In a vast starfield within the Jinlan Universe Kingdom, a man in hemp robes, whose face could not be clearly seen, opened and closed his eyes as if countless galaxies were being born and collapsing within them.
He was the supreme ruler of the Jinlan Universe Kingdom—the Lord Jin Lan.
Before him floated an even more ancient and clearer light screen, displaying the final moments of Qing Yu's battle with Moka.
Those five slender, crystal-clear Chaotic Dance Threads cut through the Thunder Law as if it were rotten wood.
"Time Law entry… Space Law also has a hint of its essence…" The Lord Jin Lan's voice was calm and unruffled, as if he were stating a trivial matter unrelated to him.
"Stellar Level, dual higher-level Law entry… Tribulation Divine Weapon first stage… Hmm, his aptitude is decent."
An Immortal, whose aura was as obscure and profound as an abyss, stood by his side and bowed slightly:
"Lord, this Qing Yu is indeed one of the most striking talents among the first place winners in this batch of preliminary world zones. It is truly not easy for him to use a Tribulation Divine Weapon at the Stellar Level."
The corner of the Lord Jin Lan's mouth seemed to curve into an extremely faint, barely perceptible arc, which did not contain approval.
He shook his head slightly, his gaze seemingly penetrating the light screen, seeing a certain destined future.
"Comprehending both Space and Time, two higher-level Laws, simultaneously?" The Lord Jin Lan's voice carried an inexplicable meaning, like an elder looking at a child determined to climb two formidable peaks at the same time.
"Too ambitious! Too greedy!"
"Look at him wielding the Tribulation Divine Weapon; his spacetime power is miscellaneous and shallow. Are both higher-level Laws progressing equally?"
His words were like the cold cosmic laws themselves.
"The ultimate result will likely be that both lose their essence, becoming mediocre, needlessly wasting the higher achievements he might have attained in a single Law. Although higher-level Laws are powerful, being too greedy… is the path to self-destruction."
As a Lord of a Universe Kingdom, he had existed for countless years, one of the oldest beings in the human race, and had seen too many geniuses.
Qing Yu's talent, in the eyes of the Lord Jin Lan, could only be considered decent, far from reaching the level where he could simultaneously comprehend the Laws of Space and Time.
"What a pity for this talent." The Lord Jin Lan took one last look at Qing Yu's young and calm face on the light screen, then gently waved his hand, and the light screen dissipated like ripples on water.
"Notify Ares to make a trip. Say what needs to be said clearly; how he chooses is up to him."
"Yes, Lord." The Immortal bowed in response, his figure disappearing as if merging into the shadows.
…
In the Virtual Universe, Qing Yu had just been teleported out of the world zone.
"Qing Yu!" A voice filled with excitement and boundless relief rang out.
Qing Yu looked up and saw World Master Qing Ming hurrying towards him, his aged face now beaming with uncontrollable joy, his eyes sparkling as if he had grown hundreds of years younger.
"Good! Good! Good!" World Master Qing Ming walked closer, heavily patting Qing Yu's shoulder, repeating "good" three times, his voice trembling slightly.
"First in the world zone! Hahaha! My Qinglin Clan has also produced an unparalleled genius who can make a name for himself in the Jinlan Universe Kingdom! My ancestor… I… I…" He was so excited that he was momentarily speechless, only patting Qing Yu's shoulder forcefully.
World Master Qing Ming took a deep breath to calm his agitated emotions.
"Qing Yu, have you received many emails?" World Master Qing Ming said, a knowing and reminding look in his eyes, like someone who had experienced it before.
Qing Yu's thoughts stirred, and indeed, the Virtual Universe popped up over a hundred emails, still constantly refreshing.
Invitations, congratulations, probes, and recruitment offers from various major powers, organizations, and even some secretive groups surged in like a tide. The promised resources, status, secret techniques, and guidance were so abundant that they could make any Stellar Level genius dizzy.
"Yes, many." Qing Yu responded simply, his face showing little emotion.
"Ignore them!" World Master Qing Ming said decisively, his tone carrying an unquestionable warning.
"You already have the qualification to participate in the final pan-universe battle, so your goal is to enter the core of the Virtual Universe Corporation!"
"Qing Yu understands." Qing Yu nodded. He had no intention of being distracted by these matters. Compared to the Virtual Universe Corporation, even a Universe Kingdom was tiny, and these smaller powers and organizations were even less significant.
"The arena battles usually last two to three years. You must be single-minded, dedicating all your energy to improving your strength and preparing for the decisive battle!"
Just then, World Master Qing Ming's virtual assistant on his wrist emitted a special notification sound, not a typical email alert.
In just a moment, the relaxed expression on World Master Qing Ming's face vanished, replaced by extreme solemnity, even a hint of barely perceptible nervousness.
He took a deep breath, looked at Qing Yu, and lowered his voice a few degrees, with an unprecedented solemnity:
"Qing Yu, prepare yourself. Follow me to greet a distinguished guest."
"The envoy dispatched by the Lord Jin Lan has arrived! He is here to see you." World Master Qing Ming's voice carried a hint of reverence.
World Master Qing Ming led the way, with Qing Yu half a step behind him, and the two quickly teleported to a private small island.
In the center of that open area, a figure stood silently, clad in battle armor that seemed forged from gold, with esoteric secret runes flowing across its plates, exuding an eternal, immortal aura.
World Master Qing Ming brought Qing Yu to a halt about ten steps away from Ares.
"Qing Ming of the Qinglin Clan, with my junior Qing Yu, greets immortal Lord! We are greatly humbled by your personal visit, immortal Lord!"
The immortal's gaze, like tangible starlight, slowly swept over World Master Qing Ming and finally settled on Qing Yu.
"You must be Qing Yu! My name is Ares; you may call me Divine Lord!" His eyes were calm and unruffled, carrying a condescending scrutiny. There was no malice in his gaze, but also no warmth, only a natural arrogance stemming from his life level and status.
"Greetings, Divine Lord Ares!" Qing Yu bowed respectfully.
"Hmm." Ares nodded slightly.
Ares's gaze remained fixed on Qing Yu, the scrutinizing meaning undiminished:
"Qing Yu, you won first place in the 12th World Zone preliminaries. Your performance was good. His Majesty the Lord has ordered me to personally convey his decree, which shows His Majesty's Pay attention to of you!"
"His Majesty expects you to exert your full effort in the upcoming pan-universe grand finals, to strive for a top-thousand ranking, and bring glory to my Jinlan Universe Kingdom. His Majesty will then richly reward you."
He paused, then continued in a flat tone, as if announcing established cosmic rules:
"If you ultimately fail to rank among the top thousand in the entire universe, you must join my Jinlan Universe Kingdom. At that time, you will be arranged to enter the 'Jinlan Secret Realm,' where you will also receive top-tier training. Is that clear?"
Facing an immortal powerhouse, and one who was conveying the will of the Lord Jin Lan, Qing Yu naturally could not say no in such a situation.
"Qing Yu understands, Lord Ares."