100\% DROP RATE : Why is My Inventory Always so Full? Chapter 511 - Meeting Again

Lucien materialized in Starforge’s subjugated domain via the teleportation disc bestowed upon him by Anvil-Horn.

The elder master had displayed an uncharacteristic directness before dispatching him.

"It would be best if you undertook this journey alone."

Lucien offered no argument.

Anvil-Horn then imparted a piece of information that resonated with Lucien throughout his travel: Lilith had been engaged in relentless training ever since Lucien was taken away for his revival.

That single fact was sufficient to instill a quiet burden within his heart.

As a final request before handing over the disc, Anvil-Horn had added:

"If it is within your capabilities, bring my daughter back home."

Lucien had merely given a solemn nod.

The passage through the dimensional corridor was swift by conventional measures, yet Lucien found no enjoyment in any aspect of it. The transition still carried that discomfiting sensation of being crudely thrust through a passage rather than being smoothly deposited at his intended destination.

This experience only intensified his longing for the instant teleportation array.

Upon his arrival in the conquered world, the initial thing that registered was the profound silence.

The second was the sensation. A peculiar feeling emanated from this world, pressing against his senses with an undeniable familiarity.

Lucien’s eyes narrowed slightly.

He then extended his spiritual senses, seeking out Lilith.

Fortunately, the world was not vast, which aided his search.

He located her swiftly.

The very instant his senses made contact with her aura, Lucien’s eyes widened in astonishment.

...Lilith had not yet awakened.

Following her ingestion of the peculiar fruit, she had lapsed into a state far deeper than mere slumber and more profound than typical meditation. It had evolved into a sustained epiphany, a coma of comprehension and profound transformation.

Several months had elapsed since she consumed the fruit.

She remained seated precisely where the world had drawn her, motionless, her eyes shut, her breathing faint, her body utterly still.

Yet, nothing about her exuded stagnation.

Her aura had been steadily ascending throughout this entire period.

It was as if an internal source had been unlocked, now channeling truths to her at a rate far exceeding the norms of conventional cultivation practice.

Transformations had also taken root within her physical form.

These were changes that affected one's very presence more than outward appearance.

Something fundamental within her had become more refined, more concentrated, and undeniably more complete.

When Lucien finally stood before her, undeniable surprise flashed across his features.

The spiritual energy enveloping her felt remarkably familiar.

It bore a resemblance to the passive comprehension he received from his sapling during meditation, with the crucial difference being that what Lilith was experiencing was significantly more potent, richer, and considerably more direct. It was as though an unseen wellspring continued to pour understanding into her, even in her current state.

Lucien refrained from touching her.

He simply remained still, extending his senses once more, this time outward, probing the surrounding environment.

His investigation of the world around her did not take long.

His awareness permeated the terrain, bypassed the outer mineral-rich zones, and reached the depression below.

The bark. The instant he identified it, everything logically connected.

Lucien released a slow, measured exhale.

"So, that’s the reason."

His gaze intensified, sharp with realization.

"Another bark from the Tree of Creation."

Now, the entirety of the conquered world aligned in his understanding.

The unusual materials, the accelerated comprehension facilitated by the Abyssal Core Shards – none of it was mere coincidence.

These phenomena had been fueled by the lingering influence and inherent laws emanating from one of the Tree of Creation’s barks.

The minerals formed in this environment had been shaped by that profound presence for an immeasurable duration, yielding a world where even common ore contained traces of something fundamentally potent enough to assist cultivators in deepening their grasp of universal laws.

Lucien almost chuckled.

"No wonder," he murmured, the words a soft exhalation. "No wonder at all."

In the Peak Stage of the Celestial Realm.

His breath hitched.

Just a year prior, she had been at the mid-stages of the Celestial Realm. Now, she occupied its very summit, a mere step away from the Eternal Realm. Such rapid advancement was nothing short of monstrous.

Lucien gazed at her, Alanthuriel’s words echoing in his mind once more. Lilith was destined for greatness, a hero meant to play a significant role on the scale of worlds.

His eyes narrowed slightly. "So this is what it signified," he mused. This world had answered her call, perhaps providing the path needed to reclaim what was rightfully hers.

Lilith’s imposing aura finally settled. Then, slowly, her eyes fluttered open. Something within her had fundamentally changed.

The Lilith who once masked her helplessness with pride was no more. Her gaze was now remarkably clear, steady to a degree that made the surrounding silence feel more acute. The former hesitation was completely absent, replaced solely by unwavering resolve.

Her gaze dropped for an instant as she looked at her own hand, clenching it reflexively, as if testing the veracity of her newfound strength. Then, she sensed him. Her head snapped up.

Their eyes met, and an absolute stillness enveloped them both. For several seconds, not a word was spoken.

Lucien took in her features; Lilith acknowledged his tangible presence. Then, Lucien was the first to break the silence with a smile. "Hi."

That was all he said. Lilith parted her lips, but no sound emerged.

Initially, upon sensing his presence, she had suspected her mind was playing a cruel trick. Perhaps the fruit had stirred memories, emotions, or hallucinations she couldn't control. But no. The fruit had indeed transformed her in many ways, and one profound change was in her perception. She could now perceive essence, the deeper truths of all living beings.

And the individual standing before her was undeniably Lucien. He extended a hand towards her. "Sister Lilith," he said casually, "my congratulations on reaching the peak of the Celestial Realm."

That sentiment struck something within her, causing it to break. Lilith grasped his hand and rose. She had so much she wanted to convey – how? When? Had he suffered? What had these past months been like for her? But the words became trapped, overwhelmed by the sheer force of her relief.

It was then that she realized tears were already streaming down her face. Lucien faltered at the sight. Despite his capacity to confront monstrous entities, he appeared somewhat lost when faced with a crying woman who held affection for him.

He scratched the side of his nose, clearly buying himself time to collect his thoughts. Lilith let out a weak, tearful chuckle at his reaction. Then, she finally managed to articulate the truth. "It’s good that you’re alive."

Her voice wavered for a moment before stabilizing. "I’m glad. Truly, I am."

Lucien’s expression softened instantly. A warmth spread through him. The aloof, proud Lilith before him bore no resemblance to the distant warrior she often pretended to be. She appeared open, an honesty that felt almost intimate. And Lucien, for perhaps the first time, responded with equal sincerity. "I should be thanking you first."

Lilith blinked. Lucien continued, "Beloved Bastion saved me more times than I can tally during that battle. Without it, I truly would have met my end several times over before the final confrontation."

A faint grin touched his lips. "You are one of the reasons I'm still standing."

Lilith stared at him. The expression on her face then shifted so dramatically that Lucien felt it as if the very world had contorted. The frustration she had harbored, the insecurity she had honed within herself, the fear that her contribution had been insufficient – all of it began to dissolve. Because what she believed had failed him had, in reality, protected him time and again. What she thought was too little had indeed mattered. What she had crafted with all her pride and care had ultimately reached him.

Lilith smiled. It was a genuine smile, radiant and unrestrained. And in that smile, a fierce spirit returned to her. "Then I’ll make more," she declared immediately.

Lucien raised an eyebrow. Lilith’s eyes gleamed. "I’ll forge something so outlandish that no one will ever manage to kill you properly again."

Lucien burst into laughter. "I'm looking forward to that." He then appraised her from head to toe and added, "But try not to turn me into one of those grotesque Void-walkers."

Lilith chuckled as well. "Don't worry," she replied. "I'll only cover you from head to toe."

Lucien shuddered dramatically. "That sentence was somehow more unsettling."

This elicited another bout of laughter from her. And just like that, the atmosphere between them transformed. Not because all the burdens had vanished, but because they were no longer crushing. For the first time in a long while, neither of them felt quite so distant from the other.