Reincarnated as a Divine Tree

【Simulation complete!】

Keen Perception: You can easily detect the malice of others.

Ji Yang was taken aback. He hadn’t expected to die so quickly during the simulation, let alone gain a new ability.

Not bad!

However, Ji Yang decided against using the remaining simulation points for now. A single simulation, while valuable, couldn’t fully preserve one's abilities. The risk was too great. It would be better to save the points for a series of simulations next time.

For now, breaking the clan's situation wasn’t something that could be rushed. Patience was key.

…

“Hei, ha!”

Three days later, the sound of fists filled the clan square.

The square was bustling with clan warriors honing their martial arts techniques. Just ten meters beyond the clan’s boundaries, snowflakes continued to fall, albeit more lightly than before. Several days of uninterrupted snowfall had left a thick layer of snow around the clan, but inside, the temperature remained pleasant. Warriors practicing their techniques wore thin clothing, their vigorous movements radiating heat.

“Ah, when will I finally master this combat skill?”

Chen Qinghe sighed as he executed a lackluster punch with the Taizu Long Fist. Though it was only a yellow-rank combat skill, mastering it required relentless practice.

Nearby, Chen Qingmeng’s expression was resolute. He continued to throw punches, focusing on the flow of blood and qi within his body. With each motion, he tried to synchronize his movements with the internal flow of energy. Seeing this, Chen Qinghe suppressed his complaints and returned to his own practice.

At a distance, Chen Xingzhen observed the scene with satisfaction. Though most of the Body Tempering Realm warriors hadn’t yet mastered the skill, progress was evident. It was only a matter of time.

As for the Bright Moon Like Frost combat skill, it was currently reserved for the clan’s Blood Coagulation Realm warriors. However, mastering a Mysterious Rank combat skill was no small feat.

Chen Xingzhen’s gaze shifted to the horizon.

He felt a twinge of unease. It had been days since Chen Qingyu had left the clan. If not for the Divine Tree’s assurance that nothing was amiss, Chen Xingzhen would have already sent search parties.

“Clan Leader, the clan’s new robes are ready,” Shao Zhenfang reported, stepping forward.

Chen Xingzhen nodded with approval. “Excellent. I’ve also finalized the new clan rules for distribution. Let’s see to it that both are handed out today.”

“Yes, Clan Leader.”

Shao Zhenfang and two other clan members carried the freshly made robes to the square.

…

The new robes immediately caught the attention of the gathered clansmen. Made from high-quality fur, the robes were designed with practicality in mind. They featured two layers: one for warmth during winter and a detachable outer layer suitable for summer. While the style wasn’t drastically different from their usual attire, the cuffs bore an embroidered clan totem.

The embroidery—crafted in interwoven green and black threads—depicted the Divine Tree, symbolizing the clan’s identity. It was evident that great care had gone into their creation.

Clansmen received the robes with joy, treating them like treasures. Many hesitated to wear them, worried they might get dirty. However, they were informed that the robes were mandatory attire whenever venturing outside the clan.

This decision had been proposed by the elders. A strong clan required not just strength but a cohesive image to present to the world. The totem-clad robes would also serve as a constant reminder for clansmen to pray and honor their heritage.

In addition to the robes, new clan rules were distributed.

Chen Qinghe unfolded the parchment in his hands and began reading the updated rules:

The first three rules clearly focused on regulating the use of the Five Viscera Ascension Technique. Considering the fate of a previous clan member, no one dared to object.

From a distance, Chen Xingzhen observed the reactions of his clansmen. While these rules imposed stricter restrictions, they were necessary for the safety of both individuals and the clan as a whole. The Five Viscera Ascension Technique, empowered by the Divine Tree, had become a cornerstone of the clan’s strength. But the dangerous final step—exploding one’s heart—had to be kept under lock and key. In time, this step might even be removed entirely.

…

The next day, the snowflakes ceased falling. Though the skies cleared, the cold lingered. It would take two months for the snow to fully melt, assuming it didn’t snow again in the meantime.

With the snow halted, Chen Xingzhen immediately ordered the clan to clear roads leading to nearby villages. Despite the challenges of winter, the clan’s development couldn’t stagnate.

Blood Coagulation Realm warriors used their vitality and techniques to melt the snow, acting as living snowplows. Meanwhile, Body Tempering Realm warriors relied on tools to dig through the icy layers. Even with their combined efforts, it took ten days to clear paths to the surrounding villages.

…

On the second day of snow-clearing efforts, Chen Qingyu returned to the clan, his body battered but his eyes shining with determination. His cultivation had reached the pinnacle of the Blood Coagulation Realm.

The Divine Tree swiftly healed his injuries, leaving him physically unscathed. Chen Qingyu, however, seemed to have gained a profound insight during his ordeal. Without delay, he announced his intention to enter secluded cultivation.

Chen Xingzhen, overjoyed, arranged a private room for him, ensuring he wouldn’t be disturbed.

…

Meanwhile, the arrival of Chen clan members in nearby villages caused a stir.

The villagers, confined by snow, had barely managed to clear their own paths, let alone the roads outside. Learning of the Chen family’s efforts left them surprised—and intrigued.

When the village leaders heard the Chen family’s purpose, they quickly spread the news.

Opportunity.

The word echoed in their minds.

The Chen family’s dominance over Chaotic Burial Mountain was undeniable. Fertile fields and hunting grounds that once belonged to others were now under their control.

Although they would hunt and farm from time to time, the areas they worked in were only those the three major families had abandoned. The hunting grounds were scarce in wild animals, and the resources were far from abundant. Even the fields they planted yielded only ordinary grains.

As for blood rice, they couldn’t grow it at all. The fertile fields necessary for cultivating blood rice were entirely controlled by the three major families.

But now, the Chen family was looking to marry outside.

Wasn’t this a golden opportunity for these villages?