Max advanced relentlessly.
He crossed the nineteenth layer, then the twentieth.
Outside the dome, the elders had long since lost the ability to react with coherent speech. The twentieth layer had always been regarded as the domain of peak inner disciples. Yet Max passed it without pause.
When he entered the twenty first layer, the final remaining bud could no longer contain the immense energy it had accumulated from the higher domains.
As Max stepped deeper into the twenty first layer, the bud cracked open and condensed into the fifth dark red fruit.
The transformation completed the flame branch.
Five fruits now hung in solemn symmetry, each containing refined chaotic flame laws drawn from successive layers of the Path to Eternal Flames.
Max stood within the twenty first layer, surrounded by sovereign flames that burned with terrifying authority. Yet his aura remained steady, supported by his strengthened physique and the five matured fruits stabilizing the Chaos Tree.
