Elemental Magnetic Star

Chapter 79 Nowhere to Belong

Finally, WeeStick managed to contact the Ancestral Tree, or more accurately, the Ancestral Tree contacted WeeStick, instructing it to bring Raina Grace for a meeting. "Strange, the Ancestral Tree seemed to have known you wanted to find It."

Really? Could the Ancestral Tree predict the future or read minds, even though It wasn't human?

This time, Raina Grace didn't need to enter the sacred ground. She only had to sit with her back against the Ancestral Tree to communicate with It — the exchange of silent information was similar to how she communicated with WeeStick.

"Our Terra Grove's actions and thoughts differ from humans," the Ancestral Tree said. "But through Terra Grove members like Qin Jian attached to humans, I can somewhat grasp human thoughts."

"Is that so? Yet, being human myself, I completely fail to understand human thoughts, they are so complex and convoluted," Raina Grace lamented.

The Ancestral Tree seemed to shake, whether from the wind or laughter, It commented, "There's too much humans can't understand about each other."

"What should I do then? People like to live in groups because they long to be understood, right?" Raina Grace was puzzled.

"What to do?" The Ancestral Tree seemed to sigh, "It's difficult; you must find the answer yourself. First, you need to understand that Terra Grove members attached to humans — like Qin Jian — have started to think in human ways, hence they have many thoughts and anxieties, desiring to exclude others and engage in intrigue."

"Are you saying I shouldn't mind what It has done to me because It's too engrossed in Its human identity?" Although Raina Grace struggled with human cunning and deceit, she maintained a keen insight into the Terra Grove tribe.

"Uh, sort of," the Ancestral Tree's voice carried a hint of helplessness. "I'm worried you'd disengage from Terra Grove affairs because of Its actions."

"Alright, I promise. It's only because of You and WeeStick that I care about Terra Grove," Raina Grace's voice dropped. "But I haven't figured it out yet; my mind is a mess..."

"Don't rush; the day will come soon when you'll be forced to decide."

"Forced? Is someone going to force me again?" Raina Grace was frustrated. "I don't like being coerced."

"That's because you haven't grown up, or rather, matured. Only by continuously confronting and reconciling with your environment can you discover a broader world. Like the Azure Phoenix shell you wear, most Azure Phoenixes have left this planet to explore the vast universe beyond."

"The Azure Phoenixes have left?" Raina Grace clutched the Azure Phoenix shell at her chest in surprise. "Where did they go? And you don't seem to mind this item?"

"Hehe," the Ancestral Tree laughed, "My decaying body has been inhabited by numerous ancient Azure Phoenixes. This young bird's power isn't that significant."

"Oh. Then why have most Azure Phoenixes left, and where did they go? Why have some remained?"

"Azure Phoenixes are an adventurous species, evolving stronger powers with each rebirth from flames, so they continuously challenge themselves, even at the risk of true death. Their ultimate goal is always the stars. Only some eggs might have remained. I've heard from WeeStick about how you found this Azure Phoenix egg. Its hatching is a miracle, possibly the last of its kind in this world."

"The last?" Raina Grace mourned, "How lonely it must be. Maybe it has already followed its kind."

"Not yet, its wings are not fully grown."

"Oh. I wonder where it is now?"

"When you're ready to leave, come here, and you'll see it!"

Raina Grace returned to the plantation filled with questions. She was worried about Flicker Shadow, noticing the Terra Grove's hostility towards humans.