Seed of Eternity

"Of course not."

With a single wave of his hand, the Lord of Qingteng transformed the space beneath his feet into an abyss.

An ancient branch emerged from it, evoking feelings of antiquity, life, and rhythm in everyone's senses.

The next moment, the branch broke off and split into seven pieces.

[Eternal Branch (SS-tier): A secondary branch of the Tree of Eternity. Drinking it slowly increases health. It can also be used as a crafting material, increasing maximum health by 300% and spell power by 105%. It can also be planted, with a survival rate of 1.9%.]

Compared to the "Mother Tree Heart Core," which is a simple consumable, the allure of this Eternal Branch is greatly enhanced.

Especially for magic-based Class Holder, a 105% increase in spell power can directly boost their strength even further.

Lister was also interested in the increased health points after consuming the ground product.

Even though this threefold increase only applies to base health, he has other passive abilities, making the overall benefit quite appealing.

But for the rest of the population, what was more attractive was its cultivability.

Even if it's just a secondary branch with an extremely low success rate, if it can actually survive, as a secondary species of the Tree of Eternity, the resulting profit is the kind of wealth that would truly tempt an entire faction.

With a flick of his finger, the Lord of Qingteng released seven branches that floated in front of each attendee.

Ewaer, the Extreme Cold Hegemon, suddenly shattered his ice crystal armor. The moment he reached out to grab the branch, jade-like patterns grew on his body.

"Such an astonishing increase in life force..."

Data streams appeared on the metallic face of the Archbishop of the Mechanical Holy See.

"If combined with my sacred alloy..."

The old man in the red robe suddenly crushed the dark red book in his hand, and the fragments of the ancient book turned into a blood mist that enveloped the branches.

"Qingteng, you should have taken this out sooner!"

His projection fluctuated violently, and his voice was filled with barely suppressed greed.

The Zerg Queen's compound eyes simultaneously glowed purple, and the branches were slowly enveloped in the secreted mucus in her palm.

"The sapling of the Tree of Eternity is indeed worth acquiring."

Just as everyone was about to collect them, all the branches vanished into thin air.

With a surge of energy, the branch returned to the hands of the Lord of Qingteng.

Within this special conference space, she seemed to have considerable control.

"Please give us an answer first."

What form does the alliance take?

"Besides this Eternal Branch, first make the coordinates of the three star systems public so we can make a judgment."

Ewaer's cold voice rang out, and everyone nodded in agreement.

The "Eternal Branch" alone is enticing enough, but the coordinates of the other three galaxies must be made public first so they can make a comprehensive assessment.

"Let us, all of you, form a new force, a true alliance."

"If there is an enemy, we will attack together; if there is danger, we will defend together."

"The Tree of Eternity serves as the witness to this covenant."

The covenant with the Tree of Eternity bears witness, but Lister was unaware of its binding force.

But just by observing the solemn expressions on everyone's faces, he immediately made a judgment.

It seems the Tree of Eternity is truly unique; it is not only powerful in other dimensions, but can even unleash its power across dimensions.

As Qingteng spoke, he revealed the original locations of the three star systems.

The next instant, the Mechanical Holy See archbishop's metallic face suddenly glowed with the light of data streams, and his gear-shaped pupils contracted to pinpoints.

"Qingteng, you almost fooled me!"

"No wonder we've never discovered these three star systems before."

"This is right next to the Emerald Royal Court's sphere of influence."

The Zerg Queen's compound eyes flashed with a dangerous light, and her carapace rubbed together with a piercing sound.

What's the point of talking about an alliance?

"You just want us to fight against the Emerald Royal Court for you?"

Do they really think we're fools?

The temperature inside the conference room suddenly dropped to freezing.

Lister immediately realized this as well.

He had never heard of the Eternal Sea of Trees faction, but the Emerald Royal Court was a different story.

Even though he was just a nobody in his previous life, he had heard of the other party's power in the vast universe.

One of the seven super powers, and the leader of the plant-based forces in the universe.

The true powerhouse at the World-Ending Level is in charge; it's a veteran world- World Annihilation powerhouse.

If it's truly a confrontation with the Emerald Royal Court as everyone suspects, then giving more money won't help.

It's purely a case of having the life to take the money, but not the life to spend it.

Lister noticed that the jade-like luster on the Qingteng branches was fading, replaced by dark red stress lines.

"It's not about confrontation."

The sound of the Qingteng suddenly became accompanied by the rustling of leaves rubbing together.

"Just be wary of future defenses."

Ewaer, the Extreme Cold Hegemon, suddenly shattered his ice crystal armor, revealing his pale skin underneath.

So you're telling us to be cannon fodder?

Goodbye!

He raised his hand and tore open the spatial rift outside the conference hall behind him, then left decisively.

"Smack!"

The red-robed old man's projection vanished instantly, and a cold laugh echoed from within the blood mist.

"Qingteng, with its Eternal Branches, is precious, but it must also live long enough to be used."

"You don't need to invite me to these meetings anymore."

The mechanical archbishop shook his head and left without a second thought.

The Zerg Queen's compound eyes went out simultaneously, and she vanished without a trace.

In an instant, only Lister and Qingteng remained facing off in the conference hall.

The stellar totems on the emerald wall gradually dimmed, with only the light of the seventh star standing out brightly.

"I'm very curious, since this is a meeting of the Hegemon of nearby star systems."

Why wasn't Gebeier invited?

Regarding its nearest neighbor in the Divine Rise Galaxy.

Lister took this opportunity to inquire a little.

"He's already approached the Void Corridor; there's no way he'll come here."

The Void Corridor is also one of the seven super powers in the vast universe.

It is still the most mysterious family, a cross-dimensional force established by the "Void Spirit Clan".

Their main business is selling and trading information, including not only information from this dimension but also information from other dimensions.

Lister nodded slowly, then changed the subject.

"So that's the purpose of your meeting?"

"Or rather... the original goal?"

Strands of hair, formed by Qingteng vines, fell down as she calmly nodded.

It is clear that the current situation was foreseen.

The fact that everyone left so decisively was perfectly normal.

Even if there were only seven of them, let alone double that Overlord Tier, they still wouldn't be enough to defeat the World Annihilation powerhouses of the Emerald Royal Court.

"Then why are you keeping me here?"

Lister had a vague idea of what was going on.

After all, the Hegemon the Lord of Qingteng had previously contacted and invited were merely Overlord Tier.

But he was different. After being baptized by the Tree of Eternity, it was completely confirmed that he was also a World-Ending Level powerhouse.

The chasm between Hegemon and World Annihilation is indeed two enormous levels.

It's like Lister and Qingteng, even though the other's rank is three ranks higher than his.

But in a real fight to the death, if the opponent is not a martial arts or mechanical type, Lister can cut them down to the point of being powerless to resist, even if it's only at the first stage.

At worst, they'll be instantly killed in the second phase.

The other party seems to have intentionally kept him here, as if they've set their sights on him and want him to defend against the Emerald Royal Court?

"I hope you can help our Eternal Sea of Trees defend against the invasion of the Emerald Royal Court."

"I'm only level 20, yet I'm supposed to help you defend against the Emerald Royal Court?"

"Heh~! Forgive my bluntness, but why would the Emerald Royal Court be targeting you?"

"Besides, since we've already been targeted, wouldn't it be better to just join such a powerful force?"

Lister never wavered in the slightest.

His attempt to resist a superpower like the Emerald Royal Court is tantamount to throwing an egg against a rock.

Both were World-Ending Level experts, so the other party's level must be higher than his.

Such a huge risk is far too great compared to the Eternal Branch and three star systems.

Moreover, in terms of the resources of the Light Star System, it would be better to conquer the Galactic Federation later.

It's important to know that the Milky Way Galaxy has just as many resources as these three major galaxies.

Just as Lister was about to leave, the Lord of Qingteng instantly teleported in front of him.

"We simply cannot join."

"The Emerald Royal Court has its sights set on the Tree of Eternity, intending to use it for its 'Giant Plant' project."

Having received considerable benefits from the other party, and seeing that the other party was willing to tell him the whole story, he returned to his seat in the center of the conference room.

Emerald green juice, along with some fruit, was quickly presented to him.

"Seven hundred and forty years from now, the Tree of Eternity will give birth to the next generation of Seed of Eternity."

"Since only one Tree of Eternity can survive in a single plane, the next generation of the Seed of Eternity will be sent to our plane for planting."

"As the Hegemon born from the offerings of the Tree of Eternity, my mission is to protect the Seed of Eternity may be successfully planted and ultimately grow."

"So, the Tree of Eternity itself has no combat capabilities?"

Lister had no knowledge of the Tree of Eternity, nor had he ever heard of it in his previous life.

Just by looking at how the Tree of Eternity can connect multiple planes and the value of its branches, one can't help but feel that the other party must be powerful.

"The Tree of Eternity is a special neutral entity."

"They have no combat capability before reaching adulthood."

"Once they reach adulthood, they become completely bound to that plane, and cannot be destroyed except when that plane collapses."

"The main offensive methods are all rule-based; they can only be used effectively after a contract is established."

Isn't this just like the spread of a virus?

Once it truly takes root and grows, it becomes a parasite on that plane.

Fortunately, it doesn't have any direct offensive capabilities, which is why it's called the Tree of Eternity.

"So, according to you, the Emerald Royal Court has a reason to want you, the Seed of Eternity!"

"If you want to reap the rewards, you still have to plant the Seed of Eternity to get the ultimate return, right?"

"Or does the Seed of Seed of Eternity possess some special effect?"

Since the goal is to cultivate and ensure the survival of the Seed of Eternity, it doesn't matter which faction is involved.

As long as it grows up, the Tree of Eternity will eventually outlast most life forms on the plane.

"No the same!"

"The Seed of Eternity possesses the ability to communicate with other planes."

"The Emerald Royal Court is a rare power in multiple dimensions built upon plants. Its research on the Tree of Eternity is aimed at using the Seed of Eternity as a medium to study the cross-dimensional anti-erosion of the Tree of Eternity."

"According to the information I gathered from the Void Corridor, their goal is to absorb the Power of the Planes through the Tree of Eternity of other planes to enhance themselves."

Hearing this, Lister fully understood the situation of the two forces.

Although I didn't dare to believe it completely, the general idea is probably correct.

One side covets the Seed of Eternity, so it avoids making any rash moves, and may even temporarily conceal its threat.

Meanwhile, the other side had already learned the key information through the Void Corridor.

This event was still 340 years away from its actual occurrence.

Based on his memories from his previous life, the Emerald Royal Court should have won.

That's true... given the current methods of the Lord of Qingteng, it's just a small-scale operation.

So far, they have only managed to gather a few Hegemon, and haven't even managed to win over a World-Ending Level super power.

Not to mention, even these few Hegemon themselves are unwilling to get involved in this matter.

"I understand what happened, but I'm sorry."

"I don't want to get involved in your feud with the Emerald Royal Court."

Lister has already been given face.

The story the other person told him failed to move him.

Or, to put it another way, from his perspective in this plane of existence.

The Emerald Royal Court, however, was more involved in human affairs, using the Tree of Eternity to absorb the Power of the Planes.

Instead of the current Tree of Eternity, which is parasitic on its own plane.

He hasn't yet come into contact with the so-called Power of the Plane, or what kind of energy it is, but rather than being devoured by creatures from other planes, it's better for life forms from his own plane to use it.

The body of the Lord of Qingteng jade branches, trembled slightly, and ripples of energy emanated from the crystallized leaves on its forehead.

"If you are willing to protect the Tree of Eternity until it reaches maturity, I will relinquish the right to cultivate the next generation of the Seed of Eternity."

"Let it take root and grow within the star system you specify, and once it takes root, it will create a barrier space that can replenish the Power of the Plane."

Seeing that the other party was even willing to give up the Seed of Eternity, Lister sat back down in his seat.

He wasn't particularly interested in cultivating the Tree of Eternity, but he was very interested in the Power of the Plane could generate.

Clearly, this power is of an extremely high level, perhaps comparable to, or even surpassing, the power of the soul.

If it were truly as the other party described, he would indeed be quite interested.

"Are you sure the Seed of Eternity will be born in 340 years?"

"Confirmed! This time cannot be changed."

"And you must plant it within ten years; I will provide you with all the resources needed for planting."

Seven hundred and forty years is only a very short period of time in the timeline of the universe.

For most small civilizations and minor powers in galaxies, this period of time is not considered long.

But for Lister, that was plenty of time, a long time indeed.

He has reached his current level of strength in less than a century.

For the next 740 years, as long as the eighth act of the game can be opened and players can arrive, everything will be fine.

He was absolutely confident that he could confront the Emerald Royal Court, or even fight one-on-one against all other super powers.

Thinking that there might be a chance, and with the Power of the Plane as a reward, he was ultimately willing to give it a try.

"Three conditions."

Lister raised his Shadowless Blade, its blade slicing through space and leaving three scarlet cracks.

"First: I want the Eternal Branch and the coordinates of the three galaxies to now intersect."

Second: During the current cooperation period, some of your forces in the Eternal Sea of Trees will need to be allocated to me.

Thirdly: I have the right to renege on the treaty before the Seed of Eternity is handed over to me, and if the Emerald Royal Court attacks prematurely, all treaties will be null and void.

Lister's three requirements were very demanding, especially the third condition.

He wouldn't take the risk himself if the player didn't actually arrive during that time.

The Lord of Qingteng also fell into deep thought upon this.