After merging with the essence of blood, Andrew felt that the entire world was different.
Sensing everything around him, Andrew felt his perception of things was clearer than ever before. He released his Divine Power, and instantly, everything within dozens of miles was reflected in his mind—even though his Divine Power had surged and he hadn't yet mastered it. When he focused his attention on himself, below his soul, Andrew vaguely sensed something like an ocean, an ancient and boundless ocean...
Andrew knew that this was the Elemental Sea, Elemental Sea that only Deity-level powerhouses could sense.
"My soul strength is really close to reaching the Deity-level!"
Unfortunately, even though he sensed the Elemental Sea, Andrew was unable to draw any Divine Power from it.
In addition, Andrew also sensed that something like a barrier had appeared around his soul, surrounding it. This was the Soul Defense Sovereign Artifact, the Azure Dragon Ring.
When his Divine Power seeped into the Azure Dragon Ring, a transparent membrane of Divine Power blocked it, preventing him from probing the ring's core. Andrew tried several times but could not break through, and finally gave up.
"To obtain the most essential Azure Dragon Essence Blood and the Sovereign’s Might, one must wait until their soul reaches the Deity-level."
Andrew had long awaited the Azure Dragon Essence Blood and the Sovereign’s Might within the Azure Dragon Ring. He knew that the drop of Azure Dragon Essence Blood was far superior to the one Beirut had given him. The essence blood in Beirut's possession was azure, and also ordinary Azure Dragon Essence Blood, while the one in the Azure Dragon Ring was golden, the essence of essence.
Moreover, a wisp of the Azure Dragon's soul remains within the Azure Dragon Ring. Given Andrew's perfect compatibility with the Azure Dragon, he is confident he can absorb that remnant soul to strengthen his own.
"Even if it's a remnant soul, it's still Sovereign's soul. How powerful must Sovereign's soul be..."
In the original book, Linley only absorbed the essence blood, but wasted this wisp of remnant soul.
Of course, the three drops of Sovereign’s Might are also important, especially now that his strength is still weak. With Sovereign’s Might, he could even kill Deity-level expert. However, in the long run, the importance of Sovereign’s Might is not so great...
Transforming again, Andrew used his powerful Divine Power to sense the magical elements and discovered that he still couldn't sense the Water Element element. It seemed that even after absorbing the Azure Dragon Essence Blood, he would need to undergo the baptism of the Four Divine Beasts Clan to awaken his Water Element -elemental talent. This matter could only be addressed in the Infernal Realm.
After taking stock of his gains, Andrew breathed a sigh of relief, a huge weight lifted from his heart. He had been planning this since the very beginning of his cultivation, and now, his goal had finally been achieved. From now on, all he had to do was forge ahead triumphantly, sweeping away all obstacles.
"Comprehend the Mysteries, become a god, Fusion Profound Mysteries, and become a powerful being..."
Andrew was full of anticipation. From now on, he would have no other worries and could just stride forward.
"By the way, more than four thousand years later, there will be a great war of the gods on the Yulan Continent, and the Necropolis of the Gods will also be established at that time. At that time, many powerful beings from other dimensions will descend, including the infamous Purple Blood Fiend and the Twelve-Winged Angel. I can't miss this great war."
Although the Yulan Continent was blessed with good fortune and produced many extraordinary figures, it was also plagued by disasters. There were two large-scale Deity-level battles in the past five thousand years, involving many powerful beings at the level of Seven-Star Fiend. Ten thousand years later, in the era of the protagonist, the area of the Yulan Continent had shrunk considerably.
After leaving the magic tower, Andrew summoned Ferreira and Angis, who had worked tirelessly for the duchy for several years and made significant contributions. To recognize their achievements, Andrew bestowed upon them the title of Earl, the highest title he could confer.
From then on, Andrew completely relinquished control of the duchy's affairs and devoted himself to comprehending the Laws of the universe. At the same time, he also urged his family members to cultivate.
Spring goes and autumn comes, another year has passed.
That day, the area outside the Duke's mansion was bustling with activity. Andrew had always been very calm, was pacing anxiously outside the mansion. Howard, Janice, and Ling'er were also somewhat uneasy, glancing inside frequently as if waiting for something.
In a nearby corner, a drunkard lay there lazily, gulping down his drink.
" Andrew, what's the rush? Giving birth takes a long time."
"Senior Longgedosi, this is my first child!" Andrew's anxiety remained, while he secretly thought to himself, "It might also be my last!"
Andrew's concerns were not unfounded. His Azure Dragon Bloodline had now surpassed that of the Azure Dragon Clan's patriarch, and whether he could have offspring was now entirely up to fate. Most likely, he would only have this one child in his lifetime. It would be difficult for him to have more children in the future.
Longgedosi scoffed, "As a Saint-level powerhouse, your lifespan is limitless. You'll have so many children that it'll be a headache for you."
Andrew ignored him; he knew the drunkard was just all talk. As Peak Saint-level strength, Longgedosi had lived for thousands of years, but he was still unmarried and had no children.
Janice asked with some concern, "Will Han Yue be in danger?"
Ling'er said, "No, my sister-in-law is a great mage of the Light Element, and she's most skilled in healing magic. There's no danger in giving birth to a child..."
Amidst everyone's worry, a loud cry of a child rang out clearly. Andrew abruptly stood up, his expression quite strange...
"I have a child, I'm a father now..." His mind went blank for a moment. Having lived two lives, this was his first child.
Janice was also very happy.
"This cry is much louder than when Andrew was born!" She abandoned her usual demure demeanor and ran into the room where Han Yue was giving birth. Ling'er followed with a smile. At this moment, she couldn't help but want to see her little nephew.
Although Howard was excited, he didn't lose his composure. He walked over to Andrew and patted him on the shoulder.
" Andrew, you've been sensible since you were little, much more mature than others. But today you truly mature. Go, go see your child!"
The news of the Duke of Lance's birth of a son, which was renowned throughout the continent, quickly spread throughout the entire Lance Duchy. Many powerful figures from the Saint-level came to visit him. Andrew couldn't refuse them, so he could only politely send them away. After a lively day, Andrew finally had a chance to be alone with Han Yue, whose son was asleep beside him.
" Yue'er, you've worked so hard." Andrew said, holding Han Yue's hand with great tenderness.
Han Yue shook her head, her face full of happiness.
" Andrew, what name did you give our son?"
Andrew said, " Herbert Lance, that will be his name from now on. I hope he will become a great warrior!"
Han Yue rolled her eyes at him. "I just want him to be safe and happy. With you at home, why do we need another great warrior?"
Andrew shook his head with a wry smile. His family had always complained about him, saying that he not only indulged in cultivation himself, but also forced his family to cultivate with him.
"Forget it, let's just make sure everyone's happy from now on. At worst, if they really do die, I'll pay the price and beg the Sovereign of Death to bring them back."
Andrew felt guilty. Over the years, he hadn't had time to spend with his family, especially Han Yue. They had only been married for five years, and the actual time they had spent together was only a few months. He decided that once Herbert was a little older, he would hand him over to Janice and then he and Han Yue would travel around the Yulan Continent together to make up for their honeymoon.
When Herbert was a month old, even more people came to offer their congratulations, including the emperor of the Yulan Empire, who sent an envoy and bestowed upon Herbert the title of marquis. The chief elder of the Keli Tribe and Baru also came, and the two were warmly received by the Lance family. Seeing them, Howard and Janice couldn't help but think of their life on the grasslands.
However, the observant Andrew noticed that the elder's deep gaze held worry, while Baru appeared resigned to his fate.
"Something must have happened in the Keli Tribe!" Andrew guessed to himself. After seeing off the other guests, he went to find the Grand Elder and Baru.
"Elder, has something happened in the tribe?" Andrew asked directly. He had known these two since humble beginnings and had a deep bond with them, so there was no need for formalities.
The elder sighed softly, " Andrew, changes are taking place on the grasslands. In the western part of the Far East Prairie, a tribe called ' Muhan ' is rising. After several years of warfare, they have annexed many small tribes and built a powerful cavalry. The Keli Tribe is too close to the Muhan Tribe; soon, they will send troops."
The Muhan Tribe? Andrew vaguely remembered that in later generations, there were three kingdoms on the Far East Prairie, all of which were powerful enough to rival the O'Brien Empire. One of them was the Muhan Kingdom.
"It seems their expansion has already begun."