At the shore north of Liu Shu's position, a large group of people arrived in a fleet. The group had almost 600,000 people, showing the massive scale of this group's influence.
At the lead, a woman with shifting blue and purple hues as hair and wide hips held a gorgeous flute as she squinted. "You really chose to trust that child, Harmonixia? The
An elderly sylvan with similar qualities sighed. "Octavia, when will you stop opposing your sister at every turn? Melody wouldn't suggest such an outrageous request without having certainty."
Melody was Harmonixia's mother, a woman with elegant beauty and gorgeous hips. She was holding a pipa in her arms while looking around, searching for someone.
"Melody! Stop ignoring me!"
"Always screeching without any decorum." Melody snorted as she glanced at her little sister. "No wonder your songs are always out of tune. You screaming like that has probably hurt your vocal cords."
Octavia's face gained a touch of red as she glared at Melody's calm and elegant face. "Arrogant! Always with that condescending look as if you know everything and everyone around you is nothing but dust!"
An aunt at the side spoke with a sigh. "Octavia, if your big sister didn't love you dearly, do you think you'd still be part of the family? Speaking like that to our healthiest
Octavia's face turned beet red as she crossed her arms and snorted. "Whatever."
Melody blinked and smiled. "Oh? She is coming in person to receive us?"
In the distance, they saw Harmonixia riding a massive, light green-colored Arboreal Winged Serpent and waving at them. "Mooom!"
Octavia made another comment. "Are you not going to comment about your daughter's unladylike behavior?"
Melody kept her smile, but she muttered between gritted teeth. "If you continue having this attitude in front of your grandnephew, I swear that I'll spank you until you cry for our mother."
Octavia pressed her lips tightly as she tensed her butt cheeks. She believed that Melody would do it because it wouldn't be the first time.
Meanwhile, the elderly Sylvan, who stood by their side, smiled widely, her eye wrinkles crinkling gently. "I really like how my children get along well with each other. I wonder when I can hold my great-grandson."
All the other people around them looked away, not bothering to comment. Regardless of their attitude, it was the main branch of the
The Arboreal Winged Serpent descended, landing in front of the massive group of people slowly walking down the many ships docked along the wide beach. When she landed, her reptilian green eyes locked onto Melody, feeling an incredible sense of threat coming from the gentle woman. '...Powerful.'
Melody also noticed the Arboreal Winged Serpent. Although her face remained calm, her heart jumped with surprise. 'Such a powerful
Harmonixia landed on the ground and jumped into Melody's arms with a wide smile. "Mom! Thank you for trusting me!"
Holding her very tall daughter in her arms, Melody looked up with a gentle smile. "I trust that you haven't spoken out of emotion. Still, we need to confirm that your words are truthful. Do you understand? We've left behind our ancestral home and came here because of that bright future you've promised." Then, her face became stern. "If your words were exaggerated in any way, shape, or form, you'll be heavily punished."
Even if Harmonixia was her daughter, the sacrifice this time was too high to hide it. The people they carried with them were too many to take responsibility for. Honestly, Melody was slightly nervous because, if Liu Shu was not what she expected, she would've single-handedly ended the long tradition her family held for nothing.
Harmonixia understood Melody's concerns. And, before the War, she would've never suggested that the entirety of the Main Branch actually change locations. However, now things had changed.
"Don't worry, Mom." Harmonixia's face was also serious. "I wouldn't play with the lives of over half a million people."
Octavia spoke at this moment, her tone slightly gentler than when she spoke to Melody. "Niece, are you sure that Golden Sap City can house all of us? We are over half a million people."
Harmonixia chuckled. "Don't worry, Golden Sap City could house ten Songtree Clans and still feel rather empty. The current population has already reached 11 million."
The leaders of the branch families opened their eyes wide. Cities with more than a million people were rare around the world, not to mention those with populations above 10 million. The cities that managed that needed to have a very powerful World Tree to constantly protect the city from Beast Tides and other natural disasters.
"Ah!" Harmonixia exclaimed. "I almost forgot to give all of you access to Liu Shu's buffs!"
Octavia chuckled. "Child. We've seen many things in our lives. You don't need to—"
[You've been accepted within
[Congratulations! You are now under the effects of
[Congratulations! You are now under the effects of
[Congratulations! You are now under the effects of
[Congratulations! You are now under the effects of
[Congratulations! You are now under the effects of
[Congratulations! You are now under the effects of
[Congratulations! You are now under the effects of
[Congratulations! You are now under the effects of
[Congratulations! You are now under the effects of
[Congratulations! You are now under the effects of
[Congratulations! You are now under the effects of
A surge of strength flooded everyone as their stats increased by a tremendous chunk. Melody's calm smile froze on her face as her eyes widened while reading all of the effects in front of her eyes.
Octavia's smug smile had collapsed as she looked with stupefaction at the barrage of messages of her stats improving just… for existing.
Harmonixia smiled innocently. "Oh, don't worry. You'll have more buffs when you enter the city. After all, all buildings have their own
Melody looked at her daughter's calm expression, and she stealthily took a deep breath. 'Branches above, I've underestimated my daughter-in-law. No, the entire world is still underestimating her! With these buffs, all four Major Powers would fight over Liu Shu like rabid dogs!'
"T-That's great to know." Harmonixia blinked at the small crack in Melody's voice. Still, how could her powerful mother have a voice crack? She must be imagining things.
Melody was about to continue speaking when a rather hot energy wave enveloped everyone. Melody's face went on full alert when such a powerful presence manifested around her. "What's this?"
"Tsk."
Everyone blinked when they heard Harmonixia clicking her tongue. Then, their eyes were flooded with notifications.
[Congratulations! You are now being affected by
[
[
[
are 20% cheaper to upgrade.
. All life forms under its influence gain 20% Aether and Anima comprehension rate, have 20% more Aether Mana and Anima Energy, have their spell cost reduced by 20%, and have their basic attributes increased by 8%.
. All life forms under your influence age 20% slower, have 20% more Phoer, and have their basic attributes increased by 8%. All plant life under your influence gains Experience Points 100% faster (Until the World Tree's Level). The World Tree will gain an additional 0.20% Experience of what the plant-attributed creatures gain (Maximum: Level*3 daily).
are 20% cheaper to upgrade.
Harmonixia read the new effects, and her eyebrows jumped.
There was a new sentence in the text that said. "The World Tree gains <___ Aether Affinity>." Which was truly ridiculous.
'Titles giving new Aether Mana affinities? I've heard of titles increasing one's affinities, but not giving new ones… Although,' Harmonixia paused and thought about Ignatia and Flor. 'Those two have gained new Aether Mana affinities after becoming Liu Shu's named mothers through titles.'
Then, she realized another thing. 'Didn't those two have the ability to copy Liu Shu's affinities?'
Her lips twitched. 'Why are all three of my mother-in-laws so terrifying? At least Tree is super gentle.'
Then, she realized that she had just shared with her mother and other leaders the titles, so they could not read the new notifications. Looking over, she began to sweat coldly. They were all in a state of shock.
When she saw that even her mother had lost composure as she used her finger to read the System messages, Harmonixia laughed wryly. "Um… Well. That happens from time to time… So don't mind it much."
Melody's hand landed on Harmonixia's shoulder as she smiled forcefully. "Love."
Her mother's terrifying expression brought Harmonixia to the verge of tears. "Y-Yes, Mother?"
Melody smiled while her hand tensed around Harmonixia's shoulder. "Get me to see my daughter-in-law. I have some things to speak with her about."
Ignoring the strangely cracking sounds, Harmonixia answered on the verge of crying. "A-Alright."