Chu Jiangyue stood in front of the Mutated Willow Tree, whose branches swayed automatically, creating a "shush-shush" sound.
The Little Vine wrapped itself around Chu Jiangyue’s wrist, appearing like an Emperor Green Jade Bracelet when still.
The Little Vine tapped Chu Jiangyue’s palm, and Chu Jiangyue understood instantly.
The next moment, a cluster of Wood Element Superpower Energy gathered in Chu Jiangyue’s palm.
The branches of the Mutated Willow Tree became excitedly erratic upon sensing the Wood Element Superpower Energy in Chu Jiangyue’s palm.
No matter how erratic they flew, they avoided Chu Jiangyue without causing her any harm.
At this moment, Chu Jiangyue sensed the Mutated Willow Tree’s emotion: "Delicious! Want it!"
Though only two simple words, they made Chu Jiangyue extremely happy.
"I can transfer my superpower to you, but I have a request."
—What request? Tell me!
When the branches of the Mutated Willow Tree stopped flying erratically and were avoiding Chu Jiangyue, one branch carefully approached the Wood Element Superpower Energy in her palm and tapped her palm gently with its branch.
"The group there is led by me from home, and they wish to pass through this route.
I hope that when we drive through later, you will pretend not to see and allow us safe passage."
Whether mutated plants or mutated animals, they all have territorial awareness.
The Mutated Willow Tree is planted by the roadside, making this road its territory. To pass through its territory, one needs the Mutated Willow Tree’s permission.
Otherwise, any rash actions would surely result in merciless attacks from the Mutated Willow Tree.
Though they are in a vehicle manufactured by Jianglin Hotel, which should protect them from harm, getting blocked would still be troublesome.
—Alright!
Sensing the Mutated Willow Tree agreed to her request, Chu Jiangyue smiled.
Unhesitatingly, she transferred her superpowers to the Mutated Willow Tree.
After transferring the superpower, Chu Jiangyue felt like the Mutated Willow Tree stretched lazily and its branches and twigs became smoother and more distinctly colored than before.
Having agreed on the conditions with the Mutated Willow Tree, Chu Jiangyue intended to return to Shen Zhigui.
However, as Chu Jiangyue turned to leave, a leaf from a branch of the Mutated Willow Tree suddenly cut her finger.
A drop of blood fell on the branch’s leaves and quickly disappeared.
Feeling the pain, Chu Jiangyue instinctively drew her hand back, seeing the small wound, she gathered a bit of Wood Element Superpower Energy, and the wound healed almost immediately.
Except for a bloodstain on her finger, there was no sign of recent injury.
Chu Jiangyue did not converse further with the Mutated Willow Tree, and turned to walk toward Shen Zhigui.
Seeing Chu Jiangyue return safely, Shen Zhigui finally breathed a sigh of relief.
"How about it? Are you alright?"
Shen Zhigui quickly checked over Chu Jiangyue, only relaxing once he was sure she wasn’t injured.
He wanted to approach but hesitated since their relationship wasn’t close enough to ignore the boundaries between male and female.
"No problem, we can head back. I’ve made an agreement with the Mutated Willow Tree — it will let us pass safely."
Parting with a bit of superpower was merely a trivial effort for Chu Jiangyue.
"Really? Are you sure it’s not a trick?"
In this cannibalistic apocalyptic world, being cautious is best.
"No problem, I’ve given it something in return."
The Mutated Willow Tree, like the Little Vine, adored her superpowers — wanting more means it won’t betray her.
On this matter, Chu Jiangyue felt very confident.
Shen Zhigui didn’t know how Chu Jiangyue negotiated with the Mutated Willow Tree, but since she had said so, Shen Zhigui believed her.
"Shall we head back now?"
Having made a promise to the Mutated Willow Tree, it’s best to pass quickly before any change of heart occurs.
Chu Jiangyue nodded, returning with Shen Zhigui along the route they came.
Lin Xuyuan saw Chu Jiangyue and Shen Zhigui walking back through his binoculars and hurriedly shared the news.
The return journey often felt shorter than the way there, and Chu Jiangyue and Shen Zhigui returned to the main group’s location, where many gathered around to express their concerns.
"Boss Chu, I saw you approach the Mutated Willow Tree alone earlier, are you okay?"
"Brother Shen, you’re not injured, are you?"
Chu Jiangyue and Shen Zhigui responded to each inquiry, assuring everyone of their safety and confirming the agreement with the Mutated Willow Tree for passage.
"Really?"
Many found it hard to believe, given how unapproachable the Mutated Willow Tree seemed.
"Of course, it’s true. There’s no reason to joke about such things.
Gather your things, we’re preparing to set off."
Chu Jiangyue didn’t want to delay, otherwise, reaching another inhabited place before dark would be impossible.
Continuing along this road leads to a stretch of highway.
Around the highway, there aren’t any habitable places.
Despite doubts, others couldn’t present better alternatives, ultimately opting to follow Chu Jiangyue and Shen Zhigui’s decision.
Returning to her vehicle, Chu Jiangyue ignored others’ opinions, secured the young tiger with its seatbelt, and started the engine.
The silver SUV slowly advanced across the snow-covered landscape, flanked by two black-and-white striped tigers strolling beside it.
As Chu Jiangyue’s vehicle approached the Mutated Willow Tree’s attack range, those in the rear grew anxious.
However, their worries proved unnecessary, as the Mutated Willow Tree easily detected Chu Jiangyue’s presence inside, using its branches to sweep away snow from the road.
Observing the Mutated Willow Tree’s considerate actions, those in the rear were astounded.
Was this the same erratic, short-tempered Mutated Willow Tree from earlier?
Had it not been possessed by someone else?
Unaffected by concerns at the back, Chu Jiangyue leisurely tossed another small cluster of Wood Element Superpower Energy to the tree while passing, driving smoothly through its blockade.
Others quickly followed suit, fearing the Willow Tree might lash out if not in a good mood.
Receiving more of Chu Jiangyue’s energy, the Mutated Willow Tree’s branches flew around happily.
Those yet to pass were startled by the erratically flying branches, unable to even press the accelerator, and halted their cars in place.
Those stuck wanted to honk, but feared provoking the Willow Tree, leaving them stranded.
Chu Jiangyue’s vehicle had gone far ahead, just as Song Chengjun messaged her about someone at the back getting cold feet and unable to drive.
Chu Jiangyue furrowed her brow, thinking how having such a timid person join only accelerated one’s demise.