As the description of Eternal Verdure Immortal appeared, a speck of emerald light suddenly emerged within Theodore's body.
That green glow was like the first sprout born after chaos split and heaven and earth first formed.
The life force it contained was almost beyond imagination.
Theodore immediately felt boundless vitality circulate through his body.
The golden radiance of Golden Body Untarnished appeared, and the Eight-Nine Arcane Art began to move through his flesh. Both were nourished by that endless vitality.
Under its influence, Theodore's physical power almost seemed ready to stand shoulder to shoulder with his Origin Sea power.
"This feeling…"
"Wonderful. Truly wonderful."
"Life really is one of the most miraculous things in existence."
Theodore's face filled with satisfaction.
His body was growing stronger, and the increase was already astonishing.
But what was even more exaggerated was his recovery.
After cultivating the first revolution of the Eight-Nine Arcane Art, Theodore's regeneration had already surpassed anything human. Ordinary fatal wounds had nearly ceased to exist.
If his arm was severed, he only needed to press it back against the wound, and it would reconnect instantly.
Even if the severed limb were destroyed, growing a new one would not take long.
However, if his head or heart were destroyed, it would still take time to recover. It would also consume some essence blood.
Now, however, Eternal Verdure Immortal had granted him near-infinite vitality, raising his recovery to the level of the fourth revolution of the Eight-Nine Arcane Art.
And the hallmark of the fourth revolution was rebirth from a drop of blood.
Even if his body were smashed to pieces, as long as a single drop of blood remained, Theodore could use it to return.
Such a survival ability would be considered formidable even in the Primordial World.
Unless he encountered something like Yu Hua's Blood-Transforming Divine Blade, which clung like a curse and corroded both body and soul, or an attack strong enough to erase all vitality in an instant, ordinary cultivators would have no way to kill him.
As for the wizarding world?
Theodore could only say that perhaps the strange being he had encountered when killing Fenrir Greyback might be able to compete with him in this area.
As for Voldemort's Horcruxes?
What a joke.
Don't even try to compare.
Theodore could drop a single bead of blood into the sea and still return from it.
Horcruxes were nowhere near that level.
Feeling the enormous transformation in his body, Theodore nodded in satisfaction.
After the birth of Five Elements Reversal Origin Sea, his magical power had surpassed his body by a considerable margin, and that gap had only continued to widen.
But now, with Eternal Verdure Immortal nourishing his flesh, his body had begun catching up.
From this point on, cultivating both body and magic was all but guaranteed.
He might even come to possess the strengths of both the Wu race and the demon race.
But the benefits of Eternal Verdure Immortal did not stop with the body.
There was also the Yi Wood Divine Light.
Another one of the Five Divine Lights.
Wu Earth Divine Light excelled in power and suppression. Once unleashed, few could withstand it head-on.
Theodore had directly used Wu Earth Divine Light to restrain Dagon's projection.
Yi Wood Divine Light could not compare in brute power or suppression. Its strength lay in endless life.
In battle, Yi Wood Divine Light was extremely difficult to deal with. It clung like a living thing, constantly grinding down an opponent's strength.
It could also heal the user, making it the strongest of the Five Elements in drawn-out battles.
But to Theodore right now, its combat value was secondary.
Its true importance lay in its effect on spiritual plants.
A single beam of Yi Wood Divine Light could greatly shorten the time needed for a spiritual plant to mature. Not only would its medicinal power remain intact, it could even grow stronger under the nourishment of the divine light.
Theodore had planted many rare herbs on Origin Sea Divine Peak.
Even in that environment, they would still need a long time to mature.
The fastest would take two or three years. Some might need ten years, or even several decades.
Theodore had been planning to search herbology texts for methods to speed up their growth.
Now, that was unnecessary.
Forget the wizarding world.
Even in the Primordial World, few methods of cultivating spiritual herbs could surpass Yi Wood Divine Light.
Theodore took a deep breath.
Origin Sea power surged, and a beam of emerald divine light swept out, landing on the first Desert Thorn Tree he had planted.
The moment Yi Wood Divine Light touched it, the seedling that had only recently sprouted began to shoot upward.
Every passing second seemed to push it through another stage of growth.
By the time the divine light's effect faded, a one-meter-tall Desert Thorn Tree stood on Origin Sea Divine Peak.
Theodore's eyes shone with delight.
So this was the power of Yi Wood Divine Light?
One sweep had added the equivalent of three years of growth to the Desert Thorn Tree.
According to legend, the Desert Thorn Tree needed twenty years to reach initial maturity.
That meant seven beams of Yi Wood Divine Light would be enough.
Theodore did not pause. He continued sweeping Yi Wood Divine Light over it.
Soon, the Desert Thorn Tree shot up again.
In only a short while, it grew to nearly ten meters tall, reaching maturity.
Several green fruits had even appeared on its branches.
Theodore examined them with the Subtle Insight Heavenly Eye, and joy flashed in his gaze.
These fruits could strengthen the body.
Even without a body-tempering technique, if an ordinary person consumed them to their limit, they could eventually gain the strength to tear apart a fire dragon with their bare hands.
No wonder the "gods" in ancient myths all possessed such terrifying bodies.
If they ate this fruit like food every day and used it as the core ingredient for all kinds of potions, how could they not be strong?
But even brewing potions from it would be a waste.
Once the medicinal power of the Desert Thorn Fruit increased a little more, Theodore could use his Profound Alchemy talent to create a true body-tempering pill.
At that time, his Eight-Nine Arcane Art would advance even faster.
Then Theodore looked toward the other plants.
With a wave of his hand, beams of Yi Wood Divine Light fell one after another.
Everyone got a share.
Even the Chomping Cabbages received several beams.
Before long, the rough herb garden he had opened on Origin Sea Divine Peak had become lush and full of life.
Theodore's smile deepened.
"Good. Very good."
"I originally created this herb garden as preparation for the future. Now it seems it will provide resources much sooner than expected."
Then Theodore suddenly let out a soft sound of surprise.
He sensed that the expansion speed of his Origin Sea had changed.
Normally, without pills assisting him, the Origin Sea's growth speed was something he could estimate accurately. Although it was getting faster, it remained predictable.
But now, it was slightly faster than expected.
Only by a tiny amount, but enough to surprise him.
"Is it because of what I've done inside the Origin Sea?"
"By planting these herbs and pushing them toward maturity, the Origin Sea itself has benefited?"
"If that continues, then the more living plants and animals I bring into the Origin Sea, the faster it will expand?"
A spark of eagerness appeared in Theodore's eyes.
If Origin Sea Divine Peak had not already run out of space, he would have been tempted to create an entire ecosystem inside it.
At that moment, however, Theodore's heart stirred.
His brows immediately furrowed.
"Hm?"
"Heavenly Secrets in Measurement reacted."
"Someone connected to me is encountering trouble?"
The talent activated on its own.
Theodore calculated for only a moment before his expression turned cold.
He withdrew his attention from Yi Wood Divine Light and the herb garden inside his Origin Sea, then walked toward one of Hogwarts' prepared halls.
…
At the same time, in a decorated hall within Hogwarts, Britain's herbology masters had gathered in impressive numbers.
Professor Sprout stood on the platform, showing one moving photograph after another.
They were the pictures she had taken of the ancient plants after they sprouted.
The herbology masters below watched with amazement. Some had tears shining in their eyes.
"Is that the Great King Flash Flower?"
"I've only ever seen crude sketches of its sprout in old texts. I never imagined I'd see a photograph of it."
"And that one… is that the Blood Crown?"
"Beautiful. Absolutely beautiful."
Amid the admiration, however, a sharp voice suddenly drifted through the hall.
"Professor Sprout, these photographs are quite well taken."
"But as herbologists, we all know some things are difficult to verify from photographs alone. Even moving photographs can be influenced by angle and presentation."
"Don't misunderstand me. I'm not accusing you of anything."
"But for a result this important, surely we should see the evidence with our own eyes."
"Why not show them to us directly? If the growing environment is too delicate for the plants to be brought here, we would have no objection to visiting the greenhouse or a sealed chamber."
Professor Sprout paused and looked toward the speaker.
As expected, it was Master Flynna, who had been at odds with her since their youth.
Flynna did not bother hiding her hostility.
After all, it had been in this very hall years ago that she and Sprout had each presented their results while competing for the position of Herbology professor.
But before the final result had even been announced, several of Flynna's key papers had been exposed for small "adjustments" in their photographs and data.
Now, after so many years, she would naturally not miss a chance to strike back.
From the beginning, she had never believed Sprout could cultivate those ancient plants.
When it came to falsifying photographs, Flynna considered herself far more experienced than Sprout.
"What's wrong, Professor Sprout?"
Flynna smiled from below the stage.
"Why aren't you speaking?"
Professor Sprout looked troubled.
Theodore had not been seen in the castle for several days. Even Dumbledore could not find him.
But Dumbledore had assured her that with Theodore's strength, no one in the magical world could harm him—not even the Dark Lord at his peak.
Since he had vanished, he was likely dealing with matters of his own.
Because of that, Professor Sprout had given up on having Theodore personally present the plants and had instead prepared photographs.
She had originally thought he might return in time for the exchange.
Now it seemed he would not.
Professor Sprout shook her head and said honestly, "At present, I only have the photographs. Those ancient plants are being cared for by my student, Theodore Snow. He is currently away from Hogwarts."
A low murmur immediately spread through the hall.
The herbology masters' expressions turned strange.
Out of respect for Professor Sprout's long academic reputation, none of them said anything too harsh.
But Flynna had no such restraint.
In terms of personal relations, her poor relationship with Sprout was well known.
In terms of background, she now had the support of a figure who could be considered the supreme authority of magical herbology.
She had no need to fear Sprout.
She laughed coldly.
"You mean to say that for a research project this important, you are not the primary researcher?"
"You handed it to a student?"
"I must say, this is the first time I've heard of such a thing."
"Tell me, has this Theodore Snow published in any top herbology journals? Why have I never heard of him?"
Professor Sprout said calmly, "He is a first-year student at Hogwarts. He has not even completed one full school year. Of course you haven't seen his papers yet."
"But before long, his name will resound throughout the field of herbology."
Flynna froze.
She had assumed Theodore was a sixth- or seventh-year student, at least old enough to have passed his O.W.L.s.
But Sprout had entrusted this crucial matter to a first-year?
The next instant, Flynna burst out laughing.
"Pfft…"
"Hahaha!"
"So you wrote to us to borrow seeds, swore on your reputation as a herbology master, a Hogwarts professor, and Head of Hufflepuff House, all to pave the way for a first-year?"
"Sprout, you've truly gone mad."
"What meaning does this exchange even have?"
The other herbology masters also shook their heads, their eyes filled with sympathy.
"Perhaps Professor Sprout has studied this problem for too long. We all know how difficult this subject is. Long-term frustration can damage the mind."
"To become a herbology master, one already has to be a little mad. Going completely mad one day isn't impossible."
"I just wonder what sweet words this Theodore Snow used to deceive Professor Sprout and make her believe such an absurd conclusion."
Low sighs filled the hall.
Even if Dumbledore did his best to protect her position as Head of Hufflepuff, Professor Sprout's academic reputation seemed destined to collapse.
Whether Dumbledore could protect her at all was another matter.
The Board of Governors would not allow a professor with such a stain to remain at Hogwarts.
Professor Sprout's face turned pale, but she clenched her jaw and said, "I guarantee that these photographs are real."
"I saw them myself. There is no mistake."
"You doubt this only because you have never met Theodore. You have never seen that kind of extraordinary talent. That is why you cannot understand it."
Flynna scoffed.
Her heart filled with pleasure. She was about to destroy Sprout and avenge the humiliation of the past.
She opened her mouth to ridicule her further.
But in the next instant, terror seized her soul.
It felt as if she had been stripped away from the world itself.
As if she could be reduced to ashes thousands of times in a single second.
When that feeling finally faded, Flynna's face had turned whiter than paper. She slumped into her seat, dazed, staring toward the entrance of the hall.
A handsome young wizard stood there.
At first glance, one instinctively forgot his age.
There was something mysterious and profound about him, like a boundless starry sky.
But now, thunder raged within that starry sky.
He was angry.
When Professor Sprout saw him, joy appeared on her face.
"Theodore!"
Only when she called his name did Theodore's expression soften slightly.
The oppressive force that had made everyone struggle to breathe slowly dispersed.
Theodore looked at Professor Sprout's pale face and sighed.
He owed her more and more.
In an instant, before anyone could react, Theodore appeared on the platform and steadied Professor Sprout, who had nearly collapsed.
"Professor, leave the rest to me."
His gaze swept across the herbology masters below before settling on Flynna.
"Someone just implied that Professor Sprout committed academic fraud and could not produce the ancient plants?"
Flynna trembled.
But she quickly reminded herself that he was only a first-year wizard.
She was a herbology master.
Why should she fear him?
She forced herself to speak through gritted teeth.
"Only photographs, no real specimens. How are we supposed to believe that?"
"Unless you can truly produce those sprouted ancient seeds. Can you?"
Theodore said calmly, "Sprouted ancient seeds?"
"That's what you want to see?"
"Then I really can't produce them."
The herbology masters broke into another wave of noise.
Flynna raised her voice.
"If you can't produce them, how dare you say this isn't fraud?"
But then her gaze shifted to Professor Sprout, and she froze.
Because Professor Sprout was looking at her with pity.
Pity for a frog at the bottom of a well.
The next moment, Theodore produced a potted plant as if by magic.
It was over a meter tall.
Its brilliant blossom shimmered with dazzling colors beneath the candlelight.
The entire hall fell into a strange silence.
Flynna's next words lodged in her throat. Her eyes lost focus.
A moment later, the herbology masters lurched forward one after another, disregarding all dignity as they scrambled over chairs and stumbled toward the platform.
"This is…"
"The Great King Flash Flower?"
"A mature Great King Flash Flower? The main ingredient of the Elixir of Unaging Youth?"
"How is this possible? How was this cultivated?"
Theodore smiled.
"Having hands is enough."
"Is it difficult?"
"I only attended a few of Professor Sprout's classes and learned it."
"If you can't do it, perhaps you should reflect on yourselves. Maybe you simply haven't worked hard enough."
Below the platform, the herbology masters stared up at Theodore.
For the first time, they felt small.
Having hands is enough?
Having hands is enough?!
But faced with this level of herbology achievement, whatever he said was right.
He had truly grown the Great King Flash Flower.
That talent in herbology was enough to rival Helga Hufflepuff herself.
No—perhaps it had already surpassed her.
The masters who had once believed themselves to stand at the peak of herbology finally realized something.
Their achievements?
Their titles?
Before Theodore Snow, the word "master" was nothing more than an ant gazing at the sky.
◇ BONUS & SUPPORT ◇
◇ 1 bonus chapter for every 10 reviews — drop a comment!
◇ 1 bonus chapter for every 100 Power Stones.
◇ Read 60 chapters ahead on P@treon → patreon.com/StrawHatStudios