The Council of Roots regarded Liu Yun and his companions with eyes that held the patient wisdom of centuries. Each Life Weaver bore unique adaptations that told the story of their bloodline's evolution—thorned skin for protection, flowering hair that changed with seasons, and limbs that could extend and contract like living vines.
At the center of the root-throne arrangement sat the eldest—Elder Mu Changqing, whose body had become so integrated with plant matter that distinguishing where flesh ended and wood began proved impossible. When he spoke, his voice carried the deep resonance of wind through ancient forests.
"Covenant seekers who bear mixed bloodlines," he observed, moss-covered lips barely moving. "The root networks whispered of your approach through the Water Weavers' streams and the Sky Riders' air currents. News travels differently in our domain—through soil and sap, fiber and fruit."
Liu Yun bowed with practiced formality. "Honored Elder Mu, we come seeking unity between all bloodlines before the Sundering tears apart the foundations of existence."
A younger Life Weaver leaned forward—her skin bark-rough but her eyes bright as new leaves. "You speak of the Sundering as certainty, yet cycles of destruction and renewal are natural law. Why should we oppose what nature ordains?"
The Imperial Jade Seal rose between them, projecting images of their unified bloodlines thus far—Earth's stabilizing force, Water's adaptive flow, Time's perspective, and Sky's expansion. Where these essences intersected, harmonious patterns emerged, but gaps remained where the final three bloodlines should complete the circle.
"Because this Sundering is not natural," Jiang Tao replied, unrolling calculations from the Timeshaped archives. "The temporal mathematics reveal artificial acceleration—forces deliberately disrupting the cosmic balance that normally governs cycles of renewal."
Elder Mu's ancient eyes studied the projected patterns. "Show us the shadow of what approaches."
The Imperial Jade Seal responded by displaying darker imagery—reality fractures spreading like disease, consuming everything in their path. Where these disruptions passed, neither growth nor stability remained—only void.
"Ah," the Elder murmured, his voice carrying profound sadness. "The Severing of Roots—the nightmare our ancestors fought to prevent. We had hoped those warnings were merely cautionary tales."
Lin Fei stepped forward. "The Water Weavers' deepest currents have begun to stagnate in places where reality grows thin. If this continues, the sources that feed all life will be poisoned."
A Life Weaver with translucent, leaf-like skin spoke from the council circle. "I am Treekeeper Ye Lushen. Through photosynthetic communion, I have sensed... wrongness in the light patterns reaching our domain. The very radiation that sustains growth carries discord."
Elder Mu extended a gnarled hand, and immediately vines descended from the First Tree's canopy, wrapping gently around his arm. Through this connection, his consciousness expanded to encompass the vast botanical network that connected every plant in the jungle domain.
"The green web whispers of disturbances," he reported. "Distant forests dying not from drought or fire, but from something that devours the essence of growth itself. This is indeed unnatural Sundering."
The Earth Shattering Sword hummed against Liu Yun's back, resonating with the life force surrounding them. He drew the blade carefully, noting how its surface now reflected not just light but the subtle green aura of the jungle itself.
"This weapon was forged at the first covenant gathering," he explained. "Each bloodline we unite adds to its power to channel the Sundering's force rather than merely resist it."
Treekeeper Ye examined the sword with her unique light-sensitive perception. "The blade remembers growth patterns—ancient techniques of botanical warfare encoded in its steel. Our ancestors did indeed participate in its creation."
Elder Mu's communion with the root network deepened, his consciousness reaching through interconnected plant systems across vast distances. What he discovered brought visible strain to his weathered features.
"The Shadow Walkers," he spoke with reluctance. "You seek them as the seventh bloodline."
"The Imperial Jade Seal indicates their necessity," Liu Yun confirmed. "Though we've learned they were banished from the covenant in ages past."
The Life Weaver council exchanged meaningful glances—communication through pheromone releases and subtle plant movements that Liu Yun's enhanced perception could detect but not interpret.
"The Shadow Walkers were not evil," Elder Mu clarified slowly. "Their methods simply... consumed more than they created. To manipulate shadow and void requires drawing energy from existing things. They weakened what they touched, even when their intentions remained pure."
"Yet the covenant requires seven points," Jiang Tao pressed. "The ancient mathematics are absolute."
Treekeeper Ye nodded reluctantly. "Seven points to create the stability matrix. Six creates an unstable polygon that will collapse under stress."
"Where would we find the Shadow Walkers?" asked Lin Fei.
Elder Mu's connection to the botanical network expanded further, searching through vast underground root systems that connected forests across continents. His consciousness touched the edges of places where growth ceased and shadows gathered.
"The Western Depths," he finally answered. "Where underground rivers vanish into cavern systems so vast they form their own weather patterns. The Shadow Walkers retreated there after their exile, building a civilization in permanent twilight."
Mei Shengcao, who had remained silent during the formal council proceedings, stepped forward. "The Life Weavers will honor the ancient covenant," she declared. "But our integration differs from the others you have experienced."
"How so?" Liu Yun inquired.
Elder Mu smiled with lips curved like ancient bark. "Growth cannot be forced or rushed. It must be cultivated through patience and proper tending. Your sixth integration will require you to literally take root—to become one with the growing world for a full cycle."
The Imperial Jade Seal descended closer to them. "Time constraints significant. Sundering acceleration detected."
"Then we begin immediately," Liu Yun decided. "What must we do?"
Treekeeper Ye gestured toward specialized chambers formed by living wood that spiraled around the First Tree's massive trunk. "Enter the growth pods. Allow your consciousness to merge with our botanical network. Through this symbiosis, you will gain understanding of life essence—the force that drives all creation and renewal."
Elder Mu's eyes grew distant as he consulted the vast plant consciousness surrounding them. "The process is not without risk. Consciousness that merges too deeply with growth patterns may never fully return to individual awareness."
Liu Yun looked to his companions, seeing determination reflected in their faces. They had come too far to hesitate now.
"Then let us begin," he said, following Mei toward the nearest growth pod. "The covenant must be completed."
The pod's wooden walls parted like flower petals, revealing an interior lined with soft moss and pulsing with gentle bioluminescence. As Liu Yun settled within, tendrils of living vine began to interface with his energy meridians.
"Remember who you are," advised Elder Mu as consciousness began to expand beyond individual boundaries. "Growth encompasses all, but identity provides the framework for return."
Liu Yun felt his awareness dispersing into the vast network of plant consciousness, carrying the Earth Shattering Sword's resonance into the deepest roots of existence itself.