Age of Evolution

The northern region of the Star Fruit Tree is the least populated, whether it’s the east, south, or west, there are more people than in the north.

It’s because the three directions can enjoy the sunlight. The Star Fruit Tree absorbs cosmic energy, but the largest constant star body closest to the tree is the sun. Sunlight is also one form of cosmic energy and one of the largest sources.

The north is never exposed to sunlight, so the innate conditions are insufficient, and the birth of Star Crystals becomes extremely difficult.

Lin Zhen and Su Mingyue walked out of the dense forest in the north. Su

Mingyue asked, “Which direction should we go in?”

“Let’s go to the ant nest on the west side. Although there are more people there, we will have to interact with the crowd sooner or later. Besides, I have such a strong bodyguard like Su Saintess. If we don’t dare to take a risk, we’d be too timid,” Lin Zhen replied.

“Before, maybe. But after watching you practice last night, I think I might not be able to beat you. In the future, you might have to protect me instead.” Su Mingyue said seriously.

“Mingyue, don’t belittle yourself. Your strength is absolutely strong among the War General level, and haven’t you noticed that after so many days of our training together, your strength has improved quite a bit? I don’t dare speculate how much, but last time, during the 494th fight, you could have almost handled the two Advanced War Generals alone.”

Su Mingyue nodded earnestly, “I think so too.”

Looking at the girl who was unable to lie and didn’t know how to flatter, Lin Zhen laughed out loud, speeding up his steps. A few hours later, they arrived at Lake Heart Tree.

“Let’s go to the west. As long as we search slowly, we’ll definitely find the ant nest.”

At this moment, Lin Zhen had a headache, knowing only that the ant nest was in the west, but he wasn’t sure about the specific location. The area of the western jungle was vast, and if they searched slowly, they might not find it in half a month.

The two of them stood side by side on a main branch in front of the jungle, unsure if they should go this way.

Just then, someone suddenly arrived from behind.

Lin Zhen and Su Mingyue stood still, wanting to see who it was and maybe ask them for the exact location.

About seven or eight people came over, turning around the shade of the tree, and were taken aback when they saw Lin Zhen and Su Mingyue.

“Su Mingyue? Lin Zhen? Why are you two together?”

The person who spoke had an explosion hairstyle, but now it looked more like a bird’s nest. It was Lin Zhen’s roommate, Ma Mingxing.

He followed the team, with the handsome and talented martial artist from the Demon Capital, Jiang Huai, leading the way.

Jiang Huai had ranked third in the assessment, not only losing to Su Mingyue but also to Li Changying. However, no one doubted his fighting ability. He didn’t lose any points during the combat rounds, and his willpower and practical experience surpassed others.

Even in the practical combat round, Jiang Huai fought with an easygoing demeanor, seemingly not exerting all his strength, making it hard for others to see his real ability.

Other than the two from the Demon Capital, there were also two from the Capital Base City and a few from Tianfu Base City. Among them was Lin Zhen’s roommate, Sun Tie.

Seeing Su Mingyue and Lin Zhen together, Jiang Huai was also stunned for a moment.

But he soon smiled and said, “What a coincidence, we’ve met the top two here. I wonder if you’re interested in joining us to the ant nest.”

“You’re going to the ant nest? Do you know how to get there?” Lin Zhen asked.

“Yes, someone in our group has been there once, but he couldn’t stay there alone, so he came back to find us. We took some effort to find these people and decided to team up to give it a try. If the two of you join our team, our chances of success will be even greater,” Jiang Huai replied sincerely, inviting Lin Zhen and Su Mingyue to join them.

Lin Zhen looked at Su Mingyue, and she showed him a sweet smile, “I’ll listen to you.”

Suddenly, Lin Zhen felt a headache growing. Su Mingyue might be naive, but she was definitely not a fool. What did she mean by saying this in front of everyone?

Although the two had been living together for more than half a month, neither of them had shown any anomalies, as if they were two happy playmates, everything seemed natural.

It was rare to see Su Mingyue smile. During these days, Lin Zhen had only seen her smile a few times, let alone such a radiant smile.

She was definitely doing it on purpose!

With Lin Zhen’s experience, he quickly came to such a conclusion, even though he couldn’t figure out Su Mingyue’s intention for the time being.

As expected, Su Mingyue’s ladylike demeanor and sweet smile stunned everyone present.

Lin Zhen hurriedly said to Jiang Huai, “Alright, we’ll go with you guys, you can go ahead.”

Jiang Huai made a sound but forgot to show his happiness. He got up and walked to the front.

The remaining martial artists followed in a line, all walking along this massive tree branch.

When Ma Mingxing walked past Lin Zhen, he quietly raised a thumb: “Lin Zhen, I finally understand why that fatso Zhang Yue calls you his idol. You’re not only great at martial arts, but also impressive in other aspects. From now on, you are my idol too.”

Lin Zhen didn’t reply, and Ma Mingxing continued walking.

The martial artists behind continued walking, with Lin Zhen and Su Mingyue following at the back, still able to hear their conversation.

“Oh my, am I seeing things? Just now, Su Mingyue smiled so beautifully. It’s the first time I’ve seen her smile like that in Capital Base City. She’s truly my goddess.”

“Come on, man, snap out of it. She wasn’t smiling at you. What are you so smug about?”

“Yeah, what’s the relationship between Su Mingyue and Lin Zhen? Look at how she’s following him closely, as if afraid that Lin Zhen might run away. Did Lin Zhen do something beastly to her and doesn’t want to take responsibility?”

“You fool! Who wouldn’t want to take responsibility if Su Mingyue followed them? Unless they weren’t a man. They’re clearly having a romantic moment.”

“Oh no, my goddess is getting married. Lin Zhen is such a lucky guy, I want to duel him.”

“Duel my ass! If you dare touch Lin Zhen now, I bet Su Saintess will obliterate you first.”

“I agree. Go on, dying under a peony tree might be romantic, even as a ghost.

To be murdered by Su Saintess personally is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Next year, on this day, I’ll come visit your heroic spirit.”

Her smile was just too enchanting. Don’t tell me none of you want to see it. I’d never believe that.”

Lin Zhen and Su Mingyue were walking at the back, listening to the buzzing discussion like flies. Lin Zhen glanced at Su Mingyue. Her beautiful face remained calm as if they weren’t talking about her at all.

Lin Zhen forced a smile, “Why did you do that?”

Su Mingyue replied, “I don’t like people always crowding around me. Now, anyone who wants to bother me will have to go through you first. You’ll be my shield from now on, and I’ll be behind you. Don’t complain about it.”

“Sure, I’ve never met anyone so righteous about using others as a shield.” “Because I trust you.” Su Mingyue replied calmly, not joking.

Lin Zhen was slightly surprised but didn’t say anything. He walked faster, leading Su Mingyue to the front of the group, as he wasn’t accustomed to being at the end.

Seeing Lin Zhen coming, Jiang Huai smiled and said, “Brother Lin is so blessed.”

Before Lin Zhen could answer, Jiang Huai changed the subject and called Ma Mingxing: “Ma Mingxing, you’ve been to the ant nest, right? Tell Brother Lin and Miss Su about it, so we can all be prepared.”

Ma Mingxing walked to the front, talking to Lin Zhen and Su Mingyue while walking: “I have indeed been to the ant nest once. I got separated from the others and discovered that place. I’ve told them already, so let me fill you in.”

“The ant nest is a massive area of withered branches. There are many dry branches and leaves there, unlike the cleanliness of other places. The area also has a bad wind, and over a long time, the accumulated dust forms small hills, becoming an ant paradise.”

“There must be many ants.” Lin Zhen interjected.

“Exactly. I believe everyone has seen many insects here, but you’ve never seen a large group of mutated ants. How should I describe it?”

Ma Mingxing thought for a moment, and said two words: “Shocking!”

“Yes, shocking. There are mainly three types of ants in the nest. First, worker ants that are as large as tigers from the Old World era. Their numbers are countless, and they gather food and transport materials. Their combat strength isn’t that strong, but their numbers are overwhelming.”

“Besides worker ants, there are powerful soldier ants. They are four to five times the size of worker ants, and their numbers are also considerable. They don’t seem too numerous under normal circumstances, but when their nest is invaded, countless soldier ants will appear. Their combat strength is very fierce. Although they’re not as strong as other insects individually, they’re unbeatable when swarming. I saw a Level Nine Martial General devoured into a skeleton by hundreds of soldier ants in an instant.”

“So what are the other ants besides soldier ants and worker ants?” Su Mingyue asked from the side.

Hearing the beauty’s question, Ma Mingxing’s spirit lifted, “In addition to worker ants and soldier ants, there are winged ants. These ants have wings and usually hide among the leaves and branches around the ant nest. If flying insects or Spiritual Mind Masters try to approach, they will die a miserable death. ”

“With so many ants, you still dare to go?”

“Of course we dare to go. Because the place is so inaccessible, many Star Crystals have accumulated there over the years. Star Cores are rarely seen, with most being meteors, comets, planets, and even constant stars. Naturally, those who aren’t afraid of death are willing to go.”

Ma Mingxing paused: “Once in the ant nest, we have to fight both ants and people, which is why we formed this large group.. Because that place is a

battlefield!”