One month later.
The fierce beasts throughout the entire mountain range suddenly became agitated. Originally in a state of slumber, the awakening brought with it a sense of unease, compelling him to awaken from his sleep.
"What is happening?"
Gu Qingyang's expression was grave.
In his perception, he couldn't detect any abnormalities, yet there was an inexplicable voice telling him that something significant was about to occur.
Before Gu Qingyang could ponder more, he felt waves of extremely powerful auras erupt from the mountain range. Although these auras were not as formidable as the Golden Feathered Divine Eagle, they were at least at the second-stage level.
At this moment.
Another aura erupted, seemingly capable of suppressing the entire sky. Under the moonlight, Gu Qingyang could clearly see a familiar golden hue.
Golden Feathered Divine Eagle!
Even after five years, the terrifying figure from the past was indelibly etched in Gu Qingyang's mind.
Now the Golden Feathered Divine Eagle appeared, its aura as formidable as ever.
As this incomparably powerful aura erupted, all the fierce beasts that unleashed strong auras seemed to be subdued, gazing at the golden figure in the sky, their brutal eyes showing a human-like reverence.
This was reverence for the ultimate power.
Symbolizing the unmatched status of the Golden Feathered Divine Eagle within the mountain range.
Suddenly.
The sky trembled.
Under Gu Qingyang's shocked gaze, the once peaceful sky displayed countless cracks, resembling a piece of pottery about to shatter.
Immediately following.
An endless rain of blood poured through the cracks, with much of it falling on the Golden Feathered Divine Eagle, while the rest drenched the other fierce beasts.
"Devour the Celestial Blood and gain 100 Evolution Value!"
"Devour the Celestial Blood and gain 100 Evolution Value!"
"Devour the Celestial Blood and gain 100 Evolution Value!"
"..."
Before Gu Qingyang could fully grasp what was happening, a flood of information inundated his mind, followed by a surge of immense power rising from within.
In almost no time, the Evolution Value had reached a level sufficient to break through the first-stage's perfect state.
No time to think further.
Gu Qingyang immediately chose to break through.
"Boom!!"
The immense power erupted, and the sixty-meter Ancient Tree rapidly grew to ninety meters, with its roots extending from six hundred meters to twelve hundred meters.
Despite the significant increase in strength, Gu Qingyang couldn't feel much joy, as the rain of blood continued to fall, and the information in his mind kept surfacing.
"Devour the Celestial Blood and gain 100 Evolution Value!"
"Devour the Celestial Blood and gain 100 Evolution Value!"
"Devour the Celestial Blood and gain 100 Evolution Value!"
...
Name: Gu Qingyang
Essence: Ancient Tree
Lifespan: 15/2500
Stage: First-Stage Perfection (500/10000)
Innate Divine Techniques: Death Root (First-Stage), Vigorous Growth (First-Stage), Spiritual Energy Affinity (First-Stage), Ancient Tree Talent (First-Stage)
...
Watching his ever-increasing Evolution Value and strengthening power, Gu Qingyang's once-calm heart surged with excitement.
"Opportunity!"
"This is a grand opportunity!"
Gu Qingyang initially thought it would take at least over ten years to break through to the second stage, but the rain of blood had unexpectedly given him a glimpse of hope.
What exactly the Celestial Blood was, Gu Qingyang could not discern.
However, there was one thing.
He understood clearly.
Celestial Blood was a precious thing.
One drop of Celestial Blood could directly increase the Evolution Value by 100 points. As long as the duration of the Celestial Blood lasted long enough, not only breaking through to the second stage, but even the third stage could start becoming plausible for Gu Qingyang.
Simultaneously.
Gu Qingyang could sense the powerful aura emanating from the mountain range, indicating that other fierce beasts were also making varying degrees of breakthroughs from the gift of the Celestial Blood.
Finally—
Gu Qingyang's eyes settled on the Golden Feathered Divine Eagle in the sky. He was absorbing the power of the Celestial Blood for his breakthrough, while the Golden Feathered Divine Eagle above clearly gained even more advantage.
From the increasing fearsome pressure from that being, Gu Qingyang understood that this fierce beast was also achieving a breakthrough.
If the Golden Feathered Divine Eagle succeeds in breaking through, its strength would become even more terrifying.
Then.
Gu Qingyang ignored the Golden Feathered Divine Eagle, silently absorbing the power of the Celestial Blood to hasten his breakthrough.
Having reached the first-stage's perfection, his roots could now extend over 1,200 meters, allowing him to absorb even more Celestial Blood. As long as the Celestial Blood fell within the range of his roots, Gu Qingyang absorbed it ravenously.
The Evolution Value required for a second-stage breakthrough grew visibly.
In less than half an hour.
Gu Qingyang had amassed the full 10,000 Evolution Value needed.
In an instant.
He chose to proceed with the breakthrough.
...
"Boom!"
In the earth, the Ancient Tree rapidly grew to an astonishing 300 meters, visibly expanding.
Its vast foliage spread out like a resplendent canopy, while intricate Dao Rhymes appeared on its robust trunk.
Simultaneously.
The ground shook.
Colossal roots extended further, and in no time, the realm of the Ancient Tree's roots expanded to 3,000 meters.
Then.
Gu Qingyang checked his own attributes, his heart quivering with excitement.
...
Name: Gu Qingyang
Essence: Ancient Tree
Lifespan: 15/5000
Stage: Second-Stage Lower Grade (0/20000)
Innate Divine Techniques: Death Root (Second-Stage), Vigorous Growth (Second-Stage), Spiritual Energy Affinity (Second-Stage), Ancient Tree Talent (Second-Stage), Divine Power Fruit (Second-Stage), Divine Whisper (Second-Stage), Eye of True Sight (Second-Stage)
...
Just as Gu Qingyang had imagined, after breaking through to the second stage, he awakened new Innate Divine Techniques.
Not only that.
The original Innate Divine Techniques also evolved, all reaching the second-stage level.
Among them.
The second-stage Death Root allowed Gu Qingyang to control twenty roots simultaneously, expanding his attack range and making it even sharper.
As for Vigorous Growth and Spiritual Energy Affinity, there were no changes; notably, Vigorous Growth still provided one Evolution Value daily.
However.
This indicated to Gu Qingyang that it had strengthened considerably.
Normally speaking.
The stronger one's self-strength, the less Evolution Value would be obtained, as shown when consuming zero-stage fierce beasts at the first stage.
If Vigorous Growth hadn't evolved to the second stage, it could be two days for just one Evolution Value now.
For this ability that passively enhanced him, Gu Qingyang was extremely satisfied.
Meanwhile.
The Ancient Tree Talent at the second stage also showed no overt changes, but Gu Qingyang could vaguely feel a stronger foundation.
At last.
Looking at the newly awakened Innate Divine Techniques, Gu Qingyang's heart was finally overtaken by a wave of shock.