Blue Blood

Han Sen saw the man was nearing the top of the mountain. He was very close to the vine now, and Han Sen was eager to see just how the man expected to retrieve the fruit.

The rockclimber was within arm's reach of the vine, and he reached his hand out to grab it.

The purple vine was like a berserk super creature, and for the man to try and grab it with his hands, Han Sen thought he was either incredibly daring or incredibly stupid. It was a crazy stunt, either way.

When the man grabbed hold of the vine, the vine had no reaction, though. In fact, it was as docile as any garden-variety plant.

"How is that possible?" Han Sen wondered as he rubbed his eyes.

The man, clutching the vine, now began to climb with a greater acceleration.

None of the vines moved, and it was as if they were all asleep.

"It's no wonder the empress wanted him to take the fruit. How does he do that? Is the vine not hostile to humans? Can I do that, too?"