Translator: CinderTL
The Extreme Sea Star System Cosmic Passage was located in Donghai Province.
Though both were in Donghai Province, the distance from White Dragon University to the passage was a staggering two thousand kilometers.
Even traveling at several times the speed of sound would require a considerable amount of time.
Inside the circular spacecraft, Jiang Ye and Qiu Cang sat facing each other in a private cabin.
"The Extreme Sea Star System is 2,000 light-years from the solar system," Qiu Cang explained. "It's the closest alien civilization to us. However, many years ago, this civilization was annihilated by another."
"After years of investigation, we've discovered numerous 'civilization battlefields' within the Extreme Sea Star System, remnants of that ancient war."
"The Cosmic Void Passage in Donghai Province leads to one such battlefield," Qiu Cang added.
Jiang Ye listened intently.
His knowledge of the Extreme Sea Civilization was limited, mostly stemming from the assessment he'd undergone at the White Dragon's Court.
"Though we call it a 'civilization battlefield,' it's actually a planet. Your destination is Ancient Star No. 7 in the Extreme Sea Star System."
"Ancient Star No. 7 is vast, with a diameter of tens of thousands of kilometers."
"Precisely because of this," Qiu Cang continued, "the opportunities hidden within Ancient Star No. 7 are exceptionally abundant."
"There are at least twenty Upper B-Tier Opportunities alone," Qiu Cang said gravely. "The Mid B-Tier and Low B-Tier opportunities are even more numerous."
"Twenty Upper B-Tier Opportunities?!" Jiang Ye couldn't help but feel a jolt of shock.
By now, he was well aware of the specific classifications of "opportunities."
Regardless of their tier, opportunities were divided into three grades: upper, middle, and lower.
Take the Mountains and Rivers Secret Realm, for example.
Although Jiang Ye had monopolized dozens of top-tier opportunities there, they were merely Upper D-Tier opportunities.
An Upper B-Tier opportunity, on the other hand, would undoubtedly offer far greater benefits.
"However," Qiu Cang added, "the Upper B-Tier Opportunities are scattered across the planet. The Federation has gathered some intelligence over the years, which I'm sending you now."
With that, he opened his phone and sent Jiang Ye a file.
A split second later, Jiang Ye's smart wristband vibrated.
He opened the wristband.
Ding! A holographic projection of a planet materialized.
This was clearly the "Ancient Star No. 7" Qiu Cang had mentioned.
The planetary projection was marked with hundreds of red circles of varying sizes, each clearly labeled with the opportunity's tier.
Jiang Ye's gaze swept across the map, revealing that among the marked red circles, there were at least fifty top-tier opportunities alone.
"Fifty top-tier opportunities?" Jiang Ye asked, startled. "Teacher, didn't you just say there were only twenty?"
"The locations of top-tier opportunities aren't fixed," Qiu Cang explained. "Some places might offer top-tier opportunities this time, but not necessarily the next."
"I understand," Jiang Ye said, his expression clearing.
He then bowed deeply, clasping his hands respectfully. "Thank you, Teacher!"
He knew the immense value of this information. Most others wouldn't have access to such intelligence.
"No need," Qiu Cang waved dismissively. "Intelligence is merely a guide. Whether you can seize these opportunities depends on your own abilities."
"Ancient Star No. 7 is the most dangerous B-grade opportunity zone."
"In addition to the roaming Shadow Clan, you may also encounter strong individuals from other civilizations," Qiu Cang warned.
"Other civilizations?" Jiang Ye's mind raced.
Could there be other civilizations within the Extreme Sea Star System?
His first thought was of the Cangxu Civilization he had encountered during the entrance exam.
But Qiu Cang quickly clarified, "Besides our Blue Star Civilization, strong individuals from two other cosmic civilizations can also enter Ancient Star No. 7 through the Cosmic Void Passage."
"The Fire Ember Civilization and the Returning Cloud Civilization."
"These two civilizations are classified as Tier 0.8 and Tier 0.9 respectively," Qiu Cang explained. "Slightly higher than Blue Star Civilization's tier."
"Civilization tier?" Jiang Ye's expression shifted.
According to the cosmic civilization tier system, Blue Star Civilization was roughly classified as Tier 0.7.
This wasn't an arbitrary classification but rather a strict assessment based on cosmic civilization standards, considering factors like overall strength and peak combat power.
Even a difference of 0.1 in tier represented a massive gap in power.
"If you encounter strong individuals from these civilizations, avoid confrontation if possible."
"Both the Fire Ember Civilization and the Returning Cloud Civilization are humanoid," Qiu Cang continued. "But they are fundamentally different from us Blue Star humans—essentially foreign races. It's best to minimize contact."
"Understood."
"However, if they provoke you, don't hesitate to retaliate," Qiu Cang said coolly. "Just kill them."
"Death in life-and-death trials is commonplace. Don't worry about powerful individuals seeking revenge."
"Noted," Jiang Ye nodded, committing the information to memory.
He had always adhered to the principle: "I won't strike unless provoked."
If he encountered strong individuals from alien civilizations trying to seize treasures, Jiang Ye would simply let them have them. After all, there were hundreds of opportunities available, so losing one wouldn't matter.
However, if they crossed his bottom line, Jiang Ye wouldn't hesitate to strike back, wiping them out completely.
With this in mind, Jiang Ye suddenly asked, "Teacher, will geniuses with Transcendent Aptitude from those two alien civilizations enter Ancient Star No. 7?"
"Generally, no," Qiu Cang replied, shaking his head. "Geniuses with Transcendent Aptitude all head to A-grade Opportunity Zones. However, Ancient Star No. 7 is highly likely to attract top-tier geniuses with Dao Bone Aptitude."
"That's why I'm advising you to avoid them whenever possible."
"Even if you could defeat such a top-tier genius, you'd suffer grievous wounds, severely hindering your subsequent treasure hunting," Qiu Cang warned. "Unless they become excessively aggressive, try to avoid conflict with these alien civilization powerhouses."
"Understood," Jiang Ye nodded.
But his eyes narrowed slightly.
No Transcendent Aptitude?
That makes things much easier.
"Fire Ember Civilization? Returning Cloud Civilization?" Jiang Ye's eyes flashed with a sharp glint. "If any of them dare to cross me, I'll slaughter them all."
Seeing Jiang Ye's expression, Qiu Cang smiled and shook his head, saying nothing more.
He knew Jiang Ye's confidence had swelled after winning the Genius Cup.
This was perfectly normal.
Winning a global championship like that was an immense honor, and he had every right to be proud.
But excessive pride was dangerous. For a martial artist, blind arrogance was a fatal flaw.
This kid hasn't faced the true power of top-tier geniuses with Dao Bone Aptitude, Qiu Cang thought. His blind confidence will lead to a harsh lesson.
Still...
Sending him to Ancient Star No. 7 might be a good thing, Qiu Cang mused. Experiencing the strength of foreign race experts will prepare him for the Star Realm Sea. If he ever gets the chance to go there, he won't be overwhelmed by the true Heavenly Prides of other races.
Qiu Cang had always intended to send Jiang Ye to the Extreme Sea Star System for this very reason.
Compared to the Upper A-Tier Opportunity of the Star Realm Sea, the Ancient Star No. 7 ruins were merely a stepping stone.
But if Jiang Ye couldn't even overcome this hurdle?
Then the Star Realm Sea would remain a distant dream.
"Alright," Qiu Cang said.
"That's all the specific intelligence we have," Qiu Cang said, looking at Jiang Ye. "This life and death trial will also serve as a test for you."
"If you can secure a top-tier opportunity on Ancient Star No. 7 and return safely, the school will reward you based on your performance."
Jiang Ye nodded.
Performance? That likely refers to the number of top-tier opportunities I obtain.
"Additionally," Qiu Cang said solemnly, "I want to assign you a mission. Besides seeking opportunities, I need you to pay close attention to your senior sister's whereabouts and find her as soon as possible."
"Senior sister…" Jiang Ye's heart skipped a beat. "Do you think she's in danger?"
"Yes," Qiu Cang nodded. "Her condition hasn't been good lately."
"Teacher," Jiang Ye couldn't help but ask, "if you knew she was unwell, why didn't you stop her from leaving in the first place?"
"Stop her?" Qiu Cang glanced at him. "Your senior sister was determined to leave. How could I possibly stop her? If you hadn't provoked her, would she have acted this way?"
Jiang Ye fell silent.
"Heh."
"Don't overthink it," Qiu Cang said with a chuckle. "Your senior sister might not be doing this because of you. She needs Extreme Sea Primordial Liquid for her cultivation, and she was determined to get it when the Extreme Sea Star System opened."
"Mm," Jiang Ye nodded.
But deep down, he knew that without what had happened between them, Chen Zilu would never have taken such a risk.
Qiu Cang might not fully understand the agony of the God-Devouring Period's onset, but Jiang Ye had a clearer idea.
Even he might not have been able to endure such torment.
For Chen Zilu to venture into the Extreme Sea Star System under these circumstances was akin to treating life and death with indifference. Her condition was undeniably precarious.
Jiang Ye took a deep breath.
"Teacher, don't worry," he said with utmost sincerity. "I will find Senior Sister. I will bring her back safely."
Qiu Cang nodded slightly, thinking to himself, This kid really is going to the Extreme Sea Star System for Xiao Chen.
Looks like that girl didn't misjudge him after all.
But what exactly did he do? Qiu Cang wondered, his curiosity growing. To make Xiao Chen so distraught... Does he have someone else out there?
Just as Qiu Cang was lost in his speculations, Jiang Ye suddenly asked, "Teacher, do you know where Senior Sister might be?"
He pointed to the holographic projection of the planet before them.
Ancient Star No. 7 had a diameter of tens of thousands of kilometers, with a circumference likely exceeding a hundred thousand kilometers. Its surface area far surpassed that of Blue Star. Searching for a single person on such a massive world would be like finding a needle in the ocean.
"I don't know," Qiu Cang said, shaking his head. "Although the school provides specialized wristbands, real-time communication is difficult over such vast distances. Moreover, certain regions on Ancient Star No. 7 block all signals."
"We haven't heard from your senior sister since she entered," Qiu Cang continued. "She's likely ventured into one of those restricted areas."
"Restricted areas?" Jiang Ye asked, a hint of alarm in his voice.
"Don't worry," Qiu Cang reassured him. "We're still tracking her vital signs, so she's safe for now. I suspect she's near one of the fifty top-tier opportunity locations. Just check them one by one."
"Also, the wristbands have a proximity detection feature," Qiu Cang added. "If Xiao Chen is within a thousand kilometers of you, you'll be able to sense her."
"Understood," Jiang Ye nodded.
With the wristband's detection function, the search would be much easier.
"Senior Sister," Jiang Ye murmured, gazing out the window, a faint unease settling in his heart. "Please be safe."
Soon after, the spacecraft slowly descended onto a suspended airport.
Buzz! The hatch hissed open.
As Jiang Ye stepped out, his gaze was immediately drawn to the sky ahead.
An enormous rift hung suspended in mid-air.
Within the rift's jagged edges, a vibrant, multicolored tunnel pulsed with a life-like rhythm, emitting waves of strange energy.
Compared to Ancheng's permanent Cosmic Void Passage, this tunnel was far grander, stretching over a kilometer in length.
"Let's report in first," Qiu Cang said, striding toward a black building beside the airport.
Jiang Ye quickly followed.
Soon, they entered the black building's lobby.
"Hmm?"
Jiang Ye's expression shifted slightly as he walked in. "Senior Sister Shi Ting?"
In the waiting area, a refined-looking young woman sat gracefully.
Sensing his gaze, she opened her eyes.
In an instant, Shi Ting rose to her feet and hurried forward. "Teacher! You've finally arrived."
Qiu Cang nodded curtly.
Jiang Ye exclaimed in surprise, "Senior Sister Shi Ting is going to the Extreme Sea Star System too?"
"Yes," Shi Ting replied with a gentle smile. "I signed up in advance. Teacher asked me to wait here for you."
"Senior Sister, I've kept you waiting," Jiang Ye said quickly.
"Shi Ting is nearing her third breakthrough," Qiu Cang explained. "If you encounter danger, she can assist you."
"Congratulations, Senior Sister," Jiang Ye said, cupping his hands in a respectful gesture.
Just a few months ago, Shi Ting had already reached the peak of her second breakthrough. Now, after two more months, she had advanced further, approaching her third breakthrough—not surprising given her talent.
"Let's not delay. Follow me," Qiu Cang said tersely, leading Jiang Ye toward the registration desk.
They completed the identity verification and filled out the necessary forms.
"Jiang Ye, first-year student at Penglai University, applying to enter the Extreme Sea Star System's Ancient Star No. 7," an electronic voice announced. "This area is a restricted zone for lifeforms. Unauthorized access is prohibited."
Jiang Ye froze, bewildered.
They're not letting me in?
"Don't worry," Shi Ting said with a mysterious smile. "Just wait a moment."
"Okay," Jiang Ye nodded, patiently waiting.
Only a few seconds passed.
Ding!
"You are an Upper A-tier student at White Dragon University, entitled to one B-Tier Opportunity entry per year."
"Access granted. You are authorized to proceed."
Jiang Ye's face lit up with realization.
His White Dragon University status truly made things easier.
If he were still a student at Penglai University, entering such a place would have cost him dearly—and even then, success wouldn't be guaranteed.
But as an Upper A-tier student at White Dragon University?
He received one B-Tier Opportunity entry per year and three C-Tier Opportunity entries.
These privileges were invaluable, beyond monetary worth.
"This region is designated as a Federal Life-Restricted Zone, with a mortality rate of 15%."
The mechanical voice repeated, "If you are determined to proceed, please sign the life-and-death agreement."
Whoosh! A holographic agreement materialized.
Jiang Ye glanced at Qiu Cang, puzzled.
"All B-grade opportunity zones and above require signing a life-and-death agreement," Qiu Cang explained calmly. "Because they all carry a risk of death."
"No problem, I'll sign it.", Jiang Ye nodded.
Risk of death? He had known about that before coming here, so there was no need to worry further.
The agreement was quickly signed.
You have completed registration and may enter the Cosmic Void Passage at any time. The Extreme Sea Star System will remain open for a maximum of three months. Please return within this timeframe.
"Three months?" Jiang Ye's expression froze. "We can stay that long?"
"The Extreme Sea Star System Cosmic Passage opens once every ten years and remains accessible for three months each time," Qiu Cang explained. "The higher the tier of the opportunity, the longer it stays open."
"But the intervals between openings are also longer."
"That's why this opportunity is so rare for you," Qiu Cang said. "Make sure you seize it."
"Yes," Jiang Ye nodded.
Opening only once every ten years?
No wonder the Extreme Sea Primordial Liquid was so rare. Such a long interval must be unbearable.
"Alright."
"Registration complete. You can enter now," Qiu Cang said. "Jiang Ye, remember what I told you earlier."
"Yes," Jiang Ye nodded quickly.
"Shi Ting, take your junior brother and depart."
"To the Extreme Sea Star System!"
(End of the Chapter)
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