The beetle died.
Its corpse transformed into layers of Gray Mist that surged into the sky.
Within the Gray Mist, a towering tree appeared.
—The Holy Wish Tree!
It rumbled:
"We will do everything in our power to support you and help you defeat the enemies of all living beings—"
"—the sequences of Apocalypse, War, Rotation, Gloom, Authority, and all the rest."
Gu Qingshan's eyes widened. Unable to hold back, he asked, "When you say Apocalypse, do you mean those insects?"
The towering tree replied, "Not just insects. Every existence that brings destruction to all living beings, every sequence that leads them astray, will be our enemy."
"So we draw upon every source of power and corrupt it—all for the good of all living beings."
"And all living beings may not understand the sacrifices we make."
"Are you willing to accept this path?"
Gu Qingshan looked thrilled. Clenching his tiny fists, he said, "I am!"
"Excellent," the towering tree said with satisfaction.
Its image vanished.
All the Gray Mist in the sky poured down at once, rushing into Gu Qingshan's body.
The scene emptied.
Gu Qingshan found that everything had disappeared.
He was back at the ritual site.
All around him, the priests were devoutly chanting their prayers.
The gray tree had become a phantom, radiating all kinds of wondrous fluctuations.
—Had he passed the trial?
The Crimson Small Characters continued to flicker before his eyes, explaining the situation:
"The Holy Wish Tree is only a low-level Fallen holy artifact."
"This is the extent of what it can do."
"—Congratulations. You have earned the Holy Wish Tree's favor and will receive its contractual boon."
"It will help you accomplish one thing. When that task is complete, you must transform into a Fallen being as stipulated by the contract."
"Note: You