# Chapter 5: Void Tree Vault Access Authority II (20% Off)
...
Options 3 and 4 were mandatory. As for reward 5, Su Xiao chose to apply for relevant information to understand what it was about. In a sense, this was somewhat like making a wish, though it was a wish with an upper limit, the scope of which was determined by what was currently in the Void Tree's vault.
[You have obtained Space-Time Stone Fragments × 8580 pieces.]
[You have obtained Abyss Secret Treasure × 1 piece.]
[You have obtained Elemental Secret Treasure × 39 pieces.]
[You have obtained Void Tree Vault Access Authority II (20% Off).]
...
As expected, just as Su Xiao had anticipated, the randomness of this Abyss mission regarding "Abyss Secret Treasures" and "Elemental Secret Treasures" had nothing to do with luck. It mainly depended on Abyss favor and Elemental affinity.
Su Xiao's 1428 points of Elemental affinity had finally yielded returns. He examined a tree-shaped badge in his hand and attempted to activate it.
[You have activated Void Tree Vault Access Authority II. Before completing the resource application and Space-Time power payment, this authority badge will not be consumed.]
[You need to submit a resource application request before proceeding to the next step of verification.]
...
Su Xiao weighed his options and chose to submit an application request for obtaining the top-ranked Overlord Equipment.
[This equipment is currently located in the vault. You need to pay 8,520,000 ounces of Space-Time power to complete this equipment exchange (due to the use of "Vault Access Authority II," you actually need to pay 6,816,000 ounces of Space-Time power).]
...
Seeing this prompt, Su Xiao gained a new understanding of the strength of Overlord Equipment, or more precisely, of the top one hundred and top ten Overlord Equipment. A price as high as 8.52 million meant its power must reach an astonishing level.
This [Void Tree Vault Access Authority II] was 20% off. Did that mean there were even better versions of [Void Tree Vault Access Authority II]? Could they reach 50% off, 30% off, or even 10% off?
Su Xiao attempted to apply to purchase an Overlord Equipment that suited him and ranked within the top ten.
[This equipment is currently located in the vault. You need to pay 8,520,000 ounces of Space-Time power to complete this equipment exchange...]
Seeing the same prompt, the look in Su Xiao's eyes changed. This strongest Overlord Equipment was actually very compatible with him? But thinking about it, the strongest Overlord Equipment likely had extremely high strength and versatility.
He changed his application to require an Overlord Equipment ranked within the top fifty.
[This equipment is currently located in the vault. You need to pay 135,000 ounces of Space-Time power to complete this equipment exchange (due to the use of "Vault Access Authority II," you actually need to pay 108,000 ounces of Space-Time power).]
As expected, equipment that could enter the rankings represented a qualitative change. Su Xiao pondered for a moment, then tried several applications in succession before receiving a prompt that such applications could be made for free up to ten times per day, with only two attempts remaining.
[This item is currently located in the vault. You need to pay 10,890 ounces of Space-Time power to complete this equipment exchange (due to the use of "Vault Access Authority II," you actually need to pay 8,712 ounces of Space-Time power).]
Seeing this prompt, Su Xiao canceled this application. Using this ninth opportunity, he made a random attempt to see if he could exchange for an "Awakening Stele Fragment." The result was that the Void Tree's vault actually did have an "Awakening Stele Fragment."
He had obtained one piece from the Mother of Fallen before, another from Madam Scorpion, and now there was an opportunity to get another. If there were no unexpected developments later, using this 20% off "Vault Access Authority" in this way wouldn't be bad.
[Prompt (Void Tree): You have submitted an application to once again accept "Abyss Mission: Death's Grant."]
[Verification shows you have completed "Abyss Mission: Death's Grant" twice, with one instance reaching 300% full completion. Due to the Hunter's outstanding performance, your Void Tree Reputation will be significantly increased.]
[Verifying...]
[Verification error. Current Void Tree Reputation: -????]
[Re-evaluating...]
[Evaluation failed. Constant calculation based on initial regulations...]
[Calculation complete. Hunter, you have the worst Void Tree Reputation in history, as well as an extremely excellent and proactive completion record for "Abyss Mission: Death's Grant."]
[Due to this situation, the Void Tree cannot grant you any reward-based benefits.]
[Calculation complete. Your "Void Tree Punishment Exemption Authority Rank" is permanently increased by +1.]
...
Clearly, in the Void Tree's judgment, Su Xiao was very complex. He was both a Hunter with a reputation of -????, the worst kind that should be eliminated, and an outstanding Hunter who had completed "Abyss Mission: Death's Grant" twice and needed focused attention and rewards.
Under such contradictory judgments, the "Void Tree Punishment Exemption Authority Rank Permanently +1" was created. To put it simply, this authority meant that in future Void Tree judgments regarding Su Xiao, "Forced Execution Ruling" would default to being downgraded to "Severe Punishment," "Severe Punishment" would default to "Warning Notice," and "Warning Notice" would default to nothing happening.
For Su Xiao, who had a Void Tree Reputation of -????, this was undoubtedly a form of insurance.
[Prompt: Verification shows you have accepted "Abyss Mission: Death's Grant" for the third time. This mission's reward and protection mechanisms have been closed.]
[Abyss Mission: Death's Grant.]
Difficulty Level: Lv.98 ~ ???
Mission Submission Count: 2 times.
Mission Brief: Eliminate at least Supreme-level "Immortal Undying Abyss Spawn" and "Abyss Descendants."
Mission Reward: Final reward determined based on mission completion degree.
Prompt: The cumulative calculation method for this mission's completion degree is as follows: When you successfully kill a target unit, increase "Mission completion degree corresponding to target unit's danger level" + "45% of current existing mission completion degree as the added mission completion degree for this kill."
Current Mission Completion: 0%.
...
Originally, any "Immortal Undying Abyss Spawn" would suffice, but now it had to be at the Supreme level to qualify. Su Xiao wasn't surprised by this; after all, this was a mission that could be accepted repeatedly.
The scenery outside the train window flew by. The more he used this Lord's Train, the more he felt it was truly a good thing. No wonder the Lords of the First Era had spent a fortune to build it. He stood up and walked into the bedroom at the back, looking at Amu, who was still snoring loudly on the carpet.
"Boss, where are we going?"
"Corrupted Royal City."
That's right, Su Xiao was going to fight the Abyss Descendants. With the "Azure Shadow King" ability, he feared nothing more than being surrounded and killed by a large group of enemies. Presumably, under the gathering of the Dukain family, the Corrupted Royal City would be defended like an iron bucket.
At this moment, inside the Twinborn King's Hall in the inner city of the Corrupted Royal City.
Today, the seat of honor was not occupied by the Twinborn King. The Twinborn King sat in the secondary seat, and his trusted aide, Holy Knight Monipe, clearly showed dissatisfaction. But the one on the throne was Council Chairman Egu Baiya, so no one could say anything.
"Little Scorpion, this is the highest price I can offer. If you're still not satisfied, then I'll have to give up."
Council Chairman Egu Baiya spoke with a smile. Madam Scorpion seemed to be hesitating, but in reality, she was already satisfied with Council Chairman Egu Baiya's offer. As for the origin of this bottle of [Ancient Dragon Secret Medicine], she had already covered her tracks perfectly.
To sell this item to the Council Chairman, she certainly couldn't say it was concocted by a Law Destroyer. Not only would that lead to being severely lowballed, but it would also bring more trouble. Besides, she had already had the Arcane Eternal Star get the Alchemist Guild in the Void to examine it, and there was nothing wrong with the potion.
Moreover, in Madam Scorpion's perception, this was something she had taken from that Law Destroyer. More precisely, it was the price that Law Destroyer had to pay to carry out his despicable plan to attack her.
Was the Alchemist Guild's skill insufficient? Could they not detect anything wrong with [Ancient Dragon Secret Medicine]? Of course not.
First, it was necessary to clarify a point: for the Arcane Eternal Star, was cooperation with the Dukain family more important, or the relationship with the Alchemist Guild? The answer was obvious. After all, the Dukain family was a powerful tumor with a terrible reputation.
So when the Arcane Eternal Star handed over this bottle of secret medicine, they told the old alchemists at the Alchemist Guild outright that this was a secret medicine from the Dukain family that needed to be appraised.
Originally, the Alchemist Guild didn't want to get involved in this matter, but it wouldn't be good to refuse the Arcane Eternal Star's request. They thought, it's just an appraisal anyway, and they wouldn't be dealing with the Abyss Descendants directly, so they went ahead.
The result was that after studying it, the old alchemist found that the exquisite concoction technique and profound alchemical knowledge were very familiar. The old alchemist slapped his thigh and thought, damn, isn't this Holy Flame?
Half an hour later, the few old alchemists in charge of the Alchemist Guild gathered in a secret room to discuss this matter. At the last alchemist gathering at the Arcane Eternal Star, Su Xiao's alchemical skill had completely overwhelmed the few old alchemists of the Alchemist Guild. He could have severely humiliated them, but Su Xiao didn't do that. Instead, they showed mutual respect.
The few old alchemists were all shrewd individuals. They subsequently sent the [Alchemist Guild: Holy Flame Badge (Alchemy Master Badge)]. Face was first built on strength and ability, then given mutually.
After studying [Ancient Dragon Secret Medicine], the few old alchemists determined that this thing wasn't just problematic—it was terrifying. However, through the Arcane Eternal Star, they gave the Dukain family the following reply:
'This secret medicine has no issues.'
As for what would happen if problems arose later, who never made mistakes? At that time, the Alchemist Guild would solemnly offer a verbal apology to the Dukain family.
Inside the council hall, Madam Scorpion had already sensed the increasingly dangerous gaze from the Council Chairman. She took out [Ancient Dragon Secret Medicine], her eyes full of reluctance. To outsiders, it seemed that Madam Scorpion was preparing this secret treasure to extend her life when she was about to go to the Abyss for "rebirth." This time, having been looted by the Law Destroyer, she urgently needed start-up capital to turn things around, which was why she was taking out such a rare treasure.
"It belongs to you now."
Council Chairman Egu Baiya took the potion, his eyes filled with barely suppressed fervor. He could feel the rich, pure life force nourishment contained within the potion.
"Council Chairman? Council Chairman?!"
Madam Scorpion suddenly felt something was wrong. The old immortal she had been guarding against actually pulled open the seal of [Ancient Dragon Secret Medicine] right there, poured it into his mouth, and even greedily extended his tongue into the bottle to lick it. In the end, he even ate the crystal potion bottle itself.
"Ah~"
Council Chairman Egu Baiya let out a trembling moan. The skin on his face visibly reddened a few shades, age spots began to fade, and his cloudy eyes became somewhat clearer.
"Council Chairman?"
Madam Scorpion spoke tentatively. She suddenly felt that obtaining this bottle of [Ancient Dragon Secret Medicine] might have been... perhaps... probably... a setup?
Indeed, it was. The moment Council Chairman Egu Baiya touched [Ancient Dragon Secret Medicine], he was bound to drink it. It was no longer a question of whether he wanted to or not. This was, of course, the work of the "Void Anomaly" hidden within the secret medicine. To some extent, Su Xiao was cooperating tacitly with this "Void Anomaly" without any prior negotiation.
"I... am fine, very fine, extremely fine, hahaha."
Council Chairman Egu Baiya let out a loud laugh.
[Side Effect: Permanently reduces current Willpower by 85% + 350 points. Every natural day, a Willpower check will be conducted every two hours. If the check fails, enter "Evil Joy" state, permanently reducing Willpower by 1%, Sanity by 3%, and Self-Awareness by 5%. "Evil Joy" can be triggered repeatedly.
Warning: If current Willpower attribute is negative, triggered "Evil Joy" will automatically transform into "Evil Pleasure," permanently reducing Willpower by 50 points, Sanity by 5%, and Self-Awareness by 10%.]
It must be said that Council Chairman Egu Baiya's Willpower attribute was truly high. Drinking [Ancient Dragon Secret Medicine] didn't cause him to have negative Willpower on the spot.
Even so, Council Chairman Egu Baiya's Willpower attribute dropped to a very low level. Consequently, in his first Willpower check, he successfully entered the "Evil Joy" state.
Every Abyss Descendant, at the moment of their birth, had their own "Sin Characteristic." Just as the Beast Lord's "Sin Characteristic" was Pride, and Madam Scorpion's "Sin Characteristic" was Jealousy. However, as Abyss Descendants grew, they would break free from this initial sin, which was also a symbol of an Abyss Descendant being able to leave the Abyss. The Council Chairman's former "Sin Characteristic" was Lust.
The smile on Council Chairman Egu Baiya's face gradually became strange. When he opened his eyes, the first thing he saw was Evil Hao sitting there, arms crossed, with layers of fat. Suddenly, the Council Chairman felt that this Evil Hao, looking at him, was also quite charming.
Sensing the Council Chairman's gaze, Evil Hao suddenly shuddered with an inexplicable chill.
The next morning, the Lord's Train stopped. It hadn't reached the Corrupted Lake yet, but a magnificent large city came into view. Looking into the distance, there was a floating, rising aura of corruption. That was the Corrupted Lake. This was clearly a city that relied on the Corrupted Lake for survival.
This wasn't the Corrupted Royal City. There weren't even defensive structures like city gates. The gate openings in the city walls were wide open, as if welcoming everyone's arrival. Humans, Elves, and Giants were entering and exiting the city gates. Their attire varied, but in their expressions, there was a strange sense of fervor.
Su Xiao stepped off the train. He confirmed that the Four Gods of the Pantheon, corresponding to the "Side Mission: Ancient Divine Power," were in this large city. In fact, they were its rulers.
Entering the city, the fervor in the pedestrians' expressions became more pronounced. Even though they were already skin and bones, they were still busily transporting something into the city. After observing for a while, Su Xiao understood what was happening. These humans, elves, and giants were the corrupted ones from the "Elf Kingdom," "Queen's City," and "Molten City."
However, while being corrupted, they were also branded with faith marks, which kept them working tirelessly. It seemed the Dukain family had some cooperation with the Four Gods and were plotting for the same thing.
Walking along the main street, Su Xiao occasionally saw humans or giants who had died from exhaustion on the roadside. No one collected their bones. After they died, the ritual formations beneath the entire city would gradually absorb their flesh and blood, turning them into bones that wouldn't rot.
The further he went along the main street, the more bones there were underfoot. Eventually, the street was entirely paved with semi-weathered bones. Finally, Su Xiao stopped in front of a hundred-meter-tall golden metal temple. A pair of huge doors, dozens of meters high, blocked Su Xiao's path.
Su Xiao pushed the doors with both hands. Accompanied by a few specks of dust falling, the metal doors opened with a clattering sound, creating a gap over a meter wide.
Light from outside streamed into the temple. On the towering throne platform deep inside the temple, four tall thrones were arranged side by side. The middle one was the highest, the left and right were slightly lower, and the throne on the far right was the shortest.
Each throne was over ten meters tall, indicating the size of the Four Gods. The main god, seated in the central position, was already over ten meters tall while sitting; standing up, it would surely be even more imposing. One of its hands rested against the side of its masked face, as if it were dozing. Sensing an intruder, its eyes opened. Four eyes with dark golden vertical pupils looked down at Su Xiao like ants being observed from above.
"Another... ant (Gods' Language)."
The main god was disturbed from its slumber and was clearly displeased.
This was, of course, not within Su Xiao's consideration. He surveyed the Four Gods before him, calmly drew the long blade at his waist, and the metal giant doors behind him were slammed shut by his Blood Qi. The meaning was obvious: "I'm in a bit of a hurry. All four of you, come at me together."