Chapter 306: Sacred Tree
Bai Feng said cheerfully into the tracker he held, "Director Jedo, you want to use my guidance to enter the Forest of Okoya? Then come on, I'll be waiting for you!"
"What's that?" Keke asked, looking confusedly at the tracker in Bai Feng's hand.
"It's a tracker..." Bai Feng explained what the tracker did to Keke.
After hearing Bai Feng's words, Keke's Dad instantly grew anxious, "How could you lead an ill-intentioned person into the Forest of Okoya?"
Bai Feng smiled and patted its shoulder and said, "If that person doesn't come, how can the show start? Besides, aren't you curious about what happened to Keke's Dad and Mother?"
Hearing this, the father and son fell silent. They truly wanted to know about Keke's Dad and Mother, but they also didn't want the Forest to be invaded.
Seeing their reaction, Bai Feng smiled and comforted them, "Don't worry, I won't let that person cause trouble. If the forest is truly destroyed, I'll compensate you!"
Bai Feng was confident about this.
"Always talking big!" Keke's Dad couldn't help but roll its eyes at this human who talked a mile a minute.
Bai Feng then changed the subject, "Actually, Keke and I have similar experiences. I was also raised by Pokémon."
"Really?" Hearing this, Keke instantly perked up.
But Keke's Dad didn't believe it, "You're lying, aren't you?"
Bai Feng pulled Bai Ye closer and smiled, introducing her to the father and son, "Let me formally introduce you: this is my Mother, she's a Gardevoir named Bai Ye!"
"Gardevoir~ Gardevoir~"
Bai Ye smiled and greeted the father and son.
"Really, you're not lying to us?" Seeing the interaction between Bai Feng and Bai Ye, the Zarude Elder already believed him.
"Of course..."
Bai Feng then began recounting his and Bai Ye's experiences to Keke and Keke's Dad.
Meanwhile, in Milyfa Town, Jedo also began calling his colleagues and quickly drove towards the Forest of Okoya.
His colleagues found it very strange. Hadn't they just returned from the Forest of Okoya? Why were they going back?
Jedo didn't explain to his companions, just stared intently at the monitor in his hand. This monitor was connected to the tracker on Bai Feng and could guide him into the Forest of Okoya.
Arriving at the edge of the Forest of Okoya, Jedo didn't stop, urging the driver to continue driving further inside.
After Bai Feng finished telling Keke about his experiences, he added, "Your parents abandoning you in the forest might also have been to protect you. The reason they haven't come to find you might just be because they couldn't."
Bai Feng's parents perished in a shipwreck, and Keke's parents might also have met with an accident.
Keke's eyes filled with tears, and he nodded vigorously, finally letting go of the fact that his parents had abandoned him. He wanted to learn from Bai Feng; even if he didn't have his biological Dad and Mother, the Father who raised him loved him just the same.
"Alright! I should continue my journey!"
Bai Feng climbed back onto Meganium's back, planning to continue advancing towards the Depths of the forest.
"Doing this will lead that bad person to the Healing Spring," Keke's Dad said.
"I want to lead him there," Bai Feng smiled. "Since he's been coveting the Healing Spring, how can I not let him see it with his own eyes?"
Actually, Bai Feng had already figured out how to protect the Zarude, the Healing Spring, and everything else in the Forest of Okoya.
"Besides, shouldn't the Healing Spring in the Forest belong to everyone in the Forest? I think it's very unreasonable to let only the Zarude occupy it!" Bai Feng added.
"But..." Keke's Dad looked troubled.
The Zarude believed in absolute survival of the fittest. They considered themselves the most powerful Pokémon in the Forest and naturally should occupy the most precious resources.
Bai Feng understood the principle of survival of the fittest in nature, but the Zarude went too far. It wasn't just simply seizing resources.
According to other Pokémon in the Forest, the Zarude would rather destroy food than leave it for others.
Also, the Healing Spring was a renewable resource, yet they guarded it tightly and didn't let other Pokémon approach, even though it didn't benefit them.
"Meganium, let's go!" Bai Feng patted Meganium's neck and said.
"Mega~"
Meganium nodded and started galloping through the Forest.
Keke's Dad and Keke exchanged glances, then immediately jumped onto the treetops, chasing after Bai Feng.
Bai Feng didn't know how long he had walked towards the Depths of the forest when he suddenly heard what sounded like loud singing coming from afar.
"Sing loudly! Zarude!
We are incredibly powerful,
We are fearless!
We are the Blood of the Forest,
Roar!
We are the Blood of the Forest,
Roar!
Water seeping into the soil,
Nourished the trees,
Under the illumination of the sun,
Grew into a forest.
Do you hear?
So many footsteps,
Do you hear?
So many sounds.
We are the Blood of the Forest,
Roar!
We are the Blood of the Forest,
Roar!
Be with the Sacred Tree!"
The singing was very stirring, and Bai Feng felt his blood boil with excitement. Meganium and Fennekin couldn't help but hum along.
The song was sung in the Zarude language. Bai Feng knew they were approaching the Zarude Tribal Land.
Passing through the Jungle, Bai Feng saw a towering giant tree hundreds of meters high, the largest tree he had ever seen.
He was awestruck. Could this be the Sacred Tree mentioned in the Zarude song lyrics?
From the Tree Canopy of the giant tree, water flowed down like waterfalls. What was magical was that these water flows were pink. At the same time, Bai Feng could sense from afar that the Body of that giant tree contained vigorous energy, and the falling spring water also contained infinite vitality.
So... this was the Healing Spring passed down by word of mouth among the Pokémon in the Forest?
One Zarude after another ran and played on the drooping foliage of the giant tree, while neatly humming the song.
However, the singing came to an abrupt halt very quickly, because some Zarude discovered Bai Feng's presence.
"Zarude~~ Zarude~~ Zarude Zarude~~" Human, a human has invaded!
One Zarude shouted loudly, and in an instant, all the Zarude appeared in conspicuous places, looking at Bai Feng angrily.
This was their sacred place, and they didn't allow anyone to invade!
Even the Pokémon in the Forest were not allowed to approach here, let alone Bai Feng, this human!
At the same time, Keke and Keke's Dad also followed Bai Feng to the Zarude Tribal Land, but they hid in the shadows and didn't show themselves.
Seeing that some Zarude had already launched an attack on Bai Feng, Keke was about to jump out to help without a second thought. Because he had similar experiences with Bai Feng, Keke already considered Bai Feng his companion.
Keke's Dad pulled him back, "Keke, what are you doing?"
"Of course, I'm going to help Bai Feng!" Keke replied.
"What good would it do if you went? Let's watch first. Since Bai Feng is so confident, maybe he really has a way to protect himself," Keke's Dad said.
"Alright!"
Keke quietly hid back in the bushes.
Meanwhile, Jedo also saw the source of the Healing Spring through the tracker in Bai Feng's hand. He trembled all over with excitement, as if success and fame were right before his eyes. So he urged the driver even more eagerly:
"Quick, keep going forward!"
On Bai Feng's side, several Zarude simultaneously used Vine Whip to whip towards him. He casually threw that tracker into the Water, and then his eyes flickered with purple radiance. Those Vine Whip were instantly frozen in Mid-air.
Zarude are Dark-type Pokémon. Bai Feng's Psychic couldn't affect them, but it could affect the Vine Whip.
As Bai Feng exerted his power, the Zarude were pulled by the Vine Whip and sent flying out.
He thought: Although they are Mythical Pokémon, it seems not all Zarude are very powerful!
One wave of Zarude was defeated, and another wave attacked using Bullet Seed. The Meganium under him let out a howl, and it launched a string of sharp blades made of flower petals.
It was Petal Blizzard!
In an instant, several Zarude were submerged in the flower petals and screamed.
The Zarude were unruly and untamed, fearless of death, lunging forward one after another. Only to see Bai Ye fly into the air, and a Black Hole emitting a terrifying aura slowly appeared beside her. The Energy Ball, Bullet Seed... all launched by the Zarude were sucked in.
Immediately after, a full moon appeared behind Bai Ye, and silver moonlight poured down, then transformed into an incredibly thick silver light pillar that swept out horizontally.
Moonblast!
Bai Ye didn't aim at the Zarude, but the destructive power caused wherever Moonblast passed was truly terrifying. The Zarude subconsciously stopped their movements and kept retreating.
However, the Zarude's nature was fearless of death. They only paused for an instant and were about to continue attacking.
"Zarude!" Stop!
Just then, a voice sounded. Only to see an elderly Zarude with a hunched posture walk out from among the many Zarude. It saw Bai Feng's power, so it stopped its fellow Zarude from continuing the attack.
"Elder!"
"Elder!"
"Elder!"
...
The Zarude bowed towards the elderly Zarude one after another.
"Human, what is your purpose?" the elderly Zarude asked.
"I'm here to find my friend," Bai Feng said loudly. "I heard it was imprisoned by you."
The elderly Zarude's expression slightly changed, then it shook its head and said, "You won't be able to see it. You should go back!"
What do you mean? Bai Feng showed a puzzled expression, and at the same time, his attitude also became firm, "Since you won't let me see it, then don't blame me for forcing my way in!"
Saying this, he jumped down from Meganium's back and recalled Fennekin into its Poké Ball.
Mewtwo slowly appeared from the air and simultaneously activated its Ability, Pressure. For a moment, all the Zarude felt a wave of pressure wash over them.
The Zarude Elder was also provoked by Bai Feng's arrogant attitude. So it no longer stopped its fellow Zarude, and Zarude one after another continued to attack Bai Feng and his group.
With a wave of its hand, Aura Spheres shot out one by one. Each one could accurately hit a Zarude.
Bai Ye once again gathered Moonblast and swept horizontally. Wherever it passed, the Zarude wailed incessantly.
Meganium used Body Press. Whichever Zarude dared to lunge forward, it would lunge at it. No one could withstand its lunge.
For a moment, everywhere were the screams of Zarude, and the Zarude Elder's face turned ashen.
"Good, so powerful! Bai Feng and the others are so powerful!" Keke, hiding in the bushes, couldn't help but say.
Keke's Dad was also stunned. He didn't expect Bai Feng to be so powerful.
Bai Feng used Psychic to fly towards the Sacred Tree. If the Zarude was truly imprisoned, then it could only be imprisoned on the Sacred Tree.
Seeing that Bai Feng was about to approach the Sacred Tree, the Zarude Elder's face changed drastically, "No, you can't!"
Bai Feng looked at it and said, "Why not? The reason you can occupy this place isn't it because you are powerful enough? Now I am more powerful than you, it's only right for me to occupy this place!"
Bai Feng's words left the Zarude Elder speechless.
"If you had a good bond with the Pokémon in the Forest, if you were in trouble today, other Pokémon might even come to support you," Bai Feng continued to poke at the Zarude Elder's heart. "Unfortunately, you are disliked by the Pokémon throughout the entire Forest."
"To be disliked by the Pokémon in the Forest is to be disliked by the Forest itself!"
After saying this, Bai Feng flew directly towards the Sacred Tree. All the Zarude who wanted to stop him were blocked by Bai Ye, Mewtwo, and Meganium.
Bai Feng's words kept echoing in the Zarude Elder's mind.
"To be disliked by the Pokémon in the Forest is to be disliked by the Forest..."
The more it recalled this, the uglier the Zarude Elder's face became.
As he got closer and closer to the Sacred Tree, the more he could feel how terrifying the energy contained within this tree was. It had completely surpassed an S-Rank Fruit Tree.
Of course, this tree was not a Fruit Tree. Bai Feng didn't recognize its species.
Passing through layers of bushes, Bai Feng entered the middle of the Sacred Tree's Tree Canopy and saw its true appearance clearly.
The so-called Sacred Tree was actually not a single tree, but was formed by several giant trees intertwined and wrapped around each other. Each tree contained terrifying energy within its Body.
And this energy was the reason the Healing Spring possessed healing ability.
The giant trees were intertwined with each other and had long since grown tightly together, becoming like a single tree, but their middle was hollow, forming a special pipe. Underground spring water surged up along this pipe, surging all the way to the Tree Canopy, then pouring down from the Tree Canopy.
The Healing Spring was formed in this way.
The closer one got to the Sacred Tree, the stronger the Healing Spring's healing ability became. By the time the spring water gradually flowed out of the Zarude Tribal Land, the energy within it had mostly dissipated, and the healing power naturally became negligible.
However, similarly, the Sacred Tree also possessed the ability of purification. The underground spring water flowing from it not only possessed magical healing ability but also became more clear and sweet. This was also the reason why the water quality in the Forest of Okoya was extraordinarily good.
Bai Feng slowly descended towards the bottom of the Tree Canopy, and finally saw the Zarude he knew in the middle of the Sacred Tree's Tree Canopy.
Green energy vines extended from the Zarude's back, and those vines were all inserted into the trunks of those giant trees.
Bai Feng could clearly feel streams of dark energy flowing into the Zarude's Body along those vines, and the Zarude's expression also became very painful because of this.
(End of this chapter)
Chapter 307: The Mysterious Commission
"Zarude!"
Bai Feng called out, then slowly descended beside Zarude.
Four years had passed, and Bai Feng's appearance had changed quite a bit compared to before. Zarude didn't recognize him immediately.
Seeing Zarude's confused expression, Bai Feng smiled and said, "You don't recognize me? I'm Bai Feng! Didn't you ask Meganium to find me to save you?"
"Bai Feng?" Zarude finally recognized Bai Feng. It first showed surprise, then said doubtfully, "But I didn't ask Meganium to find you to save me! Oh, right, you saw Meganium? How is it?"
"You didn't ask Meganium for help?" Hearing Zarude's words, Bai Feng was a bit bewildered. "Didn't it say you were imprisoned by your fellow Tribe members in the Tribal Land and asked me to rescue you?"
Hearing this, Zarude smiled bitterly and shook its head. "Although my relationship with my fellow Tribe members isn't good, they wouldn't go so far as to imprison me. I stayed here voluntarily!"
"What exactly happened?" Bai Feng became even more confused.
"It's like this..." Zarude explained, vaguely guessing why Meganium had asked Bai Feng to come.
It had misunderstood...
Actually, the matter was somewhat related to Bai Feng. Back then, Bai Feng had given Zarude a Rejuvenation. Although there weren't any special changes on Zarude initially, after a period of time, the Golden Finger Energy that remained on Zarude actually triggered its Transformation.
After that, it returned to the Tribe. Not long after, it heard the call of the Sacred Tree. Through communication with the Sacred Tree, it learned that the Sacred Tree had been helping to purify the water in the Forest of Okoya all this time, and its body had accumulated a huge burden.
Although the Sacred Tree could purify the water, it couldn't digest the Pollutants. It could only store the Pollutants Inside the body. Over time, the Sacred Tree was close to being unable to bear it any longer.
However, after its Transformation, Zarude gained the ability to bear the Pollutants. So, the Sacred Tree requested Zarude's help.
The Sacred Tree had always maintained the stability and tranquility of the entire Forest of Okoya, nurturing countless Pokémon in the Forest. How could Zarude refuse the Sacred Tree's request?
Not only did it plan to help the Sacred Tree, but it also quietly resolved to sacrifice itself, drawing all the Pollutants from the Sacred Tree onto itself, allowing the Sacred Tree to regain more powerful vitality.
Only by doing this could it bring longer-lasting stability to the Forest of Okoya.
The Pollutants Inside the body of the Sacred Tree were already so numerous that even it could no longer bear them, let alone a small Zarude. If Zarude really did this, it would either face a dead end or become like the Volcarona from before, a monster completely devoid of reason.
After making up its mind, Zarude went to say goodbye to Meganium.
Meganium was not originally a Pokémon from this Forest. It was a good friend Zarude had made while traveling outside. Later, it followed Zarude and lived in the Forest of Okoya for a long time.
Zarude told Meganium that it couldn't go traveling with Meganium anymore; it had to stay with the Tribe.
However, Meganium knew that Zarude had been rebellious since it was young and had a poor relationship with its fellow Tribe members. Moreover, it hadn't found the person it was looking for yet. How could it be willing to stay in the Tribal Land?
Even when it competed for the position of Leader back then, it didn't truly want to rule the Zarude Tribe but wanted to change the Tribe's attitude towards the Pokémon in the Forest.
So, in Meganium's view, Zarude must have been coerced by its fellow Tribe members.
The Zarude Tribe didn't have a good reputation in the Forest of Okoya. Meganium had every reason to believe they could do something like coercing their own kind!
Unfortunately, Meganium was already old and frail at the time and didn't possess any combat capability. Even if it wanted to take Zarude away, it was powerless.
Unable to continue traveling with Meganium, Zarude felt that given Meganium's current state, continuing to wander alone would likely lead to danger. So, it suggested that Meganium go find Bai Feng.
In Zarude's opinion, Bai Feng was a kind person. "Entrusting its life" to him was definitely not a problem.
After sending Meganium away, Zarude returned to the Tribe and stayed on the Sacred Tree, constantly helping the Sacred Tree draw out Pollutants. It never went out again. In the eyes of others, it was simply imprisoned by its fellow Tribe members.
"So that's what happened!" Bai Feng suddenly understood. "It seems Meganium misunderstood, which is why it asked me to save you!"
"How is Meganium? Is it doing well?" Zarude asked with concern.
Hearing this question, Bai Feng fell silent.
Seeing Bai Feng's reaction, Zarude suddenly had a bad precognition.
"Meganium..."
Bai Feng nodded. "It has passed away."
With its hypothesis confirmed, Zarude's tears instantly flowed down. Meganium was its best friend. Back when it left the Forest of Okoya alone to search for someone outside, facing the unfamiliar world, it was Meganium who helped it.
For several years after that, it and Meganium relied on each other. Meganium guided it like a wise elder, teaching it growth. If not for Meganium's guidance, it would have collapsed back then when it couldn't find the person it was looking for outside!
Bai Feng didn't know how to comfort Zarude. He could only silently accompany it, listening to it recount the warm past experiences it shared with Meganium. At the same time, he told it about his encounter with Meganium.
Learning that Meganium was still worried about it even before its death, Zarude cried even more sadly.
Just then, a strange commotion suddenly came from outside.
"What happened?" Zarude wiped away its tears and asked doubtfully.
"They're finally here!" Bai Feng chuckled lightly, then said to Zarude, "Wait for me for a moment, I'll be back soon!"
With that, Bai Feng used Teleport and disappeared from the Crown of the Sacred Tree.
When he returned to the battlefield where Bai Ye and the Zarude were fighting, both sides had stopped their battle. They were all looking in the same direction.
Across from the Sacred Tree, a giant machine was swaggering, and the person riding on the machine was none other than Jiedo.
"Hahaha~~~ I finally found this place! The Healing Spring is mine!" Jiedo laughed maniacally.
Jiedo's colleagues were not here. They had all been sent away by Jiedo. Jiedo had dispersed them throughout the Forest to collect water samples.
Everyone didn't suspect Jiedo, so they scattered.
Hearing Jiedo's words, the many Zarude glared angrily at Jiedo.
Jiedo didn't care about the Zarude. After being driven out of the Forest by that one Zarude back then, he had painstakingly developed this super robot with the help of the headquarters' technology. His purpose was to be able to re-enter the Forest of Okoya one day and use it to counter the Zarude!
Jiedo drove the machine towards the Sacred Tree. Seeing this, the Zarude quickly stepped forward to stop him and soon surrounded the machine.
But this machine was specifically developed to counter the Zarude. No matter how hard the Zarude tried, they couldn't damage it. Instead, they were left covered in injuries by it.
Keke and Keke's Dad also appeared to help. Although Keke's Dad had been driven out of the Tribe, he still had deep feelings for the Tribe and couldn't just watch the Sacred Tree being coveted by a villain.
Bai Feng, Bai Ye, and Mewtwo levitate side by side in Mid-air, observing the battle not far away with cold gaze. Only the Meganium on the Ground was rubbing its hands together, looking eager to jump in, and even cheering for the Zarude, as if it had forgotten that it had just fought with them.
Bai Feng was deliberately standing by because the moment he entered the Forest of Okoya, he received a commission from a mysterious sound. That mysterious sound hoped that he would make the Zarude Tribe realize that they and the other Pokémon in the Forest were a single entity.
Just like the Zarude sang in their singing.
The Blood of the Forest didn't just refer to the Zarude; it also referred to every single Pokémon in the Forest. The Healing Spring didn't just belong to the Zarude; it also belonged to every single Pokémon in the Forest.
Only when all the Pokémon worked together could this Forest regain its powerful vitality.
It was precisely because of this special commission that Bai Feng allowed that tracker to monitor his every move and allowed Jiedo to follow his footsteps into the Forest of Okoya.
Nothing can be established without being broken!
As time passed, more and more Zarude were injured. The strange machine Jiedo was driving also got closer and closer to the Sacred Tree, especially Keke's Dad, who suffered serious injuries because he was fighting too desperately.
Just then, Keke ran to Bai Feng and called out, "Bai Feng, please save everyone! You're so powerful, you can definitely save everyone!"
Bai Feng didn't respond to Keke but looked at the Zarude Elder standing not far from him and said, "Elder, do you see? Because of the Zarude Tribe's arrogance and stubbornness, once you encounter a crisis, you immediately fall into a state of being isolated and helpless. Now, how are you going to deal with the enemy before you?
Will you surrender? Or will you resist to the end?"
At this moment, a Zarude angrily denounced Bai Feng, "You're still standing there talking nonsense! This person was brought here by you!"
Bai Feng ignored the Zarude's words.
And at this moment, the Zarude Elder's mind was filled with the words Bai Feng had said earlier.
"To be disliked by the Pokémon in the Forest is to be disliked by the Forest!"
"Have we really been wrong?" The Zarude Elder murmured to itself.
Meanwhile, Keke was extremely anxious seeing that Bai Feng was unwilling to help. Looking at his injured Father, he gritted his teeth, turned around, and ran towards the Forest.
The battle continued, and more and more Zarude fell to the ground due to lack of HP.
Although Zarude can learn the recovery move Jungle Healing, this move is very difficult to learn, and most Zarude haven't been able to learn it.
Even the Zarude Bai Feng knew only barely learned this move because it was taught by Meganium.
At this moment, Jiedo's machine had reached the vicinity of the Sacred Tree. The machine he was operating actually had two chainsaws added to it. He intended to saw down the Sacred Tree and take it away.
Just when all the Zarude were falling into despair, Keke appeared with the Pokémon from the Forest.
Boom!!!
Flygon and Altaria appeared on either side of the machine, simultaneously using the Dragon Breath move to blast the machine's two chainsaws. Although they didn't cause damage to the chainsaws, they successfully stopped him from cutting down the Sacred Tree.
"You guys!" Jiedo roared furiously.
Then, Grass-type Pokémon such as Vileplume, Lilligant, Bellossom, Nuzleaf, Cherrim, Whimsicott, and Fomantis used moves like Petal Blizzard, Energy Ball, and Razor Leaf to attack Jiedo's machine together, further restricting Jiedo's movements.
Ninjask used its high-speed movement to interfere with Jiedo's vision.
...
The Pokémon were all using their meager strength to fight against Jiedo's troublesome machine.
"You hateful guys, get out of the way! Don't hinder me!" Jiedo controlled the machine to swing its chainsaws and attack the Pokémon, but there were many Pokémon. As soon as one group was repelled, another group quickly filled in.
These Pokémon certainly didn't want to help the Zarude, but Keke had pleaded with them. They had a very good bond with Keke, and many of them had watched Keke grow up. They didn't want to see Keke sad, so they could only come to help.
Looking at the Pokémon fighting Jiedo, Bai Feng looked at the Zarude Elder again and said, "Elder, seeing this scene before you, what do you feel Inside?"
The Zarude Elder's gaze was blank, and it couldn't say a word. Similarly, the other Zarude also had complex feelings.
"Keke's situation and yours are two extremes. Your songs say you are the Blood of the Forest, but who is the true Blood of the Forest?
Is it someone like Keke who is more welcomed by the Forest, or someone like you?"
Every word Bai Feng spoke was like a thunderclap, each one strongly striking the Zarude Elder's heart.
Seeing that the time was right, Bai Feng saw that more and more regular Pokémon were also getting injured under Jiedo's attack. He finally made his move.
Bai Feng, Bai Ye, and Mewtwo's eyes simultaneously flashed with purple radiance. Suddenly, the still rampaging Jiedo found that his machine couldn't move.
"What's going on? What's going on?" Jiedo roared frantically.
Crack, crack, crack~~~
With a series of crisp sounds, the machine Jiedo was controlling actually began to disintegrate.
Mewtwo hadn't spent the past four years idly. It had done a lot of research on machinery and understood the structure of many machines thoroughly. When its psychic power invaded Jiedo's machine, it quickly figured out the basic structure of this machine.
As Mewtwo used psychic power to destroy the critical parts inside the machine, the machine naturally began to disintegrate.
Crash!
With a loud noise, the entire machine turned directly into a pile of parts. Jiedo fell out in a panic.
Just then, Meganium used Stomping Tantrum. Two saplings shot up from the Ground, and soon two branches wrapped around Jiedo's body, suspending him in Mid-air.
"Let go of me! It's you!" Jiedo twisted his body while questioning Bai Feng, "You're a human! Why are you helping these Pokémon? I'm doing this for the benefit of humans!"
Bai Feng didn't give Jiedo an opportunity to go mad. Instead, he said to Bai Ye and the others, "You guys help treat the injured Pokémon. I'll go see Zarude!"
The Zarude he was referring to was naturally the one trapped on the Sacred Tree.
Bai Ye and the others nodded, watching Bai Feng fly towards the Crown of the Sacred Tree. This time, the Zarude didn't stop Bai Feng from approaching the Sacred Tree.
(End of Chapter)
Chapter 308: Establishing a Protected Area
Bai Feng returned to the Crown of the Sacred Tree. Zarude endured the pain and asked, "What happened outside?"
Seeing Zarude in pain, Bai Feng didn't answer it, but instead said, "Let me check on you first. We can talk about what happened outside later."
Since the Sacred Tree had problems because too much Filth had accumulated, his Golden Finger should be able to help.
Thinking this, Bai Feng placed his hands on Zarude's back, controlling the Golden Finger energy to enter its body.
As expected, a large amount of Filth had accumulated inside Zarude's body, causing its energy circuits to be almost completely blocked. No wonder it was in such agony.
The Filth blocked the energy circuits, forcing the energy inside its body to have nowhere to go. It could only constantly squeeze its body, naturally causing it pain. The feeling was like its body was about to be torn apart.
Although this Filth was different from the black energy inside Volcarona back then, Bai Feng's Golden Finger energy was still effective.
As the Golden Finger energy poured into Zarude's body, the Filth began to dissolve little by little. Even the green Vines extending from Zarude's back slowly faded from black and turned emerald green again.
Having been affected by the Filth for a long time, Zarude hadn't felt this comfortable in ages, so it couldn't help but let out a groan.
As time passed, the Filth inside Zarude's body became less and less. Bai Feng's Golden Finger energy then began to extend along the emerald green Vines Zarude had rooted into the Sacred Tree, reaching inside the Sacred Tree.
The moment the Golden Finger energy entered the Sacred Tree's body, Bai Feng suddenly felt as if he had arrived in a vast ocean. This vast ocean was the Sacred Tree's Arbor Diagram. In this ocean, he was like a small boat drifting with the waves, so insignificant.
The Sacred Tree is a special life form created by multiple Trees combined together. Their Arbor Diagrams also merged, forming a new Arbor Diagram.
In Bai Feng's view, even a Grade S Fruit Tree's Arbor Diagram was insignificant compared to the Sacred Tree's. In a sense, the name Sacred Tree was correct; it might be a Deity on another level!
It was just that this Sacred Tree's Arbor Diagram was filled with accumulated Filth. If all this Filth were to truly enter Zarude's body, Zarude would surely die, potentially even bursting from the pressure.
Thinking of this, Bai Feng began to send all the Golden Finger energy from his entire body into the Sacred Tree, helping it purify the Filth inside its body.
Compared to before, Bai Feng's Golden Finger energy was more powerful, and his control over the Golden Finger energy was more refined and skilled.
As all his Golden Finger energy entered the Sacred Tree's body, the Sacred Tree's Arbor Diagram began to emit a faint, pearly white radiance. The energy inside the Sacred Tree's body also became active.
While Bai Feng was helping the Sacred Tree purify the Filth, Bai Ye and the others were helping the Pokémon heal their injuries. Bai Ye and Mewtwo both knew healing moves; one knew Heal Pulse, and the other knew Life Dew.
Meganium was even more impressive. It directly used Jungle Terrain. Enveloped by the Jungle Terrain, not only did the Pokémon's injuries recover, but even the Trees destroyed by Jiedo sprouted new growth, reaching several meters high in an instant.
Seeing this scene, all the Zarude were stunned.
"Are you the Mythical Pokémon, or are we the Mythical Pokémon?"
Even Jiedo was shocked. If there was such a powerful Pokémon, why would he still pursue the Healing Spring!
Meganium didn't care about the strange looks from others. It happily ran around in the Forest, and wherever it passed, vegetation took root and sprouted.
The Grass-type Pokémon in the Forest liked it very much. One by one, they followed behind it, happily running around in the Jungle. Laughter and cheerful sounds echoed through the Forest.
Of course, some Pokémon with minor injuries could instantly be healed just by jumping into the Healing Spring and soaking for a bit. They didn't need Meganium or the others to intervene at all.
Time passed minute by minute. Bai Feng was still on the Sacred Tree and hadn't come down. The treatment for the injured Pokémon was finished. They gathered around the Sacred Tree, and this time the Zarude didn't drive them away.
Bai Ye and Mewtwo sat on a branch, waiting for Bai Feng. Meganium was also tired from playing. It lay on the ground, resting with its eyes closed. The Grass-type Pokémon gathered around it.
The sky gradually darkened. Jiedo, hanging from a tree, was parched and starving. But no one paid him any mind. Bai Ye, Mewtwo, and Meganium were already eating together. Bai Ye carried Bai Feng's Space Backpack, so they naturally wouldn't go hungry.
The other Pokémon and Zarude also ate berries.
As for Jiedo's colleagues, they had lost contact with Dr. Zed and naturally got lost in the Forest. At this moment, they were frantically wandering around the Forest.
The night passed in the blink of an eye. Early the next morning, the sun had just risen, and the golden sunlight shone upon the Sacred Tree, giving it a golden edge.
The Zarude were up early. Suddenly, one Zarude pointed at the Sacred Tree and shouted, "Look quickly, the Sacred Tree!"
All the Zarude couldn't help but look at the Sacred Tree. Immediately, they saw a shocking scene.
They saw a layer of green radiance shimmering above the Sacred Tree's Tree Canopy. Within the radiance, emerald green Vines were constantly growing.
Vine after Vine hung down from the Tree Canopy to the Ground, rooting deeply into The Earth like Tree Roots. Immediately after, a veil-like green energy spread down along those Vines.
The green energy fell In the water and then spread outwards along the Water surface. Wherever the energy passed, everything began to grow and flourish.
Before long, the green energy flowed through the entire Forest of Okoya along the water currents. The Forest burst with strong vitality, and a large number of Fruit Trees flowered and bore fruit. In an instant, the entire Forest became abundant.
This was the Sacred Tree's power.
Seeing this, the Pokémon cheered.
"Lee~ Lee lee~~~"
At this moment, a series of crisp and pleasant bell-like sounds suddenly echoed through the Forest, like the whispers of the Forest, or like the plants rejoicing.
After some time, the sun had completely risen into the sky. The phenomenon created by the Sacred Tree had disappeared, but the Zarude and the Pokémon in the Forest were still immersed in the recent shock, unable to recover.
At this moment, Bai Feng slowly appeared with the Zarude from within the Tree Canopy.
However, when Zarude saw Jiedo, it exclaimed in surprise, "It's you!"
Jiedo also recognized Zarude. He said resentfully, "It's you!" If this Zarude hadn't driven him out of the Forest of Okoya back then, he would have long since deciphered the secret of the Healing Spring and wouldn't have ended up in this state now.
"You two know each other?" Bai Feng asked, puzzled.
Zarude nodded, signaling Bai Feng to bring it before Jiedo.
As soon as it was in front of Jiedo, Zarude grabbed his collar and demanded, "Did you lie to me back then? Where did Lin and Chrom go? Why couldn't I find them no matter how hard I searched?"
When Lin and Chrom disappeared back then, Zarude didn't believe they would leave without saying goodbye, so it left the Forest of Okoya to search for them everywhere. But after so many years, it hadn't found any news of them.
If it hadn't met Meganium, it would have collapsed long ago.
From a young age, Zarude was different from its fellow Tribe members. Its fellow Tribe members strictly guarded the Healing Spring, not allowing any other Pokémon to approach. But it always felt this was wrong, so its relationship with its fellow Tribe members was poor.
It had always hoped that one day the Healing Spring could help all Pokémon, and even humans. That's why, after meeting Lin and Chrom, it assisted Lin and Chrom in their research on the Healing Spring, even hiding it from its fellow Tribe members and secretly helping Lin and Chrom build a Laboratory in the Forest of Okoya.
Later, after Lin and Chrom learned that the source of the Healing Spring was the Sacred Tree, they decisively chose to abandon their research in order to protect the Sacred Tree.
They weren't as naive as Zarude, and they considered more things than Zarude did. They were very clear that once the Sacred Tree's secret was exposed, they wouldn't be able to protect the Sacred Tree on their own.
Zarude knew that Lin and Chrom were going to leave the Forest of Okoya. At that time, it had already made a promise with the couple that it would leave with them when they did.
But suddenly one day, Lin and Chrom disappeared. Zarude couldn't find them no matter how it searched. So it found Jiedo to ask about the situation. Jiedo, however, told it that the couple had already left the Forest of Okoya and Milyfa Town.
Zarude was bewildered. They had clearly made a promise to leave together, so how could Lin and Chrom leave by themselves? Therefore, after driving Jiedo out of the Forest, it left the Forest of Okoya alone and embarked on a journey to find Lin and Chrom.
Years passed, and it found nothing!
"Hahaha~~~" Hearing Zarude's questioning, Jiedo tilted his head back and laughed wildly. At this point, he had nothing left to hide. "You... you're actually still looking for Lin and Chrom?"
Jiedo pointed at Keke nearby and said, "Look, that's Lin and Chrom's son, Al. You watched him being born back then, but he grew up in the Forest like a wild child. Think carefully, if Lin and Chrom were still alive, would they let Al live here?"
Zarude's eyes widened in disbelief. "You... you mean Lin and Chrom are already..."
"Of course!" Jiedo said smugly. "Who told them to stop the research? Anyone who hinders my research deserves to die!" His expression was maniacal.
Zarude grabbed Jiedo by the neck and shouted, "Tell me, what exactly happened?"
Then Jiedo began to boastfully recount how he had killed Lin and Chrom.
At this moment, Keke finally understood why his parents had abandoned him in the Forest. It turned out they had been brutally murdered long ago!
Zarude angrily raised its claws, wanting to smash Jiedo's head with a punch, but was stopped by Bai Feng.
"Don't be impulsive. There's no need to dirty your hands for him! Leave it to me, I will make sure he receives the punishment he deserves."
Under Bai Feng's soothing, Zarude gradually regained its composure, but it still punched Jiedo, swelling his face.
Bai Feng landed on the ground with Zarude. The Zarude Elder immediately led the fellow Tribe members to surround them.
"You..." The Elder hesitated, wanting to speak but stopping.
Zarude smiled and said to the Elder, "Elder, I'm fine, and the Sacred Tree is also fine. It was all thanks to Bai Feng's help."
The Zarude Elder nodded, its expression complex.
The Zarude Elder and the fellow Tribe members all knew about Zarude's desire to sacrifice itself to save the Sacred Tree. However, they didn't try to dissuade it, because they knew it would be useless.
Although this child had been different from the other children in the Tribe since childhood, and its relationship with its fellow Tribe members was poor, it was undeniable that it loved this Forest.
If it were any one of them, as long as they could save the Sacred Tree, they would dedicate themselves without hesitation.
It was just that in the end, this child saved the Forest and saved the Sacred Tree. The Zarude Elder truly had mixed feelings.
If it weren't for this child, they wouldn't even have known that such a significant hidden issue existed within the Sacred Tree.
In the end, the Zarude Elder could only let out a deep sigh and pat its shoulder, saying, "You've worked hard."
After speaking, it looked at Bai Feng and said, "Human, thank you too!" After a pause, it added, "Perhaps you are right. For so many years, we have been too stubborn. This Forest is not just our Zarude Forest; it is also the Forest of all Pokémon. Perhaps... this is the true meaning of the Song of Rules!"
The Song of Rules was the song passed down orally among the Zarude.
Hearing the Elder's words, Zarude showed surprise. "Elder, have you really decided..."
The Zarude Elder nodded. "That's right. This incident has made me fully realize that we, like other Pokémon, are all a part of the Forest."
The Tribe being able to change was something worth celebrating for Zarude, and it was also its long-held wish. But when it thought of the deceased Lin and Chrom, it couldn't feel happy at all.
Zarude walked over to Keke and looked at Keke sadly, saying, "Al..." The words reached its mouth, but it didn't know what to say to Keke.
"Sigh~"
Seeing Keke's close relationship with Lele's Dad, Zarude ultimately couldn't say anything and turned to leave.
"Um..." Keke suddenly called out to Zarude.
Zarude turned back and looked at Keke with confusion.
"Can you tell me about my Father and Mother's past?" Keke requested.
Zarude nodded, walked over to Keke, and sat down beside him. It told him about how it met Lin and Chrom, recounted various past events involving Lin and Chrom, and how they fell in love and had Keke.
While Zarude and Keke were talking, Bai Feng also started chatting with the Zarude Elder.
"Elder, someone like Jiedo will appear again. Have you considered a different way to protect the Sacred Tree?" Bai Feng said to the Elder.
"What do you mean?" the Zarude Elder asked, full of doubt.
"My meaning is, have you considered seeking help from the Pokémon League?" Bai Feng replied.
"The Pokémon League? Asking humans for help?" The Zarude Elder's expression was agitated. "Impossible!"
Although they were willing to share the Healing Spring with the Pokémon in the Forest, if humans were also involved...
Bai Feng explained, "No, you've misunderstood my meaning. Humans won't interfere with the matters of the Healing Spring and the Sacred Tree.
My meaning is, you Zarude are very rare Pokémon. You can completely use your status to establish the Forest of Okoya as a Protected Area. This way, ordinary people won't be allowed to enter the Forest of Okoya."
(End of Chapter)
# Chapter 309: Shiny Celebi
Bai Feng elaborated on the benefits of establishing a Protected Area to the Zarude Elder, informing it that he had connections within the Pokémon League and that establishing a Protected Area in the Forest of Okoya would definitely not be a problem.
The Zarude Elder was momentarily indecisive.
Bai Feng added, "You have been isolated in the forest for too long and are unaware of the current relationship between Pokémon and humans. The Pokémon League's stance is for humans and Pokémon to coexist harmoniously. While there are indeed some villains, the majority of people are good."
Under Bai Feng's persuasion, the Zarude Elder finally decided to heed Bai Feng's suggestion.
Bai Feng was the one who saved the Sacred Tree; it was willing to believe that Bai Feng would not harm the Forest of Okoya or the Sacred Tree.
After Bai Feng finished talking with the Zarude Elder, Zarude and Keke also finished their conversation. Both Keke and Zarude seemed to be in low spirits.
Bai Feng walked up to Keke and asked, "Keke, what are your plans for the future?"
Now that Keke knew his origins, he had two choices: return to the Human World to live, or continue staying in the Forest of Okoya.
Keke thought for a moment and said, "I want to stay in the forest with Dad. When I'm a little older, I'll go traveling. Zarude told me that human children go traveling with their Pokémon after they turn ten."
Bai Feng nodded upon hearing this. "That's a good idea too!"
After chatting with Keke and the others for a while, Bai Feng decided to return to Milyfa Town first. Since he was going to establish a Protected Area in the Forest of Okoya, he needed to ask Chairman Rose, the League Chairman, for help.
When Bai Feng left, he took Jiedo with him.
Bai Feng rode on the back of Meganium, while Jiedo, tied up by his hands with a vine controlled by Bai Feng, was led behind Meganium, muttering curses along the way.
The vine binding Jiedo's hands was formed by Bai Feng controlling his Golden Finger energy.
After purifying the Sacred Tree, Bai Feng discovered that his Golden Finger had become stronger. The crystal in his Psychic Space had even transformed from an illusory form into a solidified form because of this.
After the crystal solidified, Bai Feng's Golden Finger underwent a huge change. Previously, his Golden Finger could only be used to help Pokémon and plants with rejuvenation, but now it was different. His Golden Finger could also be used for attack, such as transforming into the vine currently binding Jiedo, which could be used entirely as a Vine Whip.
Now he truly became a humanoid Pokémon!
Listening to Jiedo cursing, Bai Feng felt a bit annoyed. He reached out, and another Vine Whip instantly appeared in his hand.
*Swish!*
He lashed out with the whip, and a long crack immediately appeared on the ground. If that had hit a person...
Jiedo was so frightened that his voice stopped abruptly.
"Keep babbling, and this whip will land on you!"
Scared by Bai Feng like that, the world finally became quiet.
Then he found Jiedo's colleagues in the forest. When they saw the disheveled Jiedo, they were all very shocked.
Of course, when Bai Feng informed them that Jiedo had killed Lin and Chrom back then, they were even more shocked.
Just like that, Bai Feng left the Forest of Okoya with a string of people.
The others from the Biotope Company Research Institute could go back to their respective homes, but Jiedo couldn't. Bai Feng directly sent him to the Police Station in Milyfa Town, asking the local Police Station to temporarily detain him.
When Jiedo was smugly recounting how he killed Lin and Chrom earlier, Bai Feng had already recorded his words. Now he couldn't deny it even if he wanted to.
Leaving the Police Station, Bai Feng found the Pokémon Center, rented a room, and settled in. Then he started calling Chairman Rose and explained the situation in the Forest of Okoya to him.
Chairman Rose readily agreed to Bai Feng's request and even wanted to come personally to inspect. He promised that as long as what Bai Feng said was true, the Forest of Okoya would not only be established as a Protected Area, but all information within it would also be protected by the Pokémon League.
Next was waiting for Chairman Rose to arrive.
During this time, Bai Feng wasn't idle. He went to town and bought some daily necessities, intending to give them to Keke, who lived in the forest.
He specifically bought Keke a mobile phone. Since Keke decided to go traveling in the future, he couldn't be completely ignorant of the outside world, could he? At least he should understand basic common sense, especially since he didn't know human language yet.
With a mobile phone, he could not only learn human language himself but also easily understand the outside world.
Mobile phones in the Pokémon World can be directly charged by Electric-type Pokémon. There were Electric-type Pokémon in the Forest of Okoya, so Keke didn't have to worry about charging issues.
After buying the things, Bai Feng went to the Forest of Okoya again the next day. He gave the things to Keke and taught him how to use them, including the mobile phone. He also took the opportunity to introduce Keke to many human living habits, social etiquette, and so on.
Keke didn't necessarily have to live according to these, but understanding them certainly wouldn't hurt.
Keke and Keke's Dad were very grateful for Bai Feng's help. They had now moved back to live with the Tribe. The other Pokémon in the forest were currently getting along quite well with the Zarude.
Chairman Rose arrived in Milyfa Town two days later. He always took Bai Feng's matters seriously. Now that Bai Feng had finally asked him for a commission, he naturally had to do his best.
Not only did he come himself, but he also had Oleana nearly complete the procedure for establishing the Protected Area in the Forest of Okoya.
Led by Bai Feng, Chairman Rose and his group entered the Forest of Okoya.
Chairman Rose didn't bring many people; there were only a few accompanying him, and each one was an expert in ecology or Pokémon research.
In addition, Chairman Rose also brought a special class Ranger. If the Forest of Okoya was truly as Bai Feng described, the Ranger Union would also dispatch Rangers to guard the place.
The rare Pokémon in the Forest of Okoya were not just Zarude. Along the way, Bai Feng and the others also saw Hydreigon, Goomy, Sobble, and many other rare Pokémon.
These Pokémon attracted the attention of the Ranger!
Afterward, the Zarude Elder met with Chairman Rose and Bai Feng privately. After a conversation, the matter of establishing the Protected Area was completely settled.
Furthermore, with Chairman Rose's help, Keke obtained an identity document in Milyfa Town. Before, he was essentially undocumented. Now that he had an identity, he wouldn't have any problems going anywhere in the future.
Several days later, the matters in the Forest of Okoya were considered concluded, so Bai Feng planned to leave and return to Biyi City.
Before leaving, he went to the Depths of the forest to bid farewell to Zarude, but he didn't expect Zarude to decide to leave with him.
"Are you sure?" Bai Feng asked.
"Yes!" Zarude nodded firmly.
The Tribe's worries were resolved, and Lin and Chrom, whom he had searched for for many years, had passed away. Zarude thought for a long time and finally decided to regain his mental state and start a new life.
Moreover... he wanted to accompany the deceased Meganium.
At this moment, the Zarude Elder also walked over. It said to Bai Feng, "Take it with you. This child has been different from the other children in the Tribe since he was young. I've always had a precognition that he wouldn't stay in this forest.
Indeed, he has spent very little time with the Tribe over the years, and even when he returned, it was only for a brief moment. Perhaps following you is the correct choice. I see more possibilities in this child."
Hearing the Zarude Elder's words, Bai Feng finally agreed, "In that case, please take care of me from now on!" He extended his right hand to Zarude.
Zarude was well aware of human etiquette. It also extended its hand and shook Bai Feng's hand, saying, "Please take care of me!"
Upon learning that Zarude was truly leaving the Forest of Okoya, the other Zarude came to bid it farewell. Although their relationship wasn't particularly good, they were still of the same Tribe and had grown up together.
After the farewells, Bai Feng was about to leave with Zarude when suddenly a sound rang in his ear—the same sound that had asked him to help the Zarude Tribe integrate into the forest.
At the same time, a sound also echoed in Zarude's heart.
"The Sacred Tree is calling me!" Zarude said.
*Could the one calling me also be the Sacred Tree?* Bai Feng wondered.
"Let's go up to the Sacred Tree and see!" Bai Feng said to Zarude.
"Okay." Zarude nodded.
Bai Feng took hold of Zarude and used Psychic to carry it towards the Crown of the Sacred Tree.
Ever since Bai Feng helped the Sacred Tree purify the filth within its body, the Sacred Tree had burst forth with new vitality. The Tree Canopy became greener and more lush. Just by getting close, one could feel the Life Aura rushing towards them.
When Bai Feng and the others passed through the layers of foliage and entered the interior of the Tree Canopy, they unexpectedly discovered a pink furball there.
"Bip~ Bip bip~"
Seeing Bai Feng and the others, the pink furball flew up in surprise and waved to greet them.
Shiny Celebi?
Seeing this pink furball, Bai Feng finally realized that the mysterious sound that had commissioned him was not from the Sacred Tree, but from the Forest God, Celebi.
"Celebi!"
Zarude also couldn't help but exclaim.
"You know Celebi?" Bai Feng asked, looking at Zarude.
Zarude shook its head. "I've never seen Celebi, but legend says that a long time ago, the Forest of Okoya was guarded by Celebi. Later, Celebi disappeared and never appeared again."
Bai Feng joked, "Perhaps the Zarude's behavior of monopolizing the Healing Spring disappointed Celebi."
"Maybe!" Zarude sighed. It felt this was possible.
"Bip~ Bip bip~~~"
After Bai Feng and the others flew to Celebi's side, Celebi expressed its gratitude to Bai Feng, thanking him for purifying the filth of the Sacred Tree and for resolving the conflict in the forest.
Actually, when Celebi first sought Bai Feng's help, it only hoped that Bai Feng could help resolve the conflict between the Zarude and the other Pokémon in the forest. It never expected that Bai Feng would completely solve the problem that had existed in the Sacred Tree for countless years.
This was truly a pleasant surprise!
That's why Celebi called him when Bai Feng was about to leave the Forest of Okoya, to personally express its gratitude.
Through conversation, Bai Feng learned that the Sacred Tree was actually the mother that gave birth to Celebi, the Forest God!
This was truly astonishing news.
"Bip~~~"
After expressing its thanks, Celebi suddenly let out a soft chime. It flew to the center of the Tree Canopy, and a green radiance spread out from its body. Immediately after, the Sacred Tree's foliage began to sway gently.
*Ding~ Ding~ Ding~*
Clear and pleasant bell-like sounds echoed throughout the forest. Then, Bai Feng and the others were surprised to find a dense green radiance surging out with the underground spring water from the pipe in the center of the Sacred Tree. Finally, an emerald green sphere condensed at the top of the spring water.
The sphere continuously compressed, compressed, and compressed again, while simultaneously emitting dazzling radiance. Finally, it condensed into a green sphere only about the size of a thumb cap.
The sphere slowly flew towards Bai Feng and finally landed in Bai Feng's palm.
"This is..." Bai Feng looked at the sphere in his hand, which emitted a strong Life Aura, in surprise.
"Bip~ Bip~" *This is a gift for you, a thank you gift, and a parting gift.*
Celebi said to Bai Feng.
"How do I use this?" Bai Feng asked, puzzled.
"Bip~ Bip bip~~" *Just give it to a Grass-type Pokémon, and you'll know then.*
Celebi replied.
"Thank you."
Bai Feng quietly put away the green sphere.
The anomaly produced by the Sacred Tree hadn't disappeared yet. Bands of green specks of light slowly converged towards Zarude, all surging into Zarude's body.
Then Bai Feng saw emerald green vines extending from Zarude's back. The vines emitted a rich vitality. Even the vines wrapped around its arms slowly unfurled and continuously extended outwards, while their color also became greener.
With the help of the Sacred Tree, Zarude's aura became increasingly powerful.
This was the Sacred Tree's gratitude towards it.
After some time, the anomaly produced by the Sacred Tree disappeared, and the vines on Zarude's body gradually retracted back into it.
"Roar!!!"
Zarude let out a hearty long howl.
"Bip bip~~ Bip~~" *Bai Feng, I still need your help with something.*
At this moment, Celebi spoke again.
"What is it? Tell me," Bai Feng said.
"It's like this..." Celebi explained.
It turned out that it was worried that someone might break through the Pokémon League's protection and enter the area where the Sacred Tree was located in the future. Therefore, it hoped that Bai Feng would let Mewtwo and itself work together to create a Psychic Barrier to protect the Sacred Tree, so that even if someone came near the Sacred Tree, they wouldn't be able to cause it harm.
Bai Feng agreed without hesitation. Multiple layers of protection were always a good thing.
At Bai Feng's call, Mewtwo slowly appeared from the shadows. Immediately, it worked with Celebi, using Psychic to set up an invisible barrier around the Sacred Tree that ordinary people couldn't see. If the Sacred Tree was attacked, this barrier would become visible.
After the barrier was set up, Celebi and Mewtwo both looked a bit tired. Bai Feng quickly took out some G-Max Sweetness to replenish their stamina.
"Thank you!"
After receiving the G-Max Sweetness, Celebi thanked Bai Feng.
After Celebi and Mewtwo recovered, Bai Feng formally bid farewell to Celebi.
Leaving the Sacred Tree, Bai Feng noticed that all the trees in the forest were gently swaying, making a sound like silver bells.
This sound could only be made by Celebi.
He knew this was Celebi and the forest sending him and Zarude off.
(End of Chapter)
## Chapter 310: Tree of Life
Leaving the Forest of Okoya, Bai Feng took Zarude aboard his family's aircraft and embarked on the journey back to Biyi City.
On the way back, Bai Feng took out the Green Bead that the Sacred Tree and Celebi had given him, then called out Meganium.
As soon as Meganium saw the Orb, its gaze was completely drawn to it, its eyes couldn't turn away.
Seeing Meganium staring eagerly at the Orb, Bai Feng asked with a smile, "Want it?"
"Meganium~ Meganium~"
Meganium nodded frantically.
"Then it's yours!" Bai Feng casually tossed it to Meganium.
Celebi had said that he just needed to give the Orb to a Grass-type Pokémon. This Orb was a treasure nurtured by the Sacred Tree, which had also nurtured Celebi. Bai Feng wondered what kind of changes would occur in Meganium after it received the Orb.
Meganium opened its mouth, intending to bite the emerald green Orb, but unexpectedly, the Orb transformed into a streak of light and, with a "whoosh," drilled directly into its forehead.
Immediately afterward, green radiance emerged from Meganium's brow, and golden-green patterns began to extend outward from its brow, spreading from its cheeks to its neck, from its neck to its body, and then from its body to its limbs.
"Meganium~ Meganium~"
Meganium felt incredibly comfortable at this moment, as if bathing in an ocean of Forest, and couldn't help but let out a groan.
Under the influence of the golden-green patterns, Bai Feng noticed that Meganium's skin became increasingly crystal clear and delicate. Even on the blooming red flowers around its neck, golden-green veins were flickering.
Waves of fresh herbal aura spread out from Meganium. The other Pokémon, who were playing, were attracted by this scent and unconsciously gathered to the side, silently watching Meganium. The inexperienced Fennekin kept twitching its little nose there.
Minute by minute passed, and the green radiance on Meganium's brow slowly extinguished like a lamp. At the same time, the golden-green patterns that had spread across its entire body gradually disappeared.
"Meganium~~~"
Meganium felt its entire body was now filled with power. It jumped excitedly. If it weren't currently in the Forest, it would definitely run wildly.
Bai Feng could clearly sense that Meganium's body was filled with life aura, and its aura had also become much stronger.
The biggest yield from this trip was Meganium!
Next, Bai Feng used his Golden Finger to perform an inspection on Meganium's body. As expected, he found that the energy inside its body had increased significantly. As for any changes in its ability, he couldn't tell for now.
They were currently on the aircraft, so it wasn't convenient for Meganium to demonstrate even if it wanted to. Therefore, this matter could only be put aside for now.
Soon, Bai Feng successfully returned to Biyi City. The first thing he did upon arriving Home was to take Zarude to visit the deceased Meganium.
In the Mountain Valley, Zarude looked at the Meganium that had transformed into a giant tree, feeling very sad. It hugged the giant tree and cried for a while, then looked at Bai Feng and asked, "Can we take Meganium back?"
It wanted to stay by Meganium's side forever, but it couldn't stay here, so it could only bring Meganium back to Fangxing Mountain.
"This..."
Looking at the giant tree before him, Bai Feng had a troubled expression. Although this tree was not as terrifying as the Sacred Tree in the Forest of Okoya, it was still a towering giant tree nearly two hundred meters tall. Dozens of people couldn't encircle it with their arms circling. Bringing it back would probably be... a bit of difficulty.
However, seeing Zarude's hopeful look, he finally gritted his teeth and agreed.
The next day, Bai Feng took the aircraft piloted by Mewtwo, bringing Zarude back to the Mountain Valley where the giant tree was located. Following behind them was another aircraft, piloted by Solosis.
When the two aircraft stopped above the Mountain Valley, their hatches slowly opened. Immediately, two vines descended from the hatches of the two aircraft, and one Trevenant after another slid down the vines from the aircraft.
The vine descending from the first aircraft was made by Bai Feng using Golden Finger energy. The vine on the second aircraft belonged to Zarude.
Upon entering the Mountain Valley, the Trevenant began to dig away the dirt around the giant tree little by little, using their root system-like feet to Ingrain into The Earth.
This giant tree was too large, and its root system was incredibly prosperity. Without the help of the Trevenant, Bai Feng wouldn't be able to dig it out completely from the Ground even if he dug for a month.
If it were before, he definitely wouldn't have agreed to Zarude's request, because with such a large tree, even if they dug it up and brought it back, whether it could be planted and survive was unknown.
But now there was no need to worry. With Meganium, whose ability had been promoted, no matter what kind of tree it was, it could definitely be planted and survive.
After returning Home, Bai Feng had already let Meganium experiment with its ability. After fusion with the Green Bead given by the Sacred Tree, it had gained the Power of Nature Power. Whenever it used Jungle Terrain, it would receive the blessing of Nature Power, which not only greatly enhanced its healing ability but also significantly improved its own defenses and recovery ability.
Now, if Bai Ye and Meganium were to battle, as long as they were within the Jungle Terrain, Meganium might not be able to defeat Bai Ye, but it would also be quite difficult for Bai Ye to defeat it.
Meganium was incredibly bulky now!
Bai Ye, with the added Fairy Aura, was already considered a very bulky Pokémon, but Meganium was much, much bulkier than it!
With the combined efforts of over a hundred Trevenant, it took a day and a night for the giant tree to be completely dug out from the Ground.
"Mewtwo, Mother, time to work!"
Bai Feng stood on top of the aircraft, calling out to Mewtwo and Bai Ye.
"Gardevoir~"
"I am ready, anytime!"
Bai Ye and Mewtwo responded.
"Alright, let's begin!"
The human and two Pokémon slowly flew above the giant tree, then established a Psychic Link. They simultaneously used Psychic Power to slowly pull the giant tree out of the Hole.
This tree was too large and very heavy. Bai Feng felt like he was using every ounce of his power, his face flushed red.
Mewtwo and Bai Ye, however, looked quite relaxed.
"Meganium~ Meganium~~"
Just then, Meganium screamed from below.
"What's wrong?" Bai Feng shouted, straining his voice.
"Meganium~ Meganium~" There are things below!
Meganium replied, seemingly because something deeply buried in The Earth had been dug out after the giant tree was removed.
"Wait... I'll come back to look later, I'll send the tree Home first!" Bai Feng said. At this moment, asking him to put the tree down to look at the things below, and then trying to pull the giant tree up again, would probably be even more difficult.
So Bai Feng, Mewtwo, and Bai Ye transported the giant tree together and flew towards Home.
In fact, compared to Bai Ye and Mewtwo, Bai Feng's role was very small. His main function was actually to help Mewtwo and Bai Ye establish a Mental Power Link, otherwise, they wouldn't be able to cooperate perfectly.
On Fangxing Mountain, Bai Feng had already cleared out a vacant Mountain specifically for planting this giant tree. This tree was too large; one Mountain could only accommodate one tree.
The Mountain top of that Mountain had already been dug into a Giant Pit by the Diggersby family and the Pangoro family working together. When Bai Feng and the others arrived here with the tree, they could just plant the tree into the Pit.
After slowly lowering the giant tree into the Pit and using Psychic Power to straighten it, the Diggersby family, the Pangoro family, Nidoqueen and the Nidoqueen couple, etc., began to quickly pile dirt into the Pit.
Meanwhile, Eldegoss and Gossifleur each carried a small bucket, applying a layer of fertilizer into the Pit at intervals and depths of the dirt.
After the dirt was filled and leveled, Vaporeon appeared. It used Rain Dance, and before long, a layer of dark clouds formed above the giant tree.
*Splash splash~~*
Rainwater fell, quickly wetting the dirt.
By the time the giant tree was planted, Bai Feng was exhausted and collapsed onto the Ground.
Looking at the relaxed Mewtwo and Bai Ye, Bai Feng took a deep breath and said, "Mewtwo, go pick up Meganium and Zarude!"
Mewtwo nodded, its figure flashed and disappeared from the Original spot. Soon, it returned with both Meganium and Zarude.
"Meganium, the big tree is entrusted to you!" Bai Feng said to Meganium.
"Meganium~"
Meganium nodded, then ran with its four thick legs. As it ran, layers of green radiance appeared under its feet, followed by one glowing green sapling after another rising from The Earth.
As the saplings appeared, the Earth Vein on Fangxing Mountain began to manifest. The Earth Vein continuously supplied energy to the small saplings, and the saplings quickly grew.
Soon, a circle of saplings surrounding the giant tree grew into large trees, encircling the giant tree like stars surrounding the moon, and continuously scattering green radiance from their Tree Canopy towards the giant tree.
These large trees, stimulated by the Jungle Terrain, although also tall, were dwarfed by the giant tree, looking very much like the giant tree's underlings.
After absorbing the green radiance, the giant tree began to regain new life force. All the old leaves withered and fell, followed by new branches sprouting and new green leaves emerging. At the same time, its root system, deeply buried Underground, also began to Ingrain deeper into The Earth.
In a corner of the Underground Kingdom of Ore, Tyranitar was leading Tinkaton in secretly mining the Carbink's ore. Suddenly, cracks appeared above their heads, and then a piece of crushed stone fell to the Ground, startling the two of them. They thought the Carbink had discovered them again.
*Boom!!!*
With a loud noise, this corner of the Mineral Kingdom suddenly collapsed. Countless thick tree roots pierced through the Cave ceiling, and with a swish, they plunged into the Ground, and were still continuing to Ingrain deeper.
Oh my!
Tinkaton dropped the ore in its hand and ran away. Seeing this, Tyranitar also quickly ran, but it couldn't bear to throw away the ore in its hand.
It quickly stuffed the ore in its hand into its mouth, *crunch crunch* chewed it up, swallowed it into its stomach, and then ran out after Tinkaton.
Just as they escaped from there, that corner was filled with countless root systems.
Oh my god, that was terrifying!
Tinkaton patted its little heart, still feeling lingering fear.
Seeing that they hadn't been discovered by the Carbink, the two adjusted their mood, exchanged glances, and then happily went to another Cave to continue mining.
On the Ground, Meganium had already withdrawn the Jungle Terrain, and all the strange phenomena disappeared. At the same time, the giant tree had completely come alive, radiating vigorous and abundant life force.
Zarude leaped up, easily climbed the giant tree, and quickly made a few jumps to reach the top of the Tree Canopy.
It stared down at the giant tree for a while, and finally couldn't help but let out a roar towards the sky!
"Zarude~~~"
Affected by Zarude's growl, the other Pokémon in the Orchard were also attracted to the giant tree. One after another, Fletchling, Rookidee, Fletchinder, and Corvisquire landed in flocks on the Tree Canopy, chirping and playing among the foliage, looking very lively.
Seeing such a joyful atmosphere, Zarude smiled.
Perhaps Meganium would like this kind of life.
Not only were Flying-type Pokémon attracted to the giant tree, but the four Members of Maushold also hopped and climbed onto the giant tree, found a spacious branch, gathered head-to-head, and then each took out a berry.
The little guys smiled foolishly holding the berries, then happily gnawed on them with faces full of happiness.
They had just arrived at Fangxing Mountain and hadn't fully adapted to the pace of life there. Getting a berry was treated like a treasure, which they would then mysteriously hide until the whole family gathered together to share it.
Liepard also gracefully leaped onto a thick tree branch, curled up its body, letting the sunlight filtering through the gaps in the foliage shine on it, then lazily let out a yawn and closed its eyes for a nap.
Leavanny spat out silk, swinging like a swing onto a tree branch. It gently stroked the leaves, seemingly very fond of the life aura emanating from the giant tree.
Leavanny had a restless nature. It lightly leaped from one tree branch to another. If it encountered a branch it didn't like the look of, it would swing the sickles on its arms and give it a pruning.
And the Eldegoss and Gossifleur, one by one, were flying back and forth among the giant tree's branches and foliage with joyful laughter.
For a time, this giant tree, transformed from Meganium, actually became the most popular place on Fangxing Mountain.
Zarude jumped down from the tree, landing beside Bai Feng, and said gratefully to him, "Bai Feng, thank you!"
Bai Feng shook his head and said, "It's nothing. You are also a Member of Fangxing Mountain now. Don't worry about such a small matter."
Zarude nodded and said nothing more.
"Oh right, Zarude, give this tree that Meganium turned into a name!" Bai Feng suddenly said.
This tree that Meganium had transformed into was a variety Bai Feng had never seen before, but they couldn't keep calling it just "giant tree," right? It was better to give it a name.
Zarude was completely in favor of naming the giant tree. However, when asked to come up with a name, it scratched its head for a long time but couldn't think of anything.
"How... how about calling it Tree of Life!"
After struggling for a long time, Zarude said.
"Tree of Life, huh..." Bai Feng thought for a moment and said, "Alright."
Meganium was Zarude's friend, so let Zarude call it whatever it wanted! Although the name Tree of Life was a bit common, it was quite fitting.
This giant tree that Meganium had transformed into indeed radiated a rich and profound life aura.
Just then, Meganium walked over and reminded Bai Feng, "Oh right, Bai Feng, when you dug up the big tree, an Underground Cave appeared in the large Hole left behind!"
(End of Chapter)