Collecting Corpses

[Heart of Heavenly Tribulation, current development: 13%!]

This change in data meant that Zhou Zhe's accumulated extraordinary power had increased several times over!

Tendrils of flame escaped from his pores, and wind and lightning coiled around his body, giving him a rather imposing aura.

In reality, Zhou Zhe knew very well that this was merely a manifestation of his energy growth rate being too fast, leading to a lapse in his control.

With a shift of his mind, Zhou Zhe divided his attention, simultaneously circulating the non-conflicting parts of the Wind Element Body Tempering Technique and the Flame Body Tempering Technique.

To this day, Zhou Zhe's understanding of these two cultivation methods was, if not unprecedented, certainly unparalleled.

There was no need to maintain a fixed meditation posture, no need to form complex hand seals, no need for obscure visualizations...

Zhou Zhe could cultivate both techniques while walking, sitting, or standing.

And the efficiency was extremely high!

As of now, even Jinuo, who had the highest cultivation efficiency for extraordinary techniques in the entire Swift Wind Pavilion, couldn't keep up with Zhou Zhe's speed.

After three breaths, the escaping energy was suppressed once more.

Zhou Zhe regained perfect control over the Qianfeng Tribulation Lightning and the flame power within his body.

"I think I've gained its approval."

As he spoke, Zhou Zhe patted the Essence of Xingtian, a faint smile gracing his lips. "As long as I can bear it, I can use it perfectly."

Hearing this, Director Huang Tiankai, standing beside him, was initially surprised, then his face lit up with joy. "Good! Very good! Excellent! If this news gets out to those research fanatics, they'll probably go crazy with excitement!"

"I wonder if you have time to write a report about this interaction with the Essence of Xingtian?"

"Your experience is truly important for the entire research progress!"

"Please rest assured! We will definitely offer suitable compensation!"

The Alliance was the Alliance, and personal favors were personal favors.

Huang Tiankai, having worked for many years, could clearly distinguish the difference between the two.

Even if the Supernatural Affairs Department he represented didn't offer any benefits, Zhou Zhe wouldn't have any complaints. However, the next time they discussed cooperation, he might not be as enthusiastic.

He couldn't treat someone who had a sincere heart for the land beneath their feet like a workhorse, exploiting them to death without offering any benefits.

Upon hearing Director Huang's words, Zhou Zhe smiled gently. "We've been cooperating for a while now, and I trust the reputation of your Supernatural Affairs Department."

"However, regarding the report on the Essence of Xingtian, I'll likely need half a day before I can start working on it."

As soon as he said this, Huang Tiankai's heart skipped a beat, and he asked nervously, "Could it be that the Dao has assigned you an urgent mission? Or perhaps you're participating in the Bronze Gladiator promotion matches?"

Both of these possibilities were quite real.

The Dao was supreme, ruling over the Myriad Heavens, treating all living beings in the endless planes as its playthings.

It was almost omnipotent, yet it often displayed a childish cruelty and cold-bloodedness.

Simply for the sake of "fun," it would hurl a star towards a planet inhabited by a candidate for Cosmic Gladiator, causing the extinction of billions of lives—planets without Cosmic Gladiators had no "ball rights."

It acted on whims; it might grant a Cosmic Gladiator a century-long vacation for a spectacular battle, or it might destroy an entire galaxy over a boring match.

Old Huang's worries were not unfounded.

According to the intelligence gathered by the Supernatural Affairs Department so far, the death rate for urgent missions issued by the Dao recently was as high as 95%!

And although the death rate for Black Iron Gladiators advancing to Bronze was lower, it was still a staggering 76%!

"In a couple of days, I will indeed be participating in the promotion matches."

Zhou Zhe glanced at him, his demeanor very calm. "However, today, I need to go to another world to collect the body of my mentor."

Hearing this, Huang Tiankai's eyes dimmed. "Young Brother Lin Ye... alas, what a shame! It's a failing of our Supernatural Affairs Department that you have to personally handle something that should have been our responsibility..."

As he spoke, Huang Tiankai took a deep breath and solemnly saluted Zhou Zhe. "I entrust this matter to you!"

Zhou Zhe nodded slightly. "Don't worry, this is what I should do as a disciple."

"I'll be back soon."

Coordinates locked!

[Plane Traveler] ability activated!

Swish!

In the blink of an eye, Zhou Zhe's figure vanished without a trace, completely disappearing into the void.

Dou Lan Continent, Imperial Museum.

Throngs of tourists were observing the exhibits from a distance.

"The Beta-9 aliens look so scary!"

"Can the Rototan aliens really be classified as 'people'? They're clearly just lumps of metal!"

"Ugh! These corpses are so creepy! Even from this far away, I feel a bit suffocated!"

"So what? Weren't they still defeated by the First Prince?"

"His Highness the First Prince possesses world-shattering might!"

"Sigh... I heard the First Prince went to carry out a special mission given by the 'Dao'. I wonder how long it will take. I hope he returns safely!"

"Shut up! How many times have I told you! Never, ever mention 'that person's' name! Do you want to be captured by the Dark Dragon Guards?"

"Whoa! Is that an Earthling? They only have two eyes. It feels like their foundational bloodline collapsed and mutated. They look so disgusting!"

"My goodness! It's an Earthling!"

"I know, doesn't the nameplate say? He was a Bronze Two Stars Cosmic Gladiator in life… He looks so frail, not like a strong person at all…"

"To your left! To your left! I mean! A real, living Earthling!"

Amidst the clamor, almost all the tourists focused their attention on the "living Earthling"—that is, Zhou Zhe.

Zhou Zhe didn't spare any thought for how these people felt.

His attention was entirely focused on the nineteenth transparent crystal display stand.

His mentor Lin Ye's corpse was secured on this crystal stand.

His eyes were closed, as if he were asleep.

But he wasn't breathing, had no heartbeat, and Zhou Zhe couldn't even detect any fluctuation of thoughts from him.

"..."

Zhou Zhe silently looked at Lin Ye's corpse, his eyes turning a little red.

A few wisps of flame, like dancing butterflies, flowed from the corners of his eyes and dissipated into the air.

The time they spent together was very short.

But Lin Ye's selflessness, kindness, and sincerity had deeply influenced Zhou Zhe.

It could be said that without Lin Ye, given Zhou Zhe's upbringing during his childhood and adolescence, he felt he would most likely have become a universally detested antisocial element.

Instead of becoming the second-generation master of the Swift Wind Pavilion, imparting knowledge, and paving the extraordinary path for Earth, as he was now.

Zhou Zhe raised his hand, his palm facing the crystal display stand.

"Shatter!"

With wind and lightning swirling, the stand turned to dust.

Zhou Zhe's figure flickered, and he carried Lin Ye's remains on his back.

"You damn fool, what are you doing? Stop!"

An angry roar echoed at the museum entrance.

Seeking votes!