Evolution Begins With A Big Tree

Chapter 974, The Celestial Realm’s Ascension Pool

Translator:  Ashish

Translation Checker: Silavin

Silavin: Keeping Jianmu as female.

This was the main reason Yu Zi Yu had been reluctant to accept the legacy of the Heaven-Connecting Jianmu. To have one’s fate dictated by others—what could be more tragic? Yet, there was no alternative.

Even though the Heaven-Connecting Jianmu knew she was being exploited by the Consciousness of Cosmic Source, and even though she was aware that the Myriad Races would one day turn against her, she was powerless to do anything about it.

Even when the Myriad Races gathered and marched against her, all she could do was watch helplessly.

As for striking first or taking any other action, could she even do that? Was that even possible?

She was the representative of the Heavenly Dao, an embodiment of the rules themselves.

The moment she dared to defy the rules, the first to erase her would be the Heavenly Dao itself.

In light of this, the tragedy of the Heaven-Connecting Jianmu became all the more evident.

She could do nothing but wait for the arrival of ‘death.’

…

*Hooooo…* Taking a deep breath to suppress the turmoil in his heart, Yu Zi Yu fell into deep contemplation.

[What should I do now? The Heaven-Connecting Jianmu must be removed. Her existence will inevitably hinder my cultivation. Yet, to act against her… She has shown me kindness. From both a moral and rational standpoint, it feels nearly impossible to strike against her. In truth, I should stand by her side, protecting her. But doing so would only impede my own path.]

*Haaaaa…* A heavy sigh escaped Yu Zi Yu, he felt torn.

At this moment, he finally grasped the weight of Heaven-Connecting Jianmu’s words: “The only ones who can help me are those who have reached the Eternal Realm.”

[Indeed, only someone at the Eternal Realm could erase her existence from the universe while simultaneously preserving her Soul.] Understanding this, Yu Zi Yu could only shake his head in frustration.

The Eternal Realm… It was an unfathomable distance away for him—so far it was terrifying even to imagine. Thus, he chose not to dwell on it, nor to entertain such thoughts any further.

“Let it be for now. After all, there’s still a hundred years,” he murmured, letting out a resigned sigh.

[According to the three Eternal Overlords, the gathering at the Primordial Realm—the center of Heaven and Earth—would occur in a century.

There’s no need to concern myself with it just yet. It’s only been 20-30 years since the resurgence of Spiritual Energy. Who knows what changes the next hundred years might bring? Perhaps, by some stroke of fortune, I might even reach the Eternal Realm within that time.]

The thought caused Yu Zi Yu’s heart to skip a beat.

[Am I truly daring to dream? I’m only at Tier-6, Sixth Order, yet I’m already aspiring to achieve the Eternal Realm within a century?

Even setting aside whether it’s possible, time itself makes it nearly impossible. To reach the Eternal Realm, one must temper themselves for tens of thousands of years. Without that, achieving it is nothing more than an extravagant delusion.]

With a wry smile, Yu Zi Yu lifted his gaze once more, meeting the fervent, expectant eyes of those before him.

“You all…” he sighed softly before speaking, “Go and arrange for the gathering of all our pillars. I’d like to meet them… For now, though, I’ll take a walk.”

As his words faded, ripples spread through the air, and Yu Zi Yu’s figure vanished from the grand hall of the Demon Court.

…

The Celestial Realm…

This was the Third Heaven of the Demon Court, as well as the ascension destination for both Earth and Elysia, the Moon. Though it housed fewer than 10 million living beings, most of them were exceptionally powerful.

To be deemed a ‘powerhouse’ here naturally meant reaching the Natural Disaster-Class, Tier-4.

After all, only those at Tier-4 could ascend from Earth or Elysia.

Over the past decade or so, the elites of both worlds had come to see ascending to the Celestial Realm as a badge of honor.

This sentiment had forged the reputation of the Celestial Realm as it stood today.

At this moment…

*Tap…Tap…* Accompanied by the sound of footsteps, Yu Zi Yu arrived at the entrance of the Celestial Realm—the Ascension Pool.

This pool was created from Yu Zi Yu’s Life Essence, a Spirit Pool capable of purifying and refining the bodies of those ascending to the Celestial Realm.

Lifting his gaze, Yu Zi Yu saw three pools of varying sizes hidden within the misty clouds, each filled with a faintly glowing, emerald-green liquid.

From time to time, a figure would emerge from the Ascension Pool.

“Earth, America—known as ‘The Most Deceptive Trickster’—successfully broke through to Tier-4 three days ago. Ascending today…” A hazy voice echoed across the skies.

Moments later, as though confirming something, a figure bearing the insignia of America on his chest laughed heartily as he stepped out of the mist.

“It seems America has gained another powerhouse. In that case, I won’t stand on ceremony…” As he spoke, the Demigod strode confidently toward the Ascension Pool.

“So, that’s how it is…” Yu Zi Yu murmured softly as realization dawned upon him.

[No wonder I had seen various banners flying in the Celestial Realm. So, it turns out that the factions of Earth and Elysia have established their Forces here as well.]

With this realization, Yu Zi Yu could imagine that the Celestial Realm was far from the peaceful utopia some might envision. But this only brought a faint smile on his lips. He wasn’t particularly concerned about it.

[Conflict drives progress. A healthy competition will only accelerate their cultivation. This is nothing but beneficial, so long as the balance is maintained.] With these thoughts, Yu Zi Yu cast a glance at the figure stationed deep within the Ascension Pool.

A pair of magnificent wings spread wide across the skies, bathing in brilliance, as if it was the embodiment of holiness.

This was none other than the Butterfly Queen, who had consumed the Light Elemental Fruit.

Compared to before, she had now stepped into Tier-5.

This was only natural.

Those who consumed Yu Zi Yu’s Elemental Fruits were anything but ordinary. The fruits had the power to defy fate, and breaking through to Tier-5 was merely a matter of time.

It was not just the Butterfly Queen—others like the Dark Tiger, Qing Gang, and Ice Elemental Flood Dragon had also reached Tier-5.

Yu Zi Yu was well aware of this, down to the precise moment they broke through.

This was due to the surge of cultivation insights that arose during their breakthroughs. These insights flowed along the mysterious connection they had, enriching Yu Zi Yu’s comprehension of the Elemental Dao.

[Thanks to you little ones, my understanding of the Elements is nearing the level of Principles…] Heaving a sigh of gratitude, Yu Zi Yu turned away.

He had no intention of disturbing the Butterfly Queen. In a few days, when Nine Tails would convene the elite powerhouses, Yu Zi Yu would have plenty of time to take a closer look.

For now, Yu Zi Yu had someone else in mind—Leng Feng, a Human with exceptional Innate Talent of Darkness, who had contributed greatly to the Demon Court.