Ganwu Universe Country.
Qiongyu Star!
After more than ten days of travel, Han Jue arrived swiftly at his destination.
"Let's go!" Han Jue commanded.
Ian and the rest of the guard contingent followed him as they descended toward the planet's surface. The massive world grew larger in their view until they finally touched down on Qiongyu Star, one of the nine premier administrative planets in Ganwu Universe Country.
"The appointment from the Virtual Universe Company hasn't arrived yet, so let's find accommodations for the next few days," Han Jue instructed. "I also need time in the nutrient solution to consolidate my breakthrough to Domain Lord. Ian, you'll accompany me when I go out. As for you, " he gestured to one of the Realm Master guards, ", go purchase a residence on Qiongyu Star."
The Realm Master Han Jue had chosen was one of the guards recognized by the Origin Laws, and the man's face lit up with barely concealed delight at being selected. After all, Han Jue was extraordinarily generous, he'd given away an entire Hunyuan Unit in one go. After buying the residence, wouldn't the remaining funds belong to him?
Meanwhile, Han Jue brought Ian to Treasure Hall City, one of Qiongyu Star's 108 major metropolitan centers.
This was where the woman Hong loved resided.
Although the story was unfolding decades earlier than in the original timeline, Hong and Ji Qing had still met and quickly fallen for each other. Unfortunately, their relationship remained opposed by the Ji family, including Ji Qing's teacher, King Fantasy Spirit.
In a renowned restaurant within Treasure Hall City, Han Jue sat across from Hong.
"Brother Hong, it's been ages since we've met in person like this," Han Jue said with a warm smile.
"Indeed. You and Luo Feng both joined the Virtual Universe Company, while Lei Shen and I each went our separate ways..." Hong's expression was calm, though a trace of melancholy lingered in his eyes. "Decades ago, I heard about the Fantasy Ocean from you, so I returned to Ganwu Universe Country with my teacher, hoping to join the Huge Axe Dojo and gain the qualifications to enter the Fantasy Ocean. I never imagined things would turn out like this."
"Brother Hong, the key to breaking this impasse lies within yourself," Han Jue said gently.
"Within me?" Hong looked puzzled.
"Your state of mind," Han Jue clarified.
"My state of mind?" Hong murmured thoughtfully, his brow furrowing.
"From what I understand, King Fantasy Spirit's cultivation technique is unique," Han Jue explained. "If her disciples wish to inherit it and become stronger, they must remain unmarried. King Fantasy Spirit herself is extraordinarily powerful, even among Immortal Kings, she's exceptional. As long as someone is determined to become stronger, few would willingly abandon such a technique."
"Brother Hong, what is Ji Qing's dream?" Han Jue asked directly, his gaze steady.
"Qingqing's dream is to become an exceptionally powerful being," Hong replied, his voice dropping slightly. "At the same time, she has a strong attachment to continuing her family line." He seemed to understand where the conversation was heading, and his mood grew noticeably subdued.
Han Jue smiled and patted Hong on the shoulder reassuringly.
"Brother Hong, since you understand all this, and you know that Ji Qing might sacrifice her own desire to become stronger for the sake of her family obligations, are you still willing to pursue her?"
Hong's expression flattened, becoming unreadable. He simply looked at Han Jue quietly, his thoughts hidden behind an impenetrable mask.
Suddenly, Hong laughed. "No matter what happens, I want to witness all of this with my own eyes. Even if she gives up on me in the end, what harm is there? This is also an experience, an opportunity for growth!"
Hong had his own pride and dignity.
Han Jue smiled as well, about to speak, when his expression suddenly shifted into a frown.
"What's wrong?" Hong asked curiously.
"Nothing, just some minor irritants," Han Jue waved dismissively, gesturing for Ian to handle the small disturbance.
Ji Landeng, Ji Qing's father, had appeared downstairs in the restaurant.
He'd come specifically to pressure Hong into leaving his daughter alone. Han Jue had no intention of letting their conversation be interrupted by such petty interference, so he asked Ian to teach the man a lesson.
Ji Qing was merely the offspring of a maid Ji Landeng had casually favored, what genuine feelings could he possibly have? Of course, just to be cautious, Han Jue didn't instruct Ian to kill Ji Landeng outright.
"Brother Hong, you're not yet considered a core member of the Huge Axe Dojo, correct?" Han Jue asked, refocusing on their conversation.
"That's right, only a special elite candidate," Hong confirmed with a nod.
"Excellent," Han Jue said decisively. "Brother Hong, I can arrange for you to become a member of the Virtual Universe Company's Apocalypse Secret Realm. If you perform exceptionally well in the Fantasy Ocean, you'll have an excellent chance of being accepted as a disciple by a great being. By that point, even King Fantasy Spirit won't present an obstacle."
"You're saying I can directly join the core of the Virtual Universe Company?" Hong's eyes widened slightly in surprise.
During the Genius Battle, Hong hadn't even broken into the top ten thousand across the entire universe. Yet now he could enter the core directly? Even the lowest-tier Apocalypse Secret Realm was unmatched by what other forces could offer!
"Han Jue, do you truly have that much authority?" Hong asked carefully.
Han Jue shook his head, then smiled. "No, it's not purely because of my personal authority... well, it's somewhat related to me, but the primary reason is Earth itself. I only fully understood this power after I broke through to Domain Lord level."
"Earth is now considered a sacred place for humanity," Han Jue explained. "As Earth's current steward, I have the authority to recommend several elite Earthlings to join the Virtual Universe Company each year. Of course, if those I recommend aren't strong enough, it would be a disgrace to Earth's reputation."
"Brother Hong, you may not compare to those prodigies in your comprehension of the Origin Laws, but in terms of your mental state, you can absolutely rival those top experts!"
"Furthermore, Earth's current standing and influence far exceed that of the Ji family," Han Jue continued. "The entire Ganwu Universe Country combined doesn't hold as much importance as Earth does. Do you understand what that means?"
"I understand," Hong said firmly, clenching his fist.
"I want to attempt the Fantasy Ocean."
"No problem," Han Jue agreed with a confident smile.
Han Jue's current level of authority within the Virtual Universe was second only to the Universe Masters. It was on par with the top Universe Overlords and even slightly exceeded that of his Senior Sister, Venerable Lianyi.
Hong's application to become a member of the Apocalypse Secret Realm was swiftly approved, and access to the Fantasy Ocean was immediately granted!
"So this is the promising talent from your Earth lineage?"
Above the Fantasy Ocean, Ice Summit Master appeared alongside Han Jue, observing Hong with evident interest.
"Yes, Teacher. With Brother Hong's mental state, reaching the eighteenth island shouldn't pose any difficulty," Han Jue stated confidently.
In the original timeline, Hong had reached the twentieth island without hesitation. Han Jue had been somewhat cautious in his assessment, after all, several years still separated the current timeline from when Hong would have entered the Fantasy Ocean in the original story.
"Are you certain?" Ice Summit Master asked, clearly surprised by such a bold claim.
"Teacher, just watch," Han Jue replied with unwavering confidence.
Hong's progress through the levels was truly astonishing!
He leaped from island to island with barely any pause, surging forward with relentless momentum. The illusions that would have trapped lesser minds seemed to have no effect on his extraordinarily disciplined consciousness.
In the end, Hong successfully conquered the twentieth island, which meant his willpower and consciousness had reached the peak of Immortal-level and stood only one step away from Universe Venerable!
"Did you know you have a martial uncle?" Ice Summit Master suddenly asked, looking at Han Jue with a barely perceptible smile playing at the corners of his mouth.
"He specializes in the illusion school, and he has almost no disciples."
"Your Earth lineage is truly remarkable," Ice Summit Master continued, his tone thoughtful. "I heard that Hong originally intended to join the Huge Axe Dojo?"
"A significant achievement!"
Han Jue's eyes gleamed with satisfaction.
This had been his objective all along.
Darkness Master!
Since Hong was destined to join one of humanity's great powers, it was far better for him to remain within the Virtual Universe Company. There was no reason to let the Huge Axe Dojo claim such an exceptional talent.
And Lei Shen would follow suit!
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