Senior Sister's Request, Race Subsidies

Two choices?

Lin Yi knew that the next step was crucial, so he quickly became serious and said, "Senior Sister, please speak."

"The first option is to owe it to them for now."

Thousand Illusions said, "Take these things and use them for now. I'll remember this debt. When you acquire a treasure that you no longer need but that I deem valuable, return it to me."

"As for the second option... change the promise."

"Promise?"

Lin Yi immediately understood that this was the key point.

"Yes." Thousand Illusions nodded, her gaze becoming somewhat distant. "Junior brother, as you know, I was surrounded and attacked before, severely injured and on the verge of death. If it weren't for senior brother's timely rescue, I... I'm afraid I would have perished."

"Moreover, it was because saving me delayed things that my senior brother couldn't get to Xiao Jiu in time, which ultimately led to Xiao Jiu's death."

Lin Yi remained silent.

He naturally knew these things.

Thousand Illusions sighed softly, "I told Xiao Jiu before that I would pay for his resurrection and give it to Senior Brother. But Xiao Jiu firmly disagreed."

"Let's put aside our own affairs for now." Thousand Illusions's tone returned to calm, yet carried a chilling edge. "Although I've recovered from my injuries, those guys who attacked me back then are all still alive and well."

She glanced at Lin Yi, a sharp glint in her eyes. "Right now, because of the ceasefire, there aren't many good ways to deal with them in the Main Universe. However... we can collect the interest for now."

"While it is generally true that mastering four laws is required to reach the level of a higher deity... you have now fully mastered the two higher laws of time and space, in addition to the higher Life Law."

Thousand Illusions stared intently at Lin Yi, "The strength of your Fearless War God Clone should already be considered as having stepped into the threshold of a high-level god. If you can comprehend the Law of Death, then you will be among the very top-tier high-level gods."

"And those who besieged me back then..." Thousand Illusions's voice turned icy, "Were all high-ranking deities."

"I hope... if you encounter them in the Secret Realm One, you can help your senior sister collect some interest and clear them out! Try your best to prevent them from improving much through the secret realm's opportunities during this ceasefire period."

"Once the war resumes, I, your senior sister, will settle accounts with them myself!"

After saying that, Thousand Illusions changed the subject, "Well, Junior Brother? After all, this involves fighting against a high-level god of the same rank, so you should think it over carefully."

Upon hearing this, Lin Yi fell silent.

Don't be fooled by the way your senior sister spoke through gritted teeth, as if she wanted his help to get revenge.

However, the Secret Realm One is said to have an extremely complex internal spatial structure, vast and boundless, and divided into so many layers. In such a massive secret realm, what are the odds of encountering those specific hostile deities who besieged my senior sister back then?

Furthermore, if he had truly perfected the Law of Death and reached the top level of a high-ranking deity when he entered the secret realm, then even without his senior sister's incident, he would most likely have to fight any hostile deities he encountered in that environment of extremely fierce resource competition and the survival of the fittest.

Therefore, Senior Sister Thousand Illusions's "promise" seems to be a condition for exchange, but in reality, it overlaps greatly with what she might have originally been doing, and there is not much difference between them.

To put it bluntly, the senior sister still wanted to use this as an excuse to help him maximize his strength before entering the secret realm.

The so-called revenge with interest is more like a "stepping stone" to make him more accepting of this generous gift, or rather, it is a genuine expectation deep in the senior sister's heart, but by no means an equal bargaining chip.

Clearly, her senior sister was taking care of him in various ways, while also considering that he now possessed god-level combat power.

The pride of not wanting to benefit without expecting anything in return.

Seeing that Lin Yi was just silently looking at her, Thousand Illusions deliberately put on a stern face and said with a hint of anger, "Why are you looking at me? What, don't you want to help your senior sister avenge this?"

Seeing Thousand Illusions Sister Qianhuan's feigned anger but unfocused gaze, Lin Yi suddenly laughed.

"Senior sister," he said, "Don't underestimate me just because I'm young."

"Um?"

Lin Yi's smile faded, and he looked directly at Thousand Illusions: "Senior Sister, I won't choose either of these two options."

"Or rather, I'll choose both options."

Thousand Illusions raised an eyebrow slightly. "Oh? What do you mean?"

Lin Yi explained, "I won't stand on ceremony with you, Senior Sister. I'll owe you the treasure for now and pay you back later."

As for avenging my senior sister...

Lin Yi revealed a fierce smile, "No need for Senior Sister to specifically request it, and no need to exchange it. As long as I'm within the Secret Realm One, and even in the future when war breaks out again, if I encounter those bastards who besieged you back then on the battlefield..."

He raised his hand, making a throat-slitting gesture, "I'll kill them all."

Upon hearing this, Thousand Illusions stared blankly at Lin Yi for a moment before bursting into laughter.

She reached out, seemingly wanting to pat Lin Yi's head, but withdrew her hand halfway through, only pointing at Lin Yi instead.

"You... you still say you're not a child? You're a high-level god now, how can you still do such childish things..."

Lin Yi smiled and let his senior sister tease him.

After laughing for a while, Thousand Illusions gradually calmed down. She looked at Lin Yi and nodded, saying, "Since that's what you think, fine, then let's do it your way."

With a wave of her hand, the four halos enveloping the treasures gently floated towards Lin Yi: "I will deliver the actual items to you as soon as possible through the Chamber of Commerce's channels."

Lin Yi nodded solemnly.

Thousand Illusions waved her hand, resuming her languid posture, but the smile in her eyes remained, "Alright, go. Prepare well and get yourself into top shape. In the Secret Realm One... give your senior sister a good share of the interest."

"Yes, Senior Sister, I'll take my leave!"

Lin Yi bowed and decisively severed the connection with the Star Banquet Platform.

Inside the pavilion, only Thousand Illusions remained once again.

She gazed at the spot where Lin Yi's figure had disappeared, the smile on her beautiful face gradually fading, replaced by a faint hint of anticipation.

"Junior brother... I wonder... with your talent, are you capable of reaching that level?"

Her voice faded away, and her figure gradually dimmed, eventually disappearing into nothingness along with the starry pavilion.

Origin Star.

Lin Yi opened his eyes, and the familiar scene of the manor's training room came into view.

Without the slightest hesitation, he immediately said, "Xuanji."

A phantom figure in palace attire appeared in response. "Master."

"Retrieve the list of treasures we just received in the virtual space, categorize and analyze their effects," Lin Yi said quickly. "At the same time, access the directory resource library and the clan merit treasury, and filter all Death Law Enlightenment treasures whose effects can be stacked with existing treasures, focusing on categories with a single use or an effective period of about two years."

"Understood, Master."

A few seconds later, a light screen unfolded in the training room.

Nether Soul Crystal: Originating from a special star region within the Nether Race Clan's territory, it contains pure death and annihilation intent. After refining, it slowly releases death law fluctuations to aid in comprehension. The effect is amplified by approximately 1.8-2.2 times, lasting for 2.1 standard years. Exchange requires: 80 Directory Points.

Ten thousand points.

Eternal Sleep Breath (A Wisp): An aura sealed in a special container, originating from the deathly stillness emanating from an ancient being eternally slumbering. Slow absorption can subtly deepen one's understanding of the true meaning of "Eternal Silence," with a stable increase of 1.6.

Approximately double the value, lasting 2.5 standard years. Redemption requires: 750,000 Points points.

"Exchange one for each," Lin Yi decided.

"Exchange application submitted, payment completed. The treasure will be transferred from the resource database to the Divine Kingdom and is expected to arrive within ten standard days."

"Very good." Lin Yi continued, "Next, select cultivation sites on Origin Star that can complement the existing treasures and form a death law."

Upon hearing this, Xuanji raised her hand and waved it, causing the light screen to switch accordingly.

The Rebirth Corridor: Filled with a mixture of death and thoughts of rebirth. The first entry yields significant enlightenment, proving remarkably effective for beginners and those in the early stages of understanding the laws of death, increasing enlightenment efficiency by 3-4 times. However, the effect diminishes rapidly as enlightenment deepens. Duration per use: 1 standard year. Redemption requires: 300,000 Directory Points per use.

House of Annihilation: A special place created from fragments of the Divine Kingdom of an Eternal Divinity who cultivated the laws of death after his fall.

It retains the aura of death and annihilation at the divine level. Upon first entering, one directly confronts the impact of this aura, gaining a strong enlightenment on the laws of death, with an amplification of approximately 2.5-3 times. Single use duration: up to 1.5 standard years. Redemption requires: 500,000 directory Points per use.

Xuanji added, "Master, according to database records and user feedback, apart from the Myriad Return-to-Source Platform, other specialized training grounds for the Law of Death also exhibit significant initial effects and rapid decay issues."

Lin Yi wasn't surprised.

This is normal. It's like some stimulating magical artifacts; the first use is the most effective, but resistance develops afterward.

The same applies to special cultivation sites; once cultivators adapt to or analyze them, the subsequent stimulating effect will be greatly reduced.

"Exchange for one use each of the Rebirth Corridor and the House of Annihilation," Lin Yi planned. "I'll first use the Rebirth Corridor to advance to the beginner and early stages of the Law of Death, and then use the Tomb of Annihilation to boost my mid-stage progress."

"Confirm."

"Exchange request submitted... Payment successful. Access activated, you can use it at any time."

"Very good." Lin Yi nodded in satisfaction. "Then, select a few different styles of God-level cultivation insights on the Law of Death from the resource database."

"Filtering... Here are three recommended reviews:"

<The Records of the Nether Path>, by a certain death law deity under the command of the Nether Remains Venerable.

"Rebirth Notes", by a solitary death spirit known as "The Rebirth Wanderer".

The True Explanation of Annihilation, author unknown, is suspected to be a relic left behind by a fallen deity.

The three items total 430,000 Points. Would you like to redeem them?

"Exchange it." Lin Yi said without hesitation.

These insights from deities, each with its own unique style, are invaluable resources for broadening horizons and avoiding fixed mindsets; this investment is essential.

"Exchange request submitted... Payment successful, you can check your status at any time."

At this point, the initial planning and exchange of cultivation resources have been completed.

Lin Yi let out a long breath and sat down cross-legged. "Xuanji, bring out <The Records of the Nether Path>, <Rebirth Notes>, <The True Explanation of Annihilation>, and the insights on the Laws of Death given by Senior Brother."

"Yes, Master."

Four Information Flow, each containing a different true meaning of death, slowly unfolded in Lin Yi's consciousness.

The four reflections are quite different in style.

The insights gained from Prison Suppressor are like a cold blade, pointing directly to the essence of the laws of death: "End" and "annihilation." It emphasizes comprehending the true meaning under the extreme pressure of killing and destruction, and the words reveal the bloodshed and desolation of the Sin Abyss.

The Records of the Nether Path focuses on the micro-level of "desolation," "decay," and "material decay," and includes numerous case studies that combine practical application with a cool and pragmatic style.

"Rebirth Notes" is full of philosophical reflections, regarding death as the starting point of reincarnation and the destination of the soul. It emphasizes the understanding of the concepts of "rebirth" and "silence," and the writing is somewhat esoteric.

The most obscure text is "The True Explanation of Annihilation," which elucidates the true meaning of "all things returning to nothingness," emphasizes the two sides of destruction and rebirth, and points directly to the ultimate mystery of the law of death.

Lin Yi immersed himself in it, comparing and referencing it, learning from its strengths and making up for his weaknesses.

He combined his existing Life Law with a reverse derivation of the basic framework for the laws of death.

Life represents "creation," "prosperity," and "continuation," while death represents "end," "silence," and "return to nothingness." Although they seem to be opposites, they are actually from the same source and are both an indispensable part of the cosmic cycle.

He focused his mind and immersed himself in the subject, eagerly absorbing the wisdom and experience of his predecessors.

Time slipped away quietly as I focused on reading and thinking.

Ten days later, the treasures redeemed through the directory system arrived on time.

A silver metal box, engraved with intricate spatial runes and divided into multiple independent compartments, was personally escorted to the manor by a god-like being.

Lin Yi inspected the goods and signed for them.

Inside the box, the Nether Soul Crystal was a dark gray crystal with a gray mist slowly rotating inside.

The Eternal Sleep Breath was sealed within a palm-sized transparent crystal sphere, inside which a wisp of grayish-white energy meandered slowly like a living thing.

Five days later, Thousand Illusions's treasure was delivered through the merchant guild.

All the treasures are in place.

"Xuanji, the commuter Flying Shuttle for the previously reserved Rebirth Corridor." Lin Yi stood up and carefully put away the core treasures such as the Turbid Spring Core Essence Jade Box and the Extinction Crystal Core.

Ten minutes later, Lin Yi boarded the Flying Shuttle and flew to the "Rebirth Hall" deep within the Origin Star cultivation area.

After verifying his permissions, Lin Yi stepped into the corridor filled with a hazy gray mist, where a jumble of thoughts of death and past lives washed over him like a tidal wave.

Countless illusory faces of wailing appeared and disappeared on the walls on both sides.

Lin Yi sat cross-legged on the "Rebirth Platform" in the center of the corridor.

He did not rush to use the Turbid Spring Core Essence, but instead activated the auxiliary effects of the Nether Soul Crystal and the Eternal Sleep Breath, gradually aligning his soul frequency with the Law of Death.

At the same time, he took out the Extinction Crystal Core and, based on the "Annihilation Guidance Method" recorded in the Prison Suppressor Suppression Manual, supplemented by his own power of the Time Law, carefully guided the violent destructive and death energy within it, transforming it into relatively gentle ripples of enlightenment.

After making these preparations, Lin Yi's thoughts sank into the Purple Mist Space.

"Spiritual Enlightenment Qi, ignite!"

A purple flame of enlightenment suddenly ignited, instantly boosting his Thought Speed, comprehension, and deductive abilities to their limits.

Lin Yi decided to begin with the most basic meaning of stillness, contemplating the withering of all things, the annihilation of stars, and the return of civilization to nothingness, to experience that "absolute stillness" where all activity ultimately ceases.

Supported by the Spiritual Enlightenment Qi, his soul operated efficiently, and his understanding of the laws of death, starting from 0%, steadily and steadfastly climbed upwards.

1%...5%...10%...

Three months later, Lin Yi successfully crossed the threshold of the Law of Death and officially entered the field.

He has gained a preliminary understanding of the true meaning of "silence" and can clearly perceive those things in the surrounding environment that tend to be "still".

The underlying principles of "ending".

Over the next six months, he continued to delve deeper, beginning to touch upon the true meaning of "the end."

Everything has a beginning and an end; death is that end.

He used cases from "The Records of the Nether Path" to deduce the process of material decay, energy dissipation, and information annihilation, and to understand the irreversibility and inevitability of "the end".

When the year was up and he left the Rebirth Corridor, Lin Yi's comprehension of the Law of Death had reached 28.7%, firmly establishing him in the early stages of the Law.

Lin Yi then immediately rushed to the Tomb of Annihilation.

The environment here is completely different from that of the Rebirth Corridor.

There were no illusory wails or reminiscences, only a suffocating silence.

The sky over this Divine Kingdom of death is an eternal dark gray, the earth is cracked, and the exposed rocks are a pale gray-white, as if all life has been drained from them.

The air was filled with the lingering deathly essence of that fallen god, like an invisible mountain, pressing down on the soul of every person who entered.

Lin Yi sat down in front of the "Annihilation Stele" at the core of the tomb.

The energy fluctuations here are the most intense, and the sense of oppression is also the strongest.

After half a day of adjustment, his Spiritual Enlightenment Qi ignited once more.

While Lin Yi devoted a portion of his mind to stabilizing his soul's fluctuations using the laws of time to resist the erosion of the "Return to Nothingness" will contained in the surrounding environment, he also focused on comprehending "annihilation" and "Return to Nothingness".

The insights gained from "The True Explanation of Annihilation" played a significant role in this context.

Lin Yi no longer views death as a simple end, but rather as a "return"—energy returning to nothingness, matter returning to dust, and information returning to chaos.

Nirvana is not disappearance, but transformation into the most primitive and fundamental form of existence, awaiting the opportunity for the next round of "creation".

Perception level steadily increased: 30%...33%...38%...

However, when his comprehension reached 39.5%, Lin Yi noticed that his comprehension speed had started to slow down significantly.

Lin Yi knew it was time.

He took a deep breath, took out the black jade box, and gently opened it.

A drop of murky, ink-black liquid, exuding an ancient and pure aura of death, floats quietly within it; this is the Turbid Spring Core Essence.

Lin Yi used his Soul Power to guide the drop of marrow into his brow.

In an instant, the ancient and vast aura of death's origin spread through his soul.

This aura was incredibly pure, and it also carried an enlightening power that pointed directly to the ultimate mystery of the laws of death.

Lin Yi suddenly had a flash of inspiration and his understanding of the true meaning of "Gui Xu" became clear.

The Void is not the end of the end, but rather the "collection" and "destination" of all ending processes; it is the "Source Sea" of the laws of death.

After all things perish, their "end" essence will flow into this Source Sea, becoming part of the laws of death.

My comprehension level is starting to soar!

40%...41%...43%...

Soon, a standard year had passed.

Lin Yi slowly opened his eyes, a deep, dark glint flashing across them—a sign that the laws of death had permeated his soul.

He carefully contemplated the complex imprint of the law of death deep within his soul.

"53%... slightly faster than expected," Lin Yi muttered to himself, somewhat satisfied.

Although the Turbid Spring Core Essence can only last for one standard year, they have indeed exceeded expectations. The remaining two drops should be used with caution.

Although there were still six months left in the cultivation period at the House of Annihilation, Lin Yi was not in a hurry to continue cultivating.

Now that two years have passed, the selection process for Secret Realm One should begin, and he needs to see what's going on.

"Xuanji, during my seclusion, did you receive any news regarding the selection process for the Secret Realm One?" Lin Yi asked.

"Yes, Master. Three standard days ago, Lord Ming Luo of the Purple Gold Star Union sent a virtual visit request, saying: 'Brother Lin Yi, I have important matters to discuss regarding the Secret Realm One realm quota and clan subsidies.' I replied on his behalf that Master is currently in seclusion."

Ming Luo?

Lin Yi's heart stirred slightly.

"Send a virtual meeting invitation to Ming Luo for me."

Lin Yi gave the instructions.

"Yes, Master... The virtual meeting invitation has been approved."

Lin Yi nodded, while tidying his appearance.

A moment later, his consciousness connected to the Virtual Network and appeared in his own virtual meeting room.

Almost simultaneously, Ming Luo's familiar figure materialized.

"Brother Lin Yi, you've finished your seclusion? I imagine you've made further progress." Ming Luo greeted him with a smile as soon as he appeared.

"Not bad, some progress." Lin Yi replied with a smile. "Any results from the secret realm selection?"

"Haha, I knew you'd care about this." Ming Luo didn't beat around the bush and said directly, "That's right, the selection process just ended."

I'm here today to formally inform you that you've passed the qualification review for Secret Realm One and have secured a spot to enter!

Lin Yi nodded, not surprised at all.

There must be corresponding exemption or priority mechanisms within the ethnic group.

After all, given the strength and talent he has demonstrated, if the Human Race can even eliminate him, then no one in the younger generation will be able to enter.

"I'm sure you'll be fine Ming Luo," Lin Yi said.

As a veteran Eternal Divinity, Ming Luo's strength is quite good among ordinary gods. After gaining a large amount of battle merits last time, he will definitely have improved. As long as he wants to enter, he will definitely be able to get a spot.

"Just lucky, just lucky." Ming Luo's smile widened, then he rubbed his hands together, his tone becoming somewhat excited. "However, this notification of the available spots is only one thing. The more important reason I'm here is to convey another message."

"As you probably know, the clan provides an extra subsidy to everyone who gets in, based on a comprehensive evaluation. It's the clan's support for those of us Human Race to enter the secret realm and compete for opportunities."

Upon hearing this, Lin Yi's expression turned serious.

This is also a key concern for him, since he can't fully utilize the Death Law just by relying on the list Points.

Ming Luo noticed the seriousness in Lin Yi's eyes, and deliberately paused before continuing, "The amount of this subsidy varies from person to person. For old guys like us, our potential is basically set, so the assessment mainly looks at our current combat strength and potential role in the secret realm."

"The subsidy I received was... 100,000 clan merits."

When Ming Luo announced the number, a clear look of satisfaction appeared on his face.

100,000 clan merits is a considerable resource for Eternal Divinity, enough to exchange for many good items.

"Congratulations," Lin Yi said.

"Pshaw, this is nothing."

Ming Luo waved her hand, her gaze fixed intently on Lin Yi, "Brother Lin Yi, the point is you. Do you know how much subsidy you received?"

Um?

Upon hearing this, Lin Yi's heart stirred.

Judging from Ming Luo's appearance, the clan's reward for his meritorious service was clearly not a small amount.

While thinking to himself, Lin Yi replied with a smile, "Looks like there's quite a bit?"

Ming Luo grinned. "More than a lot."

He then took a deep breath and slowly said, "After deliberation by the Secret Realm One Affairs Committee under the Human Race Supreme Council, and a comprehensive evaluation considering your age, talent, current combat strength, and expected future contributions to the Human Race..."

"You, Lin Yi, have received a clan honorary allowance of..."

Five million!