Primeval Gate, Shallow-Red Void—one of the many Starry Wonders.
This is a superficially silent and stable colossal star, seemingly on the verge of extinguishment, its fires almost spent. Yet within, it harbors immense energy—a chaotic fusion of light, heat, and the coexistence of life and death. These forces intertwine, creating a rare and wondrous Life-Death Star.
Life-Death Star!
A Heaven-Venerable once left their mark here!
Now, the Ancient King Andrew Han stands here!
Rumble.
The seemingly dim Life-Death Star continued to rotate, radiating a dark red glow. Through the arched outer wall of the manor’s main hall, its light ceaselessly poured in, illuminating Andrew Han’s crystalline face at the instant of sudden realization, and also shining on Howard Gu’s astonished expression.
"My own Origin Talent—"
—is called Tenacity!
Andrew Han slowly raised his head, eyes closed, yet felt a mysterious emotion as if gazing upon the sea of stars.
As a newly risen Ancient King, Andrew Han once understood nothing; after all, he had never truly studied how powerful an Ancient King could be.
Fortunately, Howard Gu was there to patiently guide him.
A thunderous awakening—a moment of profound enlightenment, as if suddenly waking from a dream.
It was like tasting pure nectar, all confusion swept away—a mighty sound rising from the soul itself.
Comprehending the mysteries of the universe is difficult, but to understand oneself is like immersing in the instinctive rhythm of one's own breath.
"What is Origin Talent?"
Andrew Han questioned himself, searching inward for the true answer: "Origin Talent may sound obscure and mysterious, but in reality, it's not so complicated—it's actually extremely simple."
Simply put, Origin Talent is the extraordinary excellence of a part surpassing the whole—where a pure, streamlined, singular aspect achieves the highest refinement. That part then drives the whole, and with a flawless, all-encompassing foundation, this is the best explanation for just how strong an Ancient King truly is.
A vague clarity dawned upon Andrew Han—he seemed to grasp the essence of everything.
Yet it was as if he understood and yet did not, as if he saw through and yet did not—some confusion still lingered, like mist before his eyes.
"Hmm."
Andrew Han shook his head, awakening from his reverie. Almost unconsciously, he picked up the emerald-green juice beside him and sipped it lightly two or three times.
Sunlight streamed into the tranquil main hall.
The crystal diamond cup, filled with juice, refracted dazzling colors.
This was the unlimited exotic juice provided free to Human Geniuses of all ranks in the Spark-Heritage Zone of the Archaic Hall.
Drinking this juice clears the mind, slightly boosting cognitive ability for a short time. Of course, for Andrew Han at his current level, the effect is almost negligible.
"Tenacity."
Andrew Han murmured softly, opening his black-and-white eyes. Just as he was about to speak, he saw Howard Gu, dressed in white on the opposite sofa, suddenly stand up, his face full of shock.
Inner realization—only for an instant.
Ancient Kings—truly terrifying in their mental efficiency.
"Tenacity?"
"Your Origin Talent is Tenacity?"
"Andrew Han."
"Every Origin Talent possesses wonders that transcend theory and defy comprehension," Howard Gu said, his expression extremely serious.
"???"
Andrew Han replied just as earnestly: "The strength of an Ancient King and the marvel of Origin Talent are truly incredible. But before I sensed my Tenacity talent, what I really wished for was the Origin Talent called Fortress."
Yet Haogu seemed not to notice at all: "Tenacity?"
"Yes."
Han Dong nodded.
Changing the subject, Andrew Han smiled: "Compared to Fortress, I actually prefer my Tenacity talent. After all, everyone hopes to be unique."
Han Dong curiously pressed further: "Brother Haogu, what's wrong? You explained clearly just now—Ancient Kings possess Origin Talents, and these talents come in all forms. So why are you so astonished and out of sorts?"
Hearing Han Dong's question, Haogu let out a breath and sat back on the soft sofa: "As far as I know, this Origin Talent has never appeared before... But the universe is vast and boundless—even our Human Race, as supreme as we are, can't possibly know every possibility, let alone all the types of Origin Talent."
"The types of Origin Talent are infinite."
"From ancient times to now, the variety and strangeness of talent types is truly unimaginable."
He finished in one breath.
Pausing briefly, he glanced at Han Dong. Clad in white, Haogu continued: "Your Origin Talent is Tenacity—a mysterious type never seen before. There’s no record of it... At least in the Human Race’s starry archives, Tenacity as an Origin Talent simply doesn’t exist. No precedent, no reference—it’s never appeared before. Even as ages pass without a trace, yours is the only one in heaven and earth."
"Oh?"
Han Dong’s eyes lit up.
Sunlight spilled in as the sofa rocked gently; Haogu adjusted his sitting posture: "I’m sorry—I can’t offer you any targeted advice."
Though he exhausted himself investigating, reading countless ancient texts—
Still.
The current situation was regrettable: faced with this unprecedented Tenacity Origin Talent, even the deepest experience was rendered meaningless.
"Han Dong."
"Every Origin Talent possesses wonders that transcend theory and defy comprehension," Haogu said, his expression extremely serious.
On the other side.
Han Dong replied just as earnestly: "The strength of an Ancient King and the marvel of Origin Talent are truly incredible. But before I sensed my Tenacity talent, what I really wished for was the Origin Talent called Firmness."
Immunity to all attacks from lifeforms of the same tier.
Even setting aside other factors, just that alone would be terrifying—ruling the universe would be nothing out of the ordinary.
"But."
Changing the subject, Han Dong smiled: "Compared to Firmness, I actually prefer my Tenacity talent. After all, everyone hopes to be unique."