Rowan looked at the Sovereign of the Qianwu Universe with deep gratitude and performed a solemn bow. "Your Majesty, I, Rowan, will devote every ounce of my strength. I will not disappoint your expectations."
The Sovereign nodded slightly, a faint smile of satisfaction on his face. "Go. I look forward to seeing your performance."
Rowan, along with Hong, Thunder God, and Kevin Cross, exited the virtual universe.
As soon as they stepped out, Kevin took a deep breath, exhaling slowly. "This is the first time I've faced the Sovereign up close. The pressure… it's overwhelming, awe-inspiring."
Thunder God patted Kevin's shoulder with a broad grin. "Haha, maybe one day we'll reach a status like that ourselves!"
The four walked toward their residence, chatting casually along the way.
Hong asked, "So, over the next few days, do we keep watching the arena battles, or…"
Rowan shook his head. "No need to watch. We've already made it into the top one thousand. The upcoming matches are one-on-one duels, and they won't start for another five days. The arena battles have three days left, plus two days of rest afterward. We have plenty of time to prepare." Everyone nodded in agreement.
On the way, Hong and Thunder God couldn't hide their curiosity any longer, and the conversation turned toward the Zerg Hive on Earth.
Thunder God's eyes were urgent. "Rowan, tell us exactly what's going on with this Zerg Hive."
Rowan's expression grew serious. He spoke slowly, "I once ventured into a hidden realm and discovered information about a Zerg Hive. To my surprise, one exists right here on Earth. I was shocked at first. Later, I asked Babata about it, and it said the hive's soul had been forced into slumber by its master, Huyan Bo. It's unlikely to awaken anytime soon, so Earth is safe for now."
Rowan had conveniently fabricated a story to make the situation sound manageable.
Babata also stepped in, confirming some details about the hive. In truth, the Zerg Hive had been gravely injured on a battlefield beyond the domain by Huyan Bo. He had intended to enslave it, but due to unforeseen circumstances, the plan was halted. Eventually, the hive was left behind on Earth after Huyan Bo was pursued and destroyed by the Beast King.
Kevin frowned, unease written all over his face. "Even so, the hive is like a ticking time bomb hanging over Earth. It makes me restless just thinking about it."
Thunder God clenched his fist. "We can't slack off. We need to train harder and make it into the top ten of the rankings. That way, the Sovereign will send a Warlord-class Immortal to protect Earth!"
Everyone nodded emphatically.
Deciding to forego the arena matches, they returned to their respective training chambers to train intensely.
Rowan, however, didn't immediately begin training. He returned home and found Elaria and Vienna sitting in the living room, chatting. A warm tenderness filled his heart.
He walked over and sat beside them, speaking softly, "You both are carrying my children. You must rest well. Tell me anything you need."
Elaria laughed and playfully scolded him, "You! The matches aren't even over yet, and all you care about is us." Vienna smiled, "Yes, but having you here makes us feel safe."
Rowan gently placed his hands on their bellies, a joyful smile spreading across his face.
He hadn't imagined that, after arriving in the Devouring Stars world, he would so quickly have two children. Becoming a father brought a joy he had never known and a sense of responsibility heavier than ever.
Protecting Earth had become urgent.
If the planet could not be saved, he would take Elaria and Vienna to the Marvel Universe. With their strength, even the Celestials could be defeated there. Though the laws of that world were less refined, Rowan could use the Dual Ring to traverse both worlds. Once he reached True God status, he could bring everyone back to the Devouring Stars world, where his power would be unmatched.
At that moment, Blorin hummed a tune as he emerged from the kitchen, proudly carrying a freshly cooked dish. "Come on, everyone! Try my latest creation. I guarantee it'll blow you away!"
"You cooked?"
Rowan turned his attention to him. Blorin was wearing an apron that emphasized his physique.
He placed a dish resembling braised meat before everyone, eyes full of anticipation. The aroma alone was tantalizing.
Curious, they gathered around. Rowan took the first bite, chewing carefully. His face immediately twisted in an odd expression.
Elaria and Vienna each tried a bite and couldn't help laughing.
Blorin looked puzzled. "What's wrong? Not good?"
Elaria laughed heartily, patting him on the shoulder. "You've still got some work to do on your cooking. This taste… well, it's not quite there yet."
Blorin scratched his head awkwardly and laughed along. "I guess my culinary talent still needs development."
Amidst the laughter, time quietly passed. Over the next few days, Rowan balanced caring for Elaria and Vienna with light training, maintaining his condition. He knew the one-on-one duels would be brutal, with opponents not to be underestimated. But for the sake of Earth and his family, he would give everything he had.
Meanwhile, Hong, Thunder God, and Kevin trained with relentless focus.
Hong immersed himself in the techniques passed down by the disciple of the Great Axe Founder. Two days prior, the Golden Falls King had transmitted a set of body-movement techniques to Hong, noticing that while his combat instincts were strong, his agility lagged behind. This technique, relying on the Light Law, was custom-made for him.
Meanwhile, Babata was sent to assist Kevin in training. Kevin's Divine Weapon, the Essence Blade, glimmered as he grew increasingly in sync with the Golden Horn Beast, deepening his understanding of the Law of Gold.
Three days passed in the blink of an eye, and the arena battles finally concluded. The virtual universe buzzed with excitement, as spectators discussed the most impressive moments and emerging talents.
In the Qianwu Universe region, jubilation was in the air. Five geniuses had broken into the top ten thousand.
Soon, they returned to the competition grounds. The vast plaza was filled with the remaining ten thousand elite.
Rowan and his companions stayed together. Around them, the remaining ten thousand talents were abuzz, discussing who might have a shot at the top ten. The focus of most conversations was the Reaper, Polan, and Wildman Hongjun. Of course, Hong, Thunder God, Rowan, and Kevin were also frequently mentioned.
These four, native to Earth, had already demonstrated overwhelming skill in previous matches, securing their spot near the top ten.
"Those are Earth's natives! There must be some huge secret on that planet. A backwater planet producing four talents at once? Something doesn't add up."
"I've heard many have already sent secret ships to Earth to investigate."
"Apparently, that planet belongs to the Galaxy Lord."
"So what? My master is a Warlord-class Immortal, equal in status to the Emperor of Black Dragon Mountain. Even if the Emperor went there, he wouldn't dare do anything."
"Maybe they inherited the legacy of an Immortal who fell there?"
"Even with a legacy, four geniuses at once? My master's legacy produced over a hundred disciples, yet only I stand here."
The crowd of geniuses buzzed with speculation, focusing on Earth. The odds of a single planet producing four top-tier talents were astronomically low, sparking intense curiosity and ambition.
Many masters had already dispatched ships to explore Earth, intending to seize any treasures without hesitation. Immortals feared no emperor. With sufficient power, a ruler of even a star system would have no standing in front of a treasure.
Those Immortals who had been stagnant for years, desperate to break through, would seize anything that might help them. Earth became an immediate target.
Rowan and his companions had the talent but no immediate backing. Even though Rowan was the son-in-law of the Emperor of Black Dragon Mountain, most of the others' teachers would not intervene. Many of these teachers were Warlord-class Immortals, some at peak Warlord, some at Emperor level. Even the Emperor of Black Dragon Mountain could not stop them.
"This is bad. I didn't expect these guys would come to Earth too!" Thunder God's expression tightened.
Their boldness had triggered a chain reaction. Numerous Immortals had now set their sights on Earth. The planet faced a severe threat.
Kevin clenched his fists. "What can we do? If they reach Earth, it'll be in serious danger."
"They are all backed by Immortals. Most of those sent will be Domain Lord-level. Earth's few Universe-level defenders won't stand a chance." Thunder God was anxious.
Rowan instructed Babata to calculate travel times.
"Excluding the Black Dragon Mountain Empire, no Immortals are heading to Earth. Even if the Qianwu Universe sends Immortals using F-class ships, without Divine Realm teleportation, it will take about five years."
"You have plenty of time. As long as one of you reaches the top ten of the Virtual Universe Corporation, you'll receive their protection. Having an Immortal mentor, combined with the corporation's reputation, will prevent most Immortals from coveting Earth."
Babata analyzed the situation and explained the strategy.
The top ten of the peak tournament…
Besides Rowan, Thunder God and Kevin clenched their fists, determination in their eyes.
Hong remained silent, eyes closed, before opening them with a relieved smile. "Rest assured. My master, the Great Axe King, has declared that anyone daring to go to Earth and harm it will be hunted down by the Great Axe Arena."
Thunder God's eyes widened. "Right! Your master is a Warlord-class Immortal and a disciple of the Great Axe Founder. That's reassuring."
With this assurance, Rowan felt more at ease.
"Don't get too comfortable. My master hopes we excel in the talent tournament. If we fail, even with his support, he cannot always protect Earth. Though he's a disciple of the Great Axe Founder, he's still just an Immortal. His authority has limits." Hong reminded them.
Thunder God and Kevin grew serious.
"Don't worry. Earth is under our protection. I won't let anyone harm it," Thunder God said, lightning flashing in his eyes. They resolved to push their limits to reach the top ten.
Hong shared the same determination. They were ready to risk everything, no matter the cost.
At this moment, the Master of Nine Swords reappeared, announcing the upcoming one-on-one duels. The rules were as follows:
Match Grouping: The ten thousand participants would be paired randomly into five thousand one-on-one matches. This ensured fairness and randomness, allowing every participant the chance to face opponents of varying strength.