I STACK ATTRIBUTES IN THE APOCALYPSE -MyOwnEdit-

Linhai County was deserted, save for the colossal Blood Flesh Mother Tree that dominated the landscape.

As Lu Ming entered the county, his gaze swept across the desolate surroundings, finding no significant targets to pique his interest.

He sensed countless eyes upon him, emanating from the distant Mother Tree. It, or perhaps they, were evaluating him.

But it mattered little.

Lu Ming raised his head, locking eyes with the Blood Flesh Mother Tree, his grip tightening around the hilt of his battle saber. With deliberate steps, he advanced towards the monstrous plant.

Though the Mother Tree was still a considerable distance away, the moment Lu Ming set foot in Linhai County, all its heads turned to watch him.

Lu Ming seemed to sense their scrutiny, but he offered no reaction.

Likewise, the Blood Flesh Mother Tree remained silent, instead commanding its minions to retreat beneath the tangled network of roots, patiently awaiting Lu Ming's approach.

Ten minutes later, Lu Ming reached the base of the Mother Tree. However, given the tree's immense size, he was still nearly a kilometer away in a straight line.

Looking down, Lu Ming saw a thick layer of viscous red substance coating the ground, with strange, ribbon-like objects writhing and contracting beneath its surface.

"Disgusting," Lu Ming muttered, a wave of revulsion washing over him.

He had always disliked the color red. To him, it represented blood, conflict, slaughter, and trouble.

The sight of a moving red carpet, pulsating and writhing, amplified his disgust.

"It's called a matrix," a voice echoed from afar, the collective voices of countless heads blending into a single, chilling utterance.

Lu Ming raised his head, locking eyes with the monstrous Blood Flesh Mother Tree.

"You can talk?" he inquired, his voice laced with a hint of surprise.

"Yes," the collective voices responded.

A branch of the Blood Flesh Mother Tree twitched, extending towards Lu Ming. At its end, a bald young man's head bobbed, repeating the affirmation, "Yes."

Lu Ming couldn't help but shudder at the grotesque display.

"You're quite repulsive," he remarked, his brow furrowing in disgust.

A giant tree adorned with human heads? And coated in a fleshy red hue?

Lu Ming's face contorted in revulsion.

Lu Ming's nonchalant response took the Blood Flesh Mother Tree by surprise.

After a brief pause, it chuckled, its voice echoing through the multitude of heads. "Shouldn't a normal person ask what the matrix is?"

Lu Ming shrugged, his expression unwavering. "What does the matrix have to do with me?"

The Blood Flesh Mother Tree was momentarily silenced.

He's right, it thought. I can't argue with that.

A sense of unease crept over the Mother Tree. The man before it was clearly not someone to be underestimated.

As Lu Ming slowly drew his saber, seemingly preparing for battle, the Mother Tree hurriedly spoke. "Hold your weapon, human," it said, its voice surprisingly gentle. "I enjoy conversing with humans. My intelligence was born from conversations with a certain zombie."

"I believe that fighting and killing can be avoided if possible, or at least postponed," it continued. "Before resorting to violence, let's have a simple chat."

"After all," the Mother Tree added, its voice filled with a strange pride, "you and I are the strongest among humans and non-humans in Nanxiang City. I believe our conversation is a historic moment, one with great significance!"

Lu Ming paused, considering the offer. After a moment of contemplation, he nodded solemnly.

"You're right," he agreed. "We really do need to talk."

Reasoning was always preferable, regardless of whether the other party was human or monster.

In Lu Ming's eyes, the distinction between human and monster was irrelevant. As long as they adhered to his principles, didn't view him as food, and didn't disrupt his life, coexistence was possible.

"You tend to your affairs, I'll focus on my attributes. Isn't that a wonderful arrangement?" Lu Ming mused aloud, sheathing his sword. "I came here to inquire why you sent your subordinates to harass me. Three times a day! It's quite bothersome."

The head closest to Lu Ming nodded slightly. "I apologize for the inconvenience," it admitted. "In truth, I sent them to obtain a sample of your genetic material – your blood, a strand of hair, even a drop of bodily fluid would suffice."

Lu Ming was about to suggest that the tree should have simply stated its intentions from the beginning, but a thought struck him.

"Why do you want my genetic sample?" he asked, his voice laced with suspicion.

"To create warriors as powerful as you, in large numbers," the Mother Tree replied without hesitation.

"In other words, to become stronger, correct?"

The Mother Tree pondered for a moment, then nodded. "Yes."

"And what will you do once you've achieved this greater strength?"

"Enter the Black Mist Zone and become its ruler!" the Mother Tree declared, its voice echoing through the multitude of heads. "That is my ultimate goal for now. Once I've achieved that, I'll consider my next objective."

The Blood Flesh Mother Tree seemed to be speaking the truth.

Lu Ming paused, then asked, "Let me ask you again. Once you have my genetic sample, what will you do with me?"

The Mother Tree responded without a moment's hesitation. "I'll devour you. A powerhouse like you contains immense energy within your flesh and blood, making you a delectable meal for me."

It was blunt, honest, and chilling.

Lu Ming's brow furrowed. No matter how he looked at it, this was a predator-prey relationship.

There was nothing left to say.

Killing intent surged from Lu Ming as he drew his saber, ready to strike.

Unexpectedly, the Blood Flesh Mother Tree's voice echoed through the air once more, its tone filled with a strange understanding. "I understand you, Lu Ming. I know everything about you."

Lu Ming paused, his hand hovering over the hilt of his saber.

The Blood Flesh Mother Tree continued, "I can absorb the memories of everything I devour. Zombies, humans, mutated beasts, even wild animals and insects! From countless fragments, I pieced together the story of your life."

"I believe," it declared, "that your special ability is a superpower that allows you to increase your strength through exercise and training."

Lu Ming remained silent, his eyes fixed on the towering tree.

"And because of this superpower," the Mother Tree went on, "your life has become simple and monotonous. You seem lost, without any clear goal or direction."

Lu Ming's eyebrow twitched, and he slowly lowered his weapon, a flicker of curiosity replacing his killing intent.

"I've never encountered anyone quite like you," the Mother Tree admitted. "Your life revolves around training, eating, and sleeping."

"You have beautiful women by your side, yet you show no interest in them," it observed. "You possess the power to rule Nanxiang City, yet you only concern yourself with your own affairs in your small corner of the world."

"I've delved deep into understanding you," it confessed, "and found something confusing and perplexing. Now, I hope you can provide me with an answer."

Lu Ming raised his saber once more, a silent gesture of permission.

"I seek your destruction to gain power," the Mother Tree declared. "You exercise and train relentlessly, all for the sake of power. Is that correct?"

"Yes," Lu Ming confirmed, his voice steady.

"And I," the Mother Tree continued, "I pursue power to achieve my goal of becoming the king of the Black Mist Zone!"

"Then what do you strive for after achieving strength?" The Blood Flesh Mother Tree countered.

"To protect myself," Lu Ming replied, his voice unwavering.

The Mother Tree's canopy shook, as if in disagreement. "That is not a goal," it declared. "It's an endless cycle!"

"Consider this," it continued, its voice resonating through the forest, "how strong must you become to truly feel safe? How much power is enough to satisfy your need for security? The Black Mist Zone is teeming with powerful beings. With your personality, if your only aim is self-preservation, you'll be trapped in an eternal loop of attribute farming!"

"Then I'll continue leveling up for the rest of my life," Lu Ming retorted, his resolve unshaken.

The Mother Tree scoffed.

"At the end of your life, old and frail, lying in bed, unable to move," it taunted, "you'll look back and realize that apart from eating, sleeping, and training, you've accomplished nothing of significance."

"You equate your existence with exercise and training, solely for the pursuit of strength," it continued. "But becoming stronger is just a means to an end, not the end itself. There's no meaning in chasing strength as your sole purpose, your only dream. Your life, your very being, is devoid of purpose!"

"What a dull and pointless existence, Lu Ming... That is you, Lu Ming!"

The Mother Tree's words grew increasingly impassioned, attempting to sway Lu Ming with its twisted logic.

After a moment of silence, Lu Ming finally spoke. "Then what do you suggest I do?"

The Mother Tree's response was swift and chilling. "Merge with me," it urged. "Become one with me, and we'll be a team. You provide the strength, and I'll give you a new purpose in life, a dream!"

"What do you say?"

Lu Ming's lips curled into a sardonic smile. "I think you're taking me for a fool... or perhaps you're the fool here."

With a swift motion, he drew his saber, unleashing a wave of sword qi that severed the branch before him.

Lu Ming frowned, his gaze fixed on the monstrous tree. "Who taught you this absurd philosophy?" he asked, his voice laced with amusement.

"Gris Klass," the Mother Tree admitted sheepishly.