In the ensuing days, the chief of Iron Knife Mountain led his tribe's warriors to ruthlessly fell the active bamboo forests of Lizhu Peak. Ravaged by drought, what remained of the mountain's bamboo was now being swiftly cut down, leaving the once lush and verdant landscape desolate in a matter of days. This desolation was set to endure, waiting for Banbu to evolve into an advanced warrior capable of revitalizing the land and cultivating promising tree species.

Black Mulberry and Banbu could offer little assistance. While Black Mulberry sought amusement, Banbu quietly surveyed its future domain. Although aided by Iron Knife Mountain's chief and Mayu, they couldn't provide perpetual support. Sooner or later, Banbu would have to take charge and decide the course of development.

Nevertheless, Iron Knife Mountain's chief promised support until Banbu's advancement, alleviating immediate concerns.

Time passed leisurely, and soon, the work on Lizhu Peak was complete. Banbu finally underwent its fifth evolution and was taken by Mayu to rest within the caves of Iron Knife Mountain Range.

Upon awakening, Banbu remained in Mayu's territory, continuing its education under its guidance. Mayu, with its extensive experience traversing the continent with merchant caravans, proved a more suitable mentor than Flame Cluster Bambusoideae. Through Mayu, Banbu gained a rough understanding of the planet—a thoroughly primitive world where the pinnacle of civilization comprised large tribal gatherings forming "proto-cities." These tribes cultivated various crops in a relatively scientific manner, aspiring small border tribes like the Iron Knife Mountain Range.

Banbu found more enjoyment in stories of various insect races and their customs, as well as tales of wars. The continent was teeming with insect races, establishing hundreds of small and large kingdoms, earning it the moniker "Land of Ten Thousand Tribes."

"Banbu, from the moment I laid eyes on you, I knew you were far superior to Flame Cluster Bambusoideae. Your future achievements will surpass it by leaps and bounds."

"Flame Cluster Bambusoideae was born in my territory, and you in its. You are both my descendants. Promise me, when you grow up, remember to support Flame Cluster Bambusoideae and help it become the chief of the mountain..."

These were Mayu's parting words.

As Mayu's twilight approached, its recent exertions for Lizhu Peak's affairs proved too much, leading to its demise in the harsh winter.

There was no grand funeral. Iron Knife Mountain's chief, accompanied by all the warriors, bid Mayu farewell. Then, Iron Knife Mountain's chief cremated Mayu's body with crimson flames.

Banbu, carrying a half-empty bag of Force Fruit in a snakeskin pouch, followed Flame Cluster Bambusoideae to its territory to live.

Flame Cluster Bambusoideae, akin to a five or six-year-old child in intellect, struggled to accept the loss, lying silent under the raspberry bushes.

Banbu mourned for two days before regaining its composure, focusing on physical exercise every day.

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As a Level 7 Junior Warrior, with a body length of 43, Banbu had undergone subtle yet significant changes. Its once flat and slender body now appeared rounder, with developed forelimbs and robust muscles controlling its wings, significantly enhancing its flying ability.

"Banbu, the dormant ordinary members of the tribe are gradually waking up, and spring is coming soon. Your Xuncao seedlings can be transplanted now."

After more than a month of depression, Flame Cluster Bambusoideae finally emerged from sorrow, appearing much steadier.

"Shall we leave today?" Banbu could now communicate relatively fluently using telepathy.

"Yes, let's depart now," Flame Cluster Bambusoideae replied.

Banbu crawled out of the cave, dragging out a roll of python skin that had been prepared long ago. Seeing Banbu struggling, Flame Cluster Bambusoideae took the python skin and motioned for Banbu to jump on its back as they flew towards the jungle.

After landing on a black boulder, Banbu immediately sensed the presence of the Xuncao seedlings through the soul connection. Thanks to Putao's method, the root system of the Xuncao seedlings had survived the winter, covered by grass leaves and dead branches.

Banbu prepared to transplant them to Lizhu Peak before spring arrived so they could sprout and grow vigorously.

Flame Cluster Bambusoideae landed carefully, uncovered the grass leaves, and said, "Banbu, you need to mark out the range of the root system. This poor seedling may not withstand any damage."

"Yes, its vitality is very weak," Banbu replied, marking the range with crooked lines.

Upon close contact, Banbu felt that many of the delicate roots of the Xuncao seedlings had rotted and died, leaving only a few sturdy roots alive. It felt somewhat worried and reminded, "Flame Cluster Bambusoideae, be careful. The Xuncao seedlings have deep roots, so dig deeper."

"I understand," Flame Cluster Bambusoideae replied and began to dig.

Banbu crawled into the nest under the boulder to check the situation. The grass seeds harvested by the Xuncao seedlings were well preserved, but unfortunately, they had lost their enhancement effect due to the long time and loss of Force. The dried meat stored was still there, unused and unnecessary for the tribe's return.

Banbu went to check on the situation of the old neighbor, the great harvest ants. A small number of worker ants had begun to move, toiling in the fields, carrying seeds, and digging soil for sowing.

Spring had not yet arrived, but the dormant creatures were already stirring.

Banbu moved all the dried meat out and placed it at the entrance of the ant nest.

At this time, Flame Cluster Bambusoideae had already dug out the root system of the Xuncao seedlings along with the soil, wrapped it in python skin, and curiously asked, "Banbu, these are just ordinary big-headed ants."

"Yes, they are quite interesting," Banbu replied.

Flame Cluster Bambusoideae suddenly realized and laughed, "Haha, your Xuncao seedlings were taken from them, right?"

"Yes," Banbu smiled.

Flame Cluster Bambusoideae spread its wings and said, "The journey is long; we should set off."

...

After landing, Flame Cluster Bambusoideae asked, "Banbu, where do you plan to transplant the Xuncao seedlings? Be sure to consider it carefully and try to get it right the first time. Moving the seedlings may inevitably cause them harm."

"I'll plant them at the entrance of the cave. This place was overgrown with weeds before and should be suitable for herbaceous plants to thrive," Banbu suggested.

Flame Cluster Bambusoideae immediately vetoed it, saying, "The entrance should be reserved for planting the most important seedlings, such as your Divine Gifted Seed and the Red Solid Tree and Fire Oil Tree that will be bred in the future."

Banbu extended its forelimbs and pointed to a slope in the distance, saying, "I plan to move the living cave over there. The shady side would be more suitable for the Red Solid Tree to grow."

Banbu pointed in another direction, "The Fire Oil Tree must be planted on the sunny side. I intend to plant it together with Sunfruit, Side Cypress, and Lizhu, all on that side."

Planting all the seedlings together would make it easier to care for them. When the plants grew tall and strong, they would have a certain ability to withstand setbacks before being moved to the most suitable growing position.

"Oh, it seems you have planned it out early. Then I'll be relieved." Flame Cluster Bambusoideae continued, "I'll dig the tree pits, and you collect some decaying branches and leaves to cushion the bottom layer. This way, your Xuncao seedlings will grow more vigorously."

Banbu nodded and began to work busily.

Flame Cluster Bambusoideae dug the tree pits deep, layered them with branches and decayed leaves, repeated the process several times, then finally placed the Xuncao seedlings in them and covered them with soil.

After finishing the work, Banbu spent half a month living in Flame Cluster Bambusoideae's territory.

When the branches of the locust tree sprouted buds, Flame Cluster Bambusoideae and Banbu set off again. This time, Banbu carried a snakeskin pouch with almost depleted Force Fruit and five precious seedlings.

After planting the seedlings, Banbu would settle down in Lizhu Peak and start living alone.