The Twelve Paths Of Evolution

Chapter 193 — The Twelve Paths of Evolution

The enormous ancient gate slowly opened, revealing a vast valley beyond it.

Towering mountains surrounded the landscape, their peaks disappearing into the clouds. Ancient forests stretched across the valley, rivers of concentrated Origin Energy flowed between the mountains, and countless structures stood scattered throughout the region.

At the centre of everything stood twelve enormous pillars.

Each radiated a different kind of energy, and faint golden pathways extended from their bases toward distant regions of the valley.

Aether studied the scene with interest.

"So this is the Ancient Evolution Grounds."

Long Zhentian stood beside him, his golden eyes examining the surroundings. For the first time since entering the sanctuary, the ancient dragon appeared genuinely interested.

"These grounds are considerably larger than I expected. Their creators invested an enormous amount of resources into this place."

"Have you encountered something similar before?"

"Similar in purpose, perhaps. Not in scale." Long Zhentian paused before adding, "Several ancient civilizations maintained special territories for bloodline awakening and physique development. However, most were restricted to a particular race or bloodline. This place appears to accommodate many different forms of life."

Aether's expression brightened slightly.

"Then there should be plenty worth exploring."

Long Zhentian glanced at him. "I was waiting for you to say something like that."

Aether ignored the remark and activated his System.

[Analysis Complete.]

[Ancient Evolution Grounds]

[Primary Function: Physique and Bloodline Evolution.]

[Identified Evolutionary Paths: 12.]

[Condition: Partially Damaged.]

[Multiple Evolutionary Regions Detected.]

The System displayed the available paths.

• Body Tempering Path.
• Bloodline Awakening Path.
• Bloodline Compatibility Path.
• Ancestral Inheritance Path.
• Origin Energy Refinement Path.
• Combat Evolution Path.
• Soul Tempering Path.
• Elemental Evolution Path.
• Beast Evolution Path.
• Physique Evolution Path.
• Ancestral Trial Path.
• Transcendent Evolution Path.

Aether examined the information.

"These aren't twelve consecutive stages. They're separate opportunities for development."

"Correct," Long Zhentian answered. "A cultivator with a powerful physique might benefit from body tempering, while someone with an unstable bloodline would have more to gain from compatibility research. The value of each path depends on the individual."

"Which means entering every region would be a waste of time."

"An unexpectedly sensible conclusion."

Aether gave him a brief look.

"You're welcome to enter all twelve yourself."

Long Zhentian chuckled.

"I would rather watch you make questionable decisions."

Aether turned toward the valley.

"Then keep watching."

The participants quickly dispersed.

Some headed toward the Elemental Evolution Path, drawn by the intense elemental energy radiating from its distant mountains. Others gathered around the Origin Energy Refinement pillar, hoping to strengthen their cultivation.

Several cultivators formed temporary groups before entering the more dangerous regions.

Aether observed their movements.

The competition had only just begun, yet everyone was already searching for opportunities. Some would undoubtedly discover valuable resources, while others might encounter inheritances they couldn't obtain without risking their lives.

He wasn't interested in competing for every minor resource.

His priority was finding opportunities that could contribute directly to his development.

"Let's examine the Body Tempering Path first."

Long Zhentian nodded.

The Body Tempering region was located beneath a series of enormous cliffs.

Several waterfalls poured down from the mountains, their streams carrying concentrated Origin Energy. The pressure generated by the falling water was so powerful that the surrounding stone platforms had developed deep cracks.

A group of cultivators were already attempting to endure the pressure.

One young man stood beneath the first waterfall, his entire body trembling as he struggled to remain upright. Another had managed to reach the second waterfall, but his energy circulation had become unstable.

Aether watched them carefully.

"The pressure increases with each waterfall."

"Not only the pressure," Long Zhentian explained. "The energy becomes increasingly refined. The deeper sections can strengthen the body and improve its ability to withstand Origin Energy, but the pressure will punish anyone whose foundation is insufficient."

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Aether looked toward the highest waterfall.

"Could it strengthen my physique?"

"Potentially. However, your physique is unusual. Ordinary body-tempering methods may not produce the same results for you."

Aether nodded.

He wasn't going to enter blindly.

The System confirmed that the waterfall contained energy compatible with his Infinite Origin Physique. However, it also detected that the deeper sections contained additional characteristics that hadn't yet been identified.

Aether memorized the location.

"Keep this place in mind. We'll return after examining the other opportunities."

Long Zhentian gave a small nod.

The Bloodline Awakening Path led into an ancient forest.

Unlike the waterfalls, this region was unusually quiet. Enormous trees covered the landscape, their roots extending deep underground. Faint auras lingered between the branches, some weak and others powerful enough to make the surrounding Origin Energy tremble.

The young Earth Dragon raised her head.

"This forest contains many ancient beast auras. Some of them are incredibly old."

Nyx moved ahead, sniffing the air before suddenly stopping beside an ancient tree.

Her ears stood upright.

Aether noticed the change.

"Found something?"

Nyx gave a short sound and looked toward the tree.

The mysterious Origin Mark on her body began glowing faintly.

Aether immediately approached and placed his palm against the bark.

[Ancient Bloodline Resonance Detected.]

[Source: Concealed within the Ancient Tree.]

[Compatibility: Unable to Determine.]

[Bloodline Information: Incomplete.]

Aether's eyes narrowed.

The tree appeared ordinary at first glance, but its roots extended far deeper than its visible size suggested. A faint silver light travelled through its bark, responding to Nyx's Origin Mark.

Long Zhentian examined it carefully.

"This isn't an ordinary bloodline nourishment tree. It appears to preserve traces of ancient bloodline auras."

"Can it help Nyx?"

"Possibly. But I wouldn't recommend activating it without understanding its condition. Whatever remains inside that tree has been preserved for a very long time."

Aether withdrew his hand.

"Then we'll investigate it later."

Nyx looked at him for a moment before following his movement.

Nearby, Kiyomi had discovered a patch of unusual flowers. Tiny lights floated above their petals, attracting her attention.

She carefully approached one and turned toward Aether.

He examined it through the System.

[Ancient Spirit Blossom.]

[Properties: Origin Energy Nourishment and Bloodline Stabilization.]

[Quality: High.]

Aether collected several blossoms.

"Good discovery."

Kiyomi's nine tails swayed gently.

The young dragon looked at the flowers.

"These are useful, but the deeper parts of this forest should contain better resources."

"Then we'll have to explore deeper when we have time."

Aether stored the flowers.

The Ancient Evolution Grounds were already proving worthwhile.

Meanwhile, the other participants continued making progress.

At the Origin Energy Refinement Path, a young woman completed her first refinement cycle, successfully condensing her previously unstable energy.

At the Ancestral Inheritance Path, three cultivators discovered an ancient chamber. Only one managed to withstand its initial examination, while the other two were rejected.

Farther away, a group entering the Combat Evolution Path encountered an ancient stone guardian. Their cooperation allowed them to overcome its first challenge, earning access to a deeper training area.

Not every participant was succeeding, but the grounds were offering genuine opportunities to those capable of obtaining them.

Aether watched the distant activity before turning toward the tenth pillar.

The Physique Evolution Path.

"Now, this is what I came to see."

The Physique Evolution region was surrounded by an enormous circular structure.

At its centre stood a raised stone platform. Twelve smaller pillars surrounded it, connected by intricate golden lines carved into the ground.

Unlike the other regions, there were very few cultivators nearby.

Aether approached the platform.

[Physique Evolution Assessment Platform.]

[Primary Functions:]

[Physical Foundation Assessment.]

[Physique Characteristic Analysis.]

[Origin Energy Control Evaluation.]

[Evolutionary Compatibility Testing.]

[Condition: Operational.]

[Warning: Existing Classification Framework May Be Insufficient for Certain Physiques.]

Aether read the final notification twice.

"Interesting."

Long Zhentian studied the structure.

"This platform doesn't merely measure physical strength. It examines the underlying characteristics of a physique and determines which evolutionary methods might benefit its owner."

"Can it recommend an evolution path?"

"If its records are intact, yes. However, I doubt its original creators anticipated every possible physique."

Aether smiled.

"Then let's see whether it can understand mine."

He stepped onto the platform.

The moment his foot touched its surface, the twelve surrounding pillars illuminated simultaneously.

A wave of energy spread through the structure.

[Assessment Initiated.]

[Physical Foundation: Analyzing...]

[Physique Characteristics: Analyzing...]

[Origin Energy Control: Analyzing...]

[Compatibility Evaluation: Initiating...]

Aether remained still as the platform's energy entered his body.

It examined his physical foundation, traced the circulation of his Origin Energy and attempted to identify the characteristics of his Infinite Origin Physique.

For several moments, the process continued normally.

Then the light changed.

The golden illumination turned brilliant white, and the twelve pillars began vibrating.

[Unknown Physique Structure Detected.]

[Classification Attempt: Failed.]

[Existing Evolutionary Records: Insufficient.]

[Attempting Alternative Assessment...]

Aether felt the platform's energy withdraw slightly before entering his body again through a different pattern.

This time, it didn't attempt to classify his physique.

Instead, it separated its examination into individual characteristics.

The first pillar illuminated.

Then the second.

Aether could feel the platform examining his physical foundation, energy circulation and internal compatibility independently.

However, before the remaining pillars could activate, the entire structure suddenly stopped.

A deep mechanical rumble echoed beneath the platform.

[Assessment Interrupted.]

[Primary Evaluation Framework: Incomplete.]

[Secondary Evaluation Framework: Dormant.]

[Ancient Physique Records: Partially Sealed.]

Aether opened his eyes.

"So it isn't completely operational."

Long Zhentian approached the platform, his expression becoming serious.

"Look at the lines beneath your feet."

Several golden markings had appeared that weren't visible before. They formed a second pattern beneath the original structure, extending toward a sealed stone door behind the platform.

The ancient dragon examined it closely.

"This structure has two evaluation systems. The first handles ordinary assessments. The second appears to be reserved for unusual physiques that cannot be properly classified."

Aether looked toward the sealed door.

"And the second system is dormant."

"Precisely. Your assessment may have triggered it, but the damaged framework prevented it from activating."

Aether studied the newly revealed markings.

The System responded.

[Hidden Evaluation Framework Detected.]

[Activation Condition: Incomplete.]

[Required: Restoration of the Secondary Energy Channel.]

[Location: Beneath the Assessment Platform.]

[Additional Records: Sealed.]

Aether's expression became interested.

There was more to this platform than its initial assessment function.

He stepped down and examined the ground.

"Can you identify the damaged channel?"

Long Zhentian crouched beside the markings and carefully traced their direction.

"Yes. It leads beneath the platform. But the structure is ancient, and some of its internal channels have deteriorated. Repairing it without understanding the entire circulation pattern could damage the remaining system."

Aether nodded.

"Then we'll examine it before touching anything."

He looked once more at the sealed door.

The Ancient Evolution Grounds had already revealed something unexpected.

The creators had designed a separate evaluation system for physiques that their ordinary methods couldn't understand.

And his Infinite Origin Physique had been enough to awaken its dormant traces.

Aether's lips curved upward.

"Long Zhentian, it seems we've found our first real opportunity."

The ancient dragon looked at him.

"Or our first complicated problem."

"What's the difference?"

Long Zhentian sighed.

"Sometimes, Young Master, I wonder whether you deliberately search for trouble."

Aether turned toward the concealed passage.

"Only when the trouble is worth something."

Together, they began examining the damaged energy channel.

Behind the sealed door, faint golden lights slowly flickered to life.

Something ancient had begun responding to the presence of a physique it had never encountered before.