119: Top of the Sky

The exit of the black market was an inconspicuous secret door.

As Lin Yu passed through that door and returned to the surface, the night wind of Linzhou, mixed with the city's hustle and bustle, blew over him.

Compared to the chaotic, primitive, and desire-filled world underground, the city above ground appeared so orderly, even somewhat bland.

But Lin Yu's state of mind was completely different.

Before, he was a lurking beast, every step taken in the shadows.

Now, he was a fierce tiger patrolling his territory; both sunlight and darkness were open roads to him.

He casually hailed a car and gave an address.

"Organization."

The vehicle started smoothly, merged into the endless stream of traffic, and sped towards the outskirts of the city.

Organization.

Rather than a private training ground, it was more like an independent satellite city built on the outskirts of Linzhou.

Its footprint was almost equivalent to one of Linzhou's districts.

The towering alloy building complex shimmered with a cold, technological gleam in the night, surrounded by a massive energy shield that exuded a heart-palpitating pressure.

This place was far more legitimate than the Insect Dwelling where Lin Yu lived in the black market.

Because it was legitimate, its expansion was extremely rapid, capturing a large market share, which in turn allowed it to effectively reduce costs.

The vehicle stopped at the designated spot at the Organization.

As soon as Lin Yu got out of the car, a young attendant, dressed appropriately and wearing a work badge, greeted him.

"Welcome to the Organization, sir. Is this your first visit?"

The attendant's demeanor was impeccable, professional yet distant.

"Yes," Lin Yu replied succinctly.

"Alright, please follow me. I will guide you through the entry procedures."

The attendant led the way, taking Lin Yu into a magnificent hall.

The hall's dome was so high it seemed boundless, with countless light strips interwoven to resemble a galaxy. The floor was as smooth as a mirror, clearly reflecting everyone's figures.

Coming and going were powerful professionals, but everyone adhered to order, and no one spoke loudly.

Everything was orderly.

The attendant led Lin Yu to an unoccupied counter.

"Hello, sir, how may I help you?" asked a female staff member behind the counter, with a professional smile.

"I need a training ground," Lin Yu said. "The highest specification, right now."

His request was direct and clear.

The female staff member's smile didn't waver as she skillfully brought up the operating interface.

"Alright, sir. For first-time use, real-name registration and a deposit are required. At the same time, for the safety of all our clients, we need to conduct a simple background check procedure on you."

"Check?" Lin Yu paused.

"Yes, this is a regulation of the Organization," the staff member explained. "The review process is usually quick, ranging from three hours to three days depending on the complexity of your information. You will receive a notification on your personal terminal once the review is approved."

Three hours to three days?

Lin Yu didn't have that much time to waste here.

He was itching to get started and just wanted a place to properly vent.

"I'll pay more," Lin Yu said calmly. "Expedite the process."

In the black market, money could solve ninety-nine percent of problems.

However, the staff member smiled and shook her head.

"I'm sorry, sir. This is not a matter of fees; it's a safety protocol. The Organization treats all clients equally, and we must ensure absolute safety within the training grounds. This is our bottom line."

Her attitude was firm, leaving no room for negotiation.

Lin Yu: "..."

Money couldn't buy everything?

The rules here were even stricter than in the black market.

He didn't press the issue but changed his question.

"Membership?"

"Can getting a membership accelerate the review?"

Upon hearing the words "membership," the staff member's eyes lit up, and her smile became a little more genuine.

"Of course, sir! Becoming our member allows you to enjoy numerous VIP services, including the 'priority review channel'!"

Sure enough, there were compliant ways to do things.

She immediately introduced them enthusiastically.

"We have three levels of membership: Silver, Gold, and Diamond. Diamond membership is our highest-tier VIP, offering the fastest review speed, usually not exceeding one hour."

"In addition to priority review, Diamond members can also reserve our special environmental simulation venues not open to the public, enjoy one-on-one exclusive consultant services, and receive a 20% discount on all consumption items..."

Lin Yu didn't wait for her to finish, interrupting directly.

"Get me the Diamond one."

"Besides that, are there any other miscellaneous services that can speed up the process and improve the benefits I receive? Add them all."

His tone was calm but carried an undeniable authority.

It was as if he wasn't making a purchase but handling an insignificant trifle.

The staff member was visibly stunned.

She had seen big spenders, but never one so decisive.

He didn't even ask the price?

She took a deep breath, forcibly suppressing her excitement, and spoke at the fastest possible speed: "Yes... yes! We also have the 'Supreme Service Package,' which includes exclusive lounge access, free rental of high-end equipment, and... our internal 'risk assessment level' will be directly raised to the highest, meaning your review will be almost instantaneous!"

"Then that one," Lin Yu said, pulling out his ID card. "Swipe it."

This whole process cost him nearly three million.

This amount of money wasn't even enough for him to stay two days in the exorbitant suite at Insect Dwelling.

In fact, it could be said to be quite cheap.

Lin Yu had no concept of money now, but he did of efficiency.

If he could buy time with money, this deal was not a loss.

"O-okay! Sir, please wait a moment!"

The staff member's voice trembled slightly as she quickly called over her supervisor.

The supervisor, a shrewd and capable-looking middle-aged man, walked over quickly and was also surprised when he saw Lin Yu's bill.

But he quickly composed himself and personally handled all the procedures for Lin Yu.

"Mr. Lin, correct? We warmly welcome you as a Supreme client of the Organization. Your review has entered the highest priority channel, and results are expected within ten minutes."

The supervisor's attitude was much more respectful.

"Please wait in the VIP lounge for a moment."

Lin Yu was led through an exclusive passage to a luxuriously decorated private lounge.

Lin Yu sat down casually and picked up a glass of water.

His heart was calm.

So-called rules, in the face of absolute financial power, would ultimately bend.

It was just a matter of different methods.

His only concern now was whether this training ground, touted as Linzhou's top facility, would be sturdy enough.