Evolution Begins With A Big Tree

Chapter 915, The Bloodline of the Black Tortoise

Translator:  Ashish

Translation Checker: Silavin

The Black Tortoise, as one of the Sacred Spirits, was a terrifying creature that surpassed Gods, Dragons, and other higher Races.

In previous eras, and even epochs long past, the most famous of these Sacred Spirits were none other than the Azure Dragon, the Phoenix, the Black Tortoise, and the Golden Crow (the three-legged bird), among others.

Not to mention Yu Zi Yu’s Azure Dragon Form that bore the power of Vitality, just the Black Tortoise alone was quite extraordinary.

Also known as Xuan Ming, the Black Tortoise was hailed as the ‘God of Water,’ born with the Principle of Water. Given time, reaching the rank of Hegemon was almost guaranteed.

Now, even though Spirit Turtle in front of Yu Zi Yu was not an Innate Sacred Spirit, since he had to awaken his Black Tortoise Bloodline, advancing to Tier-5 was already a matter of course.

After all, he carried the Black Tortoise Bloodline. If he even struggled to break through to Tier-5, it would have put the title of Sacred Spirit to shame.

With a shadow of smile tugging at the corner of his lips, Yu Zi Yu narrowed his eyes slightly.

In a moment, his gaze, seemingly transcending time and space, landed on Spirit Turtle deep within the Spiritual Energy storm.

There stood a colossal beast—a union of Turtle and Serpent, its turtle body bellowing, while the serpent head hissed.

In each roar and hiss, a strange rhythm echoed through the air. Upon closer inspection, black streams could be seen coiling around Spirit Turtle, swirling and rising.

[Its Bloodline seems to have been fully awakened…] Softly chuckling, Yu Zi Yu’s gaze sharpened.

At that moment, countless inscriptions appeared in his vision:

Race: Black Tortoise
Rank: Tier-5

Innate Talent: Absolute Mastery of Water’s Gentle Nature — Through awakening the sacred Black Tortoise Bloodline, it possesses supreme command over water. At its gentlest, it can coax rivers to flow; at its most intense, it can overturn entire seas. Most fearsome is its control over water’s gentle nature, which can neutralize any incoming force.

Unique Abilities:

Dark Shield — Condenses a powerful black shield that can block any attack.

Damage Mitigation — The Black Tortoise’s unique physiology significantly reduces the impact of attacks, providing up to 40% damage reduction.

Water of the Heavenly River — With a single roar, it can summon torrents of celestial water from above.

Limb Regeneration — If severely injured, it can regenerate limbs by drawing on Spiritual Energy.

Innate Divine Ability: Black Tortoise Shield — Without requiring refinement, the Black Tortoise’s shell stands among the strongest shields known. When infused with Spiritual Energy, it can expand to an enormous size, reaching skyward to block any attack, embodying an unparalleled defense.

—

[Not bad, quite impressive…] Praising secretly in his heart, Yu Zi Yu’s smile grew more pronounced.

[Wow, just as I’m about to leave, such an exceptional seedling has appeared out of nowhere. While Spirit Turtle isn’t particularly strong in terms of raw power, when it comes to defense, he is truly unparalleled. I reckon that even experts of the Harmonization Realm would find it challenging to shake Spirit Turtle.

With some polish, he could serve as the Demon Court’s shield, safeguarding it for centuries. If all else fails, couldn’t he just hunker down like a real Turtle? And everyone else could retreat within his shell?]

Of course, this was just a thought.

Given Spirit Turtle’s strength, the Divine Ability—Black Tortoise Shield could likely be used only a few times.

As powerful as he was, he lacked ample stamina, making him unreliable in long term attrition.

However, what Yu Zi Yu did not know was that even if Spirit Turtle’s Innate Divine Ability—Black Tortoise Shield could not be used frequently, his shell alone boasted an absurd level of defense. It was not something the average Tier-5 expert could easily injure.

In fact, the day would come when many powerful members of the Demon Court would have their corner of eyes involuntarily twitch, glancing at Spirit Turtle cloaked in his shell.

…

Time passed slowly.

After half a day, the Spiritual Energy storm gradually dissipated.

At this moment, just as Yu Zi Yu was about to speak to Spirit Turtle, who had nearly completed his breakthrough, Spirit Turtle’s deep voice resonated through the air, “Thanks to Lord Divine Tree’s favor, I was fortunate enough to reach Tier-5…”

With that, Spirit Turtle continued, “I am deeply grateful and willing to serve you with all my strength…”

“Well, well…” Amused, Yu Zi Yu’s expression grew slightly playful.

[This guy is pledging loyalty in front of so many powerful figures. This is not a bad thing. A sensible follower is always better than one who isn’t.]

Besides, now that Spirit Turtle had reached Tier-5, he was qualified to earn Yu Zi Yu’s attention.

Smiling, Yu Zi Yu spoke slowly, “Now that you have reached Tier-5, you shall be granted a status equal to that of the Ten Divine Beasts… and will receive the highest rank and privileges within the Demon Court…”

With that, Yu Zi Yu’s voice grew serious as he commanded, “Spirit Turtle, listen to my orders…”

“At your command…” The Colossal Turtle circling in the sky responded, eyes burning with excitement.

“From this day forth, you shall serve as the Admiral of the Demon Court’s Navy, entrusted with the command of a hundred thousand troops. You will guard the Demon Court’s peace, steadfastly securing its legacy for a hundred generations…”

“Thank you, Lord Divine Tree…” Spirit Turtle’s voice brimmed with exhilaration, a look of pure joy on his face.

[Military power—I actually hold military power now. For so long, what I desired most was the authority to command, to stand at the very peak. And now… I’ve finally obtained it.] But then, as he remembered something, a sheepish grin crossed his face.

He recalled that, not long ago, he had boasted to a friend that he wished to become an Admiral, in charge of a hundred thousand troops.

Yet now, Lord Divine Tree had repeated it, word for word, without the slightest change.

“Uh…” Spirit Turtle felt a rush of realization, a deeper understanding of what Yu Zi Yu had once said: ‘The Nine Realms is but parts of my body—nothing can be hidden from me.’

“So, Lord Divine Tree spoke the truth…” A shiver ran through him as he thought this, feeling both awe and relief.

He was awed by the terrifying power of Lord Divine Tree and relieved that he had never uttered any rebellious words.

…

Meanwhile, Yu Zi Yu paid no mind to Spirit Turtle’s thoughts.

Since Spirit Turtle had reached Tier-5, he would grant him the rewards he deserved.

The only thing he required from him was loyalty. Complete loyalty.

As long as he remained loyal to Yu Zi Yu and the Demon Court, everything was fine.