Yagonia, for her part, only felt that the stronger Oakes became, the safer he would be when carrying out Lord Locke's affairs in the future.
After confirming that the Blackstone Tribe would henceforth be managed by Gaspar and Kost, Oakes left the hall with Yagonia and returned to his bedroom.
Once inside, Oakes cautiously swept the surroundings with his divine sense, ensuring no one was nearby before shutting the door. A broad grin spread across his face as he approached her.
"Niya, hurry, hurry—I've got something good for you."
Seeing his slightly lecherous expression, Yagonia rolled her eyes.
"You really can't wait, can you?"
"It's not even dark yet."
Though she said so, she still went to draw the curtains and began loosening her clothes…
"Wait—wait! Niya, you misunderstand!"
Oakes shuddered and hurriedly took three godheads out of his interspatial ring.
"Niya, these are Wind-element divine sparks Lord Locke gave me after I pledged allegiance…"
"With these three, you can become a Highgod."
"…!"
Yagonia covered her mouth, staring at the three godheads in shock.
She hadn't expected Lord Locke to be so generous—Oakes had merely sworn loyalty, and yet he had received something this precious.
"Quick, put them away," Oakes urged excitedly.
"Refine the demigod divine spark first. With your comprehension of the Wind Laws, you should fully refine it within a hundred years."
"After that, refine the God tier one…"
"In ten thousand years, you'll be a Highgod standing above the masses."
"Thank you… Oakes, thank you!"
Tears welled in Yagonia's eyes.
"Silly. Between us, do we need thanks?"
Pulling her into his arms, Oakes whispered, "For now, your most important task is refining these three divine sparks."
"When you become a Highgod, we'll go to the Fiend Castle and post a mission."
"We'll find the one who killed your father ten thousand years ago."
"And we'll avenge him together."
"…Mm."
The next day, Oakes arrived at Locke's door—walking with a slight stiffness at the waist.
Locke couldn't help but sigh inwardly.
In certain aspects, even gods couldn't compare to Saints.
"Lord Locke."
"Come in. Sit."
"Yes, my lord."
Once Oakes sat, Locke spoke calmly.
"You must be wondering why I would pay such a price just to recruit you."
"What exactly about you is worth my attention?"
"Before guiding your cultivation, I'll tell you everything."
"But without my permission, you may not reveal a single word to anyone."
"Otherwise—no matter how useful you are—I will kill you without hesitation."
Oakes straightened immediately.
"I swear, my lord. Everything I hear today will be forgotten the moment I leave this room."
"Good."
Locke nodded, satisfied.
In this era, Oakes might very well be the first successful soul mutant. Locke's Destiny divine clone and original body would also focus on this path to maximize their own strength.
Until he himself stood at the peak, such secrets had to remain hidden.
"Oakes," Locke began, "in this world, those who possess affinity for multiple elements may undergo mutation when their soul faces mortal danger."
"However, soul mutation is extremely dangerous. Without sufficient soul power to sustain the transformation, death is the only outcome."
"You were fortunate. With my support supplying enough soul power, you survived—and became a soul mutant."
"Once mutation completes, one's talent and soul strength increase dramatically."
"But that is only the foundation."
"The greatest ability of a soul mutant is the fusion of different divine powers and different Laws."
Oakes' heart pounded.
"Your mutation is between Wind and Water. If you possess two divine clones, you can fuse two lower divine powers."
"Your fused power would rival God-level divine power."
Oakes felt as if his blood were boiling.
Between ordinary Demigods and Gods, the primary difference was divine power strength—unless one advanced through Law fusion.
"Oakes," Locke continued, "your soul has recovered and strengthened. Your speed of comprehending Profound Mysteries will greatly increase."
"You now have two choices."
"Either cultivate Water to Demigod status, gaining a second divine clone."
"Or continue comprehending a second Wind Profound Mystery to reach God level."
He then briefly explained key Wind Law structures—the interactions between Profound Mysteries such as Speed, Sound, Spatial Wind, and others—clarifying misconceptions about advancement.
Finally, he warned:
"Divine power fusion only works between powers of equal rank."
"If you have two Demigod clones, fusion gives you God-level strength."
"But if one becomes a God first, fusion will actually weaken your overall power."
"Now—tell me your choice."
Oakes bowed deeply.
"My lord… rather than deciding blindly, I would rather follow the path you lay out for me."
"Guide me."
Locke chuckled softly.
"Clever."
"Very well. Cultivate Water to godhood first."
"With your current talent, three to five hundred years should suffice."
"It's the fastest way to increase your strength."
"When your Water clone is formed, return to me for the next step."
"Until then, I will remain in seclusion. Do not disturb me."
"Yes, my lord."
After Oakes left, Locke closed his eyes.
Within his soul, he began once more simulating the variables that occurred during soul mutation.
Once the Fiend Castle expansion was complete, he would attempt artificial mutation upon himself.
Before that, he had to fully grasp the principles—to maximize his chance of success.
While the legend of "Shura Locke" spread across the Seven Divine Planes and Four Higher Planes, none knew—
Locke's gaze had already turned to something far beyond.
And he had already taken the first step.
Blackstone Tribe.
"Buzz—"
The descent of the Laws manifested.
A black godhead condensed above Oakes' forehead.
After hovering for a breath, it sank into his head.
This time, he had not chosen external godhood.
His previous choice had cost him one hundred thousand years.
He would not repeat that mistake.
"Congratulations, big brother—another divine clone."
Gaspar and Kost arrived, drawn by the descent of the Laws.
Envy flickered in their eyes.
A second divine clone…
Though it didn't directly multiply strength, it meant potential.
And for Oakes—
It was the first true step toward surpassing his past limits.
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