Golden Axe Venerable

The enormous and crystal-clear Sha Luo Flower, which stretched for tens of thousands of kilometers, seemed to contain endless power. The color of its vines had become more intense from its previous blood red, and it faintly radiated a hazy glow.

Each bright, eerie flower, like a blood-red flame, was burning fiercely. The huge, vivid petals resembled gaping maws, with cold, dense teeth that sent chills down one's spine.

"Boom..."

The incredibly dense and massive root system instantly contracted, and countless surrounding vines and leaves also twitched continuously. The originally overwhelming Sha Luo Flower quickly shrank, forming a small and lovely crystal vine.

"Whoosh!"

With a light leap, it landed on Lin Yan's shoulder.

"Haha..." Lin Yan couldn't help but feel joy.

Unlike the Tai Sui Tree Spirit.

The Sha Luo Flower came from Earth with Lin Yan and was a reward for his breakthrough to the Planetary level, so it was of course different for Lin Yan.

Auxiliary Plant Lifeform like "Sha Luo Flower" and "Tai Sui Tree Spirit" only have instincts and simple emotions such as love and hate in their early stages. Only after becoming immortal can they truly have a normal conscious dialogue with Lin Yan.

However, Lin Yan felt that his own Sha Luo Flower was significantly smarter, better at imitation, and had more emotional expression.

This also made Lin Yan feel more attached to it. The Tai Sui Tree Spirit was more of a powerful assistant to Lin Yan, but it seemed to have a different kind of bond with the Sha Luo Flower.

Speaking of which...

With the passage of time, the current form of the Sha Luo Flower is naturally quite different from what it used to be.

Back then, Lin Yan purchased a large number of precious resources and treasures from the Virtual Universe Company, and evolved the Sha Luo Flower and the Tai Sui Tree Spirit to the World Lord level.

After learning that Domain Lord level could exchange money for points, he stopped caring much about points and almost emptied them out before cultivating them to the World Lord peak.

It's all thanks to Lin Yan, who already had a large number of points and completed seven Dangerous Level missions and two Desperate Level Mission. The point rewards from "Demon Mountain" and "Mizong Galaxy" alone amounted to 900,000 points, something no one else could possibly have.

The main reason for its high price is that the Sha Luo Flower is a perfectly cultivated plant. The more perfect and excellent the evolution of Plant Lifeform, the greater the subsequent cultivation cost.

The Sha Luo Flower can possess 512 main vines at the World Lord level, which is the most perfect limit in legend!

The World Lord level represents the pinnacle of physical evolution.

Once you reach the World Lord ninth stage, your Law Comprehension, your Inner World, your Self-created secret technique, Special Encounters, and so on, can make the difference in strength between an ordinary World Master and a genius World Master vast.

Some super World Master in history were even able to kill Marquis-level Immortal God World Lord level!

The path of cultivation becomes increasingly polarized as one progresses.

This also applies to Plant-type Lifeform.

Take the "Tai Sui Tree Spirit" for example. After its body structure is fundamentally changed by the Purple Hundred Vein Leaf, its abilities in all aspects will naturally be greatly enhanced.

The Sha Luo Flower is quite peculiar among Plant Lifeform, known for its strong attack power and strong devouring ability. Its main growth method is to devour Flesh-type life forms, and it will absorb some of the characteristics of a certain thing it eats more of.

The "Super Evolution" program that Lin Yan chose from the Virtual Universe Company is the best cultivation program that has been researched and perfected by generations of pharmacists in the human race.

Pharmacists, who can be called "cosmic researchers," have developed an evolutionary program for the Sha Luo Flower. The program involves an incredibly complex ratio of various Blood and Flesh Ganoderma, as well as various precious resources and materials. The cultivation process is also extremely complicated, but it can unleash its full potential.

Later.

Lin Yan then fed the seven Dragon Blood Fruit obtained from "Dragon Tower Star" to Sha Luo Flower. Each Dragon Blood Fruit was auctioned for 300,000 Hun Yuan Unit. After Sha Luo Flower absorbed them, her biting power and cell activity were greatly enhanced.

The most valuable part of the Sha Luo Flower is the Blood Sea that was once in the God Tree King's Divine Kingdom. Now, the Sha Luo Flower has absorbed most of it. This is the most refined essence of blood energy, which is extremely beneficial to it.

It is precisely because Lin Yan has invested so much of his resources in it that the current Sha Luo Flower is almost perfect.

Lin Yan pondered and said, "The Sha Luo Flower' is not originally known for its 'toughness, cell activity and environmental adaptability'. In terms of these aspects, it can only be considered as above average among Plant Lifeform. However, my 'Sha Luo Flower' has made up for these shortcomings through cultivation."

"However... the more perfect and excellent the evolution, the more difficult it is to break through to become Immortal God."

The more powerful a race or life form is, the more exponentially more difficult it becomes to become Immortal God!

Take the Golden Horn Beast for example. 99% of Golden Horn Beast are unable to break through and are trapped at the World Lord peak until they die. There are countless examples.

Every drink and every bite is a symbiotic relationship between fortune and misfortune.

The universe is fair, and this is precisely a manifestation of the Operation Rule.

Lin Yan stroked the small Sha Luo Flower on his shoulder and said softly, "Don't worry, I will help you evolve into Immortal God... One day, you will definitely become the strongest Sha Luo Flower in the vast universe."

The Sha Luo Flower on its shoulder danced happily with its vines, then let out a nasty "hehehehe" laugh.

After resting for three months, Lin Yan set off for the "Purgatory Abyss".

Any Primal Secret Region Member can accept a maximum of 3 Desperate Level Mission, and this is also Lin Yan's last mission.

Wow!

Ripples spread across the dark starry sky, and a black, saucer-shaped spaceship appeared out of thin air.

"Your His Highness Lin Yan, the 'Purgatory Abyss' lies ahead!"

Inside the control room, a man in a black uniform pointed ahead, and through the External Virtualization, he could clearly see the scene in the distant void.

The distant starry sky.

It was a vast and boundless continent. Beyond that continent, which floated in the starry sky, there was a Floating City. The Floating City was shrouded in a faint energy shield, and on it were built magnificent palaces.

These palaces are towering nearly ten thousand miles high, with the central one reaching hundreds of thousands of kilometers in height, radiating dazzling golden light.

Spaceships constantly roam above the floating continent.

Scattered fragments of stars could be seen everywhere, floating in the void. At the same time, an invisible malevolent aura invaded through the spaceship.

"Hmm?" Lin Yan frowned slightly.

The man in black uniform beside him explained, "Your Highness, unlike any other cultivation world, the Purgatory Abyss is the most dangerous, Prison Race is the most unruly. So, even though this is Original Secret Realm, Virtual Universe Company has sent many powerful individuals to be stationed here, the Prison Race of the Purgatory World will still break out time and time again to fight us."

"Even if many die, they will not feel any fear."

"The malevolent aura here is very strong because too many powerful beings have perished. In the Purgatory World... due to the various battles between them, the malevolent aura is even stronger than here."

Upon hearing this...

Lin Yan raised an eyebrow.

You must understand that this is Original Secret Realm. With the Virtual Universe Company's control over this place, even the Prison Race's stronghold in a remote territory of the Primordial Universe would not get the slightest advantage here.

The Purgatory Abyss...

This was the first time he had ever seen such a rebellious cultivation world. Viska Star had not seen any natives attempt to fly away from their planets for a long time.

The Prison Race, this chaotic and evil race, are utterly fearless of death compared to slaughter.

Call!

The black saucer-shaped spaceship entered through one of the passageways of the Floating City, and then flew along the circular corridor for several minutes before slowing down and coming to a stop.

The spaceship hatch opened.

Lin Yan, clad in shimmering armor, with a calm gaze, flew out of the hatch.

"Um?"

He immediately spotted a lean, middle-aged man standing not far away. He had four arms and naturally exuded a chilling aura.

Lin Yan thought to himself, "He is Feng Wang level expert."

The four-armed middle-aged man stepped forward and looked at Lin Yan: "Lin Yan, I am here waiting on the Venerable One's orders. The Venerable One wishes to see you."

Venerable One?

Lin Yan had some doubts in his heart. He had already learned beforehand that the one stationed in the Purgatory Abyss was an extremely powerful Venerable level being— the Golden Axe Venerable.

This is one of the early disciples of the Chaos City Lord. With countless years of experience and the personal instruction of the Chaos City Lord, he is an eternally ancient and powerful being in the universe.

The Golden Axe Venerable wants to see me?

"Please lead the way, Immortal." Lin Yan bowed slightly.

The four-armed middle-aged man nodded, and instantly an invisible force containing the fluctuations of laws enveloped Lin Yan. Then it transformed into a stream of light, carrying Lin Yan swiftly towards the ninth level of the Golden Axe Divine Hall.

Just a moment.

An oppressive aura enveloped the temple.

"Is this the Golden Axe Venerable?" Lin Yan, in the ninth-level hall, looked at the burly giant standing on the hall, whose faintly emanating pressure made people involuntarily submit.

In a daze, he seemed like a demon god.

He is nearly nine meters tall, has six arms and six eyes, and carries Golden Great Axe on his back that is almost as tall as himself!

The Giant Axe was covered with incredibly complex runes, and terrifying baleful energy emanated from Giant Axe, occasionally tearing apart the surrounding space.

The four-armed middle-aged man approached the steps near the main hall and respectfully bowed, saying, "Your Excellency."

"Feng Chen, you go down first." The voice of that demonic figure boomed.

"Yes." The four-armed middle-aged man transformed into a streak of light and immediately left the ninth floor.

A giant carrying Golden Axe strode down from the main hall, his boots striking the steps, causing the surrounding space to tremble.

"Lin Yan." Golden Axe Venerable looked down at Lin Yan and spoke.

"Lin Yan pays his respects to Your Excellency." Lin Yan bowed respectfully.

"Very good." Golden Axe Venerable nodded slightly, his deep and majestic voice resounding throughout the entire hall. "In all these years of guarding this Purgatory World, you are the first genius whose reputation has reached my ears."

"You flatter me, Your Excellency," Lin Yan said.

"But... that's precisely why you should cherish your talent even more." Golden Axe Venerable said solemnly, "There are a total of eighteen Desperate Level Mission, and you shouldn't have chosen 'Purgatory Abyss'."

At this point, he said in a deep voice, "Your teacher should know the dangers of the Purgatory Abyss, so why didn't he stop you?"

In fact, the Mu Xing Country Lord had explained this point to Lin Yan.

Although both are Desperate Level Mission, "Purgatory Abyss" is different.

Human groups like to set a standard in many ways, which means there is almost no hope of passing it!

For example, the seven Trial Tower during the Genius Battle... or the Original Tongtian Mountain.

This is just a benchmark! It's placed there so that people can look up to it, feel that they have a goal, and never become arrogant.

The "Purgatory Abyss," the number one Desperate Level Mission, is also a benchmark. Taking Desperate Level Mission such as "Mizong Galaxy" and "Demon Mountain" as examples, they are not actually extreme. At least members of the Original Secret Realm Cosmic level are basically capable of passing them.

Some members of the Primordial Beginning Secret Realm will also not encounter any problems.

But the "Purgatory Abyss" is different.

The Purgatory Abyss is displayed as having an average mortality rate of 99% in the Virtual Universe System. In reality, the situation is even worse. It is not a matter of probability that one out of a hundred people will survive, but rather it means "a glimmer of hope".

It was merely a sliver of hope.

This is no longer the original intention of Cultivation Mission to hone geniuses.

The universe is vast, and the number of human beings is countless. Some have Special Encounters, some have resilient character, some have extremely high comprehension, and some have excellent backgrounds... How many geniuses have emerged throughout history?

They are exceptionally talented and far more capable than others, but it is precisely because of this that they become arrogant.

This is precisely to let these proud geniuses know that life is not always smooth sailing, and that there are things that can frighten them.

Let them know that even if they pass those Cultivation Mission, they have no courage or ability to face real adversity.

Do you dare? Is it worth it? Is it necessary?

These questions hinder people's choices and interrogate their hearts, but people with true courage and ability don't need these questions at all.

All they need to think about is "whether to go or not".

This can be seen from the reaction of the Mu Xing Country Lord when Lin Yan said he wanted to take on the "Purgatory Abyss" mission.

She was well aware of Lin Yan's various abilities, not to mention his Green Line Devouring Worm Clone. With such protection, it was unlikely that he would be in any danger to his life. However, the Mu Xing Country Lord still said that "there is a risk of falling."

But even knowing all this, Lin Yan never wavered in his decision.

And what we are facing now is yet another internal test.

"You haven't entered yet, so I allow you to back out." The Golden Axe Venerable's face was resolute and extremely majestic.

Lin Yan remained calm and respectfully replied, "Venerable One, the fact that I have chosen to accept this mission means that I am capable of it."

The Golden Axe Venerable remained silent, but as he released his imposing aura, his demonic eyes, deep and unfathomable, gazed down at the young man before him.

Silence.

Lin Yan felt as if he were facing an endless universe, as insignificant as a speck of dust in the world.

A clear voice rang out in the hall. "Hesitation is the Purgatory of the world, and cowardice is the bottomless abyss... The Venerable One also said before that I am the only genius in recent years whose fame has reached your ears, so you should believe in me."

"This won't be my dead end."

Lin Yan's expression was resolute.

Even the Sha Luo Flower can be completely different from before. With the passage of time, what kind of sharpness must he have honed over the years?

A fine sword should not be kept hidden in its sheath for long!

The Golden Axe Venerable scrutinized Lin Yan and suddenly burst into laughter. "Haha... As expected of Lin Yan, as expected of being called the strongest genius of the human race, truly amazing. After seeing you today, you really deserve this title."

The six-armed demon god's eyes showed a hint of satisfaction, and then he said in a loud voice, "I respect your decision. Soon someone will take you to the Purgatory Abyss."

"Thank you, Venerable One." Lin Yan bowed respectfully.

The Golden Axe Venerable nodded.

He turned and walked toward the throne in the hall. His tall figure, carrying Golden Axe, seemed to transform into a Giant Axe soaring into the sky in that instant. His powerful will made the entire space tremble as if it were about to crack open.

With his back to Lin Yan, his voice boomed. "Since you've chosen this path, remember..."

"Come back alive."