Technological advancement begins with devouring.

"This is the consciousness-sensing helmet? It looks quite similar to the [brainwave access device]."

Jiang Chen muttered to himself while holding a device that looked like a motorcycle helmet.

This is a sensor helmet sent by the Ares Palace. It can connect to the Ares Palace's exclusive 'virtual space' from anywhere on Earth.

The technology contained within far surpasses the level of technology on Earth. Jiang Chen guessed that it was mostly related to the remnants of a cosmic civilization left behind on Earth.

However, the fact that such a large production volume, with each of the War God-level powerhouses and high-ranking members of the eight major forces possessing one, most likely indicates that they obtained technology from the remnants of a cosmic civilization through reverse engineering and then manufactured it on Earth.

"The maximum warning range is only five meters in radius? Oh well, with my reaction speed, five meters is enough..." Jiang Chen muttered to himself.

When using a consciousness-sensing helmet, a person's entire consciousness is pulled into a virtual space, losing all connection to the outside world.

At this time, if any unexpected situation arises, it would be extremely dangerous.

Therefore, the consciousness-sensing helmet itself has a built-in warning program that will immediately awaken the user's consciousness if any changes occur within its range.

The range is a bit small, but it's more than enough for the reaction speed of War God-level and Planetary-level powerhouses.

Moreover, there is virtually no security problem within the base city.

"Jarvis, don't go in yet. I reckon there's some kind of AI from outer space inside the War God Palace." After setting it up, Jiang Chen ordered Jarvis, "You monitor the surroundings for me. If anyone gets close to the villa, wake me up immediately."

After giving the order to Jarvis, Jiang Chen sat down on the sofa, put on the dark blue helmet, and pressed the start button.

In a daze, Jiang Chen found himself in a luxurious room.

The area, which is over 1,000 square meters, is divided into many different functional areas.

Lounge, study, dining room, swimming pool, recreation room...

“Councilor Jiang Chen, this is your private room in the War God Palace. No one except you is allowed to enter your room.”

"Inside the Ares Palace, you can order whatever you want to eat or drink. We have many delicious dishes that are not available in real life."

"On your desk, there is a copy of the 'War God Palace Regulations' to help you quickly understand the rules within the War God Palace. Councilor Jiang Chen, I wish you a pleasant time in the War God Palace."

A synthesized voice rang out, spoke a few words, and then disappeared.

"Play?" Jiang Chen couldn't help but laugh.

Li Dawei also told Jiang Chen about some things inside the War God Palace.

Indeed, aside from discussing important matters concerning the human race, the main function of the Ares Palace is to provide a place for the many Ares and councilors to play and socialize.

Upon arriving at the desk, I saw a thin sheet of paper with the words "Regulations of the War God Palace" written in large characters at the top.

"The War God Palace is the strongest organization of human martial artists, jointly founded by the First Councilor 'Hong' and the Second Councilor 'Thunder God'. All War Gods and beings beyond War Gods on Earth are members of the War God Palace..."

The paper contained little information, only a brief introduction to the War God Palace, and didn't have many rules.

Since it's a virtual space, even if a conflict breaks out, it won't have any impact on reality.

It's quite common for some strong individuals to get into the mood and spar in the ring.

After memorizing the information on the paper, Jiang Chen pushed open the door and went out.

After passing through a long corridor and a spiral staircase, Jiang Chen arrived at the lobby on the first floor.

The lobby was filled with sofas and chairs, but most of them were empty.

At a glance, there were probably several hundred people gathered in twos and threes, drinking and chatting.

"So many people. I remember there are only about three thousand War Gods on Earth. At least a quarter of them are here. Are these War Gods usually so free?" A question popped into Jiang Chen's mind.

However, Jiang Chen didn't pay attention to these details and was just planning to wander around casually.

Jiang Chen took a step out, and suddenly, the lights in the entire hall dimmed abruptly, the soothing music disappeared instantly, and everyone looked up at the same time.

'Clang!'

A crisp sound rang out, and a stirring melody filled the entire hall.

A beam of light shone on Jiang Chen, instantly making him the center of attention.

All the war gods and councilors present stood up, smiling, and applauded Jiang Chen in salute.

"The War God Palace has welcomed a new member, and a powerful individual who became a councilor immediately upon joining. His name is Jiang Chen!"

A floating projection appeared above the hall.

-

Name: Jiang Chen

Nationality: Chinese

Rank: Planetary Tier 1

-

"The number of human councilor-level powerhouses has increased by one, reaching 53!" A gruff voice echoed in the hall.

A moment later, the rousing music began to fade, and the lights in the hall returned to normal.

Jiang Chen was both amused and exasperated. In the original story, Luo Feng had already caused such a stir when he joined the War God Palace, and now that he had joined, the commotion seemed to be even greater than when Luo Feng joined the War God Palace.

This was somewhat difficult for Jiang Chen, who was a little socially awkward, to adapt to.

Just as I was wondering what to do next, a familiar voice suddenly came from behind me: "Mr. Jiang~!"

Looking back, it was Li Dawei who had arrived.

"I thought Mr. Jiang should have arrived by now, so I logged in to check. It seems I'm a bit late and missed the crucial scene, haha." Li Dawei joked with Jiang Chen in a carefree manner.

Li Dawei is a mid-level War God, so he naturally has the authority to enter the War God Palace.

"Old Li." Jiang Chen nodded slightly in greeting.

“Mr. Jiang, this is your first time here, so you may not be familiar with the War God Palace. Shall I show you around?” Li Dawei said tentatively.

Jiang Chen naturally wouldn't refuse, nodding and saying, "Then I'll have to trouble Elder Li."

"No trouble at all." Li Dawei wouldn't miss any opportunity to get closer to Jiang Chen, so he immediately took Jiang Chen and carefully introduced every facility in the War God Palace.

Occasionally, Li Dawei would introduce Jiang Chen to some powerful figures from various forces, but when introducing Jiang Chen's identity, Li Dawei would be evasive and unwilling to explain clearly.

"This is the auction hall. An auction is held every month, and it only opens then. Many powerful forces and individuals will bring some good items to sell here. If everything goes as usual, the next auction will be in about ten days. If Mr. Jiang is interested, you can come and take a look then," Li Dawei said, pointing to a tightly closed door.

"If Mr. Jiang has anything he wishes to sell, he can bring it here. However, there is a rule at the auction that the value of the auctioned items cannot be less than one billion Chinese yuan."

Jiang Chen's heart skipped a beat, but he remained outwardly calm.