After seeing the girls home and kissing them goodbye again, I left with a sorrowful sigh. Time was short, and to keep my promise, I had to hurry. Better finish work early and return for my girls' "gratitude." Eh, that's the only consolation here.
Finding a secluded spot and checking for tails, I shifted to the parallel world where a couple of guys fired up by my idea were making a magic journal. And crucially, they gathered info I desperately needed now. No way I'm wandering ancient jungles hoping to find suitable plants for the girls? Gotta do it smart. And lazy as I am...
I shifted to a small apartment owned by one guy. That's where their gathered info should be, what they dug up over months. Since I focused on plant element, something solid awaits. I hope.
The apartment was one-room, literally. Bath, Toilet, stove, Refrigerator, and bed coexisted in one space the door led to. Fifteen square meters all to himself with amenities. Any student's dream.
Passing ragged faded wallpaper, my gaze hit a bookshelf jutting from the decor—two by two meters loaded with books, some spilled on the floor from cramming shelves to avoid a second one. Eh, human laziness. Though I don't judge; same here.
Eyeing the literature pile sadly—I'd need to read to see if useful—I stored the whole shelf in my post-High level space element Spatial Pocket and shifted to an inconspicuous alley opposite the city end from my jump point. Caution first!
Now find a cozy cafe and speed-read partners' haul like Stakhanov. Eh, won't scruple using time acceleration magic and Spirit Element. Otherwise, won't finish in a week. Still gotta procure those plants! Nightmare.
Oh, this family diner with giant dumpling sign fits. And 24/7! Won't go home till done, or I know myself and my temptresses... No, don't think! Work, Mu Bai, sun's still high!
Three days later. Dumpling joint with stunned owners.
Finishing my hundredth plate of Pelmeni, I closed the last book and exhaled. Good I know English, or I'd bug Ling Ling. Can't disturb her now; she's rethinking world injustice.
Eh, standard bookshelf I'd finish in half a day, but these... goats, call it straight. Hauled a square monster and crammed every nook. Still, no complaints—info was worth it.
Rubbing stinging eyes, I summed up my reading binge, which actually lasted twenty-one days, not three, thanks to "Sevenfold Time Acceleration." Hence the food volume. Think I single-handedly gave owners a week's revenue.
So, plants. Books described many kinds and rares, but for girls I picked four, two repeating. What can ya do—they're top High level and fit their styles. Even found famed plant mages using similar combos.
First and key: Red Spider Lily. Extremely rare, does what not every Warlord can—strikes the soul! Ancient texts say three colors: red, yellow, white by power ascending. Red fits High; later for Supreme and Curse, though not stated outright.
Its petals are very hard and sharp, so even TuTu can use with Fire Hetera without burn fear. Pollen stuns foes, in quantity induces coma. Perfect complement for both girls' styles.
Second, defensive: Sand Aloe. Extremely tough, one leaf withstands several senior Grand Commander attacks. Key: earth affinity, so fire doesn't amp damage—good for TuTu.
Third, for Jiao Jiao only—TuTu incompatible with fire: Blood Sufferer. Vines topped with spikes that slow wound healing. Spikes pierce even peak Grand Commanders slightly, leaving scratches... With pumped Poison Element, Jiao Jiao can exploit foe wounds well. And they bind decently too.
Fourth, for TuTu, growth potential: Flaming Thread. Pretty flower attacking with fire-infused tough threads. Great for binding and slicing foes with high-temp strings.
When TuTu merges with Fire Hetera and adds her flame to threads... I fear for her foes; she'll be a death machine. Even sans Hetera, wounds seniors seriously, so she's no damsel.
Phewww, beat. Four days left to procure. Books detailed where/when found, even owners...
But wild easier—dangers described by past witnesses. Humans? No details. Just achievements by age, foes beaten. When alone unguarded? History silent.
No matter, not proud. Dash through deserts, swamps, volcanoes no biggie... Lord, who'm I kidding? Beating people always easier. But no info, so work what we got.