NOVPUBBefore coming here, Ivan had expected the Geocentric Lineage to have profound depths, but the scene before him still left him somewhat shaken. The sorcerer world, as it stood, lacked a true leading figure like this.
Stepping forward, he saluted those present as a courtesy before responding to Meg’s remarks:
"The Azure Throne—we haven’t seen each other in decades. I hadn’t expected your strength to advance so quickly to this point. Truly admirable."
Once, when the two of them ventured into the third underground layer together, their strengths had been nearly equal. In terms of battle prowess, he had even been the superior one.
It had always been him leaving others in the dust. This was the first time he had been so thoroughly surpassed.
"I’m humbled. You should know that my current achievements are largely thanks to Mr. Clement’s arrangements. However, my nature is dull, and even with that, I could not have achieved my current standing without great difficulty.
During my struggles, it was only with the help of everyone here that I barely managed to congeal a throne. Thinking back on it makes me feel ashamed."
Meg spoke with an air of lament, bowing once more to express thanks to those around him.
So there had been such hidden details.
Clement was Meg’s former incarnation. The life that continued after his demise transformed into Meg—a reproductive method unique to treefolk.
Ivan came to sudden understanding. He recalled Clement once mentioning that he had received the great favor of the Mother of Earth Core and had followed her for a time, thus becoming part of the Geocentric Lineage.
Meg now stood in the same position.
"You are too modest. A throne is a throne—how can it be said to be barely achieved?"
"Luck did have its hand in the matter, but let’s not speak of that now. Let me introduce everyone to you. You know the Dark Night Mother Goddess already; this here is the Golden Wutong Throne—"
Meg began to introduce the others, starting with figures like the Dark Night Mother Goddess and the Sea Mother, who needed no introduction.
The remaining three were the Golden Wutong Throne, the Thousand Claw Throne, and the War Fire. The Golden Wutong Throne was female, dressed in regal garments, her mature appearance exuding a gentle golden glow.
The Thousand Claw Throne was male, with the head and body of a man, but his feet were a dense network of yellow roots.
The War Fire was also male—a burly man whose exposed skin glowed fiery red. The air temperature around him was notably hotter than elsewhere.
As Meg introduced everyone, Ivan greeted each one in turn.
If his guess was correct, the true essence of the people before him was connected to plants. There was a specific term for this—the Georoots, or the Roots of the Earth.
Jenny was of the same kind.
"Sorcerer Ivan, do you know the reason we summoned you?" asked the Dark Night Mother Goddess.
"I do not. Please enlighten me."
At this moment, Ivan was thoroughly puzzled.
If it had something to do with his prior encounter with the Mother of Earth Core, who had appeared in the guise of the Mother of All Things, he was certain Jenny would never disclose it—not even to the Dark Night Mother Goddess.
"Considering your close relationship with Jenny, one could say that you are half one of us. You wouldn’t deny this, would you?" The tone of the Dark Night Mother Goddess was neither hurried nor slow.
"Of course not." Ivan’s heart tightened. The Geocentric Lineage had not been like this in the past, having been largely dismissive of him. Still, he couldn’t deny the connection between them.
"Your progress in strength over the years has been remarkable. You could be considered a rare talent. Having cultivated to this point, you must be preparing for your throne ascension, no?"
"Your divine insight is unparalleled."
The more composed the Dark Night Mother Goddess appeared, the more uneasy Ivan felt. He feared that no good news awaited him, but he could only force himself to remain patient.
What he didn’t know was that ever since his arrival at Lonely Mountain Residence, the Dark Night Mother Goddess and the others had begun observing him and secretly deliberating on his worth. 𝔫𝔬𝖛𝖕𝔲𝖇.𝖈𝖔𝖒
This group could discern his profound aura, which marked him as one of the outstanding figures among the Ancient Kings.
On his form were signs of immense favor and a latent divine wisdom, indicating he was someone destined for great fortune.
It was after much discussion and consideration that they acknowledged his potential and decided to offer him an opportunity.
"We can help you, just as we did for the Azure Throne, and provide you with a rare chance in this world to ascend to a throne," the Dark Night Mother Goddess continued.
To use ascension to a throne as leverage—had it been anyone else, Ivan would have scoffed.
But the other party represented the Geocentric Lineage, holding countless resources left behind by the Mother of Earth Core, all of which were top-tier and crucial for forming a throne.
How could he not be tempted by this?
"I am deeply grateful for your recognition, but what would I need to offer in return?" Ivan knew there was no such thing as a free meal.
"A mission. You would need to infiltrate a major plane and gather critical information," the Dark Night Mother Goddess said, glancing around at the others before divulging their purpose.
So it was as he expected. Ivan had known deep down that this group would never truly treat him as one of their own.
"First, you’ll help me ascend to a throne, and then I’ll undertake the mission?" he probed.
"No. You must complete the mission first. You’re a smart man—you should understand why." The Dark Night Mother Goddess smiled faintly, a trace of amusement in her eyes, mocking his daydreaming.
The others also displayed various degrees of mockery, except for Meg, who looked visibly uncomfortable.
Hearing this, Ivan didn’t rush to respond, pondering over something in his mind instead.
Another major plane—could it really be a coincidence?
He had just returned from the Elf Plane, where he had remained for nearly ten years—an infiltration as well, in its own right.
He cast a glance at Jenny nearby. With the current strength he and Jenny shared, it was unlikely anyone could sense anything through her.
Seeing his gaze, Jenny hesitated, then seemed prepared to volunteer herself.
"Apologies, but I must decline. I am not capable enough," Ivan interjected just in time to cut her off.
