Wei Huan's return not only injected tremendous vitality into his crew but also seemed to galvanize the whole of Daxia.
The first and most important issue was the final destination of the World Tree sapling brought back by Captain Fang. A total of 17 nations participated in the trial, and all contributed some effort. Daxia and Aosam contributed the most, and both sides tried to gain control of the World Tree sapling. However, Daxia adopted a hard-line stance this time, seizing the sapling and only allowing scientists from other nations to conduct protective research in designated areas.
Aosam naturally disagreed, but since Wei Huan's rise, Aosam had not succeeded once in their confrontation with Daxia, so their protests were ineffective. After more than a month of wrangling, Aosam finally compromised, securing ten Ascender Channel slots from Daxia. They then sent their very limited force of less than ten scientists in the Tier 5 world to Daxia's Vermillion Bird City for research.
When these Aosam scientists arrived at the World Tree Institute in Vermillion Bird City, they were astonished: Daxia had nearly 100 scientists there! They wondered, wasn't the Challenger World dangerous, prioritizing combat personnel in vehicle crew ratios? How did all these septuagenarian researchers with no combat ability get here?
Therefore, it was undisputed: Daxia must lead the research on the World Tree. The Aosam scientists were only allowed to look and smell, not even touch. Crucial research data was kept highly classified. They could only study scraps and marginal materials, and their progress was slow.
Of course, Daxia's rapid progress was due to their scientists continuing their research even during their rotation breaks at home. Wei Huan's vehicle also had a World Tree, though it had only just sprouted.
The divine-grade World Tree was planted in a flowerbed in the center plaza of the war machine. Due to its exceptionally slow germination period, it looked like a tiny bean sprout, peaking out of the soil without growing any further. However, though the "sprout" was small, its effect on cultivation was not small at all. Recently, its radiation range even extended into the living quarters. Several crew members on lower floors, including the scientists, have made breakthroughs one after another.
Mu Zhong's Driver Sequence broke through to Sequence Three a month ago, and the mechas produced by the Iron Factory also reached Tier 3. Recently, various pioneering armies of Daxia have frequently transferred mineral resources to Mu Zhong, allowing for the frantic production of Tier 3 mechas. A team of Tier 3 mechas could already hold its ground in the Tier 4 world.
Wei Huan himself had the added effect of Epiphany and the assistance of the World Tree. He was about to advance to Sequence Five: Gatekeeper of the Underworld in the next few days. Every Sequence promotion for Wei Huan was a massive enhancement for him, and crucial for Daxia, and indeed, all of humanity.
Speaking of which, the scientists Wei Huan brought up have been incredibly productive in the Tier 5 world. They preliminarily deciphered the secret behind the World Tree's ability to accelerate cultivation, which originated from the hundreds of millions of runes etched on the plant itself. This idea of runes came from Wei Huan. During the assessment, out of caution, he took an impression of a rune from the massive building onto the back of a Facehugger's shell. It was just a flash of inspiration at the time, but the Facehugger truly became anomalous afterward. He reported this finding to Director Ju upon his return.
Some research breakthroughs, before they occur, might involve countless hours of monotonous testing, or they might come from a sudden flash of inspiration. Wei Huan's idea of carving a rune segment onto a Facehugger provided the research personnel with a direction, and results quickly followed.
A "Rune Tablet" that could even be used on Blue Star was developed. The "Rune Tablet" was carved onto Challenger materials unique to Daxia. This woody Challenger material came from a hundred-acre patch of forest distributed to Daxia after the Tier 5 world opening battle, based on their contributions. These trees had ample natural energy but were not mineral resources, so their use had been unclear. Now, using the spirit wood, which already possessed sufficient energy, to make wooden tablets, and carving simplified runes onto them, provided multiple benefits to the user.
It must be noted that Wei Huan's casual impression was taken from an extraterrestrial building enlarged tens of thousands of times, which is why this research went from "0 to 1." It was like finding the first complete rune from an endless genetic code, which then led to subsequent research following that genetic chain.
In short, the scientists Wei Huan brought were constantly researching and verifying information between the World Tree sapling in the Vermillion Bird Legion and the World Tree seed in Wei Huan's war machine, gradually deciphering many runes. This led to the birth of a special profession in Daxia: Rune Master.
Wei Huan received the first "Dark Energy Rune Tablet." Wearing it provided a slight acceleration to his cultivation. The effect was naturally far inferior to being near the World Tree, but for the 3 billion people on Blue Star, only a tiny fraction could access the World Tree. However, the Rune Tablet could be carried by anyone regardless of gender, age, or ability, even on Blue Star, to accelerate cultivation.
This could be considered a massive innovation beneficial to both the nation and the people. The Rune Tablet never appeared in Wei Huan's previous life. This was because humanity did not win the Tier 5 world opening battle, nor did Wei Huan participate in the assessment with that stroke of genius. Ultimately, it was because humanity in the previous life was still being deceived by the Remnant Clan in the Tier 5 world and failed to uncover the fatal crisis.
Now that the Rune Tablet has just been developed, while it is still a scarce commodity, most Challengers will be equipped with it in the future. If the Tier 6 opening battle is also won... then every Challenger having a Rune Tablet to accelerate cultivation would not be a dream.
In any case, the raw materials and research results for the Rune Tablet are now exclusively held by Daxia, making them a very important commodity for trade. Coupled with exclusive businesses like the Ascender Channel, Daxia holds absolute diplomatic leverage.
Therefore, Daxia is currently consolidating various forces, planning to send the World Tree sapling to the Tier 6 world. However, regarding the deployment of the World Tree sapling to the Tier 6 world, Daxia held two meetings with Wei Huan. They finally decided that Wei Huan would ascend to the Tier 6 world first, and Captain Fang would enter in the second batch with the World Tree sapling. This involves a divine-grade item and major national action. It's not a matter of distrusting Wei Huan, but the stakes are too high. Someone must scout ahead to confirm suitability before the divine tree can be moved.
Furthermore, Aosam has consistently opposed sending the tree into the Tier 6 world. Their reason is the uncertainty of the Tier 6 environment. They argue that even if it's a deep-sea world, underwater cities can be built, and the World Tree is not strictly necessary for continent building. In short, the World Tree is too important; without more accurate intelligence, the tree cannot be easily moved.
Wei Huan did not involve himself in the process of debating the World Tree sapling. He only needed to be sure that the tree would eventually be planted in the Tier 6 world. If, when he reaches the Tier 6 world, the tree is held back in the Tier 5 world due to various reasons, that's fine too. He can just come back for it. By then, he will be stronger, sufficient to resolve any indecision or controversy by force.
As for the one on his vehicle, it will naturally not be handed over. The high-level officials of Daxia know this, but since it is his personal spoil of war, and he is the ultimate powerhouse of Daxia, maintaining Wei Huan's advantage benefits Daxia as well. If Wei Huan didn't have one himself, Mu Dehao and Commander Chai would have absolutely campaigned for Captain Fang's sapling to be transferred to Wei Huan's vehicle... even if it couldn't be monopolized, a rotation system would be implemented. Since Wei Huan has his own now, everyone is happy.
Moreover, the description of the sapling clearly stated that the World Tree grows slowly during its germination period. It is impossible for it to form a world tree in the Tier 6 world, so this small sprout has taken root in Wei Huan's vehicle.
The tiny little bean sprout looks delicate and fragile, but it cannot be easily damaged. It is, after all, a sprout of the World Tree, and calling it invulnerable is no exaggeration. Additionally, realizing its preciousness, the crew members have specifically organized a security team that prevents even a mosquito from flying near it. With the intelligent monitoring of the AI Butler, approaching the World Tree casually is impossible.
The crew members' precautions stem from the fact that people have been continuously boarding the vehicle recently. The war machine advanced to Tier 6, increasing its capacity by 900 slots. Although military units were initially reluctant to allocate personnel, the appeal of Wei Huan's war machine was too great. Not only did it have humanity's ultimate powerhouse stationed there, with the possibility of entering the Tier 6 world at any time, but it also had Title buffs and the World Tree assisting cultivation, making it a sacred place for Challengers.
Consequently, some Challengers actively applied or were assigned to board Wei Huan's war machine. Even though most of these later arrivals were from the Daxia pioneering army, the original crew members had low trust in them, which is why the veterans established heavy safeguards around the World Tree.
And the people they most wanted to guard against were the 21 people from the Congo who recently boarded the vehicle. This group was brought up by Jones. Jones was a war machine commander nurtured by the entire nation of Congo. Because he followed the right superior, his small nation, with a current population of less than 50,000, managed to bring two war machines to the Tier 5 world. Now that Jones was permitted to board Wei Huan's vehicle, he became a hero in his country, essentially being sprinkled with holy water as he stepped onto Wei Huan's war machine. The crew members who came with him were thoroughly vetted by Daxia regarding their family backgrounds, only being allowed to board after absolute security was confirmed. The remaining 70+ original crew members of Jones stayed in the Tier 5 world as a separate vehicle to continue their adventures here.
Small nations have their own ways of survival. Although Jones struggled to integrate after boarding and was treated with caution everywhere, it was never a problem for him. As long as he followed Lord Wei, he had become the strongest person in their country.
Yet, even so, Wei Huan's vehicle only has just over two hundred people. Since the assessment highway from Tier 4 to Tier 5 only opens once every six months, it will take some time for Daxia to send more people up.
Wei Huan doesn't necessarily need to wait until the vehicle is full to proceed. The reason he has stayed at the Azure Dragon base since returning from the assessment is that he is finally close to Sequence Five. With various aids, he has been catching up in terms of realm and cultivation speed at ten times the pace of others, and he is finally nearing his goal. Entering the Tier 6 world with Sequence Five strength is Wei Huan's bottom line.
Furthermore, he has been preoccupied with the Platinum-grade treasure ruins. Not only does it contain Platinum-grade resources, but if Morfidi seeks him out again, it will be another opportunity to enhance his strength. As for potentially facing a complete Morfidi after continuously helping him break seals, Wei Huan is too lazy to think about things so far in the future. The priority is to strengthen himself now.
During Wei Huan's secluded cultivation, the Azure Dragon Legion found a suitable island in the Tier 5 world. While not the landmass-sized island like Five-Star Island that Wei Huan initially hoped for, it wasn't much smaller. The island is located 200,000 kilometers into the uninhabited zone and was one of the suitable islands Wei Huan searched for. With no other suitable islands for city building within five days' travel, the Azure Dragon Legion building their city there ensures logistical supply for the pioneering fleet and guarantees a considerable income stream from entry fees, lodging fees, and other charges. In other words, once Challengers enter this area, they must stop at Azure Dragon City. Whether it's purchasing expensive parking spots or temporary accommodation and supplies, it's an exclusive business.
The Tier 5 world may not have many people now, but as private forces and ordinary Challengers gradually arrive, Azure Dragon City is destined to become one of the most prosperous cities. Although the official forces don't build cities for profit like private entities, given the tremendous human and material costs, and crucially the sacrifices of so many martyrs in the pioneering army, the nation won't be soft on earning what it deserves.
Under Wei Huan's push, the Azure Dragon Legion is gradually overtaking the Vermillion Bird Legion, returning to its position as Daxia's number one military force. The Azure Dragon Legion is not afraid to lead the charge or make sacrifices; they are only afraid of not having the opportunity to strive.
"Is Wei Huan breaking through?"
On the day Wei Huan began his breakthrough, Mu Dehao visited several times, more worried than he was about his own son's breakthrough. When Mu Zhong was near death and about to face the Challenger World assessment, Mu Dehao aged over ten years in that short week, secretly crying by Mu Zhong's sickbed at night when no one was around. Given Mu Zhong's severe injuries, entering the Challenger World meant certain death. There was nothing more painful for a parent than watching their son wait to die.
But in the blink of an eye, more than half a year has passed. That memory seems like a hazy nightmare that Mu Dehao can barely recall. Now, good things happen every day when he opens his eyes. His son not only survived but is increasingly spirited and ambitious. His wife's ability, which was sealed after her desperate divination, has now been unsealed. Although she cannot enter the Challenger World yet due to their daughter, having the ability is different from not having it. And he himself, inexplicably became the Deputy Commander of the Azure Dragon Legion and the next head of the Mu family. Becoming the full Commander is only a matter of time. Everything he handles now seems to have divine assistance, proceeding incredibly smoothly.
Mu Dehao knows clearly who brought all this about. Even if Wei Huan was nothing else, the fact that Mu Zhong likes him is reason enough for him to treat Wei Huan well. Let alone that Wei Huan is the family's lucky star. Mu Dehao is ready to pluck out his own eyes and press Wei Huan into them to protect him at all times.
The Azure Dragon Legion's plan to build a city is a big undertaking. Mu Dehao is extremely busy, but he still finds time to visit. Wei Huan's advancement is not just useful to him and Daxia, but it is crucial for the entire human race in the Challenger World. Only when Wei Huan successfully advances will the burden in his heart be lifted. It's not just him; all of Daxia's high-level officials are paying attention to Wei Huan's current advancement.
"It's been almost a week," Mu Dehao asked his son with a frown, "Does it take this long?"
Mu Zhong replied: "Breaking through isn't hard, especially since Wei Huan awakened with a Tier 7 potion. Once his strength is ready, he can advance immediately. The difficulty lies in the consolidation after the advancement. Wei Huan has over 200,000 Undead to advance one by one. It definitely can't be completed in just a few days. You should get back to work. The convoy has rushed you several times. Don't keep so many people waiting. You're a grown man."
Mu Dehao sighed: "I just wanted to see him one more time before leaving. Once I set off, I'll be a nail driven into that city. If you don't come visit me, I can't just leave. Oh, an old man like me only gets to busy himself with work every day."
Mu Zhong laughed: "We'll come see you. Don't talk like a lonely old man. Go on, go now."
Mu Dehao also smiled and finally turned to leave.
With Mu Dehao's departure, only 12 vehicles, including Wei Huan's, remained at the Azure Dragon base. The rest of the vehicles had left in a grand convoy with Mu Dehao. The remaining 12 vehicles would also leave in the coming days. This is just the base camp for the Azure Dragon pioneering army; in the future, the focus of the Azure Dragon pioneering army will be solely on Azure Dragon City.
Mu Zhong looked at the departing main force, then at the suddenly empty base, and finally returned to the vehicle. Walking through the vehicle, the atmosphere inside was very positive and energetic. When the main combat crew had no combat missions, they rotated daily to cultivate near the World Tree sprout. After their cultivation time, they entered the guard rotation, also getting close to the World Tree. Although they weren't actively cultivating, their cultivation speed was unconsciously enhanced.
The non-combat research personnel had even closer access to the World Tree sprout. They used a magnifying device, developed by the Old Soldier who had advanced to Sequence Five Mech Technician, to observe the runes on the sprout. So far, Daxia has completely imprinted six runes, corresponding to Light, Darkness, Nature, Flesh and Blood, Speed, and Strength. Preliminary research suggests there should be 108 kinds of basic runes, and later, runes can be superimposed to create Rune Tablets with more complex effects. If their abilities are sufficient, replicating a World Tree is even slightly possible.
As Mu Zhong walked past the World Tree sprout, Liu Chengzhi, who had just watered the sprout, called out to him: "Boss Mu, where are you going?"
Mu Zhong pointed up. Liu Chengzhi jumped up and whispered: "Going to see the boss? I'm coming with you."
Mu Zhong nodded. The two took the elevator to the 30th-floor penthouse. As soon as they stepped out of the elevator, they saw Jones sitting cross-legged by the elevator door. His dark face split into a grin, revealing white teeth. He stood up and respectfully greeted them: "Lord Mu, Lord Liu, hello."
Liu Chengzhi pouted and muttered softly: "So much for the kissing up." Mu Zhong, however, smiled and nodded to Jones: "Thank you for your hard work."
After boarding, Jones did not approach the World Tree. Instead, with Wei Huan's permission, he has consistently followed him. When Wei Huan returns to his room or the commander room—private spaces—he and the people he brought will stand guard outside, never leaving. Mu Zhong and Wei Huan have not tried to correct Jones's behavior. Everyone has different ways of survival. For an outsider to survive in such a team, sticking close to Wei Huan is not wrong.
Wei Huan wants to make Daxia strong. But his greater ambition is to ensure the perpetual existence of humanity. As long as Jones sincerely seeks protection, there is a place for him by Wei Huan's side.
However, Jones's behavior annoyed Liu Chengzhi. He complained under his breath, then, basking in Jones's envious gaze, followed Mu Zhong into Wei Huan's room. This envious look instantly made Liu Chengzhi happy again. Sure enough, I am still the foster father's most beloved and trusted baby~
Mu Zhong entered the room but didn't see Wei Huan, who should have been cultivating. He said: "He entered the Undead Pasture, as expected."
As they spoke, the two walked out onto the balcony, where an object about two meters high, shaped like a coffin, stood. This was the Gravedigger's class training ground that Wei Huan acquired: the Undead Pasture.
Mu Zhong said: "It takes an ordinary Undead an hour to advance from Sequence Three to Sequence Four. Elites take six hours, or even longer. The pasture grass inside the training ground is also not infinite. Wei Huan has so many Undead now that he won't be able to finish organizing his army for at least a month. We'll have to wait."
Liu Chengzhi rubbed his hands: "Boss was so fierce at Tier 4. How terrifying will he be when he reaches Tier 5? Being an army of one is nothing; he'll be a natural disaster."
Mu Zhong raised an eyebrow and smiled: "The Sequence Eight of the Gravedigger is indeed 'Natural Disaster.'"
"Tsk tsk, a true natural disaster." Liu Chengzhi smiled excitedly, then jumped up and said: "Enough talk. I should figure out something delicious to cook for the boss to replenish his energy. It must be exhausting to go into seclusion immediately after returning…"
Liu Chengzhi left. Mu Zhong didn't stay either, leaving with him. Now that Wei Huan was in seclusion, he was the only one in the vehicle who could speak authoritatively. However, no matter how many tasks there were, they wouldn't cause anxiety or difficulty, because they had Wei Huan on their vehicle, and he was behind him. As long as this ultimate combat power exists, all problems will be solved.
Not long after Mu Zhong left, Wei Huan walked out of the professional training ground. After advancing to Sequence Five, his overall strength increased, but it wasn't to the extent of needing no food or water, as described in cultivation novels. Instead, he could eat more. To maintain his strong body at its peak condition, he had to eat and drink well. Once satiated, he could endure for a long time without fighting. At his current level, he rarely needed to excrete; his body could absorb any energy and prevent energy loss.
It had been over a week since Wei Huan last ate until he was full. When he felt the breakthrough coming, he had Liu Chengzhi prepare a table full of food using Challenger World organisms. With Liu Chengzhi's Chef God talent, the abundant spiritual power would fill his entire body, nourishing it little by little and increasing his attributes.
Advancing to Sequence Five was quick; he completed the advancement in just one day. Afterward, he felt he was in excellent condition and went straight into the Undead Pasture, where he has been ever since. The reason he came out today was not just because he was hungry; the most crucial factor was that his combat power had largely solidified. All Elite Undead had completed their upgrade, and half of the ordinary Undead had also completed their upgrade.
Now, the durability of all the Tier 5 pasture grass in the Undead Pasture had dropped to 1 point. He would have to wait for them to recover slowly before the Undead could continue upgrading. However, even with only half of them upgraded, Wei Huan's current combat power is more than doubled compared to Sequence Four. Looking at his current attributes, they are vastly different from before.