143: Virtual Universe

Chen Jun stood before the ancient stone tablet, his heart surging with emotion...

'Father?' Yun Qinglan's ethereal voice roused him from his contemplation.

Chen Jun took a deep breath, putting back on his signature cheerful expression: 'It's nothing, nothing. I just had a very engaging chat with their ancestor.'

He turned and walked toward Yan Wu Huo, patting the Dragon Emperor's shoulder: 'Old Yan, your ancestor left me a little gift, and I accepted it all. I will remember this kindness.'

Yan Wu Huo was overwhelmed: 'Ancestor Chen, you speak too highly! It is the greatest honor of my Dragon Kin Empire that the ancestor could form a connection with you!'

Chen Jun nodded contentedly, beginning to calculate how to maximize the use of this 'compatriot's inheritance.'

The civilization technology data ranging from Level 0.5 to Level 2.8, left by Yan Xiao, was simply a tailor-made 'effortless victory gift package' for him!

'Well, Old Yan, this is the peak technology your ancestor left behind. Make a backup of it.' Chen Jun rubbed his hands together, flashing a smile.

Upon hearing this, Yan Wu Huo felt as though he had been struck by ancient divine lightning!

It took him several seconds to process the information, his heart pounding wildly, threatening to leap out of his throat!!!

Peak technology?!

A backup?!

That was the peak scientific technology of the Dragon Kin's Level 2.8 civilization!

The Empire had already lost the vast majority of it during its long period of decline!

Only he truly understood—what Level 2.8 civilization technology actually meant!!!

Yan Wu Huo took several deep breaths to suppress the sudden surge of excitement...

After profusely thanking Chen Jun, he personally rushed to arrange the backup...

'I still have some matters back in the Federation, so I'll head back first,' Chen Jun said, waiting until Yan Wu Huo had finished the transfer.

Yan Wu Huo immediately grew anxious: 'Ancestor Chen is leaving already? Why not stay in the Empire for a few more years and let Wu Huo properly fulfill his duties as host!'

'No, no,' Chen Jun waved his hand, 'I have a lot of things to attend to back home, especially since your ancestor left such a huge inheritance... er, gift. The Federation needs time to slowly digest it. Besides, Qinglan just broke through and needs to go back and consolidate her cultivation.'

He truly wanted to return quickly to study the technological data, especially the parts concerning the 'Virtual Universe.'

Yan Wu Huo’s eyes flashed, and a plan formed in his mind: 'Since that is the case, Wu Huo has a humble request. The Empire has gained some experience in technological development over the years. Why not allow me to bring a batch of top scientific researchers back to the Federation with you to assist your nation in technological upgrades?'

Chen Jun's eyes lit up: 'Oh? Bringing people to help us with development?'

'Exactly!' Yan Wu Huo quickly affirmed, 'The Empire can dispatch ten billion top scientists, carrying a full set of research equipment, to fully assist the Federation in technological upgrades. We have particularly deep accumulation in Virtual Universe technology.'

Chen Jun was secretly delighted, but feigned contemplation: 'Well... wouldn't that be too much trouble for you?'

'No trouble! Absolutely no trouble!' Yan Wu Huo thumped his chest. 'It is the Empire's honor to be able to contribute to the Federation's development!'

He subtly exchanged a glance with Yan Ji.

Yan Ji understood, stepped forward respectfully, and said: 'Ancestor Chen, Ji'er has some research into Virtual Universe technology and is willing to personally lead the team to the Federation to contribute to the friendship between our two civilizations.'

Chen Jun looked at the father and daughter, understanding perfectly—they were trying to cling tightly to the Federation!

However, he never refused good things delivered right to his doorstep...

'Since you are so enthusiastic, fine then,' Chen Jun 'reluctantly' nodded. 'However, ten billion people is a bit few; thirty billion is barely enough. Efficiency is paramount, after all. You can bring more of the existing equipment.'

Yan Wu Huo was overjoyed: 'I shall follow Ancestor Chen's command! I will arrange it immediately!'

Three hours later, a team personally led by Yan Wu Huo and Yan Ji, consisting of thirty billion top scientists from the Dragon Kin Empire and a large amount of advanced research equipment, was ready to depart.

Chen Jun looked at this luxurious 'technical aid group,' grinning from ear to ear.

Yun Qinglan still stood quietly beside her father, her jade hand lightly tracing, opening a spatial portal once again.

'Let's go, let's go. The sooner we get back, the sooner we can start working.' Chen Jun cheerfully sat on the starry sky throne specially made by his daughter and was the first to step into the spatial gate.

Yan Wu Huo and Yan Ji followed closely with the technology team, their hearts full of anticipation—this was an excellent opportunity to establish a good relationship with Ancestor Chen!

...The Federation, Pillar of the Leader.

When Chen Jun returned with the Dragon Kin Empire's technology team, the entire Federation high command was stunned.

'Ancestor Chen, what is this?' Chu Yueyao asked cautiously, looking at the massive technology team.

'Oh, this is the Dragon Kin Empire's technology aid group,' Chen Jun introduced casually. 'They're here to help us with development. Yueyao, arrange the highest level of reception for them, but don't be too extravagant.'

When Mo Heng heard the words 'technology aid,' his eyes immediately lit up, like a hungry wolf seeing meat: 'I wonder what level your esteemed nation is at in the field of quantum computing?'

Yan Ji smiled slightly, fully displaying her royal demeanor: 'Dean Mo Heng, our nation solved the ultimate quantum barrier problem a billion years ago. This time, we have brought the finished product and design blueprints for the latest generation 'Dragon Soul Celestial Quantum Computer.'

'The Dragon Soul Celestial Quantum Computer?!' Mo Heng’s voice cracked with excitement. 'Is that the legendary computer whose computing power can accommodate trillions of quintillions of citizens simultaneously?...

'Precisely,' Yan Ji nodded. 'Not only that, we have also brought the complete Virtual Universe construction technology.'

The entire conference room instantly erupted in chaos!

Virtual Universe technology?!

This was something only heard of in ancient civilization ruins!!!

Chen Jun watched the excited crowd, nodded contentedly, and then dropped even more explosive news:

'Oh right, during my trip to the Dragon Kin Empire, I had a good chat with their ancestor. He gave me some technological data, ranging from Level 0.5 to Level 2.8.'

He added lightly: 'I've already had Qinglan import some of the data into the Academy of Sciences' main computer. You can study it when you have time. Once you figure out the celestial computer technology, upgrade the main computer; the current capacity isn't enough.'

'Level 0.5 to... Level 2.8?!' Mo Heng nearly choked, clutching the table and gasping for breath. 'Ancestor Chen, are you serious?'

'Am I going to lie to you?' Chen Jun said with a smile. 'Especially the Virtual Universe technology; prioritize its development. I think this thing is quite interesting and can benefit the entire Federation.'

Chu Yueyao quickly calmed down and began deployment: 'Mo Heng, immediately organize the strongest team to fully tackle the Virtual Universe technology. Shi Yue, you are responsible for security. Li Qingshan, you cooperate with our Dragon Kin friends to ensure the smooth transfer of technology.'

Yan Ji also expressed her stance in a timely manner: 'The Dragon Kin Empire will unconditionally open all relevant technology patents to the Federation and dispatch experts for full guidance.'

In the following days, the Federation entered an unprecedented period of technological explosion...

With the assistance of the Dragon Kin Empire's technology, the Federation's technological level soared at a visible speed...

The first achievement was the energy revolution—based on the Dragon Kin Empire's 'Heart of the Star' technology, the Federation built controllable Dyson Spheres around every star in its territory, completely solving the energy problem.

Next was the breakthrough in materials science—utilizing 'Atomic-Level Arrangement Technology,' the Federation developed a new material, 'Immortal Steel,' whose strength was comparable to the shields of peak Stellar-level experts.

Transportation technology also saw a leap—under Yan Ji's personal guidance, the Federation established 'Quantum Spatial Teleportation Gates' covering the entire territory, realizing the dream of instantly reaching any planet...

But the most important development was the Virtual Universe technology...

Three hundred floors beneath the Academy of Sciences, inside the newly established 'Virtual Universe Research Center,' Mo Heng and Yan Ji stood before a massive transparent container.

'This is the prototype of the Virtual Universe,' Yan Ji introduced. 'Based on the Dragon Soul Celestial Quantum Computer and the Federation's network technology, we have created this virtual world capable of accommodating countless consciousnesses simultaneously.'

Mo Heng's hands trembled with excitement: 'It's too perfect! Can the conscious time flow rate of this Virtual Universe be adjusted?'

'It can be adjusted up to 100 times that of the real world,' Yan Ji replied. 'In other words, if a consciousness spends 100 years in the Virtual Universe, only 1 year passes in reality.'

'100 times?!' Mo Heng’s eyes widened. 'This is simply a civilization accelerator!'

When the news reached Chen Jun, he was playing with his great-grandson at the manor.

'100 times time flow rate?' Chen Jun grew interested. 'So, conducting scientific research inside can increase efficiency by 100 times? And the lives of ordinary people living inside are essentially extended by a hundredfold?'

'Theoretically, yes,' Mo Heng, who had come to report, said excitedly. 'Furthermore, any experimental environment can be simulated in the Virtual Universe, eliminating worries about resource waste and safety issues.'

Chen Jun stroked his chin, lost in thought: "This is a good thing. But we need to ensure its safety first, so we don't end up with some kind of AI crisis."

"Don't worry, Ancestor Chen," Yan Ji assured him, "the core rules of the virtual universe are controlled by the Dragon Soul Celestial Quantum Computer, and one of the core directives of the Dragon Soul Computer is absolute obedience to the Federation's highest command."

"That's good." Chen Jun nodded, then something suddenly occurred to him, and his eyes lit up. "Oh, can this virtual universe be used to play games?"

"Games?" Mo Heng and Yan Ji were both stunned.

"Yes," Chen Jun said righteously, "isn't it a waste to create such an advanced virtual world and not use it for games? Think about it, building some cultivation online games or StarCraft-like games in there, giving the common people some entertainment, how great would that be!"

Mo Heng: "..."

Yan Ji: "..."

They suddenly felt that Ancestor Chen's way of thinking was always so... unconventional?

But upon closer thought, it seemed to make a lot of sense?

"I understand," Yan Ji was the first to react. "Entertainment applications can indeed increase public acceptance of the virtual universe. We can develop a series of virtual games to help Federation citizens adapt to the virtual universe through entertainment, and at the same time, gather their inspirations."

"Exactly!" Chen Jun slapped his thigh. "While we're at it, let's set up a virtual currency system and some economic activities to promote internal circulation."

He grew more excited as he spoke: "We can also create virtual schools, so children can attend classes there. With a time flow of a hundred times, it's like having countless extra hours for learning!"

Mo Heng and Yan Ji exchanged glances, both seeing the shock in the other's eyes.

Ancestor Chen's few casual words had outlined a complete ecological blueprint for the virtual universe!

"I'll go arrange it immediately!" Mo Heng excitedly prepared to leave.

"Wait," Chen Jun called out to him, "let's do a small-scale test first. Let those little rascals in my family try it out first."

Chen Jun's subtext was: such a good thing, of course, the family should enjoy it first!

So, three days later, the fourth generation of the Chen family, led by Chen Zhaojing, became the first batch of test users for the virtual universe.

Virtual Universe, initial login space.

Chen Zhaojing looked at the dazzling virtual world before him, too stunned to speak.

As the Federation's eldest grandson, he had seen many things, but this was his first time experiencing such a realistic virtual world.

"Father, it feels so real here!" A young boy excitedly ran around; that was Chen Zhaojing's eldest son, Chen Yuanyue.

"It is very real," Chen Zhaojing squatted down and touched the virtual ground; the sensation was no different from reality. "I heard the time flow here is 100 times faster than the outside world?"

"Yes, Your Highness Zhaojing." A virtual guide appeared before them. "You can choose to enter the 'Learning Zone', 'Research Zone', or 'Entertainment Zone'."

Chen Yuanyue immediately clamored, "I want to go to the Entertainment Zone! I heard there are lots of fun games there!"

Chen Zhaojing initially wanted to refuse, but remembering his grandfather's instruction to "balance work and rest," he nodded: "Then let's go to the Entertainment Zone first."

They chose the "Primordial Cultivation" game module.

The next moment, the surrounding scenery shifted, and they appeared before a mountain gate wreathed in immortal mist.

【Welcome to the Primordial World, please choose your cultivation path...】

Looking at the virtual interface that appeared before him, even Chen Zhaojing couldn't help but become interested.

In reality, due to the restrictions of the reproduction rules, he had never broken through to the planetary level, his cultivation stuck at the peak of the War God level in order to have more children.

But here, he could experience what it felt like to be a genius cultivator!

"Father, I want to be a sword immortal!" Chen Yuanyue excitedly chose a dazzling immortal sword.

Chen Zhaojing smiled and chose a relatively niche "farming" cultivation path – cultivating spiritual plants and developing agriculture in the virtual world.

It must be said, the Draconian Empire's technology was truly amazing.

The fidelity of this virtual world was extremely high; even the insights gained during cultivation could partially feedback into reality!

Chen Zhaojing quickly became engrossed in the joy of virtual farming... A month later, less than half a day in real-time, Chen Zhaojing reluctantly exited the virtual universe, his face still flushed with excitement.

"How was it, fun?" Chen Jun, who had appeared beside him at some point, asked with a smile.

"It was too much fun, Grandpa!" Chen Zhaojing said excitedly, "I cultivated third-grade spiritual rice in there and even established a spiritual plant garden!"

Chen Jun nodded in satisfaction: "As long as it's fun. I have good news for you: the virtual universe is about to open to the entire Federation."

"Really?" Chen Zhaojing's eyes lit up. "Then Yuanyue and the others will surely be overjoyed!"

"However," Chen Jun's tone shifted, and he revealed a sly smile, "I plan to open a 'Chen Family Special Training Camp' in the virtual universe, specifically for the children of our old Chen family to receive ideological education."

Chen Zhaojing: "..."

Grandpa was Grandpa after all, always true to his original intention! This was very Grandpa-like... Receiving ideological education at 100 times the time flow, how terrifying an experience would that be?

He seemed to see countless "selves" even more ruthless than his own child-bearing... On the day the virtual universe officially opened, the entire Federation was in an uproar... Countless Federation citizens poured into this magical virtual world, experiencing an unprecedented second life.

Scientists conducted dangerous experiments in virtual laboratories without worrying about any consequences... Artists created stunning works on virtual canvases, with an inexhaustible supply of materials... Ordinary citizens enjoyed various virtual entertainments, from cultivation to science fiction, from ancient times to the future, everything imaginable... And Chen Jun, in his manor, leisurely patrolled this virtual world he had helped create, through a specially designed access device.

"This virtual universe is well done," he commented to Yun Qinglan beside him. "It's just that there's still too little entertainment content. Next time, I'll have Mo Heng and the others develop a few more games."

Yun Qinglan nodded quietly, toying with a wisp of virtual law in her hand—in the virtual universe, she could even simulate the full power of a Star Arm-level peak attack without worrying about damaging anything.

"Father, the stable operation of the virtual universe has increased the Federation's overall efficiency by 5327%," she reported a startling figure.

"Only 5327%?" Chen Jun pouted. "It seems there's still room for improvement."

He suddenly thought of something and asked, "By the way, can you have children in the virtual universe?"

Yun Qinglan: "...Father, life in the virtual universe is all data simulation."

"Oh, then forget it." Chen Jun shook his head regretfully. "I was thinking if we could also branch out and expand in there, the development speed of our old Chen family could be even faster."

Yun Qinglan: "..."

She suddenly felt that her father's thoughts were sometimes even harder to understand than the laws of the universe... Just then, Mo Heng and Yan Ji arrived together, both with excited expressions.

"Ancestor Chen! Good news!" Mo Heng said excitedly, "Based on the virtual universe's research and development environment, our technological R&D speed has increased by nearly a hundredfold! We expect to fully digest the Draconian Empire's Level 2.8 technology within three thousand years!"

Yan Ji also added: "Not only that, a large number of innovative ideas have emerged in the virtual universe. The creativity of Federation citizens has been completely unleashed!"

Chen Jun nodded in satisfaction: "Very good, very good. It seems this virtual universe is indeed a good thing."

He thought for a moment, then added: "But remember to set up an anti-addiction system, don't let the common people just play virtual games and forget to have children in reality."

Mo Heng, Yan Ji: "...Yes, Ancestor Chen."

After they left, Chen Jun comfortably leaned back in his armchair and said to Yun Qinglan:

"It seems our Federation's technological level will soon catch up to the Draconian Empire."

Yun Qinglan nodded gently: "At the current rate of increase, we can surpass them within five thousand years."

Chen Jun closed his eyes with a smile, feeling very pleased.

With the legacy of his fellow countryman, the technical support of the Draconian Empire, and the virtual universe as a super accelerator... his path to immortality, where he could lie back and win, was truly becoming smoother and smoother!

As he thought, he drifted off to sleep... Yun Qinglan looked at her father's sleeping profile, a hint of tenderness flashing in her eyes.

She gently waved her hand, covering her father with a thin quilt woven from starlight, then continued to wander in the sea of cosmic law's origin.

In the virtual universe, billions of citizens were experiencing a second life, reflecting a powerful civilization that was rapidly rising...