Ji Ning's clone settled down in Primordial Chaos City, fully immersing himself in cultivation.
Although his first attempt on the Tongtian Bridge—clearing straight through to the ninth level—had caused considerable ripples among the higher echelons of the city, an invisible hand quickly suppressed all discussion, preventing the news from spreading outward.
Naturally, Ji Ning's clone had neither the time nor the inclination to publicize such matters.
To him, reputation meant nothing compared to genuine progress. Every moment was spent refining his understanding of the Origin Laws, consolidating the insights he had gained from the Yan Mountain Chaos Tablet.
What he did not know was that his astonishing performance had already drawn the direct attention of the City Lord of Primordial Chaos City, who was also one of the supreme leaders of the Virtual Universe Corporation.
It was precisely this figure who had personally issued the order to silence any related information.
Otherwise, Ji Ning's clone would likely have already appeared on the assassination lists of multiple alien races.
His rise had been far too fast.
From obscurity to attracting the City Lord's notice in just a few short years—such a trajectory was dangerous beyond imagination. Fortunately, very few people even knew of his existence.
Fewer still understood his true cultivation speed. Most only knew that he had passed the Virtual Universe Corporation's assessment and entered the Primitive Mystical Region, without any concrete understanding of his actual combat strength.
Even Gan Wu Country Lord and a handful of the Corporation's upper echelon were among the rare exceptions.
Time continued to flow.
Due to the difference in temporal rates, one year in the Initial Universe equaled more than three years in the Original Universe.
Thus, less than a year after Ji Ning's clone entered Primordial Chaos City, the long-awaited Universe Grand Finals of the Peak Genius Battle officially arrived.
Battle Arena No. 001
This colossal arena—where Luo Feng and countless others had fought for three long years—was once again filled with life.
This time, however, the lineup was far more exclusive.
Nine hundred geniuses who had survived the brutal reincarnation rounds.
Plus one hundred world-district champions from the preliminary stage.
A total of one thousand peak geniuses gathered here, each representing the pinnacle of their generation within their respective Universe Countries.
"Fengzi."
"S-savage…"
Whispers rippled through the crowd.
Those who had advanced through the reincarnation rounds were clearly more familiar with one another, having fought countless matches side by side or against each other.
By contrast, figures like Bai Yue—who had secured qualification early—stood slightly apart.
That said, Bai Yue was still an exception.
Between Luo Feng's introductions and his own terrifying reputation, most people recognized him immediately, even though he had not appeared publicly for nearly three years.
"Everyone, enter the Battle Arena!" a staff member of the Virtual Universe Corporation announced.
The thousand geniuses entered in an orderly manner.
Standing before them was a towering figure clad in scale armor—Thirteen.
His cold gaze swept across the crowd.
"Congratulations. You are qualified to participate in the Universe Grand Finals," he said flatly. "But do not grow arrogant. The vast majority of you will not make it into the top one thousand of the entire Universe."
Silence instantly fell over the arena.
Thirteen then turned his gaze toward a tall, savage-looking youth.
"Rong Jun."
"Lord Thirteen," Rong Jun replied, bowing respectfully.
"Other than His Highness Bai Yue, you are the only one from Ganwu Universe Country whom I am confident will not be eliminated early," Thirteen said without hesitation. "The Country Lord has placed high expectations on you. Do not disappoint him."
"Yes," Rong Jun answered firmly.
The blatant favoritism sparked dissatisfaction among many geniuses present, but Thirteen did not care in the slightest.
"Hmph. Strength is not proven with words," he continued coldly. "It is proven through battle. Other than Rong Jun, the strongest among you is roughly at Luo Feng's level."
His gaze swept the crowd again.
"Based on our intelligence, this session contains many rare monsters—His Highness Bai Yue included. If Luo Feng can enter the top five thousand, that will already be commendable. Entering the top one thousand will be extremely difficult."
A wave of murmurs spread.
Thirteen then added indifferently, "Of course, miracles have occurred before. Some geniuses begin unremarkable, only to explode during the final stage."
With that, he turned away.
"Follow me."
Ganwu Universe Country Residence Area
After a teleportation, the group arrived on a vast continent dotted with more than a thousand identical buildings.
"Ganwu Universe Country team," a white-robed middle-aged man said respectfully, "your accommodations are in Building No. 0825."
Thirteen nodded.
The group entered the building.
From afar, geniuses of other Universe Countries observed them, whispering excitedly.
"That one in the golden robe—that's Heavenly Emperor Bai Yue. He was accepted as a personal disciple by Gan Wu Country Lord three years ago!"
"Heh. Titles mean nothing. If he loses, let's see how he keeps his face."
"And that savage—Rong Jun!"
Inside the lobby, familiar willpower pressure descended upon the thousand geniuses.
With a wave of Thirteen's hand, number plates floated down.
Bai Yue caught his—
Number 1.
Rong Jun received—
Number 2.
Luo Feng's plate read—
Number 3.
After giving final instructions, Thirteen dismissed them.
Restaurant No. 1 – Undying Gathering
Thirteen streaked across the plaza and entered Restaurant No. 1, a place reserved solely for the Undying leaders.
Inside, more than a hundred great beings were already seated.
Auras clashed silently—some sharp with killing intent, others vast like stars, and some cold enough to freeze the soul. Each Undying seemed to form their own Heaven and Earth, subtly dominating the surrounding Space.
"Thirteen is here."
"Mm," Thirteen acknowledged.
"Thirteen, I heard your Country Lord accepted a disciple capable of manifesting hundreds of illusions," someone laughed. "And there's Rong Jun too? Your luck isn't bad."
"Trolov," Thirteen replied calmly, "your Universe Country produced Blood Axe this time, didn't it?"
The white-robed man smiled. "Indeed. His style resembles yours."
Laughter echoed.
"Everyone's saying Bolan from Noah Universe Country can contend with your Bai Yue for first place," another Undying remarked.
"That young man is terrifying," someone agreed. "At Astral Rank, his Space Law comprehension rivals monsters."
Plaza – Genius Gathering
Meanwhile, Bai Yue stepped out with Luo Feng and Rong Jun.
"I've always wanted to spar with you," Rong Jun said frankly, eyes burning with battle intent. "I hope we meet in the competition."
"Haha," Bai Yue replied calmly. "There will be a chance."
Their presence instantly drew countless gazes.
People scrutinized Bai Yue, trying to see what made the legendary Heavenly Emperor different.
They also quietly evaluated other threats—Light Sword Aichen, Illusion Demon Garlasi, and more.
Then—
Another presence arrived.
A chilling aura swept the plaza.
Death God Bolan.
Like Bai Yue, he had used hundreds of illusions during the preliminaries. The only reason Bai Yue overshadowed him was his acceptance as Gan Wu Country Lord's personal disciple.
Under the watchful eyes of countless geniuses, the two monsters did not interact.
No confrontation.
No words.
Yet everyone present knew—
When they finally met on the battlefield, the clash would shake the entire Universe.
_____________________
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