Reshaping the Order of Civilization, Setting Off for the Universe

Within the internal space of Yu Duan, the Book of Causality, which carried endless mysteries, floated silently. It swirled with dreamlike, seven-colored radiance, containing some unknown secret.

On the ancient pages, a line of text pulsed as if it possessed life: "Cost repayment in progress. Bathing in sunlight for 400,000 hours. Current progress: 6,393.6 hours."

As expected, every time the domain level increases, the time required to pay the advance cost multiplies.

Yu Duan's expression was calm; he was not at all surprised that it would take 400,000 hours of grinding to pay for the advance of three domain levels.

"Following this pattern, the final cost for advancing to the ninth domain level should be 25.6 million hours of bathing in sunlight. Converted into years... that is approximately 2,900 years."

"Including the 37-fold efficiency boost, it will take about 78 years. This speed is definitely not slow."

Yu Duan calculated briefly. From the start of advancing the first domain level to the final ninth level, the total time required would be less than 160 years.

If the super geniuses of the universe knew that a little Planetary Level fellow could ascend from a perfected artistic conception to the ninth domain level in such a short time, it would likely cause many people's mental states to collapse.

And this was only the most conservative estimate!

As Yu Duan's realm improved, he could move closer to the star, or even reside directly within the core of the star itself.

The efficiency boost at that time would be far more than the current 37-fold increase.

"Going home!"

Under the cover of the blazing starlight, a tiny single-pilot spacecraft suddenly ignited its engines, tore through space, and raced toward Light Source Planet, 76 million kilometers away.

It was expected to take about two days to reach Light Source Planet.

Light Source Planet, Civilization Temple.

On the last day of the 51st year of the New Calendar, in the solemn and majestic temple square, the master-level (Apprentice Tier 7 and above) powerhouses from all factions of the Light Source World gathered together, their expressions respectful as they awaited the worship of the Heavenly Saint.

Time flowed quietly, and the critical moment of the transition between the old and new years finally arrived.

"Hum--!"

Brilliant radiance rose from the Civilization Temple, illuminating all directions.

Three figures, surrounded by an indescribable and powerful aura, stepped out from the depths of the temple and hovered steadily in the air in the center of the square.

"Greetings, Saint!"

Below, hundreds of master-level experts felt their minds tremble and hurriedly bowed in salute. Following the highest etiquette of the Light Source Race, they opened the third eye at the center of their brows, their gazes filled with awe and piety as they watched the figures of Zhen Li, Kun Zhu, and Shen Jian.

The leader, Master Zhen Li, had white hair and a beard, his face kind yet possessing a naturally steady and profound demeanor. His aged and resonant voice rang out clearly in the ears of every master.

"Today, I announce a major piece of news."

Master Zhen Li scanned the crowd below, his expression solemn: "The former number one master of the Light Source World, Yu Duan, has successfully ascended to sainthood! From this moment on, our race possesses four Heavenly Saints!"

"Boom--!"

Like a boulder thrown into a calm lake, the square instantly erupted in uncontrollable uproar. After a brief moment of dead silence, the many master-level experts became excited and agitated.

"Whoosh--!"

A dazzling white divine glow, like the first ray of dawn dispelling the night, shot straight into the sky from behind the temple, revealing the tall figure of Yu Duan.

"Greetings, Saint Yu Duan!" The many master-level experts hurriedly bowed and greeted him in unison.

Yu Duan nodded slightly, his figure drifting down to stand side-by-side with Master Zhen Li.

Then, Master Zhen Li spoke again, his aged voice echoing in all directions: "It has been 51 years since I broke through beyond the peak of the ninth level, and our race has now birthed four Heavenly Saints."

"After our joint deliberation, from this day forward, the realm beyond the peak of the ninth level is officially named—Planetary Level!"

"At the same time, to lead our civilization toward higher peaks, we have decided to establish the 'Light Source Palace' as the highest hub for civilization development..."

The Light Source Palace was the supreme power institution established by Yu Duan, inspired by the concept of the 'War God Palace'.

All master-level experts could join it, forming the cornerstone of the Light Source Palace.

The true core of decision-making, however, belonged to the four Planetary Level powerhouses including Yu Duan, who were the 'Light Source Palace Elders'.

Among them, Yu Duan, who mastered the power of the domain, was naturally the First Elder, holding the highest authority.

Saint Yu Duan... is actually the First Elder?

This sudden ranking caused many masters below to tremble, and doubts spread rapidly like ripples on water.

Saint Yu Duan's talent is unprecedented, and surpassing Saint Kun Zhu might just be a matter of time. But to be ranked as the First Elder just after ascending to sainthood, is this... a bit too hasty?

Similar thoughts churned in the hearts of many masters. They subconsciously exchanged glances, seeing the same suspicion and confusion in each other's eyes, yet no one dared to voice it.

At this moment, the mountain-like, burly figure of Kun Zhu stepped forward and said in a deep voice: "The seats of the Light Source Palace Elders are based solely on strength!"

"I am not the opponent of the First Elder, and therefore I am content to occupy the position of Second Elder. Saint Shen Jian and Saint Zhen Li shall be ranked as the Third and Fourth Elders respectively!"

Once these words were spoken, the first reaction of those masters who still had doubts was disbelief.

Kun Zhu had sat on the throne of the number one powerhouse of the Light Source civilization for decades, and his prestige and strength were already deeply rooted in people's hearts.

But immediately, reason told them that Kun Zhu had no need to lie on such a major occasion.

At this moment, countless gazes instantly focused on Yu Duan, filled with awe and hope.

That Yu Duan could suppress Kun Zhu and reach the top immediately after his breakthrough meant he would surely become the absolute pillar of the race, leading the development of the civilization.

Once everyone's emotions had settled, Master Zhen Li spoke again: "Next, I will distribute the login devices for the 'Light Source Palace' virtual network to you all. Any Grandmaster-level expert can use this device to connect to the virtual network for communication and discussions..."

Building a virtual network is not difficult. Using a light-brain as the host and having an auxiliary intelligence perform the programming, it does not take much time to construct a rudimentary virtual network.

However, even the most rudimentary virtual network is considered a groundbreaking piece of black technology for the Light Source civilization, which has only been in the information age for a little over a decade.

The daily operations of the Light Source Palace will be handed over entirely to the highly respected Master Zhen Li to manage.

In this way, Yu Duan and the other two will be able to detach themselves from the trivial matters within the civilization and focus on their cultivation and improvement.

In the cruel society of the universe, only when more and more powerful beings are born within a race can the future be guaranteed.

Early the next morning, outside the atmosphere of Light Source Planet.

The 400-meter-diameter Chilian Star spaceship resembled a ghost, blending perfectly into the backdrop of space.

In its stealth state, no one could see this crimson, sci-fi-looking alien vessel.

Inside the ship's main control room, Yu Duan was conducting a final communication with Master Zhen Li via a floating light screen. On the screen, the old man's face was filled with an indelible worry, repeatedly giving instructions on various matters.

Yu Duan looked solemn, his tone steady as he reassured him: "Please rest assured, Master. The destination of this trip is not any planet under the jurisdiction of the Crimson Empire, but directly to the core administrative planet under the direct control of the Chilian Divine Empire—Molian Star."

As he spoke, Yu Duan pointed to the ship beneath his feet: "Besides, the Chilian Star is a Chilian-series ship produced by the Chilian Divine Empire itself. It is quite common and will not attract any extra attention."

Seeing Yu Duan say this, Master Zhen Li's worried heart eased slightly.

The Crimson Empire possesses several Domain Lord Level powerhouses and over 20 Universe Level experts, governing 14 star systems and millions of inhabited planets.

To Light Source Planet, the Crimson Empire is a behemoth that cannot be offended.

But the Crimson Empire is merely a primary-level civilization in the universe; in front of the Chilian Divine Empire, it is just one of over six hundred vassal states.

"Good, good... I won't say anything more. Remember, be careful in everything."

Master Zhen Li hung up the communication, and the projected light screen dissipated into fine blue particles of light.

Yu Duan turned around, casting his gaze toward Kun Zhu and Shen Jian, who were already prepared, a steady smile appearing on his face.

"Two senior brothers, remember, when interacting with others outside, you must strictly follow the identities and forms of address we agreed upon."

Kun Zhu and Shen Jian looked at each other, both looking solemn: "Understood, Junior Brother!"

"Boom--!"

A low roar sounded from the ship's core, and the entire hull began to tremble slightly.

The curvature engine was at full power, and invisible ripples of space spread out at the bow of the ship.

The next moment, the crimson Chilian Star suddenly transformed into a dazzling rainbow light that tore through the void, shooting resolutely into the deep, boundless depths of the universe!

As a B6-level spaceship, although the Chilian Star could eventually accelerate to the speed of light and enter the Dark Universe for superluminal travel, its acceleration process was relatively slow. It took nearly two hours to break through the light barrier and enter the Dark Universe.

"Hum..."

The light in the main control room dimmed instantly, and the vast starry sky outside the porthole turned into pitch-black darkness.

"Number One, activate external simulation," Yu Duan ordered calmly.

The bulkheads around the bridge trembled slightly, presenting a simulated spectacle of the Dark Universe.

In the Dark Universe, because the speed exceeds the speed of light, it is impossible to see the scenery outside, but a virtual landscape can be projected directly.

The entire Dark Universe space is infinitely vast, with not a single star to be seen, only countless brilliant, dazzling points of light flickering.

"Is this the Dark Universe?" Shen Jian's eyes shifted, examining the simulated virtual scenery.

Yu Duan nodded and raised his hand to swipe through the air. A clear and precise holographic projection of the starry sky unfolded before the three of them.

In the projection, a tiny blue dot marked their current position.

Yu Duan's finger extended forward, pointing to a conspicuous red dot: "This is our destination, about 1.02 million light-years away from Light Source Planet—Molian Star."

"Molian Star's level of prosperity far exceeds that of the Crimson Empire's capital planet. It is the core trade hub for over four hundred surrounding star systems and is directly governed by the Chilian Divine Empire."

Yu Duan pointed to the ship's trajectory on the star map: "Our ship's speed can barely reach the speed of light. With the 10.08 million-fold speed boost of the Dark Universe, it will take about 36 cosmic days to reach our destination."