Alex stood before the ancient tree and quietly observed it.

The massive creature had remained rooted in this region for more than two million years. Surrounding it were eight other trees of the same species. While they were smaller, each one had still lived for over a million years. They were not ordinary plants. They were tree type soul beasts that possessed intelligence and self awareness comparable to any living creature.

Because they spent their lives disguised as ordinary vegetation, they had managed to survive countless dangers that would have exterminated other soul beasts long ago. Their nature allowed them to remain hidden while the world around them constantly changed.

Alex slowly raised his head and looked directly at the oldest tree.

"Tell me something," he said calmly. "During your lifetime, have you ever encountered a soul beast that was more than ten million years old?"

As he spoke, a terrifying pressure descended upon the tree.

The entire region trembled as Alex released his aura. The ancient tree had already been dragged into his personal domain, where every law and every strand of energy existed under his control. Even though Alex was not intentionally harming it, the pressure was enough to make the enormous creature feel as though an entire world had settled upon its branches.

Several moments passed before a deep masculine voice entered his mind.

The communication did not travel through sound. It was transmitted directly through telepathy.

"I have never seen such an existence," the tree replied honestly. "However, approximately five hundred thousand years ago, I sensed an aura passing through the sky. The feeling shook my soul to its core."

The tree paused briefly before continuing.

"I attempted to investigate the source, but I failed to discover anything. Whatever it was existed on a completely different level from me. Even now, I cannot forget that feeling."

Alex listened carefully.

Although the answer was not particularly useful, it was still valuable information. Any existence capable of terrifying a two million year old soul beast from an unimaginable distance was certainly not ordinary.

After a moment of thought, he nodded.

"In that case, I will give you a choice."

The tree immediately became tense.

"You may become my subordinate, and I will spare your life. I will only take the soul rings of the eight trees surrounding you. If you refuse, then I will take your soul ring as well."

Silence followed.

The ancient tree did not answer immediately.

Even the wind seemed to become quieter as it considered its options. It was an intelligent creature. It understood perfectly that resistance was meaningless before the being standing in front of it.

Several seconds later, the answer finally came.

"I am willing."

A faint smile appeared on Alex’s face.

"Good choice."

He casually waved his hand.

The next moment, all nine trees vanished from the area.

The empty clearing returned to silence as though nothing had ever existed there.

Alex disappeared as well.

When he reappeared, he was standing near the entrance of the forest.

He had occasionally observed the actions of his companions through his spiritual senses. Because of that, he already knew that everyone had completed their assigned tasks.

However, just as he arrived, something suddenly changed within his body.

Alex’s eyes narrowed.

His consciousness instantly entered his inner world.

Inside him existed a vast galaxy that had been expanding at a speed beyond imagination. Endless stars were constantly being born as his cultivation advanced.

Yet now, for the first time in a very long period, that expansion had stopped.

Alex studied the phenomenon carefully.

A moment later, understanding flashed across his eyes.

"So it has finally reached the fifty million galactic scale."

There was no disappointment in his voice.

Instead, he sounded mildly intrigued.

"It seems that the next stage will require natural growth rather than forced advancement."

After confirming that nothing was wrong, he withdrew his consciousness.

Soon afterward, the others began arriving one after another.

Kremlin appeared first.

He immediately bowed respectfully.

"My lord, I have completed the task."

Alex nodded.

Not long afterward, the fifteen Titled Douluos returned as well.

Since everyone had gathered, there was no reason to remain here.

Alex looked at them briefly before speaking.

"Take care of those soul beasts. I have another matter that requires my attention."

Lucien blinked in surprise.

"Where are you going, Teacher Alex?"

Alex answered without hesitation.

"I am going to the Rumania Empire."

He then turned toward Kremlin.

"Kremlin, follow me."

"As you wish, my lord."

The next moment, both of them shot into the sky.

Their speed quickly surpassed the speed of sound.

Within seconds, they disappeared beyond the horizon.

The remaining people watched their departure.

One of the elders frowned slightly.

"Why do you think he is going there?"

Lucien shrugged.

"Who knows? Let us head back."

The group eventually dispersed.

Several hours later, Alex and Kremlin arrived within the territory of the Rumania Empire.

As soon as they touched the ground, Alex turned toward his subordinate.

"There is an ancient record concerning a fisherman who allegedly encountered a mysterious creature in the deep ocean."

Kremlin listened attentively.

"I want you to locate the most powerful organization in this empire. Gather every piece of information they possess regarding that legend. Then have them take me to the place where the story originated."

Kremlin immediately bowed.

"It shall be done."

Without wasting another second, he launched himself into the sky once again and disappeared.

Alex watched him leave before turning around.

Since there was nothing else to do for the moment, he began walking toward a nearby restaurant.

The streets were crowded with people going about their daily lives.

However, before he reached his destination, something unusual caught his attention.

A young man was walking down the street with his hands clasped behind his back.

His appearance was exceptionally refined.

Every movement carried an air of elegance and authority.

Three level ninety five Titled Douluos followed closely behind him like loyal guards.

As the group passed through the streets, countless citizens immediately lowered their heads in respect.

Alex observed the scene with mild curiosity.

At first, he assumed the young man was merely some important noble.

Then his eyes landed upon a small fox resting on the youth’s shoulder.

Immediately, his expression changed.

"A million year soul beast?"

His spiritual senses focused on the creature.

A moment later, his eyes narrowed further.

"No. Four million years."

Despite its harmless appearance, the little fox possessed enough power to destroy an entire continent.

Alex became interested.

"Perhaps it knows something."

With that thought, he concealed his aura completely and began following them.

Before long, the group arrived at a magnificent palace guarded by numerous soul masters.

Alex stepped forward.

"Excuse me."

His voice caused the group to stop.

Everyone turned around simultaneously.

The guards quickly noticed that Alex possessed no visible soul power fluctuations.

To them, he appeared to be nothing more than an ordinary human.

One of the Titled Douluos immediately frowned.

"How dare a commoner address the prince from behind?"

His eyes became cold.

"Do you have a death wish? And why are you not kneeling?"

The man’s spirit pressure began to rise.

However, before he could act, the young prince raised a hand.

The Titled Douluo instantly fell silent.

The obedience was immediate and absolute.

Alex noticed that detail.

The respect was genuine.

The man clearly followed the prince from the bottom of his heart.

The prince then shifted his gaze toward Alex.

"Yes?"

Their eyes met.

Alex immediately sensed something unusual.

The young man’s gaze resembled that of a supreme ruler examining one of his subjects.

It was not arrogance.

It was natural authority.

The kind of authority that could only be developed after standing at the top for an unimaginably long time.

Alex became increasingly curious.

Who exactly was this person?

And why would a four million year old soul beast willingly remain at his side?

Without hesitation, Alex activated the Eye of Revelation.

A translucent screen appeared before him.

[Name: Arthur Velmir (Reincarnated)]

[Level: 50]

[Note: Originates from the God Realm of this universe. Former Supreme God King. Betrayed by his own people and reincarnated with intact memories.]

[A Supreme God King is a Megaversal level existence and one of the pinnacle beings within the God Realm.]

For the first time in quite a while, Alex nearly lost his composure.

"Holy shit."

The words almost escaped his mouth.

His calm and detached demeanor suddenly felt insignificant.

This was not some hidden expert.

This was a former Supreme God King.

A being who had once stood at the peak of an entirely different world.

Alex inwardly laughed.

"Well, I certainly found something interesting."

Nevertheless, he remained calm.

After all, he was Alex.

He possessed the Angel of Creation martial soul.

He had interacted with existences far beyond ordinary comprehension.

Even a former Supreme God King was not enough to shake him completely.

Alex met Arthur’s gaze directly.

Then he released a small portion of his pressure.

The surrounding air instantly became heavier.

"I would like to speak with you privately, Your Highness."