Evolution Begins With A Big Tree

Chapter 976, Scars of Glory

Translator:  Ashish

Translation Checker: Silavin

“You…” Shaking his head helplessly, Yu Zi Yu found himself at a loss for words.

The reason was simple: in Flathead’s eyes, he saw an unwavering resolve—a determination akin to a raging inferno, burning bright and fierce.

“I’m impressed.”

Heaving a sigh with emotions, Yu Zi Yu’s gaze sharpened as he carefully examined the current Dao of Battle that Flathead had chosen.

Dao of Battle — One of the most terrifying Daos, where those who survive countless battles either ascend to the pinnacle as a God of War or descend into madness as a war-crazed fiend.
Battle Maniac Physique —  During battle, physical attributes are significantly enhanced, including an explosive increase in recovery abilities.

Combat Instinct — The more one fights, the hazier their consciousness becomes, allowing primal instincts to dominate.

Scars of Glory — Injuries sustained in battle transform into medals of honor etched upon the body. Each near-fatal wound that heals becomes a scar. Moreover, those who walk the Dao of Battle will never suffer the same injury twice.

After taking a deep look at this, Yu Zi Yu could not help but feel astonished. [As expected of a Higher Order Principle—its power is truly terrifying!]

Take the Scars of Glory, for instance; the implications of this ability alone was staggering.

In simple terms, it ensured that the same attack would never work twice.

For example, if Yu Zi Yu unleashed the Divine Ability of his Demonic Sword—Lifebane, the God of Slaughter, but failed to kill Flathead, once his wounds healed, that very technique would lose all effectiveness against him.

This was a near-Principle-level ability, likely the most fearsome aspect of the Dao of Battle.

If someone truly survived ten thousand battles, the countless Scars of Glory imprinted upon their body would make them invincible—a God of War in every sense of the term.

However, the prerequisite was survival.

And that… was nearly impossible.

Even Yu Zi Yu could not guarantee surviving ten thousand evenly matched battles without falling.

While his strength often made it hard to find a true equal, that was bit the main reason.

It was because even Yu Zi Yu himself could not ensure perfection in every battle. After all, even the slightest misstep at their level could be fatal.

*Haaaa…* A heavy sigh escaped Yu Zi Yu, while he decided against dissuading him further. Everyone had their own path to walk.

[Though Flathead’s path is perilous beyond measure, it still offered a sliver of hope. Perhaps… Just perhaps… One day, this little rascal could indeed rise to become a God of War.]

– – –

At this moment, Flathead grinned widely, stepping forward as he spoke with his usual simplicity, “Master, I’ve returned this time to become the strongest warrior in the Demon Court!”

“The strongest, huh…” Yu Zi Yu murmured, momentarily speechless, before playfully retorting, “You, the strongest?”

As he spoke, his gaze shifted to Little Tenth standing behind Flathead, and with a teasing smile, Yu Zi Yu added, “The one behind you is already in the Late Stage of Tier-5, just a half-step away from the Harmonization Realm. And not to mention, there are Nine Tails, Sarcosuchus, and Osmanthus—all extraordinary powerhouses…”

Unfazed by Yu Zi Yu’s lighthearted jab, Flathead remained firm.

“I’ll work hard! I will absolutely give it my all!” His unwavering voice carried an air of confidence, and a trace of self-assured determination surfaced on his face.

For one who bears the Dao of Battle, cultivation level was not a limitation. The only true constraint lay in combat itself. As long as he experienced enough battles, even at the Early Stage of Tier-5, he could challenge someone in the Late Stage of Tier-5 without fear.

This was the confidence that comes with a Higher Order Principle.

As a matter of fact, Nine Tails’ Principle of Sealing and Little Tenth’s Infernal Lightning Principle were both Higher-Order Principles as well.

However, in comparison, Flathead’s Dao of Battle was the most combat-oriented.

This was a Principle born entirely for battle.

How could other Principles possibly compare?

Smiling to himself, Yu Zi Yu chose not to linger. Standing up slowly, he gave a parting instruction, “In a few days, the Demon Court Ceremony will take place. Be sure to attend.”

“Understood, Master,” responding in unison, Leng Feng, Flathead, and the others rose to their feet.

At that moment, as if a thought crossed his mind, Yu Zi Yu cast a glance at Leng Feng, who stood not far away.

Peak of Tier-4, Half-step Demigod Realm.

Compared to the likes of Nine Tails, Leng Feng was indeed far behind. Yet, for someone without a Bloodline or backing, reaching his current strength was already commendable.

Still… It was far from enough.

With a silent sigh, Yu Zi Yu transmitted his voice directly into Leng Feng’s mind, “Leng Feng, if you can find four corpses of the same race—one at Tier-1, one at Tier-2, one at Tier-3, and one at Tier-4—I can defy the Heavens to change your fate.”

“Uh…” Momentarily stunned, Leng Feng’s face reflected a mix of confusion and astonishment.

By the time he raised his head to seek clarity, Yu Zi Yu had already vanished without a trace.

“Four corpses, huh…” muttering to himself, Leng Feng’s expression grew thoughtful.

When it came to corpses, the Demon Court certainly had no shortage.

After all, the Demon Court was primarily composed of Mutant Beasts, and it kept a considerable reserve of provisions.

For instance, within the ice caverns of Ice Flood Dragon, there were tens of thousands of corpses frozen in ice—spoils of the Demon Court’s long-standing campaigns.

As for finding corpses of the same race, spanning Tier-1 to Tier-4…

After pondering for a moment, Leng Feng nodded to Flathead and Little Tenth before heading toward Ice Flood Dragon’s territory.

[If my memory serves me right, there is a complete set in Ice Flood Dragon’s ice caverns, belonging to the Dark Elf Clan of Elysia.

Years ago, aside from a few who surrendered, the rest of the Clan had chosen death over submission and were forever sealed in ice. In those caverns, Tier-1 and Tier-2 corpses are abundant, and even Tier-3 and Tier-4 corpses can be counted in the double digits.

Thus, assembling the set Master has requested wouldn’t be difficult.]

Still, Leng Feng could not help but feel puzzled.

[But how could gathering these corpses possibly allow Master to defy the Heavens and alter my fate?]