Chapter 744: Sovereigns Council (1)

"Master, is an Apotheosis root truly so important?" Wu Yuan asked.

"Haha, of course it's important! How could one’s root not be important? Why else would we call it the root?" Sovereign Kua Chi replied, his voice filled with satisfaction.

The longer he regarded Wu Yuan, the more his expression radiated affection and approval. Wu Yuan's growth had far exceeded his expectations, with potential that could only be described as terrifying.

When I crystallized a Great Dao’s True Intent previously, it also shocked Master, but failed to elicit such joy.

Wu Yuan thought to himself in astonishment.

He knew an Apotheosis root was incredibly rare, and had learned more about it over the years. But he was still not a Sovereign, and hadn’t lived for long. Thus, many secrets remained unclear to him.

"The importance of one’s root needs no further explanation from me," Sovereign Kua Chi said with a smile.

"Indeed, the root is crucial," Wu Yuan nodded emphatically.

Cultivation was like constructing a building, with the root serving as the foundation. A powerful root not only directly enhanced one's mana, but also subtly led to the continuous evolution and strengthening of the soul, comprehension abilities, temperament, and more.

One such aspect was one’s Dao comprehension aptitude. Under normal circumstances, those with stronger roots would comprehend the Dao faster. While not absolute, this held true in 99% of cases.

Those with first-degree immortal roots didn’t necessarily have faster comprehension than all individuals with second-degree immortal roots. But 99% of those with second-degree immortal roots had inferior comprehension aptitude compared to those with first-degree immortal roots.

Even in rare cases where a monstrous prodigy had unremarkable roots, it was only in comparison to other peerless geniuses.

In recent years, Wu Yuan's qi refiner self had encountered many peerless geniuses on the Spacetime Island with comprehension aptitudes no worse than Chang Hong and Jiang Huan, all of whom possessed at least third-degree immortal roots.

For peerless geniuses, third-degree immortal roots were considered poor, with second-degree immortal roots being the norm. But in reality, less than one in trillions of immortal cultivators had third-degree immortal roots.

Among millions or tens of millions with third-degree immortal roots, there might occasionally be one whose comprehension aptitude could rival an individual with a first-degree immortal root.

Wu Yuan mused.

But throughout the entire river of space and time, from the beginning of history to the present, none with eighth or ninth-degree immortal roots have ever matched someone with a first-degree immortal root.

The root guaranteed a baseline! Throughout history, no immortal cultivator with a first-degree immortal root had ever failed to become an Archimmortal or Archdeity, barring early demise.

“The root is best upgraded as early as possible. The later it is upgraded, the greater the cost.” Sovereign Kua Chi gazed at Wu Yuan. "Once someone becomes an Astral Monarch, forget crystallizing Creation True Intent, even comprehending the ninth-level Dao Field stage of Creation would not lead the root to undergo Apotheosis. So, it's excellent that you’ve already reached this level."

Wu Yuan listened attentively.

The ninth-level Dao Field stage of Creation represented a level of Dao comprehension that was likely considered extremely powerful even among Sovereigns.

"Apotheosis root?" Sovereign Kua Chi pondered, then shook his head with a smile. "You may well be the first in the history of our Greenridge Macrocosm to possess an Apotheosis root."

"The first?" Wu Yuan was startled. "Master, don't you have one?"

"No. Among Astral Monarchs, over 90% have second-degree immortal roots, with only about 10% possessing first-degree immortal roots.

As for us Sovereigns, we all have first-degree immortal roots – it's a prerequisite for becoming a Sovereign," Sovereign Kua Chi explained. "But while Astral Monarchs might have a slim chance of undergoing root Apotheosis, the difficulty of us Sovereigns succeeding is probably second only to transcendence.

The difficulty of becoming an Overlord is even lower than that of a Sovereign upgrading their root to the Apotheosis degree," Sovereign Kua Chi stated frankly.

Wu Yuan was stunned. Was it truly so difficult? He finally understood why Sovereign Kua Chi was so excited. It was indeed incredibly rare.

"The advantages of an Apotheosis root aren't too outrageous at the immortal cultivator stage," Sovereign Kua Chi shook his head. "The further you progress, the greater the advantages become.

For example, when you become an Astral Monarch in the future, your ether will be ten times stronger than an Astral Monarch with a first-degree immortal root, and a hundred times stronger than one with a second-degree immortal root.

Despite employing the same technique, the power you can unleash will be a hundred times greater than that of an ordinary Astral Monarch.

An ordinary Astral Monarch who masters common Astral Monarch techniques would be considered a first-stage Astral Monarch in strength; but one with an Apotheosis root who masters the same techniques could unleash power equivalent to a seventh-stage Astral Monarch.

Take Astral Monarch Wan Lei, whom you know of – he has a first-degree immortal root and has mastered several Sovereign-level techniques, yet he's only at the quasi-Sovereign level," Sovereign Kua Chi looked at Wu Yuan. "But when you become an Astral Monarch in the future, if you can master Sovereign-level techniques, you'll be able to truly rival Sovereigns.

With such power, one would truly deserve the title of a Supreme Astral Monarch."

An Astral Monarch rivaling a Sovereign? Wu Yuan breathed. This was something he hadn't dared to hope for before, as it was far too difficult. Even among the countless records on the Spacetime Island, such cases were exceedingly rare.

Throughout the history of countless macrocosms, those like Astral Monarch Wan Lei were generally considered the peak of Astral Monarchs.

A Supreme Astral Monarch? The Creation Emissary in the Creation Divine Hall had mentioned it, but how many had actually emerged throughout the vast river of space and time?

"Only with an Apotheosis root is there hope of becoming a Supreme Astral Monarch. Otherwise, the chances are incredibly slim," Sovereign Kua Chi smiled.

"Since you’re comprehending a Great Dao, it will be difficult for you to advance to the Sovereign phase in one leap. You'll likely be stuck at the Astral Monarch phase for a long time.

"If you eventually become a Sovereign,” Sovereign Kua Chi's eyes flashed, "with an Apotheosis root, you might even become an Overlord... Haha, that's too far off, too far indeed."

Sovereign Kua Chi shook his head. It seemed he had let his imagination run too wild.

"My disciple, your foundation is already excellent. In terms of your root, you've reached Apotheosis; in terms of Dao comprehension, you've crystallized a Great Dao’s True Intent. What are your plans for the future?" Sovereign Kua Chi looked at Wu Yuan.

"Disciple plans to have my body refiner self remain in the eldritch world until I become a Sixth Tribulation High Deity. My true self will reside in Summerpeak long-term. Once I become a Sixth Tribulation High Deity and my strength can progress no further, I'll venture out to explore and take risks.

As for my qi refiner self far away in the Spacetime Dao Realm, since that's the territory of the Dao Master and no major factions are targeting me there, I'll continue to temper myself," Wu Yuan outlined his cultivation plan.

The Eldritch Court and Immortal Court were locked in constant warfare. His body refiner self had returned from the Immutable Land already blessed with great opportunities, so there was no need to make a big splash and draw the focus of the Immortal Court to himself.

In comparison, his qi refiner self was much safer. Even if he went out to explore and engage in battles, he would at most encounter some Astral Monarchs. The level of danger was controllable.

The Spacetime Dao Realm was the domain of the Spacetime Dao Master, and major factions like the Eldritch Court and Immortal Court typically wouldn't target talents there.

Moreover, his qi refiner self's public identity was aligned with the Eternal Sun Immortal World lineage, without any mortal enemies among the major factions.

"Mm, that works," Sovereign Kua Chi nodded upon hearing this. "The consciousness of your two true selves is the same, so when your qi refiner self tempers your Dao Heart and will, it’s equivalent to tempering your body refiner self.

Regarding the Faith power you mentioned earlier, I'll arrange for it as soon as possible. There should be no issues while you’re at the Earth Eldritch phase," Sovereign Kua Chi looked at Wu Yuan.

"Thank you, Master," Wu Yuan said gratefully.

"No need for thanks. Isn't it a master's duty to solve his disciple's problems? I can no longer provide you with major cultivation guidance, so if you need anything, just let me know," Sovereign Kua Chi smiled at Wu Yuan.

"After you become a High Eldritch, go challenge the Eldritch Deity Tower. Once you've achieved something there, I'll have another discussion with the Eldritch Court to try and secure a large quantity of Faith power for you."

"Discuss with the Eldritch Court?" Wu Yuan was slightly surprised.

"Geniuses are special. The Eldritch Court's Faith power has to be used by someone, so why not you? There’s no point giving it to some useless individuals who won’t achieve much," Sovereign Kua Chi shook his head. "The greater your talent and achievements, the more confident I'll be when requesting precious resources from the Eldritch Court for you.

Cultivate well," Sovereign Kua Chi encouraged.

"Yes, this disciple will do his utmost," Wu Yuan nodded solemnly, feeling his master's regard for him.

He could sense his master’s shifting attitudes. He recalled how difficult it was to even see his master when he first became a disciple, to later frequently being asked about his cultivation progress and being able to meet anytime. Then upon returning to the eldritch world, the level of attention he received from his master skyrocketed.

And now…

Master oversees the eldritch world, with countless disciples and numerous subordinate Astral Monarchs.

Wu Yuan mused.

The level of closeness naturally varies based on the depth of the relationship. But as the leader of a major force, Master still values the strength and potential of his disciples more.

If one's potential was lacking and they couldn't even become an Astral Monarch in the end, they naturally wouldn't receive much attention or resources.

But for someone like Wu Yuan, who had displayed terrifying potential, Sovereign Kua Chi was willing to spare no effort in nurturing him.

"You've only cultivated for a thousand years. After secluded cultivation for tens of thousands of years, or at most hundreds of thousands of years, the Megaverse Crossroads may open," Sovereign Kua Chi smiled. "That will be your opportunity."

"Being alive in this era is your fortune. Or perhaps it's the convergence of this era's providence that led to your rise. It's hard to say which is the cause and which is the effect," Sovereign Kua Chi shook his head and sighed.

"Megaverse Crossroads?" Wu Yuan's pupils constricted slightly.

This was the second time he had heard of it. The first time was when his qi refiner self heard Sovereign Lan Yan mention it.

"I've already sent information about the Megaverse Crossroads to your personal hall. You can read it when you return," Sovereign Kua Chi smiled. "There's still a long time to go, so there's no rush. Just familiarize yourself with it for now."

"Understood," Wu Yuan respectfully replied.

…

On the same day.

Within a mysterious plane in the Cang Feng Eldritch Voidrealm.

A single temple floated in the void, with six suspended black thrones within. This temple seemed to have existed here for all of eternity.

Today, figures appeared on four of the six black thrones, each emanating an immense and powerful aura.

One of them was Sovereign Kua Chi, wearing beast hide clothing. However, he was not seated in the host seat. Instead, a figure in black robes sat there, resembling a god, with a faint hint of violence in his aura.

"Hmm, it's just us few again." The black-robed man swept his gaze over the others. "Xuan Qing and the other one are far away at the Eldritch Court headquarters and won't participate in this Eldritch World Council. Today, we'll make the decisions.

The topic for today’s discussion was raised by Kua Chi, who proposes dedicating the Faith power of an entire eldritch nation unit to Wu Yuan.

I presume everyone has reviewed the intelligence reports on Wu Yuan. Feel free to express your thoughts."

Eldritch Sovereign Kua Chi remained silent.

The other two super powerhouses exchanged glances.

"I've seen the reports on Wu Yuan, and indeed, his talent is astounding," a figure in green robes coldly stated. "However, most of the Faith power in the eldritch world is collected by the Eldritch Court. How much Faith power do we have left for free allocation?

𝒻𝑟𝘦𝘦𝘸ℯ𝒷𝑛𝘰𝓋ℯ𝘭.𝘤𝘰𝘮

Even the Faith power of a hundred eldritch continents is extremely valuable, let alone that of an entire eldritch nation. Many Astral Monarchs are stuck at the final step, perhaps just lacking some Faith power. With a bit more time, they could break through.

You want Faith power? Allocating the Faith power of a few eldritch continents is possible, but if he wants to collect it for an extended period, he'll have to fight for it himself," the green-robed figure shook his head. "This time, I disagree."

Sovereign Kua Chi frowned slightly but didn't speak.

After all, such an opinion was completely reasonable. How many Astral Monarchs were there in the entire eldritch world? Tens of thousands, and which one didn't thirst for Faith power? One could say that this large pie had long been completely divided up.

Given his proposal to convert the Faith of an eldritch nation unit to Wu Yuan, it would be strange if they didn't object.