Just as the geniuses from the Noah Universe Kingdom were settling into the hall, preparing to explore outside, or planning to meditate and get ready, their leader, King Yanlong, had already appeared somewhere entirely different.
At the entrance to the grandest and most lavishly decorated restaurant on the edge of the Central Plaza. The restaurant was numbered "1," and two World Lords stood guard at its entrance, their auras profound and their uniforms bearing the insignia of the Virtual Universe Company. Their expressions were solemn; clearly, this was not a place ordinary geniuses could enter.
"Lord King Yanlong!" When the two World Lords saw the familiar dark-red armor, they immediately bowed, their voices filled with utmost respect. They recognized him as one of the ancient King-level Immortals of the Noah Universe Kingdom, a man of unfathomable strength.
King Yanlong gave a slight nod in acknowledgment, then strode into the restaurant.
The interior was far more spacious than it appeared from outside, expanded with spatial technology until it resembled a small palace. Hundreds of imposing figures were already seated inside. They took all kinds of forms: some blazed like stars, others were as deep as black holes, and still others were as elusive as the wind. Without exception, they were all the immortal leaders of the various Universe Kingdoms!
These great beings usually lorded over their respective Universe Kingdoms, looking down upon billions of lives. Now, they sat in small groups, sipping fine wines provided by the Virtual Universe—wines that were extraordinarily rare even in reality—and chatting merrily. Naturally, their conversation centered on the brilliant new stars of this Genius Tournament.
"Haha, Yanlong, you finally made it!" A hearty voice rang out. A burly immortal, built like a small mountain, with bronze-colored skin and faint streams of earthy-yellow energy circling him,