Chixia Mountain Range, an Empire borderland, a secluded paradise.
When the two landed atop the mountain, an expansive vista of verdant peaks unfolded before them. Not far away, a clear stream gently flowed, and a few wild deer were leisurely drinking, merely twitching their ears at the sight of strangers, showing not a hint of panic.
Fu Teng, emerging from the space, was momentarily struck by the magnificent scenery.
He stumbled forward a few steps, spread his arms wide, and lifted his face to let the March breeze caress him, laughing heartily, "Finally! I have finally left that dreadful place!"
Turning his back to Shen Tang, he took a deep breath, his voice trembling with excitement, "Iâve never been to such a beautiful placeâfresh air, warm sunlight, clear streams..."
He bent down, scooping up a handful of earth, reverently sniffing it, "What fertile soil!"
"A vast expanse of heaven and earth, with so much vibrant nourishment, inexhaustible, enough for generations to thrive and multiply..."
Soon, Fu Tengâs laughter became more unsettling, his shoulders quivering, "What a perfect cradle, my children will thrive here! Soon, this land will become ours..."
Listening to Fu Tengâs increasingly manic laughter, Shen Tangâs neck hairs stood on end.
This isnât right!
"Fu Teng?" She approached cautiously, "Are you... alright?"
Before she could finish, the ground suddenly shook violently! Countless thorny vines burst from the earth, instantly weaving into a Heaven and Earth Net.
More terrifyingly, the surrounding trees withered and decayed at a visible rate, as if their life force was being drained away.
"Swooshââ"
The wild deer by the river were instantly skewered by blade-like vines.
The vines, having absorbed fresh blood, glowed red, writhing excitedly like living creatures, growing madly, seeking to occupy more territory and slaughtering more plants and prey!
Shen Tangâs expression changed drastically, rushing forward, "What are you doing? Stop this at onceâugh!"
Agonizing pain assaulted her, as she looked down to see a bloodstained vine piercing through her chest.
Fu Teng slowly turned around, his eyes, once vibrant green, now glimmered ominously.
He looked at her, the soft, smiling green eyes now icy and chilling, the curve of his mouth revealing a sinister malice.
"Oops, sorry, Xiao Gua, accidentally hurt you." Fu Teng tilted his head, his voice sickly sweet.
Shen Tang endured the excruciating pain, staring at him, "You! Youâve been lying to me all along?!"
Fu Teng leaned down, his soft breath brushing past her ear, "Xiao Gua, did I forget to tell you..."
Sharp vine thorns suddenly protruded from his fingers, lightly scoring her cheek, "I am a Cannibal Ghost Vine~"
Cannibal... Ghost Vine?!
Shen Tangâs blood instantly frozeâno wonder the system couldnât detect it!
This wasnât a beastman, but the legendary plant-type ferocious beast that feeds on flesh and blood!
"Actually, I quite like you." Fu Teng regrettably caressed her bloodstained cheek, "But alas, you are the perfect nourishment~"
How laughable.
A cannibal plant, what feelings or sincerity could it have?
Everything he did was merely a facade.
From the start, approaching her was to test her Healing Ability; later, discovering her value exceeded his expectations, along with an even more delightful powerâTeleportation.
Potentially helping him escape Necroâs control!
Unbelievably, it succeeded!
He escaped the control, regaining his freedom.
Now, nothing could stop this ferocious beast from wantonly growing, slaughtering living beings on this fertile land!
The ground trembled violently, numerous thorny vines bursting from the soil like giant pythons, swiftly turning the entire forest into a terrifying green cage.
Shen Tang, enduring the pain, attempted to activate teleportation, but the collar casually worn on her wrist suddenly erupted with sharp spikes!
She let out a muffled groan, feeling a strange energy coursing through her veinsâher space ability was now unusable!
"Donât waste your energy; obediently become my nourishment." Fu Teng gently cradled her, tearing her clothing, lowering his head to lick the blood on her skin, so delicious it left him craving more.
"Sweetheart, youâre the second person Iâve tasted with such sweet blood."
He whispered in her ear, "Donât be afraid, Xiao Gua, Iâll ensure you die in bliss..."
"Youâll become one with me, never to wander again."
By absorbing her flesh and blood completely, he could gain her miraculous powers; Fu Tengâs face was filled with excitement, as if he could already envision the Ghost Vine devouring the world.
With this femaleâs regeneration ability, heâd be invincible in this world; no one could stop him from turning this continent into a paradise for the Ghost Vine!
[Host, wake up!]
The system was anxious, but at this moment, Shen Tangâs gaze slowly dispersed, unable to hear any sound.
An exotic floral scent filled her nostrils, strange yet familiar.
Her severely injured body was gradually relieved of pain, replaced by a sense of intoxication! A bizarre longing! Wishing to transform into Fu Tengâs nourishment, merged into blood and flesh, becoming one!
Suddenly, a tall figure appeared, Necro enveloped in blood-colored mist, coldly looking at the dying Shen Tang, "The Cannibal Ghost Vine I personally captured from Dead Fern Swamp, sealed for three years with a Blood Curse, you released it."
His cold, mocking gaze like looking at a clown overestimating their ability, "Regret it? Unfortunately, itâs too late."
If Shen Tang were awake, she would be shocked.
Dead Fern Swamp, one of the Beast Worldâs five Death Forbidden Zones.
Necroâs formidable special power, capable of using a Blood Curse to forcibly suppress the overlord-level creature ruling the Dead Fern Swamp, confining it on the rebel armyâs territory, albeit for personal gain and impure motives, but to some extent, indirectly protecting others.
Shen Tangâs action was no different from releasing a demon.
If unable to suppress the Cannibal Ghost Vine, its destructiveness would rival that of the Living Corpse Army!
Fu Teng stared at Necro with impatience and coldness, "Truly like a maggot clinging to a bone, canât shake you off!"
"You think you can escape my control?" Necro waved a hand, a blood-red thread appearing in the air, connecting the two.
"My blood mark isnât so easily eradicated; as long as it remains, youâll never escape my grasp."
Fu Tengâs expression changed drastically, thinking heâd fled far enough, only to find the damned blood mark still there!
With the blood markâs suppression, he was no match for Necro.
In an instant, Fu Teng put on a charming, sweet smile, stepping forward to twirl a strand of Necroâs long, black hair, inhaling deeply, "My heart has always been with you, how could I bear to betray you? Just playing a role with this young female."
He said, extending his slender, beautiful right hand toward Necroâs bronze, muscular chest.
Necro laughed coldly, his dangerous gaze sweeping over him.
Fu Teng immediately withdrew his hand, smiling sheepishly, "This young female has a Healing and Regeneration Ability, are you sure you donât want her?"
Necroâs expression shifted, seriously looking at Shen Tang, "Truly?"
Fu Teng nodded, "This young female ingested my carefully crafted Vine Powder for days and is still alive, immune to your blood; her body is extraordinary."
His voice was soft, yet chillingly ruthless, "Now, even with her heart pierced, letâs see if she survives, determining just how strong her Healing Ability is."
"If she lives, use her as a blood bank, manufacturing Regeneration Potions."
"If she dies, turn her into a living corpse, she will undoubtedly be your strongest host!"