After the banquet, Fulwood kept Jacob back while dismissing everyone else under the pretext of discussing the star hackers' matter with him.
The Dark Earls didn't tarry and bid Jacob farewell; some even invited him to their own estate, especially an only female Giant among the Earls. She seemed overly passionate and gave Jacob a luscious smile before she left.
Jacob didn't react much as he humbly thanked everyone and promised to visit whenever he had the chance.
After everyone left, Fulwood led Jacob into a beautiful garden behind the mansion. There was a small pound glowing under the moonlight and a small pavilion with a table and chairs.
"What do you think about this place? I've personally nurtured these plants, as they help me not only calm my mind but also cultivate my race's power.
"You see, we Spirit Trees are the only race in the unique plains with the highest affinity with the wood element. Once we approach unique rank, our wood element even contains a sliver of life, one of the most sacred elements in the Zodiac Plains." Fulwood proudly stated while leading Jacob inside the pavilion, and they both sat around the table.
Then Fulwood took out a beautiful emerald bottle and two glasses before he poured the liquid in them. A starry green liquid poured into the glasses, and there seemed to be countless glitters in the liquid. A powerful scent of nature filled the air.
Jacob's eyes contorted when he took a whiff of that mind-soothing scent because he suddenly felt the same sensation from this liquid that he felt whenever Nyx integrated soul vitality into his soul. Although it was far vaguer, he knew he wasn't wrong.
'A soul-type medicine?!' Jacob's heart raced slightly as he looked at the small, exquisite emerald bottle in Fulwood's hand, shaped like a pine cone. It could hold around 500ml of liquid, and it seemed more than half full.
"This liquid?" Jacob had to ask while he kept his wild desire in check.
Fulwood smiled and grew as he said, "It seemed you've sensed the mystery hidden in this liquid, huh? This is Spirit Tree Nectar, which can only be produced by our race. It is sweeter than honey and more intoxicating than alcohol or carnal pleasures, and most importantly, it can elevate a person's mental realm.
"You see, if you want to go beyond the Unique Rank, the mental realm becomes necessary, and without a powerful mental realm, it's impossible to take that step. Furthermore, only by strengthening your mental realm to the limit can you awaken something essential to reach a powerful realm beyond your imagination: the Soul!
"So, you can easily understand the value of this signal mouthful of Spirit Tree Nectar, which is enough to cause a bloody war in the entire Unique Plains. And trust me when I say, even the leaders of factions would pay any price to acquire just this much…"
Jacob could see the foxy glint in Fulwood's eyes as he was explaining about the Spirit Tree Nectar as he knew what was coming.
He mused sharply, 'Mental Realm… I didn't hear about this before. Could it be the dreamscape realm? No, if it was Immortika would've mentioned it, it might be some other part of the soul.
'Nonetheless, this idiot just explained the Quasi Legend Step of the three steps of legend more clearly to me. He said only by strengthening this mental realm to the limit can one awaken the Soul. So, the soul vitality I'm devouring and the changes of my senses—could it be this is what he's talking about?'
"Since this Spirit Tree Nectar is so precious, I reckon His Highness wants something in return from me, right? Please feel free to tell me. If it is something that I can do, I'll try my best," Jacob calmly stated while his eyes were on the starry green liquid in the glasses.
'If I have a few barrels of this Spirit Tree Nectar, which can elevate the soul, then I'll have the strength to keep the Eyes of Judge open for a minute maximum. But Zoe never mentioned its existence. Her status seems quite low, and only these direct children of Dark Duke can enjoy this Spirit Tree Nectar. Should I use Autarch to turn this guy into a puppet once Autarch enters the Unique Rank…'
Fulwood failed to notice the hidden cruelty in Jacob's eyes. He was filled with satisfaction when he took Jacob's gaze at the Spirit Tree Nectar as a desire, and he thought he had succeeded in baiting him.
Yet, he has no idea that he just put a huge target on his head by revealing this Spirit Tree Nectar to Jacob. If it was something else, Jacob might've dropped the idea. Right now, Jacob greatly lacks the soul strength to control the eyes of judge so he can peer into the Immortal Chapter's secrets.
So, this was directly related to increasing his strength and gaining an advantage over those three steps of legend experts. That's why he was now really starting to consider sending Autarch on a mission once its evolution was complete.
"Haha, you are indeed smart, Jack. I'll be blunt then: the reason I've told you about my race and show you this Spirit Tree Nectar is simple, and what I'm about to ask of you is also the will of the Dark Duke, my father, and also the Patriarch of the Spirit Tree Race." Fulwood solemnly stated, "I'm inviting you to join our Spirit Tree Race by changing your bloodline and marrying my niece Zoe!"
Jacob was startled a little when he heard this unexpected invitation. He could still make some sense with the second part, but the bloodline-changing demand really stumped him.
Although he knew the bloodline evaluation was a possibility in the higher plains, he had never heard about an entire bloodline change.
"I'm sorry, but I don't understand. By bloodline change, do you mean to say you have the means to make me a Spirit Tree Race Member?" Jacob asked with narrowed eyes.
Fulwood nodded solemnly, "Indeed, but this is only achievable with my Father's help. You have to endure excruciating pain to change your bloodline completely, and you need to acquire the purity of a Spirit Tree descendant with excellent bloodline density. My niece Zoe is perfect.
"However, once you succeed, you will acquire a far stronger bloodline than yours, and most importantly, you'll be part of the Spirit Tree Race. Your future prospects will be limitless!
"This kind of offer only appeared once in a blue moon, and my father has a very favorable impression of it; if you agree, then you can leave for the Dark Kingdom tomorrow, and you will not have to worry about the Star Hackers ever again."
Fulwood's words were filled with temptation and made sense. If it were someone else, they would've agreed in a heartbeat since the Spirit Tree Race was one of the ruling races of the Unique Plains.
But Jacob sensed consOriginal behind it, and even if there weren't, he would never change into any bloodline, even if it was from a dragon. After all, the cursed bloodline was mandatory in his path of immortality!
Jacob impassively replied, "Forgive me, Your Highness, but I must refuse, and it's time for me to leave. Thank you for your hospitality and this generous offer!"