, the Lièchǐguǒ could quickly develop into its adult form. Without a pharmacist’s help, Yuan Xiaoyao couldn’t directly command the Lièchǐguǒ, and under Shi Jingxian’s control, he wouldn’t be able to do anything reckless.

After this battle, the Lièchǐguǒ had indeed completed its task perfectly. However, the adult form could no longer revert to the yòutǐ, and other places were not suitable for the large Lièchǐguǒ to grow. After leaving one Lièchǐguǒ and the yòutǐ of the strangling fig, Shi Jingxian ordered the collectively calmed plants to head to the specially designated garden set aside by the pharmacist association.

Though it was called a garden, the area inside was vast enough to encompass at least three mountain forests. This was a place specially prepared by the pharmacist association for plants, and the environment was very suitable for their growth. In return, the Lièchǐguǒ and the strangling fig could provide the association with plenty of valuable research materials.

The palace was quite a distance from the designated garden, and the surrounding buildings were very dense. Even though more than a dozen strangling figs had obediently retracted their aerial roots, their massive trunks still made it difficult to reach the garden without damaging the imperial city.

Moreover, the strangling fig had caused some destruction in the imperial city before being calmed down. Although it was not intentional, they still looked quite guilty.

Watching the restrained strangling figs, Shi Jingxian hadn’t even had time to be surprised by how vividly these plants could express emotions when the impatient Lièchǐguǒ directly extended its vines.

It was like an incredibly strong lumberjack, one vine lifting a fig tree, directly raising all the dozen or so strangling figs into the air.

Shi Jingxian: “…Thank you for your hard work.”

Out of nowhere, a wisteria happily swayed at him, proudly lifting the dozen or so strangling figs toward the designated garden.

Thus, when the startled citizens of the imperial city looked out, they saw a bunch of vines performing acrobatics, lifting a dozen towering trees, skillfully maneuvering through the gaps between buildings.

If it weren’t for the destruction left by the strangling figs nearby, they might have thought they were dreaming.

The other survivors in the palace gradually gathered on the palace rooftop. Because Lan Luohai had previously dispatched troops to defend various parts of the imperial city, most soldiers and ability user leaders were still cleaning up the aftermath. The ones appearing on the rooftop were mostly royal family members and other nobles. Seeing the rooftop in complete disarray, they felt a lingering fear from the chaotic scene after the battle.

Lan Luohai had already discussed with Shi Jingxian, briefly describing the situation without hiding the fact that Shi Jingxian could communicate with plants.

Although others guessed that the battle had been perilous, they hadn’t expected it to involve two high-tier plants and a ninth-tier ability user. After hearing Lan Luohai’s words, they exchanged glances, somewhat at a loss.

Having controlled intelligent plants twice in critical moments, and both being such fierce high-tier plants, everyone felt a mix of admiration and gratitude towards Shi Jingxian, but within that respect, there was also an unspoken sense of fear and panic.

No one had ever successfully calmed intelligent plants, let alone directly manipulated them. If it weren’t for Lan Luohai being present, someone might have already questioned Shi Jingxian.

With such obvious gazes around, Shi Jingxian naturally sensed the emotions of those nearby. However, he didn’t explain much, only saying to Lan Luohai, “Yuan Xiaoyao has been hiding in Country A for a while; I plan to go back.”

Without Ji Xuanran, Yuan Xiaoyao would definitely have captured other pharmacists to serve as sacrifices for his advancement. Besides that, advancing also required a large supply of potions, and Yuan Xiaoyao had yet to develop his strength elsewhere; he could only obtain these things in Country A.

In the original mission plot, Yuan Xiaoyao had done just that. After Ji Xuanran lost his abilities, his reputation plummeted, and only Fendelin came out to speak for him. Yuan Xiaoyao found an excuse to take troops to the eastern research institute, which was actually to raid Fendelin’s stockpile and obtain the large quantities of potions he needed.

The potions at the eastern research institute were completely looted, and Fendelin died due to a lack of medicine caused by his illness. Now that it was happening again, although Shi Jingxian had already set up protective measures in advance, he still felt a bit uneasy.

Moreover, the pharmacists who had been captured by Yuan Xiaoyao as sacrifices also needed to be rescued. After considering it, Shi Jingxian planned to set off immediately.

But he didn’t expect that after hearing this, Lan Luohai would directly express his intention to go to Country A with him.

“There may still be remnants of the old guard around Yuan Xiaoyao. For safety’s sake, it’s better for us to go together.”

Looking at Lan Luohai, who had made up his mind, although the others didn’t explicitly oppose it, their expressions showed clear disapproval.

Even though they understood that the prince favored this divine pharmacist, they didn’t agree with Lan Luohai taking this risk before clarifying Ji Xuanran’s strength and stance.

Clearly, due to his outstanding performance, Shi Jingxian had already become the number one dangerous figure in their eyes.

Lan Luohai was determined, and their repeated persuasion had little effect. In the end, everyone’s gaze fell on the queen, who was not far away.

The king had been unwell and had not handled state affairs for some time; most of the national matters were presided over by the queen. In the hearts of both the people and the nobles, this gentle yet resilient queen held a very high prestige.

The rooftop gradually quieted down, and the queen finally spoke. She looked at Lan Luohai, her light brown eyes shining with a gentle light.

“Have you made your decision?” she asked.

Lan Luohai nodded.

“Then go.”

The queen’s words surprised everyone again.

But she turned to Shi Jingxian beside Lan Luohai and smiled.

“You are all heroes, and heroes must travel far. Take care of yourselves, and go. We will await your triumphant return.”

Lan Luohai nodded again, saying nothing. He didn’t show any particular emotion either.

Shi Jingxian couldn’t help but glance at him.

The queen had so forcefully overridden the opposition, yet Lan Luohai seemed to feel no pressure at all, not even offering a word of comfort or agreement with his mother.

In front of others, Lan Luohai didn’t seem as considerate and understanding as he was when facing Shi Jingxian.

In the end, it was Shi Jingxian who added, “Heroes also won’t let their loved ones get hurt.” He looked back at the queen, bowed respectfully, and spoke earnestly, “Thank you.”

The queen looked at them, her expression filled with satisfaction.

Time was of the essence. Early the next morning, Lan Luohai set off with his personal team alongside Shi Jingxian. Because the core nation had previously expressed strong protests to Country A, in order to mend relations, the border of Country A had relaxed inspections for teams coming from the core nation. They didn’t delay for long before entering Country A.

Upon arriving in the capital of Country A, the team first headed to the eastern research institute. Although they hadn’t received any urgent news, Shi Jingxian still felt uneasy.

Fortunately, things went even more smoothly than expected. As soon as they arrived, the guards at the research institute came to greet them.

“Ji Divine Pharmacist, please wait a moment; we have already notified the pharmacists inside,” the guard quickly reminded, “The Lièchǐguǒ is still in the protective shield, so be careful not to get hurt.”

Hearing this, Shi Jingxian couldn’t help but chuckle. He didn’t explain, just said, “Okay.”

It seemed that the Lièchǐguǒ that had been sent in advance had indeed helped a lot.

When the pharmacists who received the news rushed over, the guard carefully opened the protective shield at the main entrance. A Lièchǐguǒ that had been leaning against the entrance of the protective shield slid out just in time. It shook its head in confusion, seemingly still not understanding the situation, and upon seeing Shi Jingxian, it excitedly lunged toward him.

“Be careful!” The guard thought the Lièchǐguǒ was about to attack and hurriedly warned Shi Jingxian. The pharmacists who were about to use crystal stones to divert the Lièchǐguǒ were also startled, frantically pulling out a lot of crystal stones.

Although the Lièchǐguǒ had indeed protected them these past few days, facing such a ferocious high-tier plant, none of them dared to guarantee that the Lièchǐguǒ wouldn’t suddenly go on a rampage.

But they never expected that this intelligent plant, which was covered in sharp fangs and whose name exuded a fierce aura, would actually act like a well-behaved little beast, rubbing against Shi Jingxian.

Shi Jingxian nearly stumbled back a few steps from its enthusiastic rubbing, and seeing this, he found it somewhat amusing. He waved his hand at Lan Luohai, who was supporting him, signaling that everything was fine, then reached out to stroke the vine that was sticking to him.

“Thank you for your hard work these days.”

Worried that Yuan Xiaoyao would target Fendelin, Shi Jingxian had sent a Lièchǐguǒ seedling in advance. Unlike other Lièchǐguǒ, this seedling was personally cultivated by Shi Jingxian from seed. The entire process of the seedling sprouting had Shi Jingxian’s care and involvement, so it harbored little malice towards humans and could coexist peacefully with the researchers. In comparison, its dependence on Shi Jingxian was naturally deeper.

After calming the Lièchǐguǒ that was sticking to him and comforting the stunned researchers, Shi Jingxian was about to enter through the main door when he realized he seemed to have overlooked one person.

“Your Highness?” Shi Jingxian lightly coughed and asked, “Why aren’t you going in?”

Lan Luohai was watching the Lièchǐguǒ that was happily leading the way for Shi Jingxian, and his expression was clearly not very pleasant.

He shook his head in response, “It’s nothing, let’s go.”

The two walked side by side inside, but Lan Luohai couldn’t hold back and ultimately spoke up.

“Xuanran, let’s not have it lead the way. The fruit hanging down will block our view.”

The Lièchǐguǒ immediately lifted its vines a little higher. But those serrated seed pods still hung overhead, making it feel a bit unsettling.

Shi Jingxian comfortingly patted the dejected vine, “We know the way; you don’t need to trouble yourself, be good.”

Only then did the vine seem a bit happier.

Lan Luohai added, “And when it touched you, it was too rough, almost knocking you over. It’s best to be careful and keep your distance from it.”