200: Universal name

The dream world is unrestrained.

Besides the virtual universe where evolutionaries can communicate, the inherent characteristics of the dream world itself give it a higher ceiling. Qin Chi's thoughts quickly turned, and he had already thought of many directions, each with immense room for improvement.

If everything were truly completed, the value of this dream world would be immeasurable, truly linked to the entire Federation.

"That is precisely our goal."

In front of him, Dr. Chen's voice rang out, his eyes filled with fighting spirit as he looked at this vast, empty dream world: "Currently, everything is just starting, but this will be the cause I dedicate my life to."

His expression grew more serious, and he slowly continued: "We have divided the entire plan into multiple objectives. The first phase's objective is to connect the dream world to Candle Kite, making it an internal communication platform for the Academy, allowing both current students and graduates to participate."

"Starting with this, we will gradually increase its scale and identify problems."

"Student Qin Jin."

He looked at Qin Jin: "At that time, you will also be among the first students to experience the results. If you discover any problems, please communicate with us at any time."

"I understand."

Qin Chi smiled calmly: "I look forward to all of us witnessing the moment of success together."

The four figures stood in the dream space, exchanging smiles.

Martial Artists improve themselves, and scientists delve into academics. Both are on the path of evolution, and they are like-minded individuals.

After seeing the core achievements of the research team, Qin Jin, led by Zhong Yi, toured the entire research base.

Wu Yuan Academy is a large and powerful institution, and it has provided sufficient support for this project, allowing it to proceed steadily.

However, it is foreseeable that when this project truly grows to a certain extent, it will inevitably require the support and intervention of the Federation to advance further.

During his observation, Qin Jin had other thoughts.

Currently, he is in the soaring period of his cultivation, progressing rapidly, and thus focuses on cultivation.

But one day in the future, after truly reaching a high realm, there will inevitably be a plateau period. At that time—perhaps he could also actively participate in other projects, gaining insights from different fields, which would also be beneficial to his cultivation.

After some observation.

Escorted by Zhong Yi, Qin Chi boarded a starship and returned to the Academy. The Academy was quite deserted as the holiday had not yet ended. Although Qin Jin's residence had been unoccupied for some time, it had clearly been meticulously cleaned. After returning to his residence and resting, Qin Jin picked up his terminal and softly uttered: "Candle Kite."

A flash of light appeared, and Candle Kite's small figure materialized.

"Does the Academy have any other instructions?"

His early return to the Academy was partly due to the research project on the Candle Fire Spirit, but more importantly, because the Academy had actively sent him a message, requesting his early return.

"Principal Chi knows you've just returned and are tired from your journey, so he wants you to see him tomorrow."

"Tomorrow, then."

"I understand."

After a slight nod, Qin Jin did not go out but began cultivating directly in his dormitory.

Because of the wondrous opportunity brought by the Abyssal Dragon, his True Dragon Cave Heaven was about to be perfected, reaching its peak.

At that time, he could attempt to advance further and open his fourth Cave Heaven.

In the cultivation of the Heavenly Azure Method, the four Cave Heavens are distinctly different from the three Cave Heavens. With three Cave Heavens, one can already attempt to cultivate to the next realm. However, starting from the fourth Cave Heaven, it relies entirely on the cultivator's innate talent and foundation, which is also a breakthrough in a certain sense.

The extraordinary become even more extraordinary, truly widening the gap within this realm.

Inside the dormitory, it gradually quieted down.

Within the Spirit Ruins, however, a white dragon swayed, stirring up waves in the rich ocean of spiritual power.

The next day.

After returning from the Great Wilderness, Qin Jin left the internal section of his personal base.

With Venerable Observer, he now shared a secret, the existence of the Great Wilderness gained another layer of concealment. His identity as a Chosen One was known to those with real power and status in the Federation, which could, in turn, mask a lot of information. Even if his actions of [Leaving the Boundary] were discovered, there was an explanation.

As noon approached, Candle Kite, guiding him, accompanied Qin Jin. After ascending the Star Sea Island, they finally arrived at one of its corners.

Looking around, it was a simple-looking small courtyard, distinctly different from the other high-tech buildings of the Martial Abyss headquarters. Candle Kite's small body leaned against the wooden door, pushing it open with a creak, revealing everything inside.

The courtyard was exceptionally simple. On the right side of the courtyard, vegetables were planted, looking vibrant and full of life.

In front of the courtyard, a figure stood, gazing up at the Star Sea.

Martial Abyss, Chi Chenzhou.

Qin Jin's expression became more serious, and he spoke: "Principal Chi."

"Before the Federation entered the Great Expansion era, Martial Dao Grandmasters were rare. At that time, Grandmaster figures were often elderly, and after reaching the Grandmaster realm, they disdained fame and mostly chose to cultivate in seclusion."

"Plucking chrysanthemums by the eastern hedge, leisurely I see the southern mountains."

Chi Chenzhou's voice was calm, slowly rising as he gazed at the starry sky: "In the past, when I first embarked on the Martial Dao, I was quite drawn to this. I thought that one day, after becoming a minor expert, I would find a planet, take a few disciples, and live a mundane life, and that would be it."

"Qin Jin, what about you?"

"What did you think when you cultivated the Martial Dao?"

As he spoke the last sentence, Chi Chenzhou turned around and looked at Qin Jin, as if making casual conversation.

Hearing this, Qin Jin pondered for a moment and replied: "When I first started cultivating, I thought about getting into a Martial Dao academy and having the chance to pilot an extraordinary mecha in the future."

"However, later, as things progressed and I accumulated more, I thought more and more, but ultimately, it all revolved around two words: becoming stronger."

He spoke frankly.

"A very pure thought."

Chi Chenzhou nodded: "Then, what is the motivation that supports your desire to become stronger?"

"There are many."

Facing the current Principal of Martial Abyss, Qin Jin had nothing to hide and spoke frankly: "I possess a talent that everyone is optimistic about. Not dedicating myself to it would be a waste."

"In the boundless Star Sea, the vast galaxy, to achieve anything, one must have sufficient strength to support it."

His tone was serious.

Whether in the Star Sea or the Great Wilderness, there were things he wanted to accomplish.

In the Star Sea, based on the environment within the Federation, he could grow smoothly. He wanted to reach higher realms, to keep this 'spark' burning continuously.

In the Great Wilderness—

When he once mistakenly believed that all Immortal Dynasty powerhouses had perished, he urgently wanted to become stronger to cope with whatever might happen in the future. Now, having learned more information through the traces left by the [Heavenly Monarch of Prosperity and Decline], this urgency had not diminished.

One day in the future, if the former human powerhouses truly returned, what role would he play?

A junior prodigy?

No.—

Qin Jin's ambitions went beyond that.

To be called a prodigy meant that one had not yet become a true powerhouse.

He wanted to become a peer of those supreme beings, to truly interact with them, witness their demeanor, and meet the ancients. If he merely observed from afar, wouldn't that be a regret?

In front of him.

Chi Chenzhou looked at him and nodded lightly: "Very simple reasons, but you are very firm."

"Qin Jin."

"The reason I called you back to the Academy early this time is to tell you some things."

"I have good news for you."

"Within the Federation, a fellow Seventh Realm cultivator, after breaking through a perilous barrier, has gained a glimpse of the Martial God Realm."

"If all goes well, in another ten-odd years, the Starfire Federation will have another Martial God!"

"Seventh Realm?"

Qin Jin listened to Principal Chi's words, his face showing contemplation. After carefully recalling, his heart stirred: "Is the Principal referring to Commander Duan?"

The Qin Jin in his words was referring to Commander Duan Junyou, the former Tuanzhang of the Judgment Corps.

When sending out his personal base, Qin Jin was able to communicate with him.

"Precisely him."

"You are quite clever."

Chi Chenzhou said.

Hearing this, waves rippled in Qin Jin's eyes, and he was also happy for him: "I know very few Seventh Realm seniors. Since the Principal specifically mentioned it, I immediately made the connection."

Chi Chenzhou nodded.

He changed the subject and continued: "The Academy has a special quota related to an ancient civilization, which will be used for you."

"Currently, the information obtained is limited. Candle Kite will notify you as soon as further news arrives."

Upon hearing this, Qin Jin asked: "Is the ancient civilization similar to the Observer civilization?"

"Aside from also being continuously passed down from ancient times, they are completely different."

Chi Chenzhou's reply sounded: "If we divide the explored and governed areas of the Star Sea by intelligent life into factions, then our Starfire Federation currently belongs to the Ancient faction."

"The ancient civilization is the highest leading civilization in our current faction."

He paused here slightly: "For you, it is still too early to encounter these things. Once you truly step onto the high-level battlefield of civilizations, you will naturally know everything."

"This time it is an exchange meeting hosted by the ancient civilization. The specific content has not yet been revealed. When you participate, you will be able to see outstanding figures from our Federation, and also young talents from other civilizations."

"How you perform then will be up to you."

Anticipation rose in Qin Jin's eyes.

Chi Chenzhou touched upon the topic briefly without delving too deeply. His gaze was profound as he looked at Qin Jin and said: "Qin Jin, show me your cultivation progress."

"Alright."

Qin Jin did not ask too many questions. Upon hearing the words, he did not hesitate. With the fluctuation of his primal power, his aura surged like a tide.

A strong wind swirled within the courtyard, and his domain vaguely appeared.

A gleam of light flashed in Chi Chenzhou's eyes as he looked at Qin Jin: "Six transformations?"

"One transformation seems quite special."

As Qin Jin revealed his progress, this top powerhouse of the Federation undoubtedly discerned a lot of information. Looking at Qin Jin, a look of satisfaction appeared on his face: "The effect of each transformation far surpasses others, and you have undergone six transformations in just one year."

"While I can't say there will be no one after you, you have indeed achieved something unprecedented."

"Since that is the case, with your cultivation progress, you can now begin preparing for the next stage of cultivation."

"Qin Jin."

"When the next semester begins, your place of study and cultivation will no longer be in the Academy."

"Daily lessons will still be taught by Candle Kite, and the progress can be accelerated then."

Hearing this, Qin Jin looked at him: "Principal, do you mean—"

"Five transformations can lead to a Grandmaster, nine transformations can ascend to a Martial Saint."

Chi Chenzhou's voice was long and drawn out: "With your progress, nine transformations are only a matter of time."

"Gu Huang probably hasn't explained to you the cultivation for breaking into the Martial Saint Realm, has she?"

Qin Chi shook his head.

"Teacher Gu mentioned it briefly but did not go into detail."

"That's normal, after all, she couldn't have imagined that your progress would be so rapid. Many plans that were arranged and prepared in advance will change because of this."

At this point, Chi Chenzhou raised his hand and pointed in the void. A scene unfolded before him, which was precisely the transformation process of a Martial Artist.

"Each transformation is an accumulation of oneself, a transformation of the essence of life."

The scene changed with Chi Chenzhou's movements. He slowly said: "After the nine transformations, a Martial Artist's self-accumulation will reach a limit, unable to ascend further. To advance even more, one needs a Law!"

"A Law that carries oneself."

"To use the Law to carry one's accumulation and advance further."

"This Law is called the Martial Saint Law. After carrying one's accumulation with the Law, one will then condense the Martial Saint Body."

"Cultivate the Law, condense the body, and thereby ascend to Martial Saint."

His gaze was profound, and the scene before him continued to change as he looked at Qin Jin: "Due to individual differences, Martial Artists at this stage will branch into two paths: one is [Ancient Law], and the other is creating one's own Law."

Qin Jin nodded.

He had heard Teacher Gu mention these things before.

"Ancient Law means following the path trodden by predecessors."

"The ancient laws that can still be circulated within the Federation today are all routes that have truly produced Martial Saints. Ascending to Martial Saint through them is easier and quite stable."

"But following the path left by other predecessors means that the person adapts to the Law, rather than the Law fitting the person. In the course of cultivation, one inevitably has to give up some of one's own things. Therefore, Martial Artists who ascend to Martial Saint through ancient laws also have a circulating nickname within the Federation."

"Flawed Martial Saint."

"Of course, the word 'flawed' is not irreparable. Within the Federation, there are also many who achieved Martial Saint through ancient laws but ultimately reached the pinnacle."

"And creating one's own Law means starting from scratch, building one's own Law based on oneself, encompassing everything about oneself."

"This path is extremely difficult, having blocked countless brilliant figures, but the rewards are also astonishing. Martial Artists who walk this path are called [Flawless Martial Saints]."

Speaking of this, he looked at Qin Jin: "I can guess your choice."

Qin Jin nodded vigorously.

He would not hesitate in the slightest.

His own accumulation was rich enough. Taking the most difficult path and forging the strongest self had always been his goal.

"This is why you won't be cultivating at the Academy next semester."

Chi Chenzhou's eyes lowered slightly: "Many years ago, the first Martial Saint recorded in the Federation did not know the path ahead, and did not even have the idea of advancing further. But he was obsessed with the Martial Dao, passionate about it, and once went to various dojos to seek sparring and challenges, and also went to dangerous places to temper himself."

"Unbeknownst to him, his self was proven, and he naturally developed his own Law, forged the Martial Saint Body, advanced further, and ascended to Martial Saint, opening another realm for the Federation's Martial Dao."

"This method is extremely primitive, but it can take a long time."

"But with your cultivation progress, I actually think it suits you best."

Chi Chenzhou looked at Qin Jin, his admiration unconcealed: "Read ten thousand books, travel ten thousand miles—this is always the most simple yet most solid way of learning, capable of forging the most robust foundation. You are currently at six transformations, yet you can already begin to prepare."

"When the next semester begins, the Academy will provide you with a map."

"Candle Kite named it the [Martial Saint Map]."

"That map will contain ancient dojos, wondrous sights in the Star Sea, chaotic lands of dark nature, and small battlefields of incessant warfare."

"You are to embark on this Martial Saint Path."

"Perhaps along the way, perhaps at the destination, when everything falls into place, another name will be added to the Martial Abyss Wu Sheng Stele."

"Qin Jin."

Chi Chenzhou's tone became more solemn: "I have very high expectations for you."

"Not just me; I know you have close ties with several pinnacle existences within the Federation. Their expectations for you are equally great. This plan, the destinations on that map, did not just originate from the Academy; they were finalized during your time returning to your hometown."

"We hope that you—"

"Can read ten thousand books, travel ten thousand miles, perform ten thousand martial arts, and forge an eternal name!"

"In the future, truly become the pillar of the Federation!"