The Wisdom Gu was bewildered that Yuta was still alive. Time was passing at an extraordinary rate—a speed that intensified whenever the Wisdom Gu—which resided within the Origin Tree—sensed a living entity other than the tree itself.
Consequently, the flow of time at the heart of the Origin Tree accelerated at a terrifying pace with every passing second.
The fact that Yuta had remained alive for all these hours—despite being only 1,491 years old—was baffling to the Wisdom Gu. After all, the human lifespan rarely exceeds a thousand years, even for those who have attained the rank of Sovereign Master.
Furthermore, the Wisdom Gu had watched, stunned and unsettled, as Yuta carelessly consumed rare resources: three "Longevity Gu" (each granting a thousand years of life), five "Longevity Gu" (each granting five hundred years), and two "Ten-Hour Gu"—a treasure every living being dreams of possessing. The Wisdom Gu simply could not fathom Yuta's actions or his nature.
Yet, it dared not say anything that might provoke Yuta. The Wisdom Gu was not a combat-oriented entity; its existence revolved around intellect—the intangible realm—and engaging in direct combat would be tantamount to suicide.
"Your curiosity regarding how I've managed to stay alive, and why I use such rare resources so recklessly..."
"That seems to be the case, indeed. Now, get out of my sight before I kill you. I am in no mood to entertain any questions whatsoever."
Yuta spoke with cold indifference, his attention fixed entirely on the state of the concoction.
For a few moments, the Wisdom Gu was left in a state of utter shock. Yuta knew exactly what he was thinking—it was as if he were an open book before him.
This only fueled his anger and indignation, yet Yuta remained entirely unconcerned, fully aware that the "Wisdom Gu" was a scoundrel—a cunning, old, fox-like creature.
The Wisdom Gu had been the cause of the "Creativity Gu's" demise, leading to its replacement by the "Innovation Gu." It was also indirectly responsible for the death of Beatrice, as well as the Plum Blossom Emperor (Zhao Huamei), the Rising Sun Emperor (Zhao Yong), and the Inverted Heaven Emperor (Zhao Bingying).
Furthermore, it was the indirect cause behind the emergence of "void zones"—regions stripped of mana, *qi*, and *chi*—and the appearance of dungeons that had spread across various ordinary worlds containing mana in their atmospheres.
For this reason, Yuta had no desire to engage with it; the Wisdom Gu was a double-edged sword—it would destroy anything it failed to comprehend and held nothing but contempt for those it deemed inferior.
The Wisdom Gu narrowed its eyes, observing Yuta, who sat in a relaxed posture with his hands clasped tightly shut. It realized that the moment Yuta opened his hands, the entire development process would collapse completely.
Nevertheless, it had no intention of forcing Yuta to open them. When Yuta told it to get out of his sight—or else be killed—the Wisdom Gu felt the cold, imminent approach of death.
Yuta's tone was grave, carrying with it a palpable, lethal intent.
Yet, the Wisdom Gu had no desire to leave. He was consumed by curiosity, eager to see what the refinement process would ultimately yield.
At the same time, Yuta was in no position to engage in any discussion with the Wisdom Gu; it would have been entirely futile.
"Very well, the second stage is complete. Now, on to the third."
Yuta's gaze remained calm as he observed the mixture, which had shrunk to half its original volume while doubling in density.
He lifted the cauldron slightly, and blue flames materialized from thin air beneath it.
There were numerous impurities that could ruin the refinement ritual; the intense heat would purge the mixture of these contaminants, whether they existed on a macroscopic or microscopic level.
Yuta closed his eyes once more, allowing his other half a moment to rest.
The Wisdom Gu hovered nearby, watching him intently, attempting to fathom Yuta's true nature—yet it could reach no definitive conclusion.
Puzzled, it pondered internally, searching for some explanation for Yuta's existence:
"Strange... who is this individual? He is a peculiar hybrid, possessing the genetic makeup of four entities, each possessing a terrifying level of power: 25% Dragon, 25% Angel, 25% Demon, and 25% Saiyan."
"The genes of these four entities reside within him—but where could the Saiyan genes have come from? This race does not exist in our current world, nor even in the 'Ordinary World'—designated 3465664 and classified as category SD—located in the southeastern region of this fantasy realm, known as the Southern Lin Gaibai Province." "Furthermore, how did they manage to fuse human genes with those of other entities?"
"Given that his physical, genetic, and hormonal structure is stable, it implies that the genes were integrated into his body at a very young age—likely around six—when the human body is still in its developmental phase."
"In short, someone implanted genes into his body, and the process is still ongoing. Moreover, his internal energy flow is peculiar; it suggests that he has been split in two, yet both halves remain connected. He is weak—far too weak to withstand the strain required to develop the 'Soul-Manipulation Eye' or the 'Soul-Enslavement Eye'."
"No, no, no... something else is missing. I don't sense any soul within his body; it's as if he were an empty shell. This is deeply unsettling."
"Intolerably so! Who on earth is he? He's like a mountain shrouded in thick fog—a fog that only grows denser the moment I catch a thread that might lead me to the truth of his nature."
Wisdom Gu pulled itself from these thoughts, clearing its mind. A deep sigh escaped it as it looked toward Yuta, who had just opened his eyes, the concoction now purged of all impurities.
"Haaah... for now, I shall simply have to keep watching him to see what he truly is."
As for Yuta, he was gazing at the mixture, which had shrunk by another 23% in volume. Its density and the purity of the energy within it had doubled, and its color had shifted to a golden-yellow hue. "Only one step remains, and then I shall move on to the final stage."
Yuta's tone was calm as he manifested two colossal fists—each the size of an adult elephant—glowing in a pale violet hue.
He sealed the cauldron shut once more, fusing the metal firmly at the point of closure.
Then, he brought the giant hands together with immense force, the sound of metal buckling echoing from between them.Wisdom Gu watched in astonishment as the giant palms—their fists now crushing the cauldron—warped its shape, compressing it into a sphere.
He noticed the temperature beginning to rise abruptly, soon reaching an unbearable level.
Glancing toward Yuta, who observed the unfolding scene with complete indifference, he thought to himself, feeling a surge of irritation:
"Has he lost his mind? Just how far does he intend to take this arrogance of his?"
"He's worse than Zao Li, and even more vexing than his ten 'emperor' sons. Yuta Casiral—you are as impressive as you are infuriating."
Yuta held his gaze on Wisdom Gu for a few moments before turning his attention back to the giant palms, which were still grinding the cauldron down into a small, compact sphere.
After a few seconds, the massive hands began to open, revealing a sphere roughly the size of an adult's palm. It was coal-black and covered in intricate, glowing patterns that shimmered with a golden-yellow light.
A faint smile touched Yuta's lips as he looked at the sphere, which now hovered a few centimeters above the remnants of the cauldron.
"The Pill of Failure and Resolve... excellent. Now, for the final stage."
Yuta's voice was laced with satisfaction. He drew in a deep breath, his eyes igniting with a cold, crimson radiance.
With his gaze set in firm determination, he began to channel his energy toward his hands.
"Haa... hoo... Activating: Soul-Enslaving Eye—and Soul-Manipulating Eye!" Red and green light began to emanate from his palms. He then directed the "Seed of Failure and Determination," the "Gem of Suppression and Defiance," the "Symbol of the Survivor of Oblivion," and the "Gem of Soul Absorption" toward his hands.
These resources began to orbit his palms at lightning speed, and a multicolored ethereal thread gradually emerged.
Simultaneously, ethereal energy began to flow into his palms at a measured pace—a precaution to avoid any dangerous setbacks.
Yuta gritted his teeth, enduring the intense pain that surged through him as he worked to evolve his "Soul-Manipulation Eye" and "Soul-Enslavement Eye."
Every single cell in his body throbbed with unbearable agony, yet not a single groan escaped his lips.
Yuta held firm, despite the excruciating pain and the sensation that his very body was being torn apart with every passing second.
Had he succumbed to the pain, the volatile energy would have reduced him to a pool of blood.
Nothing in this world comes easily—and why should it? Success demands effort, sweat, and tears; yet, even then, life is rarely simple—often, one ends up failing regardless.
A look of astonishment crossed the face of the little "Wisdom Gu" as it watched Yuta.
"A man who is harsh on others, but even harsher on himself... how truly terrifying."
"Just how far do you intend to go with such arrogance, Yuta Casiral? You are a demon—a being whose very core is rooted in a demonic nature." Even though the pain was unbearable—even for him—and radiant, golden blood streamed from his eyes, ears, mouth, and nose, he did not pause for a single second, nor did he succumb to the agony.
"Adversity only strengthens my resolve to achieve the impossible; how, then, could I fall because of a mere twist in the path like this?"
Yuta muttered these words to himself, recalling the oath he had sworn long ago.
The ethereal energy swirling around Yuta's hands began to vanish, seeping into his palms, which then erupted in a brilliant, blended light of red, green, and gold.
The light persisted for several seconds before gradually beginning to fade.
A spontaneous sigh escaped Yuta's lips as he gazed at his hands—hands he struggled to open, his fingers locked in a state of severe, involuntary spasm.
Two eyes appeared—one red, the other green—both marked by concentric rings.
A smile spread across Yuta's face as he looked toward them.
"The 'Eye of Soul-Enslavement' has evolved into the 'Eye of Fate-Manipulation,' and the 'Eye of Soul-Manipulation' has evolved into the 'Soul-Devouring Eye.'"
Yuta rose to his feet and brushed the dust from his clothes, concealing the Eye of Fate-Manipulation and the Soul-Devouring Eye from view.
Driven by an insatiable curiosity, the Gu of Wisdom—his interest piqued to its absolute limit—spoke, his gaze fixed upon Yuta's hands:
"Master Yuta Casiral, I must ask: have the Eye of Fate-Manipulation and the Soul-Devouring Eye lost their original abilities?"
The Gu of Wisdom was utterly bewildered; such eyes were entirely unknown to this world. For this reason, he had no knowledge of the others; after all, every fantasy world was completely isolated from all other worlds.
In other words, any entity—even one that was omniscient or all-knowing, or possessed both qualities—would only be aware of what transpired within the specific fantasy world they inhabited; nothing more, nothing less.
«.............»
Gu Wisdom felt a flicker of annoyance at being ignored by Yuta, yet he realized that the abilities granted by the "Fate-Manipulating Eye" and the "Soul-Devouring Eye" not only remained intact but had grown even more potent than before.
Resources equivalent to two hundred times the total wealth of the Human Empire had been consumed, as if they were of no consequence at all.
Yuta continued to wander within the "Origin Tree Gu," paying no heed to the gaze of Gu Wisdom, who was meticulously analyzing his every step.
«Nearly 2,548 years have passed in the blink of an eye within the Origin Tree Gu. It seems my other half is currently unconscious, under the protection of Kuzin.»
«Yet, he has grown stronger than he once was—he has ascended to the rank of 'Master of Rulers'.»
Yuta's tone remained calm as he made his way toward the exit of the Origin Tree Gu.
«It appears he has finished what he set out to do. But what does he intend to do next? He seemed troubled when he spoke of the 'Star-Hunting Venerable,' Zendaya. Is she an enemy he seeks to kill?»
«How intriguing.»
Gu Wisdom mused to himself, watching as Yuta's back receded into the distance. He then accelerated, heading toward Yuta, who was nearing the boundaries of the Tree of Origin.
He blocked his path, projecting a powerful aura that easily rivaled—and challenged—Gowther's own, causing Yuta to feel a slight sense of unease as he looked toward him.
Nevertheless, he ultimately decided to hear what the Wisdom Gu had to say; his expression was etched with a profound sense of determination and an unyielding resolve to achieve his objective.
"Lord Yuta Casiral, I wish to forge a spiritual bond with you. Do you agree?" The Wisdom Gu's tone was filled with determination and stubborn persistence.It seemed as though he had no intention of backing down from his chosen course of action.
Yuta gazed at him for several seconds before speaking:
"Didn't you say you wouldn't form a bond with any human? Why do you suddenly want me to refine you?"
"........."
A look of astonishment crossed the face of the Wisdom Gu upon hearing Yuta's words.
The Wisdom Gu was unaccustomed to being rejected or questioned. Ever since its inception, it had been relentlessly pursued by the inhabitants of this mundane world, all of whom sought to possess it by any means necessary.
Wars had even been waged because of it—conflicts in which millions perished, and entire races and species were driven to extinction, all fueled by the insatiable greed to claim it.
How, then, did this young man dare to question it?
Yet, the Wisdom Gu showed no sign of irritation. To it, Yuta was a truly terrifying entity; despite being over two thousand years old, Yuta's life force had not waned—on the contrary, it had grown even more potent than before.
This realization made it clear that he was someone not to be trifled with in the slightest.
"The reason I am willing to form a bond with you—or allow you to refine me—is my desire for knowledge. You are a unique individual, and I wish to study you; in return, I shall assist you. After all, no one knows this fantasy world better than the Wisdom Gu—would you not agree?"
Yuta narrowed his eyes as he listened, yet he found himself inclined to accept the offer. Given that his current physical state—still in the midst of development—limited his use of the 'Ruler's Eye' to a mere two seconds, such an arrangement would prove quite advantageous. Yuta was capable of perceiving everything across the entire trajectory of an existential path—an ability that far exceeded what his current physical vessel could endure, even if he were to possess infinite power.
Moreover, Yuta's true power was far too vast for this body to contain; consequently, his strength and abilities had been sealed and severely diminished to align with the limitations of his current form.
For this reason, a contract with the Wisdom Gu represented a deal that could resolve many of his predicaments.
The Wisdom Gu remained fixed on Yuta, seemingly lost in thought, hovering around him for several minutes without showing any intention of yielding.
"Very well, I accept your offer, Wisdom Gu—but only upon the signing of a spiritual contract. Let's be clear: you aren't exactly the most trustworthy individual, after all."
A look of annoyance crossed the Wisdom Gu's face as it watched Yuta produce a spiritual contract from his own personal dimensional space.
"You actually carry spiritual contracts around with you?"
The Wisdom Gu's unease was well-founded; a spiritual contract binds chains around one's soul, heart, and mind. Should any of its terms be violated, the signatory's mind, soul, and heart would detonate, resulting in a gruesome death.
"Indeed—I always keep them on hand. You never know, do you? Deals can arise anywhere, at any time."
The Wisdom Gu narrowed its eyes at Yuta, as if asking itself, "What kind of madman have I gotten myself involved with?"
Taking the contract from Yuta, the creature was stunned for several seconds by the various clauses it contained, before beginning to read through them with the utmost care and attention. [Clause 1: Wisdom Gu shall have the freedom to roam wherever and whenever he chooses.
Clause 2: Wisdom Gu must keep his distance from individuals within Yuta Kaseral's social circle and refrain from harming them in any way.
Clause 3: Wisdom Gu shall provide Yuta Kaseral with information regarding this fantasy world as it becomes available.
Clause 4: A resting place for Wisdom Gu shall be provided within a spiritual realm belonging to Yuta Kaseral.
Clause 5: Both parties are strictly prohibited from harming one another, whether directly or indirectly.]
Wisdom Gu's gaze shifted back and forth between Yuta and the contract—lingering, in particular, on the second clause. He was certain that Yuta was the type of person who would do anything to serve his own interests.
Why, then, would he show concern for others? Was there something he hoped to gain from them? Were they merely pawns in his grand design—and had Wisdom Gu himself been drawn into a game far larger than he realized?
These questions swirled through Wisdom Gu's mind as he studied the contract, before he finally signed it without uttering a single word.
Yuta signed as well. The contract split in two, each half merging into the body of one of the signatories, binding Wisdom Gu's soul, mind, and heart in chains.
"Very well—shall we establish the link now?"
"Yes, let's proceed."
Wisdom Gu stood between Yuta's palms, and a potent energy—a blend of warmth and cold—began to take shape within his small form.
Markings emerged upon Wisdom Gu's forehead, while intricate tattoos manifested across Yuta's face and body.
"The contract has been successfully concluded." Wisdom Gu spoke with an air of ease, gazing toward Yuta, who had placed his arms behind his back and continued on his way, the markings on his body having already faded.
Irritated by Yuta's persistent indifference, Wisdom Gu moved toward him, muttering to himself:
"That wretched scoundrel! How dare he ignore me?"
A few minutes later, Yuta emerged from the Origin Tree Gu. Night had fallen; the moon bathed the surroundings in its glow, while stars adorned the sky like a masterpiece by a renowned painter.
He checked his phone—it was 3:34 AM, marking the dawn of the final day of the midterm examinations.
A look of amusement crossed Yuta's lips as he savored the gentle breeze caressing his face and stirring his stark white hair.
He gazed up at the sky with a calm expression, then remarked:
"Two days have already passed. Monday, May 25th, 675, will arrive, bringing with it some rather special visitors: students from the Versalkin Academy, along with the professors secretly observing them—all of whom are destined to perish at the hands of the Scorpion Organization. Isn't that fascinating, Wisdom Gu?"
Wisdom Gu remained silent, watching Yuta with a sense of bewilderment. He had never imagined that a day would come when he would encounter an entity whose malice and wickedness surpassed even that of demons.
Yuta moved on, paying no mind to Wisdom Gu's silence; in truth, he had never cared whether the creature chose to respond or not. He had many enemies lying in wait for him during his moments of weakness; therefore, focusing on trivial matters would have been nothing more than a waste of his precious time.
Once he had regained his composure, the Wisdom Gu followed him, leaving behind a gray, ethereal trail.