An Unexpected Joy

A surge of immense joy welled up in Su Ke's heart.

Did Lyumila succeed?

Although he had been holding onto hope, he knew that no one could predict what might happen behind the Stone Gate, so he hadn't been entirely certain.

But now, his heart finally settled.

"Shi Du, you all stand guard for me." Su Ke gave his instructions, closed his eyes, and connected his consciousness to the Virtual Universe.

A Smart AI and similar devices are usually in a semi-connected state with the Virtual Universe, allowing them to receive messages sent by others. However, if one wishes to make a call or send a message, one must project their consciousness into the Virtual Universe.

The "Virtual Universe Network" is a truly magnificent existence. The universe is unimaginably vast, yet through the "Virtual Universe Network," even if separated by hundreds of millions of light-years, one can meet and communicate within the virtual space. It is 100% virtual.

Because it is so realistic and brings people endless joy, many become addicted to the Virtual Universe, forgetting reality altogether.

In fact, one could use a Smart AI as a host to construct a real virtual world (equivalent to a personal local area network). While not as grand as the Virtual Universe, it is sufficient for entertainment and also offers 100% virtual realism, making everything feel incredibly lifelike... it's just that the average person cannot afford a Smart AI.

Su Ke leaned against a Stellar Rank guard, his eyes closed. An indicator light on the Smart AI he wore was glowing faintly; clearly, a sliver of his consciousness had already entered the "Virtual Universe Network."

"What's wrong with Master?" the other guards gathered around.

The female Stellar Rank guard glanced at them, her tone carrying a hint of joy. "Lady Lyumila has made a breakthrough inside."

"What?" Everyone was startled, then looked at each other in disbelief.

On Jialan Island, located at the edge of the Liuyun Continent, an ancient street bustled with people of various races from across the universe. A white-haired youth wearing simple white clothes suddenly appeared. On his shoulder sat a cute, white, fist-sized creature resembling a puppy. This was the form Su Ke's personal Smart AI took within the Virtual Universe, a different entity from the black-haired, cat-eared, gothic-dressed Smart AI on his spaceship.

"Master, Lyumila has agreed to meet you in the Virtual Universe. I have already activated the map navigation for our meeting point on Jialan Island," the puppy spoke, though its voice was that of a mature, charming woman.

Su Ke had some unique, little-known quirks.

"Wangcai, let's go." Su Ke nodded, a smile on his face.

Above their heads, many beautiful white Pegasus could be seen pulling carriages through the air. In the Virtual Universe, long-distance travel usually relies on "fixed teleportation points," while short distances are covered by these Pegasus-drawn carriages. Because every person's physical fitness in the Virtual Universe is only comparable to a "Level 4 Apprentice," they cannot fly, and walking speed is insufficient; Pegasus make travel much faster. Of course... riding a Pegasus costs money!

Soon, they arrived at a nearby bridge. Beneath it, clear water flowed, and willow trees swayed along the banks. A petite figure in green clothes was already waiting there.

"Master." Lyumila bowed respectfully.

Su Ke looked Lyumila over carefully... but couldn't discern anything.

"Lyumila, did you obtain that opportunity inside?" Su Ke asked.

Lyumila shook her head. "No, Master. The breakthrough I mentioned... I achieved it on my own. It was difficult to explain clearly outside, which is why I wanted to meet you in the Virtual Universe."

Su Ke was shocked. "You broke through on your own?"

Looking at the obedient, demure-looking Lyumila before him, Su Ke could hardly believe it.

How difficult is it to break through from Stellar Rank to Universe Rank? Even among the top factions of the Jialan Empire, only a tiny fraction of the countless young elite geniuses they cultivate manage to reach the Universe Rank!

He had originally assumed Lyumila had broken through using the opportunity inside the Stone Gate!

"Yes, Master. I didn't expect this to happen either," Lyumila said with emotion. "I encountered danger after danger inside the Stone Gate. During the most recent one, I was nearly killed. I was severely injured and went into hiding, using the treasures from the space ring you gave me to recover. It was during that process that I broke through!"

Su Ke didn't know what to say. Should he call it a case of planting a willow that grew into shade? Lyumila had originally gone in for the opportunity behind the Stone Gate, but in the end, she had broken through on her own.

"So, you are a Universe Rank now?" Su Ke still found it hard to believe.

"Yes, Master, look." Lyumila proactively displayed her data.

When connecting to the "Virtual Universe Network" via an auxiliary brain or Smart AI, one can request a self-strength assessment! The Virtual Universe Network uses the devices on the "Smart AI" or "auxiliary brain" to scan the human body and detect one's strength! Normally, in the Virtual Universe, people do not display their strength. However, in special circumstances—such as "special areas" that have requirements for those entering—one must display their strength.

"Hmm, let me see..." Su Ke looked closely. Sure enough... Lyumila's rank had changed to "Universe Rank Level 1 Psychic Master."

"I never expected this, truly never expected this." Su Ke sighed, feeling that life is full of surprises.

However, he also had doubts. Although breaking through to the Universe Rank is indeed extremely difficult, the fact that Gulei Planet hadn't produced a single self-made Universe Rank in so many years seemed somewhat abnormal.

Su Ke looked at Lyumila, sighing inwardly that he had gotten a massive bargain on this slave! To encounter such a probability was a sign of his own incredible luck.

The price of a Universe Rank Level 1 slave is hundreds or thousands of times higher than that of a Stellar Rank Level 9!

"Lyumila, according to the customs of this indigenous planet, you should be called Great Emperor Lyumila now," Su Ke joked.

Lyumila felt a bit embarrassed. "What Great Emperor? I am merely a servant to you, Master."

"Master, I am a bit worried," Lyumila suddenly said. "After becoming a Universe Rank, I can faintly feel the world I am in rejecting me. It seems I cannot stay there for much longer. I am also worried... that I won't be able to obtain the opportunity they spoke of."

"Hmm?" Su Ke frowned. But since Lyumila had already broken through, the opportunity to become an Emperor that others craved no longer held much meaning for her. Su Ke said, "Lyumila, use the Virtual Universe to contact Khair and Kadibus. See where you are and if you can rendezvous. If the three of you can be together, you should be able to compete for this opportunity."

Lyumila understood immediately. "Master wants me to help them? I understand. It's just that the space is rejecting me more and more; I'm afraid I won't be able to stay much longer."

Su Ke nodded. "Do your best."

Not long after, Lyumila made contact with Khair and the others. They all had rough maps of this world, and by comparing them, they found that Kadibus was quite far from Lyumila, but Khair was very close.

Because time was limited, Lyumila could only rendezvous with Khair, and then the two of them headed toward the destination.

Seeing the news, Su Ke silently wished them success, then turned his focus once again to the secret techniques of the Stone Gate.

For him, the cultivation of the Stone Gate was the most important thing right now.