After Palace Lord Rowan finished speaking, the hall erupted into heated discussion. Seeing that things couldn't go on like this, Rowan weighed the situation and said, "All the palace lords are present. If anyone objects, you may challenge Evan Yang right now. Whoever defeats him will take his place as team leader."
This was a major announcement: it gave everyone a chance to turn things around, and also made it fair for Evan Yang to serve as the lead representative.
But aside from more discussion, no one stepped forward. Everyone here knew that Evan Yang was no longer someone they could defeat—otherwise, he wouldn’t have made it all the way to first place.
As for those with higher cultivation, they simply didn’t care to compete for this position.
"Lord Ridge, why aren’t you saying anything?" Lan Wind asked curiously.
"The Three Gods’ Exclusive Artifacts are incredibly tempting. If I’d known about them alone, I’d have tried to seize them for myself. But since Elder Woodspirit named Evan Yang as leader, why should I stir things up? I admit I don’t like Evan Yang and want to defeat him—maybe even win those artifacts with your help—but you saw his strength for yourself. He can even beat half-solid Immortal Sovereigns. Even if I stepped up, I’d just lose to him." Lord Ridge spoke his thoughts aloud.
After hearing Lord Ridge’s words, Lan Wind felt he understood. It was true: if Lord Ridge could surpass the half-solid Immortal Sovereign level, he wouldn’t need anyone’s help to seize those artifacts. So Lan Wind didn’t press further. Still, he wasn’t happy with Evan Yang taking the lead—but in the end, it didn’t matter. No matter what, Evan Yang had to die.
And this mission to retrieve the Three Gods’ Exclusive Artifacts would be the perfect time for Evan Yang to die.
"Evan Yang, just wait. Once we’re out there, without Elder Woodspirit’s protection, Darkbane and I will give you a proper welcome." Lan Wind smirked inwardly. Off to the side, Cole Wood also sneered to himself: "Evan Yang, just wait and see how I deal with you."
Evan Yang was well aware that this trip would be filled with danger. Not only did he have to find the Three Gods’ Exclusive Artifacts, but he was sure to run into plenty of trouble along the way.
Seeing no one object, Palace Lord Rowan said, "Since that's settled, everyone will prepare. In three days, each palace will send two experts—ten in total, plus Evan Yang, making eleven. You'll be transported to the place where the Three Gods’ Exclusive Artifacts have appeared. The rest of you may return to your palaces to await news and continue monitoring the Otherworld creatures’ movements, guarding against any palace being breached."
Everyone nodded. They knew that although Palace Lord Rowan announced it, the real authority behind this was Elder Woodspirit.
The crowd dispersed. Evan Yang, Morgana Dreamhaven, Palace Lord Yuna, and the others returned to their waiting area.
At that moment, Evan Yang’s mood was heavy. All three God-grade artifacts were crucial—if the Otherworld creatures seized them, the consequences would be unimaginable.
"What are you thinking about?" Morgana Dreamhaven asked curiously when she saw Evan Yang spacing out.
"Senior, just who is that person, really? To fight so many Gods and ultimately cause their disappearance?" Evan Yang asked suddenly.
"I don’t know the details. I only know he’s the master of the Otherworld—the Progenitor who created it. He has the power to devour space itself. Long ago, he destroyed other spaces, and the Gods discovered him. In the end, those Gods acted for humanity and their own people, sealing him away. But the Gods’ whereabouts are unknown. Some say they’re trapped in the Otherworld, some say they’re recuperating somewhere, and some say they’re guarding the Progenitor’s seal." Morgana Dreamhaven explained.
After hearing this, Evan Yang grew curious about the Otherworld Progenitor—how could someone possess such vast power?
"I know you’re under a lot of pressure. Each God-grade artifact represents a unique power, and if those powers fall into the Progenitor’s hands, it will only accelerate his return." Morgana Dreamhaven voiced a concern weighing on Evan Yang’s mind.
Evan Yang asked curiously, "Senior, what’s the difference between a God-grade artifact and a divine inheritance item?"
"Let me put it this way. A God-grade artifact is a weapon used exclusively by a God—it contains much of the previous God’s power. If a peak Immortal Sovereign obtains such an artifact and channels its power, they might become a new God. But a divine inheritance item is different. Take your Ice-fire Sacred Flame, for example. It’s existed since ancient times and can make someone a God, but only after the current God offers it up for re-selection. Once a new master is chosen, as long as they don’t die, they’re guaranteed to become a God. This method is special: the inheritance must recognize its master, while a God-grade artifact doesn’t require that—any peak Immortal Sovereign can try to use its power to break through. The only drawback is that this method has a chance of failure. So, simply put: a divine inheritance item needs a specific person to slowly become a God, while a God-grade artifact can be used by any peak Immortal Sovereign, but it’s a gamble. Do you understand now?" Morgana Dreamhaven asked.
Evan Yang finally understood: both methods could lead to Godhood. Divine inheritance items require a special selection, while God-grade artifacts do not. As long as nothing goes wrong, the chosen inheritor will become a God, but only peak Immortal Sovereigns can use God-grade artifacts.
"I see. So, does that mean these three God-grade artifacts could let three people become Gods?" Evan Yang asked curiously.
"Yes, but it depends on their luck. If their fate isn’t good, even with the artifact, it won’t help." Morgana Dreamhaven replied.
"How many people in this world have reached peak Immortal Sovereign?" Evan Yang asked curiously.
"In the Immortal Realm, everyone acknowledges Elder Woodspirit as one. As for other realms, like the Devil Realm, Demon-Beast Realm, Death Realm, and so on, no one knows for sure. There are likely quite a few. If they use these artifacts, they can charge toward Godhood. If new Gods are born before the Progenitor awakens, they might destroy him." Morgana Dreamhaven explained.
(Irrelevant system message; skip translation.)
"What’s the success rate for these artifacts?" Evan Yang asked suspiciously.
"About one in ten. In other words, even a God-grade artifact doesn’t guarantee someone will become a God." Morgana Dreamhaven answered.
"That’s pretty low. Even with three God-grade artifacts, Elder Woodspirit might not reach Godhood." Evan Yang sighed.