Reactions from the Outside World, a Message from the Overlord
600,000 years!
This number kept echoing in Lin Yi's mind.
Even with his current soul essence at the Venerable Lord Rank, he couldn't help but feel dizzy at the terrifying possibility represented by this number.
"6600 years, an increase of 3.21% in my understanding of the Time Origin Law..." Lin Yi quickly calculated in his mind, "If this efficiency is followed linearly, 600,000 years' worth of Spiritual Enlightenment Qi reserves would be enough to support me increasing my understanding of the Time Origin Law by... a full 300%!"
300%!
This far exceeds the limit of 100% complete mastery.
Of course, Lin Yi was well aware that the path of cultivation would become increasingly difficult as one progressed, especially when it came to comprehending the Origin Law, a power that touched the very origin of the universe. The efficiency of subsequent comprehension would inevitably decrease, and it would be impossible to maintain the initial speed indefinitely.
"Even if the difficulty doubles later... I should be able to achieve a 100% total improvement, right?" Lin Yi thought to himself, an irrepressible sense of excitement beginning to grow within him. "That way, I can completely master the Time Origin Law, reach the Extreme Realm the Evolution Realm, and thus step into the God-level! My strength can soar once again..."
That's not right!
At this moment, Lin Yi suddenly realized what was happening.
What nonsense about reaching godhood? Is that even the point?
The key point is, if he fully masters the Time Origin Law, wouldn't that mean... he's reached the Dominator level in terms of soul comprehension?
The thought flashed through Lin Yi's mind like lightning, leaving him feeling an unbelievable sense of absurdity and shock.
He, a newcomer who has only cultivated for tens of thousands of years, a "quasi-Lord" who has only recently stepped into the threshold of the Time Origin Law, is already looking forward to the realm of the Dominator?
Although he knew very well that even if his soul comprehension reached the Dominator level, he could at most be considered an "Eternal Divinity with Dominator-level soul comprehension," whose actual combat power might be able to crush the Venerable Lord, but he certainly couldn't compare to a true Dominator.
Even so, this prospect was enough to excite him.
Moreover, this is not the end.
Lin Yi suddenly remembered another piece of information Ellis had revealed: the Spirit Race's Bright Moon Supreme, back when she was a god, relied on her complete mastery of the Space Origin Law to rush all the way to the 59th floor of the Origin Universe Tower, but due to the huge gap in energy levels, she finally stopped and failed to step into the 60th floor.
"Back then, even with the perfected Space Realm, Bright Moon Supreme could reach the 59th floor." Lin Yi's thoughts began to race. "If I... fully mastered the Time Origin Law, and then refined the Space Origin Law, combining space and time..."
What terrifying power would be generated by the combination of the Origin Law spacetime?
Lin Yi couldn't imagine it precisely, but he knew it was far beyond a single temporal or Space Origin Law.
"Perhaps... I will be able to break through the barrier of the 59th floor and step into the 60th floor, which no god has ever set foot on before?"
This thought made Lin Yi's breathing quicken.
60 floors!
According to the rules of the Origin Universe Tower, you get a one-star mark at level 50, so what about level 60?
Will there be even higher star ratings?
Or is it hiding other secrets?
"I possess unique talent. Seeing the path to becoming a guaranteed ruler, and aspiring to the supreme realm... I also don't want to be trapped on this isolated island like those powerful individuals. Reaching the 60th floor is imperative!"
A strong ambition burned like a flame in Lin Yi's heart.
After learning from Ellis that the universe might be an isolated island and the Origin Universe Tower might be the way out, his self-light had already been cast into the vast Chaos Cosmic Sea.
In an instant, Lin Yi's mind raced with a myriad of thoughts, as various possibilities, opportunities, and challenges about the future flashed through his mind.
A supreme-level understanding of the soul, combat power combining space and time, the possibility of reaching the 60th floor, and even... the pursuit of the secrets hidden behind the Origin Universe Tower, the path to "connection" with other universes...
Every possibility captivated him.
About fifteen minutes later, Lin Yi finally managed to gather his scattered thoughts and let out a long breath.
Excitement is one thing, ambition is another, but the real problems remain.
"Thinking about these things now... is useless." Lin Yi smiled bitterly, shook his head, and temporarily suppressed those overly distant aspirations.
"Although I desperately want to get to the evacuation point immediately, exchange all my Points for Source Essence Crystal, and then start my seclusion right away..." He licked his lips, a hint of helplessness flashing in his eyes, "But unfortunately... I can't."
If he gains Points, the total will exceed 500 billion. At that point, he will be able to enter but not exit. He also still has some goods that haven't been processed yet, and he will definitely have to wait until they are basically sold out before he can leave.
"This feeling of having money but not being able to spend it... it's really frustrating," Lin Yi couldn't help but mutter to himself.
Having a huge sum of money but being unable to immediately convert it into power due to rule restrictions is indeed a frustrating feeling.
As for the idea of having other gods help with the exchange, Lin Yi only briefly considered it before quickly dismissing it.
It takes a normal deity a long time to digest a single Source Essence Crystal, and the process is not easy. If a large number of people entrust others to exchange them, anyone who isn't a fool can guess that the deity has unconventional methods to quickly digest Source Essence Crystal.
"Forget it, I'll just have to bear with it for now. There's no rush," Lin Yi told himself.
Anyway, the loot hasn't all been sold yet, Points haven't all been collected.
Moreover, having just consumed 6,600 years of Spiritual Enlightenment Qi, he also needs time to consolidate and solidify the 4.21% of his insights, and to further familiarize himself with the two newly acquired Time Source Treasures.
One must take things one step at a time.
Thinking of this, Lin Yi composed himself and asked, "Xuanji, during my seclusion, was there any important news from the base?"
A figure in palace attire quietly appeared, bowing slightly. "Master, during your seclusion, there are two main things I need to report to you."
"First, approximately 5200 standard years ago, His Prison Suppressor inquired whether you had emerged from seclusion. Upon learning that you were still in deep seclusion, he expressed his understanding and subsequently went out to explore with Lie Feng, Qing Yun, and Laide, and they have not returned since."
Lin Yi nodded. His senior brothers must have teamed up to explore the Void Echo spectacle that Laide had mentioned earlier, which might contain Condensed Space Crystal.
With their combined strength, their safety should be assured.
"The second thing," Xuanji continued, "Is that around 1200 standard years ago, a high-ranking deity named Nuidize came to your residence to request an audience. At the time, you were in seclusion, and upon learning this, he left. However, according to the base's internal records, Nuidize is still within the Frost Eternal Base and has never left."
"Nuidize?"
Lin Yi vaguely recognized the name; it belonged to a veteran high-ranking deity of the Human Race, possessing considerable strength, but was not a holder of the Source Treasure and usually kept a low profile.
More importantly, he was Laide's good friend who helped him carry things out.
"Did he come to see me because there was a result regarding the matter I asked him to help me take something out, or was there something else?"
A thought flashed through Lin Yi's mind, and he then instructed, "Xuanji, send a text message to Nuidize in my name, inviting him to my residence for a chat."
"Yes, Master," Xuanji replied.
Soon, Xuanji said, "Master, Nuidize has replied. He says he's available anytime, and if it's convenient for you, he can come over now."
Lin Yi nodded. "Let him come over."
Perfect timing! He also wanted to hear what news Laide, this Nuidize, had brought.
at the same time.
Nuidize was sitting cross-legged in his residence, his divine power flowing around him as he carried out his daily cultivation.
He was a veteran high-ranking god of the Human Race, with a calm face and restrained aura. He was not particularly conspicuous in the Frost Eternal Base, but he had a long history and always acted with composure.
Since returning to the Frost Eternal Base in 1200 Standard Year, it has remained within the base and has not ventured out to explore.
It's not that there's no chance.
Several familiar divine friends invited him to try his luck at the newly discovered wonders, but he politely declined them all.
He's waiting.
Waiting for Lin Yi to emerge from seclusion.
Others may have only heard about the enormous impact of the great battle led by the two quasi-Lords on the outside world from the mouths of the gods who occasionally entered and exited the secret realm. Although the news was shocking, it was still separated by a layer and lacked personal experience.
But Nuidize is different.
He truly felt the influence and status that Lord Lin Yi now held in the Pan-Spirit Alliance, especially within the Human Race!
Being able to serve such a promising esteemed master, even if it's just running errands, as long as you can leave a good impression, the long-term benefits may far exceed the tens of thousands of years of adventure and exploration in the secret realm!
Therefore, he turned down all invitations and stayed at the base, cultivating while patiently waiting.
He believed that once Lin Yi emerged from seclusion and learned that he was at the base, he would most likely summon him.
This wait lasted for twelve hundred years.
finally.
"Master, we have received a text message from Lin Yi's Intelligent Life form, asking if you are available and inviting you to a meeting."
A ghostly figure of a stern-faced old man appeared beside him, offering a reminder.
Nuidize suddenly opened his eyes, a glint of light flashing in them, and the divine power flowing around his body instantly subsided.
It's here!
He took a deep breath, suppressing his excitement, and immediately replied, "I'll reply immediately. I'm available anytime and can go to see Lin Yi right now!"
"Lord Lin Yi's Intelligent Life has replied that access to his residence has been granted," the old man's illusory figure responded.
Nuidize immediately stood up, quickly tidied his appearance, and then left the residence.
He declined an invitation from a friend who happened to be passing by and wanted to go to the trading area with him, and instead summoned a common Flying Shuttle used throughout the base.
"Go to Lin Yi Yi's private residence area as quickly as possible."
"Instructions were given to the Flying Shuttle's intelligent system Nuidize instructed.
The Flying Shuttle transformed into a streak of light, speeding through the complex network of passageways within the base.
Nuidize sat in the cabin, feeling both expectant and somewhat apprehensive.
He repeatedly considered what he should say when they met later, how to properly report the matter clearly, and how to naturally express his respect and... that little bit of hope that might lead to a connection.
Soon, the Flying Shuttle arrived at the area that was protected by a more robust energy barrier and had a significantly quieter and more beautiful environment.
Nuidize verified his permissions at the entrance, and the Flying Shuttle was allowed to enter.
A moment later, he landed on the platform outside Lin Yi's residence.
The courtyard gate slid open silently, and Lin Yi's voice came from inside. "Please come in."
Nuidize composed himself and stepped inside.
In the courtyard, Lin Yi was sitting at a bamboo table with a simple tea set on it. He nodded slightly when he saw Lin Yi enter.
"Lord Lin Yi!" Nuidize stepped forward and bowed respectfully.
He dared not be the slightest bit negligent in the face of this powerful figure who was destined to stand at the pinnacle of the race.
"No need for formalities, please sit." Lin Yi gestured to the bamboo stool opposite him, his tone calm. "Thank you for your hard work this time, and for keeping you waiting at the base for so long."
Nuidize sat down as instructed and quickly said, "Lord Lin Yi, you flatter me! It is my honor to serve you, and I would gladly wait however long it takes."
He adopted a very humble attitude, and his words were full of respect.
Lin Yi smiled, not bothering with formalities, and asked directly, "How did things go?"
"Very smoothly!"
Nuidize's spirits lifted, knowing the main point was coming. He sat up straight and reported clearly, "I personally delivered that information crystal to Silver Blue Star, the capital of the Silver Blue Civilization, and handed it over to the management AI Xuanji Sub-Unit there. She has confirmed receipt and activated the internal commands."
"Furthermore, as you instructed, I sold the high-level divine equipment and treasures in that storage bracelet in batches through some reliable channels of the Human Race Chamber of Commerce. The process went smoothly, and all the proceeds have been deposited into the Silver Blue Civilization Public Development Fund account. This is a detailed record of the transactions and the flow of funds."
As he spoke, he raised his hand and swung it, gathering divine power. A faintly glowing information sphere appeared in his palm, containing all transaction details, account change records, and confirmation receipts from the Pan-Spirit Alliance Bank.
Lin Yi took the information ball, scanned it with his divine sense, and found that the contents were detailed and well-organized, truly well done.
"Yes, very well done." Lin Yi nodded and expressed his gratitude again.
Nuidize is indeed a reliable and steady person.
Seeing Lin Yi's satisfaction, Nuidize felt reassured and smiled, then continued, "Furthermore, Lord Lin Yi, I understand that you have been away from your home civilization for quite some time, living in a secret realm, cut off from outside information. I imagine you are quite concerned about the well-being of your family and friends back home. Therefore, I made a brief stop in the Silver Blue Civilization, obtained the consent of your relatives and friends and the civilization's management, and collected some messages they wish to convey to you."
As he spoke, he carefully took out an information crystal that shimmered with a soft white light from his storage equipment and presented it with both hands.
"Oh?"
A hint of surprise flashed in Lin Yi's eyes as he glanced at Nuidize.
This guy is quite perceptive.
He reached out and took the crystal, his Soul Power probing into it, and familiar sounds and images Information Flow into his mind.
First came the images of his Parents, their voices filled with relief and concern. "Xiao Yi, don't worry about us. Your father, your younger brother, and I are all now at the Star Domain level! We have long lifespans to live. Just focus on your cultivation in the secret realm, do what you need to do, and take care of yourself. Don't worry about home... By the way, that Lord Nuidize is exceptionally kind and courteous; he even gifted us a lot of precious resources..."
In the video, the Parents looked very healthy, their eyes filled with hope for the future.
The younger siblings excitedly added, "Brother! We'll definitely work hard in our cultivation and wait for you to come back. We won't let you down!"
Then came the excited figures of Li Zhenguo, Zhou Donglai, and other high-ranking officials of the Blue Star Civilization: "Commander! We've all heard that you accomplished many great things in the Secret Realm One! Rumor has it that you're already considered a 'quasi-Lord' level... Our Eternal Silence Ringverse's Council Chairman, Fierce Wasteland, even personally visited our Silver Blue Civilization. The universe level has given us and the Purple Gold Star Union a lot of policy support and resource assistance! Now, the development speed of our Silver Blue Civilization is like a warp drive has been activated!"
Then came Chen Yu, Liu Yuan, Elizabeth, and other former subordinates of the East Peak Mercenary Group.
They began with guilt. "Commander... the competition in the secret realm is too fierce, we... we were kicked out, we used up both chances, and we can't get back in..."
But then his tone became incredibly excited, "But, Commander, you're amazing! We've truly risen to prominence together! With you as our powerful backer, our leveling speed is much faster than fighting our way to the death in the secret realm..."
"And your reputation, Commander, has spread throughout the fortress! We were all stunned when we heard the news. Now, when we walk through the fortress, the other races look at us differently; they stand much straighter! Haha!"
The message also included greetings and updates from other acquaintances.
A knowing smile unconsciously appeared on Lin Yi's face.
Seeing his Parents healthy, his younger siblings making progress, and civilization flourishing, and knowing that his old subordinates were in good spirits despite the setback in their expedition to the secret realm, he was finally able to let go of his last concern for the rear.
"It's a pity there's no news of Ellie..." Lin Yi thought to himself, then relaxed. "She's probably still in the secret realm. But I left her a set of resources; she can get them as soon as she leaves."
He looked at Nuidize and smiled, "Nuidize, you're very thoughtful."
Seeing the smile on Lin Yi's face, Nuidize was overjoyed, knowing he had made the right move, and quickly said:
J
"I'm glad you're happy; it's all I should do."
He paused, then said solemnly, "Besides news about your relatives and friends and Wenming, there is another matter I need to report to you."
Because I handled these matters for you, after returning to the Human Race territory, I was summoned by more than eight hundred of our Human Race's venerable lords, including Xuan Yan and Tian Ge!
"More than eight hundred?" Lin Yi raised an eyebrow upon hearing this.
The total number of Human Race lords is only close to a thousand, which means that almost all of them, unless they have an urgent mission outside or are in deep seclusion, have been summoned by Nuidize.
But on second thought, it seems normal.
Having entered the Time Origin Law in less than an Epoch, becoming a Quasi-Lord, and even joining forces with Ellis to achieve such a glorious victory, any Lord with a brain could see that, barring any unforeseen circumstances, the Lord realm was merely a starting point for him. Expressing goodwill and making an impression beforehand was perfectly normal.
"They asked me to convey their congratulations to you, and said that a formal celebration will be held for you after you leave the secret realm."
Nuidize's voice was filled with barely concealed excitement. Being summoned by so many lords at the same time was an unprecedented experience for him. "In addition, Xuan Yan also gave me a message, instructing me to deliver it to you personally."
As he spoke, Nuidize took out another information crystal and respectfully handed it to Lin Yi.
Lin Yi took it, wondering what message the Xuan Yan would bring him.
He activated the crystal, and the gentle yet solemn voice of the Xuan Yan resounded in his consciousness.
The meeting began with lavish praise, commending Lin Yi's performance in the secret realm for "greatly enhancing the prestige of our Human Race," "immense potential," and "a promising future," among other things.
Then, the Xuan Yan's tone became mysterious, saying that he was qualified enough to tell him some inside information about the "Origin Universe Tower" in advance...
Lin Yi listened intently, and as he listened, a wry smile appeared on his face.
The "secrets" that the Xuan Yan spoke of, such as obtaining the "One-Star Mark" on the 50th floor of the Origin Universe Tower and the possibility that the secret realm might connect to other universes, were not as detailed or in-depth as what Ellis had previously told him...
Lin Yi thought to himself, "It seems that the Human Race's higher-ups, at least at the Venerable level, don't have a particularly comprehensive grasp of the core secrets of the Origin Universe Tower..."
Then, Xuan Yan smiled and said, "It seems that 50 floors is far from your limit. Keep climbing. The higher you go, the more good things you'll find, many of which are not available in the Main Universe. Many of the rare treasures and secret techniques that are no longer available in the Main Universe are obtained from the Origin Universe Tower. This is the best opportunity to increase the foundation of your clan. You must not miss it."
The Xuan Yan also specifically mentioned something. "... At that time, outside the secret realm, large numbers of high-ranking gods from the Abyss-Devouring Allied Forces appeared on the verge of death, a scene that caused a huge sensation. Later, after learning that it was done by you and Ellis of the Spirit Race, all the Venerables of our Human Race were very excited and immediately planned to send someone into the secret realm to congratulate you in person."
However, this proposal was stopped by the Eternal Beginning Dominator.
Lin Yi's heart skipped a beat. The Sovereign himself was in charge?
The Xuan Yan concluded, "The Sovereign believes that your gains from this battle must be immense, and you need time to retreat and digest them. If so many Venerables send people in to congratulate you, you'll be caught in a dilemma—whether you receive them or not—which could actually hinder your cultivation. It's best to celebrate after you emerge from the secret realm."
"So this time, upon learning that Nuidize was working for you and was returning to the secret realm, the various lords entrusted him to convey their congratulations. As for the gifts..." Xuan Yan paused, "Because what everyone prepared were all Source Law level treasures, which cannot be brought into the secret realm, so we decided to wait until you come out, celebrate with you, and then give them to you together."
This message is now complete.
Lin Yi suddenly realized.
So that's how it is. He wondered why there hadn't been any movement outside for so long; it turned out that the Eternal Beginning Dominator had spoken personally.
Thinking about it, it makes sense. If hundreds of Venerable Lords sent people to offer their congratulations, he would have to spend a lot of time and energy just on receiving and entertaining them, which would indeed affect his cultivation. The Sovereign has considered everything very carefully.
"It seems that although the Eternal Beginning Dominator is seriously injured and will need a long time to recover, he is still very concerned about my situation." Lin Yi thought to himself, feeling even more favorably disposed towards the Human Race ruler he had never met before.
Seeing Lin Yi finish reviewing the message from Xuan Yan and a thoughtful expression on his face, Nuidize waited quietly for a moment.
Only when Lin Yi refocused his gaze on him did Nuidize take a deep breath, his expression becoming more serious and respectful than ever before.
He stood up and took out another information crystal, holding it out with both hands.
"Lord Lin Yi, besides the many Venerable Lords... the Eternal Beginning Dominator has also summoned me."
Nuidize's tone was extremely solemn. "The Overlord... also gave me an information crystal, instructing me to personally deliver it to you."