Although Darkness Sword Ebony had snatched this enormous Rule Fragment, he had suffered a streak of terrible misfortune in recent years.
First, the foundation and old stronghold he had painstakingly built over many years in the Primordial Universe Time-Space had come under attack, leaving him with grievous losses.
Immediately after, on the main battlefield of the Light Universe Time-Space, one of the most capable Level-12 Beings under his command had unfortunately fallen. For the already damaged Darkness Sword faction, this was undoubtedly snow upon frost, and it dealt Ebony's pride a severe blow.
Looking over everything Ebony had done in the Light Universe Time-Space over the years, every single act revealed his ambition and calculations.
All things considered, through ruthless and cunning methods, his true body had indeed stolen a considerable amount of the Light Universe Time-Space's Source Power of Rules. After this source power merged into his Dark Origin, both his personal strength and foundation had been enhanced to a certain degree, making him far stronger than before.
Yet for every gain, there was a loss. The Darkness Sword faction under Ebony had suffered extensive overall damage: experts had fallen, strongholds had contracted, and its sphere of influence had shrunk drastically from its peak.
Ebony's ability to appear before the Jade Vine Tree first this time had not been luck. It was the result of preparations he had made long ago, meticulous and exhaustive. From intelligence gathering and route planning to contingency measures, every step had undergone repeated deduction, all to seize the initiative and claim the treasures upon the Jade Vine Tree.
As for whether or not he could ultimately seize the Jade Vine Tree's most precious Level-12 Rule Tree Heart, that could be set aside for now. After all, that tree heart was the Jade Vine Tree's