A Talk with His Senior Brother, Ambitions to Climb Higher

On the central auction stage, Bota announced the official start of the auction.

The first items to be auctioned were 43 prototype Source Treasures.

Although these prototypes have not yet become fully formed source treasures, their relatively affordable prices make them a highly attractive option for deities with limited resources who are unwilling to give up the opportunity.

Bota displayed the prototypes of the Source Treasure in a pre-determined order, numbered from shortest to longest according to their "estimated time required to form," and provided brief attribute descriptions.

The bidding begins.

A semi-transparent energy screen appeared in front of each deity, who could anonymously input the prototype number they desired and their bid through soul fluctuations.

Bids can be converted from their share of the spoils they just received, or they can be other treasures, Points crystals, etc., with the temporary auction system provided by the Machine Race valuing them in real time.

The entire process was quiet and efficient.

One piece, two pieces, ten pieces...

Deities were constantly operating rapidly on the light screen in front of them, their faces sometimes showing hesitation and sometimes decisiveness.

Lin Yi could clearly see from above that the competition was particularly fierce for those prototypes with better attributes and shorter development time, with transaction prices often exceeding the reserve price by several times. On the other hand, those with less desirable attributes or those that required a long development time were relatively quiet, but they could still eventually be sold at a not-too-bad price.

After about two standard hours, all 43 prototype Yuanbao items were photographed.

After a short rest and adjustment, the real highlight, the auction of 61 complete source treasures, officially begins!

The atmosphere below grew even more somber.

A complete Origin Treasure, even the most ordinary first-tier Origin Treasure, signifies a qualitative leap in combat power and is the foundation for these deities to compete for greater opportunities in the secret realm.

Moreover, many of them are high-quality second- or even third-tier items. Even if they don't reach the level of a Venerable Lord in the future, they can still make a profit by reselling them.

"The first item, number 01, is a Tier 1 Source Treasure of the Fire Origin Law, with an estimated Origin Law concentration of 2%..." Bota began his introduction.

The fierce competition began silently.

One piece, five pieces, twenty pieces...

As each powerful treasure was displayed, bid on, and ultimately sold, the gods below sometimes lamented their missed opportunities, and at other times couldn't contain their wild joy and whispered excitedly upon acquiring them.

Since everyone present was of similar status and position, the higher-ranking deities didn't need to put on airs, so they could laugh, joke, and curse as they pleased.

From his vantage point high above, Lin Yi had a panoramic view of all living beings.

He watched for a while, then turned his gaze to Ellis beside him.

This quasi-Lord of the Spirit Race simply sat calmly, occasionally lingering for a moment when his gaze swept over a particular source treasure, but he never intended to participate in the bidding.

To him, these low-level source treasures were completely useless.

Soon, the auction entered its second half.

The further you progress, the rarer the attributes of the Source Treasures become, and the higher their tiers are also.

Before long, the Space Source Treasure appeared.

There are 7 items in total, ranging from Tier 1 to Tier 3.

This undoubtedly triggered a new round of bidding frenzy.

As a superior law, the Space Law ranks among the top in terms of the value and practicality of its source treasures.

Especially for deities who specialize in the Space Law, a suitable spatial treasure is no less important than a second life.

Lin Yi looked at one of the third-tier spatial treasures, the "Void Prism," and his heart stirred slightly. After thinking for a moment, he entered a price on the energy screen that appeared in front of him: 50 billion Points.

This is already a fairly high price, enough to buy a massive amount of low-grade Source Essence Crystal.

However, a moment later, Bota announced the transaction results, "S-44 Space Source Treasure Void Prism," final transaction price: 92 billion Points.

Lin Yi's bid was surpassed.

He shook his head slightly, not at all surprised.

Before a truly determined deity, his tentative offer was clearly insufficient.

He stopped trying and quietly watched as the remaining spatial treasures were sold at higher prices.

All 7 Space Source Treasures are sold out.

Next up is the grand finale: the Time Source Treasure.

Bota's voice rose slightly, a rare occurrence. "Next, we will auction the last five Source Treasures, all of which are of the Time attribute. Numbered T-01 to T-05."

"T-01, First-Order Time Source Hourglass of Time", estimated Origin Law concentration 3%.

"T-02, Second-Order Time Source Treasure Marks of Time", Origin Law Concentration Estimated 11%.

"T-03, Second-Order Time Source Treasure Echoes of Ages", Origin Law Concentration Estimated at 13%.

"T-04, Third-Order Time Source Treasure: Eternal Instant", Origin Law Concentration Estimated at 21%.

"T-05, Third-Order Time Source Treasure Time Amber", estimated Origin Law concentration 23%.

The information about the five Time Source Treasures was presented in sequence.

Lin Yi's gaze was mainly focused on the last two Tier 3 Time Source Treasures.

"Eternal Instant" and "Time Amber" both have Origin Law concentration of over 20%, making them top-tier source treasures among third-tier treasures...

Lin Yi hesitated for a moment.

Points are limited, and using them to buy Source Treasures means that the number of Source Essence Crystal that can be exchanged will be reduced. Moreover, high-level Source Treasures can currently only exert the power of the first level at most in his hands.

Of course, the most important thing is that, based on the information he had obtained before, there are Source Treasures that can be exchanged after the 50th floor. He is absolutely confident that he can enter the 50th floor, so there is no need to rush at all.

"Fine, I'll give it a try. If I can't buy it, so be it. I'll secure the Source Essence Crystal first." Lin Yi made his decision.

Soon, it was the fourth item's turn: the third-tier Time Source Treasure, "Eternal Instant".

Lin Yi thought for a moment and then entered a price on the screen: 50 billion Points.

This price is ridiculously low compared to its normal market value of at least 100 billion.

He only offered a token price, but didn't insist.

However, after the countdown ended, Bota's voice rang out. "T-04 Time Treasure: Eternal Instant," final transaction price: 50 billion Points.

Almost as soon as Bota finished speaking, Lin Yi's temporary auction system transmitted an encrypted message:

[Congratulations on successfully bidding for the Eternal Instant!]

Lin Yi was stunned.

50 billion? Deal closed? Or was it me?

A murmur of barely suppressed discussion immediately arose below.

"50 billion? A third-tier Time Source Treasure? Did I hear that right?"

"This price... how come it's even lower than the first-tier spatial treasure from before..."

Who offered the price? It couldn't be...

"That makes sense... I guess everyone tacitly refrained from bidding."

"Lin Yi still has two clones without Time Source Treasures. Who would bother competing with Lin Yi for this? Even if they did manage to bid for it, they probably wouldn't dare use it..."

"No wonder the price of Yuanbao was so high just three days ago..."

Hearing the faint sounds of discussion coming from below, Lin Yi quickly realized what was happening, and a look of bewilderment appeared on his face.

He didn't threaten anyone, not even a hint.

However, in this environment, faced with the implicit authority brought about by absolute strength and contributions, the other gods naturally chose to yield.

His "meaningful" offer became the only valid offer.

Ellis, standing to the side, turned her head with a smile and transmitted her voice, "That's normal. In the end, the strong rule this world. Besides, this great harvest was mainly brought about by you and me. They are grateful to you and also respect your power, so naturally no one will compete with you for the Time Source Treasure."

Lin Yi shook his head helplessly and replied telepathically, "That's true, but this advantage is... a bit unexpected."

Ellis smiled and said nothing more.

Soon, the final item, the Tier 3 Time Treasure "Time Amber," went up for auction.

Having learned from past mistakes, Lin Yi sighed inwardly.

Actually, these weren't things he urgently needed, but clearly, everyone assumed he needed the last item and wouldn't bid for it.

After a moment's thought, he typed on the screen: 150 billion Points.

Since everyone had "given way" to him in the previous item, he planned to make it up to them in the last item.

Because he didn't want to take advantage of the situation.

Countdown is over.

Bota announced, "T-05 Time Treasure Time Amber", final transaction price: 150 billion Points.

A buzz of discussion arose again from below, this time with even more questions.

"150 billion? How come the last one is 150 billion?"

"Didn't they say no one would dare to rob it? How come the last one suddenly has a price?"

"Yeah, the previous one was only 50 billion, how come the last one jumped to 150 billion?"

"Who would dare to deliberately inflate Lin Yi's price? That shouldn't be the case..."

"Wait, look, the two together, 50 billion plus 150 billion, is 200 billion... which is exactly the total price of the two Tier 3 spatial treasures..."

"I suspect that it was Lin Yi who raised the price himself? He saw that the first bid was too low and didn't want everyone to think he got a great deal, so he raised the price at the very end?"

"Possibly! Two Tier 3 Time Source Treasures are worth approximately 200 billion, so Mr. Lin Yi has essentially won the bid normally."

"Lord Lin Yi... is indeed a man of integrity!"

"What a display of strength!"

Ellis glanced at Lin Yi with a hint of surprise, then laughed, "Lin Yi, you really are a bit..."

"Unlike others."

He had assumed that Lin Yi would readily accept the benefits of that "tacit understanding."

Lin Yi smiled and said, "Hey, it's just that I'm practically a quasi-Lord now, so why should I take advantage of the gods? I should pay the price I'm supposed to pay."

Ellis nodded in agreement. "That's right. A strong person should have the demeanor and bearing of a strong person."

Finally, this grand joint auction came to a close.

According to Bota's final statistics, the total transaction amount of the items belonging to Lin Yi (who provided 32 Yuanbao items and corresponding loot shares) reached 1.89 trillion Points.

As agreed, Lin Yi received 70% of it, which is 1.323 trillion Points.

Adding the remaining Points and resources from his previous personal loot, as well as the funds from the large amount of equipment and treasures he was about to sell, the number of "usable Points" he now possessed had reached a terrifying figure.

Of course, the bulk of the revenue still comes from physical assets that have not yet been converted into cash.

The auction has officially ended.

Lin Yi and Ellis's figures slowly disappeared from the high seats.

Back at his residence in the Frost Eternal Base, Lin Yi did not rush to the evacuation point to exchange for Source Essence Crystal.

He stood by the window of the quiet room, gazing at the tranquil starry sky outside, pondering for a moment.

Immediately, with a slight thought, he sent a Soul Transmission across space, transmitting it precisely.

"Senior Brother, if you have time, please come to my residence for a chat."

Outside the auction venue.

Prison Suppressor was walking with several familiar Human Race, discussing the auction they had just witnessed with great interest, when suddenly he paused, and the smile on his face vanished for a moment.

"Everyone," Prison Suppressor said with a smile to his friends, "I was originally planning to go for a drink and have a good chat, but I have to excuse myself. My junior brother wants to see me; he has something to discuss."

Upon hearing this, the Human Race immediately showed expressions of understanding and even slight envy.

"Lin Yi's business is of utmost importance!"

"Your Prison Suppressor, please proceed. We will meet again another day."

Please give our regards to His Lin Yi.

Prison Suppressor nodded, summoned a Flying Shuttle, and quickly flew towards Lin Yi's residence.

He felt a mix of surprise and warmth.

The great battle had just ended, the underground bidding had just concluded, and there were many trivial matters to attend to. Surprisingly, his junior brother was still thinking about the "post-battle chat" that he had mentioned before.

A moment later, the Flying Shuttle landed on the platform outside Lin Yi's residence.

The courtyard door slid open silently, and Lin Yi's voice came from inside. "Senior brother, come in."

Prison Suppressor strode in.

This is a rather elegant and tranquil courtyard, with a bamboo table and several bamboo stools in the center.

Lin Yi was already seated at the table, with an antique dark purple wine pot and two jade cups of the same color placed in front of him.

"Senior brother, please sit down." Lin Yi pointed to the bamboo stool opposite him.

Prison Suppressor and sat down, his gaze immediately drawn to the wine pot.

The wine jug has a strange shape, resembling some kind of curled-up mythical beast. A faint black mist with Starflare swirls around its mouth, and an extremely mellow aroma of wine, carrying subtle fluctuations of laws, emanates from it.

"Try it, this is a good find." Lin Yi smiled, and with a thought, the wine pot flew up automatically, its spout tilting, and the viscous wine, deep purple with starlight, slid down like silk, precisely filling two wine glasses.

Prison Suppressor picked up his wine glass, sniffed it lightly, a hint of surprise flashing in his eyes, and then took a small sip.

The wine was not spicy upon entering the mouth; instead, it was like a warm nectar, instantly transforming into countless tiny warm currents that spread throughout the body, even sharpening the perception of the laws.

A profound and expansive feeling resonated within my chest and abdomen.

"This is..." Prison Suppressor's eyes lit up as he pondered the matter.

"Dark Demon Ten Thousand Fruit Wine," Lin Yi said with a smile, "Is said to be a specialty of a powerful clan called the Dark Demon Ape Clan from the Abyss Race. It requires a god-level Dark Demon Ape to spend a great deal of time and rare fruits to brew. It's extremely rare to find in our Pan-Spirit Alliance."

"It's not just extremely rare, it's practically legendary!" Prison Suppressor took another sip and sighed, "I've only ever seen descriptions of it in ancient clan records. It's said to not only have significant benefits in stabilizing the soul and purifying divine power, but also slightly nourish one's understanding of the laws. This cup alone is quite valuable."

Lin Yi laughed heartily, "I'm glad you like it, Senior Brother. I still have some left; I'll take some back and enjoy them slowly."

As he spoke, he raised his hand and waved it, and ten more jugs of the same type of Dark Demon Ten Thousand Fruit Wine appeared neatly on the table.

Seeing this, Prison Suppressor didn't refuse and said with a smile, "Then I won't stand on ceremony."

With a wave of his hand, he stored the ten jugs of fine wine into his storage space, his smile widening.

Between fellow students, this kind of sharing needs no further explanation.

The two enjoyed fine wine and chatted for a while about the interesting stories of the secret realm and their experiences with various ethnic groups, creating a relaxed and harmonious atmosphere.

After a few rounds of drinks, Lin Yi's smile faded slightly. He pondered for a moment and then put down his glass.

Seeing this, Prison Suppressor put down his cup, knowing that his junior brother wanted to talk about serious matters.

"Senior brother," Lin Yi said slowly, looking at Prison Suppressor, "I had a fortuitous encounter in the Myriad Secret Realm and obtained some... rather special treasures."

The Prison Suppressor warden straightened his expression and listened attentively.

Lin Yi continued, "Although there's not much left, I've thought about it carefully, and it should... be helpful for your breakthrough to the Origin Law, Senior Brother."

This was Lin Yi's carefully considered statement.

After learning from Ellis about the secrets of the Origin Universe Tower and the possible existence of higher-level powerhouses, he completely abandoned the idea of expanding the scope of those who knew about "Spiritual Enlightenment Qi" or "Purified Source Essence".

The soul seal might be secure, but who can guarantee that the stronger beings within the Chaos Tribunal Sea don't have ways to break it?

More importantly, after discovering that the Purple Mist Space could evolve, Lin Yi suddenly realized that the Purple Mist Space was not static.

It can now efficiently purify and absorb low-level Source Essence Crystal, but what about the future?

Is there a limit? Or, after absorbing a certain amount of low-grade Source Essence Crystal, will a higher-grade "fuel" be needed?

These are all unknowns, and he must plan ahead.

Therefore, he decided to no longer readily offer Spiritual Enlightenment Qi to others.

Of course, it's not a one-size-fits-all approach. Allocating a small portion to help Prison Suppressor Brother Zhenyu and his close friends, such as Third Senior Sister, to break through the threshold of Origin Law is still acceptable.

Prison Suppressor wasn't too surprised to hear Lin Yi say that.

Lin Yi's journey through the Myriad Secret Realm is legendary and renowned throughout the entire Pan-Spirit Alliance. It's only natural that he would have some extraordinary encounters and gains.

He smiled and waved his hand, "I appreciate your kindness, junior brother. However, since this treasure is helpful for beginners in the Origin Law, you should be able to use it yourself as well. You've just entered the Time Origin Law, and it's a time when you need a lot of resources to consolidate and improve. You should use it on yourself first."

Lin Yi wasn't surprised by his senior brother's polite refusal, so he smiled and said, "Senior brother, don't be so polite with me."

The remaining benefits for me are rather limited, and besides... if it weren't for my senior brother's guidance and care in the past, I wouldn't be where I am today. So, this matter is settled."

He wasn't entirely lying. With a stable daily output of a hundred strands and a massive reserve of Source Essence Crystal, allocating a portion to help Prison Suppressor wouldn't affect his own cultivation.

Upon hearing Prison Suppressor's smile slowly faded, and his eyes became serious.

He could indeed see the determination in Lin Yi's expression and hear the sincerity in his voice.

Since my junior brother has already made up his mind and said all this, it would seem pretentious to refuse him now.

Prison Suppressor was not an indecisive person.

He was silent for a moment, then nodded and said in a deep voice, "Very well. Since you say so, junior brother, then I, your senior brother, am truly grateful. I will remember this kindness."

A smile returned to Lin Yi's face, "That's more like it."

Prison Suppressor immediately said seriously, "However, you just said that the treasure can help me try to break through to the Origin Law, which is of great importance. Junior brother, are you sure that the treasure can safely assist in comprehending the Origin Law and will not leave any hidden dangers?"

"I've personally verified it; the effects are remarkable, and there are no hidden dangers," Lin Yi affirmed. He was the most qualified to speak on this point, as the Spiritual Enlightenment Qi transformed from the Purple Mist Space was incomparably pure. "However, the specific principles involve the core of my fortuitous encounter, so I cannot elaborate."

Prison Suppressor nodded understandingly. He was concerned about safety and effectiveness. There were countless adventures in the universe, many of which involved one's greatest secrets, and it was indeed inconvenient to delve into them.

"It allows you to enter the Hall of Time Origin Law in a short time, its effectiveness is beyond doubt. Its safety has also been personally verified by you, so I naturally trust it," Prison Suppressor said, his expression becoming even more serious. "That's precisely why this matter must be kept strictly confidential."

He looked at Lin Yi and reminded him, "Treasures that can assist in breaking through to the Origin Law are of immeasurable value. Once the news leaks out, even the slightest whisper could attract unimaginable covetousness and trouble. Even within the clan, it is not necessarily absolutely safe."

As he spoke, Prison Suppressor's expression turned solemn. He raised his right hand, and a deep silver light shone from his fingertips.

Then he drew lines in the air, and profound trajectories condensed before him, quickly forming a complex and stable soul rune imprint.

"This is Pact of Silence," Prison Suppressor's voice Soul Origin deep and resonant. "I swear that I will never, in any form, actively or passively, reveal any information about this treasure to any being today, nor will I investigate or explore its specific origin and essence. If I break this oath, may my Soul Origin disintegrate, and I fall into eternal nothingness."

As soon as he finished speaking, the silver soul mark shone brightly, then transformed into a stream of light and disappeared into Prison Suppressor's brow.

"Senior brother..." Lin Yi wanted to say something.

Prison Suppressor waved his hand, his expression returning to normal, and smiled, "No need to say more, it's only right. This concerns the opportunity of the Origin Law, so no amount of caution is excessive."

Seeing that Prison Suppressor was so decisive, Lin Yi stopped being polite and said directly, "After we get out, I will find an opportunity to give you the item. At that time, you will experience its miraculous effects."

Prison Suppressor nodded knowingly. "I understand. Then let's wait until it's convenient for you, Junior Brother."

He didn't ask what it was specifically; having made the vow, he would abide by the boundaries.

After the business was finished, the atmosphere between the two relaxed again.

Prison Suppressor poured himself another cup of Dark Demon Ten Thousand Fruit Wine, took a leisurely sip, and then asked, "By the way, Junior Brother, what are your plans next?"

Lin Yi also picked up his wine glass and replied, "Let's take in the points that won't raise our Points first, exchange them for some cultivation resources, and then cultivate while selling off the equipment and treasures."

"Since that's the case, and there will be opportunities to meet again in 47, then I won't bother you any longer." Prison Suppressor downed his drink in one gulp, stood up, and said, "Junior brother, you're busy. Keep in touch anytime."

"Take care, senior brother."

After seeing Prison Suppressor off, Lin Yi stood alone in the courtyard and let out a soft breath.

"Now, it's time to get down to business."

Lin Yi's figure flashed and disappeared from the courtyard, appearing in the quiet room.

With a thought, the Points crystals existing in his Internal World surged out like a stream, piling up in the center of the quiet room into a small mountain of shimmering crystals.

Lin Yi stretched out his hand, palm facing the pile of crystals.

An invisible suction force emanated from his palm, and pieces of Points crystals flew into his hand. He then gently squeezed them, and they turned into specks of starlight, disappearing into the secret realm mark between his eyebrows.

[Points +12,800,000]

[Points +5,500,000]

[Points +31,200,000]

In his mind, the Secret Realm Mark kept sending notifications that his Points were increasing.

Lin Yi was silently calculating in his mind.

Finally, after Points 250 billion points, he stopped absorbing them.

Because once it exceeds 500 billion, it will meet the standard for upgrading to the 48th floor, and once he enters the evacuation point, he will not be able to get out.

Including this 250 billion, his total Points now amount to 495.4 billion, which is just right.

After completing the preparations, Lin Yi disappeared from the quiet room and appeared at the evacuation point the next moment.

Many deities entered and exited outside the vortex, but upon seeing Lin Yi appear, they all cast respectful glances and consciously made way for him.

Lin Yi nodded slightly to them, then stepped into the vortex, once again finding himself in the pure white space.

In the center, the soft Light Sphere floated silently.

"Exchange 250 billion Points for low-grade Source Essence Crystal." Lin Yi didn't waste any words and directly issued the command to the Light Sphere.

The next moment, the pure white space was filled with brilliant light.

The densely packed low-level Source Essence Crystal piled up into a small mountain.

With a thought, Lin Yi instantly vanished from the massive crystal mountain, which he then absorbed into his Internal World.

Without any hesitation, he left the pure white space.

However, instead of returning to his residence's meditation room, he appeared directly in the exclusive meditation room that the Frost Eternal Base had specially arranged for him, the quasi-Lord.

Then Lin Yi instructed in his mind, "Xuanji, I need to go into seclusion to cultivate. You are fully responsible for selling those equipment, treasures, and other physical spoils of war. Do not disturb me unless it is an emergency."

"Yes, Master." Xuanji's reply immediately echoed in her mind, "I wish Master a successful seclusion."

Lin Yi had complete confidence in Xuanji's abilities.

After upgrading to a high-level god- Intelligent Life, her abilities were far beyond what they used to be, making her more than capable of handling these business activities.

After doing all this, Lin Yi turned his attention to the Source Essence Crystal mountain in his Internal World.

"Let's begin."

Lin Yi activated his will, Source Essence Crystal mountain in his Internal World trembled slightly. The outermost crystal began to transform into a slightly mixed torrent of chaotic energy, surging into his body and converging into the Purple Mist Space deep within his soul.

The Purple Mist Space accepts all who come, operating with high efficiency, rapidly stripping away impurities from the surging chaotic energy, refining and transforming it into Spiritual Enlightenment Qi that merge into the vast, swirling purple nebula.

It was a relatively long and tedious process, but Lin Yi remained focused.

Ever since he learned from Ellis about the Origin Universe Tower, the "Connection Conditions," and the secrets of the vast world beyond the universe, a flame had been ignited in his heart.

He didn't plan to stay on the 49th floor for too long.

Although that place is the domain of powerful beings who wield the power of the Origin Law, with richer resources and greater challenges, for him, time is always the most important thing.

He needs to improve his strength as quickly as possible to meet the requirements for entering the 50th floor.

According to Ellis, there are no Points required to enter the 50th floor; it only tests absolute strength. Usually, one needs combat power comparable to the most ordinary first-tier Venerable Lord, which means that one's comprehension of the Space Origin Law must reach about 10%.

While absorbing the Source Essence Crystal, Lin Yi planned the path to his famous future.

"As long as all the spoils can be converted into Points, it will be enough to increase the Time Origin Law from 1% to 10% in a short period of time."

"Once the Time Origin Law reaches 10%, my Internal World can double in size. At that time, my Main Body, along with two Fearless War God Clone and several Time Source Treasures... will be comparable to an ordinary newly initiated Venerable Lord. Reaching the 50th floor and obtaining the mark will be a natural progression."

"And then... comes the higher levels."

"Just because the Supreme One couldn't reach level 60 doesn't mean I can't!"