Lin Mu had learned the Litany of the Verdant Forests in the Evergreen Pillars Forest. The three protective rings encircling his soul had been ford from the verdant energy of the Evergreen Pillars Bamboo. As such, he wasn't entirely sure if the technique would manifest in the sa way when cultivated in a different forest. But the Litany was designed for forests, and Lin Mu doubted any harm would co from trying.
"The ability's appearance and nature are not fixed," Lin Mu thought, studying his internal energy flow. "It adapts to the forest's essence. Since I've already cultivated it before, it should remain consistent."
"What kind of forests are there here?" Lin Mu asked Daoist Chu as they traveled along the paved road.
"Plenty," Daoist Chu replied, his gaze sweeping the horizon. "The Jui World is almost entirely covered with forests, though the Shanxi Empire controls about half of it. We'll pass through a few on our way to the next Teleportation Array. You'll find more than enough options to suit your needs."
"Good," Lin Mu said, nodding. "I'll explore when we co across sothing promising."
Their first major destination was Ram Orchard City, one of the largest and most renowned settlents in the Shanxi Empire. As the trio neared it, the view unfolded before them like a living painting. Unlike the sprawling, urbanized capital of the Dao Wind Empire, Ram Orchard City resembled an enormous orchard, its layout seamlessly integrated with the natural world.
Towering fruit and flowering trees dominated the skyline, their canopies stretching like living roofs over the cityscape. Buildings were not separate from the trees but intertwined with them. So were carved directly into ancient trunks, while others were suspended from branches like grand arboreal nests. Bridges of woven vines and flowering boughs connected various structures, creating a network that blended utility with breathtaking beauty.
The air was fragrant with the mingled scents of apricots, peaches, apples, pears, plums, cherries, mulberries, and more. The blossoms of wisterias and jasmines added floral notes that danced on the breeze. The colors were a riotous celebration of nature's palette, with pastel blossoms contrasting against the rich greens of the foliage. Remarkably, all the trees flowered simultaneously, defying their natural cycles.
"The people of Jui World have mastered herbology and horticulture," Daoist Chu said, noticing Lin Mu's astonishnt. "They've cultivated these trees to bloom perpetually within the city."
"Is this just for the cities, or is the entire world like this?" Lin Mu asked.
"Only the cities," Daoist Chu clarified. "The forests outside follow their natural rhythms. But here, the controlled bloom symbolizes prosperity and harmony."
"Amitabha," Monk Hushu murmured reverently. "To live so intertwined with nature is a reflection of the natural Dao. Such harmony must be a balm for the soul."
Lin Mu nodded, his senses alive to the refreshing vitality of the city. The fragrance, initially overwhelming, soon beca invigorating, like an intricate perfu composed of a hundred notes.
"It's like a living symphony of scents," Lin Mu thought, marveling at the blend of nature and civilization.
As they approached the gates, the city's design revealed further intricacies. The main thoroughfares were lined with living arches made from intertwining branches, their leaves forming a natural canopy that filtered sunlight into dappled patterns on the cobblestone streets below. Vendors' stalls stood beneath trees laden with ripe fruit, their colorful wares a testant to the city's bountiful harvests.
Daoist Chu gestured toward the heart of the city. "Let's head to the central district. It's where the best restaurants and inns are located. We'll start there."
As they walked deeper into the city, Lin Mu noticed children playing among the trees, swinging from vines and darting through flowering bushes. Birds flitted overhead, their songs adding a lively backdrop to the bustling streets. The residents of Ram Orchard City moved with a serene confidence, their lives seemingly enriched by the environnt around them.
When they arrived at the central district, Lin Mu was struck by the sheer vibrancy of the area. It was a hub of activity, with restaurants, tea houses, and inns competing for attention. Each establishnt had its unique charm, from multi-tiered balconies adorned with flowering vines to rooftop gardens teeming with life.
"Which one do we choose?" Lin Mu asked, glancing at the multitude of options.
"Follow ," Daoist Chu said with a grin. "I know the best spot."
He led them to a towering establishnt that dwarfed its neighbors. This restaurant stood out not only for its size—it spanned over twenty floors and covered a square kiloter—but also for its unique architecture. Its four corner pillars were living trees, each a different species: an Apple, Mango, Jackfruit, and Soursop Tree, all of which were immortal varieties. These trees were colossal, their trunks over fifty ters thick and their heights reaching four hundred ters. Each was adorned with both blossoms and ripening fruit.
The na, 'Four Fruit Restaurant' could be seen hanging on the top. Lin Mu's gaze lingered on the Immortal Apple Tree, its energy faint compared to the one in his Sleepscape. "It's a pale reflection of mine," he thought, placing a hand on its bark to probe its energy further.
His actions drew the attention of nearby guards, who quickly approached. "Hey! What do you think you're doing?" one demanded.
"Damaging the pillar trees is strictly forbidden!" another warned, their expressions stern.
Lin Mu imdiately stepped back and raised his hands in apology. "I'm sorry. I was just curious."
Seeing his genuine deanor, the guards relaxed. Daoist Chu stepped in, his tone calm and authoritative. "My friend is new to the Jui World. Please forgive him."
"Ah, a newcor. That explains it," one of the guards said, nodding. Their tone shifted, now more welcoming. "Be sure to try the desserts made from the fruits of these Four Pillar Trees. They're the pride of this establishnt."
"That's exactly why we're here," Daoist Chu replied with a chuckle. "Co on, let's eat."
Inside, the trio was greeted warmly by attendants dressed in robes embroidered with floral motifs. "Welco, esteed guests! What kind of seating would you prefer today? We offer private rooms, orchard-view balconies, entertainnt halls, and the common dining area."
User Comments
0 comments from readers