Reborn as a lotus, she initially refuses to hand it over to the state.

Qingfeng's vines currently cover a significant portion of Heilong Mountain, but it's far from enough to truly cover the restricted area within a 300-kilometer radius.

Furthermore, its current strength is at the early stage of the fourth rank, but with the help of the second spiritual energy tide, it has broken through to the fourth rank.

The main reason why it did not break through to the mid-stage of the fourth tier is that plant-type beasts are more difficult to break through than animal-type beasts, and the larger its root system, the easier it is for its consciousness to be scattered.

If expansion is forcibly undertaken, it is highly likely to cause confusion of consciousness, or even the withering of the physical body.

Chu Zhou couldn't let Qingfeng take such a risk, because Qingfeng was very important to the restricted area.

It is the most suitable companion for Heilongshan to be its eyes.

Thinking of this, Chu Zhou said, "Qingfeng."

Outside Black Dragon Mountain, a large expanse of vines swayed simultaneously, and Qingfeng's voice rang out, respectfully saying, "Master."

Chu Zhou said, "Your strength is not enough right now."

Qingfeng said with some shame, "This subordinate is incompetent."

Chu Zhou said, "I am not blaming you. You have done a very good job recently. The defense of the Qinglian Forbidden Zone cannot be separated from your role."

However, the forbidden zone needs to expand, and with your current strength, you are not yet able to truly help me. Today, I will help you break through to the late stage of the fourth tier.

Upon hearing this, Qingfeng was visibly excited, and the vines surrounding the entire Black Dragon Mountain trembled.

Qingfeng said excitedly, "Thank you, Master."

Without further ado, Chu Zhou unfurled the seven lotus leaves of the Azure Lotus in the center of the lake, and wisps of azure essence flowed from within the lotus, spreading along the earth's veins towards the direction where Qingfeng's true form was located.

Qingfeng's true form is not by the lake, but in an ancient vine forest on the outskirts of Black Dragon Mountain.

What was originally just an ordinary forest became overgrown with vines after the second spiritual energy tide, and the entire forest was taken over by Qingfeng.

At this moment, the azure light surged into the ancient vine forest along the earth's veins.

With a rumble, the ground shook, and dark green vines emerged from the ground, coiling together like giant pythons.

Qingfeng's true form emerged; it was an ancient vine as thick as a water vat.

The vine is covered with dark blue-green patterns, and its tendrils extend in all directions, making it look like a small mountain made of vines.

Chu Zhou's Azure Lotus Origin was infused into it, and Qing Feng's aura began to surge.

Peak of early stage of fourth rank, mid-stage of fourth rank, peak of mid-stage of fourth rank.

Just as it was about to break through to the late stage of the fourth tier, countless enormous vines suddenly trembled violently.

Some of the vines even began to uncontrollably crush the surrounding trees.

Upon seeing this, Xuan Ku's expression changed slightly: "Lord Qinglian, Lord Yao Teng's consciousness is too scattered."

"Its roots are spread throughout Black Dragon Mountain. If it tries to break through to a higher realm by force, it will likely suffer a backlash from its immense perception."

Chen Mo's scalp tingled at the sight. It was the first time he had ever witnessed a plant-type beast break through its limits. He was somewhat worried; if the demonic vine went out of control, wouldn't he be caught in its path?

Xuanku glanced at him and said with a smile, "Benefactor Chen, if you are afraid, you can recite scriptures."

Chen Mo was speechless, rolled his eyes, and said, "Are your scriptures even useful?"

Xuan Ku said, "At least it can comfort me."

Chen Mo thought to himself, "You bald guy, what you said is as good as nothing." Chu Zhou ignored them.

He naturally noticed Qingfeng's problem as well.

The most troublesome thing about plant-type family members is that the more vines they have, the more complex their senses become.

Just then, the "Azure Lotus Purification Mantra" deduced by the system could help it, and a wisp of pure azure light fell from the azure lotus in the center of the lake.

This power was not as overwhelming and domineering as the Azure Lotus Origin, but rather very cool and gentle, enveloping Qingfeng.

This immediately calmed Qingfeng down.

At the same time, Chu Zhou took out a small amount of black-gold essence that he had obtained from the strange stone.

He didn't feed it directly to Qingfeng; the strange stone's origin was polluted, and ordinary family members simply couldn't withstand it.

Chu Zhou repeatedly cleansed the lotus with its pure light, stripping away the polluted energy and leaving only the purest primal power.

In the underground ancient city.

The strange rock, which had been feigning death, suddenly sensed something and its giant crimson eyes snapped open: "Lotus Demon, what are you doing?"

Chu Zhou said, "I didn't do anything."

The strange rock roared, "What were you doing, absorbing my life essence?"

Chu Zhou said, "Little Stone, what are you saying? We're practically an old married couple. What's wrong with using a little of your essence to feed the vines of my forbidden zone?"

The strange rock was disgusted by Chu Zhou's words. Its bloodshot eyes widened, its entire stone body trembled violently, and it roared angrily, "What? You're using my power to feed a vine?"

Chu Zhou said, "You guessed wrong this time. It doesn't just have one vine; it has many."

The strange stone became utterly enraged. The chains on the bixie statue flashed with golden light as it roared, "I am an ancient, forbidden being! How dare you humiliate me like this?"

Chu Zhou said irritably, "I'm not humiliating you at all. Haven't you heard the saying 'a beating is a sign of affection'? That's what humans all say."

The strange stone completely broke down: "I'm so angry! You shameless lotus demon, I'll fight you to the death!"

Enraged, His true form's blood patterns surged, and a wisp of black-gold essence seeped out from the crack.

Chu Zhou was prepared. With a flicker of his expression, dozens of green roots instantly reached out.

"Ding, Evolution Points +10000."

"Ding, Evolution Points +12000."

The strange rock instantly snapped out of its daze, swallowing back the curses that were about to follow. It finally understood.

This lotus demon wasn't explaining at all; it was deliberately provoking itself to reveal its true nature.

The strange stone was filled with grief and indignation. It couldn't live like this anymore. It was bad enough that it was suppressed before, but now it was not only being sucked dry, but also being used to feed the vines. This was an utter disgrace.

Chu Zhou felt great. After absorbing the strange rock, he sent the purified primordial power into Qing Feng's body through the earth's veins.

boom!

Qingfeng's main body trembled suddenly, and the originally restless and chaotic vines instantly calmed down.

A pure blue light flowed across its body, and dark blue lines lit up one by one.

A system notification tone then sounded.

"Ding, Qingfeng, a subordinate, absorbs the essence of the Azure Lotus."

"Ding! The subordinate Qingfeng has absorbed and purified the source of pollution."

"Ding! Your companion Qingfeng has been influenced by the 'Azure Lotus Purification Mantra,' and his mental and consciousness stability has been improved."

"Ding, Qingfeng, a member of the clan, has begun a breakthrough."

In the ancient vine forest, Qingfeng's main body grew wildly taller.

The ancient vine, originally as thick as a water vat, gradually grew to be as thick as several people could hug.

Countless vines extend in all directions, spreading along the earth's veins, tree roots, rock crevices, and the edges of water veins.

Qingfeng's consciousness underwent a transformation at this moment.

It's no longer just about controlling the vines, but about using the vines to sense the vibrations, smells, and spiritual energy fluctuations of the entire mountain forest.

In the distance, a wild deer broke a dead branch, several rodents dug a hole on the ground, and the mountain wind blew through the treetops.

No detail escapes its perception.

Qingfeng's previously somewhat hazy consciousness has now become clear.

"Owner,"

For the first time, its voice rang out clearly, no longer intermittent, and it excitedly exclaimed, "Qingfeng saw it!"

Chu Zhou's heart stirred.

A system notification sounded.

"Ding, Qingfeng has successfully broken through."

Current level: Late stage of the fourth tier.

"Comprehension Ability: Green Vine Spirit Network"

"Green Vine Spirit Network: It can differentiate into tiny roots through vines, connect to the earth's veins and plant systems, and vaguely perceive a large area, possessing the ability to provide early warning, blockade, and trap enemies."

Chu Zhou was satisfied.

Only after Qingfeng broke through did Heilongshan truly have the ability to establish a 300-kilometer-long restricted area defense line.

Otherwise, relying solely on a few demon kings to patrol everywhere would be too inefficient.

Qingfeng's voice rang out again: "Master, Qingfeng can try to extend outwards."