Chapter 730: A Significant Breakthrough
Xiao Ze raised an eyebrow, feeling puzzled by Mandala's earlier words.
"Even if the Chaotic Continent is difficult to explore, don't the superpowers have plenty of Earth Sovereign level experts? Why would they allow such opportunities to be shared with the rest of the Great Thousand World's Earth Sovereigns?"
Mandala smiled knowingly, as if she had anticipated his question.
"Under normal circumstances, they wouldn't. However, one superpower stands apart the Great Thousand Palace. It is the undisputed foremost superpower in the Great Thousand World, unmatched even by other superpowers or the Ancient Clans.
"The Chaotic Continent holds an immense amount of inheritance and opportunity, far beyond the capabilities of a handful of Earth Sovereigns to fully explore. For the sake of strengthening the Great Thousand World as a whole, the Great Thousand Palace chose to open it up to the broader community."
Mandala briefly explained the Great Thousand Palace, though Xiao Ze already knew a bit about it.
The Great Thousand Palace was founded by the immortal emperor of ancient times and was more akin to an alliance of all the superpowers in the Great Thousand World than a single faction. While it mostly stayed low key during times of peace, its presence was keenly felt in areas connected to the extraterritorial races, like the Saint Abyss Continent, where critical battles against these invaders had been fought.
According to ancient conventions, most Heavenly Sovereigns in the Great Thousand World were recorded in the Great Thousand Palace's registry, becoming honorary elders if they reached the Saint Tier of the Heavenly Sovereign realm. Though these figures were not typically required to serve during peaceful times, they were obligated to answer the palace's call in the event of an invasion, protecting the world as a united front.
"This makes sense now. The Great Thousand Palace isn't just low profile they genuinely want to foster the strength of the Great Thousand World by sharing such treasures with Earth Sovereigns," Xiao Ze said with a nod, his interest in the Chaotic Continent growing.
Mandala continued, her tone turning serious.
"The Chaotic Continent indeed holds countless opportunities. Legacies left behind by fallen Heavenly Sovereigns divine abilities, sacred artifacts, and inheritances are hidden within its chaotic time space. But the dangers are equally real. That place isn't called the Chaotic Continent for nothing.
"The spatial distortions are extreme. Even an Earth Sovereign at the pinnacle of their strength could face instant annihilation with the slightest misstep. It's a hundred times more perilous than the Fallen Battlefield."
Her golden eyes met Xiao Ze's, filled with warning.
"Are you sure you want to go?"
"Of course," Xiao Ze replied resolutely. "The resources we've been gathering are great, but relying on closed door cultivation alone will take far too long to reach the Upper Earth Sovereign level. It's worth risking the Chaotic Continent for the chance of a breakthrough."
Mandala rested her chin on her delicate hand, tapping the armrest of her chair with her fingertip.
"If you're so determined, I won't try to stop you. The Chaotic Continent will open in less than three months. With the speed of an Earth Sovereign and the use of intercontinental teleportation arrays, you'll need about a month to reach it. When do you plan to leave?"
"In about half a month," Xiao Ze replied after some thought. "In the meantime, I'll focus on refining as many pills as possible to support the Great Luo Domain's development. After all, I've taken so many resources from it I'd feel guilty if I didn't give something back."
Mandala's expression softened. "At least you're considerate. I'll spend this time gathering some formation diagrams and pill recipes for you."
Xiao Ze nodded, accepting her help without hesitation. The formation diagrams would enrich his combat methods, while the pill recipes could help sustain the Great Luo Domain benefiting both parties.
In his secluded cultivation chamber, Xiao Ze was surrounded by glowing formations that radiated spiritual light, drawing in and concentrating energy from the surroundings. These formations, such as the Spirit Gathering Array and Spirit Condensing Array, enhanced cultivation speed and ensured no energy was wasted.
After an extended session, Xiao Ze finally opened his eyes, their brilliance like dazzling stars.
He had been reflecting on the benefits gained from overcoming his unprecedented spirit tribulation. Beyond the broader range of energy control granted to his Sovereign Celestial Body, he noticed enhancements in his foundation, spiritual energy, and physical body.
Most notably, he felt an increased harmony with the natural world, akin to the legendary "Children of the Continent."
In the Great Thousand World, each continent was said to possess a unique energy called Continental Power, which only Heavenly Sovereigns could manipulate. This energy could refine one's body, bolster their foundation, and deepen their connection to the heavens, significantly increasing the chances of reaching the Heavenly Sovereign realm.
Such individuals were hailed as the Children of the Continent, seen as destined for greatness. Historical records suggested that six or seven out of every ten Heavenly Sovereigns had once received this blessing.
"Could it be that my spirit tribulation gave me a similar effect?" Xiao Ze mused, his mind lingering on the idea.
Shaking his head, he dismissed the thought. "Regardless, the benefits I've gained are undeniable. Whether it's comparable to Continental Power or not doesn't really matter."
The day of departure arrived.
The day before, Xiao Ze had finished refining all the treasures Mandala had delivered into pills, using his remaining time for cultivation. Now, his storage ring brimmed with pills a workload so intense he swore off refining for the foreseeable future.
Opening the doors of his chamber, he found Mandala waiting outside. Upon seeing him, she casually tossed him a storage ring.
"This contains some resources for your journey. We can't have people thinking someone from the Great Luo Domain looks shabby while traveling."
Xiao Ze scanned the contents and was immediately stunned.
The ring contained over ten million drops of Sovereign Spiritual Liquid, along with numerous formation diagrams, pill recipes, and rare cultivation materials.
"This… this is too much. How did you even gather so much Sovereign Spiritual Liquid?"
Mandala shrugged. "I simply auctioned off part of the spoils we took from the Blood Spirit Sect. Besides, didn't you leave the sect master's storage ring with me? This is just a portion of that."
After a moment of silence, Xiao Ze stepped forward, crouching slightly to place a hand on Mandala's shoulder. His expression was sincere.
"Thank you."
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