Chapter 220: Thousand Essence Flower
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Chapter 220: Thousand Essence Flower
Jack stood panting over the Final Guardians body. His legs were wobbling. His mind was swimming. Not falling over was the most he could do, but it didnt matter because he had won!
YES! he shouted, raising a fist to the sky. That action unbalanced him, and he fell on his butt. The Life Drops metamorphosis was already reverting, and he was so devoid of energy that even his regeneration didnt kick into effect. A screen appeared before his eyes:
Congratulations! Title Eighth Ring Conqueror upgraded to Ninth Ring Conqueror!
Efficacy of all stats: +40% +50%
The rush of stats returned some power to Jack, who barely managed to stand. He first looked at the once glorious throne room around him. Now, it was ruined. Half the columns had been demolished and lay in debris. The walls, floor, and ceiling were filled with craters and cracks. Thin stone dust covered the floor. And, of course, part of the room was blackened where the final explosion had spread.
It was utter mayhem. So utter, in fact, that Jack momentarily marveled at how he had participated in a battle of such ferocity. After all, this room wasnt made of simple stonebefore developing his third Dao Root, he wouldnt have even been able to scratch it.
He then looked outside. Through the still-open wooden door that had thankfully avoided the explosion, three sets of eyes were staring at him with intense pride and joy. Brock was jumping up and down, unable to contain himself. Gan Salin was bragging about something to Naujaknowing him, it was probably something along the lines of I made that kid. As for the barbarian girl, her eyes were starry and filled with wonder. At that moment, she truly admired Jack as a fellow warrior.
He smiled and waved at them.
Finally, he directed his gaze downward, at the old mans still body. Did I kill him? he wondered. The iron armor was undamaged, and his helmet cover had fallen over his face, so Jack couldnt tell. One hand was missing from the wrist, and his mace still lay across the hall.
Suddenly, motes of silver light rose from the floor. They surrounded the old mans body with blinding brilliance, forcing Jack to avert his gaze. When the light dimmed, he looked back to find the old man standing before him again, whole and well.
Well done, he said in a voice full of emotion. He didnt seem to mind that he had lost. Well done, child Well done!
Thank you, senior, Jack replied, bowing with a smile. It was a great battle.
Indeed! That transformation you used, and expelling your Dao to counteract my domain Superb! I have to admit, losing for the first time in a million years feels much better than I thought it would.
Jack smirked. Has nobody else defeated you, senior?
Nobody. There were some people who came close, but
Through his exertion, Jack forced himself to focus. But how can that be? I know that Im stronger than most, but we are talking about an entire galaxys worth of geniuses over a million years. How did I, a random guy who just got Integrated, do something that all those couldnt?
The winning path seems simple to the winner, but only through the eyes of the losers can you tell the difference, the old man replied. True, there were other people with four Dao Roots and a perfect Dao Seed beforewhat we call perfect mortality, or perfect foundation. But how many of them had titles as good as your Integration ones? How many were as experienced in life-or-death battles? How many had the good fortune of stumbling upon one of the rarest and strongest items in existence?
Thats true, I guess
At the end of the day, young man, dont think too hard on it. The old man smiled. You made it. Thats what matters. Celebrate a little!
Hah. I already shouted out before, you were just too dead to hear me.
Dead? Please. This is just a proxy body. My real strength is far above the D-Grade. Even if I let you hit me for a thousand years, you couldnt even bruise me.
Jack laughed. When not fighting or condescending, this old man was actually pretty pleasant.
Anyway, the old man continued, shall we proceed to the Final Ring? You can take your spiritual companion along, if you want to.
Jack pointed at the door. What about my other friends?
They cant come, unfortunately, unless they defeat me. But I can notify them when you teleport out of Trial Planet, if you want, so you can all exit at the same time.
Jack considered it for a moment. That would be great. Thank you, senior.
Not a problem at all. Now
The old man raised a hand. Jack felt the air coalesce in a line above his head, and Brock suddenly started floating. Bro! he shouted in panic and tried to punch the air, but Jack only laughed. The brorilla floated smoothly through the door and entered the throne room.
See you soon, guys! Jack shouted at Salin and Nauja. You will be notified when I teleport out, so we can all leave together.
Okay! Have fun with your friends; just remember to return before bedtime! Gan Salin shouted back as the door swung closed on his face.
Jack, Brock, and the old man were left alone in the throne room.
Could we have your name now, senior? Jack asked.
The old man laughed. You did defeat me. I suppose you can.
Jacks surroundings suddenly melted away like they were just a dream. He found himself on what resembled a tiny planet in the center of the world. Six sun mushrooms hung on the ring ceiling, around a mile away, each in one cardinal direction. The ground under their feet was a sphere barely a hundred feet in diameter.
And yet, the power of gravity here was astonishing. Even with over five hundred points in Strength and a combined +75% efficacy from his titles, Jack found himself straining to stay on his feet. The dense air deposited Brock on the ground, but a thin silver barrier appeared around him, helping him withstand the increased gravity.
What is this? Jack asked.
The Final Ring, the old man replied emotionally. The core of Trial Planet. My home.
A little wooden cabin was visible in the distancewhich, given the tiny spheres curvature, wasnt more than a few dozen feet away. Besides that, only grass covered the ground, swaying gently like it wasnt under mountain-crushing pressure.
This is no house, Jack said. Its a prison!
He couldnt imagine living in such a tiny place for a million years. However, the old man only laughed.
My cabin is larger on the inside. I am also not restrained hereI am actually the spirit of Trial Planet, so I can see and hear everything that happens inside it.
Really? Then, why were you surprised by my transformation? Jack asked. He remembered that, when he used the Life Drop, the old mans eyes had gone wide as saucers.
The old man gave a wry smile. Well Almost everything. Some spaces are isolated, for both my sake and theirs. Besides that, however, this planet is my body and world. Saying I am trapped here would be like saying you feel cramped in your own body.
Right. I have used a Dao Sprouting Pill before. If you can give me something similar, I can try to break through faster.
A Dao Sprouting Pill would not be enough. Even if I had another, it is meant to help someone already on the precipice of breaking through, not someone like you whos still a ways away
Then, some other treasure. You mentioned I get rewards for defeating you, right? Isnt there anything that can increase cultivation speed?
The old man hesitated. There is, actuallybut you shouldnt use it.
Why?
Because its too dangerous.
That was music to Jacks ears. Since when was he afraid of a little danger?
I can handle it, he said quickly.
You dont even know what Im talking about. Dont get ahead of yourself, the old man said sternly.
Jack realized hed rushed it a bit. Sorry, he said. Could you tell me more about this treasure?
Old Man Spirit hesitated for a second, then sighed. I suppose I can. You see, I do have a treasure that can help you break through in time. In fact, let alone eight months, it can let you break through in one day.
One day!? Jacks eyes went wide.
Yesbut, of course, that would come at a price. Take a look.
The old man waved his hand. Suddenly, an item floated before Jack. It looked like a flower with a yellow core and white leaves, each painted with mystical swirling patterns. Even looking at it made Jack dizzy, like the mere sight of this flower was activating some hidden switch in his brain.
This is the Thousand Essence Flower, Old Man Spirit explained. It has absorbed the essence of a thousand immortals and their Daos. When consumed, it temporarily links your mind to that essence, greatly expanding your ability to comprehend the Dao. It would be like having a thousand immortals debating the Dao with yougiven your perfect and decently solidified foundation, it would allow you to instantly break through and become an immortal.
Its that powerful!? Jacks eyes widened.
Yes. In fact, not only will this flower let you break through immediately, it will also ensure that your Dao Tree is as robust as possible, not harming your foundation in the slightest.
Despite all these strong words, Jacks gaze actually darkened. This flower sounded too good to be true. The catch, whatever it was, had to be equally tremendous.
And the downside? he asked.
The old man smiled sadly. With danger comes opportunity, but the reverse is also true. Treasures like this are actually too useful. As a result, the Dao frowns at their usage. Have you ever heard of a tribulation, Jack?
I have not.
With the assistance of such a powerful treasure, anyone could reach the D-Gradethat breaks the rules of the Dao, which state that only the worthy may advance. As a result, the Dao will inflict a tribulation on youa test, if you will. If you succeed, you will be deemed worthy, and using this treasure to save time will be acceptable. If you fail, you die, and your Dao is shattered. However, tribulations are not easy. They are a particularly feared form of deadly torture. If anything, breaking through the normal way is significantly easier.
Jack raised his head. He ran over his choices, and realized he only had one. As long as it was a test, he was confident he could pass it.
I can handle it, he said. Give me that flower, senior. If I can save time by just enduring a tribulation, of course Ill do it. In fact, this is exactly what I was looking for.
I dont think you understand how perilous tribulations are.
Do I have another choice? I cannot spend a year here, and there is no way to exit safely before becoming an immortal.
It is a great risk. Cheating the Dao is harder than it sounds.
I understand, senior, but I must do this. Besides, you said that the tribulation is a test. Given my power, do you think I would fail?
The old man looked him up and down. Not necessarilybut a tribulation tests more than your power. Regardless, this is your choice to make. The Thousand Essence Flower is one of the treasures I would offer youyou can have it.
The flower floated toward Jack, who grabbed it gently by the stem. From up close, its fragrance was intoxicating. Every whiff activated parts of his brain he didnt even know he had.
Besides this flower, what other treasures could I have chosen, senior? he asked curiously.
You can only have one treasure, as per the rules. However, your other choices would have been a starship that can travel at incredible speed and give you insights on the Dao of Space, as well as a one-use weapon with the power to instantly kill anyone below the B-Grade.
What?
That weapon could just get rid of the planetary overseer directly. However, Jack didnt think about it too much. Even if he got the orb, he wouldnt make it back to Earth before the end of the grace periodand, by then, there would be many more immortals present than just the planetary overseer.
Besides, the flower could contribute directly to his personal powerthe one thing he could always rely on. External assistance, like weapons, were not trustworthy.
Since you chose this flower, I would suggest using it to break through immediately, the old man said. Becoming an immortal in Trial Planet is forbidden, but that rule doesn't apply here. There is no need to wait, either. You already have everything in order. Just rest to recover your full strength, meditate for a few minutes, and when you feel ready, eat the flower to break through.
Jack raised a brow. Eat the flower?
Of course, the old man replied seriously. How else did you expect to consume it? By sniffing it in?
I thought Nevermind. Who am I to disagree? Eating the flower, it is.
Perfect. You can even use my personal meditation spot for your breakthrough. I wouldnt normally allow that, but He smiled widely. I really look forward to the Dao Tree you develop, boy. And I hope you survive.
So do I, Jack replied honestly.
The old man led Jack and Brock to a place on the other side of this tiny planet. It resembled a park kiosk with only a meditation mat placed in its very center. Sitting down, Jack felt like he was using the meditation mat from back in the Integration Tournament. His mind felt unnaturally excited, like he was in the middle of some grand inspiration.
With a knight and a brorilla watching him, Jack sat down, closed his eyes, took a deep breathand meditated.
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Chapter 220: Thousand Essence Flower
Jack stood panting over the Final Guardians body. His legs were wobbling. His mind was swimming. Not falling over was the most he could do, but it didnt matter because he had won!
YES! he shouted, raising a fist to the sky. That action unbalanced him, and he fell on his butt. The Life Drops metamorphosis was already reverting, and he was so devoid of energy that even his regeneration didnt kick into effect. A screen appeared before his eyes:
Congratulations! Title Eighth Ring Conqueror upgraded to Ninth Ring Conqueror!
Efficacy of all stats: +40% +50%
The rush of stats returned some power to Jack, who barely managed to stand. He first looked at the once glorious throne room around him. Now, it was ruined. Half the columns had been demolished and lay in debris. The walls, floor, and ceiling were filled with craters and cracks. Thin stone dust covered the floor. And, of course, part of the room was blackened where the final explosion had spread.
It was utter mayhem. So utter, in fact, that Jack momentarily marveled at how he had participated in a battle of such ferocity. After all, this room wasnt made of simple stonebefore developing his third Dao Root, he wouldnt have even been able to scratch it.
He then looked outside. Through the still-open wooden door that had thankfully avoided the explosion, three sets of eyes were staring at him with intense pride and joy. Brock was jumping up and down, unable to contain himself. Gan Salin was bragging about something to Naujaknowing him, it was probably something along the lines of I made that kid. As for the barbarian girl, her eyes were starry and filled with wonder. At that moment, she truly admired Jack as a fellow warrior.
He smiled and waved at them.
Finally, he directed his gaze downward, at the old mans still body. Did I kill him? he wondered. The iron armor was undamaged, and his helmet cover had fallen over his face, so Jack couldnt tell. One hand was missing from the wrist, and his mace still lay across the hall.
Suddenly, motes of silver light rose from the floor. They surrounded the old mans body with blinding brilliance, forcing Jack to avert his gaze. When the light dimmed, he looked back to find the old man standing before him again, whole and well.
Well done, he said in a voice full of emotion. He didnt seem to mind that he had lost. Well done, child Well done!
Thank you, senior, Jack replied, bowing with a smile. It was a great battle.
Indeed! That transformation you used, and expelling your Dao to counteract my domain Superb! I have to admit, losing for the first time in a million years feels much better than I thought it would.
Jack smirked. Has nobody else defeated you, senior?
Nobody. There were some people who came close, but
Through his exertion, Jack forced himself to focus. But how can that be? I know that Im stronger than most, but we are talking about an entire galaxys worth of geniuses over a million years. How did I, a random guy who just got Integrated, do something that all those couldnt?
The winning path seems simple to the winner, but only through the eyes of the losers can you tell the difference, the old man replied. True, there were other people with four Dao Roots and a perfect Dao Seed beforewhat we call perfect mortality, or perfect foundation. But how many of them had titles as good as your Integration ones? How many were as experienced in life-or-death battles? How many had the good fortune of stumbling upon one of the rarest and strongest items in existence?
Thats true, I guess
At the end of the day, young man, dont think too hard on it. The old man smiled. You made it. Thats what matters. Celebrate a little!
Hah. I already shouted out before, you were just too dead to hear me.
Dead? Please. This is just a proxy body. My real strength is far above the D-Grade. Even if I let you hit me for a thousand years, you couldnt even bruise me.
Jack laughed. When not fighting or condescending, this old man was actually pretty pleasant.
Anyway, the old man continued, shall we proceed to the Final Ring? You can take your spiritual companion along, if you want to.
Jack pointed at the door. What about my other friends?
They cant come, unfortunately, unless they defeat me. But I can notify them when you teleport out of Trial Planet, if you want, so you can all exit at the same time.
Jack considered it for a moment. That would be great. Thank you, senior.
Not a problem at all. Now
The old man raised a hand. Jack felt the air coalesce in a line above his head, and Brock suddenly started floating. Bro! he shouted in panic and tried to punch the air, but Jack only laughed. The brorilla floated smoothly through the door and entered the throne room.
See you soon, guys! Jack shouted at Salin and Nauja. You will be notified when I teleport out, so we can all leave together.
Okay! Have fun with your friends; just remember to return before bedtime! Gan Salin shouted back as the door swung closed on his face.
Jack, Brock, and the old man were left alone in the throne room.
Could we have your name now, senior? Jack asked.
The old man laughed. You did defeat me. I suppose you can.
Jacks surroundings suddenly melted away like they were just a dream. He found himself on what resembled a tiny planet in the center of the world. Six sun mushrooms hung on the ring ceiling, around a mile away, each in one cardinal direction. The ground under their feet was a sphere barely a hundred feet in diameter.
And yet, the power of gravity here was astonishing. Even with over five hundred points in Strength and a combined +75% efficacy from his titles, Jack found himself straining to stay on his feet. The dense air deposited Brock on the ground, but a thin silver barrier appeared around him, helping him withstand the increased gravity.
What is this? Jack asked.
The Final Ring, the old man replied emotionally. The core of Trial Planet. My home.
A little wooden cabin was visible in the distancewhich, given the tiny spheres curvature, wasnt more than a few dozen feet away. Besides that, only grass covered the ground, swaying gently like it wasnt under mountain-crushing pressure.
This is no house, Jack said. Its a prison!
He couldnt imagine living in such a tiny place for a million years. However, the old man only laughed.
My cabin is larger on the inside. I am also not restrained hereI am actually the spirit of Trial Planet, so I can see and hear everything that happens inside it.
Really? Then, why were you surprised by my transformation? Jack asked. He remembered that, when he used the Life Drop, the old mans eyes had gone wide as saucers.
The old man gave a wry smile. Well Almost everything. Some spaces are isolated, for both my sake and theirs. Besides that, however, this planet is my body and world. Saying I am trapped here would be like saying you feel cramped in your own body.
Right. I have used a Dao Sprouting Pill before. If you can give me something similar, I can try to break through faster.
A Dao Sprouting Pill would not be enough. Even if I had another, it is meant to help someone already on the precipice of breaking through, not someone like you whos still a ways away
Then, some other treasure. You mentioned I get rewards for defeating you, right? Isnt there anything that can increase cultivation speed?
The old man hesitated. There is, actuallybut you shouldnt use it.
Why?
Because its too dangerous.
That was music to Jacks ears. Since when was he afraid of a little danger?
I can handle it, he said quickly.
You dont even know what Im talking about. Dont get ahead of yourself, the old man said sternly.
Jack realized hed rushed it a bit. Sorry, he said. Could you tell me more about this treasure?
Old Man Spirit hesitated for a second, then sighed. I suppose I can. You see, I do have a treasure that can help you break through in time. In fact, let alone eight months, it can let you break through in one day.
One day!? Jacks eyes went wide.
Yesbut, of course, that would come at a price. Take a look.
The old man waved his hand. Suddenly, an item floated before Jack. It looked like a flower with a yellow core and white leaves, each painted with mystical swirling patterns. Even looking at it made Jack dizzy, like the mere sight of this flower was activating some hidden switch in his brain.
This is the Thousand Essence Flower, Old Man Spirit explained. It has absorbed the essence of a thousand immortals and their Daos. When consumed, it temporarily links your mind to that essence, greatly expanding your ability to comprehend the Dao. It would be like having a thousand immortals debating the Dao with yougiven your perfect and decently solidified foundation, it would allow you to instantly break through and become an immortal.
Its that powerful!? Jacks eyes widened.
Yes. In fact, not only will this flower let you break through immediately, it will also ensure that your Dao Tree is as robust as possible, not harming your foundation in the slightest.
Despite all these strong words, Jacks gaze actually darkened. This flower sounded too good to be true. The catch, whatever it was, had to be equally tremendous.
And the downside? he asked.
The old man smiled sadly. With danger comes opportunity, but the reverse is also true. Treasures like this are actually too useful. As a result, the Dao frowns at their usage. Have you ever heard of a tribulation, Jack?
I have not.
With the assistance of such a powerful treasure, anyone could reach the D-Gradethat breaks the rules of the Dao, which state that only the worthy may advance. As a result, the Dao will inflict a tribulation on youa test, if you will. If you succeed, you will be deemed worthy, and using this treasure to save time will be acceptable. If you fail, you die, and your Dao is shattered. However, tribulations are not easy. They are a particularly feared form of deadly torture. If anything, breaking through the normal way is significantly easier.
Jack raised his head. He ran over his choices, and realized he only had one. As long as it was a test, he was confident he could pass it.
I can handle it, he said. Give me that flower, senior. If I can save time by just enduring a tribulation, of course Ill do it. In fact, this is exactly what I was looking for.
I dont think you understand how perilous tribulations are.
Do I have another choice? I cannot spend a year here, and there is no way to exit safely before becoming an immortal.
It is a great risk. Cheating the Dao is harder than it sounds.
I understand, senior, but I must do this. Besides, you said that the tribulation is a test. Given my power, do you think I would fail?
The old man looked him up and down. Not necessarilybut a tribulation tests more than your power. Regardless, this is your choice to make. The Thousand Essence Flower is one of the treasures I would offer youyou can have it.
The flower floated toward Jack, who grabbed it gently by the stem. From up close, its fragrance was intoxicating. Every whiff activated parts of his brain he didnt even know he had.
Besides this flower, what other treasures could I have chosen, senior? he asked curiously.
You can only have one treasure, as per the rules. However, your other choices would have been a starship that can travel at incredible speed and give you insights on the Dao of Space, as well as a one-use weapon with the power to instantly kill anyone below the B-Grade.
What?
That weapon could just get rid of the planetary overseer directly. However, Jack didnt think about it too much. Even if he got the orb, he wouldnt make it back to Earth before the end of the grace periodand, by then, there would be many more immortals present than just the planetary overseer.
Besides, the flower could contribute directly to his personal powerthe one thing he could always rely on. External assistance, like weapons, were not trustworthy.
Since you chose this flower, I would suggest using it to break through immediately, the old man said. Becoming an immortal in Trial Planet is forbidden, but that rule doesn't apply here. There is no need to wait, either. You already have everything in order. Just rest to recover your full strength, meditate for a few minutes, and when you feel ready, eat the flower to break through.
Jack raised a brow. Eat the flower?
Of course, the old man replied seriously. How else did you expect to consume it? By sniffing it in?
I thought Nevermind. Who am I to disagree? Eating the flower, it is.
Perfect. You can even use my personal meditation spot for your breakthrough. I wouldnt normally allow that, but He smiled widely. I really look forward to the Dao Tree you develop, boy. And I hope you survive.
So do I, Jack replied honestly.
The old man led Jack and Brock to a place on the other side of this tiny planet. It resembled a park kiosk with only a meditation mat placed in its very center. Sitting down, Jack felt like he was using the meditation mat from back in the Integration Tournament. His mind felt unnaturally excited, like he was in the middle of some grand inspiration.
With a knight and a brorilla watching him, Jack sat down, closed his eyes, took a deep breathand meditated.
Chapter 220: Thousand Essence FlowerJack stood panting over the Final Guardians body. His legs were wobbling. His mind was swimming. Not falling over was the most he could do, but it didnt matter because he had won!YES! he shouted, raising a fist to the sky. That action unbalanced him, and he fell on his butt. The Life Drops metamorphosis was already reverting, and he was so devoid of energy that even his regeneration didnt kick into effect. A screen appeared before his eyes:Congratulations! Title Eighth Ring Conqueror upgraded to Ninth Ring Conqueror!Efficacy of all stats: +40% +50%The rush of stats returned some power to Jack, who barely managed to stand. He first looked at the once glorious throne room around him. Now, it was ruined. Half the columns had been demolished and lay in debris. The walls, floor, and ceiling were filled with craters and cracks. Thin stone dust covered the floor. And, of course, part of the room was blackened where the final explosion had spread.It was utter mayhem. So utter, in fact, that Jack momentarily marveled at how he had participated in a battle of such ferocity. After all, this room wasnt made of simple stonebefore developing his third Dao Root, he wouldnt have even been able to scratch it.He then looked outside. Through the still-open wooden door that had thankfully avoided the explosion, three sets of eyes were staring at him with intense pride and joy. Brock was jumping up and down, unable to contain himself. Gan Salin was bragging about something to Naujaknowing him, it was probably something along the lines of I made that kid. As for the barbarian girl, her eyes were starry and filled with wonder. At that moment, she truly admired Jack as a fellow warrior.He smiled and waved at them.Finally, he directed his gaze downward, at the old mans still body. Did I kill him? he wondered. The iron armor was undamaged, and his helmet cover had fallen over his face, so Jack couldnt tell. One hand was missing from the wrist, and his mace still lay across the hall.Suddenly, motes of silver light rose from the floor. They surrounded the old mans body with blinding brilliance, forcing Jack to avert his gaze. When the light dimmed, he looked back to find the old man standing before him again, whole and well.Well done, he said in a voice full of emotion. He didnt seem to mind that he had lost. Well done, child Well done!Thank you, senior, Jack replied, bowing with a smile. It was a great battle.Indeed! That transformation you used, and expelling your Dao to counteract my domain Superb! I have to admit, losing for the first time in a million years feels much better than I thought it would.Jack smirked. Has nobody else defeated you, senior?Nobody. There were some people who came close, butThrough his exertion, Jack forced himself to focus. But how can that be? I know that Im stronger than most, but we are talking about an entire galaxys worth of geniuses over a million years. How did I, a random guy who just got Integrated, do something that all those couldnt?The winning path seems simple to the winner, but only through the eyes of the losers can you tell the difference, the old man replied. True, there were other people with four Dao Roots and a perfect Dao Seed beforewhat we call perfect mortality, or perfect foundation. But how many of them had titles as good as your Integration ones? How many were as experienced in life-or-death battles? How many had the good fortune of stumbling upon one of the rarest and strongest items in existence?Thats true, I guessAt the end of the day, young man, dont think too hard on it. The old man smiled. You made it. Thats what matters. Celebrate a little!Hah. I already shouted out before, you were just too dead to hear me.Dead? Please. This is just a proxy body. My real strength is far above the D-Grade. Even if I let you hit me for a thousand years, you couldnt even bruise me.Jack laughed. When not fighting or condescending, this old man was actually pretty pleasant.Anyway, the old man continued, shall we proceed to the Final Ring? You can take your spiritual companion along, if you want to.Jack pointed at the door. What about my other friends?They cant come, unfortunately, unless they defeat me. But I can notify them when you teleport out of Trial Planet, if you want, so you can all exit at the same time.Jack considered it for a moment. That would be great. Thank you, senior.Not a problem at all. NowThe old man raised a hand. Jack felt the air coalesce in a line above his head, and Brock suddenly started floating. Bro! he shouted in panic and tried to punch the air, but Jack only laughed. The brorilla floated smoothly through the door and entered the throne room.See you soon, guys! Jack shouted at Salin and Nauja. You will be notified when I teleport out, so we can all leave together.Okay! Have fun with your friends; just remember to return before bedtime! Gan Salin shouted back as the door swung closed on his face.Jack, Brock, and the old man were left alone in the throne room.Could we have your name now, senior? Jack asked.The old man laughed. You did defeat me. I suppose you can.Jacks surroundings suddenly melted away like they were just a dream. He found himself on what resembled a tiny planet in the center of the world. Six sun mushrooms hung on the ring ceiling, around a mile away, each in one cardinal direction. The ground under their feet was a sphere barely a hundred feet in diameter.And yet, the power of gravity here was astonishing. Even with over five hundred points in Strength and a combined +75% efficacy from his titles, Jack found himself straining to stay on his feet. The dense air deposited Brock on the ground, but a thin silver barrier appeared around him, helping him withstand the increased gravity.What is this? Jack asked.The Final Ring, the old man replied emotionally. The core of Trial Planet. My home.A little wooden cabin was visible in the distancewhich, given the tiny spheres curvature, wasnt more than a few dozen feet away. Besides that, only grass covered the ground, swaying gently like it wasnt under mountain-crushing pressure.This is no house, Jack said. Its a prison!He couldnt imagine living in such a tiny place for a million years. However, the old man only laughed.My cabin is larger on the inside. I am also not restrained hereI am actually the spirit of Trial Planet, so I can see and hear everything that happens inside it.Really? Then, why were you surprised by my transformation? Jack asked. He remembered that, when he used the Life Drop, the old mans eyes had gone wide as saucers.The old man gave a wry smile. Well Almost everything. Some spaces are isolated, for both my sake and theirs. Besides that, however, this planet is my body and world. Saying I am trapped here would be like saying you feel cramped in your own body.Right. I have used a Dao Sprouting Pill before. If you can give me something similar, I can try to break through faster.A Dao Sprouting Pill would not be enough. Even if I had another, it is meant to help someone already on the precipice of breaking through, not someone like you whos still a ways awayThen, some other treasure. You mentioned I get rewards for defeating you, right? Isnt there anything that can increase cultivation speed?The old man hesitated. There is, actuallybut you shouldnt use it.Why?Because its too dangerous.That was music to Jacks ears. Since when was he afraid of a little danger?I can handle it, he said quickly.You dont even know what Im talking about. Dont get ahead of yourself, the old man said sternly.Jack realized hed rushed it a bit. Sorry, he said. Could you tell me more about this treasure?Old Man Spirit hesitated for a second, then sighed. I suppose I can. You see, I do have a treasure that can help you break through in time. In fact, let alone eight months, it can let you break through in one day. One day!? Jacks eyes went wide.Yesbut, of course, that would come at a price. Take a look.The old man waved his hand. Suddenly, an item floated before Jack. It looked like a flower with a yellow core and white leaves, each painted with mystical swirling patterns. Even looking at it made Jack dizzy, like the mere sight of this flower was activating some hidden switch in his brain.This is the Thousand Essence Flower, Old Man Spirit explained. It has absorbed the essence of a thousand immortals and their Daos. When consumed, it temporarily links your mind to that essence, greatly expanding your ability to comprehend the Dao. It would be like having a thousand immortals debating the Dao with yougiven your perfect and decently solidified foundation, it would allow you to instantly break through and become an immortal.Its that powerful!? Jacks eyes widened.Yes. In fact, not only will this flower let you break through immediately, it will also ensure that your Dao Tree is as robust as possible, not harming your foundation in the slightest.Despite all these strong words, Jacks gaze actually darkened. This flower sounded too good to be true. The catch, whatever it was, had to be equally tremendous. And the downside? he asked.The old man smiled sadly. With danger comes opportunity, but the reverse is also true. Treasures like this are actually too useful. As a result, the Dao frowns at their usage. Have you ever heard of a tribulation, Jack?I have not.With the assistance of such a powerful treasure, anyone could reach the D-Gradethat breaks the rules of the Dao, which state that only the worthy may advance. As a result, the Dao will inflict a tribulation on youa test, if you will. If you succeed, you will be deemed worthy, and using this treasure to save time will be acceptable. If you fail, you die, and your Dao is shattered. However, tribulations are not easy. They are a particularly feared form of deadly torture. If anything, breaking through the normal way is significantly easier.Jack raised his head. He ran over his choices, and realized he only had one. As long as it was a test, he was confident he could pass it.I can handle it, he said. Give me that flower, senior. If I can save time by just enduring a tribulation, of course Ill do it. In fact, this is exactly what I was looking for.I dont think you understand how perilous tribulations are.Do I have another choice? I cannot spend a year here, and there is no way to exit safely before becoming an immortal.It is a great risk. Cheating the Dao is harder than it sounds.I understand, senior, but I must do this. Besides, you said that the tribulation is a test. Given my power, do you think I would fail?The old man looked him up and down. Not necessarilybut a tribulation tests more than your power. Regardless, this is your choice to make. The Thousand Essence Flower is one of the treasures I would offer youyou can have it.The flower floated toward Jack, who grabbed it gently by the stem. From up close, its fragrance was intoxicating. Every whiff activated parts of his brain he didnt even know he had.Besides this flower, what other treasures could I have chosen, senior? he asked curiously.You can only have one treasure, as per the rules. However, your other choices would have been a starship that can travel at incredible speed and give you insights on the Dao of Space, as well as a one-use weapon with the power to instantly kill anyone below the B-Grade.What?That weapon could just get rid of the planetary overseer directly. However, Jack didnt think about it too much. Even if he got the orb, he wouldnt make it back to Earth before the end of the grace periodand, by then, there would be many more immortals present than just the planetary overseer.Besides, the flower could contribute directly to his personal powerthe one thing he could always rely on. External assistance, like weapons, were not trustworthy.Since you chose this flower, I would suggest using it to break through immediately, the old man said. Becoming an immortal in Trial Planet is forbidden, but that rule doesn't apply here. There is no need to wait, either. You already have everything in order. Just rest to recover your full strength, meditate for a few minutes, and when you feel ready, eat the flower to break through.Jack raised a brow. Eat the flower?Of course, the old man replied seriously. How else did you expect to consume it? By sniffing it in?I thought Nevermind. Who am I to disagree? Eating the flower, it is.Perfect. You can even use my personal meditation spot for your breakthrough. I wouldnt normally allow that, but He smiled widely. I really look forward to the Dao Tree you develop, boy. And I hope you survive.So do I, Jack replied honestly.The old man led Jack and Brock to a place on the other side of this tiny planet. It resembled a park kiosk with only a meditation mat placed in its very center. Sitting down, Jack felt like he was using the meditation mat from back in the Integration Tournament. His mind felt unnaturally excited, like he was in the middle of some grand inspiration.With a knight and a brorilla watching him, Jack sat down, closed his eyes, took a deep breathand meditated.
