Others Level Up, but I Pursue Cultivation!

In the real world, Su Xing saw this and couldn't help but reveal a joyful expression.

"The body-protecting sword aura... it's finally no longer a one-off technique..."

"The constant ascension of my Sword Dao has granted me an even deeper reservoir of sword intent, enough to sustain multiple releases of the body-protecting sword aura."

"And with the existence of the Origin Force Tree, I now possess inexhaustible Origin Force. The consumption required for the sword aura is more than covered!"

While sighing with emotion, Su Xing also felt a sense of relief.

"This six-winged deity is undoubtedly the most formidable foe I've ever encountered. With such overwhelming strength, it would surely rank in the top five of the apex ranking..."

"Had I not planted the Origin Force Tree and gained a greatly strengthened body-protecting sword aura, I likely wouldn't stand a chance against this six-winged deity..."

"Even so, the outcome of this fight still remains uncertain..."

Su Xing pondered strategies in his heart.

But he remained unaware that this six-winged deity was the strongest among the new generation of the Six-Winged Foreign Race.

It was an existence that had few rivals among the Ten Great Emperor Clans...

Its status was equivalent to that of the Saint Heirs and Saintesses in the apex factions of the Human Race—high potential coupled with tens of thousands of years of cultivation.

...

Su Xing contemplated for a long while but couldn't identify any glaring flaws in the six-winged deity's defense.

For now, he could only continue observing.

His gaze shifted to the simulation panel.

[This battle against the six-winged deity is the most perilous encounter since you broke through to Golden Immortal.]

[Even the pressure exerted by the previous shadow deity doesn't compare.]

[This is because your abilities restrained that shadow deity, whereas this six-winged deity in front of you is akin to a hexagonal warrior—almost no weaknesses can be found.]

[This battle has already dragged on for a full six months.]

[Six months later, your aura has significantly diminished.]

[Extended, high-intensity combat naturally takes its toll.]

[You bear injuries from dozens of places, most of them sustained over the past half month, since older wounds have already healed.]

[The six-winged deity across from you isn't faring much better—its six wings, two of which it broke off itself, are damaged.]

[Months ago, you managed to sever one of its right wings.]

[Initially, you had thought the six-winged deity's state of madness wouldn't persist beyond a few days.]

[But unexpectedly, it has maintained this berserk state for half a year.]

[Even though compared to before—its aura, strength, and speed are no longer at peak levels...]

[It is still terrifying...]

[As the six-winged deity rushes at you once more, its bone sword dances in its hand.]

[You also retrieve your Acquired Treasure, the Ink Ice Sword, as the fearsome sword intent surges outward from your body.]

[With Void Sword forcing the deity back, you retreat several hundred miles, establishing distance between the two of you.]

[This pattern of combat has played out countless times over the past six months.]

[Glancing at the Ink Ice Sword in your hand, you sense that it's showing signs of strain.]

[After all, the Ink Ice Sword is merely a mid-grade Acquired Treasure—it has decent power but is clearly outmatched by the bone sword wielded by the six-winged deity.]

[That bone sword's sturdiness is already approaching the level of an Innate Treasure.]

[You know all too well that as your realm continues to ascend, this old companion of yours is struggling to keep up.]

In the real world, Su Xing slightly nodded upon seeing this.

"Acquired Treasure—for ordinary Golden Immortals, it's already considered quite remarkable..."

"But my opponents are now all Golden Immortal Peak-level existences, the kind that are invincible beneath the Taiyi realm... It seems I'll need an Innate Treasure—at the very least, a half-step Innate Treasure—just to avoid falling behind."

Su Xing felt somewhat helpless; it was at this moment the differences of having or lacking proper guidance became apparent.

Those top-tier prodigies, such as the top five on the prodigy and apex rankings, almost invariably have Innate Treasures at their disposal.

They might not have the strength to procure such treasures themselves, but the vast ancient factions backing them—enduring for dozens of eras—ensure that the treasures are passed down.

It's only natural for those ancestors to leave behind a few Innate Treasures, isn't it?

As far as Su Xing knew, Immortal Ziling alone possessed at least three Innate Treasures!

The purple flowing immortal dress she wore was rumored to have been the treasure of a Great Luo during Ancient Times—a preeminent defensive Innate Treasure.

Additionally, the pair of jade rings in her hands—equally adept in offense and defense—were lower-grade Innate Treasures.

"Phew, although I do have several treasures in my possession, most aren't suited for combat. I don't even have an offensive Innate Treasure..."

Su Xing felt a pang of frustration.

When it came to treasures, the Luo Tian Mirror he held was on par with any Supreme Treasure.

But the Luo Tian Mirror couldn't help him fend off enemies.

"Seems like I'll have to find a way to upgrade the grade of the Ink Ice Sword in the future..."

Su Xing mused to himself.

For now, though, surviving this ordeal remained the priority.

His gaze returned to the simulation panel.

[Another half year has passed...]

[Your battle with the six-winged deity has now lasted a full year.]

[Over this year, both of you have become highly familiar with each other's moves and capabilities, and through this duel, you have continuously surpassed your limits.]

[The six-winged deity now regards you differently—not with that initial disdain for an ant.]

[The deity knows all too well that you're one of the most outstanding prodigies of the Human Race, destined—should you not perish—to ascend to Great Luo someday.]

[It knows equally well that such potential must not be allowed to grow unfettered.]

[Thus, even more ferocious attacks come striking forth.]

[The bone sword in its grasp unleashes relentless slashes, while your Ink Ice Sword gradually begins to falter...]

[At some point, you seem to hear a soundless lament. The Ink Ice Sword in your hands finally fractures piece by piece.]

[For the first time, your weapon has been broken by that of an enemy.]

[When strength is comparable, the inferior grade of a treasure becomes glaringly evident.]