Chapter 502: Hidden Stronghold, Secretly Forging Divine Fire!

Hum—

As the spacetime layer swiftly traverses.

As the golden light gradually fades, Ta Ke also gradually moves away from the Divine Forbidden Land.

No longer bound by that peculiar restrictive Divine Power and the ecological shackles of divine flame.

The divinity of Ta Ke's mid‑tier legendary sequence tree begins to heat up, showing a tendency for some Divine Fire to metamorphose and burn.

If this Divine Fire is allowed to naturally transform.

As the Divine Fire burns, "Steam Source Energy" metamorphoses into "Divine Power".

At that point, Ta Ke can reach the level of a weak Half‑God.

But now is clearly not the time.

First, the Divine Power's combustion creates too much movement and obvious traces, making concealment impossible.

Ta Ke's eyes narrow slightly as he examines the faintly blooming veins.

After feeling it carefully for a moment, Old Half‑God Su·Kaluo furrows his brow.

Spacetime ripples blossom within the divine realm that resembles a cavernous prison.

Not to mention those Green Star Tribe scoundrels coveting the treasure resources in Ta Ke's hands.

Moreover, they are foreigners.

Therefore, avoiding contact with them is the correct choice.

Ordinary mid‑tier legends who dare to jump in are most likely to be suppressed and exiled.

Igniting Divine Fire and transforming it into Divine Power should wait until the matters at hand are dealt with.

Seated in the traversing layer, Ta Ke suppresses the scorching Divine Fire.

A gentleman does not stand beneath a perilous wall; this is Ta Ke's consistent style.

But Ta Ke himself controls a portion of the Great Barrier's crystal barrier state, and has long resonated with the ecological source of the Flora Cosmic Mountain Range.

The destination of this transmission layer is a Half‑God's divine kingdom.

Seeing the teleportation array about to reach the unique layer deep within the mountain range.

Buzz…

A moment later, Ta Ke rises, phase‑shifts, and breaks free from the transmission force.

"And among the foreigners, only Ta Ke·Lamoer himself."

Now, Ta Ke has little preparation, and there are many external matters to resolve.

The rock walls, floor, and dome of the entire transmission zone turn into endless darkness.

He wanders alone within this deep layer, traversing toward the Flora Cosmic Mountain Range.

This deep layer is suppressed by the Great Barrier and reinforced by the Mountain Ecology power of the cosmic range itself.

Half‑God level, plus the advantage of an ecological stronghold.

He looks left and right, lifts his Half‑God staff, and gives the ground a light tap.

Someone escaping early is not permitted in their Afa Elf Kingdom.

In his thoughts, Old Half‑God Su·Kaluo begins contacting the higher‑ups of the Afa Elf Kingdom.

If the other side harbors any odd intentions, it's enough for Ta Ke to have a drink.

Secondly, even if Ta Ke wishes to burn Divine Fire and wield Divine Power, it requires a period of ecological adaptation.

"Could it be that Ta Ke·Lamoer actually obtained something remarkable?"

"No one?"

"Only a handful can traverse the deep layers of the mountain range."

"They sensed danger and jumped out of the transmission layer early?"

Moreover, the senior Half‑God Su·Kaluo, wielding a goat‑horn Half‑God staff, left a deep impression on Ta Ke.

Splash…

As the spatial layers connect.

Huh… breathe…

Mainly because the Divine Treasure in Ta Ke's hands is exceedingly costly.

Although it appears merely as a cavern with rock‑wall‑like ecology, it is indeed a Half‑God's ecological realm.

Just the elves and deities of the Afa Kingdom learning that Ta Ke possesses a heavy treasure makes it uncertain whether they will act against him.

Meanwhile, the Half‑God caster Su·Kaluo, cloaked in a dark robe and holding a goat‑horn Half‑God staff, walks slowly.

Ta Ke remembers clearly.

Traversing within it consumes some time before reaching the Flora Cosmic Mountain Range, but it is safe.

Having obtained two heavy treasures, Ta Ke immediately uses the teleportation array's power to exit.

……

Stone Statue Temple.

Half‑God Lei Qiao sits in meditation as always.

Nevertheless, as the return of the Divine Forbidden Land approaches, Half‑God Lei Qiao's thoughts are largely not on cultivation.

Occasionally, Lei Qiao's peripheral glance flickers toward a spot in a nearby corner.

There lies the place of Ta Ke·Lamoer's legendary astrolabe.

Originally, Lei Qiao recruited four capable masters to go to the Divine Forbidden Land.

These four left behind something like a projection or a Life Candle here.

The first, also Lei Qiao's most anticipated person.

However, the most anticipated master also proves the most disappointing.

Those strong individuals whose power in the weak half‑god tier is not weak disappeared after only about half a year inside.

This made Lei Qiao feel half‑cooled in his heart right at the start.

The second and third persons persisted for a slightly longer time.

One who persisted for five years had his projection collapse.

One who persisted for eight years saw his Life Candle extinguish.

Only Ta Ke La Mo Er has been present from the very beginning until now.

It seems that Ta Ke·La Mo Er is about to return.

But Lei Qiao is not quite sure whether Ta Ke·La Mo Er can bring back a heavy treasure, or after bringing it back, whether he will be willing to hand it over.

Nevertheless, Ta Ke La Mo Er's legendary star sign remains, so there is still hope.

"Boom—..."

Beyond the temple, a rumbling sound faintly reaches.

"Those damned Green Star Clan really never let anyone be at peace; just a few days ago they fought a Divine Kingdom, and now they're moving against the temple again."

"Damn it... they never let anyone relax. If I become a Divine Spirit, I'll definitely snatch the Green Star Clan's dog heads and kick them like a ball."

Lei Qiao let out a burst of curses.

Just as he was about to go out and take a look, Lei Qiao felt a slight tremor in his heart.

"Hm?"

He suddenly fixed his gaze on the hidden location of Ta Ke·La Mo Er's magical cottage.

Ta Ke·La Mo Er's projection arrived!

While a slight joy rose in his heart, Lei Qiao quickly steadied his restless spirit.

Their eyes met for a moment.

Lei Qiao went straight to the outer side of Ta Ke's stationed magical cottage.

Ta Ke also manipulated his projection to open the magical cottage's magical doorway.

"Lord Lei Qiao."

Ta Ke, arriving as a projection, gave a slight bow.

"Hmm... the speed of level increase is rapid; I've already reached over two hundred and forty levels, so the weak half‑god realm is likely not far off."

After looking Ta Ke up and down, Lei Qiao smiled.

"Thanks to your grace, Lord Lei Qiao, this foray into the Divine Forbidden Land indeed yielded a modest gain."

"Furthermore... this treasure is the one you, Lord Lei Qiao, rightfully deserve."

Saying so, Ta Ke reached a single hand into his projection's chest cavity.

Soon, Ta Ke produced the Sequence Staircase·Earth Crystal.

At the moment the light of the Sequence Staircase·Earth Crystal, a heavy treasure, burst forth.

The demigod Lei Qiao's pupils contracted sharply.

This top‑tier heavy treasure, capable of advancing to a Divine Spirit, is priceless.

If the outside world learns of it, countless half‑gods would fight over it, bloodied heads and all.

But Lei Qiao did not expect that Ta Ke·La Mo Er would present it so directly, with hardly any strings attached.

After a careful stare for a moment, Lei Qiao's eyes narrowed slightly, then he relaxed with a smile.

He flipped his hand, took out a rather heavy magical cottage, and tossed it straight to Ta Ke.

Ta Ke caught it and immediately slipped it into the outline of his projection's body.

Soon, Ta Ke nodded appreciatively, then handed the Sequence Staircase·Earth Crystal to Lei Qiao.

Inside the magical cottage Ta Ke obtained, it was stocked with deity stone blocks that emitted silvery moonlight, ample enough for Ta Ke to forge an entirely new star‑scar ecosystem.

And this was also the content of the trade they had previously agreed upon.

Having the Sequence Staircase·Earth Crystal in hand, Lei Qiao's emotions couldn't help but swell slightly.

He has long yearned for such a treasure that can promote him to a Divine Spirit.

He originally thought there was little hope this time.

Yet Ta Ke·La Mo Er not only brought the treasure back, but it is an extremely top‑tier advancement treasure.

More importantly, Ta Ke·La Mo Er did not donate and flee; that is truly rare.

"Lord Lei Qiao."

Just as demigod Lei Qiao, full of joy, examined the treasure in his hand, he heard Ta Ke's usual steady yet slightly aloof voice.

"Oh? Ta Ke, what else do you have?"

The demigod Lei Qiao composed himself and looked at Ta Ke.

"I have been battling in the Divine Forbidden Land for about twenty years, so I am not well‑informed about the current outside situation."

"Now that this foray into the Divine Forbidden Land is over, I also intend to return to my hometown."

"Therefore I wish to ask a senior about the external war situation, to find a convenient route so I can reach my chaotic main‑world hometown sooner."

"Hehe... what do I call it? These are trivial matters."

Demigod Lei Qiao smiled and then detailed the current situation.

Now that Ta Ke has just returned and plans to leave, and can produce such advancement treasure resources.

Demigod Lei Qiao naturally guessed a bit.

He fears that Ta Ke La Mo Er also took many other top‑tier treasures.

Otherwise, he wouldn't have fled so hastily.

However, for someone like Ta Ke La Mo Er, an exceptionally gifted, top‑tier prodigy rarely seen throughout the entire epoch, obtaining such top‑grade treasures is somewhat to be expected.

"……"

"After teleporting through several neutral zones, you can reach the Muwang Divine Kingdom at the southernmost tip of the mountain range; from there you can safely continue crossing several main‑world borders and then arrive at your Chaotic Ancient Continent region."

"This route is more reliable, though there is another, more dangerous path that leads to the Black Erosion Fish Divine Kingdom, which is faster but unsafe, so I do not recommend you take it."

As Lei Qiao the demi‑god finished his explanation, Ta Ke bowed slightly and thanked him.

"Thank you, Lord Lei Qiao."

Immediately, Ta Ke's projection slowly faded.

Until Ta Ke's projection vanished completely.

Only then did Lei Qiao, with a hint of lingering melancholy, come back to his senses.

Ta Ke·La Mo Er's talent is astonishingly high, but unfortunately he is of a different race.

Entering the Divine Forbidden Land this time, his level surged at an astonishing rate; more importantly, Lei Qiao sensed a weak demi‑god aura from him, a power that even unsettles a demi‑god.

"Previously Ta Ke already possessed weak demi‑god strength, advancing to level 240 and reaching mid‑legend status; the transformation magnitude will not be small, and he can easily approach the demi‑god threshold."

"Once he ignites the Divine Fire, his power will rise another tier; at a weak demi‑god level, he already wields the peak strength of a demi‑god."

"If he becomes a demi‑god, he may stand shoulder‑to‑shoulder with the Divine Spirits!"

"Such a genius, parting now, may not cross paths again for a very, very long time."

Lei Qiao, shaking his head, just returned to his magical cottage.

Boom—

Boom—

Boom—

One powerful Divine Spirit force after another projected directly.

And there were a full three Divine Spirits.

For a moment, Lei Qiao's heart trembled uncontrollably.

"Lei Qiao has seen three Divine Spirit Lords!"

In fear and awe, Lei Qiao respectfully bowed.

The three Divine Spirits projected collectively; Lei Qiao naturally lacked such qualifications, only fearing…

"What about Ta Ke·La Mo Er?"

When the leading elf Divine Spirit spoke, Lei Qiao's spirit quivered slightly.

"Is it as expected?"

Immediately, Lei Qiao inhaled deeply and spoke slowly.

"Just now, Ta Ke·La Mo Er's projection returned, asked me about the current war situation in the Cosmic Mountain Range, and then left in a hurry."

"Inquire about the war situation?"

For an instant, the gazes of the three Divine Spirits' projections all focused on Lei Qiao.

"What… did he ask?"

The leading Divine Spirit, with solemn authority, asked.

"Ta Ke La Mo Er asked for a quick way out of the Cosmic Mountain Range; I gave him the route to the Black Erosion Fish Divine Kingdom, for although that path is riskier, it is extremely fast."

"Any other options?"

The leading Divine Spirit asked again.

Lei Qiao shook his head decisively.

The three Divine Spirits exchanged a glance, then immediately dispersed, evidently intending to intercept Ta Ke·La Mo Er along that route.

"Do not extend outward at this time."

Before vanishing, the leading Divine Spirit said gravely.

"Yes, Lord A Pu Luo Fu!"

Lei Qiao replied respectfully.

When the three Divine Spirits had completely vanished.

Only then did Lei Qiao sigh in relief, murmuring softly to himself.

"I gave the Divine Spirits a false route!"

"Ta Ke, I can only help you up to this point."

…………

Deep within the Cosmic Mountain Range.

A location at the edge of the World Tree, extremely concealed and bearing a modest great barrier.

This is a "secure hidden residence" that Ta Ke had sought out long ago.

At this moment, Ta Ke is steadily setting up his magical cottage.

As for… fleeing?

Escape? Not a chance!

Ta Ke never intended to run away now!

This time Ta Ke obtained a priceless treasure from the depths of that divine mountain.

If the Elf Clan harbors ulterior motives, regardless of the route taken.

Before escaping the Cosmic Mountain Range, there is a high probability of being intercepted by the Elf Clan.

Even if he evades the Elf Clan's pursuit and leaves the Flora Cosmic Mountain Range, the Green Star Clan will inevitably intensify its investigations in all directions.

It's not that fleeing is impossible; hiding offers a better cost‑performance ratio!

So.

Ta Ke pretended to ask the demi‑god Lei Qiao for a quick escape route.

Whether Lei Qiao explained the true escape route or a false one,

it would inevitably create the illusion that Ta Ke was fleeing.

Moreover, Ta Ke released several legendary constellations to confuse sight and hearing.

Meanwhile, Ta Ke's true self remained hidden, waiting for the weak demi‑god's divine fire, divine power, and divine‑spirit traits to be fully stabilized.

Then the "weak demi‑god" Ta Ke's strength would leap to the pinnacle of demi‑godhood!

At that time, returning calmly would be no problem at all.

After all!

Ta Ke meets every condition to become a weak demi‑god, and his foundations are extremely solid.

All that is needed is to ignite the divine fire.

…………

Just as Ta Ke had expected.

A few days later, as many entrants to the Divine Forbidden Land began to return from all directions,

rumors of Ta Ke Lamor's deeds in the Divine Forbidden Land spread rapidly throughout the world.

For a moment, the Green Star Clan, the Starlight Giant faction, and numerous forces of the Cosmic Mountain Range were shaken.

Especially the news that Ta Ke had obtained three top‑tier divine‑treasury treasures that greatly aid the "Prime Sequence Deity" circulated.

And the leak that Ta Ke intended to flee the Cosmic Mountain Range for his homeland on the Chaotic Ancient Continent.

A great number of strong cultivators joined the army searching for "Ta Ke Lamor".

After all, once Ta Ke Lamor's trail is found and reported to the deities, a top‑grade reward is guaranteed.

That is far better than spending thousands of years in solitary cultivation.

At once, "Scout Squads" hunting for Ta Ke became a common sight in every corner of the Cosmic Mountain Range.

There were Elf Tribe factions.

There were Green Star Clan factions.

The neutral factions were especially numerous.

While the outside world was fully probing Ta Ke's whereabouts,

the Ta Ke hidden deep within the Cosmic Mountain Range concealed his destiny's threads and sealed his ecological aura.

In his sealed ecological realm, he silently ignited the divine fire and began the steady cultivation of fire‑forging into deity for his legendary sequence, legendary state, and even legendary starfire.