Chapter 612: Sprouts, Scents, and Unseen Dangers at the Toon Tree

Because Tang Huai had stirred up trouble earlier and angered my Idol, I didn’t give him a chance to scold me after calling—just went straight to reporting. “Third Brother, my Green Lantern Toon Tree suddenly sprouted two hours ago. The scent it released attracted a swarm of bugs and even sent Old Goat into a frenzy, ramming the tree. I was wearing a level three outdoor protective mask but still felt the effects—restless, angry.”

What I said piqued Zhang San’s interest; his voice stayed calm. “What kind of gas? What sort of insect?”

Whew—

I let out a breath of relief and replied, “It’s colorless, the smell is faint. When I checked it with the air toxin detector we traded, it just said ‘unknown gas.’ I bagged a sprouting branch in a packaging bag, so that should’ve trapped some of the gas. I don’t recognize the bugs either—should I bring them to you now?”

Zhang San replied, “No need. I’ll have someone come pick them up.”

“Alright, thanks, Third Brother.” I took the chance to bargain. “Once you’ve figured things out, could you trade me some pesticide specifically for these pests? With daytime temps rising above zero tomorrow, I bet more bugs will come.”

Zhang San snorted, “Let’s test things first, then talk.”

Ji Li, Territory Seven’s courier, arrived at Section Three’s Northern Gate in no time, picking up both the gas sample and a bag of bugs I prepped.

I’d just gotten Old Goat’s bath ready, hadn’t even finished cooking, when Zhang San called again.

“The tree’s attacker is an evolved type of toon borer moth. These evolved bugs are extremely cold-resistant—they survive winter in trees as large larvae, then crawl out and feed in spring. After making cocoons, they turn into pupae and hatch quickly, mate, and lay eggs. Does your Toon Tree’s trunk have any swollen callus growths or holes in the bark left behind by these borers?”

I paused for two seconds. “No big holes, Third Brother. What do those calluses look like?”

Zhang San’s silence dragged on even longer than mine. “Head outside to the tree. I’ll look myself.”

I threw on the airtight suit and rushed outside, flashlight in hand, then started a video call with my Idol.

Zhang San usually seems easygoing, but he turns sharp and focused for research. He scanned the Toon Tree’s trunk, side and small branches, even the clusters of young shoots before stating, “There are a few callus growths, which means an evolved toon borer must’ve laid eggs in wounds between the bark. The larvae hatched and burrowed inside, tunneling between the phloem and xylem, causing swollen healing tissue. Yes, exactly where your finger’s pointing now.”

I studied those odd bumps on the trunk, committing the name to memory: overgrown callus tissue formed after insect damage.

After finishing with the bugs, Zhang San asked me to hang up and move somewhere safe before talking again.

Once I got home and made sure everything was secure, I called my Idol back. Now Zhang San mentioned the unknown gas I’d sent, “According to your description, the tree’s self-defense is to release this gas when sprouting, attracting animals to drive off the evolved borers. But the types of animals it lured were a bit strange. Did you tell anyone else about the tree releasing gas?”

I answered fast, “You’re the only one I’ve told.”

That satisfied Zhang San, and his tone warmed up a bit. “The gas sample has a new Evolutionary Synthetic Element. Its purpose and effects are still under research, so keep quiet about it. I’ll have Zhang He come over later for another sample and send you pesticide that’s even more effective against these evolved borers. And keep a close eye on your evolved sheep—don’t let it knock over the tree. This tree’s incredibly valuable for research.”

I’d come across Evolutionary Synthetic Elements in trading data before.

They’re a type of Evolutionary Substance, their origin much like Devastation Synthetic Substances—but instead of harmful, most Evolutionary ones are harmless or even beneficial to humans.

In contrast, most Devastation Synthetics—especially toxins—are extremely harmful. But nearly all Evolutionary Synthetics are safe, some even helpful to the body.

Seems like when this big tree develops an Evolutionary Synthetic Element, its internal bio-magnetic field changes a lot—explaining why my Magnetic Sense Evolution Ability let me detect something odd about it.

Now, the tree’s worth far outstrips any regular Green Lantern plant. I’ll have to guard it well.

“Don’t worry, Third Brother. I’ll protect the Toon Tree.” I promised, then kept asking, “Remember last spring, three days after I met Old Goat, he lost control during a Devastation Rain. Could that be from this Evolutionary Synthetic Element unbalancing the Devastation and Evolution Elements in his body?”

I’m starting to suspect the tree’s Evolutionary Synthetic Element is unusual—maybe even dangerous to humans and animals.

Zhang San became even more interested, asked for detailed info on Old Goat’s breakdown, then answered cautiously, “That could be. What’s your sheep’s Devastation and Evolution Element content now?”

Uh…

As I wiped Old Goat’s fur, I lowered my voice. “Back in April, Devastation Element was 4‰, Evolution Element was 4—haven’t tested again since.”

This time, Zhang San was quiet for a long time before sighing, “If only the Devastation Element was a bit lower.”

Lower content would make the flavor better…

I swallowed at the delicious thought, but kept my mouth shut and asked, “Er Gou was under the tree too, but the gas didn’t affect him. Could it be that this gas targets certain animals?”

Zhang San’s voice went lazy again. “Three possible reasons: One—Er Gou hadn’t fully recovered, so the Evolutionary Synthetic Element didn’t do much. Two—he’s not an evolved animal, just a regular one. Three—the scent particularly affects strength-evolved creatures.”

Then he got curious about Old Goat again. “The way your sheep kept up such high Green Lantern quality even after losing control is worth studying. Once the Devastation Rain passes, clip him a tuft of wool and draw a tube of blood for testing, alright?”

I made my feelings clear. “One tube of blood, one tuft of wool. Old Goat’s my precious partner, and important for the Wolf Pack too. Please don’t spread word about his condition, Third Brother.”

No more than one tube of blood, but I can send extra wool.

“Of course.” Zhang San agreed without argument. “You said the Toon Tree itself is of good quality, right?”

“Yeah. When I tested it last spring, Evolution Element was 1, Devastation Element 0.23‰.” I’d tried sending some to my Idol before, but he turned it down—he just can’t stand toon sprouts.

Now Zhang San was interested, “Evolution Element that low probably means the tree turned most of it into new substances. Have Zhang He bring back a chunk as trade for the pesticide.”

Just like Zhang Song last time, Zhang He arrived in an airtight suit—carried over by Yan Long.

Once she caught her breath, she immediately began sampling the Toon Tree bark and branches.

After taking the bark, soil, and toon sprouts, Zhang He got my permission to take a tree branch and a small bag of toon sprouts. Then she handed over the pesticide, reminding me carefully, “This pesticide doesn’t just kill bugs, it also masks the scent. Miss Xia, it’s best to spray it now and then every eight hours. Your tree’s sprouts will keep growing—the scent will draw more evolved borers and in turn the birds and animals that prey on them.”

She added gratefully, “Good thing this all happened at night.”

If this had broken out during the day, birds would’ve swarmed in after the insects—causing an even bigger stir.