Chapter 473

World Tree Forest, beneath the vine-covered cliff.

Being hunted by enemies, the gravely injured boy trapped in a desperate situation examined the intertwining mist below, the vine-covered cliff that seemed bottomless.

His eyes were empty and desperate.

The boy knew well that below was the vine digestive wall; if he fell in, even a high-level transcendent would be devoured by these world-vine giants.

Not to mention he was merely an ordinary transcendent of level thirty-five.

Drip… drip…

The toxin-contaminated black blood kept dripping.

His flesh was contaminated, his sequence eroded, and his soul consciousness grew hazy.

The boy gritted his teeth and strained to prop up half his body with his arms.

No matter how much he disbelieved in deities, at this moment the boy could only pray to the gods.

He prayed that the deities would save his life.

He prayed that a miracle would occur.

He still had a great grudge to repay; he could not die yet.

"Great god, I am willing to offer my soul and my faith, begging for your descent, begging for your salvation; I wish to serve you all my life!"

"Great god…"

The boy prayed over and over, his consciousness growing ever more hazy, as if about to fall into an endless abyss of death.

Faintly, from the grayish mist, came a rumbling steam sound.

More than two years ago, these strange and wondrous steam rumblings began to sound, persisting without cease.

At first, they aroused much suspicion among many people.

But later, transcendent beings discovered that besides occasional sounds, these steam mists posed basically no danger, and so they grew accustomed to them.

On the contrary, these mists became excellent cover, and transcendent beings preferred to hunt and explore in the hazy mist regions.

With the protection of the mist, the probability of hunting became much higher than before.

The boy, his mind wholly immersed in prayer, suddenly noticed a slight movement before him.

He hastily lifted his head, seeing only a huge shadow, like the outline of nightfall, or like the halo of stars.

Light descended upon him, for a moment making his mind sway, unable to control himself!

A divine trace!

It really happened.

Astonishment, joy, panic, gratitude…

Many emotions intertwined in the boy's heart.

"This is… the great god…"

By the time the boy recovered, the "god" had already vanished.

And the toxins within his body had disappeared, his injuries fully healed.

The fatal wounds were nothing before the "god".

Not only had his injuries healed, but the boy also discovered his level had risen by two.

At the same time, a peculiar object resembling a heart, bursting with silver holy light, hovered there, faintly emitting a steam rumble.

It faintly resonated with his heart.

"Is this a gift from the god?"

【Steam Sequence】

In the boy's mind surfaced information about this newly coined sequence term.

This is the information mystics, diviners, and seers have gleaned from steam source energy.

After taking a deep breath, the boy hesitated not, dripping his blood onto the steam core, then began to draw upon it with all his sequence power.

And not far away, in the steam-gray mist,

Ta Ke, whose silhouette stood thirty meters tall, silently observed the boy before him, an A-rank talent.

"Your talent is not bad; if you work harder, you still have hope of becoming a Chao Shen Da Shi."

This spans over two years, nearly three.

Ta Ke used projections, in the depths of the Cosmic Mountain Range, at hundreds of hidden sites, to construct the ecology of the 【Steam·Wizard】 sequence tree.

And the steam ecological zones opened up using the power of "Steam World" number in the thousands.

Anyway, upon arriving somewhere, Ta Ke directly releases the power of "Steam World" to initiate and develop the steam ecology.

As for these casually released "Steam World" ecological zones, whether they succeed is unimportant; if they succeed, they succeed; if not, it's just a casual matter— the main point is to go with the flow.

And in the course of developing the steam ecology, within this vast World Tree ecology like a sea of smoke, there are numerous life groups.

Among them, there are not a few humanoid races, let alone the many other kinds of groups.

Along the way, Ta Ke silently aided many people, then gifted them steam cores.

The boy before him is merely one among many talents.

Of course, if he encountered a talent of very high caliber, such as an S-rank transcendent talent, Ta Ke would also proactively give them some resources.

The seeds of the Steam Sequence, over these two or three years, Ta Ke has slowly buried.

When they will bloom and bear fruit, and how large the development will be afterward, Ta Ke does not know.

However!

Here, there are extremely many ecological sequence civilizations.

There is no particular rejection of the "Steam Sequence".

And the "Steam Sequence" happens to be able to coexist with many other sequence civilizations.

Taku, while retracing the projection's path, toured some of the earliest established steam ecological zones, discovering that some forces have already begun vigorously advancing the Steam Sequence.

These sequence civilizations discovered the great power of the Steam Sequence.

Voluntarily drawing upon the Steam Sequence is undoubtedly the best thing.

From this, at least we can see that the lower limit of the Steam Sequence's development in this cosmic mountain range will not be too low.

Setting aside the Steam Sequence ecological matters for now, it feels like the situation is roughly similar.

Taku slowly retracted the ultra-long-distance astrological projection.

Also retracted along with it were some resources Taku had obtained from exploring the depths of the cosmic mountain range.

Some resources that can accelerate the formation of Legendary Sequence Seeds.

Once the projection had fully completed its retracing.

"Hah..."

In the Luosai Demigod Domain, inside the Tree Vine Leaf Tower, Taku let out a long breath.

With a flip of his hand, a seed about one meter in diameter appeared in Taku's palm.

The seed is uniformly brown, with slight diagonal blue patterns, somewhat resembling a droplet in shape.

And it has a pleasant name: 'Blue Star Tear Seed'.

While negotiating with an old Legendary being in the depths of the cosmic mountain range, Taku learned of this peculiar treasure.

Later, Taku traded with the old Legendary and obtained a batch of these resources.

"Blue Star Tear Seed", eight pieces.

"Silver Star Tear Seed", a step above the Blue Star Tear Seed, three pieces.

There is also one "Gold Star Tear Seed", but the old Legendary refused to sell it to Taku no matter what, leaving Taku helpless.

His thoughts lingered for a moment.

Taku took a deep breath and steadied his mind.

The ecological cycle of the Master Sequence Tree began to communicate with the Blue Star Tear Seed in his hand.

"Gurgle..."

As the special energy of the Blue Star Tear Seed poured into Taku's ecological sequence,

Taku's Legendary Sequence Seed began to rapidly absorb and condense Legendary traits, gathering Legendary Starfire.

The Legendary Sequence Seed visibly grew before the eyes.

For a moment, Taku's Master Sequence ecology became scorching hot.

This effect was not just immediate; it was practically an instant ascension in place!

Unfortunately, this instant ascension effect did not last long.

Just as Taku had finished gathering his emotions, it was already over.

He lightly rubbed his palm, slightly feeling the aftermath of that rapid enhancement.

"Roughly... equivalent to about three months of my normal cultivation."

Taku raised his eyebrows slightly.

"If I had 400 of these treasures, I could quickly lay the foundation for advancing to Legendary."

"Unfortunately, such good things are extremely scarce; even that old Legendary I met couldn't produce many."

"Fortunately... I have absorbed such treasures before and discerned their contextual traces."

Taku took a deep breath and gazed outward at the vast cosmic chaos void dimension.

"This operation is also about to start; having discerned the high-dimensional contextual traces of these treasures, I can locate them better."

"After obtaining those many treasures, if I can return safely, that would certainly be good."

"Advancing in the depths of the foreign black mist still offers some security."

"If I cannot return,"

Taku's eyes narrowed slightly.

"Fleeing to the depths of this chaotic cosmic mountain range to complete the advancement is also no problem."

"After all, I am also in the depths of the chaotic cosmic mountain range and have already scouted several quite good hiding spots."

"They can allow me to complete the advancement inside."

"Previously, Philip Cole contacted me, asking me to come back and find him afterward; it seems some actions have already begun."

"Hmm... first let me digest these resources in my hand."

"After all, the higher the condensation of my Legendary Sequence Seed, the better the effect I can exert on the Legendary Starfire trait."

"Eight Blue Star Tear Seeds roughly equal two years of growth progress for a Legendary Sequence Seed."

"I don't know how much effect the Silver Star Tear Seed can boost."

In his thoughts, Taku began to absorb these resources in his hand.

After roughly half a day.

Deep in the secret chamber of the Tree Vine Leaf Tower, the many seeds that accelerate the Legendary Sequence had been completely absorbed by Taku.

This boost was decent, but the amount was too small, leaving Taku with a feeling of wanting more.

"Hmm, after absorbing the Blue Star Tear Seed, the effect is purely to promote the growth of the Legendary Sequence Seed, roughly three months' worth."

"While a Silver Star Tear Seed gives about half a year's effect."

"As a higher-quality Silver Star Tear Seed, besides basically promoting the growth of the Legendary Sequence Seed, it can also help my Legendary Sequence ecology lay down foundations, allowing my future advancement to be smoother."

"But this foundation-laying effect is very weak; many copies are needed to have any noticeable effect."

"If it were a higher-quality Gold Star Tear Seed, the effect would probably be quite good."

"No wonder that old Legendary senior earlier was unwilling to give me his Gold Star Tear Seed."

This consumption of resources has almost pushed the Legendary sequence seed's growth forward by three and a half years—not a bad harvest.

After a brief preparation, Ta Ke took out his mechanical tech bracelet.

After inputting steam source energy to activate it, Ta Ke awaited Fei Li·Ke Er's response.

Ten or more minutes later.

Hum…

With the vibration of the mechanical tech bracelet, Fei Li·Ke Er's projection appeared.

Ta Ke, you finally replied—if you hadn't, I would have thought something happened to you!

Fei Li·Ke Er's mechanical voice was both fierce and rapid, slightly hurried.

"Oh? What happened?" Ta Ke took a deep breath and asked in a low voice.

"The plan has begun!"

Fei Li·Ke Er said concisely.

"The plan has begun?"

Ta Ke's brow twitched slightly.

"Then what tasks have you arranged for me?"

Ta Ke's question made Fei Li·Ke Er pause involuntarily.

"If I had contacted you right at the start, I could have arranged some easier tasks for you."

"But since you're out spreading the steam sequence projection, the remaining tasks are all tough nuts to crack."

"Currently, there are two main aspects to the tasks."

"The first aspect is to follow the demigods in attacking the Aoberlon Divine Kingdom, and if necessary, even… take the lead in entering the kingdom."

Upon hearing this, Ta Ke's face suddenly darkened, and the corner of his eye twitched faintly.

Although being the first to enter the kingdom grants the privilege of seizing resources first.

But the problem is, that is the Verdant Star Tribe's Divine Kingdom, a resource fortress.

It's not something that can be easily breached.

Otherwise, those demigods wouldn't have been scheming for so long.

Moreover, in the vanguard charge, one would surely have to endure the enemy demigods' first wave of firepower.

The odds of survival are extremely slim.

No matter how good the resources, you need to be alive to enjoy them.

Even if Ta Ke possesses a stellar projection.

But it's not worth expending that projection on the assault of the Divine Kingdom.

Furthermore, who knows whether the Verdant Star Tribe's demigod won't come specially to cause trouble for Ta Ke?

Without the Four-Tusk Elephant Realm Ship, Ta Ke would have to face the demigod alone.

The risk is too high.

Seeing Ta Ke silent, the more familiar Fei Li·Ke Er roughly guessed that Ta Ke would certainly not choose such a frontal assault task.

"The second aspect of the task is to snipe the enemy's reinforcements."

Fei Li·Ke Er elaborated in detail.

"You also know that the Aoberlon Demigod Dominion lies at the edge of the Cosmic Mountains."

"And deep within the Cosmic Mountains lie many World Tree ecological realms; thus, the Verdant Star Tribe has many formidable Intermediate Legendary powerhouses, even Weak Demigod Legendaries, who train and garrison there."

Intermediate Legendary refers to Legendary powerhouses between levels 240 and 270.

And a Weak Demigod Legendary naturally refers to those in this range who have ignited their divine fire—demigods.

For an Intermediate Legendary, if the ignited divine fire is relatively weak, maintaining it takes considerable effort—better not to ignite it at all.

If one's faith power is strong, their foundation is also strong.

Then at this stage they can become a 'Weak Demigod Legendary'.

After all, a Weak Demigod is still a demigod, and far superior to a Superior Legendary.

Naturally, those who can advance to level 270 to become Superior Legendary will have long prepared their faith-power ecology.

Above level 270, they are all demigods, no longer in the Legendary realm.

"Intermediate Legendary is manageable, but this Weak Demigod Legendary—I'm afraid I can't oppose it."

Ta Ke rubbed his forehead.

"Hmm… is there something weaker… cough, cough—I mean something more suitable for my level."

"Hehe…"

Fei Li·Ke Er chuckled.

"Ta Ke bro, when I previously assigned missions, I deliberately left you a few opponents that aren't too strong; I've sent the info over—take a look."

Ta Ke opened the projection screen of his mechanical tech bracelet and began to inspect it.

Soon, Ta Ke selected a target he rather liked.

"This one—Ba Luo·Sa Ke Si Dun, the Intermediate Legendary Mountain Knight!"

"No problem!"

Fei Li·Ke Er nodded.

"Ta Ke bro, since you've chosen, you need to head to your assigned garrison area within the next few days."

"After the Divine War erupts, you must hinder that Legendary powerhouse and prevent them from supporting the Aoberlon Demigod Dominion."

"Upon completing the task and returning, you will naturally receive the resources promised by Elder Qi Ao Lai."

"If you can exceed the task—for example, by assassinating the Legendary you blocked, then aiding the demigod dominion to slay more Legendaries, or even helping Elder Qi Ao Lai gain more resources, you will naturally receive extra rewards from him."

After all, your projection can more easily exert its effect than many legendary powerhouses.

After all, your projection can more easily exert effect than many legendary powerhouses.

The strength of a magic-system legendary can more easily exert effect than a war-system legendary.

The strength of a magic-system legendary can more easily exert effect than a war-system legendary.

Meanwhile...

In the mechanical wristband's projection, Philip Cole lowered his mechanical voice.

In the mechanical wristband's projection, Philip Cole lowered his mechanical voice.

Hey brother, the resources you obtained privately, if you don't speak up, no one will manage them.

Hey brother, the resources you obtained privately, if you don't speak, no one will manage them.

Taku raised his brow slightly and gave a knowing smile.

Taku raised his brow slightly and gave a knowing smile.

Roughly, how much longer until the war to attack the Divine Kingdom begins?

Roughly, how much longer until the war to attack the Divine Kingdom begins?

Well, if quick, two or three months; at the latest, not more than half a year.

Literal: "Um, if fast, two or three months, at latest will not exceed half a year." So translation: "Hmm, if it's fast, two or three months; at the latest, it won't exceed half a year." Output: 【188】 Hmm, if it's fast, two or three months; at the latest, it won't exceed half a year.

Philip Cole gave Taku a rough range.

Literal: "Philip Cole gave Taku a rough range." Output: 【189】 Philip Cole gave Taku a rough range.

Understood!

Literal: "Understood!" Output: 【190】 Understood!

In the next couple of days, I will go to that coordinate, set up an ambush, wait for the Divine Kingdom war to break out, and I will strive to kill that mid-mountain range legendary knight.

In the next couple of days, I will go to that coordinate, set up an ambush, wait for the Divine Kingdom war to break out, and I will strive to kill that mid-mountain range legendary knight.

The call with Philip Cole ended.

Literal: "Ended the call with Philip Cole." Output: 【192】 The call with Philip Cole ended.

Taku once again carefully reviewed his upcoming powerful opponents.

Literal: "Taku again carefully browsed his upcoming powerful opponents." Output: 【193】 Taku again carefully looked over his upcoming powerful opponents.

The Green Star Tribe's level 256 mid-mountain range legendary knight "Balo Sachs'ton".

The Green Star Tribe's level 256 mid-mountain range legendary knight "Balo Sachs'ton".

As a top-tier powerhouse possessing demigod armor, demigod shield, demigod holy sword, demigod boots, and extreme combat durability.

Literal: "As one possessing demigod armor, demigod shield, demigod holy sword, demigod boots, extremely capable of fighting and resisting, a top-tier powerhouse." So translation: "As a possessor of demigod armor, demigod shield, demigod holy sword, and demigod boots, he is an extremely combat-capable top-tier powerhouse." Output: 【195】 As a possessor of demigod armor, demigod shield, demigod holy sword, and demigod boots, he is an extremely combat-capable top-tier powerhouse.

Its defensive power is moreover like a mountain range, difficult to surpass.

Literal: "Its defensive power is moreover like a mountain range, difficult to surpass." Output: 【196】 Its defensive power is moreover like a mountain range, difficult to surpass.

But with the Eternal Vision and the Black Hole Chain Devourer, Taku likes to take on such super big meat shields.

But with the Eternal Vision and the Black Hole Chain Devourer, Taku likes to fight such super big meat shields.

Meanwhile, this time Taku also possesses top-tier starfire divine spell.

Meanwhile, this time Taku also possesses top-tier starfire divine spell.

This time is a good opportunity to test the combat effectiveness of the divine spell 【Calamity Blood Flame】.

Literal: "This time is a good opportunity to verify the combat effect of the divine spell 【Calamity Blood Flame】." Output: 【199】 This is a good opportunity to verify the combat effect of the divine spell Calamity Blood Flame.

Who knows, maybe even that legendary knight's legendary ecological kingdom, together with the myriad Green Star Tribe riffraff inside, could be destroyed altogether.