In that instant, Yang Kai felt his Small Universe become incredibly compact and unshakable.
He already had the Heaven and Earth Spring—one of the Four Pillars—stabilizing his Small Universe, making it flawless and impermeable to outside forces. In battle against powerful enemies, no matter how vast the gap in strength, his Small Universe would never suffer any disturbance. Now, with the World Tree as well, his Small Universe had become even more impregnable.
The World Tree actually possessed the same effect as the Four Pillars!
This was something Yang Kai had never expected. Now he had a feeling that even without the Heaven and Earth Spring, he would not be corroded by the Ink Force, because the World Tree existed within his Small Universe. This sapling possessed the same stabilizing effect on his Small Universe, no weaker than the Heaven and Earth Spring in the slightest.
If that was the case, then the Heaven and Earth Spring could absolutely be contributed, allowing one more powerhouse within the Pass to no longer fear corrosion from the Ink Force. If an Eighth-Order Open Heaven master were to obtain the Heaven and Earth Spring, they would have absolutely no worries when fighting the Ink Clan.
That was merely the first benefit. Yang Kai quickly became aware of another advantage the World Tree brought.
The World Tree was intimately connected to every territory of his Small Universe, as if it were a living creature. Every breath and tremor it produced could stir his entire Small Universe, infusing his Heavenly Power with a trace of refinement. Though the effect was imperceptible in the short term, over time, his Heavenly Power would undoubtedly become purer and more condensed.
In other words, expending the same amount of Heavenly Power, the techniques Yang Kai employed would possess far greater offensive force.
His Small Universe already harbored countless living beings, as well as the peculiar Stone Clan. The flow of time within was four times that of the outside world, so even without active cultivation, Yang Kai's foundation was continuously growing—its rate of increase not much slower than an ordinary person's cultivation. There was absolutely no concern about the quantity of his foundation.
Now, with the World Tree's refinement, the quality of his foundation could also be elevated.
Quality and quantity were the standard by which an Open Heaven cultivator's strength was measured. If both could surpass those of his peers, then given enough time, the achievements Yang Kai would attain were truly beyond imagination.
The benefits he could personally reap were already this obvious.
The countless humans living within his Small Universe could benefit even more from the World Tree's nurturing feedback. In truth, the instant the World Tree had merged with his Small Universe, the Emperor Realm cultivators from the various Great Sects within had all seemed to sense something—vaguely feeling that this world had undergone some enormous transformation, though none could say exactly what had changed. They could only instinctively turn their gazes toward the direction of the World Tree.
The Star Boundary had received the World Tree's nurturing feedback and produced generation after generation of countless geniuses. The humans living within Yang Kai's Small Universe would undoubtedly experience the same. And given the accelerated flow of time, the results would likely become visible in mere decades.
When that time came, Yang Kai could select talented individuals from within his Small Universe and teach them the Dao, allowing them to cultivate in Biluo Pass. Even if the various Daos Yang Kai practiced were unsuitable for these people, Biluo Pass gathered experts from so many Paradises and Blessed Lands—there would always be something fitting for them. Once these geniuses advanced to the Open Heaven realm, they would become yet another great force against the Ink Clan!
His Small Universe had already become, in effect, a second Star Boundary—likewise a cradle for the Open Heaven realm.
These were the benefits Yang Kai could currently perceive from the World Tree. However, he felt that for such a divine artifact, there had to be more benefits beyond what he had discovered—perhaps even some he had not yet realized. Those would simply have to be unearthed gradually over time.
Filled with joy, Yang Kai conducted one more inspection of his Small Universe. Only after confirming everything was perfectly fine did he slowly open his eyes.
What greeted his sight were several towering figures standing before him, quietly watching—Zhong Liang and the others.
Yang Kai started in surprise and hurried to his feet, bowing respectfully. "Greetings, Commanders!"
He had no idea when Zhong Liang and the others had arrived, but they had likely sensed the disturbance here and come to investigate immediately.
Zhong Liang raised a hand, signaling him to dispense with the formalities, and asked urgently, "How is it?"
Yang Kai replied respectfully, "Everything is perfectly fine. This disciple has fully separated the World Tree sapling. The sapling is now intimately connected to this disciple's Small Universe."
Ding Yao raised an eyebrow. "Any benefits?"
Yang Kai pondered for a moment before saying, "This disciple can currently perceive three benefits. First, the World Tree sapling possesses the same effect as the Four Pillars—it is even slightly superior. With this sapling, this disciple's Small Universe has become more compact and flawless than before." Saying this, Yang Kai cupped his fists. "Commanders, now that this disciple has the World Tree sapling, the Heaven and Earth Spring is no longer necessary. This disciple is willing to offer the Heaven and Earth Spring as a humble contribution to our human race."
The Commanders exchanged glances upon hearing this, clearly somewhat surprised. They had never expected the World Tree sapling to possess the Four Pillars' effect. After all, no one had ever had such an experience before. Had Yang Kai not spoken up, they truly would not have known.
Zhong Liang furrowed his brow. "It's rare for you to have such a generous spirit, but are you certain that after giving up the Heaven and Earth Spring, the sapling can resist the Ink Force's corrosion? If you lose the Spring yet the sapling can't hold, then from now on you'll never be able to leave Biluo Pass."
Yang Kai replied, "While there's no way to verify this, the sapling truly possesses the effect of stabilizing Heaven and Earth—it's no weaker than the Heaven and Earth Spring. To put it another way, if things turn out as the Commander says, then this disciple will simply remain in Biluo Pass and avoid contact with the Ink Clan."
Zhong Liang immediately broke into a hearty laugh. "Good—you said it yourself." He was only too happy for Yang Kai to never set foot outside Biluo Pass. That way, there would be peace of mind, and he wouldn't have to worry himself sick like an anxious mother every time Yang Kai went off on some wild adventure beyond the Pass.