Seeing the giant tree suddenly rising from the ground, piercing through the clouds, everyone was stunned for a long time.

The base of this tree was the entire forbidden zone of the Holy Judgment High Court. If you stood at the foot of the giant tree, you wouldn’t even be able to tell what this colossal entity truly was.

Even though most of those present possessed extraordinary powers, they still found this thing to be overwhelmingly magnificent.

What was worse, given the current situation, it seemed that the Polar Cathedral had inexplicably formed an alliance with the world’s NPCs.

"Zhuo Feilong, it looks like we’re in trouble."

Liam, the Director-General, had an unpleasant expression, "Could this thing be the World Tree from polar legends?"

"If that’s the case, the cathedral’s alliance with them is understandable."

"There’s no need to understand them at a time like this."

The two of them stood at the forefront, speaking with calm composure, but the extraordinary individuals gathered behind them were not as composed.

Many people turned pale upon seeing the tree grow, and those with slightly weaker abilities felt immensely pressured just by facing it.

The tree trunk was as black as the abyss of hell, and its dark red and purple branches and leaves looked like bloodstained ghosts. Although the World Tree was named a bridge to the Divine Country, it looked quite ominous.

"Minister, what should we do now?"

The consultants of the Superpower Division could each handle things on their own, but at this moment, they felt at a loss.

Such phenomena wouldn’t be a big deal in the Secret Realm World, such as the Eight Hundred Li Ghost Cry Ridge or the surrounding areas of Fengdu.

But the issue is, the incomprehensible spectacle is right there in the real world—underneath the giant tree is a highway, connecting several nearby cities, which makes it all the more bizarre.

As they whispered among themselves, the Polar Pope, who had finished his lofty discourse, could only ask, "Have you decided?"

"Do you mean about ascending to the Divine Realm with you?" Liam asked.

The pope nodded.

"With Gulat Hill having emerged, the enlightenment in the holy scriptures is about to be fulfilled. We shall eventually ascend to the Divine Country, basking in the glory of the gods. Do you wish to convert?"

Liam and Zhuo Feilong exchanged a glance, not making a decision just yet, as what the other party suddenly proposed was too mystical.

However, neither of them were inexperienced youths; they quickly raised the key question.

"What’s the cost?"

Not to mention what the Divine Country is, it surely sounds like a legendary paradise, and the other party certainly wouldn’t issue an invitation out of nothing, especially when even Zuo Qiutian and other world NPCs remained silent. Clearly, this was part of their plan.

The pope didn’t answer directly but said, "The holy scriptures have said, the bone and blood of the Human Race come from the blessings of the gods. If the gods need it, then offer it up, and then return to the Divine Country."

"So, it’s still the same methodology as the Blood Evil Sect."

Zhuo Feilong had actually long noticed that wherever Zuo Qiutian appeared, there was always chaos, and he was certainly not doing charity. Something about ascending to the Divine Country and enjoying eternal bliss definitely wouldn’t come without a price.

Up to this point, that scholar hadn’t spoken yet.

"Mr. Zuo, could you clarify what exactly the Divine Country is?"

He thought, if the pope was being mysterious, it would be better to find someone sensible to talk to.

Zuo Qiutian smiled faintly, "I have already heard of this matter beyond the world from you. Should I address you as Minister Zhuo?"

"As you wish," Zhuo Feilong replied.

"Heh, you and I once met at the Northern Abyss of Shenxiao Palace. Today, I didn’t expect to meet you here."

As Zuo Qiutian spoke, he walked forward slowly, a movement that made the advisors from the Dragon Country tense, "You ask about the Divine Country, it’s naturally the Upper Realm, the Immortal Realm, the Divine Realm, the Celestial Court, Bixiao, all legends are the same."

"There’s a legend in the Western Regions that says the Divine Realm is in the sky, and in the north, they say there’s a giant tree connecting all worlds, with gods overseeing all beings. Our Eastern Continent doesn’t even need mentioning."

"In fact, no matter the side, all they seek is a Paradise, and that Paradise, which exists only in legends, is the Divine Country we aim to ascend to."

Zhuo Feilong waved his hand, signaling the bloodthirsty advisors behind him to retreat, and asked, "Is the top of this tree the Divine Country of the Upper Realm?"

Zuo Qiutian smiled and shook his head, "We searched throughout the north and contacted like-minded people, finally finding a seed on the snowfield, which the north calls the World Tree Seed, and that is this thing behind."

"However, some preparations are still needed to ascend to the Divine Country."

He slightly raised his right arm, as if wanting to make a handshake gesture.

"Preparations, you mean killing and sacrificing, don’t you?"

Zhuo Feilong asked again, "Are you so sure that ascending to the Upper Realm will guarantee enjoyment?"

"Enjoyment?"

Zuo Qiutian was slightly stunned for a moment, "Why would you think so? I aim to open the way to the Upper Realm not for my selfish desires. As long as you join forces with me, great things can..."

Before he could finish his last word, he was physically interrupted.

Zhuo Feilong and Alte Riam, the most powerful Extraordinary from the East and the West, attacked Zuo Qiutian simultaneously, one from the left and one from the right.

Their moves were not as dazzlingly explosive as at the 50th level; instead, they were quite restrained, each delivering just one punch and one kick, appearing mundane to outsiders.

However, from Zuo Qiutian’s perspective, the moves had a mountain-crushing momentum.

Thud!

The two of them launched their attack from different directions on the boasting scholar, instantly crushing him into a mass of blood.

But it was quite obvious that this was just his Blood Exchange Rebirth Skill, with the real Zuo Qiutian reforming at the rear.

Zhuo Feilong and his companion felt a bit disappointed that their ambush failed.

They were not devout believers like the Polar Cathedral, they were responsible for the citizens of their countries. These people sacrificed countless ordinary people at the drop of a hat, whatever they intended to do, there was no way they could agree to it.

From the current situation, it seems that the World Tree still needs more nourishment, which is something they will have to deal with later.

In other words, no matter what, the conflict between those in the real world and those in the Secret Realm World is a life-and-death struggle with no room for reconciliation. Both sides are unlikely to persuade the other.

As for whether Zuo Qiutian’s motives are selfish, neither of them wanted to investigate further.

After they made their move, the battle erupted instantly, with experts from the Superpower Division and the Bureau of Anomalies, as well as onlookers from the Land of Chaos, all joining the fight.

Naturally, Zuo Qiutian’s side also had to engage. They had officially entered this world, taken over the Holy Judgment High Court, and allied with the Polar Cathedral. They needed a battle to establish their authority, to drive all these obstacles away, and then turn around to implement their plan.

Therefore, the battle was intense from the start, causing no one to notice two sneaky figures emerging from the ruins beneath the World Tree.

"What the hell is going on?"

Li Rui hastily brushed the dirt off his face, immediately seeing the giant tree hovering above.

Earlier he had hidden well, but a sudden violent earthquake collapsed the buildings. Fortunately, both he and Cheng Mingyue were Extraordinary, unfazed by bricks and shingles, so they waited in the ruins for a moment, ensuring no one was nearby before finally crawling out.

"This tree looks a bit evil." Feeling the chilling aura, Cheng Mingyue instinctively frowned.

"This is something from the Blood Evil Sect."

Li Rui said, glancing at the chaotic battlefield, then turning to speak.

"Give me a buff."

"You’re joining the battle?" Cheng Mingyue was a bit worried.

Now, the battlefield was filled with world NPCs and experienced advisors, meddling recklessly was dangerous.

Unexpectedly, Li Rui smiled slightly, shaking his head.

"No, while they’re not paying attention, let’s set this tree on fire."