After taking the spoils from the Star Eating Grass, Ender successively branded his spiritual mark on each item.
"There are 13 world rings, 6 ninth-tier weapons, 4 sets of armor, 8 eighth-tier weapons, and 1 set of armor."
After counting the weapons and armor, Ender smiled, "The harvest is quite abundant. Just 10 ninth-tier weapons and armor are worth a total of 100 billion Mixed units, which can completely compensate for the Immortal Energy loss of the five hundred vine Immortal Star Eating Grass."
Seeing that 4 of the 6 ninth-tier weapons were claw-type weapons, he guessed, "King Mistflare is a Pinnacle Stage King-Level Immortal, and her strength is very close to a Limit stage King-Level. She should have at least 2 ninth-tier weapons on her. The other two are probably King Frost Steed's."
"King Frost Steed's strength is definitely far inferior to King Mistflare, but he obtained some Treasure Trove during his last exploration of this Holy Land, so he should have been able to purchase ninth-tier weapons and armor."
"I just don't know how much of the Treasure Trove King Frost Steed obtained remains in his world ring after purchasing the weapons and armor."
Ender took the world rings and explored them one by one with World Energy, then tallied the items in the 13 world rings.
"The total value of detectors, Materials, treasures, and spacecraft in the 13 world rings is approximately 630 billion Mixed units!"
When the tally results came out, Ender's eyes widened slightly, feeling incredible.
Including weapons and armor, the total net worth of the five Pinnacle Stage King-Level Immortal reached an astonishing 730 billion Mixed units!
"730 billion Mixed units, and this is just an estimate. If all of it were sold, it would very likely exceed this number."
Ender sighed, "The net worth of an ordinary Pinnacle Stage King-Level Immortal is probably around 10 billion Mixed units, but aside from King Overbearing Autumn, the other four Pinnacle Stage King-Level Immortal have very substantial net worth."
"King Mistflare's strength is close to Limit stage King, so it's understandable that she has nearly 100 billion in net worth. King Towering Bear and the other two Pinnacle Stage King-Level Immortal who had gains in the last exploration each have over 200 billion Mixed units in net worth. Their net worth alone rivals that of a Limit stage King-Level."
"No wonder it's often said, never underestimate the foundation of a Race."
"The native Race of Scarlet Rainbow Continent, even though they gathered a large amount of wealth and fled before their demise, this Holy Land still contains so many treasures."
Ender gazed at the red Treasure Trove box enveloped in crimson flames, anticipation in his eyes, "I wonder what kind of treasure is stored in this Treasure Trove box..."
A few days later.
While Ender was still in the Treasure Trove vault, controlling the crimson flames to continuously burn and melt the Treasure Trove box cast from G-level metal, Crimson Gold.
Little Dawn's voice transmitted into his mind, "Master, a delegation claiming to be from the Hong Alliance has applied to meet with you."
"The Hong Alliance's invitation has finally arrived."
Ender smiled upon hearing this, "Invite them into my palace on Thunder Island."
"Yes, Master." Little Dawn replied.
...
Virtual Universe, Thunder Island.
In the distinctly two-colored palace, Ender sat on the throne at the end of the palace, as nine King-level Immortal, exuding powerful auras and pressure, slowly walked in from the palace entrance.
These nine Immortal had varied appearances; some were Human, some were other alien Races.
Seeing the arrival of the nine King-level Immortal, exuding powerful auras and pressure, Ender rose to greet them, "Welcome, nine envoys from the Hong Alliance."
"Please be seated, how should I address you all?"
Ender slightly raised his hand, and nine huge thrones appeared behind the nine King-level Immortal.
"Human, King Cold Domain." The leader, a Human leopard-man dressed in silver-white armor and exuding a cold aura, had an aura and pressure slightly stronger than Ender's.
"Swallow Hawk Race, King Fierce."
...
"King Verdant End."
That Human leopard-man, King Cold Domain, smiled and said, "We are a special envoy team from the Hong Alliance, here to formally invite you to join our Hong Alliance."
Ender knew about the Hong Alliance, but still asked as usual, "I've heard of the Hong Alliance, but could you tell me more specific information about it?"
"The Hong Alliance is a very inclusive Alliance, formed by the Human Race and many other Races in the Universe. All our Human powerhouses are members of the Hong Alliance. The Hong Alliance will never force anyone to join, but once you join... you must not betray the Alliance!"
King Cold Domain smiled, "As for the detailed information about the Hong Alliance, you will know once you join. In short, there are many benefits to joining the Hong Alliance. If King Verdant End, you have any questions, you can ask your teacher."
The other Hong Alliance envoys, upon hearing King Cold Domain's words, watched Ender with interest.
Since they were assigned to the envoy team, they naturally knew that 'King Verdant End's' identity was extraordinary, and they had also been told by the powerhouses in their Race not to provoke him, because his teacher was a Human Palace Master!
"My teacher?" Ender felt a bit confused internally. "My identity as King Verdant End was created by my teacher, Ice Summit Master. They shouldn't know my true identity. This so-called teacher should be a guess. Any Human powerhouse who can kill a King-level Immortal is a member of the Hong Alliance."
"Mhm." Ender nodded slightly, "I am willing to join."
Ding!
As soon as Ender spoke, a dazzling star suddenly condensed in the distinctly two-colored palace.
The star sparkled brightly.
Then it gradually shrunk into a stream of light, flying directly onto Ender's battle armor bracer, revealing a small star.
Boom!
At the same time, a misty Human radiance floated in mid-air. Under that invisible pressure, everyone, including the nine King-level Immortal envoys and Ender, although vaguely able to see the radiance, could not look up directly under that pressure.
It was as if ants were before a Spiritual God; they had no ability to resist.
"Human King Verdant End!" The radiance emitted a voice, a voice difficult to distinguish as male or female, penetrating directly into the Soul.
"Welcome to the Hong Alliance. From now on, you are an official member of the Hong Alliance!"
"The Universe is fraught with crisis. For a Race to survive, it needs its powerhouses to fight. To fight for the Hong Alliance, to fight for Humanity—this is the mission of every Human powerhouse, and it is your mission too."
The light and shadow gradually dissipated, but the voice continued to echo in Ender's consciousness, and the entire palace remained silent for a long time.
"To fight for the Hong Alliance, to fight for Humanity..."
Because that mysterious voice reached his Soul directly, Ender couldn't help but murmur to himself, "As a super Genius cultivated by the Human Race, I am already bound to the Human Race. To fight for Humanity is my bounden duty!"
Coming to his senses, he looked down at the star mark on his bracer, knowingly asking, "Does this star represent my status?"
"Anyone who has just joined the Hong Alliance is a one-star! One-star is considered the lowest status for an official member of the Hong Alliance. Everyone starts as a one-star."
The Swallow Hawk Race's King Fierce explained, "Of course, King Verdant End, you are different. With your strength, it won't be long before you can increase the number of stars."
Ender was a little surprised, "Oh? Is that so..."
But thinking about it, it made sense. He was invited because he killed a Pinnacle Stage King-Level Immortal. Although he only had one star when he first joined the Hong Alliance, his strength was estimated by many to be at least close to Limit stage King. In the eyes of others, it would naturally be easy for someone with such strength to increase their star count.
"King Verdant End, you are already a member of the Hong Alliance and can access detailed information about the Hong Alliance at any time."
King Cold Domain said, "There is simply too much to describe in the Hong Alliance. Before you enter Hong Alliance Virtual City, first review some information and data carefully. This way, you won't be completely lost when you enter Hong Alliance Virtual City, knowing nothing."
"Mhm, thank you." Ender nodded, "Everyone, I have prepared a banquet. Please wait a moment."
With that, he mentally communicated with Little Dawn, instructing her to bring up the prepared banquet.
Not long after, with the busy efforts of numerous intelligent maids, a lavish banquet was laid out in the grand hall.
The nine Hong Alliance envoys watched the banquet appear from nothing, and the exquisite food and drinks on the table surprised them even more, because this single table of banquet was worth tens of millions of Mixed units! This one table of banquet was equivalent to directly consuming the entire net worth of a Marquis-level Immortal!
Ender raised his cup and said, "Everyone, to celebrate my joining the Hong Alliance, let us all drink a toast."
"Congratulations, King Verdant End, on joining the Hong Alliance."
"Haha, congratulations."
The nine Hong Alliance envoys, intending to befriend Ender, a Disciple of a Universe Master, naturally wouldn't deny him Face, so they all raised their cups and drank together.
After a lively banquet, the host and guests were all satisfied and departed.
...
Inside the distinctly two-colored grand hall.
Ender, sitting on the throne, watched a light screen before him, displaying various information about Hong Alliance Virtual City.
Images, videos, and text Materials—everything was available.
From the images and videos, it seemed...
The Hong Alliance's headquarters is in a separate dimensional space specially opened in the Virtual Universe. That dimensional space contains countless stars, and at the center, surrounded by stars, is a huge floating ancient city.
This ancient city, suspended among the stars, is " Hong Alliance Virtual City," where countless powerhouses reside.
Hong Alliance Virtual City is a gathering place for the Human Race and a large number of alien Races, teeming with powerhouses.
It is very peaceful here—after all, it is the Virtual Universe, so it is naturally peaceful.
The hierarchy here is strict—status is determined by strength and contribution, and those with higher status naturally enjoy more power.
The strength of official Hong Alliance members is uniformly determined by their battle achievements. The stronger the battle achievements, the higher the strength Rank.
The Rank here is simply divided into one-star, two-star, three-star... up to seven-star. All powerhouses will have a star mark on their bracer or cuff.
This allows for easy determination of the opponent's strength Rank.
All members who have just joined the Hong Alliance are one-star. Afterwards, based on their real-world battle achievements, the " Hong Alliance Virtual City sub-System" of the Virtual Universe System will automatically determine their battle achievements and strength, thereby assigning their Rank.
One-star: All new Hong Alliance members are at this Rank, generally the most common level for a King-level Immortal.
Two-star: Considered a powerhouse among King-level Immortals.
Three-star: Limit stage King.
Four-star: The Beginner Universe Venerable, and the likes of an Invincible stage King-Level can also be classified into this level.
Five-star: Intermediate Universe Venerable.
Six-star: Advanced Universe Venerable.
Seven-star: Tier 1 Universe Master; and Universe Overlords can also be classified into this level.
" Hong Alliance Virtual City is divided into the outer city, inner layer, and Hong Alliance Hall. It houses over 3 million King-level Immortal, while the Human King-level Immortals are only 90,000..."
Ender watched the video on the light screen, an ancient city suspended in the starry sky, surrounded by numerous stars.
In the ancient city, the outer city was densely packed with a vast number of powerhouses. Over 3 million King-level Immortal from various Races gathered here, with those whose strength was classified as one-star to three-star residing in the outer city.
As for the inner city, almost no one could be seen in the video.
Those whose strength was classified as four-star to six-star resided in the inner city, and the inner city was almost entirely composed of Universe Venerable.
At the very core of the entire Hong Alliance Virtual City—
Was a magnificent and mysterious palace, a million kilometers high, appearing like a giant sword piercing the starry sky. This was the "Hong Alliance Hall."
The Hong Alliance Hall housed "seven-star" existences. Seven-star existences... those were at least Universe Overlord like Tian Shi Palace Master and Golden Horn Master.
The various Palace Masters of the Hong Alliance Hall... were even existences beyond "seven-star."
Each of them was an peerless Overlord whose slightest movement could make billions of Races in the Universe tremble.
"The Hong Alliance, truly is one of the peak alliances in the Original Universe!"
After finishing the information on the Hong Alliance Hall, Ender thought to himself, "Whether it's our Human Race, the Demon race, the Zerg, the Mechanical Race, or the Crystal Race and Prison Race far away in the remote reaches of the Universe."
"The Six pinnacle Races in the Original Universe are very strong, but without a group of allies and subordinate forces, they would appear isolated and weak."
"Like the Northern Territory Alliance, which gathers many weak and ordinary Races, and a very small number of powerful Races among them, has an extremely large number of Universe Venerable, probably a hundred times that of the Hong Alliance."
Ender pondered, "Universe Venerable are considered true powerhouses in the Universe, an important force for competing for resources. Without the support of the Hong Alliance's numerous allies and vassals, it would be very difficult for Humanity to resist other Alliance forces alone."
"And the existence of the Hong Alliance is also of great help to the Races that join it. Without the Hong Alliance's protection, it would be very difficult for those weak and ordinary Races to survive in the cruel Universe!"
Ender understood that the Hong Alliance was an Alliance force primarily led by Humans. Even the declaration for joining the Hong Alliance was to fight for the Hong Alliance and for Humanity, clearly indicating that Humans held an advantage in Pinnacle combat power.
After all, Humanity had more than ten Universe Masters, each often a powerhouse among Universe Masters, and even one True God standing at the very Pinnacle of the Universe.
Ender continued to read the information about the Hong Alliance.
Hong Alliance Virtual City gathered all the powerhouses of the entire Human Race and numerous alien Races. And who would possess the treasures of a Race?
Of course, it would be these powerful King-level Immortal, those even stronger Universe Venerable, and even the Universe Masters standing at the very Pinnacle; they possessed the vast majority of the wealth of the Hong Alliance's numerous Races.
Therefore—
Some so-called auctions attended by bank star-level clients, compared to the transactions in Hong Alliance Virtual City... were simply child's play.
Ordinary transactions were in units of "billions of mixed units."
Some large transactions were even more exaggerated, and even special rare treasures were traded by bartering.
Auctions! Huge transactions! Elite teams venturing into Universe Secret Realm! Elite teams in the Extraterritorial Battlefield! Special organizations formed by common interests and common goals!
In short, although there were only over three million powerhouses in Hong Alliance Virtual City, they controlled the wealth and survival of Humanity and a large number of Races.
Humans were the rulers of the Hong Alliance. Although the numerous powerhouses were united in terms of racial interests, there were still internal disputes.
With internal disputes among Humans, those numerous alien Races naturally also wanted to claim a larger share and acquire more resources!
In short, Hong Alliance Virtual City was truly a place where Dragons and fish were mixed, and forces were widespread.
...
Hongwu Secret Realm, Holy Land Treasure Trove.
Ender's consciousness returned from the Virtual Universe, a smile on his Face, "Having joined the Hong Alliance, I now have a channel to deal with the spoils."
"Once I obtain the treasures from the Treasure Trove box, I'll return to the Primal Secret Realm..."