The reason Redding believed his fusion progress matched Locke's was simple.
In his understanding, Locke was a Seven-Star Fiend.
According to Fiend Castle's ranking system, a Seven-Star Fiend was someone who had fused four profound mysteries.
Over these past million years, Redding himself had also completed the fusion of four profound mysteries.
"I see."
Having accepted Locke's explanation, Redding's gaze changed.
A person like Locke—
Even without refining a Sovereign spark—
Would never achieve little in the future.
That was Redding's intuition.
And he trusted his instincts.
No one knew what transformation would occur after all six profound mysteries were completely fused.
But it would certainly be a qualitative leap—
Like the breakthrough from the Saint level to godhood.
Complete fusion would inevitably bring about a fundamental change.
"So then, Locke—"
"What exactly is this information you intend to give me, and what condition do you want in return?"
Now Redding was truly interested.
They were both Water-aligned.
He wanted to observe Locke.
Perhaps Locke's path might even inspire him.
"Sovereign Redding, before I reveal this secret, I ask that you ensure no other Sovereign's divine sense can overhear us."
"Oh?"
Seeing Locke's solemn expression, Redding grew serious.
His immense divine sense instantly sealed the entire hall of Dragon Head Peak.
"It is done. The hall is now sealed by my divine sense. Even a Chief Sovereign could not breach it in a short time."
"You may speak."
"Yes, Sovereign."
Locke bowed slightly, then raised his eyes to meet Redding's.
"Sovereign Redding, if I told you there exists a method that would alLesser you, as a Lesser Sovereign, to possess power comparable to a Chief Sovereign, what would you offer in return?"
"What did you just say?"
Redding shot to his feet.
In the next instant, he appeared directly before Locke, eyes locked onto him.
Chief Sovereigns were the strongest within each elemental system.
After refining a Sovereign spark, all Sovereigns understood:
One Chief Sovereign sparkTwo Intermediate Sovereign sparksFour Lesser Sovereign sparks
Each tier differed by a hundredfold in willpower.
The strongest High Sovereign was known as the Chief Sovereign.
Redding had refined a Lesser Water Sovereign spark.
Though confident in his Sovereign-artifact-level body and immense physical power, he knew well the gulf between himself and a Chief Sovereign.
Yet now Locke claimed—
He could allow Redding, a Lesser Sovereign, to rival a Chief Sovereign.
That implied a ten-thousandfold increase in effective power.
How could Redding not be shaken?
"Who exactly are you?"
"You claimed you have no Sovereign backing—yet you know the distinctions among Sovereigns."
"And how do you know I am a Lesser Sovereign?"
Redding's eyes burned.
His Sovereign's might surged outward.
Though tempted by Locke's claim, suspicion overwhelmed trust.
"If you truly possess such a method, why come to me and not another Sovereign?"
Crack—
Under the crushing pressure, Locke was forced to his knees.
His divine body smashed into the floor, shattering stone.
Yet he smiled.
"Sovereign Redding, where I obtained this knowledge is my secret."
"As for why I came to you—"
"Because this method only works for four Sovereigns."
"And you are one of them."
"If you provide the compensation I seek, I will share the secret."
"If not, I will approach the other three."
"One of the four will surely give me what I want."
"Do not think to silence me."
"You can see I possess other divine clones. If I choose to hide, even you will not find me."
Then Locke delivered his threat calmly:
"If you kill this clone, I will immediately seek out a Chief Sovereign and exchange this secret for their intervention."
At that moment, Locke deliberately revealed his trump card.
His soul aura vanished.
Completely.
Redding's eyes narrowed.
He scanned Locke repeatedly with divine sense—
Yet sensed nothing.
Locke stood plainly before him, but his soul was undetectable.
If Locke wished to hide—
Even a Sovereign would be blind without direct sight.
The Seven Divine Planes and Four Higher Planes were vast beyond measure.
If Locke fled and bartered his secret—
Redding had no confidence in intercepting him.
"Well, done, Locke."
Redding slowly withdrew his pressure.
Though threatened, this only convinced him further.
Such boldness would not exist without substance.
"Speak. What do you want?"
Locke rose calmly, brushing dust from his robes.
"Sovereign Redding, after your earlier display, my trust in you has reached its Lowest point."
"Therefore, I require you to swear an oath in the name of the Overgod of Destruction."
"After I reveal the secret, if any Sovereign attempts to act against me, you must protect me with all your power."
"Impossible."
Redding rejected it instantly.
To bind himself as protector to a mere god?
Unthinkable.
"Please hear me out."
"I do not expect lifelong protection."
"Only one hundred million years."
"After that, our debt is settled."
Redding paused.
One hundred million years—
For a Sovereign, that was nothing.
"Hmph. That is more reasonable."
Redding spoke solemnly:
"I, Redding, swear in the name of the Overgod of Destruction—"
"If Locke reveals the method to rival a Chief Sovereign, then for one hundred million years, should any Sovereign move against him, I will protect him with all my strength."
"If I break this oath—"
"Then may your Sovereign spark fall, and your clan be exterminated."
Locke cut in sharply.
Redding's eyes flickered coldly.
He had not intended betrayal—
But Locke's severity displeased him.
Still—
"Agreed."
Rumble—
Thunder echoed within both their souls.
The Overgod of Destruction had acknowledged the oath.
If broken—
Even a Sovereign would perish.
For at least one hundred million years—
Redding was bound.
As for threats from mere gods?
After witnessing Locke's strength, Redding doubted any could endanger him.
Only Sovereigns posed danger.
Still—
A question lingered in Redding's mind.
Did Locke believe he could fully fuse all six profound mysteries within one hundred million years?
Did he believe complete fusion would allow him to rival Sovereigns?
Redding returned to his throne.
"Very well, Locke. The oath is sworn."
"Reveal the secret."
Locke smiled.
"Not so fast, Sovereign."
"As I said before, this method applies only to four Sovereigns."
"To rival a Chief Sovereign, you will require the cooperation of the other three."
"Surely you do not wish to bear the entire cost alone?"
"Allow me to give you their names."
"Summon them here."
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