177: Miracle Corridor, Heavenly Mark

The entire venue fell silent.

The task specialists who came to participate in the cleanup mission all possessed a certain foundation of strength and keen eyesight.

They could naturally see clearly how terrifying the previous attack was.

“The mission is directly over.”

“Where did this expert come from? He looks so young.”

“What a pity, I just arrived here.”

Discussions and murmurs erupted.

Qin Chi remained in place, his gaze turning back to look behind him.

After the giant Candle Fire Spirit shattered, it returned to its original state, appearing increasingly ethereal, and its size had shrunk significantly, now only palm-sized.

This was intentionally left by Qin Chi; otherwise, he could have completely annihilated it.

The current Qin Chi already possessed the ability to stand on his own.

His gaze lingered on the Candle Fire Spirit, and Qin Chi murmured, “Candle Kite, according to the relevant rules of the exploration and cleanup mission, can it be considered my spoils of war?”

“It can.”

Candle Kite’s reply came, “It is no longer a pure stellar anomaly, but has evolved into a transcendent life form.”

“According to federal regulations and the preferential treatment for pioneers, since you defeated it and completed the cleanup mission, it is your spoils of war and belongs to you.”

“Good.”

“Candle Kite, send a message to the Academy, stating the relevant information.”

Receiving an affirmative reply, Qin Chi nodded slightly.

With his primal power surging forth, Qin Chi lightly tapped his finger, and the power constructed threads, forming a cage that bound this peculiar life form, now only palm-sized, within it.

After achieving extreme control over his power, he could employ many derivative techniques.

Subsequently.

Qin Chi retrieved something from in front of him; the Judgment Corps badge was taken out.

The badge had always been carried with him, hung on his body by a specially made cord, and was further imbued with Qin Chi’s own power to prevent loss.

With a flicker of light, it was directly stored in his portable base.

This peculiar life form, evolved from an anomaly remnant, possessed a rather unique ability—the power to materialize dreams—and held extremely high research value.

Qin Chi himself could not spare the extra energy for exploration and research, but he was backed by Wu Yuan Academy, which had a well-established and experienced research department.

Researching it would naturally yield unique insights.

As a Legacy Seed, this was a mutually beneficial endeavor.

At this moment.

Because of the battle scene just now, the eyes of countless task specialists around them were all focused here, on Qin Chi.

As Qin Chi put away the Candle Fire Spirit, a clear voice sounded from afar in the sky.

“My friend.”

That was one of the individuals who had prepared to come to assist after the dream space shattered. The man, now stepping through the air, descended and landed not far in front of Qin Chi. After taking a few steps forward, he continued, “My friend, may I—”

His words stopped abruptly here.

Because his gaze fell upon the badge hanging in front of Qin Chi.

His expression was calm on the surface, but his eyes subtly rippled.

Qin Chi’s expression was composed as he looked at him and slowly said, “What’s wrong?”

“Nothing.”

The other party paused for a moment, then laughed, “Seeing your performance just now, I came to make a friend.”

“Everyone is participating in the cleanup mission for this planet, and perhaps there will be opportunities to fight side-by-side in the future.”

Upon hearing this.

Qin Chi remained noncommittal, nodding, “Alright.”

He had, of course, noticed the other party’s actions.

The other party’s arrival was clearly not merely for “making a friend.”

However.

After inadvertently seeing the Judgment Corps badge, all of the other party’s ideas seemed to have vanished.

The Judgment Corps, whose combat targets were special existences, had always been the most mysterious presence among the Federal legions, yet their reputation was formidable.

Given that Qin Chi had already demonstrated his strength, no one would think that the badge he carried was a fake.

After all, this was a grave offense.

The newcomer seemed to have completely changed his mindset, genuinely developing the idea of making friends, and stated his name.

Just then.

Another figure approached.

This time, the newcomer was a woman. She approached with a smile and kindly said, “Friend, what is your esteemed name?”

“Qin Chi.”

“So it’s Specialist Qin.”

Dressed in a combat suit that revealed her curves, she glanced at the man beside her, a flicker of wariness in her eyes, and continued, “Specialist Qin, are you interested in cooperating with us?”

“Us?”

Qin Chi looked at her, “What kind of cooperation are you referring to?”

“Of course, it’s about that transcendent life form that became your spoils of war.”

She had just spoken a sentence.

The man next to her lightly coughed, “You two chat, I’ll be going now.”

“Specialist Qin, see you later.”

Leaving a remark, the man turned and departed.

Seeing this, the woman frowned, but then her brows smoothed out. She looked at Qin Chi and continued, “My name is Mi Qiu, and I am from the Xianglu Interstellar Group. Our group places great importance on the development of the Weiyang Star System and is fully cooperating with the Federation in the exploration and future development of the star system.”

“Specialist Qin, I’m sure you’ve noticed.”

She did not hide information and stated directly, “The transcendent life form you contained has quite unique abilities, and our group believes it has significant development value.”

“We can cooperate.”

“If you want fewer troubles, we can pay you a satisfactory buyout fee to acquire it.”

“If you also wish to participate in the subsequent development, we can sign a relevant contract.”

“How about it?”

“Specialist Qin, would you like to consider it?”

Upon hearing this, Qin Chi did not answer directly, but instead said, “Candle Kite, would the Academy agree to such cooperation terms?”

“The Academy?”

In front, Mi Qiu’s gaze narrowed slightly.

“No need.”

Inside the terminal, Candle Kite’s voice sounded, “The Academy has already received the message I sent. The research department is very interested in it and has already begun to mobilize personnel to form a relevant research team. When you return, everything will officially begin.”

Her voice fell.

Qin Chi looked at Mi Qiu, pointed to the terminal in his hand, his meaning self-evident.

Mi Qiu took a deep breath and asked, “Is Specialist Qin from a martial arts academy? If I may ask, which academy are you from?”

“Wu Yuan.”

After briefly stating these two words, Qin Chi’s tone changed, “I have other matters, so I’ll take my leave now.”

He did not hesitate, his body rising as he swiftly departed.

“Wu Yuan?!”

As the two conversed, other people also approached nearby, clearly hearing those two words, their expressions instantly becoming serious.

“Wu Yuan, is that the top academy in the Corridor Star System?”

“That’s the academy personally established by Mr. Chen Shu, and it’s said that his true legacy exists there.”

“So he’s from Wu Yuan, no wonder he’s so formidable.”

A person’s name is like the shadow of a tree.

The name of Wu Yuan was already widely known within the Federation. Because of Wu Yuan’s mission system, many students from the Wu Yuan lineage were active throughout the star sea. Regardless of where they were, they were undoubtedly elite figures, highly regarded as favored children of Heaven.

In place.

Mi Qiu’s expression was complex.

Just then, a voice came through the portable communicator earpiece she was wearing.

“What’s the result?”

“Even if the other party refuses, find a way to stop them. The group’s professional team is on its way.”

“No need.”

“What did you say?”

“I said, no need.”

Mi Qiu repeated, “I’ve already told you about the combat power the other party displayed; he is an undisputed expert, and—he comes from Wu Yuan Academy in the Corridor Star System.”

“Such a figure—”

Inside the earpiece, there was silence for several breaths.

Then, the voice inside sounded, “I understand.”

Qin Chi’s figure returned towards the base from high in the sky.

While moving.

Qin Chi said, “Candle Kite, has the mission program recorded this mission?”

“It has already been recorded.”

There were no other people around. Candle Kite’s ethereal figure was projected from the terminal, sitting on it, “Because it was a temporary, sudden mission, the exploration department will sort out the relevant information and determine the mission level.”

“However, it won’t affect anything.”

“The rewards for cleanup missions are always settled uniformly upon departure.”

“Mm.”

Qin Chi nodded lightly.

As he moved forward, the base below was already visible to the naked eye.

Qin Chi’s figure swooped down.

Candle Kite’s voice sounded again.

“Qin Chi.”

“The research department sent a message. They are very interested in the transcendent life form you captured and are preparing to send people directly to the Weiyang Star System to take it back to the Academy first and begin relevant research.”

“Alright, the Academy is quite efficient.”

“Once the people sent by the research department arrive, just have them contact me.”

His figure descended, returning to the base.

As a Level 5 rated task specialist, theoretically, as long as Qin Chi wished, he could participate in all types of cleanup missions.

However.

When he chose and confirmed this Academy mission through Candle Kite, his goal was combat. Not long after returning to the base, Qin Chi accepted the next mission.

To capture transcendent beasts in a certain area of the planet.

The difficulty of the side mission was not high; according to the side mission program’s evaluation, it was merely a B-rank side mission, easily completed.

Subsequently, Qin Chi’s life fell into a cycle.

He performed cleanup side missions daily, cultivated, and during his rest periods, returned to his starship and headed to the Great Wilderness.

The alternation of two worlds made his life exceptionally fulfilling.

In the Great Wilderness, Qin Chi also conducted larger-scale explorations of the mutated areas, hoping to find other Ancient Lands.

Today.

Night fell, and the exploration base was brightly lit.

Qin Chi was in the cultivation room, sitting cross-legged, recuperating and visualizing the Divine Advent Cave Heaven.

As his primal power surged, this Cave Heaven continuously grew. Once formed, it possessed the ability for Qin Chi to visualize himself. It was foreseeable that as Qin Chi’s mastery of the Heavenly Azure Method deepened, this Cave Heaven would undoubtedly provide greater assistance to his martial arts.

During his visualization.

Qin Chi felt a sensation, ceased his cultivation, and with a thought, an item appeared in his spiritual world.

It was an envelope, sealed and unopened, one of the rewards Qin Chi had obtained on the Dengxing Arena.

At this moment, within his spiritual world, this envelope-shaped invitation glowed faintly, showing signs of being unsealed.

The Miracle Corridor is opening?

Qin Chi’s brows raised slightly.

He had learned about relevant information through Teacher Gu and was quite looking forward to this place.

According to Teacher Gu, this was a place of opportunity created by the Federation. Qin Chi knew that if he wanted to go further in the Grandmaster Realm, he needed the help of opportunities, requiring more divine artifacts.

With a slight thought, Qin Chi’s spiritual power tentatively touched the invitation.

The moment his spirit made contact.

The invitation glowed brightly, and before Qin Chi’s eyes, four large characters formed.

Miracle Corridor

Among them, the character for ‘Corridor’ was broad, like a gateway.

In Qin Chi’s perception, after the four characters formed, they actively detached from his spiritual world and manifested in reality, remaining in front of him. Ripples emanated from the center of the ‘Corridor’ character, appearing to be a type of teleportation portal.

“This method.”

“It bears some resemblance to the place left by Mr. Chen Shu, materializing spirit into reality.”

Qin Chi’s gaze shifted.

Aside from urgent side missions, a Level 5 task specialist’s activity time was quite flexible. It was nighttime, and there were no other matters.

Qin Chi did not hesitate in the slightest. He took a step and directly entered the ‘Corridor’ character.

The moment he entered.

A sensation of teleportation came from all around him, and Qin Chi’s gaze narrowed slightly.

He faintly sensed the presence of spiritual energy.

This teleportation was somewhat similar to when he returned to his hometown during his vacation, through the means of that high-level Spiritual Energy User, Elder An. “This Miracle Corridor was built by the Federation, and it seems that quite a few powerful individuals participated in its creation.”

“This, like the Divine Martial Furnace, is a grand project, a combination of the transcendent and technology.”

His thoughts flowed, and the teleportation ended.

After his feet touched solid ground, Qin Chi found himself in a grand hall decorated in a mysterious and ancient style.

Looking around, it was a pillar-less hall, with no load-bearing columns inside. On the dome above the hall, various wondrous patterns were engraved. In the distance, there was a huge portal, currently closed.

Inside the hall.

Including Qin Chi, there were already eight figures. As time passed, ripples occasionally appeared, and new figures emerged here. A quick glance showed that all their faces were very young.

Miracle Corridor.

This is a special place created by the Federation for geniuses. The selected individuals come from various star systems across the Federation; the people gathered here truly come from all corners of the world.

Figures flickered.

When the number of people in the hall reached ten, the teleportation seemed to stop, and no new figures appeared for a long time.

Those who arrived were all strangers to each other. Some tried to communicate, but after speaking, they found that no sound came out, nor could they communicate telepathically, so they had to give up.

Just then.

In front of the hall, various lights intertwined, drawing the attention of everyone present.

Looking closer, the intertwined lights formed a figure. It appeared to be a woman, her form ethereal, dressed in a long robe. After she appeared, her gentle voice slowly began to speak.

"This is the Miracle Corridor's first trial."

"You are all geniuses among the Federation's new generation, having received the initial invitation through different means to participate in this experience."

"Therefore, your invitations are of a 'permanent' nature."

"In the future, as the Miracle Corridor is fully perfected, it will open to more outstanding young people. At that time, an elimination system will be implemented, but—you are all exempt from elimination."

Her voice was soft and pleasant to the ear.

However...

As Qin Chi listened to her words and observed her form, he always had a peculiar, subtle feeling.

"Why does her voice sound somewhat similar to Candle Kite's?"

A thought flashed through Qin Chi's mind.

His frequency of contact with Candle Kite was already quite high, and during this period of traveling alone on missions, it had become even more frequent. Now, listening to the other party's words, a sense of familiarity arose in his heart.

"Is this one of the Federation's top artificial intelligences?"

While he was pondering.

The woman continued, "The rules within the Miracle Corridor are relatively simple."

"Competition, acquisition."

"The entire Miracle Corridor is divided into multiple areas. The deeper the area, the higher the difficulty to enter, and the greater the value of the opportunities and rewards contained within."

"You need to go to the area suitable for yourselves."

"Then, it's competition."

"Different rewards require different assessment methods; this is 'Jing' (competing for).

If two people simultaneously choose a place of opportunity, then they must personally fight a battle. The winner takes it, the loser returns; this is 'Zheng' (contending).

Those who win the competition can obtain the opportunities within the Miracle Corridor."

Jing and Zheng.

Thoughts flowed through Qin Jin's mind.

"Currently, only ten people have entered this Miracle Corridor, so it's hard for them to 'contend' with each other."

"However, according to what she said, the Miracle Corridor will be open to more people in the future. Competition is inevitable, and even the so-called elimination system is probably closely related to this."

In front.

The woman continued, "Now, the Miracle Corridor is officially open."

"The first trial period is relatively short, so you must seize the opportunity."

With the last sentence spoken.

In the far distance of the hall, the massive gate opened, revealing its true appearance.

Behind it, there was indeed a long corridor.

Qin Chi raised an eyebrow slightly and stepped forward directly.

His movement was not restricted.

However, for some unknown reason related to the first trial, the restrictions on communication remained in place even after the gate opened.

One by one, the young figures moved forward. Being strangers and unable to communicate, the scene was extremely quiet.

The corridor was about a hundred meters long.

At the end of the corridor was the starry sky!

It appeared to be an artificial galaxy, containing numerous uniformly colored light spheres, like strange planets within the galaxy. Looking into the distance, the light spheres in the farther regions changed color, seemingly arranged in a certain way.

The nearest area was exceptionally vast, with all light spheres being white and of varying sizes.

A total of ten people.

Stepping into this artificial galaxy, they seemed to lose gravity and gained the ability to 'float.' With a slight push, they could drift a great distance.

"The deeper the opportunities, the more astonishing they are."

A thought flashed through his mind.

Qin Chi's figure darted to one side, tentatively reaching out to touch.

Not far from him, some people were making attempts, while others chose to delve deeper directly.

As his palm covered the light sphere, Qin Chi sensed a blocking force. Within his domain, primeval energy surged forth, and the light sphere instantly shattered, revealing what was inside.

Inside.

It was a multifaceted prismatic crystal. Qin Chi's brief perception already made him understand its purpose.

This was a 'meditation object' containing pure extraordinary factors.

In terms of value, it was not low, but for true top-tier prodigies, it could only be considered better than nothing.

Thinking of this Miracle Corridor opening to more people in the future, Qin Chi was not surprised.

Clearly.

This was the most basic type of reward, and the assessment method was extremely simple: as long as one could shatter the light sphere steadily, they could obtain the object within.

With that thought, Qin Jin no longer hesitated. His primeval energy erupted, transforming him into a streak of light in this peculiar galaxy, where gravity was almost nonexistent, and he advanced towards the deeper regions.

In the inner area, the light spheres were green.

The moment he reached the boundary, Qin Jin clearly sensed a heavy pressure descending upon him. At the same time, in front of the galaxy, fire ignited in the void, forming a barrier that blocked his path.

"It seems that each time one enters a new area, they must undergo a trial at the beginning."

Qin Jin's speed did not diminish in the slightest. His domain protected him, sufficient to face most scenarios. Since this was a place of opportunity for the new generation, the trials in this area must also be judged by certain data as a starting point.

The heavy pressure descended. Upon contact with his domain, his primeval energy dissolved it.

Entering the sea of fire, the surroundings were incredibly hot, but Qin Jin himself felt no abnormality. He passed through the barrier smoothly and entered the second area.

Due to the initial trial, other people had already arrived here.

Qin Chi's pace was unwavering as he continued deeper.

The third area, with blue light spheres.

This time, the barrier between areas was a true battle.

Suppressing forces emanated around him, and the opponents were three humanoid extraordinary beings who cooperated with extreme synergy.

Their displayed strength, in Qin Jin's estimation, was roughly between the third and fourth Shedding of the Innate Realm. Their coordinated teamwork was excellent, already enough to stop many people.

But—

Facing Qin Jin, this alone was simply not enough.

When one's own stats have surpassed a certain level, coordination can no longer compensate.

After a clean and decisive breakthrough, Qin Chi continued to delve deeper.

His idea was very simple.

The Miracle Corridor would not open only once. According to the statements of the woman, who was presumably an artificial intelligence, they needed to go to the area suitable for them.

The underlying meaning of this sentence.

Perhaps it meant that upon entering next time, there would be no need to waste time going deeper, but rather they would appear in the area they had previously entered. Since this was just the first trial, Qin Jin intended to go all the way in.

The fourth area, with purple light spheres.

Upon reaching this area, a starry light converged before Qin Chi's eyes, forming a new arena.

Above.

A phantom figure emerged, gradually solidifying. The opponent wore a martial arts uniform. Unlike the previous area's obstacles, this one seemed to genuinely possess consciousness and thought. After appearing, he stretched lazily, a look of anticipation on his face, and spoke, "Is it finally my turn to enter the arena?"

His gaze shifted, looking at Qin Chi, and he said, "To go to a deeper area, you must defeat me, who is at the same realm as you."

"Young man."

"What realm are you in?"

Qin Jin moved forward, his gaze fixed on the other party.

The opponent's brows were resolute, with a middle-aged appearance, seemingly weathered by time, possessing an extraordinary demeanor, not an ordinary person.

He pondered for a moment, not directly answering the question, but instead said, "Senior, what state are you currently in?"

"Since you have entered the Miracle Corridor, there's no need to hide these things from you."

"You can think of me as a kind of replicated body."

His voice was quite bold: "To create this Miracle Corridor, I and many colleagues participated, completing the replication and leaving behind mental imprints to become the guardians here."

"It seems my luck isn't bad."

He looked around: "It appears the Miracle Corridor has just opened. I've become the first guardian."

"Young man, state your current realm."

Upon hearing this.

Qin Jin no longer hesitated, calmly stating, "Five- Shedding Grandmaster."

"Grandmaster?"

Opposite, the man sized up Qin Chi: "No wonder the staff told me when I was being replicated that I would be facing outstanding geniuses."

"I can sense that your life is extremely young, yet you are already a Grandmaster."

"Truly, the younger generation is formidable."

After a compliment, he showed a serious expression: "However, passing my trial will not be easy."

As he spoke, his aura fluctuated, rising again and again: "I won't hide it from you, my mental imprint completely lost contact with my main body after entering here. My main body is in the Heavenly Being Realm."

"Now—"

"You and I will battle at the realm of a Five- Shedding Grandmaster."

"In the past, within the Grandmaster Realm, I was not considered top-tier, at most upper-middle. But having entered the Heavenly Being Realm, looking back, even if it's my past self, I can still exert stronger combat power. You must be prepared; I will not hold back."

"Speaking of which, you're at a bit of a disadvantage. If you hadn't entered the Grandmaster Realm, you might have gained more benefits."

His aura fluctuated, rising higher and higher.

At a certain moment.

His body lifted off the ground, stepping into the air.

"Using a Heavenly Being imprint to control a Grandmaster body, huh."

Qin Jin's eyebrows slightly raised. Under the other party's gaze, he suddenly spoke, "Senior, can your realm be higher?"

Opposite.

The guardian's expression froze.

Immediately after, he reacted, staring at Qin Jin, and clicked his tongue, "My, you seem very confident."

"I'm willing to satisfy you, but—rules are rules. You must defeat me first before we discuss anything else."

"There will be no shortage of battles in the deeper areas ahead."

With that said.

He extended his hand, making an inviting gesture: "Come."

The two stood on opposite sides of the arena.

Qin Chi stood in mid-air, his eyes slightly narrowed, and he softly said, "Forgive my offense."

With that word.

His domain surged, faint light bloomed around him, and as primeval energy pulsed, a strengthening force from the Spirit Ruins surged into Qin Chi's body.

The first Miracle Corridor's time was limited, and Qin Chi did not intend to waste it.

Therefore.

He held nothing back.

In that instant, within Qin Chi's physique, power roared, emitting a thunderous explosion. His body transformed into a streak of light, disappearing instantly. When he reappeared, he was already in front of the guardian.

"So fast?!"

His fist rose, covered in a faint light, appearing unremarkable, but in reality, under extreme control, astonishing power was compressed within it. He aimed directly at the guardian and unleashed a punch!

The opponent's domain circulated around him, and he raised his arm to block. Everything happened in an instant.

The next instant.

Power collided, bodies met.

The moment of impact, a mighty explosion resounded in the arena, and the aftershocks spread in all directions, even pushing the surrounding opportunity light spheres.

In front of Qin Chi.

The guardian's face showed a look of astonishment. A moment later, his entire body exploded, turning into countless specks of light that dispersed into this artificial galaxy.

Even within the same realm, there are differences in strength.

Both were Five- Shedding, but Qin Chi's primeval energy index exceeded ten thousand, an unimaginably terrifying figure. What did it matter if he also had the Spirit Ruins Cave Heaven's blessing and a Heavenly Being imprint controlling a Grandmaster body?

One must remember, this was ultimately not a true Heavenly Being, and Qin Chi gave him no chance to display any techniques.

Within the same realm, he feared no one.

The arena below vanished, and Qin Jin's figure swept forward—

At the same time.

Within the star sea, in a certain hidden place.

Streams of light displayed the situation of the Miracle Corridor, under real-time observation.

Just then.

A surprised voice rang out.

"Someone has already broken through the first guardian and entered the fourth-level area!"