I Transmigrated Into the Number One Darling Tree in the Interstellar Era - Chapter 5

The petals of the little white flower had a unique fragrance that had a distinctly calming effect on Cassius. He wouldn’t mistake that scent.

The White Lion’s gaze shifted from the petals to the young man before him, his eyes carrying a hint of curiosity.

Slender, frail, and fragile; no combat ability whatsoever, barely able to defend himself and wandering alone in the Demonic Jungle… Is he looking to die?

And where did these petals come from?

Lin Yu, with his back turned to the White Lion, couldn’t see the creature’s gaze, but the viewers watching on their screens saw it clearly.

“White Lion?! Is he a contestant?”

“How is that possible? White Lion beast forms are incredibly rare. I’ve never even seen one! If a real White Lion entered the competition, would the production team really keep his identity a secret?”

“Then who is he? Why is he with Little Magnolia?”

Some fans grew worried for Lin Yu. “Does no one notice the dangerous look in his eyes when he looks at Little Magnolia? Little Magnolia, run!”

Instead of running, Lin Yu edged closer to the lion.

The Water Lily’s terrifying presence had drained his sanity points. Compared to the Water Lily, which threatened to devour children whole, the Big White Lion who had just saved him seemed infinitely more friendly.

Instinctively, he shuffled backward again.

His back pressed against something soft and fluffy.

The White Lion carried no trace of a wild beast’s musk. Its thick, soft fur emitted a crisp, refreshing fragrance, reminiscent of cool, pristine snow. Yet, as Lin Yu leaned against it, he felt the lion’s body radiate warmth.

Lin Yu felt as if he’d been briefly enveloped in snow, only to be quickly melted by the warm sun after a snowfall. It was surprisingly comforting.

A life-saving, fluffy creature.

And so fragrant and warm.

This isn’t some ferocious man-eating beast at all!

It’s clearly a fluffy, adorable character straight out of a fairy tale!

Though the Crazy Lion that scratched the Little Pea Vine was despicable, one couldn’t tar all lions with the same brush. Lions were not all the same.

This Big White Lion, however, is perfectly fine!

Lin Yu lowered his guard, even feeling safer leaning against the White Lion’s body.

The moment the young man pressed against him, Cassius’s ice-blue eyes narrowed sharply, his mind going blank for a moment. He stared at the youth nestled against his forelimbs, disbelief written all over his face.

How dare he!

No one has ever dared to approach me like this.

Does this little brat not fear death?

The youth’s skin was a milky white, dusted with a faint blush like delicate flower petals, his slender neck appearing fragile—easily snapped by Cassius’s claws.

However, the moment this thought surfaced, the White Lion instinctively retracted his claws.

This unconscious action stirred complex emotions in Cassius. His war-induced trauma had always confined him to being a sharp blade, honed for battle. Though he was the Empire’s guardian god, he knew only how to fight, not to save or protect.

He couldn’t sheathe himself.

But this young man had managed it.

Seeing the youth nearly attacked by the Demonic Water Lily, the White Lion reacted faster than his mind could process. Without thinking, he dragged the youth back from the shore. Because he might have hurt the young man, he involuntarily retracted his claws and fangs.

Throughout the entire incident, there was no thought of combat, nor any irritation at the situation.

If there was any emotional fluctuation, it was when the youth leaned against him… At that moment, the arm being leaned upon felt immobilized, and his entire body tensed.

Cassius couldn’t understand what had caused this reaction.

Lin Yu noticed the lion seemed stiff. He turned his head and met the White Lion’s slightly bewildered gaze.

Oh dear, the poor thing’s been startled…

A lion is just a big cat, after all, and feline species are notoriously sensitive. A cucumber can startle a kitten into leaping into the air, so what’s so surprising about a Big White Lion being frightened by a Water Lily swallowing a live fish?

Look, the lion has even tucked its sharp claws away, transforming them into four white, bamboo-like stumps. Isn’t that clear evidence of fear?

It’s a pity his Plant Encyclopedia System only covers plants, with no section for animals. Otherwise, he could have checked the lion’s condition.

…I hope it doesn’t get into any trouble from this scare.

Thinking to comfort the Big White Lion, Lin Yu gently patted its “white bamboo” claws. “It’s okay, don’t be afraid.”

Cassius: “?”

What on earth is he doing?!

Lin Yu had only intended a brief consolation, but the lion’s claws felt even softer than he’d imagined. After the initial pat, he couldn’t resist stroking them again, and again… until he was murmuring soothing words while his hands kept petting.

Lin Yu: This fluffy fur is just too adorable!

“……”

Cassius froze, his entire body stiffening under the touch. A vein pulsed at his temple.

Even with his limited human interaction, he knew that casually stroking someone’s hand was flirtatious and when done to a stranger, it bordered on harassment.

How could he remain so calm?!

If Lin Yu knew what people were thinking, he’d surely shout, “I’m innocent!”

How was he calm? His eyebrows were practically dancing with delight!

Lin Yu: Hehe. (His smile gradually turning sinister.jpg)

The audience couldn’t believe the direction the situation was taking: “So… Little Magnolia is White Lion’s partner?”

“No way! Look at White Lion’s face! His pupils are shaking! Hilarious!”

“White Lion isn’t rejecting her, though. Didn’t they say he was the coldest member of the Lion Clan? Guess looks really do matter…”

“Mainly, Little Magnolia is just too gorgeous. I wouldn’t be able to resist either. I get White Lion! Bless them!”

Only Lin Yu’s die-hard fans were frantic: “Bless them my ass! Little Magnolia, stop groping and hurry across the river! If she doesn’t catch up to the main group, they’ll be left behind!”

Some trolls sneered: “You think he’s some innocent little flower? He must have known he was a contestant the moment he saw the production team’s ladybug cameras. Groping the lion the moment he sees it? Maybe she’s trying to cling to his coattails! In the jungle, the beast with the mostest wins.”

As the saying goes, “the brighter the star, the more the criticism.” Lin Yu had barely been exposed before black fans emerged. Fortunately, their numbers were small, and they were quickly silenced by fans and neutral viewers. Still, their malicious speculations left lingering traces.

The audience also wanted to know: Was Little Magnolia truly planning to collaborate with White Lion?

The production team hadn’t prohibited contestants from helping each other, but Conquer the Jungle was ultimately an individual competition. The contestants were inherently rivals. How could anyone trust another completely, without fearing betrayal?

Seeking external assistance was also an option.

The problem was, which helper could single-handedly break through the Demonic Plant’s encirclement and still be willing to serve as a stepping stone? Wouldn’t it be better for them to compete on their own?

Some viewers scoured the contestant list published by the production team on Star Net. White Lion was clearly not listed, and searching for “Leopard Form” yielded no corresponding personnel information. White Lion’s true identity remained a mystery, with some speculating that he might be a member of a mercenary group.

Regardless of his identity, White Lion’s ability to traverse the jungle alone and reach Little White Magnolia proved his extraordinary strength.

If he was willing to offer help, Little Magnolia’s chances of winning would greatly increase.

So, would Little Magnolia take the shortcut and rely on the lion?

Lin Yu wasn’t thinking that deeply. He didn’t even realize he was being filmed; he was simply enjoying the soft fur under his hand.

The gentle, non-biting lion had brought out his long-suppressed love for fluffy things.

When he worked at the Space Station, Lin Yu had often daydreamed about retiring on Earth and having a whole litter of kittens to keep him company. The kittens’ purring would fill his home with warmth, and he’d never have to fear loneliness again.

But now, in the blink of an eye, he was petting a “big kitty” on another planet!

Lin Yu knew that felid animals could be quite proud and aloof. He didn’t force the petting, instead observing the lion’s expression as he stroked its fur. The lion showed no signs of displeasure though startled, it hadn’t moved away.

Isn’t this… the saying goes that eyes can lie, but the body never does!

Perhaps the lion, having lived most of its life in the jungle with little gentle human contact, simply wasn’t used to it.

No matter. He’d just have to be a little more enthusiastic.

After all, this was his way of thanking the lion for saving his life. He was determined to make this Benefactor Lion purr so hard it would flip over!

Lin Yu, armed with his self-righteous excuse of repayment, grew bolder in petting the lion. His hands even began to shift positions, moving from the lion’s claws to its mane… Mmm, the fur feels so soft and fluffy, like a cotton candy cloud!

“Why is this scene so embarrassingly awkward? Can I really watch this for free?”

“The White Lion’s eyes are completely unfocused. Is it that comfortable? Will he really be so easily defeated by Little Magnolia?”

“Enough with the subtleties! I, Leopard Form, want Little Magnolia to pet me too!”

“In your dreams! First ask the White Lion’s biceps if they agree!”

If Lin Yu’s fur hadn’t been so thick, he would have noticed the White Lion’s ears turning bright red.

Cassius, having lived over twenty years and fought countless battles across the galaxy, had never encountered anything so bewildering, nor had he ever met someone so… enthusiastic (to put it mildly).

Yet he wasn’t actually displeased…

In fact, it felt quite pleasant…

It had been ages since he’d been this relaxed. The White Lion narrowed his eyes contentedly, looking genuinely happy.

Lin Yu was also happy, thoroughly enjoying the petting, when suddenly his body lightened as he was lifted up again.

This time, however, he was being taken away from the lion.

Swish, swish—

The Demonic Vine moved to block Lin Yu, raising its whip-like vines. Each tendril unfurled razor-sharp spikes that pointed directly at the White Lion.

Upon returning from its reconnaissance, it had found that damned lion attempting to abduct the Little Magnolia seedling!

It would recognize that White Lion even if it were reduced to ashes.

When the lion first ventured into the jungle, the vine had participated in the jungle’s campaign to drive out this powerful intruder. During that battle, countless demonic plants were severely wounded or withered, and even the vine itself had been forced to retreat underground to heal for a long time.

The three scars on the vine, which the Little Magnolia had healed, were all thanks to that lion.

If the vine had to describe the White Lion in a single word, it would choose: terrifying.

Fortunately, although the lion frequently rampaged through the jungle, it usually confined its activities to the fringes. As a plant with exceptionally high intelligence, the vine naturally avoided confrontation whenever possible, steering clear of danger rather than recklessly charging into battle like less cautious demonic plants.

This time was different. If the lion wanted to harm the sapling, it would have to fight head-on.

“ROAR—!”

The White Lion moved his neck and let out a thunderous roar that shook the heavens. Without the young man’s soothing presence, his aura instantly turned icy cold, his ice-blue eyes locking onto Lin Yu.

It’s just a vine, he thought. I could easily snatch him back.

But he couldn’t let the Demonic Vine harm the youngster.

“Wait, wait!” Even someone as slow-witted as Lin Yu could sense the tense, hostile atmosphere between the vine and the great lion. He hurriedly jumped forward to stop them. “We’re all friends here. Don’t fight!”

Friends?

Cassius stared at Lin Yu in astonishment. Was he joking? No one could be friends with the Killer Demonic Vine.

Yet the vine truly hadn’t attacked the young man. Instead, it had adopted a protective posture; not to guard its food, but to genuinely protect him. To be precise, it was a meticulous protection, as if terrified of any harm befalling the youth.

Recalling how the frail-looking young man had been alone in the jungle, unharmed, his clothes neat and without any wariness towards Cassius, always appearing carefree and unguarded…

Cassius had to admit that the young man was indeed being taken care of.

Though he held no regard for the Demonic Vine, this particular vine proved somewhat useful in the jungle. Protecting the young man wouldn’t be a problem.

Cassius, aloof by nature and never one to meddle in others’ affairs, had only intervened to save the young man out of instinct. Now that he had calmed down, he felt no curiosity about how the youth had befriended the Demonic Vine.

At its core, he was merely seeking the source of the mysterious flower’s healing scent that had briefly eased his condition.

Returning to the matter at hand, Cassius pawed the ground, his claws pointing at the fallen petals, and growled low in his throat: Speak! Where did you pick this flower?

Lin Yu followed his gaze and only then realized he’d dropped petals.

Though he couldn’t understand lion speech, he could discern the lion’s intent from his actions. The lion likely wanted a Magnolia Flower?

After a moment’s contemplation, Lin Yu pointed in a certain direction. “…The White Magnolia Tree. It’s over there.”

White Magnolia?

A flicker of surprise crossed Cassius’s eyes before it vanished.

The records of the Oracle were true after all. The White Magnolia Tree was indeed a precious tree imbued with divine healing power, capable of soothing even his stress disorder… Could the legend “When the Magnolia blooms, the Empire will welcome a new king” also be true?

The White Lion harbored no doubt about Lin Yu. After a brief glance at the youth, he changed course and sprinted toward the indicated Magnolia Tree, quickly vanishing into the jungle.

“What a gullible White Lion! Falling for the trick so easily!”

“That depends on who’s lying. Didn’t the archaeology show say it? The prettier they are, the bigger the liars.”

“Hilarious! Does the haters’ face hurt? And you’re still saying Little Magnolia wants to cling to his legs? Have you ever seen anyone kick away a golden thigh that’s practically delivered to their doorstep?”

Some viewers were genuinely puzzled. “Wait… why would Little Magnolia lie to the lion?”

Lin Yu didn’t want to lie either, especially since the White Lion trusted him so completely. Watching the lion’s retreating figure, his conscience pricked slightly.

But he’d seen the evidence in the vine’s reaction.

The injuries on the Little Pea Vine were almost certainly from the White Lion’s claws.

Lin Yu couldn’t figure out what past grudge the lion and the vine might have held against each other. He just recalled videos from cute pet YouTubers he’d watched before: if a cat’s aggression was too intense, the best course of action was to separate them first.

There was no other choice. Even though the Little Pea Vine was strong, it stood no chance against a big lion.

To prevent the Little Pea Vine from being scratched again, he had to play it safe and get the lion to leave first.

He wondered if he’d ever see that fluffy White Lion again. He hoped the big cat wouldn’t hold a grudge.

With the White Lion gone, the audience’s attention returned to the show.

“We still need to figure out how to cross the river. You threw away your golden thigh, Little Magnolia. Now what?”

“Right? Wouldn’t it have been better to just swim across on the lion?”

“Swimming across is impossible. See those water lilies? The purple ones…”

“Holy shit! Blood Droplet Lotus!”

“Didn’t a contestant from last season almost get their head bitten off by one of those?!”

“Yeah, exactly! So Little Magnolia should still take the detour. Otherwise, it’s either broken bones or a head without a body.”

By this time, Lin Yu had cautiously reached the riverbank.

The vine had told him the river was long, and taking the detour would add at least three days to his journey. Just thinking about it made Lin Yu’s legs ache, so he decided to try crossing the river directly.

He talked himself down: Insomnia-inducing water lilies are certainly scary, but at the end of the day, they’re just plants.

Maybe I can communicate with them like I did with the Little Pea Vine?

The Plant Encyclopedia System was invisible unless it automatically triggered, but Lin Yu discovered that if he focused on a plant for more than three seconds, a cartoon magnifying glass icon would appear above it.

By blinking at the “magnifying glass,” a dropdown menu would pop up, displaying detailed information about the plant.

When Lin Yu saw the status of the water lilies, he froze.

[Water Lily Status: ???]

[Data Retrieval Error: Multiple lifeforms detected.]

Oh…

He seemed to have figured out why Water Lily was insomniac.

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