"Hissss—Chirp—" The snake-bird emitted a strange sound.
This language was clearly unique to the snake-bird, but Angel and Toby were already spiritually connected, allowing him to clearly understand what the snake-bird was expressing.
Just as Angel had guessed, Toby was telling Angel that its control over the snake-bird form had further improved.
Although it couldn’t be used for extended periods, using it occasionally wouldn’t affect Toby’s original intent.
And the creator of all this was clearly the water from the Life Pool.
Angel’s heart brimmed with happiness for Toby because resolving such a hidden danger was very beneficial for Toby’s future development. However, sensing the cold gaze of the Tree Spirit nearby, it somehow dampened his joy.
"What were you two just talking about?" A soft voice emanated from the Tree Spirit’s mouth.
Angel coughed twice and succinctly explained that Toby’s hidden danger was temporarily resolved.
Then, without waiting for the Tree Spirit’s response, Angel’s eyes darted around as he quickly said, "Thank you, Tree Spirit, for allowing this. Otherwise, who knows how long it would have taken to eradicate the hidden danger of Toby’s snake-bird form."
As Angel spoke, he gave Toby a look from the corner of his eye, signaling it to quickly come over and express gratitude.
Toby was initially puzzled but seemed to understand something after sensing the subtle aura between Angel and the Tree Spirit.
With a graceful turn, the enormous snake-bird transformed into a small seabird, flying to Angel’s shoulder. Together, they bowed to the Tree Spirit, murmuring, "Chirp chirp."
Angel hastily translated for Toby, "Tree Spirit, Toby is also expressing its respectful thanks to you."
The Tree Spirit looked at Angel and Toby, knowing full well that these two rascals were deliberately saying this to place him on a pedestal, thereby establishing the situation as fact.
Looking at the visibly reduced layer of water in the Life Pool, the Tree Spirit was simply enraged. His prolonged silence was actually to give Angel a little favor, but he didn’t expect Angel to follow the rules while Toby surprised him.
Don’t dismiss that thin layer of Life Pool water; it was at least hundreds of years’ worth of savings!
Toby’s act used up much more than those lunatic patients before combined.
The Tree Spirit clenched his fist, trying to calm his chest, but couldn’t help letting his eyes wander toward Angel and Toby.
Angel was untouchable; behind Angel stood the entire Barbarian Cave, and the emergence of the Wilderness of Dreams also alleviated Lianna’s covetousness for the Life Pool, which was undoubtedly a huge relief for the Tree Spirit.
But with Toby, it’s different...
The Tree Spirit glared fiercely at Toby, and Toby felt a chill run down his spine.
Just as Angel and Toby both thought the Tree Spirit might explode in anger, the Tree Spirit unexpectedly reined in its outward emotions and turned to look at the group of wizard apprentices who had been nursed back to health.
"Not bad, they’re all recovered now." The Tree Spirit nodded, "Since they’re better, let’s send them off first."
The Tree Spirit spoke as he snapped his fingers, and those former patients were all absorbed by the surrounding wooden walls. When they awoke again, they were already outside the Eternal Tree.
These are not worth talking about for now.
After seeing the Tree Spirit release these patients, the space was left with only Angel and Toby, who was trembling.
Angel understood that retribution might be just a second away.
"Tree Spirit Lord, I believe Toby didn’t do it on purpose, as you said before, it’s instinct. The snake-bird form’s hidden danger drives Toby’s instincts to enter the Life Pool. Surely it wasn’t intentional."
"Chirp chirp." Toby also nodded repeatedly. Although Angel’s words weren’t entirely the truth, it must be the truth at this moment.
The Tree Spirit heard Angel’s sophistry but smiled kindly: "What are you worried about? I haven’t blamed anything. I kept you here because I have something to discuss with you."
For some reason, looking at the Tree Spirit’s radiant smile, Angel didn’t feel warmth but rather sensed a huge plot behind that smile.
Angel hesitated for a moment and asked softly: "What does the Tree Spirit Lord want to discuss with me?"
The Tree Spirit continued to smile: "It’s actually not a big deal. You saw me go out earlier, it was actually Rhein looking for me."
The Tree Spirit paused and looked at Angel: "You should have seen Esos before, right?"
Angel nodded: "I met Lord Esos at the Star Pond Ruins."
Now, Esos is still near the Star Pond Ruins, repairing the Luminance Barrier.
"Esos and Rhein have actually known each other for many years, they are old friends, so when the ruins had an accident this time, Rhein was able to call Esos over immediately." The Tree Spirit: "However, friends are friends, and Esos still has to pay for repairing the Luminance Barrier."
"Rhein originally had prepared something for Esos, but Esos declined. He said he’s here to help for another reason."
"He hopes to borrow an alchemist from the Barbarian Cave to help his disciple refine something."
When the Tree Spirit said this, Angel already understood the Tree Spirit’s intention.
Angel: "Is Lord Rhein intending for me to go?"
The Tree Spirit shook his head: "Lord Rhein called me over just to let me post this task at the Task Hall and see which alchemist is willing to take it."
"I have already posted the task, and even informed Lianna in advance, but Lianna showed no interest."
Saying this, the Tree Spirit smiled at Angel.
Apprentices learning alchemy at the Barbarian Cave were not many before but are not few now, especially after Angel became a member of the Research and Development Institute, many were willing to learn alchemy. However, their standard couldn’t even reach one-tenth of Promy’s, so how could they be sent to help Esos?
If these alchemy apprentices were sent out, the face of the Barbarian Cave would be lost.
And the only usable alchemists the Barbarian Cave has are Angel and Lianna. Lianna, busy with the Tea Party, doesn’t want to leave, which leaves Angel.
If asked before, Angel’s choice might be either going or not.
But now, with the Tree Spirit smiling at him, occasionally glancing at the nearby Life Pool, the meaning was clear and unsaid.
How could Angel dare refuse?