The bald crystal humanoid was the control core and central intelligence of the entire ancient civilization ruins. This wasn’t just any primitive AI like the one possessed by Hong, but a true artificial intelligence possessing human-level intellect—even showing the faintest traces of human emotion! Its most fundamental programming was absolute loyalty to the Yimo Star, so it considered itself a member of the Yimo Star.
The Yimo Star, as the heart of a powerful faction, only accepted those with extraordinary talent, unwavering perseverance, and deep comprehension. Without these traits, even a Cosmic-level warrior wouldn’t be granted access.
Luo Feng possessed immense talent!
Completing the trials in just one year and three months proved his perseverance and insight. Only such a rare individual could qualify for entry into the Yimo Star! Unfortunately, the Yimo Star had suffered a major catastrophe. For many years now, the central AI had been unable to make contact, and it could deduce that the Yimo Star had likely faced some terrible disaster.
Yet, as an AI, it had to obey its base programming and continued its mission year after year on Earth.
It was rare to encounter a true member of the Yimo Star, and its faint “emotions” wished for Luo Feng to surpass all others on Earth.
“Mm, I’ll do my best,” Luo Feng nodded. “By the way, are there ranks beyond Cosmic-level?”
“Of course. A Cosmic-level warrior wandering the universe can only hope to survive,” the bald crystal humanoid replied. “Above Cosmic-level is Star-level, which is also divided into nine tiers. Beyond Star-level is Universe-level!”
“Planetary, Star, and Universe-level…” Luo Feng memorized this internally.
“A Planetary-level warrior can fly within a planet’s atmosphere.”
“A Star-level warrior, to your Earthlings, possesses the power to destroy heaven and earth. They can enter space, though only for short-range travel and unable to survive long-term in the vacuum of space.”
“A Universe-level warrior can wander the cosmos with just their body. Each one is a true powerhouse!”
“For your Earth, a Universe-level warrior is an invincible god, someone even Hong and Thunder God would be like ants before. A single breath from them could unleash a shockwave capable of killing Hong. They can fight against interstellar fleets with their bare hands—each one is immensely powerful.”
“Reaching Universe-level means one has truly entered the ranks of the galaxy’s elite warriors,” the bald crystal humanoid smiled. “Though, it’s merely the first step into the galaxy’s elite. If one is content with indulgence, a Universe-level warrior can easily possess dozens of planetary domains, countless beauties, power, and servants.”
“However, only those above Universe-level can truly intimidate many nations across the cosmos,” the crystal humanoid continued.
Luo Feng held his breath.
“In the universe, countless beings remain at the Novice level.”
“Planetary-level warriors can barely survive. Star-level warriors are formidable figures. Universe-level warriors are extraordinary individuals, with only one emerging from countless planets. And those above Universe-level are even rarer—beings feared by many nations across the cosmos,” the crystal humanoid explained.
Luo Feng was stunned. If only one Universe-level warrior emerged from countless planets, how rare must they be?
Well, at least Earth wasn’t that bad.
“Work hard, Luo Feng!”
“You have hope of reaching Star-level! And if you work hard, are lucky, and find a great master, you might even have a slim chance of becoming a Universe-level warrior,” the crystal AI added.
Luo Feng couldn’t help but smile bitterly.
Was this supposed to be encouragement? It sounded more like saying—Luo Feng, you have a one-in-a-billion chance of reaching Universe-level!
Actually, the AI wasn’t being cruel.
Only one Universe-level warrior emerged from countless planets! Though Luo Feng’s talent was high, across the vast cosmos, there were countless beings with more talent and more perseverance than him. The odds of becoming a Universe-level warrior were indeed extremely low.
That was someone capable of hand-to-hand combat with interstellar warships! Someone of terrifying might!
“You call that encouragement? You’re just crushing my hopes,” Luo Feng said helplessly.
“Go now!”
“Earth is your homeland. Work hard. If one day this planet is discovered by some interstellar nation, the stronger you are, the better you’ll fare—and perhaps even protect your homeland.” With that, the bald crystal humanoid dissolved into countless streams of light. “The passage has been opened. You may now leave and return home.”
“Home!” A tremor passed through Luo Feng’s heart.
The palace walls rippled and formed a passage entwined with thick, dark-brown roots. At the passage’s end stood a glowing mirror—the very mirror he had stepped through to enter the ancient ruins.
“Finally, I can return.”
“Dad, Mom, Xu Xin…” Luo Feng placed the Void Cloud Shuttle and other items into his backpack and strode down the passage, stepping through the mirror with one decisive stride.
…
Within the underground base of Ancient Ruins No.9.
This base was constructed jointly by Earth’s major powers. Whether the Five Superpowers, the two martial arts guilds, or the HR Alliance, all had the right to send personnel into Ancient Ruins No.9. The members stationed here came from various factions.
“Ahh~” Zhang Qian, dressed in a white lab coat, stretched lazily in front of her computer. “So boring. This novel still hasn’t updated.” Life in the underground base was indeed very quiet. Aside from maintaining regular operations and receiving Star-level warriors, their duties mostly involved communicating with their own factions. Alongside the official workstations, the base was also equipped with many recreational computers.
“Just need to play a bit more and I can go home,” Zhang Qian muttered, when suddenly she froze.
Ka ka ka~~~
Zhang Qian turned her head sharply!
Nearly a hundred personnel in the base’s main hall all turned toward the sealed door—the entrance to Ancient Ruins No.9. Unless manually opened, the door would only open automatically if a Star-level warrior emerged and the sensors detected them.
“Someone’s coming out?”
“That can’t be right. This year’s batch of Star-level warriors came out two months ago.”
September 29th, 2058 had indeed seen a group of Star-level warriors enter, but the last one had exited on October 25th. Today was already December 26th. Since the translation software was developed, no one had ever stayed inside for three months.
“Damn, someone stayed three months?”
“OMG!”
“My God!”
All the staff stood up, staring at the slowly opening door, eager to see which Star-level warrior had stayed inside for such an unprecedented duration.
Ka!
The passage had opened halfway, and a figure in pitch-black armor strode out.
“Is that a black man?”
Everyone stared blankly at the person. The figure had a messy, unkempt beard and looked like a black man at first glance.
“Beep!”
A beam of light scanned Luo Feng.
“Welcome back, Star-level Warrior Luo Feng.” The underground base’s control system emitted an electronic voice.
“Luo Feng?”
“It’s Luo Feng!!!”
“Heavens! A year and three months…”
“He’s alive!”
The entire hall erupted into chaos. Luo Feng’s supposed death had been a major event. Even the head of the Limitless Martial Arts Guild, Hong, had taken it seriously. Many people refused to believe Luo Feng had died. Yet now, after a year and three months, Luo Feng had emerged from the ancient ruins.
“Welcome back, Star-level Warrior Luo Feng.” Someone immediately stepped forward to greet him.
Yet the vast majority of the hall’s personnel were in a frenzy.
Heavens! To stay inside Ancient Ruins No.9 for a year and three months—since the translation software was developed, the longest anyone had stayed was just one and a half months! How was this possible?
“Report! Luo Feng has returned!”
“Report to headquarters! The Chinese Star-level Warrior Luo Feng has returned!”
…
The many personnel stationed in the underground base immediately fulfilled their duties, transmitting this shocking news to their respective factions. This was an earth-shattering revelation! The legendary genius, the invincible Star-level warrior, had miraculously survived inside the ancient ruins for a year and three months.
…
Inside the Limitless Martial Arts Guild’s global headquarters, within the massive spacecraft-like building.
In the vast, top-level chamber.
Hong, the black-clad man, held a long spear in his hand, eyes closed, silently standing there. Slowly, he began performing a martial arts form—movements so slow they seemed almost meditative. Yet strangely, the surrounding space appeared distorted, and the spear became blurred, impossible to clearly see.
Bang, bang, bang—urgent knocking echoed from outside the door.
“Hmm?” Hong slightly furrowed his brows.
He had explicitly forbidden interruptions during his training. The only ones with permission to approach during this time were the Five Inspectors and his Three Personal Guards. Yet none of his subordinates were foolish enough to interrupt unless something extremely important had occurred.
“Enter.” Hong said coldly.
The door opened automatically.
Three figures entered—two personal guards wearing black robes and golden masks, and Inspector Liu.
“What is it?” Hong asked in surprise.
It was rare for all three to come together.
“Master,” Inspector Liu’s face showed excitement as he quickly said, “Luo Feng has returned.”
“What?” Hong’s eyes widened.
One of the guards, a tall, muscular man, said in a deep voice, “Master, Luo Feng has returned alive after spending a year and three months inside Ancient Ruins No.9.”
Even Hong was taken aback.
Unbelievable!
A year and three months inside an ancient ruin even he couldn’t fully comprehend. Luo Feng must have gained something extraordinary.
“Prepare to depart immediately. I will personally go to welcome back our guild’s Star-level warrior, Luo Feng.” Hong, the black-clad man, allowed a faint smile of satisfaction to appear.
…
Almost simultaneously, the Five Superpowers, the Two Martial Arts Guilds, and the HR Alliance all received the news. Every faction was stunned. The ancient ruins remained an enigma to Earth’s technology. For Luo Feng to remain inside for a year and three months—even with the translation software—meant something extraordinary must have occurred.
In Jiangnan Base City, inside the Huayao Peak residential area atop the mountain.
“Luohua, you’re impressive. You actually managed to keep your father alive,” Li Yao sat on the sofa, sipping red wine, his eyes gleaming with menace.
Whoosh!
A lightning-fast figure burst into the hall—it was Vinita, her golden hair flowing.
“Why the panic?” Li Yao frowned slightly, savoring a sip of wine, closing his eyes in enjoyment.
“Luofeng is back!” Vinita blurted out urgently. “He’s emerged from Ancient Ruins No.9!”
Li Yao, who had been peacefully sipping his wine, opened his eyes in shock. The wine glass slipped from his fingers, crashing to the floor with a shatter, red wine spilling like blood.
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