Chapter 88: Preparations
The banquet lasted for a while, and people gradually took their leave, including Xu Mo and his group.
The central figure of the banquet, Heath O'Brien, did not leave. He still sat in his place, raised his glass, and took a sip. There weren't many people who accepted the gifts this time, which, although expected, still left him not very satisfied.
Beside him, Proto had not left, and there were a few others who had a good relationship with Heath O'Brien; they had known each other for a long time.
"Today's attendees are all true disciples of the Mystic God Temple, each with their own personality, and presumably some concerns as well. You don't need to take it too seriously," Proto said to Heath O'Brien.
"Of course, I naturally don't worry about such things," Heath O'Brien replied, "This matter, perhaps I was a bit too eager. However, it was not easy to invite the true disciples of the ten temples of the Mystic God Temple for a gathering like this, which doesn't happen often."
Even though he is the son of the Republic Leader, he can't frequently invite the true disciples of the Mystic God Temple for gatherings since others also need to cultivate. They might give face once, but not necessarily in the future.
"Heading to the Trial Ground, there's still plenty of time for contact. No need to rush," Proto said.
"Hmm." Heath O'Brien nodded, "By the way, you emphasized the introduction of Xu Mo. Do you have high hopes for his future?"
"Having cultivated in the Mystic God Temple for only two years, he swept through the transcendent beings of Willton's Divine Temple, including the top transcendent Iz of Willton's Divine Temple. I reviewed his information; when he first joined the Chloe Star Mystic God Temple, there were some ripples, and he nearly missed out. At that time, he wasn't very strong, but after entering the Mystic God Temple for cultivation, he improved rapidly and showed great potential," Proto said. "I indeed have high hopes for his future."
"I didn't expect you to have such a high opinion of a newcomer," Heath O'Brien said with a smile. Proto is not an ordinary person; as the number one in the Mystic God Temple headquarters, Proto's combat power and talent are extremely formidable. His high evaluation of Xu Mo indicates that Xu Mo must be exceptional.
Once he enters the Trial Ground, he can learn more about him and try to win him over.
The known universe is becoming more dangerous. After the collapse of the Silver Star Empire, there was a brief period of peace, and they have been expanding, forming the O'Brien Republic.
But the current cosmic situation is very delicate. Not only is the war between the Republic and the Fake Empire ongoing, but the civilizations along the Emperor River are restless; no one knows when the next cosmic war will break out.
Once a cosmic war erupts, it will be earth-shattering.
Xu Mo also felt a sense of responsibility and his journey ahead arduous. He needed to cultivate more diligently. At the very least, he must first enter the Skywalker Realm to have the capital to face possible future changes.
Xu Mo didn't pay much attention to the matter of rejecting Heath O'Brien's gift. After all, it wasn't just him who refused, and the law does not punish the masses. Most people refused, and Heath O'Brien, if he was reasonable, wouldn't hold a personal grudge against him. It wasn't considered an offense.
After returning to the Mystic God Temple, Xu Mo began closed-door cultivation.
Knowing the purpose of coming to the Mystic God Temple headquarters, he needed to increase his strength before going to the Empire Trial Field.
Xu Mo is confident that even when looking at the level of the ten great Mystic God Temples, his combat power can be among the forefront.
However, this time in the Empire Trial Field, he will not only face the top figures of the Mystic God Temple, but also transcendents from the Kales Empire and top transcendents from those illustrious civilizations along the Emperor River.
There, it's the center of known cosmic civilization. Xu Mo does not know how many talented individuals are there, but he can predict they won't be inferior to the Mystic God Temple.
Additionally, in terms of numbers, on the Republic side, the ten great Mystic God Temples alone have gathered thousands of transcendents, and on the O'Brien Republic side, there will certainly be a large number of transcendents mobilized, so the numbers will be even greater.
This means that the number of people participating in the trial will be at least in the tens of thousands. With so many people, large-scale conflicts may very well erupt, and if one's strength isn't strong enough, it will be difficult to ensure safety if a conflict breaks out.
In the following period, Xu Mo was immersed in his cultivation, in a state of seclusion, without even sparring with anyone.
Then one day, the Mystic God Temple finally issued a notice to gather the transcendent beings of the ten temples at the Mystic God Temple Square.
Xu Mo also stepped out of the Cultivation Room.
In one of the squares of the Mystic God Temple, a dense crowd gathered; all the transcendent beings from the ten temples at the headquarters had arrived.
Information about the Empire Trial Field had already spread in the Mystic God Temple. Once such news leaks, it cannot be hidden, so everyone was mentally prepared.
At the front, several elder-level figures from the Mystic God Temple headquarters appeared, floating in the air, looking at the crowd. One of them spoke, "You must have heard the recent news about the Empire Trial Field."
"The news is true. The Mystic God Temple convened the transcendent beings of the ten temples for this matter. The Empire Trial Field has a very ancient history, once serving as the trial field for younger generations of the Silver Star Empire, located in the Emperor River Region. Now, the Empire Trial Field is open to the O'Brien Republic, and the Mystic God Temple, invited by the Republic, will accompany the Republic team to the trial."
The Mystic God Temple is not under the jurisdiction of the O'Brien Republic, but this time they are invited by the Republic to go, meaning this trial team carries the Republic's banner. Therefore, the high levels of the Mystic God Temple have hesitated over this action.
"I need to state one point: this mission carries a lot of risk. You will stay on the planet where the Empire Trial Field is located for a long time. From past experiences, the mortality rate is not low. Thus, apart from the true disciples of the Mystic God Temple, others can freely choose whether to go."
Upon hearing this, many people showed a different hue. The true disciples of the Mystic God Temple must go?
Non-true disciples of the Mystic God Temple can choose.
"But with risk comes opportunity. This is also a very rare trial opportunity, with the chance to interact with the top transcendent beings in the universe. Therefore, the Mystic God Temple initiated this action, and the true disciples of the Mystic God Temple will all participate in this trial mission. "
"Those who give up can inform the person leading your temple. You have one day to consider."
"Additionally, there is one more task in this journey to the Empire Trial Field. The Republic invites the Mystic God Temple to go along, hoping that the transcendents of the Mystic God Temple can do their best to protect Heath O'Brien's safety. That's all I have to say; whether to go is up to you. Those who decide to go can select weapons via the system room in the Cultivation Room, and someone will deliver them to your room."
After speaking, the elder of the Mystic God Temple headquarters left the area.
For a while, the area became lively, with continuous discussions.
For the Mystic God Temple's true disciples, there's no choice; they must go, so there's no need to dwell on it. But for others, since they are not the strongest, going to the Empire Trial Field might be riskier, thus they have the option to choose.
Of course, they speculate that the reason Mystic God Temple requires true disciples to go might be to hope that the true disciples can undergo further trials at the Empire Trial Field and become more outstanding.
Top-tier transcendents are born from a process similar to sifting gold from sand.
Cultivation at the Mystic God Temple is about resource accumulation, but the cultivation environment is relatively too comfortable. Although the Virtual Trial Ground can simulate death, it's fake, lacking a real sense of crisis.
To become a Great Practitioner, one needs to go through a baptism.
This time is an opportunity.
Xu Mo, Zero, Augustus, and Lowell were together.
"This time, I'm afraid the risk is very high." Lowell's expression was somewhat serious, which made Xu Mo a little surprised. Given his personality, shouldn't he be excited?
"Hmm." Xu Mo nodded.
"I am a true disciple of the Mystic God Temple, so I must go. Looking at the top talents of various major forces in the universe, I'm afraid my strength is somewhat inadequate. I might need to prepare my affairs in advance," Lowell said.
Hearing Lowell's words, Xu Mo's expression also grew more serious.
Indeed, even the elders of the Mystic God Temple mentioned that the mortality rate for this trial would not be low, so it must be truly dangerous.
Although Lowell yearns for combat, it doesn't mean he is unafraid of death.
"Given your status, if you explained to the Mystic God Temple, maybe you wouldn't have to go?" Xu Mo suggested.
"That's not possible," Lowell said. "How could I miss out on such an opportunity?"
Xu Mo didn't say much more.
"Let's go, time to choose equipment," Lowell said.
"Mm." Xu Mo nodded and stepped away from there.
At the Mystic God Temple headquarters, there is no shortage of SS-grade weapons.
Xu Mo returned to his room and unlocked the weapon resources of the armory.
"How many weapons can I choose?" Xu Mo asked.
"According to your permissions, there are no limits," the system responded.
"??" Xu Mo showed a faintly strange expression. Unlimited?
He can choose freely?
Does this mean he can select wildly and then sell them?
Of course, Xu Mo wouldn't do such a thing.
But, is his clearance that high?
Are the other true disciples of the Mystic God Temple the same as him in this regard? As expected, the Mystic God Temple lives up to its name, so lavish.
Since he could choose freely, Xu Mo was not going to be polite.
Xu Mo opened the armory interface, selected SS-grade weapons, starting with defense. He quickly set his sights on a close-fitting combat suit; although his own defense was strong, having an additional combat suit for protection wouldn't hurt.
After the combat suit, it was the flying sword. Xu Mo selected a set of physical energy flying swords.
No need for a blade; in his strongest combat state, he could directly condense the Sura Blade to fight, with the flying sword as a precautionary measure.
Xu Mo couldn't think of any other weapons he needed. As he flipped through the options, his gaze fell on a spot—it was a mask with the power to conceal identity. Xu Mo immediately selected it, a good item for unforeseen needs.
"Mecha."
Xu Mo saw the mecha. Mystic God Temple training mainly focuses on enhancing one's own strength, rarely relying on external objects. Yet, in actual combat outside, mecha is also an important weapon.
Moreover, the mecha of the Mystic God Temple is the latest technological product with very strong combat performance.
Xu Mo chose a mecha.
With this, he pretty much had a complete set of equipment.