Two Paths

“Only two tens of thousands of years of life left?” Hong was somewhat surprised.

Sector Lords have long lifespans, lasting tens of millions of years. This legendary military commander before him was nearing his end.

“Sigh!”

The old man shook his head, sighing. His voice contained endless bitterness. “Hong, it’s quite fated, you and I.”

“Your name is Hong, and my name is Luo. Both are single characters.”

“You achieved your own enlightenment at the planetary level, and so did I!”

“I fear no death, I yearn for the path of the strongest, to ascend to the pinnacle of life! I even fought in the Giant Axe Martial Arena, battling a thousand times, earning the title of ‘Domain Lord-level Giant Axe Warrior’.” The old man reminisced, “Then, with my closest friends, Moleyia and Leimonto, who also earned the ‘Domain Lord-level Giant Axe Warrior’ title, we jointly established the Three Axe Mountain organization.”

“Initially, I was the leader. They were my assistants.”

“Later, they became Immortals, but I remained a Sector Lord.”

“Ambition!”

“If my plan succeeds, once I become an Immortal, I will be a super-powerful Immortal!” The old man’s eyes gleamed with an incredibly strong desire. “For example, if I join the Ganwu Universe Nation, I could immediately become one of the top Immortals under the Ganwu Nation Lord.”

“Immortals under the Ganwu Nation Lord?” Hong was startled.

“How many Immortals are there in the Black Dragon Mountain Starfield?” the old man asked.

“Two,” Hong replied.

The master of the Ice Sea Divine Kingdom and the master of the sacred Black Dragon Mountain were both Immortal existences. Luo Feng, Hong, and Lei Shen all knew this.

“How many starfields does the Ganwu Universe Nation have?” the old man asked.

“Over thirteen thousand starfields,” Hong said, surprised.

If each starfield had two Immortals, the total would be terrifying.

“Haha…” The old man laughed. “The Immortals under the Ganwu Nation Lord number over ten thousand! And even more Immortals belong to the five giants: ‘Virtual Universe Company’, ‘Giant Axe Martial Arena’, ‘Universe First Bank’, ‘Cosmic River Bank’, and ‘Cosmic Mercenary Alliance’.”

“Over ten thousand?” Hong held his breath.

“Don’t be surprised. You haven’t seen how vast a universe nation is,” the old man sighed. “It seems like a lot, but it’s the accumulation of countless years. In terms of probability… the chance of a Sector Lord becoming an Immortal is too, too low.”

Sector Lords live for over ten million years.

The Ganwu Universe Nation has millions of Sector Lords, with a new generation every ten million years… after countless years of accumulation, there are only so few ‘Immortals’.

“I’ve come to terms with it.”

“One must be down-to-earth, without too much ambition.” The old man shook his head with emotion. “It’s already incredibly difficult for a Sector Lord to become an Immortal. I wasted millions of years; wasn’t I just seeking death? When I finally understood, fate played a trick on me…”

“Let’s not talk about other things.”

The old man looked at Hong and smiled. “I’ve told you most of my story.”

“I can teach you both the origin laws of light and time, and try my best to help you.” The old man looked at Hong. “I wouldn’t dare say anything else… but among the millions of Sector Lords in this Ganwu Universe Nation, while I wouldn’t claim to be first, being in the top three is definitely not a problem! Even against an Immortal, I have the confidence to escape.”

Hong looked at the old man in surprise.

‘Luo’ was a legend even in the Ganwu Universe Nation, and even Immortals would show him respect. “If you are willing to take me as your master, you must be prepared to wander with me,” the old man said solemnly. “I’ve just escaped, and I only have two tens of thousands of years of life left. Before I die, I want to see many places. If you become my disciple, my successor, you will naturally follow me!”

“At the same time, I won’t give up on cultivation.”

“For these last two tens of thousands of years, I will still fight hard to see if I can break through the shackles of fate and become an Immortal before my time runs out.” The old man looked at Hong. “So, I might go into seclusion at any time and won’t be able to look after you. I’ll arrange a guard for you then. Once you become my disciple, you must be mentally prepared for these things.”

Hong frowned, “Wander? For two tens of thousands of years?”

“Yes,” the old man nodded.

“Don’t rush to answer now. Think it over carefully. I’ll give you ten days to consider, then give me your reply.” After speaking, the old man stood up and walked out.

Those who become super-powerful beings all pursue the pinnacle of life. On this path, they create their own secret techniques and ultimate skills, which embody their hard work and effort. Especially before death, these super-powerful beings are reluctant to let their hard-earned secret techniques be lost. Finding an excellent disciple is a common thought for many who are nearing their end.

...

Nine Star Bay Community.

Luo Feng and Lei Shen watched the old man, Jiang Tianchen, and Mingyu depart.

“Big Brother,” Lei Shen quickly asked, “What did that military commander want with you?”

Luo Feng also looked at Hong.

“He wants to take me as a disciple,” Hong said with a smile. “Speaking of which, I’m considered a grandmaster on Earth. Now someone wants to take me as a disciple… I have to say, these cosmic powerhouses are indeed far stronger than us in many ways. They are qualified to be our teachers. I was even ready to accept him just now.”

“You didn’t accept?” Luo Feng asked, surprised.

“Hmm.”

Hong nodded. “If I were to accept, I’d have to wander with him, leave Earth, leave the Black Dragon Mountain Starfield, and wander in the cosmos for two tens of thousands of years.”

“Two tens of thousands of years?” Lei Shen’s eyes widened.

“I’m hesitating whether I should accept,” Hong frowned slightly. “Actually, even if I wander with him in the cosmos, I can still meet my family and you all through the virtual universe network. But… leaving Earth for two tens of thousands of years, it just feels like…”

Huaxia culture spans five thousand years.

Hong was to drift in the cosmos for two tens of thousands of years? For Hong, who was less than a hundred years old, it was indeed an exaggerated number.

“Of course you should accept him as your master.”

Babata, the virtual assistant on Luo Feng’s shoulder, stretched out his small hand and pointed at Hong. “You idiot, that’s Luo! The founder of the Three Axe Mountain organization, ‘Luo’, known as the ‘Time Sector Lord’. Many Immortals are friends with him, treating him as an equal. Many Sector Lords are willing to seek his guidance. He is truly an extraordinary figure in the Black Dragon Mountain Starfield.”

“Time Sector Lord?” Luo Feng and Lei Shen were both shocked by this title.

“Time Sector Lord, quite an impressive title,” Mist, the virtual assistant on Lei Shen’s shoulder, glanced at Babata. “You little brat, always bragging. That old man just now dared to call himself the Time Sector Lord.”

“You pervert who’s been imprisoned for tens of millions of years, what do you know?” Babata pointed at Mist. “Luo is a top-tier figure who rose in these tens of millions of years. Back then, you were imprisoned in that realm-within-a-realm, knowing nothing. You have no right to speak, so just listen to this demon lord.”

“You little brat!” Mist roared.

“I’ve followed my master for tens of millions of years, I’ve lived longer than you!!!” Babata roared, pointing at Mist.

Luo Feng and Lei Shen both rubbed their heads.

Oh my goodness.

These two intelligent lifeforms always bickered whenever they met.

“I’ll think about it carefully,” Hong said, falling silent.

“Listen to me, you won’t go wrong,” Babata quickly coaxed.

...

The arrival of Luo, the legendary military commander of Three Axe Mountain, indeed made Hong ponder. Meanwhile, the group battles on the arenas were proceeding rapidly. Soon, after five days, all 1000 group arena battles concluded, eliminating ninety thousand people, leaving only ten thousand.

These ten thousand people were qualified to compete for the final 900 spots.

Those who secured a spot would represent the Ganwu Universe Nation and compete against the top geniuses from numerous other universe nations. The entire human race in the cosmos has 1008 universe nations.

...

Immediately after the group arena battles ended, two guests arrived at the Nine Star Bay Community on Black Dragon Mountain Island.

“Luo Feng.” A familiar voice rang out.

Luo Feng turned his head and saw that the person was none other than the white-haired, white-bearded old man—Sector Lord But'ashika. This silver-haired old man was currently standing beside a pale, beardless man with purple pupils. This man also had a vertical eye on his forehead, which was casually observing Luo Feng.

An invisible pressure of will bore down.

“Hmm?” Luo Feng gritted his teeth. This newcomer possessed an incredibly powerful will.

“Not bad,” the purple-eyed man nodded slightly.

“Luo Feng, let me introduce you. This is the great Immortal existence from the Ganwu Universe Nation—God Lord Kunshaluo,” the silver-haired old man introduced.

Luo Feng looked at the pale, beardless, and strangely charismatic purple-eyed man before him, utterly shocked. For so many years, he had never met an Immortal existence! An Immortal… what a noble existence. Perhaps they had to bow their heads before a massive nation like the Ganwu Universe Nation, which represented the highest level of civilization. But other empires dared not provoke an Immortal.

An eternal Immortal.

An Immortal who could create worlds, actually came to see him?

“Greetings, God Lord,” Luo Feng respectfully saluted.

“Hmm,” Kunshaluo nodded slightly.

Although Kunshaluo was a man, he gave Luo Feng a very strange feeling… his aura was peculiar, as if he were an incredibly alluring woman. Only the occasional cold glint from his vertical eye made one’s heart tremble.

“Luo Feng, I am here to convey the Nation Lord’s order,” Kunshaluo said indifferently.

Luo Feng’s heart trembled: Ganwu Nation Lord?

“My dispatch here also signifies the importance placed on you,” Kunshaluo continued slowly. “In this Genius Battle, our Ganwu Universe Nation will ultimately send 1000 of its strongest geniuses to compete in a peak showdown with geniuses from other universe nations. The entire cosmic human race has 1008 universe nations.”

“Among the 1008 universe nations, the number of human geniuses representing the peak showdown will be slightly over one million.”

“However, the Virtual Universe Company will only recruit the top one thousand from the final peak showdown.”

“1008 universe nations each send 1000 geniuses, yet only the strongest one thousand are recruited.” Kunshaluo looked at Luo Feng. “This means, on average, each universe nation gets barely one spot. Our Ganwu Universe Nation sends 1000 people, and we might not even secure a single spot.”

Luo Feng nodded.

Being in the top 1000 overall in the cosmos was extremely difficult. Even Babata thought Luo Feng had no hope.

Over a thousand vast universe nations, and only the top 1000 are recruited. The Virtual Universe Company is truly demanding in recruiting talent.

“Indeed!”

“As one of the peak giants among cosmic humans, the Virtual Universe Company offers the best conditions for cultivating geniuses! The Original Universe, numerous secret realms, various miraculous treasures, the best teachers…” Kunshaluo looked at Luo Feng. “However, only those in the top one thousand overall will receive the immense resources the Virtual Universe Company spends to cultivate them.”

“According to the Nation Lord’s order.”

“If you make it into the top one thousand overall in the cosmos, join the Virtual Universe Company, and become an internal core member of the Virtual Universe Company, it will be a great thing, and our Ganwu Universe Nation will also give you heavy rewards.”

“If you fail, you must join our Ganwu Universe Nation. With your current talent… you are qualified to enter our nation’s forbidden land—the Ganwu Secret Realm!” Kunshaluo said. “In the Ganwu Secret Realm, you can also receive top-tier cultivation.”

Kunshaluo swept his gaze over Luo Feng: “Little fellow, as for the top one thousand overall in the cosmos, I advise you not to hope for too much. Being able to enter the nation’s forbidden land, the ‘Ganwu Secret Realm’, is already the desire of countless people.” After speaking, Kunshaluo vanished directly.

“Luo Feng, congratulations,” the silver-haired old man quickly said.

“Oh, right. Most Immortal existences have strange temperaments! Don’t take it too much to heart,” the silver-haired old man chuckled.

“I won’t take it to heart,” Luo Feng smiled. “Dare I?”

“Being able to dispatch an Immortal existence to inform you also shows the Ganwu Nation Lord’s重视 of talents like you,” the silver-haired old man chuckled. “As far as I know… among your batch participating in the Genius Battle, those who received notification that they are qualified to enter the ‘Ganwu Secret Realm’ are those who have crossed the threshold of origin laws.”

Luo Feng nodded.

Soon, the silver-haired old man also left.

Luo Feng sat silently on a chair outside his home, deep in thought.

“Two paths?”

“One, to enter the core of the Ganwu Universe Nation.”

“One, to enter the core of the Virtual Universe Company.”

Babata, on Luo Feng’s shoulder, yawned and muttered, “Don’t even think about it. Super-giants like the Virtual Universe Company have terrifyingly abundant resources. Those who are cultivated with countless precious resources are all the absolute top-tier super-geniuses in the cosmos, with excellent innate talent. And then they are cultivated with countless precious resources. As long as they don’t die in the cultivation and elimination process, every single one achieves astonishing things.”

“Die?” Luo Feng was startled. “Those are the absolute top-tier super-geniuses selected from 1008 universe nations. They die easily?”

“To cultivate the best, elimination and death, isn’t that normal?” Babata shook his head. “No matter who it is, how can they transform without experiencing life-and-death crises? And how can there be no casualties when experiencing life-and-death crises?”

Luo Feng couldn’t help but nod.

“Don’t think about it.”

“That’s not your path,” Babata shook his head. “Kunshaluo was right, the most realistic option is to enter the ‘Ganwu Secret Realm’. This Ganwu Universe Nation is considered one of the major powers in the cosmos, and the Ganwu Nation Lord… is an existence powerful enough to shake the cosmos!”

“Entering the Ganwu Secret Realm and receiving good cultivation will lead to a very high achievement for you in the future,” Babata said. “Your teacher suffered because he was a lone wolf. If your teacher had an existence like the ‘Ganwu Nation Lord’ behind him, how would that scoundrel dare to kill your teacher?”

“The Ganwu Nation Lord is much more powerful than my teacher?” Luo Feng asked, surprised.

“Are you kidding me?!”

“That’s an invincible existence who founded a universe nation and has presided over it for hundreds of millions of years,” Babata said. “Of course… compared to super-giants like the Virtual Universe Company, it’s still hard to compare. It’s said that the ‘Original Universe’ belongs to the Virtual Universe Company itself. They can send anyone they want in to comprehend.”

Luo Feng blinked.

“So, Luo Feng, in this cosmos, there are masters beyond masters, geniuses beyond geniuses, and always a higher mountain to climb!”

“Even entering the core of the Virtual Universe Company, the competition will be incredibly fierce! The Genius Battle is held every ten thousand years, and each time, 1000 super-geniuses are recruited. Do you realize how many super-geniuses the Virtual Universe Company must have?” Babata asked. “So, even if you enter the Virtual Universe Company, it’s a place where powerhouses are as numerous as clouds, and if your strength isn’t enough, you’ll be trampled upon!”

“Of course, you won’t get in.”

“Just settle for the Ganwu Secret Realm,” Babata said. “The Ganwu Secret Realm is already a sacred place that countless people drool over. I’m telling you all this to let you know… even if you enter the Ganwu Secret Realm and are considered excellent there, don’t get arrogant. Because in the Virtual Universe Company, there are millions more who are even better than you.”

Luo Feng blinked.

He felt disheartened.

This Babata, he was too discouraging.