Benefit

The massive unicorn soared freely through the air.

Its powerful aura made the Kejia Beast in Guen's arms tremble uncontrollably.

Although this Kejia Beast would one day reach Planetary Level 5 and grow at a rapid pace, for now it was merely a beast at Apprentice Level 6.

As Mercedes' mount, this unicorn had already reached Planetary Level 6, information Guen easily gleaned through his Smart Computer.

Beasts were more sensitive to such auras, so the Kejia Beast found the unicorn's presence even harder to bear than Guen did.

Guen identified their direction; the unicorn was flying toward the empire's southwest. At the empire's farthest southwestern edge lay an impassable swamp, which served as the boundary.

Yet the unicorn crossed that boundary.

Both Guen and Setti were astonished.

Mercedes took an interest in their reactions: "You seem puzzled by this?"

Guen and Setti nodded.

Mercedes sighed. "You know too little of this world, but now you're beginning to approach its truth. You should already know of Tucha Planet, correct?"

Without waiting for their answer, he continued, "Tucha Planet is merely one Life Planet among the vast starry cosmos. The empire's Super Tier and Saint Tier are actually ancient terms. Since the Land of Inheritance appeared, everyone has grown accustomed to calling them Planetary Level and Star Level.

"Tucha Planet is unquestionably the orthodox power on this world, yet they allow people like us to remain here. The people of the Aoyu Empire, even without Tucha Planet's bloodline, are accepted by it. But we are different. That's why we rarely accept outstanding seeds from the Aoyu Empire—this is not our wish, but Tucha Planet's command."

Mercedes pointed to his own green hair.

It was an obvious marker. Setti and Uncle Jack couldn't help glancing at Guen.

The people of the Aoyu Empire all had black hair.

But Guen had red hair.

Since the Forest Goddess Temple counted as one faction with green hair, and the Aoyu Empire belonged to Tucha Planet's faction with black hair, which faction did Guen's red hair represent?

Guen, however, didn't dwell on this and asked instead, "A command? Have you, sir, actually contacted someone from Tucha Planet?"

Mercedes was noncommittal. "When the time comes, you'll understand naturally. For now, your priority is cultivation—at least reaching Planetary Level first. Knowing too much now will only disturb your minds."

Since Mercedes wouldn't say more, Guen and the others fell silent.

But Guen was thoughtful. Perhaps it was precisely because of his red hair that the Forest Goddess Temple had taken him in. Setti was an exception; judging by Mercedes' demeanor, he hadn't originally planned to accept Setti—Setti had insisted on joining the Forest Goddess Temple.

The unicorn flew over the swamp. In a dense, thriving forest, a tall stone hall caught the eye.

Guen also noticed many wooden tent-like houses surrounding the hall.

"Are those the Barbarian Tribe?" Guen asked in surprise.

"The people of the Aoyu Empire don't particularly worship the Forest Goddess, but these so-called Barbarians are different. They maintain a primitive way of life with simple faith, and they are important believers of our Forest Goddess Temple. In the early days of the Aoyu Empire, I even sent a talented Barbarian Chief into the Volcano Interior. His talent was comparable to yours, Guen," Mercedes said casually.

Guen suddenly recalled the words of the intelligence within the Volcanic Space.

Before him, only three people had directly obtained Tucha Planet status—either Elf-Humans or Artifact Users who achieved a perfect score in any category.

Beyond them, there was also a Barbarian Chief who, like Guen, had begun the Fifth Stage trial.

These four were likely the most talented individuals on this planet.

The unicorn landed on the ground. Surrounding Barbarians knelt and reverently called out a special name, likely the word for High Priest in their language.

Mercedes responded in the same tongue before leading Guen and the other two away from the square and into the hall.

The hall was lined with many strange carvings on both sides, empty yet solemn.

Only a small girl with green hair was playing inside. When she saw Mercedes, she immediately ran over happily and jumped into his arms.

Mercedes chuckled as he held the girl, explaining to the two, "Green hair is the mark of my goddess temple clan. Our clan is very few in number. Though their strength is low, I hope you'll look after them for my sake in the future."

Hearing such words from someone of Mercedes' status made Guen and the others feel deeply honored and uneasy.

Mercedes gently patted the girl's back, set her down, and led Guen and the others to a side hall. The interior was sparsely decorated, but a single table held many items.

Mercedes casually picked up a transparent crystal bottle containing green liquid: "This is Green Marrow. The Aoyu Empire occupies only a small part of this planet; most areas are overrun by beasts. In those regions, some trees have mutated, rivaling Planetary Level beasts. Their bodies produce something called Essence of Vegetation, which contains immense life force and has many wondrous properties. Taking it evolves your body's cells, making it easier to absorb Cosmic Energy. This Green Marrow is refined from at least two Essences of Vegetation. Guen and Setti, you both have better Grey Bamboo Shoot Liquid, but aside from that, Green Marrow is the best thing on this planet.

"Every ten years, the goddess temple will grant each of you a bottle of Green Marrow. However, once you advance to Super Tier—that is, Planetary Level—it will no longer be free. Until you reach Planetary Level, the temple will provide many treasures to aid you. Also, this is Dragon Blood, refined from the blood of multiple Planetary Level beasts. It strengthens the body and temporarily accelerates the absorption of Cosmic Energy. Dragon Blood, five portions every ten years. With the help of Green Marrow and Dragon Blood, the geniuses recruited by my goddess temple—including those Barbarians—can all reach Planetary Level within ten years."

Mercedes handed three portions each of Green Marrow and Dragon Blood to Guen, Setti, and Uncle Jack.

"Aside from my goddess temple, other factions are only granted one portion of Green Marrow and one portion of Dragon Blood upon reaching Planetary Level. For more, they must pay extra. And this is just the first benefit of joining my goddess temple."

Mercedes took out three watches: "These are Smart Watches. They let you check the time anytime, communicate with other Smart Watch users, take photos, and record videos. But note: the farther you are from the goddess temple, the longer information takes to transmit, and sometimes it may fail entirely. In dangerous places, they may also stop working. In a way, they serve as detectors of environmental danger."

Guen pondered this. He knew the Aoyu Empire's machinery came from the descendants of those who had fallen on this planet many years ago. Now it seemed the green-haired clan of the Forest Goddess Temple were the descendants of those people.

Guen had assumed the Aoyu Empire's natives had developed these things themselves.

"Photos? Videos?" Setti and Uncle Jack were confused. Holding the Smart Watches, they didn't know how to use them.

"Figure it out yourselves. In the empire, only my goddess temple can manufacture these mechanical tools. The Smart Watch is just one type, but it's essential for everyone. The Great Tree that tested your Force Multiplier during the trials and the Black Box that verified your identities were both supplied by my goddess temple. You'll realize how useful these Smart Watches are later. That's the second benefit," Mercedes said with a hint of pride. "The third benefit is the Terrain Map. My goddess temple is rooted in the wilderness, so we have the most complete distribution of forest beasts, Essences of Vegetation, and dangerous areas. In other factions, a third of Planetary Level warriors fall because they lack sufficient information about the wilderness. In the wild forests, there are countless beasts, and some dangerous places can severely injure even Planetary Level warriors. With this Terrain Map, you'll fare much better exploring the wild forests.

"You must be wondering why you'd explore the wild forests. Remember, the Aoyu Empire is only a small part of this planet. Most Planetary Level warriors leave the empire to explore the wild forests, where there are many Planetary Level beasts and treasures—risks and opportunities coexist. Knowing this much is enough for now. When you reach Planetary Level, you'll go yourselves.

"The fourth benefit is forging Emerald Tier Weapons, also known as Force Weapons. Force Weapons can only fully unleash their power at Planetary Level and are currently the highest-grade weapons in the empire. Only four people in the entire empire can forge Force Weapons, and only I can craft them in different shapes according to others' requests. The others can only make standard swords, spears, staves, and blades—anything slightly complex is beyond them. Moreover, the materials they use to forge one Force Weapon are enough for me to make three. Normally, having me forge a weapon costs a significant price, but since the King wants to reward you, and I'm to do it on his behalf, I hereby promise: Guen and Setti, if you advance within five years, I'll forge a Force Weapon for you free of charge. As for you, if you advance within fifteen years, I'll do the same."

Mercedes spoke earnestly.

Guen was also somewhat pleased. Although he possessed the Second-order Force Weapon Meteor Light Blade, he was more accustomed to fist techniques, and a good pair of gauntlets would be even better.

At the same time, Guen was happy for Uncle Jack, because it was clear that Uncle Jack was merely brought along by Setti, and Mercedes' final words were directed at Uncle Jack. Uncle Jack had also been acknowledged—that was the real reason for Guen's joy.

"These four benefits are things other Factions either cannot provide or can barely manage, but in my Forest Goddess Temple, they are all easily arranged. My Forest Goddess Temple also has an even greater benefit, but you are not yet eligible to use it. Only after you have rendered major merits and advanced to Planetary Level will you have a single chance to use it. Perform well; your most urgent task is to advance to Planetary Level. In my Goddess Temple, only those at Planetary Level are qualified to go outside. Keep up the effort."

After speaking, Mercedes led the three out of the side hall, informed them of a few simple precautions, and then left.

The three of them were also grateful. Given Mercedes' status, even if she had assigned others to handle these matters, they would have had no complaints. Yet Mercedes personally attended to them.

As a Star Level being, she instead revealed an approachable side.

The Empire had hundreds of Planetary Levels, but Star Levels—there were only two.

Guen's heart naturally surged with excitement.

"I am going to cultivate here until I reach Planetary Level. The universe, Tucha Planet..."

Guen revealed an expression of immense longing. He would never remain stuck at Apprentice Level or within the Aoyu Empire. He wanted to go out and see a broader Heaven and Earth.