Chen Tian waited for a long time at the Heavenly Dao Ruins before the system finally chimed: "Ding, the entire structure of the Heavenly Dao Ruins has been parsed, and a plan is being created."
Chen Tian was speechless at the system's power. The Heavenly Dao Ruins were immensely vast, far beyond Chen Tian's perception. His effective range was only a few meters, and he was severely restricted within the ruins. Fortunately, the Heavenly Dao Ruins did not reject Chen Tian; otherwise, he would have been in combat state the next second. The Heavenly Dao power within Chen Tian's body subtly countered the surrounding Heavenly Dao power. The system chimed again, and Chen Tian excitedly asked, "System, is there a way?"
"How can I find the location of that particular Heavenly Dao?"
This mission was simple for Chen Tian: all he had to do was absorb those wisps of Heavenly Dao will into his World Tree seedling, and the Heavenly Dao would naturally recover. The difficulty lay in finding the Heavenly Dao will. The longer a world existed, the more Heavenly Daos it contained. Heavenly Daos were not immortal; they simply lived far longer than sentient beings. It was even possible for them to be erased, allowing time for new Heavenly Daos to be born. The Heavenly Dao of the Divine Realm, for instance, had undergone more than ten cycles of death and rebirth before becoming what Chen Tian knew today.
"Host, there is only one method currently, but it carries risks. If you don't wish to use it, you can search slowly."
The system's tone was grave, and Chen Tian's expression changed. "What risks?"
"The risk of being attacked by a combined force of Heavenly Dao powers. The Heavenly Dao wills residing in the Heavenly Dao Ruins are currently in a dormant state. I cannot immediately sense which one is the Heavenly Dao the host needs to find. Only by awakening them one by one can this system sense the mission objective."
"However, the consequence of doing so is that the host will be surrounded and attacked by the Heavenly Daos. If the host cannot hold on, the mission will fail, as we only have two chances. Does the host wish to proceed with this task?"
Chen Tian's heart sank upon hearing the system speak of fighting Heavenly Daos, especially all the Heavenly Daos within the Heavenly Dao Ruins. He was uncertain of his own strength, having struggled against even the gatekeepers of Heavenly Dao. One Heavenly Dao was manageable, but with Chen Tian unable to use his Samsara Body, he wouldn't have been as worried. Chen Tian inquired, "System, what is the strength of the Heavenly Daos here?"
"A single Heavenly Dao would not be your match, but the Heavenly Daos will awaken together and perceive you as an intruder. If they attack in unison, your chances of winning are slim."
Chen Tian fell into contemplation upon hearing the system's assessment.
"System, how long would it take to search slowly?"
"Approximately one month."
Chen Tian decisively refused, "No, that's too long. We don't have much time left. I can already sense that something has happened at the fortress, and a more powerful existence has descended. I need to complete this quickly."
"System, I choose to execute this option. Tell me how to proceed."
Chen Tian's face was resolute. He was extremely anxious, sensing trouble at the Earth's fortress and the presence of the Evil Spirit Race's true essence. Chen Tian had learned of this through his clone, which had fallen into dormancy. Without a main force at the fortress, Chen Tian could not afford to waste time here.
"Host, fully unleash your Heavenly Dao power and guide the aura of the World Tree seedling. The aura of the World Tree seedling can accelerate the awakening of the Heavenly Daos. However, as a forbidden individual, the moment your Heavenly Dao power erupts, all surrounding Heavenly Dao wills will resist you. Host, you must be prepared."
"Understood."
Following the system's instructions, Chen Tian unleashed his Heavenly Dao power, which spread and permeated the Heavenly Dao Ruins. The aura of the World Tree seedling transformed into a stream of energy behind Chen Tian and soared into the sky. The clouds above roared intermittently, as if in anger. The entire Heavenly Dao Ruins began to shake. Chen Tian forcefully steadied himself, and in the next moment, five to six illusory figures shot out from the clouds in the sky, directly attacking Chen Tian.
These figures were the Heavenly Daos, mere residual wills. Chen Tian became serious, not daring to be careless. They only had two chances, and Chen Tian needed to stall for time. Explosions reverberated as Chen Tian clashed with the Heavenly Dao wills. Chen Tian was clearly handling four to five Heavenly Dao wills with ease, but any more, and he wouldn't last long.
Chen Tian's fists met four Heavenly Dao wills. The Heavenly Dao wills transformed into various forms: weapons, creatures, claws, and more. Chen Tian's arms and legs moved incessantly, defending and attacking. For a time, neither side could gain the upper hand. If this were to be revealed, it would shake the entire world. These were Heavenly Daos, and even their residual wills were far beyond any native beings on the Star Brilliance Continent. Yet, Chen Tian was fighting multiple Heavenly Daos with apparent ease, which was unbelievable.
Chen Tian was slightly surprised by his own strength, as if it had improved significantly. He wondered why.
Soon, Chen Tian found the reason. The World Tree seedling had gained an ability: to temporarily boost Chen Tian's strength. Chen Tian's power had increased by a hundredfold compared to before, making it much less difficult to contend with the Heavenly Dao wills.
Seeing Chen Tian's strength to resist them, more Heavenly Dao wills joined the battle in the sky. Chen Tian found himself on the defensive. With over a hundred Heavenly Dao wills attacking in unison, even a moment of carelessness would lead to his demise. Chen Tian's mind was on high alert as he inwardly called out to the system, "System, are you done yet?"
"Hold on a little longer, Host. I'll be able to locate it soon."
The system's voice entered his mind. Chen Tian trusted the system unconditionally. What choice did he have? Could he search for it himself? Wasting a month to find the Heavenly Dao will would mean the Earth would have changed drastically by then. Chen Tian did not want to waste time here.
Something unusual had happened at the fortress, and there was no main force. Chen Tian needed to return as soon as possible. The defensive barrier had become much sturdier. The attacks from the Heavenly Daos had no effect on Chen Tian's barrier, not even leaving a crack. Chen Tian's strength was improving terrifyingly and was still increasing. The World Tree had no upper limit to its growth, as long as Chen Tian's physical body could withstand the power, he could continue to grow stronger.
Chen Tian understood that immense power came at a price. This time, the World Tree seedling's activated ability came with a cost: its volume was continuously shrinking, and it was about to revert to a sprout. If this continued, Chen Tian would have wasted all his efforts in cultivating the World Tree seedling.
"Found it, Host. You can deactivate your Heavenly Dao power, and they will stop attacking you."
Chen Tian complied. As his Heavenly Dao aura dissipated, all the attacking Heavenly Dao wills ceased their assault and retreated towards the clouds in the sky. Chen Tian gasped for breath, having narrowly escaped. If he had persisted any longer, Chen Tian would have faced two outcomes: either exploding to death or his protective barrier being broken, leading to his death at the hands of the Heavenly Daos.
Chen Tian would not truly die due to the World Tree's resurrection ability.
However, Chen Tian was heartbroken! The World Tree, which he had painstakingly cultivated, had once again reverted to its sprout state. It was not easy to nurture it to sprout again.