Chapter 178: Treatment and Vivian

Kali's scowl remained unchanged.

She let out a soft, coquettish hum: "Zombie flesh isn't lively enough—ordinary healing spells have little effect on it. Even high-grade 【Regeneration Shu 】, I doubt would work."

"Generally, when zombie flesh is lost, they opt to graft limbs from other creatures—this not only strengthens the body but may also grant abilities from that creature, though it might also imprint the original owner's temperament and personality. Crafting alchemical prosthetics for her is also a decent option."

Luo De was disappointed: "So that won't work?"

Kali shook her head: "Two methods: First, Plague Wizards. Though infamous, they undeniably possess unmatched expertise in bodily healing and regeneration. Supposedly, with tumor toxins and electrical stimulation spells, they can even revive necrotic flesh—zombies are no exception."

"Second, guiding spirituality into the body. Unlike mana, spirituality is nature's most suitable energy for the flesh. Nourishing the body with it naturally leads toward healthy, natural form. Creatures like Abominations and Skeleton Soldiers exist only because they've completely abandoned spirituality."

Luo De nodded.

He had heard this before—before the mana system was developed, the continent had no Abominations, Zombies, or Skeleton Soldiers.

It reminded him of what happened in the Open Maze.

Those Bahadur Magic Academy students used 【Biological Weaving】 to create deformed snake-people.

Kali looked at the zombie Selina.

Gently brushing aside the hair covering one side of her rotting face: "But there's a problem—this child's body has been dead for years. How do you guide spirituality into it now?"

Selina: "I'm thirty-two."

Even so, she still looks twelve—no one would ever mistake her for anything but a child.

"Even if you were one hundred and thirty-two, you'd still be a child to me."

Said the elf, born to long life.

Luo De: "Is there any way?"

Kali: "Practice breathing techniques—it might take fifty years to show results. Or, if you have a technique to communicate with spirituality, use your own to help guide hers."

Hmm.

I do have one—【Elbert's Secret Guide to Pleasure】.

But isn't it backwards? I'm supposed to heal her body first so I can enjoy her properly—now you want me to shoot before I even get there?

That's putting the cart before the horse.

Luo De shook his head and dropped the subject.

He flattered her: "No wonder you're Kali—any problem finds its answer with you."

The elf was pleased, letting out another coquettish hum.

"You should read more books, eat more vegetables and fruit—your memory will improve. Hm?"

As she spoke, she suddenly turned toward the window, a faint smile in her eyes.

Luo De asked: "What's wrong?"

"It's Vivian—she's returned from the Tree Realm."

Kali didn't know how many magical eyes she'd planted in Shiying Town.

Ever since the seventh-rank Feathered One and demon attack, she'd doubled down.

She couldn't possibly have ill intentions—every one of these setups had been approved by Luo De and the Witch Dimia.

Tree shadows swayed.

A portal of green spirituality opened.

Luo De used 【Tree Walker】 to reach the outskirts of Shiying Town, where Vivian had vanished with the Tree Realm that day.

Residual mana still lingered; the town hall had temporarily sealed the area, fearing residents might wander in and get hurt.

So now, besides scattered holes and blade marks on the ground, no one else was here.

He stepped slowly forward across the grass.

Soon, he spotted a graceful figure on a distant slope.

After ascending to seventh rank, the Tree Spirit Vivian's appearance had changed almost nothing.

Her figure was slender and balanced, every part naturally perfect, radiating pure natural beauty.

Her single, glowing white eyes scanned left and right, filled with innocent, childish charm.

She spotted Luo De at once.

With a blank expression, she ran toward him.

Her short blue hair fluttered in the air, scattering faint sparks of spirituality.

Like cotton, she crashed into his arms.

Without hesitation, she kissed his lips.

They exchanged fluids briefly, then pulled apart, still linked by a thin thread.

"Long time no see, Vivian—how's seventh rank treating you?"

But the Tree Spirit was direct.

She pressed against him, tilting her head to passionately kiss his chin, her hands fumbling downward.

"Miss you, Luo De."

It was broad daylight, and this was an open field.

It made Luo De embarrassed.

In just this short while, she'd already wet half his face.

"Let's go back—someone might pass by."

He was about to pick her up.

Suddenly, he felt someone tugging at his clothes from behind.

He turned around.

There stood a giant squirrel, half his height.

It chattered frantically, its face twisted with unmistakably human-like panic.

Luo De ignored it, giving it a light kick.

The creature, unsteady on its feet, rolled over several times on the ground.

But it wouldn't give up—it scrambled forward on all fours and clung to his leg.

"..."

Luo De asked Vivian: "Did you bring this one back?"

Vivian only kept kissing his face and neck, her 【Lust】 absorption rate skyrocketing.

Why so desperate?

Though Vivian had grown fond of intimacy with him over time, she rarely initiated it—and she'd only absorbed a small amount of fluid; 【Charming Fluid】 shouldn't have activated yet.

Luo De pinched her cheeks.

The Tree Spirit's eyes were glazed, her entire face flushed with a pink, succubus-like glow.

She extended her pink tongue, licking his finger into her mouth.

So lewd.

"Do Tree Spirits get lewd after reaching seventh rank??"

That made no sense at all!

Then it must be something that happened in the Tree Realm.

Luo De knew this wasn't the time—he quickly poured various antidote and awakening potions into Vivian.

It had no effect.

The giant squirrel on his leg reacted violently, bursting into another frenzy of chattering.

Luo De gripped the hilt of 【Tremor Blade】 and activated its translation skill.

He growled: "Spit it out—what's wrong with Vivian?"

The squirrel panicked: "Vivian accidentally touched a branch leading to another dimension! We pulled her back immediately, but she still absorbed something—now she's acting strangely!"

Another dimension?

Luo De winced—nothing good ever came from that!

"How do we fix it?!"

"Satisfy her! Maybe? She said there's a man named Luo De in the real-world forest—she loves him! That's you! Hurry! Satisfy her! If you wait any longer, it'll be too late!"

Luo De frowned deeply.

He grabbed the giant squirrel and Vivian, used 【Tree Walker】 repeatedly, and crashed back into the forest, slamming into the forest ranger's cabin.

The Tree Spirit's cries echoed.

But soon, he sensed something was off.

"That's all? But her spirituality feels... wrong!"

"What?! Already?!"

The squirrel scratched its head, then sobbed: "It's over—Vivian's being transformed."

(End of Chapter)