Chapter 273: 22‑Fold Life Resilience (5K)

Saint Landde Ancient Hall "Deep Well Land".

All around is a stretch of silence and endless darkness.

In Ta Ke's mind, the instructions of the gaunt transcendent elder before entering reappear.

"Draw the World Star Matrix and pour it into your Life Framework."

"Do not disperse the World Star Matrix's resources into the soul or source energy."

"Invest fully into the Life Framework, so you can maximally illuminate your own Life·World Star Matrix."

The experience of those before naturally has its reasoning.

Ta Ke, calming his mind and focusing his spirit, continuously aligns with the surrounding world.

Soon.

In the silent darkness, a speck of starlight is faintly ignited.

Soon, a second, a third…

More and more brilliant starlight blossoms.

Before long, Ta Ke only feels that he has entered a vast night sky.

He feels as if he himself is a huge world traveling among the stars.

If it were other transcendants, perhaps they would need some time to sense where the World Star Matrix is.

But when the surrounding stars gradually light up,

Ta Ke has already felt it.

The World Star Matrix is the core resource born from the world‑level ecology that interchanges between Ta Ke's transcendent world and the surrounding stars.

It exists both within the Aogu Twin‑Star transcendent world and among the vast stars.

Here in Saint Landde, as a hub node, it indeed anchors a considerable amount of World Star Matrix.

But in the Aogu Twin‑Star transcendent world, other places also have anchoring points, large or small.

The strong all employ their own methods and resources to obtain the power of the World Star Matrix.

However, most hub points can only draw a trace amount of World Star Matrix.

Only a truly world‑level, multi‑layered transcendent ecology like Saint Landde anchors a relatively larger amount of World Star Matrix power.

"Breath…"

He adjusts his meditative breathing.

Ta Ke gradually enters a meditative state.

A vast golden ancient star slowly rises from behind Ta Ke.

With the aid of the ancient meditative star, the World Star Matrix begins to be continuously drawn by Ta Ke.

These high‑end World Star Matrix resources converging among the stars, like condensed brilliant starlight, flow like streams, continuously pouring into Ta Ke's Life Framework.

Even merely observing, Ta Ke feels the incomprehensible magical power contained within.

"The World Star Matrix possesses dual world‑and‑star power characteristics. It greatly aids my cultivation of the six‑star forbidden incantation."

"Of course, the most important thing is that this rare world‑level high‑end resource assists the transformation of life forms."

"Begin!"

With that thought, Ta Ke pours the drawn World Star Matrix into his own Life Framework.

"Chi chi chi…"

The World Star Matrix, its power like solid starlight, pours into the Life Framework.

Ta Ke immediately feels his Life Framework beginning to be sizzingly tempered.

For many transcendent beings, they lack a "Transcendent Sequence System" specially devised by their own species as humans have.

But those powerful transcendent beings possess their own unique strength.

That is the Life Framework.

And the manifestation within transcendent species is—common beings, elite beings, leader beings, lord beings!

This clear hierarchical Life Framework easily promotes the emergence of powerful beings.

When common beings are numerous enough, elite beings readily arise.

When elite beings are numerous enough, leader beings are born.

When the group's size is large enough, and the transcendent ecological territory it occupies is sufficiently vast,

higher life forms—Transcendent Lords—will emerge.

Using group size to spawn powerful lords is one method.

But directly drawing the World Star Matrix to strengthen one's Life Framework, granting the mighty physique of a Transcendent Lord, is undoubtedly a simpler and faster way.

Yet transcendants who can seize such an opportunity are exceedingly rare.

And for someone like Ta Ke, fully entering the "Deep Well Land" and freely drawing the World Star Matrix is a chance.

Looking across all of Saint Landde, it is the only one of its kind.

"Chi chi chi…"

As massive amounts of World Star Matrix continuously pour into the Life Framework,

Ta Ke only feels his Life Framework being brilliantly illuminated.

The Life Framework's resilience and outline, under the tempering of the World Star Matrix, continuously expand and improve.

Ta Ke's own Life foundation is already very profound.

Now, after further strengthening by the World Star Matrix,

Ta Ke's Life Framework's dense life aura suddenly reveals an extremely pure life aura.

Ta Ke's Life Framework begins to metamorphose from a common transcendent being into an "Elite‑level" transcendent being.

Hehehe...

In the intense transformation, Ta Ke's life aura began to cross from ordinary to elite level.

During the transformation, Ta Ke's body, sequence, and extraordinary state all received comprehensive strengthening.

The extraordinary body became more solid, the sequence's load-bearing capacity grew stronger, and the stability of the ecological circulation also saw a considerable improvement.

Ta Ke could clearly feel it.

Originally, his own "Former Days·Blazing Flame State" extraordinary state.

At this moment, with the transformation of his life framework, he also rose a step to "Elite·Former Days·Blazing Flame State".

"Life framework level——Elite level!"

Feeling the effects of his life framework's transformation, Ta Ke lightly smiled.

"And this..."

Ta Ke lightly rubbed his palm, able to feel the solid and abundant life force circulating endlessly in his extraordinary body, extraordinary sequence, and extraordinary state.

"Just the beginning!"

"A powerful top-tier chief physique, even a lord-level robust physique—that is the ultimate goal!"

Ta Ke, gathering his spirit, was completely immersed in cultivating by drawing upon this high-end resource, the 【World Star Grid】.

Several days later!

Holy Orchid Virtue Ancient Hall, underground deep well.

A fierce third-rank chief-level aura suddenly burst forth from deep underground.

Even within this fierce chief-level aura lay a hint of lord-level majestic pressure.

At this moment, the two elders stationed at the entrance of the underground deep well looked at each other, astonishment evident on their faces.

"Top-tier chief-level life framework? False lord-level life form?"

One extraordinary elder looked down toward the cave opening.

But that aura sank like a stone in the sea, revealing nothing.

Even Beweis·Tuwen, sitting cross-legged nearby, opened his eyes to look at the two elders of Holy Orchid Virtue Ancient Hall and asked doubtfully.

"Two seniors, has the Divine Favored One Ta Ke condensed a top-tier chief life framework? Is that difficult?"

The elder on the right examined downward for a moment before slowly speaking.

"Although we of Holy Orchid Virtue can accumulate and precipitate world-class resources, the 【World Star Grid】,"

"Although over the past decade or so, the underground deep well has precipitated a portion of the World Star Grid's primal power, it has also been continuously consumed during that time."

"Originally, the refined power of the World Star Grid within could only condense into a chief-level; that was already the limit."

"I never expected..."

"Divine Favored One Your Highness, not only has he reached chief-level, but he has reached the peak of chief-level, nearing lord-level."

"This is truly somewhat unbelievable."

"It seems... Divine Favored One Your Highness indeed has profound accumulation and expertise in the world, stars, and so on."

"Only thus can one draw upon large amounts of World Star Grid power that mingles with other stars."

After the elder finished speaking, he still couldn't help but look toward the huge deep hole.

"World! Stars!"

Beweis·Tuwen, chewing on these two words, gained a slight realization.

These two aspects are indeed where Ta Ke's advantage lies.

"Hoo... haa..."

Accompanying the breath.

A low rumbling sound, like muffled thunder, surged back and forth within Ta Ke's lungs.

At this moment, Ta Ke, sitting cross-legged in the silent dark depths, emanated a fierce aura of a top-tier chief, even that of a false lord, from head to toe.

Ta Ke at this moment.

He was literally a fierce extraordinary human of "chief-level".

Exaggerating a little upward, calling him a "false lord" would not be too much.

Comparable to the "false lord" mountain range giant bear that Ta Ke once slew.

It is even a half-step higher than the life framework rank of the shadow flame demon wolf chief that Ta Ke once recruited.

As the life framework stabilized into form.

Ta Ke carefully sensed the difference between his current top-tier chief extraordinary life form and his previous ordinary life form.

"First, this top-tier chief extraordinary life form has roughly increased my life endurance to about twenty times what it was before."

"More accurately speaking, it's about twenty-two times."

"The injuries from previous lethal blows are now merely minor to me."

"With life endurance directly increased twenty-two times, the chief-level life's ability to withstand damage is still extremely exaggerated."

"Furthermore, combined with my dragon scale armor, plus many defensive and recovery methods,"

"As long as I don't court death, there basically won't be too much danger."

"This top-tier chief's life endurance is indeed somewhat exaggerated."

Feeling his current life endurance, Ta Ke himself couldn't help but smile slightly.

"More importantly..."

Ta Ke narrowed his eyes slightly, carefully feeling his own "Steam·Wizard Sequence Ecology".

"Earlier I absorbed a second steam core, hoping to expand the carrying capacity of my sequence ecology a bit, hoping to accommodate the forbidden spell sooner, but unfortunately it did not succeed."

"And this time, my life framework has transformed from an ordinary transcendent being to an elite being, then to a leader‑level, and finally to a top‑tier leader‑level life framework."

"Now the carrying capacity of my Steam Wizard Sequence Ecology has increased by an additional twofold."

"That is roughly three times what it would be without completing the life‑framework transformation."

"The transformation of the life framework is indeed quite impressive."

"I originally thought a single‑fold increase would be enough, but I didn't expect an extra twofold boost."

"But after thinking carefully about the gap between ordinary beings and leader‑level beings, Ta Ke felt relieved."

"Now my Steam Wizard Sequence Ecology can not only directly bear the inheritance of this six‑star forbidden spell, but also still has plenty of surplus capacity to bear additional sorcery."

"After advancing to the fourth tier, consolidating 'Transcendent Defense', or even forming special wizard techniques, will pose no problem at all."

"I had heard before that many geniuses have upgraded their life frameworks, turning themselves into elite‑level transcendent beings."

"Now, it's finally my turn."

"And I'm a powerful leader‑level transcendent being."

"After feeling his leader‑level body inside and out, Ta Ke stood up satisfied."

"Unfortunately… the ecological cycle here is very weak; it's not an ecological zone, but rather a reserve point that hoards World Star Grid energy."

"Anchoring to harvest resources here won't be very effective, perhaps not at all."

"However, since I know that World Star Grid, a top‑tier resource, would greatly aid me… I will definitely seek such resources in the future when I have time, to anchor my development."

"When I have time later, I could even build a deep well deep within the tower I construct."

"Then, anchoring the tower for prolonged development could also yield a small amount of extra World Star Grid resources; extra resources are better than none."

"Besides… Dr Stan Lee finally replied to me."

"Then Ta Ke lightly probed with his right hand, and a magical window materialized."

"A magical letter came into Ta Ke's hands."

"It was Dr Stan Lee's magical letter."

"After carefully sensing it with his initial spirit perception, Ta Ke raised an eyebrow slightly."

"Hmm, have Dr Stan Lee and Captain Abraham both returned to Saintland?"

"Even… they invited me to join the Sky Thief Guild's upcoming campaign into the transcendent sea a few days later?"

"It seems everyone doesn't want to miss the Steam Wave Era of the transcendent ocean."

"It's a good chance to have a thorough exchange with these future crew members."

"During these few idle days, I will properly adapt to the strength of my leader‑level body."

"With that thought, Ta Ke's demon ring staff activated faintly."

"Woo— woo— woo…"

"Accompanied by a roaring steam, a torrent of steam surged behind Ta Ke, quickly coalescing into a Steam Light Feather Blade."

"With the gentle flutter of the Steam Light Feather Blade."

"Ta Ke flew upward."

"……."

"A few days later."

"Prayer Fire Underground Street."

"This place is near the underground black market, a no‑man's zone."

"Previously Ta Ke grazed demons here while secretly cultivating for a while."

"But at that time the streets were desolate."

"Ta Ke could only slay a few werewolves, harvest blood‑race folk, and the like, just to barely maintain his daily grazing."

"Now, with Saintland's great victory, the Dark Sun Evil God Church has been expelled."

"The flesh‑trade and black‑market businesses of Prayer Fire Underground Street recovered quickly."

"All along the way, there were countless attractive street girls."

"There were many non‑human women, such as elves, birdfolk, and blood‑race."

"Of course, some exotic groups were also present, like serpentfolk, centaurs, merfolk, and so on."

"Cross‑dimensional romantic dramas are staged here daily, though the romances are brief!"

"Ta Ke couldn't comprehend these inter‑species romances, but was deeply shocked."

"Shrouded in a Blood Shadow Witch Robe and in shadow state, Ta Ke walked the street at a steady pace, searching for the target tavern."

"Today is the day Ta Ke gathers with the members of the Blood Edge Sky Thief Guild."

"These past few days, Ta Ke has gradually adapted to his leader‑level physique."

"Beyond the basic combat endurance and resistance."

"Ta Ke's strength, reaction, speed, and other aspects have also improved considerably."

"What pleases Ta Ke most is that the leader‑level ecology allows his 'Ecological Magic Net' to be built even deeper."

"Ta Ke's 'Ecological Magic Net' is crucial for multithreaded casting."

"When Ta Ke needs to cast many powerful sorceries simultaneously,"

"a stronger Ecological Magic Net is required to support it all."

"Previously, Ta Ke's being could not sustain a powerful Ecological Magic Net."

"Now, the leader‑level life essence transformation is complete."

"Ta Ke can now construct a powerful leader‑level Ecological Magic Net to support his many potent sorceries."

"Regarding the powerful six‑star forbidden spell."

In these few days, Ta Ke also attempted to study and absorb the inheritance, but it was not successful.

Ta Ke has not yet comprehended the earth rune profundity; evidently, he cannot let the six-star forbidden spell seed take root in the extraordinary sequence ecology.

However, for Ta Ke, comprehending the earth rune profundity is also a quick matter.

Not long afterwards.

Black Horn Deer Tavern.

A tavern that looks unremarkable, even its sign a bit old, entered Ta Ke's field of view.

Ta Ke took a deep breath, slightly wrapped his blood-shadow wizard robe around himself, then pushed the door open and entered.

"Squeak!"

The squeak of the wooden half-door sounded in this somewhat dim and oppressive tavern.

Instantly, Ta Ke's intrusion as a stranger drew the attention of the few patrons in the tavern.

But when these extraordinary beings saw Ta Ke's fourth-rank wizard robe,

Instantly, they all sheepishly withdrew their gazes.

A mage who can wear a fourth-rank wizard robe is definitely not an existence that these second- and third-rank extraordinary beings can easily provoke.

Ta Ke's gaze swept across the tavern, and his brow slightly furrowed.

He saw that the second regiment leader of the Blood Edge Sky Pirate Group, 'Abraham' and Dr. 'Stan Lee', were sitting in the corner.

And around them, not a single crew member of the Blood Edge Sky Pirate Group was present.

Ta Ke pondered for a moment, then walked over and sat down in a corner of the round table.

Just as Ta Ke sat down, Abraham, who was toying with a piece of gold demon metal, slightly pushed up the black felt hat pressing against half his face, looked at the seated Ta Ke, and slowly said.

"There is a traitor within the Blood Edge Sky Pirate Group. One month ago, when the Blood Edge Sky Pirate Group held the Blood Edge gathering,"

"The Bloodfall General of the Nine Demon Sea, leading his many crewmen aboard a sea demon ship, with waves surging to the heavens, killed his way into the Blood Edge of the Layer Domain Floating Island."

"Countless died and were wounded in that battle."

"Our pirate gang, those who escaped are basically just me and Dr. Stan Lee left."

"This time I came to find you just to confirm whether you still want to join our pirate gang, whose future voyage cannot yet be determined."

Abraham's words left Ta Ke directly speechless.

"The pirate gang is now this dangerous?"

"I hadn't even finished preparing to set out, and yet they were nearly wiped out by someone."