A third bolt broke a cluster of leaves that would have obscured her vision.
The rhythm became natural.
Bai Li attacked.
Yan Cijin supported.
The tree reacted.
They adapted.
For several minutes, neither side gained an advantage.
Then Bai Li realized something.
The tree was not trying to kill them immediately.
It was trying to push them away from the fruits.
Every major attack forced them outward.
Every root appeared between them and the canopy.
The branches formed a shield around the five fruits.
Bai Li's eyes narrowed.
"Yan Cijin."
"Yes?"
"It doesn't want us near the fruit."
Yan Cijin fired another bolt. "Obviously."
"No. I mean it's protecting something specific."
Yan Cijin followed her gaze.
The five fruits were untouched.
"You think the fruits are controlling it?"
"Maybe."
Bai Li looked at the trunk.
"Or maybe the tree has spent its entire life protecting them."
Yan Cijin's expression became serious.
"Then we need to break its defense."
"Exactly."
