Above the twenty-first Illusion Sea island, Hong slowly opened his eyes.
His gaze was deep and tranquil, like an unfathomable ocean that could quietly swallow all turbulence. Yet the faint flush lingering on his face betrayed the truth—despite having reached the realm of Heart Infinitely Vast, Heart Encompassing Everything, enduring consciousness pressure at the Universe Exalt level still carried a price.
At the instant Hong cleared the final island, astonishing phenomena erupted across the entire Illusion Sea plane.
Vast chants echoed as though countless beings were offering silent worship. Illusory petals drifted down from the void, while solemn, resonant music reverberated through space itself. Under the pull of a mysterious force, Hong's figure rose into the air.
A massive list, glowing with golden light, descended from the void and hovered before him.
When the anomalies finally faded, a grand, majestic voice resounded:
"Human Hong. Congratulations on clearing all islands of the Illusion Sea and becoming the 5,498th Human expert to do so. You may inscribe your name upon the list before you, that future generations may look upon it in reverence."
"The universe is rife with calamity. For the survival of the race, experts must rise to fight—fighting for Humanity itself. This is the mission of every Human powerhouse, and it is now your mission as well. May you advance with courage and diligence, seize boundless opportunities, and pursue eternal life."
Only after the voice faded did Hong fully regain his senses.
He stepped forward, eyes fixed on the towering golden list. Countless names were engraved upon it, each radiating a unique yet overwhelmingly powerful will. Hong understood immediately—every name represented a Universe Exalt or even a Universe Lord. Even the weakest among them would be invincible existences among the Undying.
With solemn composure, he inscribed his name.
Only then did Bai Yue and the others step forward. Such a moment of glory was not something to interrupt.
"More than five thousand names," Bai Yue remarked, glancing across the list. "Surely there are more Human experts capable of clearing the Illusion Sea than this?"
"Of course," the Primordial Chaos City Lord replied calmly. "These are merely those who passed after the Illusion Sea was established within the Virtual Universe. As for experts from earlier eras, most would not bother to challenge it again."
Hong turned and bowed deeply to the figures who had emerged from the void.
"Many Undying can clear the Illusion Sea," Darkness Master said slowly. "But to do so at the Domain Lord level… you are the only one in the entire history of the Human Race."
His eyes narrowed slightly.
"Unbelievable."
For Darkness Master to utter such a word carried immense weight.
Deep within the Primitive Mystical Region, atop that same palace.
"Hong. Thunder God," Darkness Master said gravely, his tone solemn. "Although Hun Yuan introduced you, I must ask once more—are you truly willing to acknowledge me as your master?"
"We are willing!"
Hong and Thunder God knelt without hesitation, performing the formal disciple ceremony.
Darkness Master raised a hand, lifting them to their feet. Only then did his stern expression soften into clear satisfaction.
"Good. Very good. From this day forward, you are my eighth and ninth personal disciples."
"My lineage accepts few disciples due to my strict standards, but in terms of quality, it surpasses all others within the Human Race. Youhou Lord, whom you saw earlier, is your third senior brother—the first among my disciples to break through to the Universe Lord realm."
"Your eldest senior brother is Star Domain Demon Lord, one of the Human Race's three peak Universe Overlords, currently stationed at the Star Prison. As for your remaining senior brothers, all are Universe Exalts. You will meet them in time."
Bai Yue listened with undisguised admiration.
Aside from Origin Ancestor and Great Axe Founder, among the Human Race's Universe Lords, Darkness Master was unrivaled in cultivating disciples. Even now, Bai Yue's own Teacher—Primordial Chaos City Lord—could only smile wryly by comparison.
"Although your states of mind are exceptional," Darkness Master continued, "and can increase your law comprehension speed by several times, true cultivation still hinges on innate talent. The gap between individuals can span hundreds or thousands of times."
"Your path will be long. But as long as your will does not waver, your future is assured."
"Senior Brother, Hun Yuan," Darkness Master said at last, "I will take them with me."
"Go," the Primordial Chaos City Lord waved casually.
After nodding to Bai Yue, Darkness Master departed with Hong and Thunder God, leaving only master and disciple behind.
"Four peerless geniuses," the Primordial Chaos City Lord murmured, his gaze burning. "Born on the same planet… in the same era."
"It defies belief."
He turned toward Bai Yue. "Earth must harbor a shocking secret."
Bai Yue smiled faintly and explained without concealment.
"Earth was modified by a Universe's Strongest hundreds of millions of years ago. It is no ordinary life planet. Life born there undergoes subtle soul evolution during gestation."
"Earth is the core. Planets within a thousand light-years were also slightly affected. This is why Earth cannot be moved—once relocated, the effect disappears."
"Even when shattered, Earth will re-form. Over endless time, it has been destroyed twelve times… and rebuilt itself every time."
Primordial Chaos City Lord listened in silence.
"Who?" he asked at last.
"Zuo Shanke."
Those three words caused even the True God–level Primordial Chaos City Lord to narrow his eyes.
He understood the weight of that name.
After a long silence, Bai Yue shifted the topic.
"Earth's uniqueness will soon be exposed. I plan to station an avatar there to guard it—preventing interference from lesser forces."
Primordial Chaos City Lord smiled wryly. He understood perfectly.
At that moment, both received a message from the Great Axe Founder—summoning them to the Giant Axe Temple.
"It seems the others have noticed as well," Bai Yue said lightly.
"The Illusion Sea has its rules," the Primordial Chaos City Lord chuckled. "Anyone who clears it… all Universe Lords will know."
The two logged into the Virtual Universe and vanished.