Universal Seed

What began as a grand and somber funeral for Gu Feiyan and Qin Gou turned into a joyous celebration with their unexpected return, only to devolve into a farcical spectacle thanks to Gu Yinjiao’s dramatic antics. The ceremony ended hastily, leaving everyone with mixed emotions.

Gu Feiyan stayed behind to console her father, Gu Jinghong, who had experienced a rollercoaster of grief and joy. Meanwhile, Qin Gou returned to his own cave residence.

—

“Brother Qin, you’re really alive! That’s amazing!”

Chen Keshua rushed forward and gave Qin Gou a tight hug, his chubby face still streaked with tears.

Qin Gou lightly punched him in the chest, laughing. “What’s with the tears? You’re a man, aren’t you?”

Wiping his face vigorously, Chen Keshua said, “These are tears of joy! Ever since I left home, you’ve been the kindest to me. If I lost you, I wouldn’t know what to do.”

“And what if I left the Seed Demon Holy Sect one day?” Qin Gou asked, spreading his hands.

“Then I’d follow you, of course,” Chen Keshua replied without hesitation.

Qin Gou chuckled, patting his shoulder. “Good kid.”

—

“Brother Qin, we’re here to see you!”

Familiar voices called from outside the cave. It was Cao Yilin and the others.

“Heh, I knew it. Brother Qin is blessed with great fortune. There’s no way he’d die young,” Cao Yilin said with a hearty laugh.

After scanning the group, Qin Gou asked, “Where’s Shen Tianyin?”

The others shook their heads. “We haven’t seen Senior Brother Shen in days. Ever since he became the Second Young Master’s favorite, he’s barely interacted with us. But for him not to show up today to celebrate your return—well, that’s a bit much,” Cao Yilin said, sounding disappointed.

“I see,” Qin Gou said, nodding slightly.

—

After sharing drinks and celebrating with Chen Keshua, Cao Yilin, and the others, Qin Gou finally managed to send everyone off. Finding an excuse to send Chen Keshua on an errand, he was left alone in the cave.

Sitting on a long bench, Qin Gou extended his hand, summoning a Senluo Seed covered in intricate, mysterious patterns.

“System, I want to use the life-bound spiritual tool advancement privilege from my mission rewards,” he said.

The moment he spoke, the vibrant green Senluo Seed began spinning rapidly in his palm.

—

This was why Qin Gou hadn’t used the privilege earlier—unlike the instant results of a lottery draw, advancing a life-bound spiritual tool took time. If something unexpected happened during the process, his reduced combat strength could spell disaster.

—

Half an Hour Later.

The green Senluo Seed gradually transformed into a pale purple hue, its intricate patterns becoming even more pronounced.

“Ding. Congratulations, Host. Your life-bound spiritual tool, ‘Senluo Seed,’ has successfully advanced to ‘Universal Seed (Mysterious Grade).’”

—

Detailed information about the Universal Seed appeared before Qin Gou, showing significant enhancements to its abilities.

—

Life-Bound Spiritual Tool: Universal Seed (Mysterious Grade, Growth Potential)

– Effect 1: “The Song of 360 Million.” Perfectly mimics any plant of Mysterious Grade or below, replicating its form, characteristics, and effects flawlessly.
– Effect 2: “Adaptive Form.” Allows the user to freely alter the size, shape, and appearance of the mimicked plant, provided sufficient spiritual energy is available.
– Effect 3: “Peach and Plum.” Summons four Universal Seed duplicates, capable of using Effects 1 and 2. However, once detached from the main body, they cannot move.

—

The upgrades were clear: Effect 1 raised the mimicry limit to Mysterious Grade plants, while Effect 3 doubled the number of duplicates. Qin Gou couldn’t help but wonder what the tool would be capable of if it advanced to Earth Grade or even Heavenly Grade.

After all, the legendary Dragon Serpent Sacred Tree—the ruler of the Withering Flourish Forest, capable of battling two Avatar Realm cultivators to a standstill—was an Earth Grade spiritual plant. Revered as a divine totem by nearby mortals, it was worshipped with incense offerings.

—

Effect 2, “Adaptive Form,” was particularly intriguing.

Testing it, Qin Gou transformed the Universal Seed into a Mysterious Grade Piercing Mushroom. This plant was known for releasing deadly, blood-sealing poison needles at the slightest disturbance.

He then altered its appearance to resemble an ordinary tall poplar tree. Tossing a cup at it, he watched as the “tree” unleashed a barrage of poison needles, shattering the cup into fragments.

“This is downright sinister,” Qin Gou muttered, both impressed and slightly unnerved by the tool’s potential.

—

Next, he summoned four Universal Seed duplicates, creating five in total. Transforming them into ironwood trees, he further altered their forms to resemble humanoid figures. Three took on his own appearance, while the other two mirrored Gu Feiyan.

Circling the five “people,” Qin Gou scrutinized them closely. Aside from their expressionless faces, there was no discernible difference between them and real humans.

The Universal Seed wasn’t limited to mimicking plants—it could replicate anything in the world.

From this moment on, anything could be a hidden weapon in Qin Gou’s arsenal: a bird, a chair, a blade of grass, or even a teacup. His enemies would never know what to expect, constantly on edge and unable to let their guard down.

—

“Little Qin, I’ve got good news for you,” a familiar voice called out.

Gu Feiyan stepped gracefully into the cave, her movements as fluid as a lotus swaying in the breeze.

Turning away from the ironwood tree shaped like Gu Feiyan, Qin Gou smiled and asked, “What’s the news?”

—

Gu Feiyan’s gaze lingered on the five “people” behind him, particularly the two resembling herself. Frowning slightly, she said in a strange tone, “You’re such a weirdo. I’m right here, yet you’d rather play with fake versions of me.”