Whoosh!
In front of Lin Yuan, a gray, hazy sphere hovered in mid-air. It was the "Microcosm" he had obtained from the Devil Jade Tower.
While revisiting the many profound aspects of the long river of time, Lin Yuan would often meditate on this "Microcosm."
Although the complete time rules within the "Microcosm" were far less vast than those of the true long river of time, the advantage was that Lin Yuan could observe them at any moment.
As for the long river of time? No matter how much Lin Yuan tried to revisit it, he could only catch brief fragments of it. The countless subtle changes derived from the long river of time were beyond his understanding.
"If I could visit the 'shore' again, I could probably comprehend the time rules even faster," Lin Yuan thought to himself. However, he was also aware that the Strongest One, Xia Qin, had likely paid a high price to help him escape the long river of time's constraints. It wouldn't be appropriate to ask for such a favor again now.
Whether or not the Strongest One could maintain peak combat strength was of great importance to human civilization. The state of Xia Qin, the Strongest One, was directly tied to the stability of the human civilization's border regions, especially near the territories of the two great peak races.
Buzz.
Lin Yuan's consciousness seeped into the Microcosm, observing the specific operation of the time rules within it.
Inside the gray, hazy sphere, there were several hundred light-years of space, resembling the main universe in some ways. There were stars, normal planets, and, more commonly, desolate starry skies.
"Time rules also have this aspect?" The more Lin Yuan observed, the more insights he gained.
Having seen the complete long river of time, Lin Yuan's understanding of the essence of time rules had greatly deepened.
It was as if he had found a direction; Lin Yuan now knew which direction was the most accurate target for comprehending time rules.
The questions he couldn't understand or found confusing when observing the Microcosm before were now quickly resolved.
"Time and space, and the combination of many fundamental rules, together maintain a certain balance, which prevents this Microcosm from collapsing?"
Lin Yuan was deeply shaken.
Although eighth-rank evolvers could open up an internal world, that world was entirely dependent on the main universe. Even the creator of the internal world didn't fully understand its principles.
It's like using a high-tech product—you might know how to use it, but you wouldn't understand the underlying principles or the numerous scientific fields involved in its creation.
This Microcosm, however, was something that the master of the Devil Jade Tower had spent a million years perfecting.
Though it was far smaller and less powerful than the internal universes of the Strongest Ones, its essence was similar.
That's why the humanoid statue, Shen Ji, decided to present this treasure.
In Shen Ji's view, the Microcosm couldn't strictly be considered an eleven-star treasure anymore.
It was entirely independent, with many rules operating on their own, unaffected by external factors.
In contrast, the internal worlds of eighth, ninth, tenth, and even eleventh-rank experts were still subsidiary worlds of the main universe. If the main universe were destroyed, all these subsidiary worlds would be destroyed as well.
"The Mysterious Emperor Secret Realm?"
Lin Yuan suddenly thought of the inheritance secret realm left behind by His Majesty, the Mysterious Sovereign.
The Mysterious Emperor Secret Realm was entirely dependent on the main universe, but it seemed capable of avoiding the effects of the main universe.
At least, Lin Yuan had learned from the six-armed figure that the Mysterious Emperor Secret Realm had existed for several cosmic eras.
What is a cosmic era? Each cycle of the universe from birth to destruction is one cosmic era.
But even though the main universe had been destroyed several times, the Mysterious Emperor Secret Realm still existed.
"Perhaps this is also one of His Majesty's methods?"
Lin Yuan's thoughts paused for just a moment before he immersed himself again in observing and understanding the Microcosm.
Matters like the destruction and rebirth of the universe were still far too distant for Lin Yuan; these were issues only the Strongest Ones were qualified to face.
"The 2,001st new model of the time rule."
"The 2,002nd new model of the time rule..."
Lin Yuan's comprehension of time rules skyrocketed, quickly developing five new time rule models, bringing him significantly closer to fully understanding time rules.
"Time... Space..."
Lin Yuan continued to observe the Microcosm, simultaneously comprehending both time and space rules.
As his understanding deepened, Lin Yuan vaguely noticed that the foundational rules of the Microcosm heavily relied on space rules as well.
"Space... Space..."
Lin Yuan's eyes grew brighter. Over the years, he had never stopped contemplating space rules and frequently revisited the "Void Interpretation" left by the master of the Devil Jade Tower.
"Space rules... Gold rules..." Lin Yuan's mind was filled with a flood of insights regarding these two rules.
Space rules were pillar rules, while gold rules were fundamental rules.
[Your Unrivaled Insight allows you to gradually understand the essence of both rules and begin to merge them.]
[Your Unrivaled Insight allows you to gradually understand the essence of both rules and begin to merge them.]
[Your Unrivaled Insight allows you to gradually understand the essence of both rules and successfully merge them.]
In an instant, a brand new rule power was born within Lin Yuan, sharp and intense, as if it could tear through endless space.
"Hmm?"
"I was comprehending time rules, but I ended up understanding a fusion rule instead, and it's a fusion rule based on a pillar rule?"
Lin Yuan was momentarily stunned but soon filled with joy.
Fusion rules are the domain explored by tenth-rank beings.
Fusion rules generally come in three tiers:
From weakest to strongest, they are: fusion of fundamental rules, fusion of pillar rules with fundamental rules, fusion of pillar rules with other pillar rules.
The strongest fusion rules, those merging two pillar rules, only require comprehension of one to place a being among the A-level tenth ranks.
A fusion of a pillar rule with a fundamental rule would place someone at least in the C-level of the tenth rank, with some being strong enough to enter the B-level.
Normally, a ninth-rank expert would not be able to comprehend fusion rules.
This is because their realm isn't high enough; the main focus of a ninth-rank being is to continually open up space layers, making their internal world increasingly vast. This is the foundation for breaking through to the tenth rank.
But Lin Yuan's foundation was incredibly deep. Although he was in the ninth rank, his understanding of space rules and many fundamental rules was no weaker than that of tenth-rank experts.
"The rule formed by the fusion of space rules and gold rules is the 'Space Disintegration' rule?" Lin Yuan quickly found the corresponding fusion rule in the human civilization's database.
Even when the same rules are merged, different fusion rules can be created.
For example, the fusion of space rules and gold rules can produce not only the "Space Disintegration" rule but also the "Space Fragmentation" rule, the "Space Gold Blade" rule, and others.
"Space Disintegration is a fusion rule in the domain of attack, with terrifying destructive power, and is considered one of the top rules in the second tier of fusion rules."
Lin Yuan thought to himself.
Comprehending the Space Disintegration rule greatly enhanced Lin Yuan's combat power. When fully unleashed, it wouldn't be much weaker than that of a B-level tenth rank.
It's important to remember that Lin Yuan was still at the ninth rank, with a significant gap to the tenth rank. Even though he comprehended the Space Disintegration rule, he theoretically shouldn't be anywhere near a B-level tenth rank's power.
It's like the difference between a sharp blade in the hands of a child versus an adult—the potential is vastly different.
However, Lin Yuan's accumulation in other areas was also immense.
Taking everything into account, he was roughly on par with an average B-level tenth rank.
"If I can reach the tenth rank, with my body, soul, mind, will, and internal world all undergoing transformation, wouldn't I be able to match an A-level tenth rank?"
The thought excited Lin Yuan.
Breaking through to the tenth rank and immediately possessing A-level tenth rank combat power?
This had never been recorded in the history of the universe.
Comprehending the Space Disintegration rule was a pleasant surprise for Lin Yuan.
He had been focused on understanding time rules, but unexpectedly, he had stumbled upon this fusion rule. It was something he hadn't anticipated at all.
But since he had comprehended it, it was naturally a good thing.
Just as Lin Yuan was about to continue his meditation...
"Hmm?"
"The information about that black planet has been found?"
Lin Yuan's thoughts shifted, and he immediately contacted the Goddess of Wisdom.
After confirming that he had the 'rental rights' to that star domain, Lin Yuan had reached out to the Goddess of Wisdom, hoping to leverage the vast database of human civilization to uncover the black planet's origins.
This was something Lin Yuan would do whenever he encountered an unknown treasure or item.
When Lin Yuan had swept through the Milky Way Star Domain and obtained the mysterious gourd, he had immediately uploaded its image to the Goddess of Wisdom.
However, the database of human civilization had no records of the mysterious gourd.
But this black planet had apparently yielded some relevant information from the Goddess of Wisdom.
"Honorable Eighth-Level Citizen and Great Scholar Lin Yuan, the black planet you inquired about is suspected to be one of the treasures that fell into the universe from beyond, predating the birth of human civilization."
The voice of the Goddess of Wisdom was solemn and cold.
"A treasure that fell into the universe from beyond, before the birth of human civilization?"
Lin Yuan's expression grew serious.
The permanent space rifts in the main universe connect to the outside of the universe, and occasionally, objects would drift in.
Just over a hundred years ago, the remains of a Strongest One had entered this way, leading to a battle among the Strongest Ones from various peak race alliances.
Soon, the Goddess of Wisdom transmitted all the information related to the black planet to Lin Yuan.
"So that's how it is," Lin Yuan muttered in realization.
Human civilization had only existed for a little over two million years, but before that, the universe had already been teeming with competition among various races, each led by their respective Strongest Ones.
Then came the event where numerous treasures from beyond the universe began to fall through the permanent space rifts.
Countless treasures, some comparable to eleven-star and even twelve-star treasures, continuously fell into the universe, driving the Strongest Ones of that time into a frenzy.
An eleven-star treasure might not be enough to entice a Strongest One, but a twelve-star or a top-tier twelve-star treasure could definitely stir their greed.
This event triggered a series of catastrophic battles among all the Strongest Ones in the universe.
The battles were incredibly brutal, leading to the annihilation of entire powerful races and severely injuring many Strongest Ones. The treasures that fell during the battles were scattered across the universe.
Many historical scholars within human civilization had repeatedly studied that great battle and drawn some conclusions. One such conclusion was that human civilization's rise had been facilitated by that very conflict.
Without that battle, where the Strongest Ones fought with all their might and half of the universe's races were wiped out, human civilization's rise would have been much slower, even if it still managed to emerge.
In simple terms, human civilization's current prosperity was, in a way, a "dividend" from that great war.
The architectural style on the black planet bore similarities to the style of many of the treasures that had fallen into the universe from beyond during that period.
"A battle where even the Strongest Ones were severely injured..." Lin Yuan felt a shiver run through him.
Having briefly escaped the constraints of the long river of time and seen the true forms of those Strongest Ones on the "shore," Lin Yuan had a clear understanding of the immense power of twelfth-rank beings.
The idea of a battle so fierce that it could severely injure the Strongest Ones was unimaginable.
However, it also highlighted the incredible value of those treasures that had fallen from beyond the universe.
If not for the real benefits and rewards at stake, why would the Strongest Ones engage in such an all-out fight?
"The black planet... it should be one of those many treasures that fell. The fighting among the Strongest Ones scattered the treasures across the universe."
"And these treasures naturally have the ability to conceal their presence. Even a Strongest One might not notice them unless they got close."
Lin Yuan thought silently, feeling a bit lucky.
After such a long time, most of those scattered treasures had already been discovered. Even if some had slipped through the cracks, they would be incredibly rare and likely hidden in extremely inconspicuous places.
Yet, he had managed to find one.
"Honorable Eighth-Level Citizen and Great Scholar Lin Yuan, this black planet is related to secrets that predate the birth of human civilization. Would you like to offer it to human civilization for exploration in exchange for a large number of merit points?"
The voice of the Goddess of Wisdom spoke again.
This was a standard procedure. Whenever an evolver of human civilization discovered a special planet or relic while exploring an unknown star domain, the Goddess of Wisdom would offer this option.
The discoverer could agree or decline.
"How many merit points could I exchange for?" Lin Yuan asked, intrigued.
If the merit points were sufficient, he wouldn't mind offering the black planet to human civilization.
After all, it was just a matter of the right price.
"A rough estimate places the value at five hundred million merit points," the Goddess of Wisdom replied.
"Five hundred million merit points?" Lin Yuan was slightly astonished.
That was indeed a massive sum of merit points. The Martial Dao Ninth Rank Chapter he had created was worth how many merit points?
Only one hundred million merit points.
Combined with the bloodline cultivation path, he had ultimately earned two hundred million merit points.
And now, this black planet alone was worth five hundred million merit points.
To put this in perspective, even a top-tier eleven-star cosmic treasure like the World Tree wasn't valued at five hundred million merit points.
"Five hundred million merit points might be a lot, but they don't hold much meaning for me," Lin Yuan shook his head slightly.
To advance from an eighth-level citizen to a ninth-level citizen required a total of one billion merit points.
Even if Lin Yuan gained an extra five hundred million merit points, he would still be far from reaching the ninth-level citizen status.
As for using the merit points to exchange for the cosmic treasures cataloged by human civilization? Lin Yuan's cultivation was currently progressing smoothly, and he wasn't particularly in need of any treasures.
Moreover, most of these treasures could be purchased with universe crystals, thanks to Lin Yuan's status and privileges, without having to spend merit points.
There was no need to waste merit points.
"I'll think about it," Lin Yuan casually responded to the Goddess of Wisdom.
He planned to wait until he reached the tenth rank and comprehended the corresponding fusion rules. After personally exploring the black planet, he would decide whether to sell it to human civilization.
After all, the black planet wasn't going anywhere.
Given the Goddess of Wisdom's appraisal, it wouldn't lose value no matter when he decided to sell it—unless Lin Yuan took the important treasures from within, causing its value to plummet.
A month later.
While Lin Yuan was cultivating, he received news that the former Deputy Tower Master of the Xiayou Evolution Tower, Nalan, had advanced to the eleventh rank.
Eleventh-rank evolvers were the strongest combatants in human civilization, second only to the Strongest Ones.
The emergence of each new eleventh-rank evolver was a grand event for human civilization, increasing the likelihood of a tenth Strongest One emerging in the future.
Therefore, every new eleventh-rank evolver would hold a celebratory event.
At that time, many forces within human civilization would come to offer their congratulations, and even powerful figures from alien races that were not particularly hostile to human civilization would attend.
In the virtual world, Lin Yuan was naturally invited to attend Deputy Tower Master Nalan's celebration.
"So many people?" Lin Yuan appeared in a specially created virtual world, a galaxy where countless guests who came to offer their congratulations were seated on different planets. Given Lin Yuan's status and strength, he was naturally seated on one of the most central planets.
"Milky Way Star Lord."
"Milky Way Star Lord, you're here too?"
When the Black Star Lord, Glazed Star Lord, and other A-level tenth ranks saw Lin Yuan, they immediately waved him over.
"See? Was my prediction accurate? Deputy Tower Master Nalan really broke through to the eleventh rank," the Black Star Lord immediately said.
Not long ago, after hearing that Deputy Tower Master Nalan had stepped down, he had speculated with Lin Yuan and others that human civilization might soon have a new eleventh-rank evolver.
With a smile on his face, Lin Yuan casually chatted with the Black Star Lord and the others.
After a while, the Black Star Lord glanced at the center of the planet and said, "It's about time we go congratulate Deputy Tower Master Nalan."
As the main focus of the celebration, Deputy Tower Master Nalan was at the center of the planet, chatting with important guests who had come to offer their congratulations.
Whoosh.
Lin Yuan and the others immediately stood up and flew toward the center.
"Congratulations, Nalan, on reaching the eleventh rank," the Black Star Lord, Glazed Star Lord, and others immediately offered their congratulations.
As members of the small circle of A-level tenth ranks, the Black Star Lord and Glazed Star Lord were among those closest to reaching the eleventh rank.
Before Deputy Tower Master Nalan broke through, they had been on equal footing with him.
But now, having advanced to the eleventh rank, Deputy Tower Master Nalan had thoroughly surpassed them.
"Hahaha, I look forward to seeing you all join me in the eleventh rank," Deputy Tower Master Nalan said with a smile, clearly in a good mood.
"Milky Way Star Lord." Deputy Tower Master Nalan greeted Lin Yuan warmly as soon as he saw him. "After my breakthrough, the person I wanted to see most was the Milky Way Star Lord, but I've been too busy."
Deputy Tower Master Nalan smiled broadly at Lin Yuan, treating him with a level of respect very different from that shown to the Black Star Lord and other A-level tenth ranks.
"Hmm?"
The Black Star Lord and Glazed Star Lord exchanged glances. They could sense that Deputy Tower Master Nalan held Lin Yuan in high regard, even seeing him as an equal.
...
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