Swallowing the Stars: 100x Return for Teaching Apprentices

Chapter 149 The Bridge to Heaven, Baffin's Shock

The blood-red triangular spaceship slowly descended.

Qi Yuan followed the red-haired woman, an immortal deity, and quickly flew out of the spaceship.

"The Venerable One awaits you in the Cangyong Palace."

The red-haired immortal woman, 'Yunyanhou,' carried Qi Yuan directly to a magnificent black temple amidst the continuous palace complex, exuding an aura of endless antiquity and weight.

Whoosh!
Marquis Yunyan landed with Qi Yuan in front of the black temple, and the two immortal gods standing in front of the door did not stop them.

"Come in with me."

Marquis Yunyan stepped into the temple first, while Qi Yuan followed calmly behind her.

……

An oppressive aura enveloped the temple.

Marquis Yunyan walked to the steps leading to the main hall and respectfully bowed, saying, "Your Excellency."

Qi Yuan looked ahead and immediately saw the majestic figure sitting on a huge throne.
Even seated, his figure was over ten thousand kilometers high. He wore a golden robe, and his exposed skin and cheeks were covered with crystalline purple scales. He also had a purple horn on his forehead.
The figure simply sat there casually, yet the subtle, radiating pressure compelled people to submit.

"Such power... I feel that even now, I am powerless to resist such a strong person."
This Venerable Lan Hong is definitely not an ordinary Universe Venerable; he might be a mid-level or even high-level Universe Venerable, otherwise he wouldn't be putting so much pressure on me.

Qi Yuan's mind raced, yet he still bowed slightly to the imposing figure on the throne and said:

"Meet His Holiness."

"Yunyan, you can go down now." A clear voice rang out.

"Yes." The red-haired immortal woman bowed slightly, then quickly left.

Rumble~~~
The temple gates slammed shut, leaving only two people inside—Qi Yuan and Venerable Lan Hong.

"Qi Yuan".

The towering figure above the steps looked down, its golden eyes instantly seeing through all disguises, clearly seeing the faintly visible transparent crystal mark between Qi Yuan's brows.

"Acknowledgment of the laws of time? And such a high-level recognition at that. Well, given the power he displayed earlier, he should have anticipated this and accomplished this in such a short time. No wonder he personally gave instructions."

The towering figure's consciousness shifted in an instant.

"Hehe, the company has been searching for and recruiting talent throughout the entire human territory, but we never expected to overlook such a peerless genius as you..."

The imposing figure continued to speak, but his voice was unexpectedly gentle.

"It's just some minor achievement, not worthy of the praise of a peerless genius from the Venerable One."

Qi Yuan responded politely.

"You're really quite low-key."

The imposing figure of Venerable Lan Hong smiled faintly, but his expression gradually became serious.

"Qi Yuan, I called you here because there's something I need to tell you. You must remember what I'm about to say—"

Seeing Qi Yuan look up solemnly, he continued, "You were born nine million years ago."

His first words left Qi Yuan completely bewildered.

However, he continued listening anyway.

"Your identity is that of an elite disciple secretly taught by a powerful overlord of my human race. You have been cultivating in the small universe of the Giant Axe Founder for many years. In recent years, in order to seek a breakthrough, you have disguised yourself and traveled outside. I have sent the specific details to your account email. You can memorize them yourself later."

"Your Excellency, this is..." Qi Yuan had a vague guess.

"Hehe, you should know that although our human race is the pinnacle race in the original universe, we also have formidable enemies such as the demon race, the insect race, and the mechanical race."
For countless ages, our human race has been locked in a fierce struggle with those major races, almost to the point of irreconcilable conflict. The assassinations of elite talents from opposing forces by these major races, including our own, have never ceased.

Venerable Nalan Hong smiled and said, "I don't know what kind of opportunity you obtained to achieve such success in such a short time. However, you are quite lucky. You have been cultivating in seclusion in a remote part of the Universe Kingdom and have never entered the core of any major power, which has allowed you to avoid the attention of many eyes."

“Your Excellency.” Qi Yuan was slightly taken aback.

"No need to panic."

Venerable Lan Hong smiled and waved his hand.

"Throughout countless eons, our human race has produced countless peerless geniuses. Which genius hasn't had some heaven-defying opportunities? There are even some whose performances are more exaggerated than yours. The higher-ups won't interfere with your individual opportunities casually, so you don't need to be nervous."

"Yes, Your Excellency."

Qi Yuan responded respectfully on the surface, but inwardly he was somewhat skeptical.

That's what they say, but it also depends on whether there's enough luck.
Just like Earth in this world, which has been modified by the Mountain-Sitting Guest and has a great effect on cultivating one's state of mind, wasn't half of its ownership immediately taken over by these high-ranking members of the human race through a combination of buying and forcibly seizing?

There's also the Star Tower that Luo Feng is currently recognizing as his master. Even if others can't recognize it, if they know that the Star Tower will eventually fall into the hands of Luo Feng, who is only at the Realm Lord level, who can guarantee that none of these high-ranking officials will have any ulterior motives?
Furthermore, the Qijing Stone that Luo Feng obtained on the Primordial Star in the future was just one of the dozen or so tokens for entering the birthplace of a supreme treasure, which also attracted the attention of the human race's universe lords who wanted to possess it.

If you have any special opportunities or secrets, unless you have sufficient status and power, it's best to keep them to yourself.
Of course, aside from things that could affect the interests of the entire race, Qi Yuan also had to admit that the actions of the human race's higher-ups as a whole were acceptable.

For example, this summons from Venerable Lan Hong was completely unexpected for him.
At this moment, Venerable Lan Hong continued to speak with a smile:
"Many people noticed the scene of your breakthrough this time. Even if you try to block the news, it will inevitably be leaked. So you might as well just change your identity."
A genius who spent over nine million years in the Realm Lord era might have a grander breakthrough, attracting attention, but it would be much more acceptable and wouldn't escalate to the level of those alien races' frenzied assassinations.

"Don't worry, the identity I forged for you has a traceable history from birth to adulthood. As long as neither you nor I reveal it to others, there's no need to worry about it being exposed," Venerable Lan Hong added.

Qi Yuan never expected that in such a short time, this senior executive of Virtual Universe Company would make such arrangements for someone like him, a previously unknown 'small character'.

He quickly and politely thanked him:

"Thank you, Your Excellency, and thank you for the company's support!"

"Hehe, it's only natural for the tribe to care for its members and for the members to repay the tribe. There's no need to talk about gratitude. As for your identity, just be more careful about it in the future."

Venerable Lan Hong smiled, easily changing the subject.

"Speaking of which, according to company regulations, once you break through to immortality, your authority will be adjusted, and your position will be reassigned."

"I ask you."

Venerable Lan Hong looked down at Qi Yuan and asked,
"Would you be willing to come to the headquarters of Virtual Universe Company and work under me?"

"I and several others routinely oversee various affairs within the 1008 Universe Nation's territory, overseeing numerous departments including combat, logistics, intelligence, and special operations. You may choose to join any of them," he added with a smile.

Even among the cosmic venerables of the same virtual universe company, there are different factions.

Having more powerful members in one's own faction provides a significant advantage in matters such as vying for interests, engaging in diplomatic battles, and cooperating in explorations of secret realms.

Therefore, upon encountering Qi Yuan, this suddenly appearing 'wild genius' with no background connections, Venerable Lan Hong naturally conceived the idea of ​​bringing him into his camp.

As Qi Yuan listened to Venerable Lan Hong's words, he couldn't help but be slightly shocked by the power he wielded. Among the many Universe Venerables of the human race, this one was definitely one with immense real power!
However, even so, Qi Yuan was destined not to accept the other party's kindness.
"Thank you for your high regard, Your Excellency!"

Qi Yuan first gave a polite reply, then organized his thoughts slightly before continuing,

"Your Excellency, my understanding of the laws is still lacking. I would like to continue my secluded cultivation in Chaos City for a while, and also help teach the younger generation of the clan..."

"Cultivating in seclusion in Chaos City?"

The majestic Venerable Lan Hong gazed calmly at them, and after a moment, nodded slightly.

"You're right. With your increased authority and the resources of the company's core members, your abilities should see another rapid increase in the near future. There's no need to rush into getting bogged down in these mundane matters."

"If you intend to stay in Chaos City for a long time, would you like to challenge the Bridge to Heaven next?" he asked with a smile. Since Venerable Lan Hong could see that Qi Yuan had obtained a very high level of recognition from the Law of Time Origin, he naturally understood that with his understanding of the law, passing through the 18th level of the Bridge to Heaven would not be difficult.

By passing through the 18th floor, one can obtain the right to reside permanently in Chaos City.

"Yes, Your Excellency, I plan to attempt the Heavenly Bridge once my access is granted." Qi Yuan had no reason to hide this.

"Um"

Venerable Lan Hong's consciousness stirred slightly, and then a smile appeared on his face.
"Alright, I have upgraded your privileges. You now have access to the Tongtian Bridge dimension. By the way, you probably don't have a residence here at headquarters either. Just connect to the virtual universe from this hall of mine and take on the challenge."

As soon as he finished speaking, Qi Yuan's virtual universe account received a series of emails.

He scanned the area with his senses and saw the contents of the emails—

"Qi Yuan, member of Lanting Branch, your identity verification has been approved. Your privileges have been upgraded to the level of a core member of the company."

"Core member Qi Yuan, your privileges have been upgraded. You have obtained the privileges to exchange for core treasures and the privileges to exchange for Hunyuan points."

"Core member Qi Yuan, your privileges have been upgraded. You have gained access to special planes such as the Bridge to Heaven, the Illusionary Sea, and the Immortal Altar."

"Core member Qi Yuan, your privileges have been upgraded; your information level and intelligence acquisition level have been improved."

……

Six or seven emails in a row reminded him of his increased privileges and the activation of many new features.

"Thank you, Your Majesty."

Qi Yuan looked up at Venerable Lan Hong with gratitude.

"Hehe, go ahead, go take the challenge! I'm waiting to see you give those old guys in the company a real shock!" Venerable Lan Hong laughed.

"Yes."

Qi Yuan nodded, his consciousness instantly connecting to the virtual universe.

The Skybridge Dimension is a special dimensional space in the virtual universe.

This plane space is an endless ocean with turbulent waters.

There is a unique and beautiful island in the ocean, with 52 ports along its edge. Each port has an endless bridge extending outwards, stretching all the way to the ends of the earth.

As if connecting to the distant horizon, these 52 long bridges completely cover the entire ocean.

Above the ocean waves, there was a faint mist, making it impossible to see what was in the ocean. The mist clung to the long bridge, making everything seem like a dream.

In the center of that beautiful island, Baffin, the guardian of the Skybridge plane, has been silently watching over it for countless years.

Suddenly, a figure appeared out of thin air in the center of the island; it was a young man with short black hair.

"Huh? An Immortal, is this your first time in the Bridge to Heaven dimension? Looks like your authority has just been upgraded."

The guardian, Baffin, smiled and walked towards the black-haired youth. "Hello, I am Baffin, the guardian of this Skybridge Plane. Let me introduce this Skybridge Plane to you."

The black-haired youth was none other than Qi Yuan, who had just gained access to the Tongtian Bridge dimension.

He looked at this familiar face, whom he had long admired, and a smile immediately spread across his face:

"Mr. Baffin, no need for introductions, I'm going to challenge the Cosmic Bridge."

"Oh? You don't need me to introduce you? It seems you've already done your research beforehand."

The guard, Baffin, dressed in a long red robe, wasn't angry at being interrupted; instead, he smiled and asked,

"This is your first time challenging the Bridge to Heaven, isn't it? Hehe, how many floors are you planning to pass in one go, ten? Or eleven?"

He didn't mean to look down on Qi Yuan; it's just that only those at the Immortal level have access to this level. Most of those who come to challenge the Bridge of Heaven for the first time were originally ordinary World Lord members of various universe kingdoms who were lucky enough to break through to Immortal and obtain access to the Bridge of Heaven plane.

Such challengers generally don't have a high level of understanding of the laws of nature, and the secret techniques they master are quite ordinary, usually at the level he just mentioned.

How many floors?

Qi Yuan smiled slightly upon hearing this, "It should bring Mr. Baffin a pleasant surprise."

"Oh? A surprise? Haha, I'll be waiting to see!"

The guardian, Baffin, grinned. "Challenger Qi Yuan, the Cosmic Bridge is empty now. Go ahead and do your best!"

"Haha, thank you very much!"

Qi Yuan smiled, and then instantly rushed into a long bridge engraved with the word 'Universe'.

But Baffin observed it using his own privileges.

"Oh? So efficient, you got to the ninth floor in such a short time?"

As the guardian of the Skybridge plane, Baffin could naturally see Qi Yuan's passage through the level.

"The tenth level was easily passed. It seems this new challenger's law realm is quite good; his result on his first challenge should be slightly higher than other ordinary immortals."

Baffin kept watching, but the more he looked, the more surprised he became.

"The fifteenth level, achieved with just one sword strike! This... this is at the level of a Marquis, something many core members of a company cannot do."

“We’ve passed the sixteenth, seventeenth, tenth, and eighteenth floors!” Baffin was suddenly taken aback.

"On his first challenge, he directly passed the eighteenth level of the Heavenly Bridge, which is the threshold for becoming a king and earns him a permanent residence permit in Chaos City! And he did it without any effort at all."

Even though Baffin had seen countless human prodigies challenge the Bridge to Heaven, he was still somewhat shocked at this moment.

He's seen geniuses before; for example, Prince Luo Feng, who joined the company in the last two genius competitions, is one such case.

He usually trains quietly, but every time he takes a challenge, he manages to create a huge commotion!
Take his last challenge, for example. He cleared the level from the eighth floor to the thirteenth floor in one go, a jump of six floors!
Moreover, he was only a Domain Lord at that time!
If a genius like Luo Feng could achieve such a performance after a period of training, Baffin would find it relatively easy to accept.

But the one currently facing the challenge
Logically speaking, those who dare to challenge at the immortal level are usually ordinary realm lords from cosmic kingdoms who have broken through to immortality, right?
It's not that there aren't outstanding people among them, but passing through thirteen or fourteen levels in one go is basically the limit.

This person has actually passed through all eighteen levels in one go, which is the threshold for becoming a king and immortal!

Suddenly, his expression shifted slightly.

"Hmm? Venerable Lan Hong wants the live stream video of this person's breakthrough, and he doesn't want me to leak it to anyone else... Could this person have some powerful background?"

While operating the device and sending out the video of Qi Yuan's challenge, Baffin also kept his eyes glued to the challenge scene on the Tongtian Bridge.

"We've cleared all nineteen levels, should we continue? Ah, time stopped, and there's still this attack!"

"Ah, I've made it past the 20th floor!"

Passing through the twentieth level of the Heavenly Bridge signifies that one's understanding of the laws has reached the peak of the King-Sealing Realm, and one is only one step away from becoming a Universe Venerable!
"Clearing all twenty floors in one go...that's at the level of those grandmasters! This is quite a surprise!"

"Could this be... a newly joined lone wolf immortal who has been crowned king?"

Baffin couldn't help but speculate.

(End of this chapter)