Chapter 647: The Sapling

Chapter 647: The Sapling

This novel is translated and hosted on bcatranslation.

In the familiar confines of his apartment, Zhou Ming found himself surrounded by the unchanged layout of his simple furniture. The living room remained empty, preserved as if frozen in time, a small time capsule where the passage of years seemed irrelevant since nothing had shifted since his departure.

Stepping into the living area of his bachelor pad, a place he had inhabited for many years, Zhou Ming sighed in relief. It had been ages since his last visit, and he often felt as if he had banished memories of this modest abode to the farthest corners of his mind.

Yet, he was aware that pretending to forget was just self-deception.

With a knowing chuckle and a head shake, he skipped his usual routine of checking the still-closed window. The little decorations that had once adorned the windowsill and the remnants of flour from an old protective ritual were now cleaned up, removed after his previous visit. In this secluded, misty home, he no longer expected visitors.

On his desk, a soft green glow was fading, and within this dim light, a new item slowly revealed itself in his collection.

As he sat down, Zhou Ming rested his hands on the cool desk surface, observing the emerging entity with a calm and thoughtful demeanor. It was a vibrant sapling, seemingly floating above the desk.

This miniature tree, with leaves as wide as a human arm, was lush, emerging from a solid clump of earth. Its roots, embedded in this soil, stretched and dangled in the air.

The sapling floated about ten centimeters above the desk, an unusual sight compared to the other static items on nearby shelves.

Zhou Ming then glanced at the large shelving unit. There, the rest of his collection was neatly organized in separate compartments, each object stationary and lifeless.

In stark contrast, the sapling on the desk was clearly supernatural, visibly endowed with magical qualities.

Could it be that this specimen, taken from the realm of dreams, retained its dreamlike properties even after being incorporated into his physical collection?

Engrossed in thought, Zhou Ming reached out to gently touch the canopy of the World Tree named Atlantis. The floating bonsai swayed under his touch, then whimsically returned to its original position.

Apart from this movement, the sapling showed no other signs of life. It remained silent, unresponsive to Zhou Mings touch.

Youve returned to your original form, a young sapling Zhou Ming murmured softly, his voice gentle as he examined the miniature World Tree intently. He stood silently, lost in thought for a long while before breaking the silence. I wonder, can you hear me? Truly, I do not understand how you transitioned into a collection after being exposed to mystical flames, but

His voice trailed off as he turned his attention to a nearby shelf that held various supernatural miniaturesthe Vanished, the White Oak, and models of two city-states.

This shall be your sanctuary from now on, he whispered to the quiet room.

The models on the shelf remained lifeless, oblivious to his words. It felt like he was merely speaking to the emptiness, a somewhat embarrassing realization if anyone were to witness. Fortunately, no outsiders had visited this secluded space for a long time.

Without a word, Zhou Mings expression hardened, his eyes fixed unwaveringly on the floating sapling.

Do you enjoy teasing me? Are you capable of moving by your own will? he asked, though he expected no response from the silent tree.

Despite the lack of an answer, he observed the World Tree for a moment longer, then with a firm grip, he placed it back on the shelf, ensuring it was securely within its spot. He deliberately turned his back to the shelf, silently counting to ten before glancing over his shoulder againAtlantis was back above his desk.

A reluctant smirk appeared on Zhou Mings face. He walked up to the desk and pointed down decisively.

This desk, this is where I work. When I acquire new collections, they appear here, on this desk, he explained as if laying down rules for a mischievous child.

With a purposeful gesture, he pointed towards the large shelf: And that spot over there, thats where you belong. The second shelf from the bottom, thats your home. You should be there, not here, intruding on my workspace.

Atlantis continued to float silently, its gentle spinning seeming to highlight the delicate balance of the supernatural within the ordinary confines of Zhou Mings apartment.

Zhou Mings eyebrow twitched involuntarily as he watched the sapling. Swiftly, he reached out again, grasping the trunk of Atlantis as he placed it back in its designated space on the shelf. He stood watching intently, as if challenging it to move again.

For a moment, it seemed his will was respected; Atlantis did not reappear on his desk.

Suddenly, a series of dull thuds broke the silence. Zhou Ming turned just in time to see the World Trees roots striking the compartment that held the model of the White Oak, each impact threatening to knock the model off the edge.

Stop this at once! Zhou Ming commanded, stabilizing the White Oak with one hand while pressing against Atlantiss foliage with the other. You mustnt harm your neighbor,' he scolded.

Atlantis shuddered under his touch and disappeared with a quick, almost playful flicker. Zhou Mings vision blurred momentarily, and when he focused on the usual spot above his desk, there it wasAtlantis, floating peacefully as if it had never moved.

Zhou Ming released a silent sigh, his patience clearly strained by the antics of the floating tree.

Meanwhile, Duncan Abnomar entered the captains quarters aboard his ship, his features marked by evident fatigue. As he settled into the chair behind the navigation desk, the goat head mounted at the tables edge came to life, craning its neck to look directly at him.

Before the goat head could speak, Duncan, with a weary gesture, anticipated the forthcoming conversation.

The goat head, still as talkative as ever, perked up at sensing the captains presence. Ah, Captain! Youve returned. I assumed youd come straight herethough I didnt expect It paused, its wooden expression seeming to wane as it noticed the captains tired look. Oh, you look quite exhausted?

Another quiet gesture from Duncan, coupled with a sigh, paused the dialogue.

The silence lingered until Duncan met the goat heads gaze firmly. Your little sapling,' he began solemnly, has claimed my desk.