Kael laid out all the Earth Essences, and instantly, a profound resonance erupted between them and the Tree of Life. Both radiated overwhelming power—so intense it sent shivers down Kael's spine.
The essences' dense earth elements became the tree's ultimate nourishment. As the branches trembled, the essences scattered around its roots, their energy voraciously devoured by the ravenous life force.
With this new sustenance, the tree's growth exploded—far surpassing its earlier pace with the magic crystals. In mere moments, it soared past ten meters, then twenty, its ascent unstoppable.
At this rate…
A full half-hour later, the growth finally ceased. But what stood before Kael now was a colossal hundred-meter titan, its vitality saturating the very fabric of his domain.
A hundred-meter Tree of Life.
The discovery thrilled him. While not yet vast by legendary standards, this was more than enough to anchor his ambition—to forge a Miniature World.
"With the tree as the core, I can attempt creation now," Kael murmured, probing his domain's boundaries.
Eighth-level mages could manifest domains, but these were crude spatial manipulations at best. A Miniature World, however, belonged solely to tenth-level powerhouses—a realm where they reigned as gods, bending its laws to their will.
Yet Kael remained ninth-level, albeit at its peak. Even with the tree's power as a catalyst, crafting a world from nothing defied all logic.
"But the Water Dragon left clues…" Fragments of its memories lingered in the tree, including teachings on world-creation. Kael clung to those insights.
And so, he sat.
Ten days passed.
Not a drop of water touched his lips; no food broke his trance. His consciousness plunged into the abyss of meditation, every shred of mental energy devoted to unraveling the secrets of genesis.
Day Fifteen.
At last, Kael sensed it—his Miniature World. A blinding white light erupted before him, lifting his body as it gently carried him forward. The radiance expanded, enveloping him completely until—snap—a realm of his own snapped into existence.
"Success!" His heart roared with unrestrained triumph.
Yes—a world, born at last!
Spanning hundreds of meters, the space was anchored by the Tree of Life, its colossal form stretching between heaven and earth. Yet beyond the tree, the world lay barren—an empty void with only yellow sand beneath his feet. Kael frowned.
"To create a world is to play the role of Primordial Creator," he mused, surveying his domain. Now, he could summon this space at will, suppressing any foe trapped within.
Most crucially, this was his trump card against tenth-level powerhouses.
Had he been dragged into Zev's Miniature World during their encounter, escape would've been impossible. The realization sent a chill down his spine even as he marveled at his newfound power.
Still, the current emptiness gnawed at him. It needs refinement.
"My world is still too small—just a few hundred meters. The Water Dragon's creation was a true sub-plane…" He shook his head, self-critical.
What Kael didn't know: when the Water Dragon first forged its world, the space barely spanned ten meters—pathetic compared to his own. Most cultivators' initial attempts yielded only a few meters at best. Those surpassing ten were unquestionable geniuses.
But Kael?
Hundreds of meters—and he still wasn't satisfied!
Had others witnessed his discontent, they might've bashed their heads in frustration.
Of course, this feat owed everything to the Tree of Life.
"With this world and my near-tenth-level strength, I finally have the means to oppose the Renault family," Kael analyzed coolly.
Soon, he began sculpting his realm.
Every detail here could be conjured through magic illusions or physical objects. Kael chose illusions, draining his reserves at a terrifying rate. Even his monstrous mana pool—bolstered by his Magic Crystal Staff—strained under the demand.
At last, the Miniature World began to resemble a proper realm—lush green mountains, crystal-clear waters, a landscape so vivid it could soothe the soul. Kael's mastery over magical illusions was impeccable; every detail appeared lifelike, flawless to the naked eye.
"A single flower holds a world, a lone leaf embodies enlightenment." The proverb resonated deeply with him now.
Exiting the Miniature World, Kael allowed himself a faint smile. The toll had been immense, but the result was worth it.
Stepping out of the Tower of Hope, he found the entrance crowded with familiar faces—Amelia, Ella, Finn, Lone Wolf, Jett, Grace—all wearing expressions of palpable concern.
The moment Kael emerged, their eyes lit up. Though they couldn't pinpoint the change, they sensed it: his aura had grown more enigmatic, more unfathomable.
Ella's breath hitched. The depth of Kael's presence now reminded her of the few tenth-level powerhouses she'd encountered.
Could he have… broken through to the tenth level?
She quickly dismissed the thought. Advancing to the tenth level was a barrier few mages ever surmounted. Even for someone as monstrous as Kael, it seemed improbable.
No—he's likely at the threshold, just a hair's breadth away.
Yet the realization still sent a jolt through her.
At this rate, he'll reach the tenth level sooner than anyone could imagine!
"You're all here," Kael remarked, his gaze sweeping over the group with quiet warmth.
After over ten days in seclusion, his spirit and mana reserves were drained, but the triumph in his heart outweighed the fatigue. Their unwavering vigil moved him—proof that he was no longer alone, that this world held people who genuinely cared.
"This time, I've reached the peak of the ninth level," he announced. **"The tenth is now within arm's reach."**
A mix of awe and exhilaration flickered across their faces. Kael's terrifying growth speed left them stunned, but the shock soon gave way to shared joy.
Kael was the backbone of the Lafei Territory—his strength directly dictated how far this land could rise. If he reached the tenth level, no force on the continent would dare underestimate Lafei again. After all, it would be home to a tenth-level powerhouse!
Such figures commanded absolute reverence wherever they went.
"This is incredible! Once you break through to the tenth level, our Lafei Territory will finally stand unshakable—" Finn's eyes sparkled with unrestrained excitement.
"Has anything urgent happened these past few days?" Kael nodded, then turned to Grace. As the true ruler of Lafei, he couldn't neglect his duties.
Grace's eyes curved into delighted crescents. "Actually, while you were in seclusion, something monumental occurred."
"Oh?" Kael arched a brow. Given her radiant expression, it had to be good news. "What was it?"
Instead of answering directly, Grace clasped her hands, her smile playful. **"First, tell me—what does Lafei need most right now?"**
"Gold." Kael didn't hesitate. He was practically drowning in poverty.
"Exactly. But starting today, Master, you might never have to worry about gold again." Her voice was a melody of triumph.