[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":-1},["ShallowReactive",2],{"origin-this-dungeon-is-growing-mushrooms":3,"chapter-this-dungeon-is-growing-mushrooms-this-dungeon-is-growing-mushrooms-chapter-57":6},{"origin":4,"title":5},"chinese","This Dungeon Has Sprouted Mushrooms",{"chapter":7,"nextChapterSlug":20,"prevChapterSlug":21,"totalChapters":22,"novelImage":23},{"id":8,"novel_id":9,"title":10,"slug":11,"index":12,"content":13,"wordcount":14,"created_at":15,"updated_at":16,"volume":17,"translator":18,"content_hash":19},2219112,3995,"Chapter 57","this-dungeon-is-growing-mushrooms-chapter-57",57,"\u003Cp>【Race: Tree Demon】\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It seems these guys aren't officially called Treants.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The location of the Tree Demons is very far from the routes usually taken by adventurers.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lin Jun really didn't expect that there would be such a hidden emerald secret realm deep in the sixth floor.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Countless roots of old trees crisscrossed the ground, covered in green moss that spread throughout the entire space.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And the Tree Demons had merged their own roots into it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It wasn't until one large and two small Puji suddenly broke in that they slowly pulled their feet out of the soil.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Facing the intruders, the Tree Demons displayed a strong sense of territoriality.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Several Tree Demons slowly surrounded them, the roots on their arms twisting, looking like they would launch an attack at any moment.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Tree Demons ranged from 2 to 3 meters in height, while ordinary Puji were only 80cm, and the large-sized Puji mimicked by Xiao Hei was only 1.5 meters.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>When surrounded, it still looked quite oppressive.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xiao Hei didn't seem threatened in the slightest; instead, she excitedly pulled one fist behind her, her chubby body arching backward like a drawn bow.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>When pulled to the limit, her short legs exerted force, and she launched herself out with all her might.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A small pit exploded where she had been standing, and a large amount of mud splattered onto the scale armor of the two Puji behind her.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Before the sound of breaking air arrived, the Tree Demon opposite had already suffered a heavy blow.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Tree Demon's torso instantly burst into powder, while its relatively intact limbs were sent flying into the surroundings; one of the severed arms pierced straight into the chest of another Tree Demon.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This was also the first time Lin Jun had seen a Puji with speed so fast it could create afterimages!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>However, the Tree Demons seemed to know nothing of fear; facing Xiao Hei, who had instantly killed their companion, their attacking movements did not falter in the slightest.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seven or eight roots climbed up from the ground, wrapping around Xiao Hei's two short legs in an attempt to restrict her speed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>【Entangle】\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lin Jun knew this move too.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This was practically a standard skill for most plant-type monsters.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If the Entangle used simultaneously by several Tree Demons were used against someone else, even a werewolf from the 10th floor, it would provide a certain degree of restriction.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Unfortunately, this time they were facing Xiao Hei, a level 58 super elite monster whose stats far exceeded the norm!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Just by walking normally, the roots entangled around her body snapped one after another.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>One Tree Demon clasped its hands together, the branches intertwining to form a large hammer, and smashed it onto Xiao Hei, who hadn't dodged, but it couldn't even leave a mark on her black scales.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>No technique, just a pure difference in stats!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xiao Hei was like a bratty kid, playing around with the Tree Demons and breaking them one by one.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Without a shred of malice, she was simply satisfying her own desire for destruction.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After the last Tree Demon had its limbs dismantled, Xiao Hei seemed to have had enough fun.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She didn't continue deeper into the Tree Demon forest, but instead turned around and headed back the way she came.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lin Jun controlled one Puji to follow closely behind, while the other Puji stayed behind.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It looked at the moss that lived in symbiosis with the roots, and then at the last Tree Demon, which had lost its limbs but was not yet dead.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Puji tried spraying spores all around.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This place wasn't connected to the fungal network yet, so scattering spores would only allow them to grow on their own.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lin Jun just wanted to see if the mycelium could compete with this moss for living space.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Tree Demons probably wouldn't let Slimes enter their territory; if his mushrooms could compete against the moss, then this would be a natural fungal mat node.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Finding a few more places like this would make it much more convenient when he expanded downward later.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After spraying the spores from its body, this Puji also turned back to chase after Xiao Hei.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xiao Hei finding the Tree Demons was indeed based on perception, not on knowing the way.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This creature got lost after taking only two steps back...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In the end, it was Lin Jun's Puji that took the lead and guided her back to the main road.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Having had her fun, Xiao Hei rubbed her belly and looked at the two Puji beside her that didn't have 【Mana Storage】.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was time to go back and eat.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"We're so lucky, we took care of that Flower Demon before it could react, didn't let it spray its paralyzing fluid. This whole bottle is enough for us to trade for half a month's worth of wine...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The sound of conversation coming from near to far stopped abruptly at the corner.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The four adventurers preparing to return looked at the large black Puji in front of them that shouldn't have appeared on the sixth floor, and all cautiously drew their weapons.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Among them was a handsome young man holding a short bow, wearing green clothes and a green hat.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xiao Hei looked at him, and her body began to stretch backward...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>!?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Xiao Hei! Stop! Not this one either!!!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Bang—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>——\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In the hinterland of the Hermit Empire, inside Twilight Castle.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Pale fingers slid across the armrest of the crystal throne; on both sides of the hall, twelve large magic crystals lit up one by one.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>When the last crystal also glowed with a faint light, the giant prism suspended from the dome of the hall suddenly refracted twelve beams of scarlet light.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Beneath each beam of light, a phantom whose true face could not be seen appeared.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Darkness remains eternal, everyone.\" The voice of the person on the throne echoed beneath the blood-colored marble dome.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>All the phantoms bowed and responded: \"The Empire remains eternal, my Lord.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Lord of the Empire swept their gaze across the hall, noticing the only empty beam of light.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"What happened to Sigismund, do you know, Eleanor?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"How would Sigismund let me figure out his movements, Your Majesty.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A lazy female voice came from the third crystal on the right; Duke Eleanor's projection was reclining on a long couch built of bones.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her territory was right next to Sigismund's, but it was clear that the two did not have a good relationship.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Perhaps he foolishly fell into that human duke's trap again?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Last time he lost half a knight order; this time, he might have even gotten himself caught in it.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>No one took the second half of Eleanor's words seriously—everyone present knew that it was merely her \"beautiful wish.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The last time a high-ranking noble of the Empire died at the hands of humans, one would have to look back over a hundred years.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"That will disappoint you; I was only delayed by a small matter, unlike some people who could actually cause such a huge mess as losing the trail of the Holy Scripture.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A figure, robust in a way that didn't look like a vampire, solidified under the empty beam of light; Sigismund had clearly heard what Eleanor had just said.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ignoring the triggered Eleanor, Sigismund turned to the Emperor and added a bow: \"The Empire remains eternal, my Lord.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Eleanor seemed to want to continue arguing, but was stopped by a light tapping sound from the head seat.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"There is no need to worry about the Holy Scripture for now; this matter at hand is the top priority.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As they spoke, a secret letter written on parchment floated to the center of the hall, displaying its contents to all the great nobles present, and immediately sparked a heated discussion.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"It's actually a summoning ritual...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"The Hero...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"The Western Islands are actually helping them raise supplies as well...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"If they really summon one, our side...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"The Demon King has already...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"We definitely can't let them succeed; we should right now...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>When the discussion died down, the phantom closest to the left side of the throne asked at the right moment:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"My Lord, may I ask how credible this news is? And what are your plans?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Emperor looked with satisfaction at this right-hand man, one of the only two princes of the Empire, and replied:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"There is no need to doubt its authenticity.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As for what I plan to do?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Since the humans want to summon a Hero, then let them summon one.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I want to see what kind of despair they will be in when the Hero they spent so much time and effort summoning is killed on the spot.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"What do you mean?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Eleanor, Knoxfell, this task is not difficult for the two of you to complete with your abilities.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Yes.\" The two who were named stood up and responded immediately.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After the two sat down, the Emperor continued:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"At that time, the United Kingdom will have consumed massive resources only to get a Hero's corpse, and morale will inevitably collapse.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Once we divide and conquer, they will fall apart without us even attacking.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Your Majesty is wise, but if the two of them fail, what should we do?\" The one who asked this question was still that prince.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"What do you mean by that?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Even if you are a prince, you cannot humiliate me like this!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The two who felt insulted questioned simultaneously, but were pressed down by the Emperor with one hand.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"If they fail... then we will go to war immediately, at any cost, and never let the humans last until the day the Hero rises.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The cold tone that allowed for no questioning left everyone with no further objections.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"We will strictly follow your will.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The twelve phantoms dissipated in unison, leaving only the original figure in the empty hall.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The silence lasted for a long time.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A very light murmur came from the throne:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Facts will eventually prove that I am the most perfect ruler of the Demon race.\"\u003C\u002Fp>",1689,"2026-06-17T15:02:37.041Z","2026-06-18T03:34:23.509Z",1,"Gemini 3.1 Flash Lite","d236ea4681eca67e9f0bd3b0aa026b1c7439ae19e9d547371563fb31a1f259ef","this-dungeon-is-growing-mushrooms-chapter-58","this-dungeon-is-growing-mushrooms-chapter-56",165,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fthis-dungeon-has-sprouted-mushrooms-cover.jpg"]