"You did pretty well today."
Thor spoke while stuffing his mouth with food, completely unconcerned with table manners. His voice was loud and cheerful.
"Especially you, Hong. That 'Solar Avatar' was insanely cool."
Hong sat on the sofa by the window, a glass of pale blue liquid in his hand. He gazed calmly at the vast starfield outside.
"That state consumes too much energy," he said evenly. "I would not use it unless I had no other choice."
Near the entrance to the meditation room, Luo Feng paced back and forth, hesitating as if debating whether to enter for another cultivation session.
"Today's match made me realize something," he said slowly. "My understanding of domains and laws still has a lot of room to grow."
At that moment, the communicator in the suite chimed.
Rowan walked over and activated it. A projection appeared, showing a well-dressed attendant clad in ornate ceremonial attire.
"Honorable Mr. Rowan, and distinguished contestants of the Black Dragon Mountain Empire," the attendant said respectfully. "By His Majesty's command, I am here to inform you that the Emperor wishes to receive you this evening. May I ask if it is convenient?"
Rowan straightened immediately.
"Of course," he replied without hesitation. "Please inform His Majesty that we are deeply honored and ready to attend at any time."
The attendant nodded.
"Excellent. His Majesty awaits you at the Royal Palace. A dedicated vehicle will arrive in one hour to escort you."
The communication ended.
Rowan turned to the others, unable to hide his excitement.
"His Majesty wants to see us."
Thor wiped his mouth and laughed.
"Well, looks like today's performance really caught his attention."
Luo Feng frowned slightly.
"I wonder what His Majesty wants with us."
Hong set his glass down and stood.
"It is likely related to Earth."
Rowan's expression changed.
"Earth? You mean…"
Hong nodded.
"There have been recent indications that certain forces in the universe have begun taking an interest in Earth. As the strongest warriors from that planet, His Majesty may want us to be aware of this."
Luo Feng's face grew serious.
"If it concerns Earth's safety, then it is something I must take seriously."
An hour later, a luxurious anti-gravity vehicle landed on the suite's terrace.
The four of them adjusted their attire briefly and boarded the craft.
The vehicle glided through the brilliant cityscape before arriving at a magnificent palace located at the heart of the capital. Though it did not rival the main imperial palace of the Black Dragon Mountain Empire, it was still opulent enough to match the status of a universe-level monarch.
Guided by attendants, they passed through long corridors and entered a spacious reception hall.
The décor was both grand and solemn. Priceless artworks adorned the walls, some originating from civilizations long extinct, each one worth a fortune.
At the center of the hall sat a middle-aged man in a golden robe.
He appeared to be around fifty years old. His presence was imposing yet approachable. His eyes were sharp, like those of an eagle, as if capable of seeing through any deception.
This was the Emperor of the Black Dragon Mountain Empire, one of the most powerful figures in the universe.
"Your Majesty," the four said in unison, bowing respectfully.
The Emperor raised a hand slightly.
"No need for formalities. I watched your performances today. They were impressive."
Hong replied calmly.
"This was only the preliminary round. The real challenges lie ahead."
The Emperor nodded, then turned his gaze toward Rowan.
"Rowan, as my son-in-law, your performance was also commendable. Your strength still has room to grow, but your potential is undeniable."
Rowan bowed deeply.
"Thank you for Your Majesty's praise. I will continue to work hard."
The Emperor smiled faintly.
"Enough small talk. I summoned you today because there is an important matter you should know."
The expressions of all four grew solemn.
"Regarding the protection of Earth," the Emperor said in a low, steady voice, "I have already dispatched a King-tier Immortal to the planet. He will be responsible for guarding Earth and preventing any external forces from interfering."
Rowan looked surprised.
"I thought we were required to reach the top ten before such protection would be warranted?"
The Emperor chuckled softly.
"I have reviewed your performance today. With your strength, all of you entering the top three hundred is almost guaranteed. That is already sufficient to justify this level of investment."
Excitement flashed through the eyes of Rowan and Luo Feng.
For people from Earth, nothing mattered more than the safety of their home world. With a King-tier Immortal stationed there, Earth's security would be vastly improved.
"Your Majesty's kindness is something we Earthlings will never forget," Luo Feng said, bowing deeply, his voice filled with gratitude.
The Emperor waved his hand.
"This is merely part of our cooperation. Earth may be small, but its potential is enormous. That is precisely why I am willing to protect it."
Hong asked, "May I know which King-tier Immortal Your Majesty has dispatched?"
The Emperor glanced at him.
"The Silvermoon King. Even among King-tier Immortals, he ranks near the top. He is more than capable of handling any situation that might arise."
Thor raised an eyebrow in surprise.
"The Silvermoon King? The one renowned for his mastery of spatial laws? He is famously difficult to persuade. You actually convinced him to go to Earth?"
The Emperor smiled.
"Everyone has their weaknesses and desires. As long as you find the right leverage, no one is impossible to persuade."
The meaning behind those words gave all four of them pause.
"Speaking of Earth," the Emperor continued, turning to Rowan, "you still remember our agreement regarding the Zerg Mother Nest on Earth, correct?"
Rowan immediately straightened.
"Of course, Your Majesty. I promised that within a thousand years, I would use soul enslavement to take control of the Zerg Mother Nest. If I fail, ownership of the nest will belong to you."
The Emperor nodded with satisfaction.
"Good. I appreciate people who keep their promises. I have prepared a formal contract. Sign it."
An attendant stepped forward and presented the document.
Rowan read it carefully. The terms matched exactly what he had described.
Without hesitation, he signed his name and returned it.
"Agreed, Your Majesty."
The Emperor accepted the contract.
"You have confidence. That is good. I look forward to seeing how far you will go."
Luo Feng asked curiously, "Your Majesty, what makes the Zerg Mother Nest so valuable?"
The Emperor's eyes gleamed.
"The Zerg are one of the oldest races in the universe. Their mother nests contain endless secrets. The one on Earth holds particularly unique value. Complete control over it would grant unimaginable power."
Hong nodded thoughtfully.
"The Zerg's collective consciousness and adaptability are unlike any other race. A controlled mother nest would indeed be an invaluable strategic asset."
"Precisely," the Emperor said. "That is why I am interested in it. But since Rowan is confident he can enslave it within a thousand years, I am willing to give him the chance."
Rowan bowed again.
"Thank you for your trust. I will not disappoint you."
The Emperor then grew serious.
"There is one more matter. According to recent intelligence, an organization known as the Star Alliance is secretly expanding."
The room fell silent.
"This alliance consists of several small and medium-sized empires," the Emperor continued. "Their goal is to challenge the existing cosmic order. They have been spreading dissent and quietly amassing advanced weapons and fleets."
Hong frowned.
"How powerful are they?"
"At present, we cannot say," the Emperor replied. "They operate with extreme secrecy. However, I am certain that they are not to be underestimated. There may be a far greater force backing them."
Thor snorted.
"No matter how strong they are, can they really compare to the Black Dragon Mountain Empire?"
The Emperor looked at him sharply.
"Arrogance is the greatest enemy, Thor. Never underestimate your opponents. History is filled with mighty empires that fell because they were careless."
Thor immediately lowered his head.
"Your Majesty is right. I will remember that."
The Emperor continued.
"I suspect the Star Alliance may take an interest in Earth. Though the planet is small, its potential is immense. With the Zerg Mother Nest now in the picture, it is even more attractive. I have already sent a King-tier Immortal to protect it, but vigilance is always necessary."
Rowan and Luo Feng exchanged serious looks.
"Your Majesty," Luo Feng said respectfully, "if the Star Alliance truly targets Earth, we will resist with everything we have."
Rowan nodded firmly.
"Earth is our home. We will protect it at all costs."
The Emperor smiled with satisfaction.
"Your resolve pleases me. However, your current strength is still insufficient to face the Star Alliance. That is why, after the competition concludes, I intend to grant you special training and resources to accelerate your growth."
The four of them were stunned, then overjoyed.
Such resources were priceless in the universe, especially when granted personally by an Emperor.
"Thank you, Your Majesty," they said together, their gratitude sincere.
The Emperor rose to his feet.
"That will be all for today. I hope you continue to perform well in the upcoming matches. Especially you, Hong. Stop holding back and let the audience see what a true powerhouse looks like."
Hong bowed slightly.
"As you command, Your Majesty."
After leaving the palace and returning to their suite, the atmosphere was quiet.
Finally, Luo Feng spoke.
"Hong, what do you think about the Star Alliance?"
Hong pondered for a moment.
"They are dangerous. Any organization that draws this level of attention from the Emperor cannot be simple. If they truly have designs on Earth, we must be extremely careful."
Thor scoffed.
"Star Alliance or not, if they dare touch Earth, I will make them taste my thunderous wrath."
Rowan remained deep in thought.
"The Emperor's offer of special training is a rare opportunity. We must seize it and grow stronger as quickly as possible."
Hong nodded.
"Agreed. But before that, we focus on the competition. It is the best way to temper ourselves."
Thor stretched lazily.
"I'm heading to rest. There's another match tomorrow. Need to be in top shape."
Luo Feng stood.
"I'll meditate for a while and consolidate today's gains."
Hong looked at Rowan.
"You should rest too. Take things one step at a time."
The Next Day
Soft morning light filtered through the specialized illumination system of the cosmic arena, bathing the luxurious suite of the Black Dragon Mountain contestants.
Rowan was already awake.
He sat cross-legged by the floor-to-ceiling window, immersed in morning meditation.
Within his inner world, the Law of Fire flowed like a blazing river, nourishing every fiber of his body. At the same time, his spiritual force spread like countless invisible threads, weaving an intricate network in his mind as he refined his control over one of the Nine Psychic Weapons, the Starflare Void Cleaver.
"You look ready."
A calm voice interrupted his meditation.
Rowan opened his eyes to see Hong standing at the doorway, holding a cup of faintly fragrant liquid.
He stood and bowed slightly.
"Good morning, Hong."
Hong stepped inside and handed him the drink.
"Today is your match. This is an energy tonic I prepared. It will stabilize your mental state and enhance your control over psychic power."
Rowan accepted it gratefully.
"Thank you."
He took a careful sip. Warm energy spread through his body, and his mind immediately felt clearer and more focused.
The battle ahead awaited.