The mere residual aura emanating from the abyss into which the Ice Cliff Fortress had been dragged instilled a deep sense of dread in Luo Feng!
“The methods of this ancient civilization, which vanished countless eons ago across the cycles of reincarnation, are truly formidable. Worthy of the civilization that could forge the Universe Ark! Even a mere modification of the Tombship by Duan Donghe has rendered the Tombship terrifyingly potent.”
The more than 200 powerhouses within the main hall listened intently, straining to discern the fate of the Divine Eye Clan lineage within the Ice Cliff Fortress merely by the sounds.
“After all, it is a Palace Type Supreme Treasure; it should be difficult to die inside.”
“Haven’t you heard? In Duan Donghe’s homeland, within that ancient civilization, the concept of Supreme Treasures simply didn't exist.”
“The inscriptions within countless treasures are all in the script of that civilization, clearly left behind by that ancient civilization. Since Duan Donghe dares to say so, he likely has genuine confidence.” “No concept of Supreme Treasure? What does that mean?” Some powerhouses couldn't help but murmur amongst themselves.
Innumerable thoughts flashed through Luo Feng’s mind as well.
Right.
That ancient civilization was unimaginably powerful, possessing beings far superior to the Universe’s Strongest. Even the Ancestors of the two Great Sacred Lands might not match the peak existence of that ancient civilization. With a higher perspective... one’s view of weaponry naturally changes. Just after his own traversal through the 'Winged Space' and similar trials, Luo Feng understood...
Even Supreme Treasures have distinctions in strength!
In the eyes of the weaker, unable to unleash the maximum might of a Supreme Treasure, judging who is stronger or weaker is naturally difficult. But in the hands of the Sacred Land Ancestors, Duan Donghe, or beings even more terrifying, distinguishing the strength of those treasures is possible.
That is why, in the ancient civilization, there was no classification of 'Supreme.'
For what we call Supreme Treasures, the ancient civilization likely had a clearer stratification, but that stratif—
ication held little meaning for him...
Because in this era, the strongest is only the 'Universe’s Strongest.'
As for the Ancestors of the two Great Sacred Lands?
They have never emerged from the Sacred Land Universe! External forces even doubt whether those two Ancestors are still alive.
“The Wu-Slaying Wings were originally six pairs of wings,” Luo Feng nodded inwardly. “According to the memory fragments of the Wing Spirit, they were damaged during a battle between two supreme powerhouses. For an incredible treasure like the Wu-Slaying Wings to fall to this state, just how terrifying must those two supreme powerhouses have been? They were likely also powerhouses from that ancient civilization.”
Compared to that ancient civilization...
After endless cycles of reincarnation, the decline in strength is clearly severe; it cannot compare to that civilization at its peak.
Just as Luo Feng was pondering the ancient civilization, imagining its might and guessing why it vanished into the river of time, a sound echoed—"Whoosh~~" The floor of the main hall cracked open again, precisely at the location that had cracked before, emitting terrifying auras.
Swish! Swish! Swish!
Three streams of light shot out, hovering before the Thunder Garment Demon God. These three items were: a fist-sized "Ice Cliff Fortress" carved as if from ice jade; a statue of an exotic beast with a strange form; and a dazzling, brilliant tri-colored bead.
“These three treasures, according to your classification, two are Supreme Treasures, and one is quite unique. Although not as powerful as a Supreme Treasure, I think it suits you well,” Duan Donghe smiled as he looked down. “Thunder Garment, accept them.” The Thunder Garment Demon God stared blankly at the three treasures before him, his gaze filled with complex emotions.
“These, these three treasures...” “The Ice Cliff Fortress?” “Isn’t that the True God Realm?”
“The Illusion Heart Bead?” The surrounding 200-plus powerhouses, especially the five Universe’s Strongest, recognized them instantly. Their eyes burned with envy, but immediately afterward, they erupted in shocked clamor!
“Ah, three treasures, so the Divine Eye Clan lineage is dead?” “The Second True Lord and the Seventh True Lord, both were inside the Ice Cliff Fortress. Are they both dead?”
“Those Universe Masters could still self-destruct early and perhaps survive through their avatar paths. But the Second True Lord and the Seventh True Lord have no avatars; they had no chance to escape. Two Universe’s Strongest, both possessing Supreme Treasures, were killed just like that?”
“Too, too...”
“This, this is simply...”
“That ancient civilization is too terrifying.” All 200-plus powerhouses gasped in awe.
The Palace Type Supreme Treasure, in their eyes, was an absolutely safe haven. Unless one desperately charged into another’s small universe, ventured into the core region, or simply had a death wish to wade into reincarnation, there was no way to annihilate the beings inside while protected by a Palace Type Supreme Treasure.
Perspective!
With Duan Donghe’s insight, he naturally knew that no treasure was absolutely invincible. In his eyes, the Ice Cliff Fortress... he quickly assessed its power and weaknesses.
The other 200-plus powerhouses in the hall were both shocked and envious. After all, it was two treasures plus the Illusion Heart Bead! The Illusion Heart Bead was a special treasure suitable for illusionary attacks and also served to guard the soul—an extremely powerful treasure in the realm of the soul, and the Thunder Garment Demon God was naturally suited for illusionary arts.
“You can easily bond with the Illusion Heart Bead,” Duan Donghe looked down and stated directly. “As for the remaining two Supreme Treasures, the Ice Cliff Fortress—if your willpower is strong enough, you can bond with it too. Only the True God Realm will be very difficult to bond with. Go back and study it carefully; perhaps you can succeed given enough time.” The Thunder Garment Demon God nodded excitedly. He was decisive and quickly underwent the bonding process right there.
The Illusion Heart Bead and the Ice Cliff Fortress were indeed acquired in a single attempt.
“Haha...” “Although I possess many pinnacle treasures, only the Thunder Garment possesses truly special artifacts,” the Thunder Garment Demon God sighed contentedly. “I’ve always been focused on close-quarters combat, and my illusionary abilities lacked a suitable treasure. Now, with the Illusion Heart Bead, my offensive means are much stronger. Furthermore, I have the Ice Cliff Fortress for defense—Divine Eye Clan...”
The Thunder Garment Demon God’s nine pairs of eyes flashed with fierce light.
This caused the other 200-plus powerhouses to inwardly pity the Divine Eye Clan. Once the Thunder Garment Demon God’s strength increased, how could he possibly let the Divine Eye Clan go once he left?
“Thank you, Lord Duan Donghe,” the Thunder Garment Demon God bowed gratefully.
“The matter is concluded,” Duan Donghe, seated on the throne in the great hall, nodded slightly. “You may also depart. As for the other candidates...”
Duan Donghe’s gaze swept over the other 200-plus powerhouses. “You are all about to begin contact with the inheritance. Once contact is made, failure means certain death—the annihilation of the soul, with all avatars completely destroyed. My lineage requires a soul for cultivation, so those I selected all possess souls, and naturally, I also have means to deal with souls.”
All 200-plus powerhouses were startled.
Indeed.
It was true. Life forms eliminated by the Cube instrument early on, like the Rock Giant Master and the Undying Clan, had no souls. The other rock life forms and plant life forms that managed to enter were relatively unique and all possessed souls.
“Only Galaxy and Bi Xue have broken through the third bottleneck,” Duan Donghe looked down coldly. “They are the most hopeful. The four who broke the second bottleneck also have a slight chance. As for those who broke the first bottleneck, unless you can experience a sudden surge in potential in a short time, you are merely here to fill the numbers.”
“Now, I will send Thunder Garment and the other five Universe’s Strongest away.”
“If any of you have decided to withdraw, make your choice quickly.”
“This is your last chance!” Duan Donghe’s voice echoed in the hall, which fell into profound silence.
Duan Donghe had given the candidates chances to withdraw since the very beginning of this inheritance trial. As long as they hadn't touched the inheritance, everything was negotiable. Now that they were about to begin contact, this was the final opportunity to save their lives. Since even the Second True Lord and the Seventh True Lord, hiding in the Ice Cliff Fortress, were finished, no one dared to harbor any (slim chance) mentality.
“I withdraw!”
“I withdraw!”
“I withdraw!”
Soon, powerhouse after powerhouse stepped forward to announce their withdrawal. For example, the Peng Gong Master, a Universe Master, and an Immortal God from the Primitive Universe Human Race side, all broke through the first bottleneck, chose to withdraw.
“You are all withdrawing. Being able to break the first bottleneck means your potential is extraordinary, but going into the trial is sending yourselves to death. My race already has Luo Feng; your participation is useless,” Creator Giant Axe transmitted directly through the virtual universe. “As for Peng Gong, he is one of the pillar powerhouses of our race; there is no need for him to seek death.”
“Yes.”
“You withdraw. As for my race’s other powerhouses, let them charge forward! Make sure to bring back as many treasures as possible... losing so many treasures is a blow to our race.”
“Yes.”
“The other powerhouses of my Sacred Land will all proceed to attempt the trial. It is crucial to bring back sufficient inheritance information. You withdraw, take the Supreme Treasure back with you.”
“Yes.”
Factions were arranging matters swiftly.
Due to various reasons—whether to retrieve treasures or unwilling to see a favored powerhouse become cannon fodder... in short, the number of withdrawals in the hall was indeed soaring.
In a moment, in the faintly hazy main hall of the Tombship, only nine individuals remained determined to proceed with the inheritance contact. The other dozens had all chosen to withdraw and leave.
“You all, depart quickly,” Duan Donghe pointed toward the distance. Rumble~~
The main gate of the corridor opened.
“Return the way you came,” Duan Donghe commanded.
The six Universe’s Strongest (including Thunder Garment), the numerous Universe Masters, the very few Universe Venerables, and Immortal Gods swiftly flew into the corridor and soon disappeared from view. Then, with a deafening Rumble, the main gate closed again. The 236 powerhouses remaining in the main hall had all resolved their fates.
Better to die! They must transmit some information back!
Luo Feng glanced around, secretly admiring the 236 present, knowing that 235 of them were certainly doomed! The greatest hope of survival rested with Luo Feng and Bi Xue Venerable; the other powerhouses were taking a gamble, especially those who had only broken the first bottleneck—they were practically going to die.
Every race rises and establishes itself in its respective reincarnation era because its powerhouses are willing to step forward at critical moments! In truth, powerhouses who climb up step by step from the bottom, having experienced countless life-and-death situations, have long since viewed death lightly. The only question is whether the death is worthwhile.
To die for the race, for the race to transcend reincarnation and exist eternally—such a death is worthwhile!
“You all have no path of retreat,” Duan Donghe stood up. “Inevitably, only one person can accept the inheritance of my lineage. Follow me.”
Duan Donghe turned toward the throne.
Boom~~
The throne and the rock wall behind it suddenly split open, bringing forth the sound of countless waterfalls, the scent of exotic blossoms, and even the faint cries of birds and roars of strange beasts. It was a vast, independent space.
“This is the inheritance space of my Duan Donghe lineage,” Duan Donghe said with a distant look in his eyes. “Almost every powerhouse in history has accepted their inheritance within the inheritance space. I did the same.”