Chapter 1005: Magic Tree

Liister's mockery immediately amused those around him, including Shirley and the Plancis couple. Even Uzumaki Goro, who rarely smiled, let out a chuckle.

However, Xu Yang alone remained serious, putting an end to everyone's fanciful notions.

"Don't talk nonsense," he said. "How could I have such an ugly grandson? Even if he knelt and begged me to be his grandfather, I wouldn't accept him."

Another wave of hearty laughter quickly spread behind Xu Yang. However, Xu Yang's stance undoubtedly enraged the Eternal Demon Tree before him.

"Very well," the Eternal Demon Tree declared. "Since you are so confident in your strength, I shall teach you a lesson. Then, I will use the cruelest methods to strip you of everything you currently possess!"

True to its ruthless nature, the Eternal Demon Tree wasted no words. The ancient being immediately began to manifest its true form.

*Swish! Swish! Swish!*

In that instant, countless tendrils rapidly spread out around its enormous roots.

As this scene unfolded, the retainers of every member of the Glory Team, particularly the guardians who had previously been implanted with seeds, immediately moved forward to protect their masters.

Simultaneously, they urged everyone to be vigilant, clearly more familiar with the Eternal Demon Tree's attack patterns.

"By the endless power of nature, let my will be inherited! The entire world shall heed my vow!"

The Eternal Demon Tree suddenly began to pray with an expression of profound devotion. Simultaneously, within the verdant green battlefield, the ethereal image of an elderly man with white hair and beard rapidly coalesced in the void.

Unbeknownst to them, this was the Eternal Demon Tree's primordial soul form. It was wielding a highly specialized ability; as its prayer resonated, all the surrounding lush green vegetation released an incredibly potent aura of destruction. These destructive energies converged, all locking onto a single target: Xu Yang, who stood at the center of the battlefield.

"Heh," Liister sneered. "I truly didn't expect this old geezer to be so trendy, learning from the young students. Praying before a fight? Do you think you're a goddamn priest?"

Liister couldn't help but mock him, his iconic cigar somehow back between his lips.

Yet, the very next moment, the sight before him stunned Liister into a daze; the cigar he had just placed in his mouth dropped to the ground with a soft thud.

In that instant, the boundless green vegetation unleashed by the Eternal Demon Tree transformed into towering vines, dozens of meters high, coiling around Xu Yang's form from every direction. The sky-darkening mass of tendrils instantly obscured the view of all Glory Team members behind him.

It had to be conceded that the Eternal Demon Tree's assault was incredibly formidable, not only utterly terrifying those present but also imposing a considerable amount of pressure on Xu Yang. Before the battle, he hadn't anticipated the demon tree's combat prowess could reach such a level.

"Heh, you old thing still have some substance," Xu Yang remarked. "This differs from my initial assessment of your strength. Unfortunately, it won't change the outcome of your fight today. Anyone who dares to attack me faces only one fate: utter defeat."

The next moment, Xu Yang wasted no further words. With a subtle flick of his palm, the Jade Bone Divine Sword appeared in his hand. In that instant, he transformed the long sword into an endless barrage of illusory sword-light, wildly cleaving down onto the colossal vines encircling him.

Each sword-light effortlessly severed a corresponding vine. In mere moments, all the tendrils wrapped around him were cleanly annihilated by Xu Yang's blade.

"My heavens! The boss is still the boss," Guggulas exclaimed. "Although this Eternal Demon Tree presented a significant visual impact, its power is clearly insufficient to pose a real threat to him."

Guggulas quickly relaxed, leisurely patting his ample belly. He occasionally nudged the exquisite maid beside him, only to be met with a look of utter disdain.

However, the Eternal Demon Tree was clearly prepared for this eventuality. It seemed unfazed that Xu Yang could so easily sever its initial restraints. Another, even more formidable wave of coiling vines surged forward.

This time, however, the Eternal Demon Tree evidently employed a unique tactic: each vine surging toward Xu Yang was adorned with a shimmering layer of ice-blue, crystalline light.

With these luminous coverings, it was clearly no longer so simple for Xu Yang to effortlessly sever the vine restraints.

"I know your swordsmanship is formidable, but what good will it do?" the Eternal Demon Tree taunted. "With a minor stratagem, I can render your supreme sword mastery completely useless."

The Eternal Demon Tree brimmed with confidence in its strategy, unaware that such tactics were nothing more than a joke in Xu Yang's eyes. The very next moment, Xu Yang's physical form abruptly vanished from its position.

The Eternal Demon Tree was greatly dismayed. When it had unleashed those vines and achieved a 'technical lock' on Xu Yang, it had effectively gained full spatial awareness to observe him from every angle. Naturally, it had witnessed the entire process of Xu Yang's instantaneous teleportation.

This astonishing and inconceivable feat was indeed a significant surprise for the Eternal Demon Tree.

"Impossible!" the Eternal Demon Tree cried out. "How did you just perform instant movement? This is an extreme realm that theoretically cannot exist! I refuse to believe a mere youth like you can achieve it. You must have used some special trick!"

"Hahaha," Xu Yang chuckled. "Do you wish to know the answer? You'll have to pay a price. From this moment on, for every question you ask, I will provide a clear explanation. Of course, the cost will correspond to the difficulty of your question."

"Therefore, I shall now answer your first question, and in return, claim my reward."

As Xu Yang's words concluded, he reappeared within the Eternal Demon Tree's sensory perception. To the ancient tree's astonishment, Xu Yang was now hovering directly above its colossal wooden form. Furthermore, the Jade Bone Divine Sword in his hand had expanded to an astounding degree, its very blade now a hundred zhang in length.

"CLEAVE!"

A terrifying wave of sword energy instantly erupted. This single strike completely shattered the protective aura of the Eternal Demon Tree's true form below. The ancient tree itself had never imagined Xu Yang's sword could be so potent. Utterly unprepared, it was forced to withstand the fatal blow with its physical body.