Chapter 74 - 75: Red Investment Level, Great Annihilation Technique!

Chapter 74: Chapter 75: Red Investment Level, Great Annihilation Technique!

Taking in the scenery around him, Nolan Mercer struggled to contain the excitement surging in his heart.

But when he raised his head and looked ahead, his pupils suddenly contracted. His heart trembled.

A towering mountain stood before him, majestic and awe-inspiring.

Its upper half disappeared into the clouds and mist. Grand pavilions could be seen among the peaks, their solemn and magnificent structures giving the place the air of a heavenly realm.

"Is this where I’ll live from now on?"

Nolan stared at the mountain in disbelief.

During their journey, Ethan Mercer had already told him about the Clan Head’s achievements. He had also explained that Crownfall Mountain had become the new stronghold of the Mercer Family.

Yet seeing it with his own eyes still left him stunned.

"Come on. It’s time to head up."

Ethan’s voice pulled Nolan out of his thoughts.

Nolan steadied himself and looked back at Crownfall Mountain. A deep sense of anticipation filled his eyes.

...

Meanwhile.

Crownfall Mountain, Mercer Family Great Hall.

Julian Mercer sat cross-legged on the floor. His aura surged around him, releasing waves of powerful energy that made the air tremble.

After a long while, he slowly opened his eyes. His deep gaze carried an imposing majesty.

Feeling the vast Origin Power flowing through his body, a faint smile appeared on his face.

He had reached the Eighth Stage of the Origin Sea Realm!

In only a few days, through his own cultivation and the feedback from the combined strength of the entire family, he had advanced three minor stages.

He had gone from the Fifth Stage of the Origin Sea Realm to the Eighth Stage!

Moreover, according to Julian’s estimate, at his current rate of progress, he would reach the Star Wheel Realm within a month at most.

Those who reached the Star Wheel Realm possessed strength far beyond that of Origin Sea Realm cultivators. They were known as True Masters and enjoyed great respect among ordinary people.

Such powerhouses were renowned throughout Crownspire Province. Countless people held them in high regard.

Even factions with Moon Wheel Realm Ancestors overseeing them would treat a Star Wheel Realm powerhouse with respect. Few would dare offend one without good reason.

His cultivation was not the only thing that had improved.

Julian had also made progress in the Sword Dao.

Although he had yet to comprehend the Sword Heart and reach the Sword Grandmaster realm, he had already brought his Perfected Sword Intent to its flawless peak. He had even touched the threshold of condensing the Sword Heart.

For an ordinary cultivator, crossing that threshold could prove impossible for an entire lifetime. Many remained trapped at the Perfected Sword Intent level until the end of their days.

Even geniuses with outstanding talent might need several years, or more than a decade, to make that breakthrough.

As for Julian...

He had spent a full ten days struggling to cross that threshold.

Only after those ten days had he finally comprehended the Sword Heart and reached the Sword Grandmaster realm.

Julian could not help but sigh.

The path of the Sword Dao was long, and the road ahead was still arduous.

Just as he was reflecting on his progress and the changes in his body, a Mercer Family guard stationed outside the hall entered.

"Reporting to the Clan Head. Ethan Mercer has returned with the members of the Quenton branch family. They are waiting outside the hall. Would you like to receive them?"

Julian gathered his thoughts and shifted his gaze.

"Let them in."

"Yes, Clan Head."

The guard cupped his fists, then turned and left the Great Hall.

Before long, footsteps sounded from the entrance.

Julian was about to rise when the System’s notification suddenly rang in his mind!

[Ding! A Red-Level family member has been discovered. The host may initiate an investment.]

Red Level?

A trace of surprise appeared in Julian’s eyes.

The two Destiny-level members currently in the Mercer Family had only reached the Gold level.

What remarkable qualities did this new family member possess to receive a Red investment rating?

Curious, Julian slowly stood from his straw mat and turned toward the entrance.

At that moment, Nolan entered the Great Hall behind Ethan. His heart was filled with nervousness.

He raised his head and happened to meet Julian’s gaze.

Their eyes met.

Julian’s deep eyes seemed to see through everything. Under that gaze, Nolan felt his heart tighten.

For some reason, a strange sensation rose from deep within him.

It felt as though Julian had seen through him completely, leaving none of his secrets hidden.

Is this the Clan Head? Why does he feel even more terrifying than the rumors described?

Overwhelmed by the pressure, Nolan lowered his head. He no longer dared to meet Julian’s eyes.

Meanwhile, Julian paid little attention to Nolan’s reaction. His focus had shifted to the illusory panel before him.

[Name: Nolan Mercer]

[Realm: Ninth Stage of the Bone Tempering Realm]

[Aptitude: Low Grade]

[Comprehension: Prodigy]

[Luck: Red (Turns Misfortune into Fortune)]

[Physique: Mortal Physique]

[Fated Opportunity: Reincarnation of the incomplete artifact spirit of a mysterious supreme treasure. Has obtained the inheritance of the Yellow Springs Great Emperor and mastered the Yellow Springs Demonic Art. Can plunder the essence, energy, and spirit of others to nourish himself and accelerate his cultivation.]

As he examined Nolan’s impressive panel, Julian raised an eyebrow.

He had not expected a family member with Red-Level Destiny to possess such poor natural aptitude.

Even across the entire Crownfall Mercer Family, fewer than five people had bone aptitude as poor as Nolan’s.

After all, ninety-nine percent of the family members possessed average bone aptitude, the standard of an ordinary person.

Yet Nolan’s Comprehension was astonishingly high. It had reached the Prodigy level.

Even Adrian Mercer, who had already undergone a complete transformation, possessed only this level of Comprehension.

That alone showed how exceptional Nolan’s talent in this regard was.

However, what caught Julian’s attention most was the Yellow Springs Demonic Art.

His expression grew strange as he read its description.

A Demonic Art that allowed its user to plunder the essence, energy, and spirit of others to nourish his own cultivation...

If word of such a technique spread, the consequences would be unimaginable.

Nolan might end up treating countless cultivators as prey. He would become an enemy of the world, drawing the wrath of countless factions and inviting them to hunt him down.

Yet despite understanding the danger, Julian had no intention of interfering or asking Nolan to abandon the Yellow Springs Demonic Art and cultivate another technique.

Every family member had their own path to follow.

Julian had no desire to interfere with that choice.

As his thoughts settled, the System’s notification rang again.

[Ding! Investing in the current target can trigger a Red-Level return.]

[Invest one wisp of Golden Crow Qi to obtain one wisp of Sword Saint power.]

[Invest one Profound Heaven Golden Pill to obtain the special physique: Innate Sword Body.]

[Invest one Earth-Rank, Top-Grade cultivation technique, Great Sun Body Refining Art, to obtain the special Divine Ability: Great Annihilation Technique.]

[Invest one Earth-Rank, Top-Grade martial technique, Purple Thunder Palm, to obtain the special physique: Thunder Spirit Body.]

Looking at the list of valuable rewards, Julian smiled.

He withdrew his gaze from the panel and looked at the branch family members standing before him.