"Where is my son Tony?!"
The moment the Clark Family Patriarch’s voice echoed throughout the gathering grounds, the previously festive atmosphere immediately became tense.
Moments ago countless disciples had been celebrating their breakthroughs into the Lord Warrior stage while elders and ancestors praised the younger generation for surviving the World Tree trials. Now all of that excitement vanished.
The Clark Family members began searching the crowd once more while anxiety slowly spread through their ranks.
The Imperial Family elders exchanged glances before several of them smirked openly. King Jamie stood with a cold expression while Mark Smith’s face showed no attempt to hide his satisfaction. The loss of his qualification for the World Tree Blessing remained the greatest humiliation of his life.
"Perhaps your son became too greedy and died inside the inheritance grounds," one Imperial elder said with a faint laugh.
Another immediately added, "Such things happen frequently inside ancient inheritances. Young people become blinded by opportunities and forget their limits."
Several Imperial Family members chuckled quietly. T
he Clark Family elders immediately became furious. Some even placed their hands upon their weapons.
The atmosphere became increasingly dangerous until a familiar voice suddenly interrupted the gathering.
"Father, there is no need to worry." Everyone immediately turned toward Leo Clark. The young man had already received the World Tree Blessing and successfully entered the Lord Warrior stage. His aura was far stronger than before.
Leo calmly looked toward his father and said, "Brother might still be receiving the World Tree inheritance. He entered the trials much earlier than everyone else. If he became the inheritor, it makes sense that he has not appeared yet."
The words immediately caused an uproar. World Tree inheritance? The possibility had not crossed most people’s minds.
The Clark Family Patriarch’s eyes brightened slightly.
Ancestor Long also nodded slowly. "The boy is correct. Think about it carefully. Every disciple who died inside the dream realm had their physical body expelled long ago. If something truly happened to Tony Clark, his body should already be outside the World Tree. Since he has not appeared, there is only one reasonable explanation."
Ancestor Long looked toward the gigantic World Tree while stroking his beard. "The fellow might still be inside receiving a reward."
The Imperial Family members, however, looked considerably less pleased after hearing the explanation.
*************************
Meanwhile deep within the inheritance space...
Tony Clark stood in wait for his turn.
The inheritance itself belonged to Emma Stone, but according to their agreement, Tony would still receive the greatest blessing the World Tree could provide along with several treasures as compensation.
As the world tree spirit raised hands, endless streams of pure World Tree energy poured into his body.
His cultivation surged upward at an astonishing speed.
Peak Grandmaster... Half-step Lord Warrior... Early Lord Warrior... Middle Lord Warrior. Late Lord Warrior... Peak Lord Warrior.
The energy continued rising before finally slowing as it reached Early Overlord Warrior Rank.
Tony immediately frowned. "That’s it? Same like Emma?"
The World Tree Spirit’s eye twitched. "That’s it? You crossed an entire major realm and entered the Overlord stage in one session."
Tony looked genuinely disappointed. "Emma also reached Early Overlord stage."
The World Tree Spirit nearly lost her temper. "Emma is the inheritor!"
Tony folded his arms. "Exactly. Yet we reached the same stage. Doesn’t that mean my blessing is a little weak?"
The spirit stared at him in disbelief. "Your cultivation foundation is much stronger than hers. The blessing is still refining your body. Once your cultivation stabilizes, your future growth rate will surpass ordinary geniuses several times over."
Tony finally looked satisfied. "That sounds better."
The spirit immediately waved her hand before he could ask for additional compensation.
Several treasures appeared before him in midair.
A massive black throne carved from ancient dragon crystals descended first. Crimson runes covered its surface while two dragon heads decorated the armrests.
"Flying Dragon Throne. Supreme Rank Treasure. Capable of flight, defense, and long-distance travel. It automatically absorbs spiritual energy to remain active."
Tony’s eyes immediately brightened.
The second treasure appeared. A crystal vial containing thick golden liquid.
"Dragon Bone Essence. Supreme Rank Resource. Refines bones, increases physical strength, and improves bloodline compatibility."
Then came a jade talisman covered in emerald symbols. "World Tree Guardian Talisman. One-time life-saving treasure. If you receive a fatal attack below Emperor Rank, it will protect your life."
Tony quickly grabbed it. He liked life-saving treasures more than offensive treasures.
Finally, the spirit produced a silver pendant containing a tiny green leaf. "Leaf of Eternal Vitality. It slowly restores injuries and extends lifespan."
Tony nodded repeatedly. "Not bad. Not bad at all."
The World Tree Spirit sighed in relief.
"By the way, can you give me any treasure which you don’t have any use for..." Tony asked with a cheeky smile.
The world tree spirit’s face turned red as she couldn’t believe her eyes. His request is really absurd. "What nonsense are you asking for? Every treasure is useful as I can share them to future inheritors!"
"No... no... you are misunderstanding me. I am asking for any useless things you have... like unidentified item or mysterious things even you don’t know how to use... etc.," Tony explained with a scholarly look.
The world tree spirit stared at him with contempt. "Here... Take this ring. It contains all the waste and broken treasures of the World tree. I have no use with them."
*************************
Meanwhile outside, another commotion was unfolding.
Natasha, Peak Master of the Healing Tower is the reason for this commotion. She asked for her personal disciple Emma. But nobody has an answer. Her eyes swept across the gathering before stopping on Lily Frost.
"Where is my disciple Emma?" she asked.
Lily immediately stepped forward respectfully. "Master, Emma entered the third trial along with me."
Natasha frowned. "But you came out, what happened to Emma?"
Lily smiled bitterly. "I failed the trial."
Natasha became surprised. Lily rarely admitted defeat so openly.
Lily continued, "The final trial was different. I failed and was removed. Emma continued onward. She might have passed and still be receiving rewards from the spirit."
Natasha slowly nodded. Her eyes turned toward the World Tree. "Then she truly obtained a great opportunity."
Before the discussion could continue, Ancestor Long suddenly shifted topics.
His sharp gaze landed upon the Bald Monk.
"Little monk, there is something I wish to clarify."