Raijin's talent was undeniable.
To have comprehended the concept of a domain at the planetary level and to have grasped the essence of blade intent in previous battles was proof enough of his extraordinary aptitude.
Now, coupled with the perfect cultivation methods at his disposal, Raijin's progress had been nothing short of astonishing. He had already reached a level capable of entering the top ten.
Raijin's success in breaking into the top ten thousand had sent waves of celebration through both the Qianwu Universe and the Black Dragon Mountain Empire. Compared to other universe-states, the jubilation here was deafening. Other universes, where none of their members had entered the top ten thousand, only emphasized the contrast.
After Raijin concluded his matches, several more rounds took place before it was Luo Feng's turn.
Luo Feng stepped onto the arena next. His fighting style differed from both Raijin and Rowan's, displaying a fluid versatility. He moved with the grace and precision of a seasoned warrior, utilizing his body and weapons like extensions of himself. Every attack from his opponent was effortlessly countered, each opening skillfully exploited for a decisive strike.
With the Heavenly Blade in hand, a fifth-rank psychic weapon he had mastered to perfection, and with Babata assisting him, Luo Feng had previously trained against virtual simulations of the five major disciples of the Huyanbo lineage from Planet Yunmo, undergoing relentless practice.
The Golden Horn Behemoth had already reached the sixth rank at the cosmic level, and his understanding of the Law of Gold had reached full comprehension. With his current power, ordinary opponents were no match for him.
In the arena, he encountered a formidable opponent: Jiang Mo, the seventh-ranked competitor, older brother of Qianshui, and also a psychic cultivator. Jiang Mo's strength was formidable, and he had mastered the Law of Water.
Their clash was intense, each exchange more electrifying than the last, a spectacle that thrilled the spectators. In the end, however, Luo Feng realized the Heavenly Blade alone could not secure victory against such a strong opponent; it was impossible to determine a winner.
In a decisive moment, Luo Feng drew forth the Celestial Artifact. The arena erupted with astonishment at the sight.
"Another one of the Nine Great Psychic Weapons? When did these become so common? They were supposed to be the hardest psychic weapons to master. First it was Rowan with the Star Shard Sky-Splitting Blade, now Luo Feng with the Celestial Artifact. Has mastering them really become easier?"
"Don't worry. Luo Feng has only mastered the Law of Gold and not the Law of Space. He can only use the first form of the Celestial Artifact. Its power is immense, but it's not invincible."
These comments came from immortal spectators among the domain lords, assessing Luo Feng's performance.
The Nine Great Psychic Weapons were notoriously difficult to master. Even domain lords and immortals found them challenging. Only by truly understanding their essence could one unleash their full potential. Luo Feng had only mastered the first form, enough to be nearly unbeatable against stellar-level opponents, but against the strongest combatants, it was insufficient.
Luo Feng paid no mind to their remarks. Relying on the Celestial Artifact, he fought through several rounds, using subtle advantages to finally strike down Jiang Mo, advancing into the top ten. He had become an untouchable force in the arena.
As he stepped down, Rowan, Raijin, and Hong immediately rushed to meet him.
"Well done, Luo Feng!" Raijin exclaimed with a smile.
"Indeed. I didn't expect all four of us to enter the top ten thousand. This is an incredible achievement!" Hong added.
Rowan joined in, saying, "Remember the promise from the Qianwu Universe's sovereign? He said that anyone who broke into the top ten thousand would receive a grand reward. I wonder what it will be."
Their curiosity piqued, all four contemplated the possibilities. The sovereign of Qianwu Universe was an entity of cosmic-level authority; his word carried absolute weight.
At that very moment, news of their success spread throughout the Qianwu Universe, sparking a wave of celebration. Five top-tier prodigies breaking into the top ten thousand simultaneously was unprecedented. In other leading universes, only two or three elite geniuses might achieve this. The Qianwu Universe's display of talent stunned all observers.
Within the sacred halls of the Qianwu Universe, immortals gathered to offer their congratulations. The sovereign sat high on his throne, beaming with satisfaction. He had initially pinned his hopes on the wild warrior Junjun to redeem the universe's honor, yet unexpectedly, four additional prodigies emerged.
"The accomplishments of the Qianwu Universe in this competition are truly remarkable. These five prodigies are the pride of our universe," the sovereign declared, his voice reverberating through the grand hall.
"Your Majesty's wisdom has guided our universe to nurture such talents," an immortal respectfully said.
"Yes, these five will surely become pillars of strength for the Qianwu Universe, securing greatness for the realm," another immortal echoed.
The sovereign coughed lightly, reflecting on the fact that he had barely guided Junjun, and the others Rowan, Luo Feng, Raijin, and Hong had achieved all on their own. Had he recognized their talents earlier, he would have surely brought them under his tutelage. With proper cultivation, their current strength would have been extraordinary.
Now, their abilities were impressive, yet he still pinned his highest hopes on Junjun. From their performance, it was clear they possessed exceptional potential, though breaking into the top ten remained extremely challenging. Reaching the top one hundred, however, was within reach.
And then, the sovereign recalled his promise to Rowan and the others: a reward for entering the top ten thousand. He had already granted one to Hong, leaving Rowan, Luo Feng, and Raijin.
He instructed his aides to send a summons for them to meet him. The following rounds of competition would conclude, followed by a three-year cycle of combat training. During these three years, they would have no duties except training.
Soon, Rowan and the others received the notice and entered the virtual universe space. Rowan saw the sovereign standing beneath a vast starfield, his presence radiating authority even within the data-constructed virtual space.
"You have arrived," the sovereign said, turning with a gentle smile.
The four bowed respectfully. "Your Majesty has summoned us. What are your orders?"
They took in the sovereign's imposing figure: over four meters tall, clad in golden-patterned armor, seated upon a throne that seemed to command the stars themselves to revolve around it. Even as a virtual projection, his will emanated power and majesty.
"You have performed exceptionally in the arena. I am pleased. Regarding the promise I made, what reward do you desire, Raijin, Rowan, and Luo Feng?"
Rowan had considered his request on the way here. Its value could not exceed one hundred Hunyuan units. After careful thought, he spoke: "Send a Sovereign-level immortal to protect my homeland for a thousand years."
The sovereign's interest was piqued. "Your Earth contains a treasure?"
Raijin, Luo Feng, and Hong were shocked, unaware of any such treasure. Babata had never mentioned it. Rowan continued candidly: "Yes. A queen nest of the Insectoid race, of domain-lord level, lies dormant on Earth. Should it awaken, it would bring catastrophic ruin."
"A domain-lord-level Insectoid queen nest!"
The sovereign's eyes widened, and the three companions understood the gravity of the situation. Among the six apex races in the universe, the Insectoids were fearsome, capable of spawning countless deadly creatures. Any place harboring a queen nest would descend into a hellish wasteland.
Rowan's heart pounded, and the sovereign considered the offer. "Simple enough. I could just remove the nest myself," he said, recognizing its immense value worth over a trillion Hunyuan units but for Earth, it was a disaster waiting to happen.
Rowan refused without hesitation. "Your Majesty, I cannot. I wish to bind the queen nest using my own method."
"What?! Rowan, are you serious?" Raijin exclaimed. The risk was astronomical; a misstep could doom humanity.
Luo Feng and Hong said nothing. The sovereign studied Rowan's determined eyes and laughed heartily. "You dare claim this prize for yourself, knowing its danger, and risk Earth's fate?"
"That is why I request, Your Majesty, that you send a Sovereign-level immortal to guard Earth. If within a thousand years I cannot bind the nest, it will be yours. Until then, the immortal need not know the nest's location simply safeguard the planet from afar," Rowan added cautiously.
The sovereign pondered, impressed by their resolve. "It is difficult. Yet if even one of you reaches the top ten, I will grant your request."
Top ten?
Raijin, Luo Feng, and Hong felt immense pressure. From prior observation, the remaining competitors in the top thousand were all extraordinarily strong. To break into the top ten would be harder than climbing the heavens.
Rowan stood, clasping his hands respectfully. "It's a promise. I will give everything even my life to break into the top ten. Your Majesty, please dispatch a Sovereign-level immortal to protect Earth once we succeed."
The sovereign gazed at Rowan's sincerity, moved by his determination to fight for his homeland. "It has been many years since I have witnessed such dedication. Very well. If you reach the top ten, I will immediately send a Sovereign-level immortal to safeguard Earth."