Stellar Level Nine

"Hmm, are you going to continue comprehending the Law of Fire?" The Temple Envoy stared at the strands of the Law of Fire within Ling Xuan's domain, his eyes glinting. "Now that you've broken through to Star Level, you'll have a month to study it."

"Of course." Ling Xuan stood tall, his eyes burning with eager anticipation. "I feel like this breakthrough has left me with a lot of questions. It's time to study the Mysterious Patterns."

The power he had gained from breaking through, along with the inheritance he had received, had raised even more questions about the Law of Fire that urgently needed answers. At that moment, he was like a dried-out sponge, impatient to soak up more knowledge.

The Temple Envoy gave a slight nod and swept his wide sleeve. The secret chamber door, covered in runes of the Law of Fire, slowly swung open.

"Go ahead."

After Ling Xuan entered the chamber, the Temple Envoy watched him go and murmured to himself, "What an exceptionally gifted young fellow. I thought it would take him at least a year to comprehend the Law of Fire, but I never expected him to grasp it as soon as he broke through."

He shook his head lightly, a smile tugging at his lips. "Looks like the goal we set back then was too conservative. We should have had the boy aim for the top hundred in the entire universe. No, no, we can't make it that easy for him. We'll have to raise the bar."

Inside the chamber, Ling Xuan plopped down in his usual spot, only to suddenly notice an unfamiliar figure before the Divine Bird Secret Pattern.

A faint reddish glow surrounded the person. Though he had his eyes closed and was wholly engrossed in studying the Divine Bird Secret Pattern, the aura he casually gave off was like a towering mountain, making Ling Xuan's breathing catch.

Ling Xuan was alarmed. He knew this had to be a World Lord Level powerhouse.

To avoid being affected by the man's aura, Ling Xuan didn't dare waste a moment. He quickly scooted farther into the chamber.

Fortunately, the chamber was vast. Its ceiling towered into the clouds, and the black stone tiles covering the floor stretched into the endless distance.

He found a relatively quiet corner, sat down cross-legged, took a deep breath, and sank his entire consciousness into the Divine Bird Secret Pattern.

This time, his study was entirely different from before.

After breaking through to Star Level, Ling Xuan's mental and sensory abilities had improved tremendously. It was as if he had gained a new pair of eyes, allowing him to see more of the subtle changes within the patterns.

The runes that had once seemed obscure and incomprehensible now came alive before him. They were like dancing fire sprites, telling stories of ancient laws.

His consciousness followed the undulations of the patterns, traveling through a world of fire. At times, he found himself in the blazing core of the Sun, sensing the fire's fury and destructive power; at others, he wandered through a tranquil bed of flame-flowers, experiencing fire's gentleness and vitality.

When his month of study ended, Ling Xuan emerged from the chamber with a changed air about him.

The Temple Envoy had been waiting outside. Seeing Ling Xuan step out with faint phantoms of flame swirling around him, he couldn't help but show a hint of approval. "Not bad. It seems you gained a lot from your study this time. Still, battles in the Virtual Universe are ultimately only virtual. They're no substitute for real trials where life and death are at stake."

Ling Xuan nodded. He knew that although the Virtual Universe could hone one's combat skills, it was still a greenhouse. It couldn't produce a super powerhouse.

The fact that the Manlong Planet natives' Coming-of-Age Ceremony involved real combat showed how much their race valued practical experience.

"Please give me your instructions, Senior." Ling Xuan bowed slightly, guessing that his clan had arranged an adventure and trials for him.

"Hmm. You're not arrogant or impatient, and you have a good temperament, too." Even though the Temple Envoy tried to maintain his aloof demeanor, he couldn't help praising him. "Do you remember the Zhulong Secret Realm you visited during your Coming-of-Age Ceremony?"

"Of course. It hasn't even been a year."

"During the Coming-of-Age Ceremony, you were only allowed to travel within ten thousand kilometers of the Mangu Temple. This time, you'll be allowed to venture much farther and deeper. Go fight those truly powerful beasts. Your requirement is to kill at least ten Universe Level beasts."

Ling Xuan replied solemnly, "Yes."

They were only Universe Level beasts, after all.

It would be a little challenging with his Star Level One strength, but he had the law on his side and a Fifth-Order Force Weapon in hand. He could still take on those untrained Universe Level One beasts in the secret realm.

Most importantly, he might soon get to use a Nutrient Pod and raise his level to Stellar Level Nine. After that, killing Universe Level beasts would be much easier.

But for the sake of the trial, this time he wouldn't exploit loopholes by only picking on Universe Level One beasts.

"Wait. Killing Universe Level beasts is only part of your trial. The secret realm is full of treasures; whether you find any will depend on your own luck. Before you leave, use the Nutrient Pod. Go after you've reached Stellar Level Nine. But you'll only get this one chance to use it, so you'd better work hard and make it into the top thousand in the entire universe. Otherwise, even our race's resources won't be enough to keep you in the Nutrient Pod and raise your level."

When the Temple Envoy mentioned the Nutrient Pod, the corner of his mouth twitched. The pain of spending so much was written all over his face.

There was one thing he didn't say: if Ling Xuan couldn't even make the top thousand, there'd be no point in using a Nutrient Pod. He could slowly work his way up during the Universe Level Strongest Battle.

The Stellar Level Nutrient Pod cost countless times more than the Planetary Level one. Even an undying being like him wouldn't casually squander resources on one.

As soon as he finished speaking, the Temple Envoy waved his hand, summoning a virtual control panel. His fingers tapped rapidly across it as he issued a series of commands.

"Your Stellar Level Nutrient Pod will arrive in three days. Oh, and take this. At your current rate of cultivation, your Auxiliary Optical Computer can't keep up anymore. Use this from now on."

As he spoke, he placed another order on the virtual panel.

Ling Xuan quickly bowed in thanks. This extra order wasn't part of his cultivation reward, so it must have been the Temple Envoy's personal contribution.

"Thank you, Senior."

"You're welcome. If you achieve a better ranking, you'll bring honor to the Zhulong race and the Manlong Planet people, too. Work hard, and don't disappoint me." The Temple Envoy waved Ling Xuan away.

Three days later, another tremendous rumble came from the horizon.

A giant transport ship bearing the Virtual Universe Company's insignia slowly descended.

The hatch in the ship's underside opened, and dozens of workers in specially made silver-white protective suits filed out.

"Mr. Ling Xuan, your Nutrient Pod has arrived." The worker leading them bowed respectfully and brought up a holographic inspection report. "Here is the inspection report for the Nutrient Pod's specifications, including nutrient solution concentration, energy supply stability, safety protection rating, and more. It has passed the highest standards in every category."

Ling Xuan carefully reviewed the report. After confirming everything was in order and signing for the delivery, he watched as the workers began installation and calibration.

They placed the Nutrient Pod on a specially made energy base and connected it to a complex network of tubes. Blue light flashed, and the pod powered on successfully. Pale green Nutrient Solution began filling it.

"Sir Ling Xuan, the Nutrient Pod is ready. You may use it whenever you wish." The workers bowed once more, then boarded the transport ship and departed.

Ling Xuan took a deep breath and slowly stepped into the Stellar Level Nutrient Pod. The moment the hatch closed, thick, honey-like Nutrient Solution enveloped him, and a gentle yet powerful energy seeped into his body through his pores.

In an instant, light flashed inside the pod and energy surged violently. Nourished by this tremendous power, Ling Xuan's cells were like seeds receiving rain after a long drought: they divided and grew at a frenzied pace. With every transformation, his strength climbed to a new level.