Chapter 395: Plant Technology and the Plant Network
Translator: RaidenTL
Chapter 395: Plant Technology and the Plant Network
Abyssal Demons had become the greatest threat to this world at its current stage, even surpassing the Secret Diggers to a certain extent.
It wasn't just the terrifying "Demon Sea" and "Undead Sea" that resembled natural disasters; it was their overwhelming, horrific numbers.
Once the rifts opened to a certain point, the creatures surging directly from them were no longer the primary force. Instead, the dark power seeping through those cracks polluted the Ley Energy, transforming several large-scale Ley Energy Interface Platforms into hatcheries for those demons.
According to Qiu Ruxin’s explanation, a Ley Energy Interface Platform was roughly equivalent to a power plant—a structure built in a specific location to facilitate the extraction of energy from the earth.
Demons had occupied various locations across the globe, surging forth like malignant tumors and wreaking havoc upon the world.
However, this had little to do with the average person. Since they rarely encountered threats of that magnitude, they didn't concern themselves with it. If they did encounter them, they wouldn't have the chance to care anyway, as the demon tide would completely submerge them.
They were far more concerned with matters that directly affected their lives—namely, the Explorers. These were the individuals who appeared in the midst of ordinary society, posing the greatest threat to their mundane existence.
This was the general information about this world that I gathered from Qiu Ruxin.
There were many details I wanted to verify, but unfortunately, Qiu Ruxin wasn't very clear on them herself. Furthermore, she hadn't brought her terminal—which functioned like a smartphone or computer—so I couldn't even go online to cross-reference the data.
Taking the opportunity, I asked Qiu Ruxin about this world's version of the internet.
Since this world ran on Ley Energy, I suspected their network might differ from my understanding. After her explanation, I realized their network was called the "Plant Network." It was composed of several specially cultivated "Omni-Link Main Network Trees" distributed globally. While many such trees existed, the exact number was classified information.
Because these Omni-Link Main Network Trees formed the infrastructure of the Plant Network, the people could enjoy its convenience. These trees also ensured the network's stability and efficiency. It was through this technology that they had managed to enter the information age.
From Qiu Ruxin, I learned that the development of this world was inseparable from plants. Yet, to progress, the world had to destroy those very plants. Someone had once famously said: "Though our development is inseparable from plants, human civilization requires those plants to make way."
The root systems of plants spanned nearly the entire surface and subsurface of this world, serving as proof of the "Universal Link." However, the expansion of civilization squeezed the living space of these plants; one could hardly find a large forest or rainforest anywhere on the planet.
Large swathes of vegetation represented untapped resources. Much like an untapped oil field in a standard technological world, you couldn't just leave it buried in the ground to look at—you had to extract and use it.
However, resource development in this world had collided head-on with botany and environmentalism. One could say the history of technological advancement in this world was a history of constant struggle against plant conservation.
The country I was currently in, Lanas Island, was by no means a simple nation. Through Qiu Ruxin’s briefing, I gained a brand-new perspective on this neutral state.
When I first heard the description, I thought it was just a typical small neutral country. While this peninsula nation was indeed small in terms of territory, it was incredibly famous.
It was a nation guided by the philosophy that science and technology were the primary productive forces. The concept of the Plant Network had originated on Lanas Island, and the very first Omni-Link Main Network Tree had taken root here.
Furthermore, the discovery, application, and promotion of Ley Energy had all begun here. In my understanding, this was no less significant than the discovery of electricity and the subsequent development of its various applications.
Such an achievement... was likely equivalent in weight.
However, as technology and the era progressed, Lanas Island gradually lost its leading position as the center of the world. After all, the size of a country's territory inevitably limits its growth. Moreover, those who hold power do not necessarily need to hold the keys to theory and innovation. With its limited national strength, how could Lanas Island reason with "rogue" nations?
Even with copyright protections in place, at the level of national interests and foundational resources, no one cares about intellectual property.
The reason Lanas Island could still maintain its absolute status as a neutral international hub, with no one daring to invade, was naturally due to the legacy of its predecessors—specifically, that first Omni-Link Main Network Tree.
It was the first in the world and the "Mother Tree" that connected all other main network trees. No one dared to touch this place, because doing so would mean dismantling the very foundation of the world's internet. If any country tried to move against Lanas Island, other nations would collectively intervene to protect it before Lanas Island could even voice an objection.
That Mother Tree was untouchable. In fact, aside from the professional maintenance crews of Lanas Island, no one knew how to maintain that ancient Omni-Link Main Network Tree.
This was why Qiu Ruxin was so shocked and enraged that Lanas Island had actually agreed to let those Explorers into the country and allow them to act so recklessly.
I must admit, listening to Qiu Ruxin recount this history was quite interesting, mainly because it was so novel. However, I wouldn't believe everything blindly. Such histories merely provide a general understanding; the true history behind them is undoubtedly bloody and barbaric.
Lanas Island held such status just because of a tree? Don't be ridiculous. The power games behind the scenes were far darker than imagined. It was entirely possible that Lanas Island allowing the Secret Diggers in was the result of losing a high-stakes gamble.
Of course, it could also be the result of negotiations between the Secret Diggers and other nations.
Lest we forget their name: Secret Diggers. A group of people digging for the secrets of this world. As for what secrets they were after...
Based on the superficial knowledge and information I had received, I could see from an outsider's perspective that they were likely looking for... the secret of Ley Energy?
And perhaps the foundation upon which the Plant Network and plant technology were built.
I knew what plants were, of course, but I had no idea they could be utilized to such an extent. Therefore, those Secret Diggers might be targeting the very root of this world's development, seeking to uncover what exactly catalyzed the growth and prosperity of plant technology.
Then there was the Ley Energy. Could it be an energy system unique to this world?
In a typical tech-side world, you have thermal energy, electrical energy, and so on. Clearly, this world had those too, but it hadn't developed systematic steam engines, internal combustion engines, or power plants. Instead, Ley Energy—a more efficient form of power—had become the mainstream.
At that moment, I walked over to a socket-like fixture on the wall. This was a Ley Energy supply interface within the small room.
According to Qiu Ruxin, Ley Energy was very safe—at least safer than things like electricity or pressurized steam. This provided me with the perfect opportunity to understand it.
My Spirit Vision allowed me to see the energy called "Ley Energy" flowing through the building. However, I suspected that Ley Energy was not Ley Line Energy—at least, not the kind of Ley Line Energy I was familiar with.
"Um... although Ley Energy isn't lethal, isn't this a bit dangerous? It's best not to play with the Ley Energy..." Qiu Ruxin saw me crouching by the interface with great curiosity and instinctively spoke up to warn me.
After all, she had been taught since childhood not to mess with Ley Energy, much like how my former teachers taught us not to play with sockets and power sources.
"It's fine. I have a special constitution," I said, waving her off.
After I guided a bit of Ley Energy out of the interface, I confirmed that it was indeed not Ley Line Energy. However, it was very likely a "variant" of it, and it also belonged to the category of "Transcendent Energy," distinct from ordinary electricity or heat.
"Truly fascinating."
Feeling the activity of this energy, I couldn't help but marvel. It seemed to possess an information-carrying characteristic similar to Ley Lines. This was one of my primary reasons for suspecting it was a variant.
If this Ley Energy could carry and transmit information, it meant its efficiency would be incredibly attractive to any tech-side world.
And that so-called Omni-Link Main Network Tree... it might be a Ley Line fracture in another form.
This reminded me of the Ley Line fracture in the Underground District of Ninglan New City. The part that was exposed was a giant rock, which was later carved into a stone stele.
Therefore, the hypothesis that the Omni-Link Main Network Tree was a Ley Line fracture was plausible—or at the very least, it was something similar.
Qiu Ruxin, of course, had no idea what I was thinking. She only knew that after racking her brain to explain everything, her urge to talk had been fully satisfied. After all, trying to explain the common sense of this world from scratch to someone who knew nothing was exhausting for both her knowledge reserves and her energy.
Seeing that "Sister Xiao Han" was ignoring her, Qiu Ruxin instinctively lay down. At that moment, weariness washed over her again. Even though the sun had already risen, she squinted her eyes and eventually drifted off to sleep.
After studying the Ley Energy for a while, I decided not to delve any deeper.
While there was much to research regarding this Transcendent Energy, I had to prioritize. If I truly wanted to study Transcendent Energy, wouldn't it be better to study the more universal Elemental Power? Or the Mana so closely tied to Witches?
There was no need for me to stubbornly grind away at this with little reward. Learning when to let go and prioritize was a skill in itself.
When I finally snapped out of my thoughts, I realized Qiu Ruxin was already asleep.
"She really was exhausted," I whispered, shaking my head with a smile.
I then used my inscription techniques to carve the effects of a Soundproofing Spell into the room.
At the very least, I would let her have a good sleep this time. Even if those Secret Diggers came back to shell the place, the noise wouldn't wake her.
While I was at it, I also reinforced the protective inscriptions here.
Only after finishing these tasks did I prepare to head back.
As I pushed the door open, a figure was standing right outside. Seeing me open the door, a flash of embarrassment crossed his face.
But quickly, his expression was replaced by awe at my appearance. Then, his gaze shifted into an aggressive, lecherous leer.
"Scram!" I snapped, my eyes moving from his face to the room card in his hand. My voice was cold.
I didn't use consciousness communication, so he might not have understood my words, but it didn't matter—hostility is a universal language.
"Little—ah...!"
When I saw that he had no intention of backing off and was about to speak, I reached out, grabbed his head, and slammed it violently into the floor. A muffled thud echoed as his head hit the ground, and his entire body was flipped over by the irresistible force.
"Don't bother me."
I didn't care if he understood me or not. Having suffered such a terrifying blow, my strength sent him scrambling away in sheer terror.
As he fled, he instinctively looked back, glaring at me with an expression that was both fearful and venomous.
I had to admit... the guy was a real piece of work. A coward and a creep rolled into one.
I thought he might try to act tough, but he ran so fast. I looked at my hand; his hair was covered in grease. How many days had it been since he'd washed it?
Disgusting... I frowned and used a Cleaning Spell, washing my hands several times before I felt satisfied.
I carefully closed Qiu Ruxin's door. Just as I was entering my own room, a black Spirit Cat emerged from beside my feet and immediately began tracking the man's scent.
I didn't like being targeted, especially by someone who was clearly trying to use a room card to sneak into Qiu Ruxin's room. I didn't care where he got the card, but if the opportunity arose... I would make sure people who annoyed me paid the price.
Back in my room, I sat on my bed and closed my eyes, reflecting on whether my recent decisions were correct. I had only just arrived here—why was I becoming so... bloodthirsty?
Though... none of those people had died directly by my hand.
It was either Qiu Ruxin who did it, or my summons...
I paused abruptly.
"Thinking about these pointless questions again. I've already made my decision, so why keep second-guessing myself?" I slapped my forehead. If my Illusion Clone were here, she'd probably slap me too, trying to wake me up.
After a sigh, I gradually calmed down. My previous realization of the "Unity of Knowledge and Action" and my breakthrough in Realm didn't seem to have affected my basic nature at all...
But that was to be expected. Besides, being able to recognize when I was making a mistake was a form of progress in itself. Just as I had thought before, achieving the Unity of Knowledge and Action and total cognitive clarity wasn't something that happened overnight. I just had to take it slow; it wasn't too late.
I sat on the bed.
I pulled out an ethereal orb of light—a spellbook containing the summoning spell the Dean had previously crafted.
It was this very spell that had landed me here.
I hadn't even fully understood the spell before the Dean had me try it. This wasn't a summoning spell; it was a Reverse Summoning Spell.
But now that I had calmed down, weren't there too many coincidences?
I recalled the Dean telling me about a small world being pushed toward us by the Abyssal Demons. Could it be this one?
After all, there were traces of Abyssal Demons here. But could it really be that coincidental?
Using a rune derived from Teacher Ji Niang's [Transcendent Knowledge] to create this Reverse Summoning Spell, and then using that Luck to summon me to this world... there were too many uncontrollable factors.
It shouldn't be a scheme laid out by the Dean. Besides, that [Transcendent Knowledge] didn't belong to her; how could she have predicted everything would unfold like this?
It wasn't as if the Dean had given that [Transcendent Knowledge] to Teacher Ji Niang in the first place, right? That seemed highly unlikely.
Then there was the matter of Luck. This was the Luck of another world. The Dean had said that world was very far from our Main World, and even information would take a long time to travel back...
Forget it, I won't dwell on that for now. I should study this spell and see if it can get me back.
Once I'm back, I can ask the Dean or Teacher Ji Niang these questions face-to-face.
However... speaking of going back... I remembered the Teleportation Marks I left at the Witch Academy and the various Teleportation Landmarks. I wondered if I could use those to open a spatial channel.
Though I felt the possibility was slim—since we weren't even in the same world anymore—it wouldn't hurt to try.