[Inside the Training Room, Martial Capital of Heaven]
At this moment, the training room was deathly silent, save for the azure vector field flowing slowly around Tendo like a tide, wrapping him tightly in layer upon layer of protection.
At the edges of the field, countless materialized rule runes flickered like fireflies, illuminating the entire training room with a faint blue glow.
He closed his eyes and concentrated, his consciousness sinking into his sea of knowledge.
Every detail of the battle just now against the four clones of the Zodiac was magnified infinitely and simulated repeatedly by his consciousness, which had reached a level of intensity beyond the limit.
The subtle manipulation of precisely locking onto the core energy nodes with vector lines when slaying Cancer.
The instantaneous prediction and utilization of the vector flow within spatial folds when dodging Scorpio's sneak attack.
The exquisite guidance of dismantling energy solidification structures with minute force lines when neutralizing Aquarius's freezing rules...
Every insight gained from each moment of battle was transformed at this instant into pure nourishment for his path of vectors, allowing his understanding of his own rules to deepen continuously.
"So that's how it is. The core of vector rules... is not merely controlling the movement trajectories of matter, but also being able to directly interfere with the energy flow networks of other rules."
Tendo whispered softly, a curve of enlightenment hooking at the corner of his mouth, his tone filled with the clarity of total realization.
Subsequently, his fingers unconsciously brushed through the void, leaving behind streaks of azure rule patterns. These patterns lingered in the air for a moment before slowly dissipating.
Tendo looked at these rule patterns, thought for a moment, and then his mind stirred.
In the next second, the azure field flowing around him suddenly retracted, merging entirely into his body like a receding tide without leaving behind even a shred of excess energy.
Then, an energy fluctuation, more refined and profound than before, boomed outward from within his body. This fluctuation seemed gentle, yet it contained an unquestionable rule-based pressure.
The mere aftershocks of it caused the 'Quantum Defense Matrix' on the training room walls to tremble slightly. Even the energy flowing through the matrix experienced a brief moment of disorder before stabilizing once again.
The insights gained from this battle not only took his mastery of vector rules to the next level but also pushed his strength to the threshold of the mid-stage Natural Disaster Realm.
One must know that according to the records of the Star Envoy Association, there were no so-called level divisions among Natural Disasters.
Because at this stage, simple numerical values were already difficult to use as a measure for the limits of a Natural Disaster.
The competition between them was more about 'mechanics.'
For example, Tendo's 'Vector Control' had, in a sense, expanded from the physical level to the non-physical level.
It could even affect the domains of other Natural Disaster-class existences.
However, this change was not purely 'Vector Control' alone; it was a manifestation of several of his abilities piled together, including 'Tendo Cells' and the 'Star Eclipse Heavenly Eye.'
It could be said that for every Child of the Stars who reached the Natural Disaster level, their domain would be significantly more powerful than that of a Natural Disaster with only a single Star Source or Star Core.
This was simply because their domains possessed 'second' or even 'third' characteristics that ordinary Natural Disasters lacked.
Of course, everything had its pros and cons.
A higher ceiling naturally represented greater difficulty in making breakthroughs.
Among the current Children of the Stars, Tendo was the only one who had achieved this.
The others had essentially failed to even reach Tendo's doorstep.
After absorbing the gains from this session, Tendo's Star Eclipse Heavenly Eye slowly opened, with countless rule runes flowing rapidly within his pupils.
His gaze was like a blade capable of piercing through all things, passing directly through the training room barriers, through the energy shield of the Martial Capital of Heaven, and then through layer upon layer of sub-space barriers to reach the core area of the sub-space where the true bodies of the Zodiac resided.
Simultaneously, his perception spread out like an invisible net, blanketing the core area of the sub-space.
Through this, Tendo could clearly perceive that the area was filled with an aura of anger and wariness so thick it could not be dissipated, along with countless terrifying energy fluctuations interlacing and colliding with each other.
Clearly, the news of the four clones being slain had been transmitted back immediately. Those true bodies, who had lived in seclusion in the sub-space core for years and possessed Legendary-level strength, could no longer sit still.
Although he knew these Legendary-level existences were by no means ordinary, Tendo, having broken through to the Natural Disaster level, could now vaguely sense their 'limitations.'
Therefore, Tendo did not feel much apprehension toward them.
Thus... he planned to send these 'fellows' a 'gift.'
Tendo raised his hand and lightly gripped the void. Countless azure vector force lines, refined to the extreme, surged from his body and quickly interlaced and wound together in the air.
Like a beautifully woven spiderweb, in just a breath's time, it condensed into an energy mark the size of a palm.
This mark was entirely azure, its surface carved with complex vector runes that were difficult to understand. Faint golden light flowed between the runes, containing not only his deep understanding of vector rules but also carrying his will and a terrifying rule-based pressure. Simply floating in mid-air caused the surrounding space to warp slightly.
"Go."
Tendo flicked his finger lightly, and that energy mark instantly transformed into a brilliant streak of azure light. Its speed was extreme, piercing directly through the alloy walls of the training room without leaving a trace.
Then, this streak of light broke through the defense array of the Martial Capital of Heaven and raced toward the sub-space where the true bodies of the Zodiac were located.
The speed of this mark far exceeded the vector force lines used to attack Pisces earlier; it was almost at the level of teleportation.
In an instant, it crossed an endless distance, ignoring the spatial turbulence and energy storms along the way, appearing directly inside the Starry Vault Hall where the true bodies of the Zodiac held their meetings.
Inside the Starry Vault Hall, it was dim and lightless. Ten figures shrouded in thick shadows sat respectively upon ten thrones embedded with abyss crystals, with two empty seats beside them.
Of the two missing seats, one symbolized Libra, while the other was completely unknown.
Apart from the two empty seats, each of the remaining thrones emitted a terrifying aura of rules with different attributes, and the atmosphere was oppressive to the extreme.
The true body of Pisces had a face as pale as paper. The wound on its chest still throbbed with pain, as black abyss energy flowed continuously at the site of the injury, yet it could never fully heal.
The backlash to its origin caused by the slaying of its clone had caused some abnormalities in its body, to the point where its impression of Tendo had deepened significantly once again.
"This human... absolutely cannot be allowed to continue growing."
"One Enite has already delayed us for a long time."
"If a new Enite appears, it will undoubtedly further slow down our original plans."
In response to Pisces's statement, a majestic and domineering voice rang out.
"He merely slew a few clones used for testing; why make such a fuss?"
The one speaking was the true body of Leo. Its entire body radiated a rule-based aura of fire so violent that the space around its throne was warped by the heat.
The materialization of its constellation was a massive 'Golden Lion' bathed in flames.
Just as Leo finished speaking, an azure energy mark suddenly appeared without warning in the void at the center of the Starry Vault Hall. It erupted with a dazzling light, illuminating the entire dim hall as if it were broad daylight.
Immediately following that, a vector pressure so terrifying it reached the extreme spread out like a tsunami, instantly blanketing the entire Starry Vault Hall.
The auras of the ten shadows all stalled for a moment, and the power of rules within them erupted subconsciously.
On the thrones beneath them, countless ancient runes lit up one after another, forming black energy barriers that completely blocked out this 'unique pressure.'
Although none of them were affected, this act, which was akin to a slap in the face at their doorstep, undoubtedly infuriated them completely.
"Arrogance!"
The true body of Leo roared in anger, raising its hand to blast a violent flame rule containing a terrifying aura of destruction toward the energy mark.
This flame rule was golden in color, with a temperature high enough to incinerate space. Everywhere it passed, the air was ignited, producing a 'sizzling' sound.
However, the moment the flames touched the energy mark, they were dismantled and guided by countless microscopic vector force lines that were difficult for the naked eye to see. The originally violent fire energy was instantly diverted into countless tiny sparks, which were then completely annihilated by the vector field, leaving behind not even a wisp of smoke.
After completing its deterrence, the energy mark transformed into a sky full of light spots and dissipated within the Starry Vault Hall, leaving only Tendo's cold will echoing continuously in the hall, refusing to fade for a long time.
The Starry Vault Hall fell back into a deathly silence, save for the heavy breathing of the ten shadows.
After a long while, the true body of Aries spoke slowly, a hint of indifference in its voice.
"For a human with a fragile physical body, being able to reach this level of understanding of the rules in such a short time is indeed a miracle."
In regard to this, the other members of the Zodiac said nothing more.
Because they were all born as Legends, they understood the gap between the base limits of different species.
No matter how hard an ant worked, it would be difficult for it to reach the level of an elephant.
Compared to them, humans were much like ants.
But unlike ants, the human race seemed to possess a certain uniqueness.
They could occasionally produce some 'miracles.'
Tendo was like this, and Enite was like this as well.
It seemed their plans had to be accelerated.
[At the same time, Inside the Training Room of the Martial Capital of Heaven]
Tendo slowly withdrew his gaze, a curve of disdain hooking at the corner of his mouth.
He could clearly perceive the changes in the auras of the ten shadows inside the Starry Vault Hall.
From initial anger and disdain to later surprise, everything was within his expectations.
He knew that after receiving this 'gift,' the Zodiac would definitely not act rashly again in the short term.
However, this was only a temporary measure. The Zodiac had a profound foundation, and their true bodies were all Legendary-level powerhouses; it was impossible for them to give up completely because of one 'grand gift.'
To completely resolve this threat, he needed to further increase his strength until he surpassed the Legendary level and possessed absolute power capable of crushing the true bodies of the Zodiac.
Just as Tendo composed his mind and prepared to continue immersing himself in cultivation, his Star Eclipse Heavenly Eye suddenly lit up again, a cold light flashing through his pupils.
His Star Eclipse Heavenly Eye had captured an exceptionally violent energy fluctuation. This fluctuation came from deep within the sub-space outside the Martial Capital of Heaven, and its energy concentration was even thicker and more violent than the previous four clones.
The fire rule power contained within was incomparably domineering, clearly the clone of another member of the Zodiac. Moreover, the original power contained in this clone far exceeded the sum of the previous four, making it much stronger.
Clearly, no matter what team or organization it was, there would always be some reckless individuals.
Leo of the Zodiac was clearly such a case, or perhaps its rules did not allow it to 'show weakness.'
With this thought, Tendo's body moved, disappearing from the training room in an instant as if teleporting.
In the next second, he appeared in the sub-space outside the Martial Capital of Heaven. The azure vector field around him unfolded quietly, resisting the extreme cold and turbulence of the sub-space.
In the distant sub-space, a golden figure a thousand meters tall was rapidly approaching.
This figure was shaped like a 'Golden Lion,' surrounded by raging golden flames. Everything it passed was incinerated to nothingness, and even the sub-space turbulence was no exception.
This figure was none other than the clone projection of Leo, which contained a shred of its original power!
The gaze of Leo's clone was like that of a beast locking onto its prey, staring fixedly at Tendo. Its voice boomed in the void like a thunderclap, causing the surrounding space to ripple.
Without any nonsense, Leo's clone raised its hand and waved.
In an instant, countless golden flaming meteors appeared out of thin air, crashing down toward Tendo.
Each of these meteors contained a destructive flame rule, sufficient to incinerate space and melt starships, with a power far exceeding any previous attack.
Facing the surging flaming meteors that blotted out the sky, Tendo's expression remained calm without a hint of panic, as if the terrifying attack before him was not worth mentioning.
With a thought, the azure vector field around him suddenly expanded, its range instantly growing to thousands of miles. Countless refined vector force lines shot out from the field.
These vector force lines operated rapidly like countless precision machines, accurately capturing the movement vector of every flaming meteor and then forcibly altering their trajectories.
Before long, the flaming meteors that had been crashing toward Tendo all turned around. Like a flood reversing its course, they surged back toward Leo's clone with a momentum even more fierce than before.
More importantly, Tendo's vector control had not only succeeded in returning the attack.
It seemed he had also bestowed new characteristics upon these attacks.
To the extent that Leo's clone, which was supposed to be the master of fire, actually let out a voice of astonishment and anger after being blanketed by its own flaming meteors.
Its figure began to become distorted and transparent.
And Tendo gave it no chance to struggle.
His figure flashed, passing through the raging golden flames like a ghost, instantly appearing before Leo's clone.
He condensed a refined azure force line at his fingertip. This line seemed slender, yet it contained a terrifying power sufficient to pierce through stars, shooting straight toward the core energy node of Leo's clone.
With a soft 'pfft' sound, the vector force line pierced through the core of Leo's clone without any hindrance.
Boom!
Leo's clone completely disintegrated, turning into wisps of golden energy mist that slowly dissipated in the void.
From the moment Leo's clone launched its attack to the moment it was completely slain by Tendo, the entire process took less than ten breaths. It was even easier than the sum of slaying the previous four clones, which was enough to show just how powerful Tendo's strength had become at this moment.