Chapter Twenty-Nine: The Return Journey (Please Keep Reading)

Releasing his power, an immensely exhausted Lin Feng understood that he had yet to truly wield the full majesty of his authority, as a god would.

While a Vision is powerful enough in the eyes of ordinary people, in the context of the game's lore, it is merely a "shard" of a god’s authority. If the authority of a god were a precious gemstone, then though Lin Feng was far beyond the level of a mere shard, he was likely only at about one-third of that full potential.

Even though one-third of a "god's" power is still overwhelming to ordinary beings, it is not enough to stand head-on against an "Avatar of the Withering," which is itself nearly divine.

Setting aside his inner thoughts, Lin Feng began to observe the world before him, now cleansed by the power of "Life."

The once-scarlet sphere had returned to a lush, verdant green. Trees that had withered under the Withering now sprouted with new vitality under the canopy of his authority. In the center of the cavern, the pond that had once been parched was now brimming with nectar overflowing from the spring. Everything was filled with the breath of life, a stark contrast to the twisted, ominous place it had been before.

"Thank you, powerful Nara, for everything you have done. Thank you."

"We have been freed from the burden of 'Marana,' the 'Vana.' She is very happy, Vana."

"The tall Nara is a hero, a friend. We will offer you our blessings at the Festival of Utsava."

The three little ones gazed at the "Vana," which was in the best condition it had ever been in thanks to his power, and one after another, they offered Lin Feng their gratitude and blessings.

Frankly accepting the little ones' praise, Lin Feng left the trio, who were busy whispering to the Vana, and embarked on his journey home.

...

It had just turned night when he arrived in the Vanarana, but as he left, a glimmer of golden-red light was already beginning to pierce the horizon. Bathed in the first rays of morning light, Lin Feng felt an unprecedented sense of ease.

After a battle that could even be described as effortless, Lin Feng had confirmed his current level of power: he was now nearing the pinnacle of the mortal world. Aside from the kin of gods and the high-ranking Harbingers of Snezhnaya, no non-divine entity could pose any threat to him.

With such great power from just a single element, Lin Feng looked forward with immense anticipation to what he might achieve once he gathered all seven elements and the complete authority of a god.

Confident that the forest would not produce any more Withering in the near future, Lin Feng felt a genuine sense of joy, even though he had left his post as a forest ranger. Sensing the feedback from the Vana, he knew he would become even stronger after the Festival of Utsava.

Returning directly felt a bit boring. Lin Feng recalled some information he had gathered regarding boss-level monsters due to the concentration of elements across the entire forest. Interested in these powerful creatures, he decided to head to a nearby underground cavern to visit the boss-level elemental lifeform responsible for harmonizing the ley lines here: the Electro Regisvine.

Sumeru's underground was a labyrinth of interconnected tunnels where even exploration experts could easily get lost. But for Lin Feng, who could obtain information directly through elemental vision, finding the Electro Regisvine—which stood out brightly in his elemental senses—was a simple task.

...

Without any trouble getting lost, and relying on his powerful physique and the ability to flexibly create vines, Lin Feng moved toward the nearby Electro Regisvine at high speed.

...

In the vast, open underground cavern.

Lin Feng studied the Electro Regisvine before him, which was bound tightly to the ground by countless vines and completely unable to move. He was somewhat struck by nature's incredible craftsmanship.

Although it had no power to fight back against him, the Electro Regisvine's profile was actually quite formidable:

[Individual Information: Elemental Lifeform—Boss—Electro Regisvine]
Level: 63 (As the leader of predatory Electro-elemental plants, the Electro Regisvine is rooted in the ley lines. The ley line energy it harmonizes can revitalize plants and enrich the soil. If its elemental shield cannot be broken, even those far stronger than it would find it difficult to defeat.)
Attribute: Electro
Traits: Electro Affinity 7, Electro Resistance 6, Elemental Shield 6, Focused Beam 6, Core Shift 6, Lightning Strike 5...
Mood: Fear
Affinity: 20 (It fears your power; submission to a superior lifeform is the instinct of an elemental being.)

Though its level was not high, the Electro Regisvine's actual combat capability was extremely strong, thanks to its exaggerated elemental shield and high-level elemental affinity.

Perhaps because this type of elemental lifeform, which grows from Whopperflowers, is not unique, the Electro Regisvine was not as powerful as expected. Thus, upon realizing that the enemy's control over elements was far beyond its own, the Electro Regisvine, fearful of Lin Feng's power, submitted.

Lin Feng had no intention of subjugating it anyway. Such giant elemental plants had their own duties; they rooted themselves in the ley lines to harmonize the elements within, which, in the long run, was extremely beneficial to the world.

Considering the Electro Regisvine's massive size and lack of mobility, Lin Feng disregarded its submission but still released his restraints.

Curious about the texture of the Electro Regisvine, Lin Feng walked straight forward and reached out to touch the few deep-blue leaves at its base.

Understanding the gap between them, the Electro Regisvine remained motionless, allowing Lin Feng to stroke its body.

*Zzz...*

Lin Feng withdrew his hand, which was being constantly struck by tiny static discharges, and concluded that the Electro Regisvine had no talent for being a pet.

...

Nearby, little White also jumped up out of curiosity, only for its fur to instantly puff up, turning it into a white hedgehog.

"Squeak!" White jumped away in a panic, swearing never to approach this strange purple plant again.

In appreciation of its good attitude, Lin Feng left behind some pure Dendro energy to help it grow.

Bidding farewell to the somewhat reluctant Electro Regisvine, Lin Feng set off on his return journey, his curiosity satisfied and his mood quite pleasant.

Seeing that night was approaching, Lin Feng took a tent and food from his dream space and enjoyed a wonderful meal with the long-expectant White.

After using a Dendro-powered electric swatter to kill some nearby flying insects, Lin Feng lay on the grass, watching the star-studded sky, which shone like a galaxy.

Even though the firmament was false, that dazzling beauty was real and undeniable. In his past life, having spent so much time indoors, Lin Feng had never seen a night sky as brilliant as Teyvat's.

Breathing in the fresh air of the forest, Lin Feng gradually felt a wave of sleepiness. He called back the wandering White, erected a Dendro barrier, and slowly drifted off into dreamland.

*It would be nice to have a chef around,* the drowsy Lin Feng thought aimlessly. *I'm getting a bit tired of eating pre-made meals every day.*

...

In the familiar green dreamscape, Nahida sat beside Lin Feng, listening absentmindedly as he recounted the things he had seen along the way.

Ignoring the hand Lin Feng had placed on her head, Nahida felt a longing for such a life. She could only appear in the dreams of others and had never personally experienced what a true journey was like.

That was why she was always so fascinated by Lin Feng's stories of his travels.

*What was the scenery on the road like? What kind of people and small animals did you meet? How was the weather, and where did you set up camp to rest? What kind of food did you eat...*

The Little Grass God's questions seemed endless. When she asked them, she wouldn't even run away if Lin Feng stroked her head or ears.

Understanding the deep longing for freedom within Nahida's heart, Lin Feng officially added the implementation of a certain plan to his schedule.