Chapter 279: Advance to the Fourth Stage, Learn the Forbidden Spell!

Steam·Three-Sail Sea Demon Ship!

Source Energy Experience: 2.4.

Talent Fragment: 1.6.

……

On the cliff of the coastline.

Watching the system's search results about the development effects of the 'Blood Demon Hand'.

Ta Ke lightly rubbed his brow.

That ships like the Blood Demon Hand possess talent fragments, a rare resource, does not seem strange to Ta Ke.

After all, the Blood Demon Hand itself possesses the supernatural ability to devour corpses and transmute them into blood, and it also enslaves many 'Undead Legions' and 'Marine Undead' transformed from transcendent beings.

However, this source energy experience is a bit lacking, which does give Ta Ke a headache.

"For now, the Blood Demon Hand is in an area with scarce source energy, and it itself cannot move, unable to sail and gather large amounts of source energy, so the source energy experience is relatively low."

"Once we enter the ocean... plus after I modify the sea demon ship's ecological cycle,"

"Let it fully enter the steam age!"

"By then, we'll be able to sail while extensively gathering source energy."

"Even when the number of sea demon ships is large, after establishing a sea demon ship steam community ecology,"

"then the source energy experience will be even greater."

"Overall, if I properly cultivate my own sea demon ship community ecology, the effect won't be as vast as Shenglande's version, but overall it will definitely not be inferior."

Meanwhile, at a depth of several tens of meters below the distant sea surface.

The sea demon ship 'Blood Demon Hand' that has been awakened by Ta Ke using 'Steam World'.

It is undergoing a deep fusion of 'Steam Sequence Power' and the 'Sea Demon Ship Ecology Microcosm'.

This small ecology still has a high fusion efficiency.

Around the Blood Demon Hand, vast surging 'Source Energy Steam' in the seawater resembles a swimming dragon.

It leaves the crew stationed around the Blood Demon Hand all bewildered.

"The high-end method of 'Steam World' awakening the fusion of steam and world is, for these ordinary transcendent beings, completely a dimensional strike."

And those soul-type undead gathered on the sails, as well as the marine undead gathered at the hull's bottom.

They seem to have sensed that the sea demon ship has undergone a change.

Normally, a sentient sea demon ship, after changing owners, needs a period of cultivation before it can unleash its own supernatural abilities and inherent sentience.

But now, Ta Ke has awakened the steam sea demon ship; after a period of time, Ta Ke can directly come over and take over this enemy-owned sea demon ship.

The fusion of steam and world.

This will cause the sea demon ship to warmly welcome the descent of its creator.

After sensing the changes of the distant seabed sea demon ship for a moment.

Ta Ke took a step and directly left the cliff, heading toward the Ice-free Port.

"These three lord-grade materials given by the church this time, although aged, have no issues with the materials themselves; they are all very strong lord-grade materials."

"During the period of studying and cultivating at Shenglande's side, I have already completely tempered these three materials."

"After purchasing some oceanic essence spring water and dissolving it, I can attempt to advance to the fourth stage."

Waiting at Shenglande, the period of study lasted over two months.

Ta Ke's level has already risen to 39.

Moreover, the precipitation of his level is sufficient for Ta Ke to steadily advance to level 40.

…………

After more than an hour, inside the several merchant guilds engaged in maritime trade at Silver Star Fan, I had purchased my items.

Subsequently, Ta Ke concealed his appearance and made a trip to the black market.

Inside the black market, selling off surplus materials on hand and buying needed items, Ta Ke, who frequently frequents such places, is naturally at ease there.

By the way, Ta Ke also inquired about this pirate gathering's auction and exchange meeting.

It is said that on the final day of the gathering, there are plenty of good things.

After a bountiful harvest, Ta Ke then walked toward his residence, satisfied.

Along the way through the commercial street, the black market district, there were no shortage of covertly covetous gazes.

But after those people examined Ta Ke's fourth-stage ring-state wizard robe, they all gave up.

As Ta Ke's level increased, he wore a powerful fourth-stage ring-state rune wizard robe.

The effect of 'a person relies on clothing, a horse on saddle' was fully displayed.

The wizard robe he wore was formidable, his level high, which meant his strength was strong and vigorous.

With strong strength, it was not something ordinary petty thieves could provoke.

Fourth-stage transcendent beings with transcendent states are indeed very difficult to deal with.

Moreover, he is a fourth-stage wizard.

In the transcendent world, a low level does not necessarily mean weak strength.

But a high level certainly means strong strength.

Level!

In these somewhat chaotic areas.

They are the most intimidating.

And this is also why transcendent beings who want to go out for transcendent travels have the basic condition of being fourth-stage.

Ta Ke remembered what Amandi had said.

Some of the teacher's apprentices would go out to travel when they reached the second stage.

The second stage, the level is obviously low.

This also leads to many going out, but very few able to send back news.

……

All along the way safe and sound, Ta Ke returned to the inn he rented.

Entering the room, passing through the Soul Curtain Shadow.

Ta Ke returned to the Steam Magical Cottage he had built on a steep slope.

Just as he entered.

"Ga ga……"

The Evil-blood Crow cried out toward Ta Ke, wanting to eat something.

Ta Ke again fed it with his life veins and fresh blood.

This time Ta Ke fed it until it was full, to the point where even if its beak were pried open, nothing more could be stuffed in.

Afterwards Ta Ke checked the rearing progress.

Progress: 1%.

"It seems it needs a long time of gradual cultivation."

Ta Ke muttered to himself.

Immediately, Ta Ke released a Soul Curtain Shadow, setting a soul command for timed feeding of the Evil-blood Crow.

Afterwards, Ta Ke then opened the seclusion chamber beside him.

Entering it, he began the breakthrough to advance to the fourth stage.

Several hours later.

Inside the seclusion chamber came a powerful and terrifying aura of the third-stage peak leader's ferocious presence, accompanied by a huge surge of steam's roaring.

The rumbling of the steam surge lasted about three or four hours.

Afterwards, the entire Magical Cottage entered a state of tranquility.

Then another half day or so passed.

The faint yet strong aura of the fourth-stage leader's transcendent ferocity gradually emerged.

During the subsequent time inside the Magical Cottage, aside from that gradually stabilizing and increasingly solid fourth-stage leader aura, the entire cottage was unusually quiet.

Occasionally a crow's hoarse cry would break the cottage's tranquility.

Whenever the Evil-blood Crow flapped its wings and opened its beak wide to demand food.

Ta Ke's Soul Curtain Shadow would then feed it some stored food mixed with Ta Ke's life veins.

Eat, sleep, sleep, eat—that is the Evil-blood Crow's current state.

Unbeknownst to him, more than two days flew by quickly.

…………

"Woo woo w……"

Inside the small chamber within the Steam Magical Cottage.

With a low, vast, intense rumbling.

The already fully stabilized aura of the fourth-stage transcendent leader became especially solid and heavy.

Ta Ke sat cross-legged on the wool meditation cultivation spot.

Feeling his own already fully stabilized fourth-stage transcendent state, he opened the system interface.

【Transcendent Sequence】

Steam Wizard: Level 40.

Origin Abyss: Level 39.

……

【Transcendent Abilities】

Phase Walk (665 fragments): Level 39.

Eternal Flame Heart (1300 fragments): Level 39.

……

【Transcendent Talents】

Precision Correction (SSS rank): 1600%.

Steam World Origin Spirit State (SSS exclusive rank): 2020%.

……

【Transcendent Spells/Abilities】

Steam Light Feather Blade (three-star, shape ability): Level 39

Sheep Transformation Technique (two-star, ability): Level 39.

Spirit Touch Perception (two-star, ability): Level 39.

Rune Soul Curtain Shadow (four-star): Level 39.

Rune Earth Turtle Shell (three-star): Level 39.

Rune Spirit Walk Hand (three-star): Level 39.

Rune Hurricane Grasp (three-star): Level 39.

Light-Shaping Spear (two-star): Level 39.

Holy Light Healing Technique (two-star): Level 39.

Arcane Shot: Level 39.

Abyss·Bloodthirsty Demon Vine: Level 39.

Dragon Source Scale Shield: Level 39.

Nightmare Fire Oil Bomb: Level 39.

Micro·Hurricane Technique: Level 39.

………………

He gradually browsed through his attribute panel.

Ta Ke did not rashly upgrade.

Nowadays, the source‑energy experience Ta Ke holds in his hand is not small.

But a six‑star forbidden spell is a genuine source‑energy black hole.

Even Ta Ke now needs to conserve his source‑energy experience.

"Finally, I've ascended to the fourth tier."

Feeling the current level and the more solid, weighty transcendental state.

Ta Ke slightly spread his arms.

The powerful physique of a fourth‑tier leader, together with the increasingly stable transcendental state, has made Ta Ke's supernal physique ever stronger.

This time, the breakthrough of ascending to the fourth tier.

Soul, flesh, and source energy have gradually become secondary.

The higher‑grade resource "World Star Pattern" combined with the core "Transcendental State" of mid‑tier supernal beings constructs — 【Leader·Ancient·Flame Form】.

In this breakthrough of Ta Ke's fourth‑tier ascension, he occupies the leading role.

Of course, it cannot be said that soul, flesh, or source energy are unimportant.

They are also indispensable components serving 【Leader·Ancient·Flame Form】.

He examined his attribute page.

After a moment of thought, Ta Ke invested a certain amount of source‑energy experience, raising 【Primordial Dark Sea】 from level 39 to 40.

With the rise of 【Primordial Dark Sea】,

Ta Ke's source‑energy pool immediately began to transform.

Source energy is the core of a wizard.

And 【Primordial Dark Sea】 is not only the source‑energy foundation of Ta Ke's current transcendental ecology, but also a key anchor among the many anchors of the whole ecosystem.

The improvement of other sorceries and wizard abilities is far less significant than the boost of 【Primordial Dark Sea】.

"Heh heh heh…"

Feeling the massive source energy within the Primordial Dark Sea undergoing a fourth‑tier leap transformation.

Ta Ke calmed his mind and began to comprehend the Earth Rune Essence through the three‑star rune sorcery "Rune·Earth Turtle Shell".

In a single breath, Ta Ke entered the oceanic world where the Earth Rune Essence blossoms.

The SSS‑exclusive 【Steam·World·Primordial Spirit State】 allows Ta Ke to effortlessly enter any Rune Essence world and swiftly comprehend it.

Of course, if there is a corresponding "Rune Sorcery" with a certain lineage guidance,

the efficiency of comprehension will be faster in the early stage.

"Hmm! After ascending to the fourth tier, the efficiency of grasping Rune Essence has markedly increased."

"No wonder they say that only after a supernal being reaches the fourth tier can they qualify to study rune scriptures; this seems indeed correct."

"This astonishing efficiency means that in about a day I can complete the subsequent Earth Rune Essence and finish constructing the second‑ring Earth Rune Essence."

Ta Ke, knowing that mastering the forbidden spell 【Obliteration·Silent Starburst】 is within reach,

began to devote his whole being to the comprehension of the Earth Rune Essence.

After roughly half a day,

Ta Ke reached the standard for consolidating the second‑ring Earth Rune Essence.

However, to be safe, Ta Ke completed a full day's worth of comprehension practice.

Only then did he formally consolidate the Earth Rune Essence and inherit the six‑star forbidden sorcery seed 【Obliteration·Silent Starburst】.

【Obliteration·Silent Starburst】 requires a very strong transcendental sequence ecological capacity.

But due to the prior metamorphosis of Ta Ke's life framework and his current fourth‑tier ascension, Ta Ke only spent a small portion to bear the six‑star forbidden spell 【Obliteration·Silent Starburst】.

When the six‑star forbidden spell 【Obliteration·Silent Starburst】 is fully inherited,

it naturally forcefully draws in the third‑ring flame rune and the second‑ring earth rune from the past.

Its powerful, domineering characteristics as a six‑star sorcery sequence are evident.

As Ta Ke begins allocating points, the massive source‑energy experience required by 【Obliteration·Silent Starburst】 gives him a headache.

He had only reached about level 35.

The source‑energy experience Ta Ke still held in his hand was consumed by half.

This 【Obliteration·Silent Starburst】 requires source‑energy experience twice as much as what Ta Ke needs for his own upgrade.

Finally, when Ta Ke raised 【Obliteration·Silent Starburst】 to level 42,

Ta Ke's stockpile of source‑energy experience in Saint Land ran out.

"It seems… I need to build my own island tower, or perhaps a fleet of sea‑demon ships."

"Only then can I stockpile massive source‑energy experience for upgrades and point allocation."

Seeing his depleted experience, Ta Ke couldn't help but rub his forehead.

He cannot recklessly allocate points; it always feels like something is missing.

"Anyway, this time I used three sets of Lord‑grade materials, ascended to the fourth tier, and 【Obliteration·Silent Starburst】 also reached level 42; that's quite good."

"Nowadays, even if I truly encounter a sixth‑tier strongman, I can't say I'd win in a direct showdown, but I want to leave safely; no sixth‑tier strongman can stop me."

Feeling his current powerful fourth‑tier leader transcendent state, Ta Ke is fully confident.

The next few days.

Ta Ke entered the daily routine of cultivation, study, and building a demon‑king‑level ecological network.

Of course, daily feeding of crows is also indispensable.

Before leaving Saintland, Ta Ke gathered a large number of duplicated transcendent scholarly texts.

This massive knowledge is enough for Ta Ke to study for a very long time.

During these days of cultivation, what Ta Ke did not expect was…

The Sea Demon Ship, enlightened by "Steam·World", actually began to slowly feed Ta Ke the fundamental "World" characteristics.

Though weak, it's better than nothing.

Unconsciously.

The final day of the pirate gathering arrived.

………….

Steam Unfrozen Port has already left the influence zone of the Ashen Land.

The world's ecological environment here follows a normal day‑night cycle.

At nightfall.

In a relatively dim alley, one can faintly hear the bustling traffic of the street and the noisy clamor inside a tavern.

Ta Ke, in Shadow Form, quietly stands in the corner.

Soon, a figure dressed in a gray wizard robe walks in.

"Already fourth tier so quickly? Looks like the wizard ecology is pretty stable."

The newcomer is Dr. Stan Lee, fifth tier.

"That's already relatively slow," Ta Ke replies lightly.

"Is the condensation a Shadow Form?"

"No."

The two chat back and forth.

"By the way, here's something for you!"

Saying that, Dr. Stan Lee pulls out a silver special‑property card and hands it to Ta Ke.

"What is this?"

"The Celerion Sea Steam Daily, a bi‑weekly newspaper card, was produced half a year ago by Padelin New Voyage Island."

Dr. Stan Lee explains.

"Burn the card in the fireplace of your magical little house."

"Then, each day your magical wardrobe will receive a magical messenger delivering the bi‑weekly newspaper. Of course, if you're far from Spadlin New Voyage Island, it may arrive the next day, or even the third day."

"But even so, this is currently the best channel to obtain outside information on the sea."

"Unless…"

Dr. Stan Lee looks at Ta Ke deeply.

"You summon that terrifying messenger every day, sending him to Saintland to fetch the Celerion Principality's steam daily for you."

Ta Ke smiles; from Dr. Stan Lee's tone, Ta Ke can sense a deep lingering resentment.

"Thanks!" Ta Ke waves the silver "annual subscription card" in his hand.

"Also, Doctor, if you have already found the material to ascend to sixth tier, I can forge it into harmless‑grade material for free."

As soon as Ta Ke finishes speaking, Dr. Stan Lee's face freezes, then he suddenly looks at Ta Ke.

"You… you… you… are that… that…"

Stunned to the extreme, Dr. Stan Lee momentarily can't even articulate his words clearly.

"Shh!"

Ta Ke makes a shushing gesture.

After a long while, Dr. Stan Lee finally regains his composure.

He sighs somewhat wistfully: "I had heard before that in Saintland there is a god‑like alchemist who can forge harmless material of fourth‑tier leader level."

"When I went underground to meet Lord Gustav, the Dark Walker of the Star Track Cultivation Association, I proposed forging sixth‑tier leader material."

"Unfortunately, Lord Gustav refused."

"Even though I offered great promises, Lord Gustav refused without hesitation."

"I never imagined…"

"What was once unattainable is now within sight."

"People say fate is fickle; today's encounter truly proves it."

At this point Dr. Stan Lee can't help but shake his head in lament.

"I guess Lord Gustav's reason for refusing you is only one thing."

Ta Ke says with a smile.

"That is… I only agreed to forge fourth‑tier leader material for Lord Gustav, and it was limited."

Hearing this, Dr. Stan Lee also can't help but laugh.

Immediately, Ta Ke adds.

"Senior, you just need to know about this matter."

"Besides, someone on our ship wants to advance; I can forge the material, you just keep it secret for me."

Of course, the refining certainly won't be in vain; you have to earn merit on the ship first.

Dr. Stan Lee nodded.

"Our guild leader is proficient in this matter."

"When the time comes, the three of us will discuss it in detail, and… we can also use your formidable method to recruit some powerful transcendent beings."

"Your harmless‑level boss materials have countless transcendent beings drooling with envy."

"I can already vaguely picture our adventuring crew's Sea Demon Ship casting a shadow that blocks the sun."

As they spoke, the two turned toward the alley entrance.

Captain Ya Bo Han, dressed in a black blood‑clan formal robe, walked in.

"What are you two talking about, making such a ruckus?"

"Heh… we're discussing the future expansion of our Sea Demon Ship; when there's time I'll tell you the details, wait……"

Ya Bo Han nodded.

"Everything's ready; we can go straight into the venue."

"Our spot isn't far from Blood Demon Hand Captain Landon Gri."

Today the three of us gathered and promptly launched a hunt for Blood Demon Hand Captain Landon Gri.

At the same time we'll take part in the annual pirate gathering at Silver Star Fan Steam Unfrozen Port.

Not all pirates are like Ya Bo Han, who has his own channels for handling massive black goods or digesting top‑tier resources.

Some pirate crews are just blood‑stained blades, the guys with heads hanging from their belts.

They can't digest premium goods, so they naturally trade them for demon gold.

And Steam Unfrozen Port is an ideal venue.

Almost every year, the island gathering at Silver Star Fan Steam Unfrozen Port yields valuable items.

This year, the steam tide is even more turbulent.

The Blood Ge Lang Great Whirlpool is also stirring, and a wondrous creation called the Moving Island has been born.

The good stuff this year will probably… be especially abundant.