'System...Why Am I A Tree!?' Liu Feng inwardly yelled.
'System! What the hell do you mean I'm a tree!? This has to be some kind of sick joke!' Liu Feng's mental voice roared with indignation, his now plant consciousness practically vibrating with fury. 'I demand an explanation! How am I supposed to cultivate as a damn tree!?'
The cold, mechanical female voice responded without a hint of emotion, completely unfazed by his outburst.
[The Host's current body form cannot be altered at this stage. However, after sufficient evolution and growth, the Host will eventually gain the ability to choose more humanoid forms in the future. The System apologizes for any initial inconvenience, but this was the most suitable vessel for the Host's soul given the System's functions.]
Liu Feng let out a long, exasperated mental sigh, feeling his anger deflate into resignation. He supposed there was no point in raging against something that couldn't be changed—at least not immediately.
'Fine... fine. Is there at least some way for me to get a proper look at myself? This warped reflection in the pond is giving me a headache. I can barely make out half of my body through the water's surface.'
From what he could see in the shimmering reflection, he appeared to be a relatively small tree—maybe around five feet tall with a modest trunk, several thin branches extending outward, and clusters of green leaves sprouting from various twigs. He looked like one kick from a child could topple him over.
As if reading his thoughts, which it probably was, the System responded immediately.
[The Host may focus his consciousness and shift his perspective to view his entire form. Additionally, the Host should note that his ability to see is not typical of ordinary trees. The Host's current body is not a standard oak tree, but rather a Mutated Juvenile Oak Tree that has absorbed trace amounts of Divine Qi—Heaven and Earth Energy—from the lingering essence of an Immortal cultivator.]
Liu Feng's irritation was instantly replaced by intrigue. 'Divine Qi? From an Immortal? Wait, that's right—you mentioned I have a properties panel that should show all this information, right?'
[Correct, Host. Would you like to view your current status?]
'Yes! Show me everything.'
The familiar chime echoed in his mind, and the blue translucent screen appeared once again, this time displaying a detailed panel that made Liu Feng's consciousness focus intently.
'DING!'
[HOST STATUS PANEL]
Name: Liu Feng
Race: Mutated Juvenile Oak Tree
Age: 0 years (Newly Awakened)
Height: 5.2 feet
Cultivation Level: None (Mortal)
Health: 100/100
Divine Qi: 15/15 (Trace Amount)
Growth Points: 0
Attributes:
- Vitality:12
- Special Abilities:
Photosynthetic Cultivation (Passive): Absorb sunlight and convert it to small amounts of Qi
Current Location: Abandoned Heavenly Stars Immortal Pavilion - Inner Courtyard
System Notes:*The Host has been reincarnated into the body of a young oak tree that had absorbed Divine Qi from the long departed Heavenly Stars Immortal. This unique circumstance has granted the Host consciousness and the ability to cultivate despite being plant-based. Evolution paths will become available upon meeting specific requirements.*
Liu Feng stared at the panel in fascination, his initial horror at being a tree slowly giving way to curiosity and even a hint of excitement.
'So I'm in the abandoned sect from those memories... and I can actually cultivate? This "Photosynthetic Cultivation" ability—does that mean I can grow stronger just by sitting in the sunlight?'
[Correct, Host. Your unique physiology allows you to convert solar energy into cultivation progress, though the rate is currently quite slow due to your low level. As you evolve and develop your attributes, this process will become more efficient.]
Liu Feng focused his consciousness as the System had suggested, and suddenly his perspective shifted. Instead of being locked to what felt like eye-level, he could now sense his entire form as if viewing himself from multiple angles simultaneously.
He really was quite small—a young oak tree with a slender trunk about as thick as a person's torso. His bark was a rich brown color with unusual golden veins running through it that seemed to pulse faintly with some kind of light. His branches, while few in number, looked healthy and strong, and his leaves rustled with a vitality that felt somehow different from ordinary foliage.
Most importantly, he could sense something else—a warm, tingling sensation flowing through what he supposed were his roots, extending deep into the earth beneath him. It felt like potential, and a lot of it too!
'So these "Growth Points"—how do I earn them System? And what about evolution? You mentioned I could eventually take a humanoid form?'
[Growth Points are earned through various activities: successful cultivation, absorbing Qi from external sources, defeating enemies, or completing System-issued tasks. Evolution becomes available when specific stat thresholds are met and sufficient Growth Points are accumulated. The first evolution, "Mature Oak Spirit," requires 100 Growth Points and Vitality Level 20.]
[As for humanoid forms, those are considered advanced evolutionary paths that become available much later in the Host's development. The System estimates this will require at least sixteen major evolutions.]
Liu Feng absorbed this information, feeling both daunted and motivated. Sixteen evolutions seemed like a hell of a lot, but at least there was a clear path forward.
'Alright, System. Since I'm apparently stuck in this abandoned courtyard as a tree, what should I focus on first? And are there any immediate dangers I should be aware of?'
[Initial recommendations: Focus on passive Qi absorption through sunlight to build your foundation. The Host should also be aware that this location, while abandoned, may still attract wandering cultivators, spirit beasts, or treasure hunters drawn by residual Divine Qi signatures. The Host's unique nature may be either beneficial or dangerous depending on who discovers you.]
As if on cue, Liu Feng heard the distant sound of voices carrying on the wind from somewhere beyond the courtyard walls. His leaves rustled involuntarily with nervousness.
'Well,' he thought to himself, 'this is definitely going to be interesting.'
The voices grew closer, and Liu Feng realized his new life as a tree was about to become significantly more complicated.