Chapter 190: The Blooming Begins
The day finally arrived.
Before sunrise could even paint the horizon, strange changes had already begun appearing throughout the Pacific Ocean.
At first, nobody noticed. A faint fragrance drifted through the air.
The scent spread across the sea like an invisible tide. Every cultivator who inhaled it felt their spiritual energy become slightly more active. Some weaker martial artists even discovered minor bottlenecks loosening inside their bodies.
Then came the second change... The sky.
The clouds above the World Tree Blessing region gradually transformed into swirling golden rings. Countless streams of light flowed between heaven and earth as though the entire world was breathing alongside the giant golden pod floating above the ocean.
The third change shocked everyone. Space itself began distorting.
Small cracks appeared around the World Tree barrier. They weren’t destructive tears. Instead, they resembled transparent mirrors constantly breaking and reforming.
Every satellite monitoring the region immediately transmitted emergency reports.
Every military fleet entered maximum alert.
Every major organization activated emergency protocols.
Because according to historical records...
The blooming had begun.
The giant golden pod suspended above the Pacific released wave after wave of ancient energy. Massive cracks continued spreading across its surface while golden roots slowly emerged from within the fading shell.
The World Tree... Humanity’s greatest opportunity was awakening.
Warning sirens immediately sounded throughout the surrounding exclusion zones.
Military commanders issued new orders.
Government observers activated monitoring equipment.
News channels around the world interrupted normal programming.
Every screen displayed the same image. The awakening World Tree.
The waiting was finally over.
One hour later.
The sea surrounding the World Tree had become crowded with experts.
Massive warships floated across the ocean.
Flying platforms hovered in the sky.
Countless organizations occupied designated positions around the awakening tree.
The strongest generation of the current era had arrived.
Nine Lotus Academy occupied one of the largest floating platforms.
Academy Master Da Vinci stood at the front with his hands behind his back while several academy elders remained nearby. Behind them gathered the selected participants, each carrying their assigned storage bags and emergency equipment.
Mark Smith stood among the Imperial Family group.
Emma Rock stood beside Natasha.
The bald monk smiled peacefully as though he were attending a religious gathering rather than entering a dangerous inheritance ground.
Kevin Clark continuously looked around with excitement.
Leo Clark appeared considerably more nervous.
Nearby, Supreme Warrior experts from numerous organizations watched the World Tree with serious expressions.
Above them floated Ancestor Long.
The old expert’s presence alone caused surrounding space to tremble slightly.
Although he wasn’t the strongest person present, nobody dared underestimate him.
Especially after Tony’s recent rise.
The Clark Family had become considerably more influential.
Yet the humans weren’t alone.
Far across the sea, another massive formation approached.
The Demonic Sea Tribe.
Sixty-six selected participants stood upon enormous crystal platforms floating above the ocean. Behind them followed numerous tribe elders while Ancestor Luka stood at the very front.
Her gaze remained fixed on the World Tree.
Yet occasionally...
It drifted toward the human camp.
Particularly toward the area where the Clark Family gathered.
Elsa stood quietly among the sea tribe geniuses.
The crimson pearl had already been absorbed.
The Ocean God’s Phantom Tide Steps had reached the first stage.
Her aura had become noticeably sharper.
Faster.
More dangerous.
Several sea tribe participants instinctively kept their distance from her.
Even they could sense the difference.
The atmosphere continued becoming increasingly tense.
Because everyone understood the truth. The moment the barrier disappeared... The competition would begin.
Hours passed... The World Tree continued blooming.
Its enormous branches stretched toward the heavens while countless golden leaves illuminated the surrounding sea.
Strange fruits could occasionally be seen forming among distant branches.
Ancient runes drifted through the air. The fragrance grew stronger. The distortions became more violent.
Several elders continuously monitored the barrier’s condition.
Eventually one expert stood up suddenly. "It’s weakening."
Every gaze immediately turned toward the World Tree.
The transparent barrier surrounding the ancient tree had begun fading visibly.
The process wasn’t rapid. Yet everyone could see it.
The final seal was disappearing.
The excitement among the younger generation exploded.
Many participants tightened their grips.
Others activated movement techniques in advance.
Some even began circulating spiritual energy through their bodies.
Nobody wanted to lose the opening advantage.
Da Vinci slowly stepped forward. His voice spread throughout the academy group.
"Stay calm."
The excitement immediately lessened.
The academy master stared toward the fading barrier. "This is the most dangerous moment. The first ones entering aren’t necessarily the luckiest."
Several participants frowned. Others immediately understood. ’The first wave often attracted the greatest dangers. Unfortunately... Nobody intended to retreat.’
Then suddenly...
A distant roar echoed across the ocean.
Everyone instinctively looked toward the sky.
A military-grade war jet appeared above the clouds. The aircraft descended rapidly before slowing near the academy platform. Several participants immediately recognized the symbol painted across its surface.
Clark Family.
Many expressions became strange.
The bald monk smiled. Even Emma turned slightly.
The jet door opened. A familiar figure emerged.
’Tony Clark...’
The Golden Flag Champion casually stepped onto the platform as though arriving late to a family dinner rather than the most important event of the younger generation.
A grin rested comfortably on his face. His hands remained inside his pockets.
Everything appeared normal. At least initially... Then people noticed his eyes.
Something was different. Very different.
Tony’s cultivation hadn’t changed significantly. His aura hadn’t become overwhelmingly stronger. Yet everyone felt the same thing... Danger.
The young man standing before them now felt less human than before. The sensation resembled standing before a sleeping beast.
One that appeared relaxed... One that appeared harmless. Yet could become terrifying at any moment.
Even Ancestor Long looked slightly surprised. The old expert carefully observed Tony before smiling faintly.
Tony, meanwhile, simply greeted familiar faces while ignoring the strange stares directed toward him.
Eventually a figure approached... Academy Master Da Vinci.
The old man stopped beside Tony.
His expression remained calm. A gentle smile appeared on his face.
To outsiders, it looked like a simple greeting.
Nothing unusual... Nothing suspicious.
Yet the moment Da Vinci reached him, his voice became almost inaudible.
Only Tony could hear.
"You prepared yourself well."
Tony grinned. "I tried my best."
Da Vinci studied him briefly. The academy master had witnessed countless geniuses throughout his life. Yet standing this close, even he could sense the changes hidden beneath Tony’s calm exterior.
Something had happened during these last few days. Something significant. The old man didn’t ask. Instead he lowered his voice further.
"Do you remember our deal?"
Tony immediately understood. A faint smirk appeared on his face. "Of course."
Da Vinci narrowed his eyes.
Tony’s smile widened slightly. "I never forget profitable business."
The academy master nearly laughed. Even now... Even at a moment like this... This boy still sounded like a merchant.
Before Da Vinci could respond, a violent tremor suddenly spread across the entire ocean.
BOOOOM!
The sea exploded... Thousands of meters of water surged upward.
The World Tree released a dazzling pillar of golden light that pierced the heavens. Every branch illuminated. Every root awakened.
