Virtual World.
Personal Space.
Lin Yuan sat there, and an old man with a white beard appeared out of thin air.
"Greetings, Milky Way Star Lord."
A trace of urgency flashed across the old man's face, but he still respectfully greeted Lin Yuan.
He knew very well that the young man in front of him was the legendary Milky Way Star Lord.
Ordinary ninth- or tenth-rank evolvers might not even be able to meet him if they sought an audience.
As a mere intelligent life form, the fact that he had requested to see the Milky Way Star Lord and had been granted permission was already a favor from past associations.
But favors only go so far, and if he didn't understand his place, this might be the end of it.
"Aren't you the intelligent life form that followed Fang Qing?" Lin Yuan glanced at the old man with a calm tone.
Fang Qing was a friend Lin Yuan had made when he was still on Canglan Star.
Before breaking through the sixth rank, Lin Yuan had to hide his identity while facing the public pressure.
Fang Qing had decisively stood by Lin Yuan's side.
Although, in the grand scheme of things, whether or not Fang Qing had stood up didn't make much difference to Lin Yuan.
But in the end, Fang Qing had helped him.
Later, when Lin Yuan revealed his identity and became the Thirteenth Peak Master of the Red Kun Lineage, he summoned Fang Qing to the Thirteenth Mountain and entrusted him with important responsibilities, repaying the favor.
It's worth noting that under normal circumstances, with Fang Qing's development, serving the Red Kun Lineage for thousands or even tens of thousands of years would at most make him a core member.
However, becoming Lin Yuan's trusted aide and managing the Thirteenth Mountain put him in a position of power and influence, making him the highest-ranking member of the Red Kun Lineage besides the Star Lord and the Thirteen Peak Masters.
Moreover, as Lin Yuan's strength increased, the status of the Thirteenth Mountain in the Red Kun Lineage rose accordingly.
Especially for Fang Qing, who had stood up for the Milky Way Star Lord—this alone made the Peak Masters treat him with great respect.
After Lin Yuan took charge of the Milky Way Star Domain, he paid little attention to the Red Kun main star.
He had only recently heard that Fang Qing had crossed into the sixth rank, becoming a well-known evolver.
Fang Qing's evolution path was the 'Ancient God' path.
This path was highly risky, with even the slightest mistake leading to 'Ancient God' corruption.
But similarly, if one could successfully cultivate it, the speed of cultivation would be very fast, comparable to those with bloodline-based evolution paths.
After all, the essence of the Ancient God evolution path was to simulate an Ancient God, and most Ancient Gods in the depths of the universe were eleventh-rank beings.
With such powerful beings as the model, there were hardly any bottlenecks in the early stages of cultivation.
As long as one could withstand the corruption of the Ancient God, it would be smooth sailing.
As the steward of the Thirteenth Mountain of the Red Kun Lineage, Fang Qing enjoyed excellent treatment and benefits.
Coupled with the unique nature of the Ancient God evolution path, he had reached the sixth rank in less than a hundred years.
"Yes, Milky Way Star Lord."
"My master is indeed Fang Qing."
The old man with the white beard quickly said, "Fang Qing... something has happened to him."
The old man spoke quickly.
"Something happened to Fang Qing?"
Lin Yuan frowned.
Anyone who inquired even slightly within human civilization would know about Fang Qing's relationship with him.
Even if Fang Qing had offended someone and committed an unforgivable crime, they would contact Lin Yuan first.
So the reason for Fang Qing's predicament likely didn't come from within human civilization.
As for external threats? Alien races? What would they gain from targeting Fang Qing? To threaten Lin Yuan?
While it's true that Fang Qing had a good relationship with Lin Yuan, it was just that—a good relationship. If they wanted to threaten Lin Yuan, it would be more reliable to target Lin Yuan's parents or close relatives.
"Milky Way Star Lord, an hour ago, while Fang Qing was cultivating, he suddenly passed out."
"His vital signs are stable, and his soul fluctuations are normal, but his spiritual will has vanished."
The old man quickly explained Fang Qing's situation.
"His spiritual will has vanished?"
Lin Yuan's expression grew slightly serious.
For a living being, what's most important?
The physical body? The soul?
No.
The most important thing is the spiritual will.
The spiritual will carries the true spirit of a being, the most fundamental essence.
Every time Lin Yuan used the Gate of Myriad Realms to transmigrate, it was his spiritual will that left.
Normally, the way to determine whether a being is dead relies on the state of their spiritual will.
"Milky Way Star Lord, do you think Fang Qing is dead?" The old man's voice trembled slightly.
He had worked hard to nurture Fang Qing, and the old grudge of his previous master had not yet been avenged. If Fang Qing was dead now...
Moreover, after so many years together, the old man had developed feelings for Fang Qing. If Fang Qing truly died, it would be a heavy blow to him.
Even intelligent life forms can develop emotions.
"Fang Qing is not dead."
Lin Yuan shook his head slightly.
When he heard that something had happened to Fang Qing, he immediately used the 'causal connection' between him and Fang Qing to sense the situation.
The causal line connecting him to Fang Qing was still present, indicating that Fang Qing had not died.
Lin Yuan continued to sense the causal line related to Fang Qing, trying to pinpoint his location, only to find that the other end of the line was deep in the universe's starry expanse.
It wasn't within the territory of human civilization.
"Was it an Ancient God who intervened?"
Lin Yuan thought to himself. The only beings he could think of that could instantly move Fang Qing's spiritual will from the territory of human civilization to the depths of the universe were the eleventh-rank Ancient Gods.
And even Ancient Gods would need certain conditions to accomplish this.
For example, the Ancient God that Fang Qing's evolution path ultimately aimed to simulate?
Everything Fang Qing cultivated was to mimic that Ancient God, so the causal connection between them was strong.
That Ancient God could instantly 'take away' Fang Qing's spiritual will, which was within the realm of possibility.
"An Ancient God?"
"Could it be the Ancient God tied to his evolution path?"
The old man's face turned pale. Human civilization suppresses the spread of the Ancient God evolution paths for this very reason.
Any evolver who cultivates the Ancient God evolution path could potentially become a 'vessel' for the corresponding Ancient God.
Or fall under their control.
But under normal circumstances, Ancient Gods wouldn't have any interest in beings cultivating the Ancient God evolution path.
Because they didn't care.
Those who could be called Ancient Gods were essentially special life forms, almost uniquely so.
These special beings were incredibly proud, and they spread their evolution paths to prepare for the ultimate leap to the Strongest One level.
Why would they intervene before attempting the ultimate leap?
While human civilization suppresses various Ancient God evolution paths, it doesn't do so entirely, in part because it has plans for the Ancient Gods themselves.
If an Ancient God fails in the ultimate leap, they will die completely, at which point those who cultivate the corresponding evolution path may inherit everything from that Ancient God.
"Don't worry."
"I'll go inquire about it."
Lin Yuan glanced at the old man and said.
"Yes." The old man was anxious, but he knew that being more anxious wouldn't help.
After the old man disappeared, Lin Yuan fell into deep thought.
"Fang Qing's Ancient God evolution path..." Lin Yuan immediately used his authority to investigate.
As an eighth-level citizen and an Evolutionary Scholar, there were very few things in human civilization that Lin Yuan couldn't access, except for top-secret information.
Soon.
Lin Yuan discovered the background of Fang Qing's Ancient God evolution path.
"This Ancient God evolution path originated from 'Tuoba Ancient God'?" Lin Yuan stroked his chin.
At the same time, based on his sense of Fang Qing's causal connection, he confirmed that Fang Qing's spiritual will was indeed located in Tuoba Ancient God's domain.
"It seems likely that Tuoba Ancient God was the one who acted."
Lin Yuan thought silently.
"But what significance does a mere sixth-rank being's spiritual will have for an Ancient God like Tuoba?" Lin Yuan was puzzled.
Tuoba Ancient God was an ancient and mysterious special being who had comprehended the rules of time long ago and had reached the final stages of time-space fusion.
Even among Ancient Gods, Tuoba Ancient God was not considered weak.
For such a being, a sixth-rank life form was no different from an ant or a speck of dust. Why would he specifically take away Fang Qing's spiritual will?
Lin Yuan couldn't think of a reason for it at the moment.
"First, let's see if we can contact Tuoba Ancient God." Lin Yuan thought this matter could be resolved peacefully.
So far, Tuoba Ancient God hadn't had any conflicts or grudges with human civilization, and as long as Lin Yuan was willing to pay a price, there was a good chance he could retrieve Fang Qing's spiritual will from Tuoba Ancient God.
With this in mind.
Lin Yuan immediately began contacting his friends.
At his sister Lin Yi's wedding, Lin Yuan had met a large number of tenth-rank evolvers.
As the strongest genius in the history of human civilization, many powerful beings were willing to give Lin Yuan some respect.
"What?"
"The Milky Way Star Lord wants to contact Tuoba Ancient God?"
"Tuoba Ancient God is said to have a rather bad temper."
"I don't know Tuoba Ancient God personally, but I know other Ancient Gods. Ancient Gods should have connections with each other."
As a peak race in the universe, human civilization had vast influence, and most of the tenth-rank evolvers had some connections. They quickly brought results for Lin Yuan.
In his personal space.
A chubby figure appeared.
"Milky Way Star Lord."
This chubby figure spoke with a rather complex tone.
"It's you?"
Lin Yuan was a bit surprised.
This chubby figure was none other than the 'Maduo' walker from the Mysterious Emperor Secret Realm.
The 'Maduo' walker was also a special life form, the descendant of an Ancient God from the depths of the universe.
As a rule, the virtual network of human civilization was not open to alien races.
However, high-level evolvers could temporarily apply for permission to set up a temporary virtual network to allow aliens to connect.
But during the connection period, all actions of the alien race would be monitored and recorded.
"My ancestor knows Tuoba Ancient God and said he could help introduce you," the 'Maduo' walker said directly.
The 'Maduo' walker's Ancient God ancestor had regretted not acting in time during the Mysterious Emperor Secret Realm incident.
It was such a great opportunity.
Completely wasted.
Now, upon hearing that the Milky Way Star Lord wanted to contact Tuoba Ancient God, the 'Maduo' walker's Ancient God ancestor immediately recognized another opportunity.
Although he didn't know what Lin Yuan wanted with Tuoba Ancient God, given how openly Lin Yuan sought the meeting, it was clearly important.
If he could help the Milky Way Star Lord at this time...
Even if it didn't create a bond of friendship, at the very least, it would make the Milky Way Star Lord think more highly of him.
Relationships aren't built in a day, after all. They accumulate over time.
"I see."
Lin Yuan nodded, "Thank you, Sigu Ancient God."
The 'Maduo' walker's Ancient God ancestor was known as the Sigu Ancient God, renowned for his extensive connections. It wasn't surprising that he knew Tuoba Ancient God.
"But my ancestor says that Tuoba Ancient God has a terrible temper, and before meeting him, my ancestor would like to meet with you, Milky Way Star Lord."
The 'Maduo' walker said.
"No problem." Lin Yuan nodded.
The meeting would naturally take place in a temporarily constructed virtual world, so there was no concern for Lin Yuan's safety.
Soon.
Another chubby figure appeared.
Compared to the 'Maduo' walker, this figure gave Lin Yuan a much stronger sense of pressure.
This was the most powerful presence Lin Yuan had encountered so far, second only to Strongest One Xia Qin.
"Sigu Ancient God."
Lin Yuan said.
"Milky Way Star Lord."
Sigu Ancient God replied with a smile, showing no trace of arrogance despite being an eleventh-rank Ancient God.
After some brief pleasantries, they got straight to the point.
"May I ask why the Milky Way Star Lord wishes to meet Tuoba?" Sigu Ancient God inquired.
"I have a friend who is cultivating the Tuoba Ancient God evolution path. Recently, his spiritual will vanished, and through my sense of causality, I confirmed that it's in Tuoba Ancient God's domain."
Lin Yuan did not hide anything and explained directly.
"I see." Sigu Ancient God nodded in understanding.
He then frowned slightly, "Tuoba, that old guy, probably doesn't have much lifespan left. I estimate that he'll have to forcibly attempt the ultimate leap within 100M years."
Eleventh-rank beings can slow down their time flow to achieve a form of 'pseudo-eternity,' but it's only a pseudo-eternity.
In reality, the lifespan of eleventh-rank beings continues to diminish slowly. Tuoba Ancient God was born at the dawn of the universe and had lived through countless eras.
Even with his ability to slow down the time flow of his physical body, his remaining lifespan couldn't be much.
To continue living, he would have to attempt the leap to the twelfth rank before his lifespan reached its limit.
"Forcibly attempting the ultimate leap?" Lin Yuan was a bit surprised.
"But why would Tuoba Ancient God take my friend's spiritual will? He's only at the sixth rank," Lin Yuan voiced his inner doubts.
"Hahaha, Milky Way Star Lord, you may not know this." Sigu Ancient God laughed, "We Ancient Gods are innately powerful, which makes our spiritual will a weak point."
"I suspect that Tuoba took your friend's spiritual will to immerse himself in your friend's memories, to experience a weak life, thereby tempering his own spiritual will."
"But usually, this kind of immersion would be done with a being that has a high degree of similarity to oneself. Your friend was likely chosen by Tuoba for this reason."
Sigu Ancient God explained.
"I see." Lin Yuan nodded.
For an Ancient God to make the ultimate leap, the spiritual will must not be a weak point. And for ancient eleventh-rank beings, occasionally immersing themselves in an incredibly weak, powerless life could be a unique experience that benefits the transformation of their spiritual will.
"This matter should not be difficult."
"With me mediating, it shouldn't be a problem."
Sigu Ancient God said. For an eleventh-rank Ancient God, this kind of spiritual will wasn't irreplaceable.
If this one is gone, just choose another one.
"Thank you, Sigu Ancient God." Lin Yuan said earnestly.
"You're welcome."
Sigu Ancient God was pleased—this was exactly what he had been hoping for.
"I'll contact Tuoba Ancient God right away."
Sigu Ancient God didn't forget to handle the main task.
A moment later.
In the temporary virtual network space, a withered figure appeared.
This withered figure exuded an indescribable aura, and his face was blurred, making it impossible to see his specific features.
"Tuoba, you're here." Sigu Ancient God looked at the withered figure and immediately introduced him, "This is the Milky Way Star Lord."
"I've explained the situation to you. The spiritual will you took belongs to a friend of the Milky Way Star Lord. In my opinion, it's not irreplaceable, right?"
Sigu Ancient God said.
"Milky Way Star Lord." Tuoba Ancient God ignored Sigu Ancient God and instead looked at Lin Yuan, smiling as he spoke, "Even an old guy like me has heard of the Milky Way Star Lord's reputation. Impressive, truly impressive."
"It's just a reputation," Lin Yuan replied, shaking his head.
If one does not become a Strongest One and break free from the River of Time, no matter how brilliant they are, it's ultimately meaningless.
"It's different. Milky Way Star Lord, you have the support of human civilization, with nine Strongest Ones backing you. Your chances of making the ultimate leap in the future are far greater than those of us old-timers."
Tuoba Ancient God continued, "With your talent and potential, Milky Way Star Lord, you will surely receive the highest attention from human civilization. The resources and training you'll receive are something those of us without a race to back us can only envy."
"Attempting the ultimate leap? That's far off for me." Lin Yuan frowned slightly.
Currently, he was only at the ninth rank. Beyond that was the tenth rank, and beyond that, the eleventh rank.
Two major realm breakthroughs stood between Lin Yuan and the ultimate leap—it was still a long way off.
"Tuoba Ancient God."
"I'll get straight to the point."
Lin Yuan thought for a moment and then spoke directly, "The spiritual will you took belongs to my friend. If you return it to me, we can negotiate the terms."
Lin Yuan never intended to ask Tuoba Ancient God to return Fang Qing's spiritual will unconditionally.
But he also didn't think the cost would be too high—it was just the spiritual will of a sixth-rank being, after all, and Sigu Ancient God was there to mediate.
Plus, there was the deterrence of human civilization.
Lin Yuan wasn't just an extraordinary genius—he also had human civilization behind him.
"Terms? Alright, let's talk terms." Tuoba Ancient God looked at Lin Yuan and said, "You've probably heard from Sigu that I don't have much lifespan left."
"If I keep waiting, I'll probably have to forcibly attempt the ultimate leap."
Tuoba Ancient God said slowly.
"But I'm not very confident about the leap."
Tuoba Ancient God shook his head, "So my condition is this: if the Milky Way Star Lord can offer me an item that would increase my chances of successfully making the ultimate leap, I'll return the spiritual will."
"An item to increase the chances of making the ultimate leap?" Lin Yuan was slightly stunned.
'What the fuck? Did this old thing really asked me something like this?'
Tuoba Ancient God was indeed asking for a lot—how could he even dare to make such a demand?
The ultimate leap? That's the highest goal of all evolved beings. An item that could increase the chances of successfully making the leap would be incredibly precious.
"Tuoba, are you crazy?" Sigu Ancient God was dumbfounded. He never expected Tuoba Ancient God to actually say such a thing.
"Well, that's my condition. If the Milky Way Star Lord can meet it, we'll make the deal." Tuoba Ancient God smiled and said, "I believe in the Milky Way Star Lord's abilities—you'll surely make me an offer I'll be satisfied with."
...
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