After obtaining Pingru's consent, Yang Yu and the others arrived at the border marker between the two nations.

Yang Yu stood south of the marker, while Pingru stood to the north. After setting up a barrier to prevent sound from escaping, the two began an intimate conversation.

It wasn't until the silver moonlight gradually enveloped the surroundings that Yang Yu realized today was yet another Mid-Autumn Festival.

In the Life Forest, the Plant Clan's annual autumn festival had come to a close.

This year, as everyone anticipated, Shihui Cactus took the top prize.

The occurrence of an Upper Species, like last year, was actually quite rare.

Even so, the moment Shihui Cactus used Racial Essence for promotion, countless people closed their eyes, silently praying that Shihui Cactus could complete its transformation.

They hoped for a continuous emergence of Upper Species to restore the glory of the Plant Clan.

As Upper Species slowly increase, the number of people who can use Racial Essence at the autumn festival will go from one to two, two to three, three to four...

Ultimately, it would be as recorded in ancient times, where everyone is able to use Racial Essence and everyone has the potential to become an Upper Species.

However, the expectation was once again dashed.

After using the Plant Clan's Racial Essence, Shihui Cactus did not transform into an Upper Species as everyone hoped, but merely slightly enhanced the abilities of the cactus.

Though people thought they had already come to terms with shattered hopes, when the results were truly announced, a deep sense of melancholy still swept through every heart.

Elder Quan Xiangguo smiled to comfort Shihui Cactus, and Shihui Cactus also forced a smile.

Zuixiang Pu Tao, who has always regarded Shihui Cactus as a rival, said nothing but squeezed his brows, patted the cactus's shoulder, and returned to the forest, unhappily resuming his position.

This was the annual festival, and in the end, Shihui Cactus failed to control his emotions, deciding to distance himself from the village for some peace and quiet.

"It's truly a pity."

After the autumn festival concluded, Elder Quan Xiangguo held the Racial Essence in his palm and, with a face full of regret, placed it into the Core of the Tree Mother, completing the ritual under the gaze of other members of the Plant Race Council.

The robust Nai Xu Mushroom leaned against the door, arms crossed, and sighed: "The odds are what they are; it wouldn't be possible for two Upper Species to emerge in consecutive years."

"Is this what they often say, the greater the hope, the greater the disappointment? Seeing someone transform last year, I couldn't help but look forward to it."

Cuiyu Jiucai intertwined her fingers while sitting beside the round table, next to her Lilith Lily rested her chin in her palm:

"I'm so envious of having descendants. I really want to have juniors, to teach them all sorts of knowledge, and to stroll the festival with them. I envy Meiyu."

Hans Morning Glory shrugged helplessly, "It's something that can't be helped either.

Speaking of which, William Pumpkin is truly diligent.

Even though the autumn festival has just ended, he's off dealing with the Magic Beast that's appeared in the forest.

Usually, it's me who takes care of that.

I also have to return to my post soon; I've still got plenty of tasks to handle."

"Thank you for your hard work, and it's all for the sake of stability." After double-checking that the Tree Mother's Core indeed enveloped the Racial Essence, Elder Quan Xiangguo sluggishly headed toward the stairs, "We should get going too. Nai Xu, it's your shift today, be careful not to be careless."

Nai Xu Mushroom patted his chest, promising, "As long as there's breath in me, I absolutely won't let anyone steal our Racial Essence."

"I'm counting on you then. Good night everyone."

""""Good night.""""

With that, everyone said their farewells to each other, departing from the Tree Mother to rest.

Time flowed slowly as patches of dark clouds appeared in the sky, obscuring the bright moon, making it seem like a heavy downpour could fall at any moment.

Nai Xu Mushroom sat at the round table, alone, staring at the place where the Racial Essence was stored, yawning a big yawn.

Suddenly, a petite figure swung through the large tree hole.

Nai Xu Mushroom was startled, but upon closer inspection, lazily stretched and asked:

"Oh, it's Hans. Do you need something?"

Hans Morning Glory retracted the morning glory vine in his hand, approached Nai Xu, and said with a smile, "I forgot to take care of some things. Came back to grab them, and to check if you were slacking."

"Do I look like someone who would slack off? Just a bit sleepy," Nai Xu Mushroom said, yawning again.

"I suppose you're right.

By the way, I found a strange fruit in the forest, want to try it? Since you're a mushroom, you're not really afraid of poison.

Even if it is poisonous, it shouldn't matter, right?"

Saying that, Hans Morning Glory took out a red nut and handed it to Nai Xu,

"It's this fruit. Try it and tell me if it's tasty."

"Sure is a rare type. You're really nonchalant about using me as a poison tester."

Despite the complaints, Nai Xu Mushroom almost without hesitation tossed the red fruit into his mouth, swallowed it down, and within two minutes, before sharing his thoughts, he succumbed to sleepiness and slumped onto the table, falling into a deep sleep.

Hans Morning Glory, with a smile on his face, walked directly to the place Nai Xu had been watching, extending his hand. The Tree Mother immediately exposed the Core, revealing the beautiful Racial Essence inside.

Hans unhesitatingly reached out his hand and seized the future of the Plant Clan.

But before Hans could hide the item, a voice sounded behind him:

"Hans, so it was you."

Turning around, he saw Elder Quan Xiangguo with Cuiyu, Lilith, and Meiyu standing at the stairway of the Tree Mother.

Hans simply held the Plant Clan's Essence in his hand, without any intention of hiding it, and chuckled:

"Ah, I've been found out."

Meiyu Rose with brows furrowed, exerting immense restraint over her emotions, demanded: "Was it really you who stole last time too?"

Hans took a deep breath, and admitted frankly: "Yes, I stole last time too."

"Hans! Tell me why you did this!"

Hans's smile gradually faded, and he said, "Perhaps you'll find it unbelievable, but it's all for the good of our Plant Clan.

My well-intentioned motives, you'll understand them someday.

So, until we meet again.

When you see me next, I'll tell you the whole truth."

With that, Hans Morning Glory sprouted numerous vines, which hooked the edge of the tree hole, and with a powerful bounce, he flung himself into the forest, escaping towards where his collaborators awaited.

Elder Quan Xiangguo did not attempt to stop him and advised those around not to chase after him, only retrieving a letter from his pocket and slowly unfolding it once more.

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