Chapter 114: The War God Tower

The Essence of Immortality is generally regarded as a naturally occurring, non-renewable resource of extreme rarity.

Even the King of Immortality cannot forge this substance; only an Immortal Emperor possesses such capability.

Divine Essence, on the other hand, can be produced endlessly, yet when compared to the Essence of Immortality, the difference is as vast as the heavens and the earth.

To forcibly enhance its effectiveness, one could add longevity elixirs to the liquid Divine Essence, substances rich in life-preserving qualities.

However, this is exceedingly extravagant, wasteful beyond measure, and no one would dare to undertake it.

Gencun understood the value of such a treasure; for an immortal to grant him such a boon was undoubtedly a great kindness.

Though this was a foreign land and different from his own faction, the principle of repaying kindness was something he still adhered to.

Regardless of what the future held, every debt must be repaid.

Placing the Essence of Immortality, full of longevity material, upon his chest, Gencun commenced his final sprint towards the peak of the Boiling Blood Realm.

Activating the Ancient Mo Scripture, his entire body trembled slightly, his seven orifices and every pore forming a colossal 'abyssal mouth,' voraciously devouring the Essence of Immortality.

An incomparably potent energy, far surpassing any Divine Essence, surged into his body, filling the reserves within his flesh and blood in no time.

Light mist erupted, dense wisps of life force streaming out so abundantly they overflowed into the air, intermingling with immortal substances of extreme sanctity.

As time passed, the light mist within the cavern grew denser, forming a thick primordial cloud, exuding the aura of creation.

It seemed as though this cave would indeed transform into a Longevity Cavern, like some realm where longevity elixirs were cultivated.

In such an extraordinary setting, Gencun's cultivation advanced at an astonishing rate, soon breaking past his limitations to enter the next realm.

"Boom!"

A muffled sound resonated as the aura within Gencun's body surged mightily, spectral forms of a dragon and a phoenix appeared behind him, vivid and lifelike, as though they were real entities.

This time, these manifestations were under Gencun's control; with a mere thought, the true dragon and phoenix danced through the air, intertwining to exhibit the ultimate mysteries of the cosmos.

Finally, with a resounding 'boom,' they crashed onto his back, imprinting an ethereal image of harmonized dragon and phoenix upon him.

Having completed these wondrous feats, Gencun redirected his focus back to the boiling blood within him.

Reaching the grand completion of the Boiling Blood Realm not only meant further unraveling the potential within the remnants of true dragon and phoenix blood but, more importantly, unlocking the profound capabilities hidden deep within his Immortal King's lineage—a primordial power far more immense than the previous.

This was innate, from birth, unlike the acquired potential brought by the true dragon and phoenix blood, which fundamentally differed in nature.

However, amidst the perilous surroundings of this foreign realm, Gencun knew he could not blatantly display this overwhelming potential.

It was well known that his "past" was one of a mediocre mortal, certainly not of royal immortal descent.

Hence, Gencun emblazoned the Heavenly Diagram of Auspicious Dragon and Phoenix on his back. Moving forward, this would become his signature in battle, his main tactic. Meanwhile, the innate potential heralded by the Celestial Prince would manifest through this diagram.

After all, in this foreign domain, where every Immortal King and his father were adversaries, he could not afford any negligence. A single lapse could lead to eternal damnation.

With eyes gently closed, he delved into the mysteries of this realm. Once he felt he had grasped enough insights, Gencun opened his eyes, poised to challenge the next tier—The Dawn Swallower.

Just as he was about to proceed, a voice from outside the chamber abruptly interrupted him.

He immediately ceased his cultivation, retracting the unused Immortal Source back to the ancient immortal ring and rose to walk outside.

When Gencun opened the chamber door, a middle-aged man, smiling broadly, stood waiting, as if he had been there for some time.

"Who might you be, elder..."

The supreme being before Gencun was unfamiliar. He had never seen him at the academy. Yet, the intense aura of supremacy was unmistakable—this was indeed a formidable supreme. Determining his exact race, however, was beyond Gencun's discernment.

With a slight smile, the supreme spoke, "I am Zifeng, the supreme on duty at the War God Academy's tower. Surely, the name is not unfamiliar to you?"

Gencun, with his keen intuition, immediately conjured the image of a young royal in his mind—a youth from the Zidian royal clan named Zi Ye, who, heeding his elders' advice, had conceded instantly upon meeting Gencun, thereby preserving his life. Otherwise, Gencun would have vanquished five royal prodigies already.

"Are you the supreme of the Zidian clan?"

With a nod and smile, Zifeng confirmed.

"Haha, Zi Ye mentioned meeting you during the selection for advanced studies."

"Indeed, Fellow Daoist Zi chose to concede, so we did not engage in a fierce battle."

"A fierce battle, you say? Had he not listened to his elders, he might have been nothing more than bones by now. In our realm, there's never a shortage of prodigies. Arrogance tends to lead to an early demise," the supreme from the Zidian clan lamented.

Gencun acknowledged with a sound of agreement.

The other's observation was spot on. In this grand domain that ruled the ages, royal clan prodigies were truly insignificant. Only upon reaching the level of imperial clan prodigies could one genuinely possess the right to roam freely.

"With your acumen, surely you've surmised the purpose of my visit, haven't you?" Zifeng inquired amiably.

Gencun clearly recalled the commendation made about him by an Immortal during the academy's high-level meeting earlier. They proclaimed that he possessed the talent to advance to the rank of an Immortal King.

This revelation shocked everyone present, for the potential of becoming an Immortal King was entirely different from merely possessing Immortal qualities. The academy's top brass had assumed Gencun was simply an Immortal prodigy. While they valued him, they hadn't considered him significant enough to warrant personal, tailored training. Otherwise, he wouldn't have been lumped together with the other nine hundred students.

Now, with an Immortal recognizing him as an Immortal King seed, the high echelons of the War God Academy could no longer remain indifferent. Numerous Immortals, along with all the Supremes, began deliberating on Gencun's future training.

Ultimately, they reached a unanimous decision: to select an Immortal as Gencun's protector, guiding only him in his cultivation, sparing him from attending lectures at the academy's various grand halls alongside other students.

Moreover, there would be no limits on resources; whatever he needed would be provided. If necessary, his Immortal protector could take him anywhere within the Ancient Realm, sparing no expense to ensure Gencun's talents would be fully realized.

At that moment, after hearing the Immortals' resolution, Zifeng was struck speechless with astonishment.

To choose an Immortal to protect a young prodigy and fulfill all his needs—such treatment seemingly marked a first in the War God Academy's history. This demonstrated how highly the academy valued Gencun.

Furthermore, Gencun's name and various information about him would soon be presented before the supreme beings of the Luo lineage. Should his talents earn the recognition of the Imperial Tribe, the situation would transform significantly.

Being such a pre-eminent talent, Zifeng, as a mere royal clan Supreme, naturally had to show respect. Thus, when he spoke, his tone was amicable, devoid of the might and airs typical of a Supreme.

"Senior, you're likely here to inform me of the cultivation plan the academy's elders have devised for me?" Gencun responded, maintaining composure and respect.

"Indeed."

Zifeng nodded lightly.

"In your future cultivation, should you encounter any uncertainties or questions, you may consult the Immortals at any time. If there's anything you need, just let the senior Immortals know, and the academy will do its utmost to meet your requests. This is the academy's plan for you. However, before everything else, you need to accompany me to the War God Tower and assess your current strength."

With those words, the Supreme of the Zidian clan gave Gencun a glance, continuing, "Hmm, have you just made a breakthrough, reaching the pinnacle of the Boiling Blood Realm? Perfect timing, for the War God Tower values combat prowess at the same level. Generally, students attempting to earn the 'War God' title will push their realm to its utmost limit to maximize their capabilities."

Gencun understood that the War God Academy had intentionally crafted this scenario to observe his potential and other qualities, verifying the conclusions drawn by the Immortal who lectured at the Flesh Temple.

When he faced the War God Tower, it's likely the entire academy's upper echelon would be covertly observing the proceedings.

After acknowledging Zifeng's words, he sealed his grotto residence and followed the Zidian clan Supreme.

Not long after, they reached their destination—the War God Tower.

When he first entered the War God Academy and passed by this location, Gencun had already heard various information about this tower.

The War God Tower is an ancient structure that every student at the War God Academy attempts to conquer, solely for the highest honor among students—the title of "War God."

But acquiring this title isn't simple; one must clear the fifth level to earn it.

There was once a young noble from the Imperial Tribe who attempted this feat, boasting he would sweep through all the challenges swiftly. However, unexpectedly, among the ten levels, he fell at the eighth, unable to proceed further.

This incident alone speaks volumes about the difficulty of the latter levels of the War God Tower, considering it was designed by an immortal king who wouldn't let just anyone conquer of it so easily.

Gencun stood beneath the tower—not particularly tall if one were to simply look, but when gazed upon, it exuded an immense majesty and grandeur, as if it could reach the very skies.

This ancient tower, with its archaic structure enveloped in chaotic energy and tinged with the marks of time, was indeed worthy of its reputation as left by a supremely immortal king.

Gencun couldn't help but sigh in amazement at its extraordinariness.

"This is our academy's War God Tower, standing here for countless eras." Zifeng asked with a face full of anticipation, directly comparing him with the Imperial Tribe youth who had faltered at the eighth level. "So, do you have the confidence to reach the eighth or even ninth level?"

Gencun gave a wry smile, "Please, senior, do not jest with me. With my current cultivation, how could I dare to compete with beings from the Imperial Tribe?"

Zifeng only smiled silently, believing him to be modest, concealing his true abilities.

"Go ahead, every level cleared offers rewards, richer and more surprising the higher you go." Zifeng encouraged.

Nodding, Gencun took a deep breath and stepped into the War God Tower.

Inside, it was hazy, filled with chaotic mist that made it feel as if he had stepped into the chaos beyond the worlds, serene and silent.

Suddenly, there was movement ahead; the mists roiled and dispersed as a platform emerged, resembling a small dueling arena.

In the middle of the platform stood a blurry figure, motionless, as if it had been waiting there all along.

Upon seeing this, Gencun leapt forward, landing steadily on the platform.

"Is this the opponent for the first level?" he mused aloud, having already sensed the creature's power.

It was at the Blood Boiling stage, similar in strength to his own, neither weak nor excessively strong, akin to a typical royal prodigy.

Not wanting to waste time, Gencun attacked without hesitation.

With just a single punch, the indistinct figure shattered into dust, vanishing completely.

Now, Gencun had no weaknesses left in any respect, making him far beyond the royal prodigies' abilities. A single punch defeated the foe; any imperial being could achieve this much here.

"Boom!"

Amidst the chaotic mist, large ancient characters emerged, words of immortality transcending typical foreign languages, signifying the Second Level.

Before Gencun could look away from the immortal script, an unexpected figure appeared on the platform.

This time, the ambiguous figure's strength increased slightly. For challengers from the noble families, the second level marked a qualitative leap from the first; yet, for Gencun, it was no different.

He still used only one punch.

Scarlet blood energy enveloped his fist, unbreakable and majestic.

Once again, the shadowy image shattered under Gencun's strike, allowing him to easily pass the second level.

Following that, the third, fourth, and even fifth levels unfolded, with figures appearing on the platform whose strength remained within the range of royal prodigies.

Gencun moved effortlessly, only needing one or two more punches in later levels. This was of no concern to him.

As for the rewards, from divine source chunks at the first level to great medicines, elixirs, and many divine source chunks by the end of the fifth level, the War God Tower meticulously recorded them all. The rewards would be issued once he left the tower.

At this moment, Gencun stood on the sixth level. According to the War God Tower's rules, by passing five levels, he already qualified for the War God title.

Upon leaving the tower, the War God title would automatically endow him with certain phenomena, said to be a radiance spilling forth whenever a title-bearer cast spells—dazzlingly splendid, it represented extraordinary achievements during studies at the War God Academy.

Even if a title-holding being later faced misfortune and lost all magic, this radiance would not dissipate, nor could it be removed by outsiders.

Because, in a sense, the brilliance conferred by the War God Tower originated from the Boundless Immortal King Luo Mo, serving as a testament to supreme honor.

"Boom!"

The interval before the sixth level's opponent appeared was far longer than in the previous five, as if the War God Tower was preparing something.

This made Gencun's expression grow solemn. To be honest, the fifth level's opponent was already formidable.

Comparable to the mightiest royal prodigies of his realm, akin to those with partial Imperial bloodline like the Eight-Armed Youth.

Going higher would mean entering the domain of imperial prodigies.

So, would the guardian of the sixth level match the weakest among the imperial prodigies?

As Gencun paused to contemplate, the guardian of the sixth level emerged.

In contrast to the vague silhouettes of the first five challenges, this time, the humanoid figure appeared in faint crimson hues, evoking a sense of extreme danger.