Chapter 275: The Choice of Hongjun Saint!
However, this idea remained in the realm of imagination, as the likelihood of it becoming reality was extremely slim. After all, Hongjun Saint wasn't likely to be interested in the treasures Laozi possessed, while the treasures from the ranking rewards were of utmost importance.
Moreover, this was only the first reward; the second reward hadn't been revealed yet. It was possible that the second reward would be particularly significant to Hongjun Saint.
The second reward that everyone was eager to see soon appeared.
[Weapon List 7th Place Reward: Chaos Comprehension Fruit]
[It can temporarily greatly enhance one's comprehension ability!]
When this reward first appeared, many people were surprised. It was the first time they had seen a time-limited treasure, and one that only enhanced comprehension.
At first glance, those with lower strength couldn't immediately see how this would be useful, but those needing to comprehend higher mysteries would find it invaluable.
Chiyou: "Does this thing have any use? Why would it be the seventh-place reward? If it permanently increased comprehension, it would be decent, but what's the point of a temporary boost?"
Yuanshi Tianzun: "Exactly! Permanent enhancement of comprehension is always better. But a time-limited increase? How can that be considered a good reward?"
Upon first glance, many people felt it wasn't worth it. The other rewards had all been very good, providing direct power boosts or increasing mana, and they were permanent. But this temporary comprehension boost didn't seem to be as valuable in comparison.
Sun Wukong: "Is there even a choice here? I've said from the start, pick the first reward!"
Erlang Shen: "You didn't say that earlier. Weren't you just complaining about how common mana-boosting treasures are?"
Sun Wukong: "Who could've guessed the second reward would be this bad? Everyone needs enhanced comprehension, but who wants a temporary boost?"
This was a question not only Sun Wukong asked, but everyone. While it's true that even Saints could benefit from improved comprehension, temporary enhancement seemed much less desirable.
And considering that this was the seventh-place reward, many thought that picking the Chaos Comprehension Fruit would simply be a waste.
Bai Ze: "I'm sure Hongjun Saint will make the obvious choice this time. It's clear which of the two rewards is superior."
Guanyin Bodhisattva: "There's a big difference between these two rewards, but we can't be sure Hongjun Saint doesn't need the comprehension boost."
The discussion among the audience didn't affect Hongjun Saint's thoughts. He understood the merits of both fruits clearly. It wasn't as though the Chaos Comprehension Fruit was inferior.
Both fruits had their respective uses. The Primal Chaos Fruit could directly increase mana and even benefit Saints. Its effects were straightforward. On the other hand, the Chaos Comprehension Fruit could temporarily enhance comprehension, but it wasn't needed by everyone. Only those at a critical juncture in comprehending the Great Dao or heavenly mysteries would benefit from it.
Hongjun Saint, being a Daoist Saint, had no need for a comprehension-boosting fruit, especially one with a temporary effect.
Hongjun Saint: "I choose the Primal Chaos Fruit!"
After his choice, many watching the livestream expressed their agreement. It was in line with their expectations.
Sun Wukong: "See! His thinking is the same as mine—he picked the first reward!"
Manjushri Bodhisattva: "The first reward has the most immediate benefits. If he had chosen the second, who knows when it could be used? If the opportunity never comes, the second reward might just sit there for a long time."
Erlang Shen: "Although it was possible for Hongjun Saint to pick the second, it's understandable that he didn't need a mana boost at his level."
After claiming his reward, Hongjun Saint wasted no time and swallowed the Primal Chaos Fruit. The vibrant green fruit released its rich juices into his mouth, transforming into a powerful force that surged through his body.
As the power of the fruit spread within him, his mana steadily increased. Hongjun Saint enjoyed this process, as it had been a long time since he'd experienced such a gain in strength.
However, the amount of mana the fruit could boost was limited. After all the energy was consumed, his mana had only increased slightly. Still, even a small increase at his level was significant, and if he had cultivated this power himself, it would have taken thousands of years.
Nonetheless, for someone of Hongjun Saint's level, mana was not the most crucial factor in battle. His abilities and divine powers, along with his weapons, played a much larger role. If these two were powerful enough, it was possible to fight above one's level.
Hongjun Saint was pleased with his increase in strength, though he regretted there was only one fruit. He would've liked more.
While the reward wasn't perfectly suited to him, it wasn't bad either—it was simply average. After his reward was claimed, it was Laozi's turn next.
Laozi's heart became filled with apprehension. The memory of his mana being reduced was still fresh in his mind, even though it had happened only a short time ago. That excruciating experience was something he absolutely didn't want to repeat.
Thus, when it came to his turn to claim his reward, Laozi was much more cautious. He couldn't afford to choose carelessly this time. He was determined to be more mindful.
Pursuing the best reward too eagerly could lead to disaster, as Laozi himself had already proven. He had been the first to suffer a punishment since the ranking rewards began.
Because of this, the audience watching the livestream was especially curious about what Laozi's next fate would be. This was his first appearance after having his mana reduced, and everyone was eager to see what would happen to him next.