5 Hiding

  As John nourishes his tiny core, he sends his senses outside his body. He can now view a small area around him. The bush is no longer in an empty world with only himself. He begins to inspect the world around him. The ground looks slightly scorched, but as he already knew, life had started to sprout once again. There are even a few small animals that dare to come near and nibble on the growing plants.

  'Am I on a hill?' John wonders. The ground slightly curves down around him. He can only expand his senses out a small distance allowing him to understand the direct area around him. It is unlike human vision in which one can see vast distances as long as there is nothing to block the view. Plant cultivators are unable to see dangers coming from a distance. Thus they are often plucked without being able to defend themselves.

  'What can I do to save myself? There doesn't seem to be anything around. I'm practically begging to be eaten!' John worries. 'Even a passing bird can swoop down and gobble me up,' he imagines. Usually, plant cultivators come from horrible places where people can't reach managing to cultivate in secret. It is quite conspicuous with him sticking out like a sore thumb from the plants around him.

  John had heard that spiritual plants would inspire growth in the plants around them. Perhaps he can do something similar? With some work, he begins to transfer energy through his roots to the other plants. Within a week, he can sense a large increase in the foliage around him. No longer out in the open, he feels very safe.

  That is until all the animals start eating the powered up vegetation. 'I've only increased the danger,' John laments. His tactic has completely backfired. Fearing for his life, he tries to look as normal as possible by suppressing his energy. This way, the animals will ignore him, eating the more nutritious food around him instead.

  This plan works at first until a large demonic bull arrives due to the commotion. Seeing the premium grass and weeds around, John makes the bull ecstatic. A demonic bull of this level is barely smarter than an average animal. Yet, it can still notice the uniqueness of this location.

  The demonic bull slams into a nearby demonic deer maiming and killing it violently. The other feasting animals are in shock due to the sudden violence. Noticing that the atmosphere has taken a turn for the worst, they begin to scatter. With them gone, the demonic bull happily chomps down on the nearby plants. This ravenous beast quickly eats every leaf and blade of grass around John.

  Soon the demonic bull is eyeing John carefully, considering whether he should eat this weird plant or not. Sensing the danger, John nearly has a heart attack. He can't even manage to scare off a rabbit, let alone this demonic bull! 'I've doomed my self once again,' he cries while sighing in remorse. 'I can only stimulate the plants around me. Hopefully, he will eat his fill and move on,' John schemes.

  So again, John sends energy into the ground. It is a colossal waste, but he is a captive. Every day he hopes that the Demonic Bull will get bored and leave. However, much to his frustration, the bull has decided to make this area his territory. All the other creatures flee in fear from this small hill. In the end, John can only accept his new captor as the lord of the area. As long as he can pay the tribute, he will survive. This predicament brought back memories of John's day in his sect. All his hard work disappeared with not even a thank you.

  'I guess I should give this big guy a name. Since we'll be living together for quite some time, it seems,' John decides halfheartedly. After thinking, he settles on a simple name. 'From now on, you are Joe the Bull! If you're not happy with it, tough luck,' John exclaims. Happy with his victory that isn't a victory, he celebrates by gently shaking his branch. Of course, the bull knows nothing of his new name and doesn't pay the bush any heed.