Evolution Begins With A Big Tree

Chapter 95, Apex Predator

Translator:  Ashish

Translation Checker: Silavin

The next day, at dawn, Yu Zi Yu woke up from his slumber.

Amidst the lingering mist, Yu Zi Yu clearly sensed two unwavering gazes fixated on him for a long time. At the far western end of the Misty Mountains, atop a precipice, it seemed they had noticed Yu Zi Yu’s awakening.

*Yip…* A Fox’s howl shook the sky.

Soon after, the Nine Tails slowly raised her body, her mesmerizing eyes transfixed in North Canyon’s direction, flickered with brilliance.

“Go on, Nine Tails.” 

With a flick of thought, Yu Zi Yu manipulated the mist and conjured two words ‘Nine Tails’ that she had learned first amidst the swirling white mist.

Gazing at it in a daze, Nine Tails did not say much.

Instead, she clasped her claws together and bowed to Yu Zi Yu like a Human, conveying her gratitude. Then, she transformed into a streak of red light, swiftly vanishing toward the desert.

As a Fire-Attribute Mutant Beast, it was there, even if just at the edge of desert, amidst the arid expanse and rarely-trodden stretches of vast sand dunes that was rich in Fire Element, that she would find the perfect opportunity to reach her full potential.

If fortunate, she might stumble upon remarkable Fire-Attribute Spirit Flower and Grasses. It would not be surprising if she returned riding the flames in just a few days.

Meanwhile, on the other side, the Sarcosuchus was lying coiled around next to a boulder on the banks of a river, as if he was sleeping.

*Howl…* A mysterious movement caused the Sarcosuchus to slowly lift his head.

[Have a safe journey.] Chuckling in his heart, Yu Zi Yu Zi Yu offered his blessings to the formidable Crocodile, looking at its fierce appearance.

Right then, as if sensing Yu Zi Yu’s blessing, the Sarcosuchus responded with a slight nod, he lifted his short and stout legs, heading toward the nearby river.

This river was one of the few tributaries in the Misty Mountains that led to the Great River in the east.

By following this river, it would not take long for the Sarcosuchus to reach the Great River, where the fiercest of the battle raged.

Yu Zi Yu believed that in that moment, this mighty river would soon witness the arrival of the ultimate predator.

…

“Haaa…” A heavy sigh escaped Yu Zi Yu’s lips as he bid farewell to his two companions.

As he turned his gaze to North Canyon, it suddenly felt much emptier than before.

White Tiger, now obediently went to learn writing from Qing Gang. 

Meanwhile, the Honey Badger was diligently absorbing the Spirit Stones in the underground plaza, his body surrounded by dazzling sliver-white electrical glow.

As for the Armored Wild Boar and the Golden Monkey, they formed a team and roamed around North Canyon.

If one were to look at this pair at the moment, they would surely notice something interesting.

The Golden Monkey was domineeringly sitting on the tall and sturdy back of the Armored Wild Boar, holding a bunch of fruits in his hand. It would take a bite from the left, then a bite from the right, looking quite carefree.

“This guy…” Yu Zi Yu let out a resigned sigh, feeling a pang of helplessness.

[The Golden Monkey has remarkable talent. If he can just reign in his mischievous nature, he stands the chance to rival the four Great Beast. Unfortunately, even Flathead outshines him in this regard… At least Flathead has the self-awareness of his incapability and bravely strives for progress. But, this one… Bah. Forget it. There are some things that can’t be forced, and I don’t want to strongarm anyone. It’s more important to strengthen myself than to constrain others.]

With these thoughts in mind, Yu Zi Yu’s attention shifted on the status screen.

“Shroud of Mist, Hallucinogen, Mutated Roots, Mutated Branches, Mastery of the Earth Element, and the recently extended primary root–Dragonization…” Looking at each and every ability, Yu Zi Yu recited their names as if enumerating his family’s jewels.

Among them, only the primary root’s ability–Dragonization remained at Level 1, while the other five abilities had reached Level 2.

Yu Zi Yu entertained the thought of further enhancing the primary root ability, the Dragonization to Level 2, but the required Evolution Points were simply daunting.

Even the mere sight of it caused Yu Zi Yu to shudder.

A staggering 100,000 Evolution Points. Yu Zi Yu felt as if he could strengthen his entire body with these many Evolution Points.

Yet, considering that the purpose of the main root’s Dragonization was to pierce through the planet and derive nutrition from it, Yu Zi Yu could not help but smile.

Such an awe-inspiring ability was worth any number of Evolution Points.

However, the regretful reality was that Yu Zi Yu currently lacked sufficient Evolution Points. Otherwise, he would have invested at the drop of a hat.

But for now… Yu Zi Yu would have to focus on polishing his Level 2 abilities one by one. Moreover, he could not help but eagerly anticipate the Level 3 abilities and their boundless potential.

As a Catastrophe Class entity capable of single-handedly challenging countries, Yu Zi Yu had faith that the Level 3 abilities would not disappoint him.

*Ha…* Yu Zi Yu exhaled a long, deep breath as a serious look took over his face.

Shroud of Mist, Hallucinogen, Mutated Roots, Mutated Branches, as well as Mastery of the Earth Element.

Among the five Level 2 abilities, Yu Zi Yu was most well-versed in the Shroud of Mist.

As for others, there were still areas that required further refinement. For instance, the Master of Earth had yet to be fully mastered by Yu Zi Yu. Even now, he could not completely sink himself in the depths of the earth.

The Hallucinogen ability was even more elusive. Even if Yu Zi Yu wanted to master it, but powerless to do it.

And as for the mutated branches and roots, well…

As a part of Yu Zi Yu’s body, their strengthening process was definitely going to be slow and long. However, he could not wait for that long. Thus, the most promising thing before him at this moment was to focus on upgrading the Shroud of Mist.

With this in mind, Yu Zi Yu stated, chuckling, “System, I wish to upgrade the Shroud of Mist.”

The moment these words left his lips, a crisp electronic System’s prompt echoed in Yu Zi Yu’s ears,

“10,000 Evolution Points!?”

Yu Zi Yu’s heart skipped a beat, but he quickly composed himself and responded in a dry voice, “Yes.”

Fortunately, Yu Zi Yu still possessed a reserve of 14,000 Evolution Points. Otherwise, he would not be able to afford the necessary Evolution Points for this upgrade.

However, at this moment, this upgrade would squeeze him dry.

*Ahem…* A dry cough escaped Yu Zi Yu’s lips. 

Yu Zi Yu next thought of strengthening the Mutated Branches and Roots one by one. And those were the true culprits behind the impending headache!

Realistically speaking, it was impossible for him to become Tier-3 Transcendent in the near future. Nevertheless, he could not help but envision a future where his Peak Spiritual Energy had reached 700,000, 800,000, or even 900,000. At that point, with several Level 3 abilities in his arsenal, he would be a force to be reckoned with. He would not have to be afraid of the Humans.

At least, to some extent, he had already earned the qualifications to stand shoulder to shoulder with the race that had been dominating the Earth for thousands of years.

That was the allure of continuous individual evolutions. The sheer power possessed by an individual, capable of overpowering everything in its path, hage the ability to drive all creatures into a state of madness.

At that time, if Yu Zi Yu’s influence had expanded and solidified, there would be no obstacle too great, no rival too formidable to overcome.

These thoughts alone sent shivers of excitement coursing through Yu Zi Yu.

Just right at that instant…

A thunderous explosion jolted Yu Zi Yu back to reality with a force that left his mind reeling in chaotic disarray.

Simultaneously, the mist shrouding the Misty Mountains trembled slightly, signaling the start of an unknown change.