Divine Beast Ascension

‘While the dragons have the most outstanding bloodlines and enjoy freely standing atop the mountains of power, the apes have always defied the heavens to climb in search of even higher peaks. They grin and laugh while traversing the cliffs of cultivation, never looking back or depending on their blood to carry them through life... Do you understand what I’m talking about?’

Treeda took a moment to think and take in those words. But she eventually nodded. “I see.”

The man scoffed, ‘As the beasts that once rivaled your kin and held back the dragons through sheer effort, how could you dragons not be interested in the apes? Why else would your kind commit global genocide, reducing the world’s ape population by more than ninety percent...’

Sighing, a tone of deep regret overtook the man’s voice, ‘Sure. The ape clans are gradually growing, but how could they be considered strong compared to their ancestors? Yet, even still, stars like Dioro, Bradok, and Oli still emerge. With their current bloodlines, which might as well be crippled in comparison to their ancestors’ mighty blood, they still charge ahead without looking back. Their ancestors would be more than proud... If only all of their clan totems hadn’t been destroyed, perhaps they’d be able to learn from those powerful ancestors, just as you dragons still can.’

“Please, don’t mention the horror that my ancestors committed long before my birth...” Treeda softly requested.

‘If you truly regret their acts of genocide, then prove it. Follow the plan. Even in the face of Kartzal or anyone, follow the plan. Regardless of what the consequences seem to be at the moment, follow the plan,’ the man insisted. ‘Do that, and not only will you be able to help right your ancestors’ greatest wrong, but you’ll bring your clan to heights even your ancestors couldn’t reach...

.....

‘So, Treeda,’ the man continued, ‘after winning the exhibition, after winning your bets, and after learning of everything I’ve done to help not only save your daughter but also grow your prefecture, do you trust me? Do you trust me, completely and implicitly?’

Treeda’s tongue fumbled, dropping her words long before she could share them. She stood there on that platform, looking down at her candidates, the Razor-hide Dragons, and the gorillas.

Also, she couldn’t help but think back to the frightening formation that the young gorilla boy had submitted himself to. Just standing at the formation’s edge, Treeda could barely get a sense of how horrifying that strange energy was. And, with the man’s permission, she had even stuck her hand in to get a feel

How bad could it really be? If a young gorilla can cultivate inside, it can’t actually be that terrifying...

Those were Treeda’s genuine thoughts at the time. But that changed the moment her first finger entered the circle. In reflex, Treeda had pulled her hand back. The strange, skin-crawling feeling that energy gave her was too uncomfortable to bear. It was painful but survivable for her, as a peak-king. However, the discomfort of that energy invading her pores was too much. The way the energy bore through her finger and tried to forcibly destroy her sensitivity to essence... After not even a second of exposure, Treeda understood something she would never want to admit. If she was sat inside that formation instead of the young gorilla, her odds of success could only be lower than his.

“... You think he’ll come out of that formation, not a cripple? Let alone survive?”

‘That formation was created by Oli’s ancestor, so why wouldn’t he also be able to survive it?’ reasoned the man, showing no hesitation. ‘I’m certain he’ll succeed. If not, why would I bet everything that I’ve prepared so willingly?’

Hearing that, Treeda was left with her guard completely down. She was so startled and stunned, that her next statement was said in telepathy, ‘... You... You actually-‘

‘Of course!’ bellowed the man, holding his thin gut while laughing through his mind. ‘I may not be as old as Kartzal, but I’ve aged enough. How else would I have something like this?’

Suddenly, a sealed scroll appeared in the man’s hand.

And, before the item had been fully retrieved from the void ring, Treed’a gaze stiffened and her breathing grew heavy. She was unable to keep control of herself when seeing such an ancient parchment, especially when she noticed the vintage, ring seal, a type that cultivators haven’t used for tens of thousands of years.

‘Go on. Take it.’

Treeda immediately threw her hands out to snatch the scroll, scared that the man would retract his words. Right away, she pulled off the ring seal and unfurled it, reading the contents.

Chuckling, the man stated, ‘You mentioned your desire for a peak-king dark technique. Well, now you have one.’

‘... I... I-I...’ No matter what Treeda wanted to say, she would never be able to form words or sentences at that moment. Her tongue was immovable and her eyes were in tears. ‘Th-Th...’

‘No. Oli was not given this. After all, what you train is dark essence, not death essence,’ the man added with an amiable smile. ‘And, no, he doesn’t yet have death essence. But he will. That’s why Oli’s technique must come from Kartzal, the sole owner of a peak-king death technique.’

‘... So, do you trust me, completely and implicitly-‘

‘YES, MASTER!’

This time, it was the hooded man’s turn to be startled. He hadn’t anticipated Treeda immediately dropping to the ground, kowtowing at his feet. It brought a jovial laugh to the man’s grey face, ‘Get up. We don’t need you attracting Warak’s attention right now. But I accept your fealty and will continue to reward you for your obedience and aid in my plans.’

Treeda got back to her feet but was unable to stop her tears. ‘I... I just... This has been the dream of our clan since the moment it was founded...’

‘I understand. That’s why I rewarded you that first,’ stated the man, confusing Treeda. ‘Because every reward will only get better. This is where I’ve set the bar, so expect something even greater in the eventual future. Of course, that means I expect you to become even more devoted to my cause.’

‘Yes, Master!’ Treeda bowed, stopping herself from kowtowing once more. ‘Anything! I will do anything you ask and require.’