Plum blossoms continued to fall gently around us.
Looking up, I saw the sky entirely obscured by a canopy of branches and leaves.
Sunlight filtered through small gaps in the foliage, spreading across the vibrant green ground below like a soft embrace.
It was beautiful. Even for someone like me, who never cared much for scenery, it was breathtaking.
Amid the fragrant scent of plum blossoms and the refreshing breeze, I followed Noya as we walked onward.
The destination wasnât far. With a slightly brisk pace, we arrived before I even realized it.
âItâs enormous.â
It had looked big from a distance, but up close, it was staggering.
I had never seen a tree this large and thick in my life.
And the heightâit was astounding. The ground dipped downward around it, and yet the treeâs peak seemed to reach the clouds.
âWhat is this thing?â
What kind of plum tree grows to such a size?
I asked, unable to contain my disbelief, and Noya glanced at me before replying.
âWho knows? I canât say for certain, but Iâve heard it called the Shinmok (Sacred Tree).â
âThe Sacred Tree?â
A tree of the gods? It sounded ridiculous, but given its sheer size, the name seemed fitting.
âItâs not something that should surprise you. Youâve seen one before, havenât you?â
âI have?â
âYes.â
âWhen would I have⦠Oh.â
I paused, realization dawning on me. Was he referring to that?
âMua.â
The forgotten World Tree. Once the master of Zhongyuan.
The one who reversed time in Yeon Ilcheonâs life.
And the very beingâ¦
ââ¦who designated me as an Apostle.â
That tree had been colossal too.
Though it was withered and gnarled, as if it would crumble at the slightest touch, its size was comparable.n/ô/vel/b//in dot c//om
Butâ
âThe presence is entirely different.â
The aura it exuded was on a different level.
Was this plum tree more imposing? No, that wasnât it.
âMua was far more overwhelming.â