Evolution Begins With A Big Tree

Chapter 1167, The Seven Seals

Translator:  Ashish

Translation Checker: Silvain

“The Mask of Shadows, huh…” Murmuring softly, Leng Feng stretched out his hand, and took hold of the mask suspended in air.

The mask was cold to touch.

However, Leng Felt felt a wisp of coldness surging towards his entire body from the palm of his hand, flowing along his meridians, infiltrating his entire being.

At the same time, Leng Feng’s body trembled violently, his eyes flickering in astonishment.

Then, much to his astonishment, his figure became like a black hole, drawing in the Dark Elements that lingered in the air.

*Boooom…Booooom…* Amidst the increasingly terrifying howls, a black elemental storm unexpectedly erupted, with Leng Feng at its center.

And within that dark storm, countless black wisps of energy twisted and danced, weaving a jet-black robe that covered Leng Feng’s entire body.

“The Mask of Shadows… is not just a mask.” With a soft chuckle, Yu Zi Yu offered his explanation.

Even he hadn’t expected Leng Feng’s compatibility with the Artifact to be this high.

Just by putting it on, the mask’s first seal had already been undone.

Yes, the first seal.

As an Artifact jointly forged by Yu Zi Yu, Brewmaster, and Nine Tails, the power of the Mask of Shadows was beyond imagination.

It had seven seals, and each seal represented an entirely new power.

Lifting the first seal produced was the Night Cloak, a mystical cloak that vastly amplified its wearer’s defensive abilities,  greatly boosted their affinity with darkness, and could even completely conceal their presence.

It could be said that if all seven seals were unlocked, then this Artifact would surely be called as the Demon Court’s Strongest Divine Artifact.

Even if it didn’t formally qualify as a Tier-7 Artifact, it was better than one.

Yu Zi Yu smiled to himself, watching the black cloak enshroud Leng Feng, with wisps of dark energy swirling around his limbs.

The sight brought a nod of satisfaction.

And right then, as Yu Zi Yu’s voice echoed in the air, Leng Feng also agreed, his voice filled with awe, ”Indeed… This mask is far more terrifying than I imagined.”

Saying so, he bowed, and thanked, gratitude filling his voice, “Thank you, Master… for this great gift.”

“En.” Giving a faint nod, Yu Zi Yu stated with a smile, “This is what you deserve.”

With those words, he offered a final command, “Now go and refine this Mask of Shadows.”

“Yes, Master.” With a respectful nod, Leng Feng’s body dissolved into black mist, scattering into the wind and vanishing.

…

“What an impressive Elemental Control…” A rare note of praise crossed Yu Zi Yu’s lips, his eyes gleaming with a smile.

Though Leng Feng was only in the Early-Stage Tier-5, his mastery over Elements was already comparable to a Late-Stage Tier-5, and perhaps even touched the threshold of a Half-Step Overlord.

By sheer combat ability alone, he stood well within the Intermediate-Stage Tier-5.

“His cultivation may be slower than others, but he never gave in to frustration. Instead, he honed his heart, steady and focused. Time and again, he came to me to study and perfect Elemental Control.” A sudden voice echoed from afar.

Looking toward the source, Yu Zi Yu saw a familiar figure descending from the sky. She was Nine Tails, striding on four flames.

Though it appeared she was walking, her speed was as swift as lightning.

In just a flash, she stood before Yu Zi Yu.

“So that’s how it is…” Yu Zi Yu chuckled softly, as realization dawned upon him.

[If Nine Tails says so, then Leng Feng is indeed worthy of cultivation. Now is as good a time as any. The power of an Intermediate-Stage Tier-6 is sealed within the Mask of Shadows. If Leng Feng can fully absorb it, then stepping into Tier-6 would be a matter of when, not if. This will be like an initiation, but to absorb it, he must first break all seven seals.]

Thinking of this, he couldn’t help but smile. However, he wasn’t particularly worried.

With Leng Feng’s talent, unsealing the Mask of Shadows was only a matter of time.

Besides, those seven seals were never meant to obstruct him. They existed for his sake, to ensure he could gradually and safely assimilate the power.

Slow and steady progress was the proper way. Without those seals, if Leng Feng wished to absorb the power, it would be as difficult as ascending Heaven.

…

At that moment, as if a sudden thought had crossed his mind, Yu Zi Yu turned his gaze toward the nearby Nine Tails and inquired, “Why are you here?”

“My seclusion is over, and my cultivation has stabilized… so I thought…” A mischievous chuckle slipped from Nine Tails’ lips, and foxfire around her body.

Within moments, her entire form was engulfed in a swirling inferno.

Then, before Yu Zi Yu’s somewhat surprised gaze, an enchanting and graceful figure began to emerge from within the blaze.

Her skin glowed like polished jade, smooth and translucent, radiant as the rising crescent Moon.

Her eyes, clear and luminous, held a charm so subtle and refined, that it could not be described with mere words alone.

“Master, do I look beautiful?” Suddenly, her voice rang.

Today, it lacked the commanding presence of old, instead, it was warm and soft.

“You…” Yu Zi Yu sighed and shook his head helplessly.

Even so, he instinctively pressed down the astonishment that flickered in the depths of his eyes.

If Nine Tails, that mischievous little vixen, caught a glimpse of that look, she would probably burst into gleeful delight on the spot.

Still, one could not blame Yu Zi Yu.

She was, after all, of the Fox Clan, and not just any Fox, but of the Celestial Fox Bloodline, one of the most mysterious and ancient lineages. Thus, Nine Tails was bound to be beautiful.

Only a few selected races, who were known for their appearance, could rival the Celestial Foxes in beauty.

No doubt, the female Elves and Angels were beautiful, but they lacked the Celestial Foxes’ charm.

The kind that danced between seduction and elegance.

Nine Tails embodied that allure to perfection—

Not vulgar, not gaudy.

Alluring, yet dignified. Bewitching, yet untouchable.

The kind of beauty that belonged to royalty.

It was no wonder that, throughout the countless dynasties and empires across the ages, the presence of foxwomen was a constant.

This was a veritable gem among beauties…

But alas, Yu Zi Yu’s heart was not focused on this.

His eyes were set on something far greater: Strength and Eternity.

*Haaa…* Exhaling a long breath, Yu Zi Yu calmed the ripple in his heart.

Then, waving his branch in dismissal, he spoke in a deadpan tone, “Next time you go out… remember to wear a veil.”

“Hmm?” Nine Tails blinked, puzzled.

However, the next moment, realization struck her.

The lovely figure she had transformed into suddenly let out a delighted, silvery laugh. “Master… I wouldn’t dare walk the Mortal world in this form.”