Evolution Begins With A Big Tree

Chapter 975, The Dao of Battle

Translator:  Ashish

Translation Checker: Silavin

Deep within the Celestial Realm, there was a tranquil grove of purple bamboo.

This grove had originally been planted by Leng Feng for Old Ninth—Brewmaster, and was later relocated to the Celestial Realm.

Nurtured by Spiritual Energy, the bamboo in this grove had become extraordinary, evolving into Tier-3 Purple Spirit Bamboo.

Looking up, the bamboo appeared to glimmer with a vibrant purple hue. Even the leaves exuded a soft radiance, wrapped in a faint, purplish mist.

Deeper within the grove, a path paved with pebbles wound its way through. Not far off, a stream trickled gently, occasionally flowing over the jade-like roots of the bamboo. The water’s gentle splashes echoed with a melodious ‘ding-dong,’ creating a soothing soundscape.

– – –

At this moment, a figure clad in snow-white robes strolled along the stone path.

Step by step, the figure took in the serene surroundings of the purple bamboo grove.

“What a perfect place for nurturing the mind and Soul… No wonder even Flathead and Little Tenth were drawn here,” murmuring softly, Yu Zi Yu reached the end of the path, where several dozen straw huts came into view.

Though modest in size, the area was lively, bustling with energy.

Upon closer inspection, one could see hundreds of young beasts playing and chasing each other.

This was the sacred haven of the purple bamboo grove, a training ground for young beasts. It functioned similarly to a kindergarten on Earth, though here, it was not just Humans being nurtured.

No, Humans were merely one of many species. Any young beast or Human displaying extraordinary talent was given the chance to train here for a time.

With Leng Feng and others overseeing the grove, major factions were at ease entrusting their young ones.

After all, Leng Feng had raised prodigies like Slytherin, Lupin, and Auris.

– – –

At this moment, Yu Zi Yu’s gaze shifted, seemingly piercing through time and space to land on three figures seated around a stone table, sharing drinks and laughter.

One of them, clad in black with a billowing black cape, had sharp, chiseled features exuding a certain charm.

This was Leng Feng, one of the first Humans to follow Yu Zi Yu.

Next to him sat a figure with snow-white fur that flowed like a cape. Looking at its fierce expression and toothy grin, it appeared extremely ferocious.

This was none other than Flathead, the Honey Badger that was once one of the three War Generals.

However, due to his limited talent, Yu Zi Yu had not granted him an official title on the day the Demon Court was established. And hard-headed as he was, Flathead left on his own, only to return sometime later.

Now, looking at his aura, Yu Zi Yu’s lips curled into a subtle smile.

“Early Tier-5, is it…” Yu Zi Yu couldn’t help but murmur to himself, astonished.

Amongst the myriads of beings here, Flathead’s talent was mediocre at best. Logically, even with Yu Zi Yu’s past support, his peak should have been Tier-4 or at most Demigod.

But now, what stood before him was a being that had stepped into Tier-5, his silver-white fur rippling like a cape in the wind.

Tiny silver lightning bolts continuously flickered and danced across his fur, giving him a truly extraordinary presence.

“Did he have a fortuitous encounter, or did he achieve this through sheer determination?” Pondering deeply, Yu Zi Yu scrutinized Flathead carefully.

Moments later, his gaze shifted again, and his eyes narrowed sharply.

This time, Yu Zi Yu noticed that Little Tenth—Lightning Dragon was not in his Dragon Form but had taken on the appearance of a young Human with long, silver-white hair.

Yu Zi Yu recognized Little Tenth’s identity through his aura earlier.

But now, seeing Little Tenth in this form, Yu Zi Yu could not help but be intrigued.

“Has he been learning the Dragon Clan’s Secret Technique—Shape-Shifting from the Red Dragon Queen, Dai Er?” Yu Zi Yu could not help but mumble to himself, speculating.

As the Dragoness had signed a contract with Yu Zi Yu, he was naturally familiar with the Red Dragon Queen’s mastery of Shape-Shifting.

Especially after her transformation… her fiery, curvaceous figure…

*Ahem…* A dry cough escaped Yu Zi Yu as he quickly suppressed the stray thoughts that had begun to wander through his mind.

Yet, that single cough had inadvertently drawn attention from afar.

“Who are you…?” A surprised voice rang out.

But in the next moment, as if realizing something, the silver-haired youth abruptly stood up, exclaiming in disbelief, “Master…”

[It’s Master! Though over a decade has passed, it’s as if nothing has changed. Master is exactly the same—untouched by time or hardship, radiating the same pristine, noble aura, like an elegant nobleman.]

“It’s been a long time, Little Tenth…” Yu Zi Yu’s lips curled into a faint smile as he greeted warmly.

Then, his gaze shifted to Flathead and Leng Feng, and he added with a smile, “And you two, it’s been a while as well…”

For a moment, the trio stood frozen, as though unable to process the reunion.

But shortly after, realization dawned upon them, and they reacted with exhilaration, “Master, is it really you?”

“You’ve finally returned, Master!”

…

Their exclamations came one after another as both Flathead and Little Tenth lost their composure.

Meanwhile, Leng Feng, maintaining his usual calm demeanor, dismissed the young beasts lingering nearby with a smile.

There was not much fanfare, nor were there excessive displays of affection.

Yu Zi Yu simply walked over to the stone table, sat down, and shared a few drinks with the trio.

It was during their conversation that Yu Zi Yu learned the reason behind Flathead’s breakthrough to Tier-5.

It was not due to some miraculous encounter.

Instead, his relentless, fearless spirit—pushing himself to the absolute limit—had inadvertently led to a spiritual transformation. Through sheer determination, he had comprehended the Dao of Battle.

The Dao of Battle was a path where combat fueled further growth, a cycle of fighting to the brink of madness. The more he fought, the stronger he became.

Moreover, if Flathead could survive 9,999 evenly matched or underdog battles, he would have the potential to directly condense the Principle of Battle.

Of course, such a feat was nearly impossible.

Battling evenly matched opponents or triumphing against stronger foes was difficult enough, but to endure 9,999 such battles?

Just imagining it made Yu Zi Yu’s expression turn peculiar.

“Truly, as long as you don’t die, you’ll fight until the bitter end… It does suit your reckless, daredevil nature, though.” While the path suited him, Yu Zi Yu could not help but offer some advice, “Know when to stop. I’d rather not be the one collecting your remains one day…”

“Don’t worry, Master! I absolutely won’t die!” Thumping his chest with confidence, Flathead declared his determination.

His mind was set. He would walk further and further down the Dao of Battle. This was his choice—his destiny.

For someone without Innate Talent, he had no other option but to take this extreme path. Progress or die!