Chapter 102: Ancient Ruins Temple!
Jiang Zhe had just conquered the twelfth level of the Skybridge and was recognized by the origin law. The resulting storm of attention quickly reached the ears of alien races.
In a pocket dimension corresponding to a certain region within the starfield of the Barbaric Universe Nation, a towering divine kingdom floated silently—this was the headquarters of the Insect Race's covert organization within Human territory.
At the summit of the kingdom's tallest mountain, stood a god temple over 100,000 kilometers high, bathed in dazzling golden light that cast the shadows of numerous insect beasts within the hall.
"Master! Master! Urgent news!" A golden-robed figure rushed into the hall.
"What is it? Don't panic, speak."
A soft, alluring voice echoed through the grand hall—it came from the center, surrounded by countless immortal-level insect warriors, where a towering insect queen, the Mother Nest, sat—over ten kilometers tall.
The golden-robed figure urgently reported, "Master, we just received news! The human genius 'Jiang Zhe'—the same one who topped the rankings a few months ago—has been recognized by the Thunder Origin Law in the Primal Secret Realm!"
"A Universe Level? Recognized by an Origin Law?" The alluring voice turned grave.
"Damn it! Why do human geniuses keep popping up? We've already had to deal with Fire-Eater and Keti over the countless eras, and now there's another—Jiang Zhe—who might rival or even surpass them!"
"Taking out Keti back then cost us dearly. Have someone lay an ambush near his home. With insights from a near-immortal-level commander, he won't stay at the Universe Level for long. He'll soon reach Domain Lord level and venture out. That's when we strike."
The golden-robed figure quickly added, "Master, Squad 13 has updated the dark universe coordinates of the Galaxy System's void zone, but they don't dare approach his home, the Solar System. It's not only been modified by the Virtual Universe Company—it's guarded by a King-level Immortal."
"A King-level Immortal... I see. I'll report this to the higher-ups. Our organization doesn't have the firepower anymore."
The vast universe was endless. At the borders of human territory, the three most confrontational alien races—Insect, Demon, and Machine races—all took notice of Jiang Zhe's progress.
If the Insect Race had intelligence, the Demon and Machine Races wouldn't be deaf and blind. Their espionage networks were also moving in the shadows.
However, when it came to assassinating human talents, it was always the Insect Race taking the lead, especially with their queen mothers—masters of soul manipulation and expert in subjugating the strong.
Even other alien races like the Prison and Crystal Races learned of this emerging human prodigy.
Rain Incense Mountain, in a public area bar.
In a private room on the third floor, Luo Feng had been waiting for a while before the guest of honor finally arrived.
"Junior Brother, how have you been lately?"
Jiang Zhe greeted him casually, sat across from Luo Feng, and poured himself a drink.
A fruity aroma filled the air as the cool wine slid down his throat and spread throughout his body, leaving him refreshed and clear-headed. Jiang Zhe's eyes lit up.
"Not bad! This wine must've cost you at least 100 points, right?"
"You're sharp! Exactly 100 points. I made some gains in the Illusory Sea, or I wouldn't dare splurge. By the way, I wanted to ask you about—"
He trailed off, but Jiang Zhe understood what Luo Feng meant.
A month ago, Luo Feng had sent an ambiguous message asking for advice about the Illusory Sea.
Jiang Zhe simply told him: Do your best and try to break through.
"Among the four of us, you're the most mentally stable. Someone else, with peak Universe Level willpower, might even clear it completely."
Luo Feng's expression shifted—was he referring to Hong?
But the 21st island has Domain Lord-level mental pressure. Could a Universe Level really get through that? It sounded impossible.
Noticing Luo Feng's skeptical look, Jiang Zhe tapped his forehead and smiled. "Don't underestimate the power of mental cultivation."
He then explained the levels of mind training in detail, emphasizing that none of the three cultivation paths (body, energy, or mind) were superior—they each had unique advantages. The key was to pick the one most suited to yourself.
Luo Feng was already undertaking the Blood River World mission, and Jiang Zhe believed he'd soon begin walking the path of mental cultivation in earnest.
"Think it over. I'm off to challenge the Illusory Sea. Wait for my good news."
With that, Jiang Zhe logged out, and his consciousness entered the Illusory Sea realm, flying toward the first island to begin the trial.
Thanks to Luo Feng's island-clearing time records, Jiang Zhe could pace himself easily.
As for his actual capability in the Illusory Sea?
Jiang Zhe estimated he could comfortably reach island 15 to 18.
If his mental state performed exceptionally well under illusion and pressure—like Hong—he might even clear level 20.
But what good would that do?
Points? Fame? Special mentors? Key support?
He lacked none of these.
Sure, it would feel great personally—but the price? His homeland, Earth, and its billions of people would suffer. The human race would seize it all.
For a traditional Chinese man, losing one's homeland felt like being labeled a traitor—a disgrace that could not be tolerated.
He wasn't against contributing to the race—but not at the cost of sacrificing his home.
Why let outsiders take over, trample his people, and enjoy the fruits?
Soon, Jiang Zhe cleared the sixth island and moved swiftly toward the seventh.
Deep within the Illusory Sea, a black-scaled elder in golden robes—the administrator—was observing him.
"Ninth-rank Universe Level? Cleared the seventh island with ease... Oh! He's done it. Whose disciple is this? Such powerful will!"
Looking into the records, the elder's surprise faded.
"Disciple of the Holy Spirit King. No wonder. That lineage values willpower highly."
As the Illusory Sea shifted, Jiang Zhe kept pushing forward.
The elder suddenly stood up. "Already on the eighth island? Berlan failed at seven. Rong Jun at six. In this generation, only Luo Feng passed seven. Now there's another. Worth celebrating!"
"Ninth island!"
"Tenth?!"
As Jiang Zhe struggled in the illusion, the elder held his breath, fists clenched.
"He's resisting immortal-level willpower! If he doesn't collapse instantly, it means he has a real chance. Come on!"
Inside the tenth island, Jiang Zhe could almost hear the administrator cheering him on. With one final push, he shattered the illusion and cleared it.
He wiped the sweat from his pale face and flew toward the eleventh island.
Boom!
The crushing pressure of willpower hit him like the sky falling. Jiang Zhe deliberately let his consciousness collapse—a strategic failure.
The act worked.
The elder was ecstatic. "Report this immediately! Increase his resource allocation!"
Back at Zeka Bar, in the private room.
Jiang Zhe reappeared.
Luo Feng asked curiously, "Which island did you reach?"
"Barely made it to the tenth. Got 100,000 points. Next round's on me."
Luo Feng gave him a thumbs-up—passing the tenth meant surviving immortal-level willpower.
But something felt off. He squinted, suspicious but intrigued, trying to gauge Jiang Zhe's true limit.
Jiang Zhe just smiled and shook his head, offering no answers.
They continued drinking, discussing the death of Luo Feng's friend Yi Ke and the dangers of upcoming training missions.
Suddenly, Luo Feng said, "Do you remember the promise we made to each other 30 years ago?"
Jiang Zhe paused, then smiled. "I'm heading out for a dangerous mission. If I don't come back, I'm leaving the Jiang family and Earth in your hands."
"Same here, Senior Brother." Luo Feng raised his cup.
Their two golden cups, adorned with cosmic symbols, clinked together.
"To tomorrow—may we both live on and carry forward the Earth bloodline!"
"To tomorrow—let's both survive!"
After that final toast, Luo Feng logged off.
Jiang Zhe returned to his estate in the Primal Region, entered his study, opened a desktop computer, and clicked on the "Admin Panel."
He selected the "Training" menu and chose the "Dangerous Level" missions.
"Death rate: 78.2%? Ha!"
Ignoring the warning message, he clicked Confirm without hesitation.
A new interface appeared with 186 dangerous-level missions.
He picked No. 16: Ancient Ruins Temple (within the Primal Secret Realm of the Virtual Universe Company).
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