Saint Alvaro only delved on it for a few seconds before moving on. As the previous Saint Patron, he had to show the new one how to operate the rewarding mechanisms of The Peak. He motioned for the two others to follow him and they began to ascend into the sky steadily at a walking pace. They went towards the heart of the stone statue.

As they reached the front of it, Saint Alvaro turned towards the two and said: "Make sure to remember what I'll be doing now"

Then, spiritual energy began to fluctuate all over the area surrounding them within a hundred meters of radius. Saint Alvaro began to make dozens of hand signs by the seconds and with every passing second, glyphs, runes and arrays appeared on the pristine surface of the statue. It went on for only a minute but was still an incredibly complex technique.

Once done with the hand signs, he sent a spiritual energy wave at the statue's heart where all things were linked. As it collided with it, an opening began to unravel itself. It circularly turned upon itself, widening the gap inside. Nothing could be seen within but the darkness.

Saint Alvaro took out a box from his spatial ring. The box was very average in appearance. Seemingly made of wood and lacking any ornaments. However, a powerful might exuded from it.

Hae-Hyuk cautiously tried to probe: "Is that.."

But before he could even do so, Saint Alvaro sent it at him and stated: "This is the 7th grade treasure, all-preserving treasure box of deities. We simply call it The Box though. Anyways, as per the laws, it is going to be loaned to you for a century. Use it to store the 7th grade treasure that will come out"

Hae-Hyuk grabbed the box firmly and nodded. He prepared a 6th grade box himself but this was much better. At the very least, it would be enough to preserve the entirety of the treasure.

Saint Alvaro then explained: "Throw the heart of your winning champion, his core, within the dark opening"

Hae-Hyuk did as he was told. He respectfully put the round yellow ball within the darkness. It seemed like it was absorbed instantly. The energy exuded from the inside was fearsome even to Hae-Hyuk. He quickly stepped back and returned next to the other two Saints. Having already witnessed and lived this event many times, the two were unfazed. They began to ascend further towards the top of the statue. Hae-Hyuk followed as he noticed the hole in the heart closing upon itself in the same way it opened.

The trio stopped at the mouth of the statue. Saint Alvaro motioned for Hae-Hyuk to go closer. Moments after he reached the mouth, it began to open. Within it, the teeth were made of gold while the tongue was of a silver leather. And on top of the tongue was a single flower. It was small and looked like any other flower you could find in the wilderness. A stem and a few golden petals. Nothing more.

If not for the powerful energy of Domination it exuded, no one could have identified it as a treasure. But that might... Even Hae-Hyuk felt the need to put a knee down and bow in front of this flower. If not for his extremely highly trained will and mental fortitude, he might have done so.

He sweated as he walked towards the flower while resisting. He managed to grab it and hurriedly put it within the box. He was trembling all over. That box was incredibly light yet it felt heavier than anything he ever held.

This flower was the key towards Sainthood and the way to the End Point.

Once he retreated, the mouth closed. An instant later, everything began to turn hazy. Both the statue, the arena, the bridges and even The Peak. Hae-Hyuk realized that it was disappearing. Before the two Saints could congratulate him, they saw him rush down at full speed at the arena.

From high-up, they saw him grab onto the champion's corpse just before the arena disappeared.

Saint Patron Bôrakos stated: "It would have been quite hilarious if he died due to that oath only seconds after acquiring the flower"

Saint Alvaro laughed before he added: "You would have been given quite a load of work though!"

Saint Patron Bôrakos chuckled along as they both returned to Hae-Hyuk. They grabbed him and teleported back within the grand hall.

Everyone saw Hae-Hyuk surrounded by a Saint on both sides. He held a corpse and a box emitting incredible energy. As they arrived, the experts began to clamor. Some cursing, some applauding and some others questioning.

Saint Patron Bôrakos calmed down the crowd and began to speak: "This year's trial end here with Hae-Hyuk's success. As the winner, and as per the laws, his territory will be under protection for the next hundred years as to provide him the required environment to breakthrough. None of the experts present today are to take any actions, direct or indirect, against said territory. Hae-Hyuk, which area are you picking as your territory?"

Hae-Hyuk looked once at Isla who nodded with a smile before he stated: "Ninth Heaven City and its surroundings"

Saint Alvaro chuckled while Cao Lei grit his teeth. Now, he would be unable to attack both Hae-Hyuk and Isla! How Frustrating!

Saint Patron Bôrakos nodded as he expected that choice as well and stated: "As per the laws and our oaths, I declare the Ninth Heaven City under the protection of the Saints and the heavens for the next century! None of the beings present today shall dare lay a hand upon it, directly or indirectly!"

The entire hall remained silent. This meant a lot and many people would need to change whatever plans they made beforehand. The emergence of a potential new Saint always forced everyone to adapt accordingly. Even more so now that a power with two stage 69th was officialized...