It is unknown how many gold coins were ultimately spent, but the alchemical reaction finally started to proceed slowly with Ge Zheng. He dared not stop and continued to melt the gold coins, and a bright golden liquid slowly flowed into the furnace...
The ring specifically used to hold the gold coins quickly emptied, and bursts of golden smoke rose from the furnace. The success of this alchemical experiment was close at hand.
Unknowingly, Ge Zheng had been busy for a day and night. Sunlight climbed up from the ground, and the oblique light from the almost touching horizon angle shone over the hills as if it were a blade. The golden smoke rising from the mouth of the cave was immediately dispersed by the light, disappearing without a trace. The giant furnace at Ge Zheng's feet trembled slightly, and the alchemy was completed.
The heartache of losing a large number of gold coins had long been dissipated by the mad joy of the successful alchemy. Ge Zheng released an ice magic, and the cold wind, carrying ice debris, rushed into the furnace. The high-temperature giant furnace quickly cooled down. Ge Zheng jumped inside, into a white mist, where he couldn't see his own hand in front of his face. After waiting for more than half an hour, the white mist in the cave gradually dispersed, and the ground inside the cave had been burned into a strange substance with a glossy glass surface. Embedded in the smooth surface was a golden badge.
This badge was similar in appearance to the giant golden armored double-headed worm summoning badge from before, but the relief on the front had been changed to that of a giant tree and was labeled: "Golden Armored Tree Demon Summoning Badge". The five-point star surrounding these words had turned into twelve stars—it was a badge of an even higher level than the summoning badge of the golden armored double-headed worm!
Ge Zheng grinned, "Could it be that the more money I spent, the higher the level?"
He went outside the cave to test the power of this summoning badge. He threw the golden badge into the sky and called out, "In my name, Golden Armored Tree Demon, appear!" A red and green lightning bolt struck the golden badge, and a brilliant golden light exploded in an oval shape, followed by a loud bang. The earth trembled, and a giant tree monster over twenty meters tall, the size of six people, landed on the ground. The sturdy withered vines served as legs, and the huge branches served as arms, all adorned in golden armor. It wielded weapons such as a giant axe with floral runes, a war hammer, and a shield. The tree monster continued to beat itself as the shield and hammer clashed, sounding like muffled thunder!
The tree demon suddenly bent over, and its enormous body instantly appeared in front of Ge Zheng. The thick tree trunk swayed slowly and revealed an angry face. "Roar!" It roared angrily at Ge Zheng, and a powerful air current rushed out like a storm, blowing all the rocks and wood around Ge Zheng away, causing his hair and clothes to flutter.
Ge Zheng raised an eyebrow, wondering what had gone wrong. Although the alchemically infused creatures could not defy the will of their master and couldn't harm them, this alchemically infused creature was obviously filled with great resentment towards him.
The tree demon's massive body trembled angrily and its golden armor crackled. Angry red light emitted from its triangular eyes, and it was clear to anyone that if not for the binding alchemical contract, the golden armored tree demon would have brutally attacked Ge Zheng.
Ge Zheng tapped his own head, "It seems the ghost flower tree has attributed all its suffering to me. He smiled and made a hushing gesture towards the tree demon. Although the tree demon was very reluctant, its thick lips sealed together, as if someone was pinching them. The tree demon's facial muscles twitched, obviously trying to open its mouth with all its might, but to no avail. Its power came from alchemy and naturally couldn't violate the basic contractual rules of alchemy.
Ge Zheng said slowly, "Big Guy, first of all, I want to make it clear: the person who captured you wasn't at my behest; I just bought you after you were captured. You should thank me, otherwise you might have already been flayed and drawn, and although you now look completely different, at least your consciousness hasn't been destroyed."
"Secondly, I want my summoned creature to be more obedient. You might not agree with my advice, but if you seek my opinion, I don't advise you to think otherwise. I made you, so I have many ways to make you wish you were dead."
"We can get along peacefully. You can help me fight, and I can help you grow stronger. Maybe in the future, I can help you find a partner. How about it? If you think this deal is suitable, nod at me."
The triangular eyes of the tree demon stared menacingly, with no decrease in the resentment in its red eyes. Ge Zheng shrugged, "Alright, it looks like my persuasive words have fallen on deaf ears. Doesn't matter, after all, you can't disobey my will. Well then, now show me your strength."
Although the tree demon's face was full of reluctance, it couldn't defy Ge Zheng's instructions. It went into the forest and violently uprooted a tree as thick as a person, carrying mud and leaves as it waved it around, looking just like a matchstick. "Bang, bang, bang..." The tree demon swung the large tree around, wreaking havoc as if a tornado had swept through the forest.
Although the tree demon was suspected of venting its anger towards Ge Zheng, this indeed perfectly executed Ge Zheng's instructions. The alchemist was extremely satisfied with the power of the tree demon: "Not bad, much stronger than the golden armored double-headed worm. If these two alchemically infused creatures were to confront each other, I believe the powerful and cruel golden armored tree demon would effortlessly pull the golden armored double-headed worm out from underground, just as easily as uprooting that large tree."
"Hurgh!" Although the tree demon's mouth was sealed, a long string of muffled sounds came from its two large nostrils as it angrily smashed the large tree in its hand against a small mound, breaking the tree into two and turning the small mound into a deep pit.
Bits of golden light drifted in the wind, and the golden armored tree demon disappeared, transforming into the summoning badge in Ge Zheng's hand. Ge Zheng rubbed the shining golden badge on his clothes satisfiedly before pocketing it in the storage ring.
Solgverin had no idea that Ge Zheng had played some tricks on his turf and was enjoying the delicacies in the Obast City. However, tormented by love, Solgverin had awakened from his dreams countless times, feeling the absence of his beloved, and feeling deep self-pity for a smart dragon.
Solgverin decided that when Ge Zheng returned, he would take action and find out for sure whether his beloved was really his summoned creature. He had been lurking by Ge Zheng's side for days, but had not yet been able to gauge Ge Zheng's depth. Sometimes he seemed unfathomable, while at other times he didn't seem particularly formidable. This made Solgverin hesitant to take action.
When Ge Zheng returned to his shop, Solgverin unexpectedly appeared in the welcoming lineup as well, which made Ge Zheng "pleasantly surprised."
Comprehending Ge Zheng's good mood, Kanes complimented, "Sir, when will you craft the body-altering potion?" The desert fairy gazed at Ge Zheng with hopeful eyes, in a posture resembling a frog looking skyward from the ground. Ge Zheng furrowed his brow, "I don't recall agreeing to that, did I?" "But can't you change your mind?" Ge Zheng shook his head, "I currently have no plans for that."
Kanes pushed away disheartened, and Solgverin, upon seeing this, also stepped forward, "Sir, I'm very curious about summoning creatures. Can you demonstrate for me?" Ge Zheng looked at Solgverin oddly, wondering how this boy knew that he had just created an alchemically infused creature?
Solgverin saw that Ge Zheng didn't immediately refuse, so his heart instantly filled with hope, and his eyes shone with pure light, convincing anyone that something wasn't right. The wise dragon thought he could finally see his dream lover, and for a moment, he was so excited that his hands trembled, and his lips turned white!
Dinola smirked from the side, and Kanes approached, "What are you laughing at?" Dinola put on an evil smile, "We should tie this kid up and sell him for a good price in the Delson Royal City." Kanes didn't understand, "He's a man, who's going to pay a high price for him..." "You don't understand. The feelings between men are much more intense than between men and women..."
Kanes felt a bit nauseous.
Ge Zheng agreed to Solgverin's request to demonstrate his summoned creature and explained that they needed to find a spacious place, preferably where no one else could see. Solgverin's eyes were filled with happiness. It was clear that they needed a spacious area for a magnificent creature like the giant Ice Dragon, and it was best not to be seen by others.
Among the group, Dunk had been with Ge Zheng for the longest time and didn't know what summoned creature Ge Zheng had. Everyone was very curious, so Kanes and Dinola coerced Dunk into staying to mind the shop, while the two of them followed Ge Zheng and Solgverin out of Obast City.
Once they had entered the Forest Garden, Ge Zheng furrowed his brow, "Where are all those wild beasts in the forest? Usually I'd run into a few every time I came here, but today, not a single one is in sight..." He had brought along Dinola, a skilled "hunter," to improve their food intake.
Even though Solgverin had concealed his dragon breath, his scent had not changed.
"Okay, I think this spot will do." The desert fairy had grown up in the desolate Hanlao wasteland and didn't have much experience navigating forests. Shortly after walking, he was already too tired to stand up straight.
"Here? This won't do!" Solgverin unexpectedly had an over-the-top reaction, frantically waving his arms and shouting, "We absolutely need to find a spacious and open area." He didn't want his beloved to get injured on a small mound of trees; he would ache if that were to happen.
Ge Zheng looked at him strangely, finding it increasingly difficult to understand this guy. Dinola smirked and had a bad feeling of association. She lightly nudged Kanes with her elbow and said in a sinister tone, "It looks like we're not very welcome here..."
Kanes, being very short—fairies weren't very tall—and Dinola, being tall and a female warrior, ended up knocking into poor Kanes with her elbows, causing him to sway like a top. After finally regaining consciousness, the other three had already walked quite a distance. The desert fairy hurried to catch up, still panting heavily.
Meanwhile, he suddenly understood what Dinola had meant with her earlier comment. He was about to say something when Dinola covered his mouth, "If you want to keep being a promising servant, don't say anything. Just know that we're on the same page."
Ge Zheng agreed to the request from Solgverin and meant to demonstrate his summoned creature, emphasizing the need for a spacious area and not wanting to be seen by others. Solgverin's eyes sparkled with happiness, thinking that for such a magnificent creature like a giant Ice Dragon, they needed an open area and not to be seen by anyone else.
Among the group, Dunk had been with Ge Zheng for the longest time and didn't know what summoned creature Ge Zheng had. Everyone was very curious, so Kanes and Dinola coerced Dunk into staying to mind the shop, while the two of them followed Ge Zheng and Solgverin out of Obast City.
Once they had entered the Forest Garden, Ge Zheng furrowed his brow, "Where are all those wild beasts in the forest? Usually I'd run into a few every time I came here, but today, not a single one is in sight..." He had brought along Dinola, a skilled "hunter," to improve their food intake.
Even though Solgverin had concealed his dragon breath, his scent had not changed.
"Okay, I think this spot will do." The desert fairy had grown up in the desolate Hanlao wasteland and didn't have much experience navigating forests. Shortly after walking, he was already too tired to stand up straight.
"Here? This won't do!" Solgverin unexpectedly had an over-the-top reaction, frantically waving his arms and shouting, "We absolutely need to find a spacious and open area." He didn't want his beloved to get injured on a small mound of trees; he would ache if that were to happen.
Ge Zheng looked at him strangely, finding it increasingly difficult to understand this guy. Dinola smirked and had a bad feeling of association. She lightly nudged Kanes with her elbow and said in a sinister tone, "It looks like we're not very welcome here..."
Kanes, being very short—fairies weren't very tall—and Dinola, being tall and a female warrior, ended up knocking into poor Kanes with her elbows, causing him to sway like a top. After finally regaining consciousness, the other three had already walked quite a distance. The desert fairy hurried to catch up, still panting heavily.
At last, he suddenly understood what Dinola had meant with her earlier comment. He was about to say something when Dinola covered his mouth, "If you want to keep being a promising servant, don't say anything. Just know that we're on the same page."
"Ah, okay, this spot should do." Solgverin spread his arms and stood on a small mound. The surrounding area was covered in low-lying shrubs, and the leaves were dense. When viewed from a high point, the ground looked like it was covered with green grains of rice. The area had an open view, and not far away, the trees were of a peculiar species, with leaves red as dawn, stunningly beautiful. Solgverin wanted to reveal this most beautiful side of his "home" to his beloved, understanding the importance of first impressions as the most intelligent dragon.
"Ah!" A ball rolled into this open space—The desert fairy was already so exhausted that he could barely stand up straight; he was already quite short, and this would make him appear as a ball rolling on the ground.
"Are you sure?" Ge Zheng asked again, not feeling like he was being too nosy, because Solgewilen was just too abnormal. There were many open places along the way that could be showcased, but every time Solgewilen used an exuberant and surging tone, picking out the faults of those places like a love poet reciting love poems, and ultimately brought them here.
Ge Zheng was not a self-proclaimed wise dragon, he was a true wise one. Solgewilen seemed to be very familiar with this place, and with him leading the way, Ge Zheng realized that he seemed to have taken the wrong path on his first two visits.
Having a person like this always following him made Ge Zheng a little suspicious. In the midst of an unknown forest, having a mysterious person by his side, it was a reassuring choice to summon the tree demon at this time.
After getting Solgewilen's reply, Ge Zheng's hand tossed into the air. The storage ring opened, and the golden summoning badge soared into the sky, a green lightning struck down...
"Boom!" The giant golden armor tree demon descended from the sky, its four thick and sturdy old tree roots legs stomping on the ground, causing the earth to tremble. "Roar, roar, roar!" The tree demon still harbored hatred towards Ge Zheng, continuously roaring at him as soon as it appeared. Ge Zheng frowned and flicked his hand in the air, creating a comical scene: the huge gigantic tree demon, with a turn of Ge Zheng's little finger, obediently turned its huge face to the side, facing Solgewilen perfectly.
Solgewilen was filled with happiness and joy, he believed that the harsh winter of love was about to pass, and he was about to win the most beautiful spring of his dragon life!
Solgewilen closed his eyes, waiting deeply for the moment to come.
Hmm, such a huge tremor, yes, when the divine frost dragon lands, it should make such a commotion.
Hmm, such a huge roar, yes, when the divine frost dragon roars, it should be this loud.
The symphony of love played in his mind, and the wise dragon cheered, opening his eyes, preparing to immediately reveal his true form and rush towards his beloved...
Everything came to a sudden stop. Solgewilen spread his arms towards the fierce golden-armored tree demon, making a pounce motion. In detail, he even seemed to pucker his lips—however, everything stopped here. In front of everyone, Solgewilen seemed to be magically frozen, with a look of disbelief and astonishment in his round eyes.
How could this be... This was Solgewilen's only thought for half a minute.
"Hey!" The female warrior called out to him without mercy, "What's the meaning of your love call and this posture?" Solgewilen was no longer in the mood to care about Dinola's sarcasm. Under such a great hope was an even greater disappointment, such a level of disappointment caused even the tough dragon heart to shatter.
"Why?" Solgewilen's eyes were filled with tears, a cry of sorrow, and with a "whoosh" sound from his pants, a sharp dragon tail just peeked out and then retracted.
Dinola's body was covered in goosebumps. At this point, Comings started to believe Dinola's earlier words.
"Okay, this is my summoned beast. You wanted to see, I've shown it to you. Do you have something to say to us?" Ge Zheng's tone concealed a questioning intent. Of course, Solgewilen could tell that the "wisdom" of the wise dragon appeared at the wrong time in the wrong place and made a wrong decision.
No, I can't let him know! Solgewilen thought, from a human's perspective, if I had a dragon as a summoned beast, I would take care of her like my own daughter. But if that dragon fell in love with me, she would abandon her master and return to the forest with me. In order to prevent such a thing from happening, humans would do everything possible to stop me, even to prevent me from meeting my lover!
Under no circumstances could he tell the truth, there was still a glimmer of hope for himself—this was Solgewilen's "wise" decision.
"No," he said, sounding somewhat heartbroken. Ge Zheng furrowed his brow, "Alright then," he put away the tree demon, "Let's go." Solgewilen followed them, and Ge Zheng felt strange, "Are you coming back with us?" "Of course," Solgewilen's heart tightened: had Ge Zheng already discovered his intentions!
Luckily, Ge Zheng merely shook his head indifferently, "It's up to you."