Beastmaster King

"The Six-Path Reincarnation God?"

Though the mechanical robots couldn't confirm its identity based on legends, Director Lin En immediately ascended into the air, addressing Six-Path Flower as such.

The God of Six-Path Reincarnation might've been recorded as deceased, but could mere humans truly know the fates of Legendary beings? Myths weren't necessarily factual. Plenty of Legendary beings possessed resurrection abilities.

Still, the claims of Six-Path Flower and the Void Leaf's deaths weren't baseless. At the very least, humanity knew that while both had been active during the war, neither appeared in the later Legendary War between Beast Gods and Plant Gods after the Ten Thousand Year Agreement. The Divine Tree had fought alongside newborn Plant Gods instead.

"The Six-Path Reincarnation God? Impossible—it died long ago."

The island's researchers reacted with varying degrees of shock. This god wasn't just any god but a founding figure of the Plant God faction, the Divine Tree's comrade-in-arms.

"It is I." Six-Path Flower sat atop the Wooden Asura's shoulder while facing Director Lin En, an Epic-Legendary mechanic, without flinching.

Its identity was genuine. Although its current species rank and level paled in comparison to its historical peak, its knowledge and insight far surpassed Lin En's. During its tenure as the Beastmaster Empire's guardian sacred beast, it witnessed countless Epic-Legendary emperors. Whether the Yan Emperor or the Yun Emperor, all had addressed it as their elder. Only that bastard Lu Ran treated it like a nobody.

"It's really..." Director Lin En's mind reeled.

More researchers gathered, standing off against Six-Path Flower.

Honestly, Six-Path Flower would've preferred stealing over bargaining. With Lu Ran's Time Acceleration and its Limit Breaker ability, it could briefly unleash Low-Legendary power at level 100. However, the resource vault likely had self-destruct mechanisms. Forcibly taking the goods risked incomplete success, making rash action unwise.

Faced with Six-Path Flower's confirmation, the crowd fell silent. They were unsure why the Six-Path Reincarnation God had returned from death and why it would come to Divine Island.

"Your Majesty, Six-Path Reincarnation God, might I inquire about your purpose in visiting Divine Island?" Director Lin En spoke respectfully.

Since Six-Path Flower showed no hostility, he dared not offend it, especially with the republic still lacking combat capabilities.

Six-Path Flower gazed at Lin En. "Do not worry. I have no interest in your research. I've come only to retrieve one item."

"Retrieve... one item? What might that be, Your Majesty?" Lin En blinked.

Six-Path Flower replied, "The blood of the Chaos Dragon God. I know you possess it. Do not lie. I despise deception."

Lin En's heart clenched.

The Chaos Dragon God's blood?

"The Divine Research Institute does indeed house the Chaos Dragon God's blood. May I ask your purpose?"

"Hmph... Very well, I'll enlighten you.

"In my past life, I battled the Chaos Dragon God and its Beast God legion relentlessly, perishing in the war. Through the power of reincarnation and an old friend's divine energy, I've only now revived in this era. During my slumber, I devoted every moment to mastering dragon-slaying techniques. I've come to claim my old foe's spoils to strengthen my own dragon-slaying skills and hasten my return to peak power, or perhaps even surpass it.

"The divine blood is volatile and is infused with the Dragon God's essence. You likely obtained it by chance and are utterly incapable of wielding it. Hand it over. During the Legendary War, countless human experts fought alongside the plant faction against the Beast Gods. As their descendants, I wish to engage with you amicably. Do not scheme."

The researchers, drenched in cold sweat, collectively exhaled in relief. Most of them felt immense relief after learning that Six-Path Flower's intentions were to only seek a resource.

Director Lin En bowed. "Apologies, Your Majesty. This matter exceeds my authority. Might you grant me some time? The Primary Divine's blood is under multiple seals. Only with the Republic's three highest authorities' simultaneous approval can it be retrieved."

Six-Path Flower frowned. "How tedious. Out of respect for the Flower God, I'll give you until this hourglass empties to deliver the Primary Divine's blood."

With a wave, it conjured a plant-based hourglass.

"Understood." Lin En turned and left.

Although he could've retrieved the blood alone, the stakes demanded consultation. Moreover, something about the Six-Path Reincarnation God's revival felt off, but he couldn't pinpoint what.

Soon, only the researchers remained.

Dr. Cheng Kong placed a hand on Lu Ran's shoulder. "Don't be afraid. As things stand, the situation isn't dire. Leave the rest to Director Lin En and the others."

Lu Ran nodded like a chick pecking corn.

Six-Path Flower, you can do this! Stay steady!

***

Virtual Mechanical World.

Upon entering, Director Lin En found two other humanoid consciousnesses awaiting him. They were the Sword Holder of Stellar Moon and the republic's current ruler.

"Sister Tang, Old An, what are your thoughts?" Lin En's expression was grave.

The young female consciousness responded calmly, "I'm aware of the situation. The Six-Path Reincarnation God's return... My intuition says it's not as simple as it seems."

"During the Divine Tree era, humanity's top forces did ally with the plant faction. But fundamentally, humans were merely their subordinates," the elderly robot-form consciousness added.

"This is the Republic's era now. We can't keep treating the plant faction as our superiors."

Lin En pondered. "Are you suggesting we refuse? But the Six-Path Reincarnation God isn't just any god. It's a war veteran and a figure revered by the Plant Gods. Behind it stands the Divine Tree."

The old man sighed. "Who said we're refusing? If it's truly the Six-Path Reincarnation God, even if we tell it no, it'll take it by force. For a Primary Divine being's blood that we can't even study, antagonizing such a being isn't worth it during the republic's rapid development."

"But what if it's an impostor? What if handing over the blood triggers disastrous consequences?"

"Among the thousands of races, many excel at disguise. Old Lin, think of it as bullying the weak but fearing the strong. The republic can bow temporarily to true power to avoid annihilation, but not to petty frauds. Recall that during the Divine Tree era, an Overlord Nine-Tailed Illusion Fox once posed as a Legendary being, deceiving multiple cities. Its true form couldn't even defeat a Legendary beastmaster, yet its disguised Legendary-rank fox form fooled an Epic-Legendary plantmaster.

"The Six-Path Reincarnation God's revival is too fantastical. If real, it would shake the entire Stellar Moon World. Legends say its potential rivals the Divine Tree's. However, perhaps this god is just another impostor. The odds of that are higher than its genuine return."

"Sister Tang, the judgment falls to you." The old man looked at the woman.

"Although I loathe relying on this and wish to entrust the nation's future entirely to human discernment, we have no choice. After this, you'll replenish the expended energy."

The woman waved her arm, summoning a mirror-like mechanical device.

[Name: Oracle Machine]

[Grade: Legendary]

[Description: A unique machine crafted from extraterrestrial mechanical resources. It harnesses cosmic energy to bypass worldly restrictions, possessing divination, identification, and guidance capabilities. Requires massive energy to operate.]

"Oracle Machine, is the Six-Path Reincarnation God on Divine Island real?"

The trio focused on the machine. Simultaneously, the reflection zoomed out past land, sky, and stars to a distant celestial body where an enormous, metallic silver serpent coiled around a planet like a cosmic beast, deep in slumber. Suddenly, faint silver light flickered across its scales, though the change didn't rouse it.

After a long pause, the Oracle Machine displayed a single character.

"Real."

The trio's eyes widened.

It's real! The Six-Path Reincarnation God has truly returned!

Although its identity was confirmed, the woman hesitated before asking another question.

"Oracle Machine, if we surrender the Primary Divine's blood to the Six-Path Reincarnation God, will it benefit or harm the republic's development?"

"Neither benefit nor harm will come from this."

The three of them were confused.

What kind of answer is that?

As the woman prepared to press further, Lin En stopped her. "Two questions have drained enough energy already. If it's real, let's not overthink it."

"Fine," the woman relented.

***

Outside.

After a long wait, Director Lin En finally emerged, holding a spherical stone.

"Your Majesty, after discussions with the republic's other leaders, I've retrieved the Primary Divine's blood. This orb is the spatial construct of an Epic-Legendary powerhouse, with ten additional seals inside. Only this can suppress the blood's divine nature. We now entrust it to you, hoping it aids in your breakthrough."

The container floated towards Six-Path Flower, who accepted it impassively before nodding slightly. "Efficient enough. From what I've seen, your research is interesting. When time permits, I might assist you. Now, I'll take my leave."

With the most valuable prize secured, Six-Path Flower departed, leaving behind relieved researchers and a teeth-gritting Lu Ran.

"Did the Six-Path Reincarnation God just say it might help us research artificial gods?"

"Probably just pleasantries..."

"Most likely... That flower isn't generous."

Having seen the Oracle Machine's response, Lin En knew surrendering the blood brought neither gain nor loss. However, losing a Primary Divine's blood was a tangible blow.

"Everyone, disperse. What transpired here today remains confidential."

With that, Lin En returned to the institute's headquarters.

Dr. Cheng Kong instructed Lu Ran to take Sudden Death King back to the lab to rest and recover. By now, Lu Ran was drenched in sweat. Upon returning, his body went limp, his brain losing control over his limbs. He couldn't even blink voluntarily. If not for having mimicked the Evil God's Eye before, he'd be completely blind now.

I've... become vegetative?

This was Lu Ran's sole thought.

While Six-Path Flower had been waiting, an overwhelming force had attempted to analyze its existence. Lu Ran's Time Shield skill passively resisted but failed, robbing him of body control.

"The fuck? What just happened? Was the Stellar Moon Republic using some supreme power to verify Six-Path Flower's authenticity? How did Time Shield fail? Six-Path Flower tested it itself. Even it couldn't detect me, Captain Doofus, or the others while it was active. No ordinary Legendary power should be able to penetrate it.

"Wait, I get it. Limitless City! It's Limitless City! This time, I obtained Legendary blood, the Flame of Life, and so many rare resources... That cheapskate Limitless City couldn't stand it and had to punish me before leaving by locking my account. Last time it manifested an Intermediate Legendary to fight me. This time, it didn't even bother pretending. It just randomly turned me vegetative..."

Soon, Six-Path Flower also returned to Lu Ran's side, only to find him, Sudden Death King, and a panicked #18 in the room—all paralyzed.

What the hell happened?

"Wuwuwu,I don't know either," #18 wept.

"Six-Path Flower, I'm finished..." Lu Ran wept as well.

He already had #18 test it. Even the Legendary Flame of Life couldn't heal him.

What now? Can the Divine Deer or Divine Turtle help?

Before Six-Path Flower could process the situation further, Limitless City's voice echoed in Lu Ran's ears.

[Secret realm concluded. Returning...]