Deep within the valley, the Human Race heard the news of Su Yu being named Lord Martial Ancestor, and their excitement burned like a raging fire. Looking at their vibrant, hopeful faces, Su Yu felt warmed and deeply comforted.
"Listen up, everyone!" Su Yu raised his voice, his words echoing through the valley. "From this day on, our Human Race shall embark on a path of rise unprecedented in history. Everyone must cultivate day and night according to the techniques carved into the cliff face. Strive to become the strong ones of the Primordial World as soon as possible!"
A young tribesman waved his fist excitedly and shouted, "Lord Martial Ancestor, don't you worry! I train so hard every day my arms feel like they won't lift anymore. I just want to grow stronger, fast!"
Su Yu nodded with a smile. "That’s the spirit! Remember, you cannot be lazy in your cultivation. Only by enduring the bitterest of hardships can one stand above the rest. Once we have grown strong, who in this Primordial World will dare to look down on us then?"
After arranging the cultivation matters for the tribesmen, Su Yu decided to go into seclusion once more. He turned and walked toward the familiar cave, its entrance wreathed in dense spiritual energy, drifting like a light veil. Inside, a faint, mysterious glow flickered in the silence.
"Back here again. This time, I must achieve a breakthrough," Su Yu murmured to himself. He found a level spot and sat cross-legged. Taking a deep breath, he slowly closed his eyes and began to circulate the Chaos Astral Formula.
As the technique activated, Su Yu’s body became like a massive vortex, frantically absorbing the surrounding spiritual energy. The energy surged into him like a raging tide, roaring through his meridians.
"This Chaos Astral Formula is truly formidable. Every time I circulate it, it feels like I am contending with the very forces of heaven and earth," Su Yu thought to himself, yet he showed no sign of retreating.
Time drifted by. Su Yu was immersed in his cultivation, entirely unaware of the changes outside. The spiritual energy in the cave grew denser, gradually forming a thick, misty haze that enveloped him.
Suddenly, a violent vibration emanated from his dantian. He felt a surge of joy, knowing the critical moment had arrived.
"Lesser World, open!" Su Yu shouted in his mind.
Within his dantian, light flared, and the prototype of a small world gradually took shape. Inside this Lesser World, stars twinkled, mountains rolled, and rivers surged with life and vitality.
"Good heavens, is this the Lesser World I am meant to create? How miraculous!" Su Yu exclaimed, filled with a sense of accomplishment.
As the Lesser World continued to refine, Su Yu’s cultivation base soared. He could clearly feel his connection to heaven and earth growing tighter, as if he could command the very power of the world.
"I can feel myself breaking through!" Su Yu gritted his teeth and intensified the circulation of his technique.
At that moment, the spiritual energy in the cave surged wildly, forming a massive vortex. In its center, Su Yu’s body radiated a dazzling light, as if he had become a brilliant star.
*BOOM!* With a thunderous sound, Su Yu’s body shuddered, and a powerful aura erupted from within him. The rocks inside the cave shook, and loose stones tumbled to the ground.
"I have broken through to the Golden Immortal realm!" Su Yu opened his eyes, shouting in excitement. He stood up and stretched his limbs, feeling a surge of strength so profound he felt as though he could shatter a small mountain with a single punch.
"Now, I have even more confidence in leading the Human Race toward glory," Su Yu said, looking out at the sky beyond the cave, his heart filled with ambition.
He stepped out of the cave, and the moment the tribesmen saw him, they were stunned by the immense power radiating from him.
Suiren’s mouth hung open in shock. "Lord Martial Ancestor, have you... have you made a breakthrough?"
Su Yu nodded with a smile. "Indeed, I have reached the Golden Immortal realm. But this is only the beginning. Our Human Race has even greater breakthroughs in store for the future!"
Youchao said excitedly, "Lord Martial Ancestor, you are amazing! With a powerhouse like you leading us, our Human Race will surely dominate the Primordial World!"
Zhiyi bowed slightly and said, "Congratulations on your breakthrough, Lord Martial Ancestor. I will certainly cultivate even harder so as not to fail your expectations."
Su Yu waved his hand. "No need for such formalities. Let us all work together to make the Human Race the most powerful race in the Primordial World!"
Su Yu looked around at the crowd, his expression spirited. "Tribesmen, the path of our Human Race’s rise is becoming more stable, but if we want to reach the next level, we must accumulate more foundations. From now on, everyone disperse and search our territory carefully for various Spiritual Roots. These Spiritual Roots are treasures; they can assist our cultivation and enrich our lives."
Suiren scratched his head, asking curiously, "Lord Martial Ancestor, what is a 'Spiritual Root'? I only know how to roast meat with fire. Are these things edible?"
Su Yu was amused by his simple honesty and explained with a smile, "Spiritual Roots are not ordinary food meant for filling your stomach. They contain the spiritual energy of heaven and earth. Some can enhance cultivation, some can heal wounds, and others can improve the density of spiritual energy where we live. In short, they are incredibly useful!"
Youchao added, "Lord Martial Ancestor, we understand. It's like adding bricks and tiles to our home—the more we find, the better!"
Su Yu nodded in agreement. "Exactly. However, remember: after you find the Spiritual Roots, keep a portion. These are the foundation for our race’s growth and must be properly planted and nurtured so they can take root in our valley. As for the rest, bring them all to me; I have my own use for them."
With that, the tribesmen shouted their assent and set off in groups in all directions, their enthusiasm as if they were hunting for mysterious treasures.
Su Yu watched them leave, his heart full of expectations. A few days later, the tribesmen began to return one by one, their faces glowing with the joy of their harvest.
"Lord Martial Ancestor, look!" A young tribesman ran ahead, holding a Spiritual Root that radiated a soft blue light. "We found this in the valley to the east. As soon as I got near it, I felt refreshed, and my spiritual energy flowed faster."
Su Yu took it and examined it closely. "Excellent. This is an Ice Spiritual Root, a great aid for those among us who practice ice-based techniques."
Shortly after, others returned carrying a large bundle of roots. Youchao was drenched in sweat but beamed with joy. "Lord Martial Ancestor, we found these in the southern forest. There’s quite a variety; it took us a lot of effort to dig them up."
Su Yu inspected them one by one, feeling joyful. He directed the people to plant the reserved Spiritual Roots in the fertile soil of the valley and tend to them with care.
Once everything was settled, Su Yu found a quiet spot and sat down. He took a deep breath, formed a seal with his hands, and began to draw the remaining Spiritual Roots into the Lesser World within his dantian. A faint glow shimmered in his palms, and one by one, the roots rose and transformed into streams of light that merged into his body.
As the Spiritual Roots poured in, the Lesser World seemed to celebrate a grand festival. The starlight grew brighter, the mountains and rivers grew misty with energy, and the rivers surged with newfound vitality. As those roots took hold, the already vibrant Lesser World became even more lush and flourishing.
Feeling the changes in his Lesser World, Su Yu wore a satisfied smile. "With these Spiritual Roots nourishing it, the Lesser World will grow faster and become more complete, and my own cultivation will continue to rise."