Stepping inside, emerald green and golden light clashed within the pitch-black space. A closer look revealed the profound darkness was its true essence—the colors merely reflections from objects within.

Beneath her feet lay a sea of rare jewels and ornaments, dominated by vivid gold pieces worth a fortune.

Ahead stood an ancient tree, its gnarled trunk and lush foliage whispering of centuries. Towering like a pillar connecting heaven and earth, it cast the entire space in emerald shadow.

The golden glow, unexpectedly, came not from the scattered treasures—but from a single fruit hanging on the tree’s branches.

Just one palm-sized fruit bent the thick limb effortlessly, radiating golden light that rivaled the entire colossal tree.

Lily’s gaze swept the wonders, finally locking onto the golden fruit weighing down the branch. Its dazzling brilliance held her spellbound.

"Neh neh… Master, what is that?"

"Who knows? A golden apple? The forbidden fruit of wisdom? A mysterious symbol…" Ink Ash sneered, gazing at the shimmering glow. "Seems this is the grand prize. Quite generous!"

Lily frowned, shaking her head in confusion. "Hmm… Lily doesn’t quite understand."

Gently stroking her silky golden hair, Ink Ash’s deep eyes flickered with complexity. "No need to understand. Just know this—if you eat that fruit, you’ll grow strong. *Truly* strong. As strong as you wish."

"Eat it and get stronger?" Lily’s eyes lit with familiar longing.

Ink Ash smiled, tapping her nose with a finger. "Of course! It grants any wish… as long as you don’t get greedy~!"

"Don’t get greedy?" Lily’s confusion deepened.

With a crisp snap of his fingers—as if he’d created the fruit himself—Ink Ash explained knowingly, "Even perfection has limits. Wishes beyond your reach? It won’t fulfill those."

"Well then, my disciple…" His eyes burned into his power-hungry apprentice, alight with uncharacteristic fervor. "Do you—*want* it?"

Lily parted her lips, hesitating. "I…"

"Haven’t you always craved strength? Eat it. Ascend in one step." His whisper slithered like a demon’s.

Conflict flickered in her jade-green eyes. "No side effects? Just… eat it and grow strong?"

"Exactly." Ink Ash nodded firmly.

"Then… I still won’t!" Her raised hand dropped softly. Relief washed over her as she declared earnestly, "Master once said nothing valuable comes without effort… If it does, it’s never good!"

*Especially since strength… isn’t my only goal anymore.*

A flicker of pride crossed Ink Ash’s face before vanishing. "Such a rare chance. No regrets?"