Chapter 2018: Touch Tentacles

“Everything’s basically more expensive now?”

After a moment of contemplation, Xu Xiaoshou felt a headache coming on. He had originally thought that with a billion passive points, he had enough to spend recklessly on everything he needed, with plenty left over. After reaching the passive system’s cap, he had assumed passive points would essentially inflate and become worthless. A billion points, if converted entirely into passive keys for gacha draws, would probably exhaust him to the point of breaking his hand.

But it seemed the reality was quite different.

“A single Tier 5 skill point costs one hundred thousand passive points. While not expensive on its own, upgrading from Saint Emperor Lv.0 (Half-Saint level) to Saint Emperor Lv.10 (Ten-Realm Saint Emperor level) would cost one million points. With seventeen skills, that amounts to seventeen million points.”

This was still a small sum compared to a billion passive points. Xu Xiaoshou was confident he could afford price increases, given his wealth. As the master of the Apricot World, a few days of clowning around there, if he could stomach the embarrassment, would easily net him this amount. The real problem was...

“A single Perfection skill point costs ten million passive points? Seventeen of those would be one hundred seventy million. Adding the cost of all Tier 5 skill points, the total approaches two hundred million. That’s already nearly two tenths of my total supply.”

Can Perfection skill points be stacked? For instance, Perfection, Grand Perfection, Super Grand Perfection, and so on. If so, even with just three tiers, Xu Xiaoshou realized his reserves would quickly run out.

If not... “Ten million is a hundred times the cost of a Tier 5 skill point; they probably can’t be stacked, right?” That seemed like the more logical approach. After all, beyond Saint Emperor Lv.10 should be the Ancestral God level. It wouldn’t still be divided according to the Saint Ancestor standard, like two-in-one or zero-to-one, would it?

“There should only be one level for Ancestral Gods. Otherwise, it’s unlikely the passive system would have evolved to 'Perfection'.”

After reviewing these, he realized this was just the passive skill allocation section. Since Tier 3 Evolution Water was now available, Xu Xiaoshou would definitely need to upgrade his Evolution Tree, at least pushing 'Heaven-Human Unity' to assist with enlightenment.

“One dose of Tier 3 Evolution Water costs one hundred million? Four special passive skills, four doses of Evolution Water, four hundred million? Am I a pig, to be fleeced so thoroughly?”

This was only the Evolution Tree module. The shop also had a new item worth one hundred million: “Tendril Condensation.” He’d have to try it out. It sounded like this item was meant to be used in conjunction with “Sovereign Slash” and “Dao-Seizing Tendril.” Just like the Dao Cultivation Field, Dao Seeds, Grand Dao Plate, and Heaven-Human Unity, these items seemed to complement each other.

After calculating all this, Xu Xiaoshou felt he wouldn’t even need to consider the Dao Seeds and Awakening Stones, which had now risen to one million each. He had no money! His reserves were critically low; he desperately needed to return to the Saint God Continent and resume his clown act.

“Still, there was no doubt the improvements would be immense. You get what you pay for, after all…” Xu Xiaoshou stroked his chin, trying to reassure himself.

At this point, he roughly understood that passive points were quantified 'Power of Fame.' The improvements gained from the passive system weren’t created out of thin air. Instead, they must be powers pre-packaged by ancestors like Shi Mingnuo. Furthermore, the black roulette wheel should also be able to autonomously extract insights from the Saint God Continent’s Dao arts. Otherwise, it wouldn’t explain why Dao Plates like the Life Dao Plate and Art Dao Plate within the Grand Dao Plate could also be exchanged for insights using passive points, or the Power of Fame.

“As Ancestor Nuo said, at my current level of achievement, some Grand Daos were beyond even her and the other ancestors' comprehension, thus unable to help me progress further. Grand Dao Plate 90 was probably the limit of their auxiliary cultivation paths, just at the threshold of becoming a deity or an ancestor. Which ones could still be improved and which couldn’t, I would have to discover on my own.”

This made sense. If Ancestor Nuo could define any Grand Dao Plate, whether major or minor, that he himself mastered, and power them all to 100 using passive points, that would mean one Ancestor Nuo could essentially encompass all Ten Ancestors of the Saint God Continent, and even Venerable Eight. Was that possible? Completely impossible!

At the very least, after witnessing Venerable Eight’s enlightenment, Xu Xiaoshou felt his own accumulated Sword Dao Plate was not just 90, but infinitely close to 99. Yet, the passive system still showed it as 90. Was this an error? The person who created the roulette wheel might not be able to discern the difference between a Sword Dao Plate at 90 and one at 99. Because before this, they might never have encountered a sword Dao genius like Venerable Eight, who could achieve 'return to zero' in a single step. The same logic applied to other Daos.

“Still, to be able to help someone cultivate Dao to the 'Transcendent Dao' level, Ancestor Nuo was already incredibly powerful. Could I really ask for more? It would be best if there was more, but it wasn’t a big deal if there wasn’t. After all, my Intent Dao Plate reached 99 not by passively spending points, but by self-enlightenment through the accumulation of time, a necessary process. Given that Ancestor Nuo’s Intent Dao was like this, hoping to force all other Daos to 100 with the passive system seemed like a fool's dream.”

Soon after, he suppressed his new thoughts about the black roulette wheel. Xu Xiaoshou discarded the unhelpful parts and focused on what could immediately boost his combat power. “First, the new modules!” Since passive points were insufficient, prudent allocation was crucial. Blindly investing in old modules, only to check new things when out of money, would be foolish.

With a thought, Xu Xiaoshou accessed the Sovereign Slash module. Unlike the tangible imagery of the Awakening Pool, Dao Cultivation Field, and Evolution Tree, the Sovereign Slash module was different. Sovereign Slash was a hazy grey space, circularly arranged with nine black swirling spots, each significantly larger than a normal human. Though seemingly lifeless and ashen, upon closer inspection, there was a faint hint of revival within. “Like nine coffins…” The thought popped into his mind for no reason, even though the black swirling currents bore no resemblance to coffins at all.

As his mind touched one of the black swirling spots, Xu Xiaoshou’s eyebrows shot up, and his pupils widened in astonishment.

**Sovereign Slash:** Each time a Sovereign is slain, their abilities can be absorbed into a Sovereign Slot using a 'Dao-Seizing Tendril' to form a 'Sovereign Avatar'.**Sovereign Slot:** Maximum of nine slots. Once confirmed, they cannot be changed. Can nurture a Sovereign Avatar, allowing its abilities to slightly strengthen over time.**Sovereign Avatar:** Possesses ninety percent of the Sovereign’s power during their lifetime. After nurturing, it can recover to one hundred percent and even surpass it. When a cultivator’s enlightenment in that specific Dao surpasses the Sovereign Avatar, the Avatar automatically dissipates, freeing up the Sovereign Slot for reallocation.

What was this thing? It was a bit too outlandish! Xu Xiaoshou was dumbfounded, thinking, “Isn’t this indirectly telling me to hunt down the nine strongest Ancestral God Sovereigns in the Five Domains? Even if they weren’t the strongest, if the slots were full, it didn’t matter. I only needed to find a better one and spend time cultivating an avatar stronger than the Sovereign Avatar currently occupying a Sovereign Slot. This way, the slot would be vacated, allowing me to acquire a better one. And since these newly cultivated Ancestral Gods were nurtured by me, they would naturally be my good friends.” Considering Ancestor Nuo’s numerous requests for help, her intentions were extremely clear!

“Crazy Nuo, Crazy Nuo, to deal with the Great Calamity, you’ve really lost your humanity, haven’t you? You’re resorting to any means necessary, and forcing me to do the same…” But! Could he say it? “You’re so bad, I love it.”

Suppressing his shock, Xu Xiaoshou immediately read the description of the fourth special passive skill: Dao-Seizing Tendril. In mere moments, the astonishment in his eyes intensified.

**Dao-Seizing Tendril:** Cannot be charged. Cannot evolve.His first thought was, “It saved me one hundred million passive points!”**Dao-Seizing Tendril:** When a Sovereign is killed, their abilities can be absorbed into a Sovereign Slot. When needed, a Sovereign Avatar can be summoned to extract its abilities for personal use.**Warning:** Sovereign Dao arts are extremely recondite, carrying risks such as Dao-seizing backlash and consciousness resurgence. Please unlock 'Dao-Seizing Tendril' only after your Body, Spirit, and Intent Dao Plates reach 90. For optimal safety, unlock it after they reach 99.**Warning:** For some Sovereigns, even with Body, Spirit, and Intent Dao Plates at 100, there is still a risk of Dao-seizing failure or backlash when using the ability after successful seizure. Please remain vigilant at all times.

This served as a clear warning to Xu Xiaoshou. Powerful as it was, it wasn't foolproof. Indeed, Ancestral Gods were hard to kill, hard to keep dead, and even if they appeared completely gone, it didn't mean they hadn't planned it, set up contingencies, or couldn't rise again. Ancestor Dao Yi, for instance, was a living example. And ancestors like Sword Dragon and Battle Heaven, were they truly and completely dead? Not necessarily! Even discussions about them often used terms like 'Four Ancestors' Reincarnation' or 'Four Ancestors' Descent' rather than definitively stating 'Four Ancestors' Demise'.

Of course, there were also those who could be called upon without risk or burden. Ancestor Han Yu Geng’s abandoned Dao, for example, surely carried no risk in seizing. But was it necessary? Xu Xiaoshou’s thoughts were mostly on the Ancestral God Sovereigns among the Ten Ancestors, as only they were truly worthy of occupying these new Sovereign Slots.

Then another problem arose. “They’re all ‘dead’ though! And I didn’t kill them. Even Yu Geng and his son, Yu Qi, perished before the 'Sovereign Slash' module appeared. So how can I seize their Dao?”

In the current era, the few Ancestral Gods whose Dao could still be seized seemed to be the Demon, Medicine, Calamity, and Dao Ancestors. But Sovereign Slash and Dao-Seizing Tendril were specifically designed to deal with them. If his Dao-Seizing Tendril could ‘reach’ these four, wouldn't that mean he had already thoroughly defeated them? “A bit contradictory… Something’s off, I need to think this through…”

Xu Xiaoshou almost drove himself crazy trying to figure it out. Then he suddenly wondered if the True Ancestral Source Tablet could act as a substitute for the Ancestral God themselves. “Perhaps!”

“Both represent a Sovereign being slain. So, it should be possible to use the Dao-Seizing Tendril to extract their power and condense a Sovereign Avatar, to serve as a tiger’s… bah, to serve me. If only killing the person themselves worked, and not using the True Ancestral Source Tablet, Ancestor Nuo would be too stupid. If I ever meet her, shouldn’t I first seize her Dao as a lesson?”

He happened to have several True Ancestral Source Tablets on hand, so he could test it out later. Xu Xiaoshou’s brows relaxed. It truly was like getting a pillow when you're sleepy. Although the passive system had a huge appetite, he liked this particular benefit. While Sovereign Slash and Dao-Seizing Tendril carried some risks, if True Ancestral Source Tablets could also be used, his previously envisioned methods one and two would have a much clearer direction for advancement.

“Sovereign Slash and Dao-Seizing Tendril complement each other; that should be enough. What is this 'Tendril Condensation' thing? It seems completely unnecessary. Why is it worth one hundred million?” Xu Xiaoshou already had a premonition that there would be a middleman profiting, which made him slightly annoyed. But wanting to ignore it didn't mean it didn't exist; like emotional trauma, it was better to confront it. Helpless, he could only navigate to the shop and examine the 'Tendril Condensation,' valued at one hundred million.

Gradually, Xu Xiaoshou’s face darkened.**Tendril Condensation:** Costs one hundred million passive points. One portion can condense one Dao-Seizing Tendril. Can only be bound to one Sovereign, one Sovereign Slot, and one Sovereign Avatar, and cannot be changed. When a Sovereign Slot becomes vacant, the Tendril Condensation disappears and must be repurchased for further use. Without purchasing Tendril Condensation, the special passive skill 'Dao-Seizing Tendril' cannot be used.

What a scoundrel! “Forcing me to buy it, aren't they?” Xu Xiaoshou fiercely cursed Crazy Nuo, though a part of him tried to rationalize that one Tendril Condensation helping to 'package' a Sovereign for his service was already quite a bargain... Forget it! Still a scoundrel! “Is the Ancestral Court's Great Demon Mountain uncomfortable to live in? And you still have to deal with the Great Calamity, right? Crazy Nuo, would you be interested in finding a new home?” (Friendly) (Cute) (Polite inquiry)

“Fine, I’ll buy it!” Xu Xiaoshou didn’t hesitate, immediately purchasing one portion of Tendril Condensation. A tenth of his billion passive points instantly vanished, further strengthening his 'kind' thought of helping Crazy Nuo move.

“Interesting…” He now held something in his hand. At first glance, it was a colorless, viscous, transparent liquid, interspersed with milky white condensed particles that flowed slowly… no, it squirmed, as if alive. A bit disgusting! Xu Xiaoshou furrowed his brow, pinched his nose, and drank it. Surprisingly, it tasted sweet, which made it a little more bearable.

“Power is gushing forth…” The sensation was completely different from every previous skill point allocation or enlightenment. This time, with his Intent Dao at its peak and a deeper understanding of Shi Mingnuo, he could clearly feel the “change.” The one-hundred-million-passive-point Tendril Condensation, upon ingestion, clearly transformed into an intensely concentrated 'Power of Fame,' also possessing a peculiar power attribute… Demonic energy? Xu Xiaoshou wasn't sure. He only felt that the aura of the power should originate from Crazy Nuo. After the fusion, its power concentration was effectively no less than a tenth of a Life Elixir Pool, its value far exceeding one hundred million passive points! The power spread throughout his body, infusing every part, and he experienced a sensation similar to when he drew the 'Transformation' passive skill, altering his physical attributes. Finally, the power gathered at the end of his tailbone. Xu Xiaoshou felt something about to emerge!

He looked back with a hint of dread, and indeed, something slowly extended from just above his rear: a thick, silvery-white, crystalline, seemingly translucent yet slick-to-the-touch… “A tentacle?!” Xu Xiaoshou’s face instantly turned eggplant purple. A massive octopus tentacle had grown out from behind him. It seemed to have a will of its own, like a cat’s tail, twitching slowly and uncontrollably, giving off a bizarre sensation.

“This isn’t me! How can it be a tentacle? ‘Dao-Seizing Tendril’ is such a grand name; it should be a majestic existence that would terrify even Ancestral Gods. A Dao Chain of Divine Prison Bluestone would have been so cool and fitting! Why an octopus tentacle? Crazy Nuo, I think you really do want to move house!”

“Meow?” To his dismay, Greedy God seemed to quite like the tentacle. Consequently, from behind Xu Xiaoshou’s waist, another furry, cat-like yet fox-like, fluffy and beautiful large white tail emerged. The cat tail and the tentacle touched, somewhat shyly. After getting acquainted, they rubbed against each other, their closeness clearly increasing rapidly. They even curled up together, rubbing against each other, both intimately and slimily… “Get away!” Xu Xiaoshou, unable to bear it, clenched his buttocks, forcing Greedy God’s tail back inside him.

He frowned as he examined the pale silver tentacle, which felt both ethereal and real, and also strangely slick. After a grimace, he finally suppressed his indignation, forcing a strained smile. “It’s quite pretty too.” The Dao-Seizing Tendril seemed possessed by Hidden Pain, suddenly stiffening and twitching violently, as if it enjoyed the compliment too much. Xu Xiaoshou’s expression darkened; it wasn’t ‘as if,’ Hidden Pain had indeed slipped into the Dao-Seizing Tendril. “You get away too!” With a clench of his buttocks, he forced Hidden Pain back inside. “Seriously, why is nothing on my body normal? They don’t even go out, where do they learn all this?”

Suppressing his vexation, Xu Xiaoshou fiddled with the Dao-Seizing Tendril a few more times, finding it quite amusing, before returning to the main task. He tossed out his True Ancestral Source Tablets: War, Dragon, Heaven, Splendor, Ghost!

“Which one should I try first?”