Chapter 273: In the Flower Garden

Chapter 273: In the Flower Garden

The transformed appearance of Button who was the founder of the demon fox tribe had an air of maturity much like that of a fully-grown Woodsorrel. She grew a head taller and her figure became clearly feminine. An average human male might have been charmed.

However, I was caught off guard and was made to smell herbs mixed with alcohol, and my freedom of movement was taken away. Besides, my consciousness was still too stuck in my scorpion form. While I could comprehend human beauty and ugliness, I was never swayed by it. The only feelings Button evoked in me were caution and a slight sense of fear.

After all, the transformation art allowed for some degree of manipulation of appearance. What significance does her current appearance have? My comrades who saw me being taken by surprise hardly had the leisure to be charmed either.

Maintaining this transformation does feel rather constraining. My shoulders are stiff.

As soon as she uttered those words Button released her transformation. What appeared was a huge fox enveloped in golden fur, similar to that of a Woodsorrel. She might have been as large as Apao in his horse form. She also had nine tails and they were swaying gently around.

Buttons divine appearance was so captivating that even Chris, who had been openly cautious until now, seemed to be utterly mesmerized. Seemingly pleased with our reactions, Button snorted in a self-satisfied manner.

Well then, shall we go ahead? Follow me.

Led by Button, we started to move. Despite being overwhelmed by her presence, it seemed that moving forward naturally led to following behind. We kept our formation tight as we trailed behind her. Her tails were swaying from side to side as if she was in a good mood.

Button led us straight towards a pond. It looked like she intended to guide us to the pond located at the center of the flower garden. Whether taking us to the spot where most animals gathered was a sign of trust in us or a display of her confidence in her ability to subdue us if needed, it was unclear. However, my intuition leaned toward the latter.

Antares, are you alright? Here, have some water.

Gulp, gulp Ah, yes. My voice is back. Thanks, Chris.

Chris created water through her spiritual arts and offered it to me in a cup with a worried look on her face. After drinking it all in one go, I was finally able to speak again.

Even though my weakness to alcohol was exploited, I was surprised by how easily I had been rendered powerless. What had she done, exactly? sorry. The Great Mother often plays pranks like the one you just experienced.

It didnt feel like a mere prank, though. But what exactly happened? Its not like Antares to be neutralized so easily.

I dont have all the details either. We, the demon fox race, are adept at illusion techniques, and the Great Mother has taught us much. I suspect she used some form of illusion as well but how she managed to achieve such an effect is beyond me.

[The Great Mother is also well-versed in medicines, so she probably used those too. It must be some secret technique known only to her.]

It seemed that even Woodsorrel and Gardenia were unsure of the exact methods Button had employed, though they were certain they involved both illusions and medicine. The complexity and effect of combining different techniques, beyond mere spiritual arts, was something I was aware of. To wield such skills with apparent ease truly, she was worthy of being called the founder of the demon fox race.

Considering that Button was the founder of the demon fox race, she would be far older than Woodsorrel and Gardenia. Just how many years had she lived? But wait, to live for such a duration and to outmaneuver me without letting us grasp even a fraction of her power, could it be

Button immediately told us to stop here. With no reason to object, I stepped down from the coachmans seat. Button then transformed back into her Furu race form using her transformation technique.

This time, she wasnt naked like Woodsorrel. Although the clothes she was wearing were unfamiliar, I could tell that they looked very expensive. This made me wonder where she could have possibly acquired it from. The mysteries surrounding her were endless.

Now then, Antares, was it? Ill be needing a bit of your time.

I dont mind, but could you possibly share what this is about?

Okay. Our Lord, the chief of this pack has summoned you.

Button seemed intent on introducing me to someone she reverently referred to as our Lord. However, the moment she mentioned it, I couldnt shake off a sense of foreboding. Given Buttons strength and the respect she showed, the only figure that came to mind who would fit such a description was one.

Our Lord Could it possibly be the Mountain God?

A discerning man is always appreciated. Come this way.

My apprehensions appeared to be justified. Button was indeed planning to bring me before the Mountain God. It seemed my modest hope of avoiding contact with such a high-ranking being was shattered.

I understand it. Being summoned like this, it was only proper to at least offer greetings as a basic courtesy. I was also aware that under normal circumstances, one would typically ask to be allowed to pay their respects.

Yet, the instinctual drive within me to survive a hundred years rebelled against the idea of standing before such a superior entity as the Mountain God. Truly, it was a troublesome predicament.

Wait. Then Ill come too.

We only need this man. But perhaps having a representative of the normal human species is necessary hmm?

Sensing my distress, Chris offered to accompany me. Button seemed uncertain whether to allow Chris to join, but the next turn of events was truly unexpected.

Near the pond stood a huge tree. Just when I noticed a single line running through its thick trunk, it split open widely. And from within, countless white root-like tendrils surged towards me.

What?!

Antares?!

Boss?!

I instantly pulled out my twin swords and cut them to pieces to protect myself from the roots. However, the sheer number of roots was overwhelming. I was unable to cut through them all and was quickly bound and dragged into the depths of the huge tree.