Virtual Reality Assessment

"Qin Zhao, welcome to the Virtual Universe. This is the Reception Plaza of the Glacier Continent." K-77's voice rang directly in his mind. At the same time, a miniature virtual projection of K-77, visible only to Qin Zhao, floated by his shoulder. "I've set up your initial navigation. Next, you need to head to the Glacier Sacred Land's public recruitment point on the Glacier Continent to register and undergo preliminary screening."

"Understood."

Qin Zhao nodded. With a thought, a semi-transparent navigation interface appeared before his eyes, indicating the path to the "Glacier Sacred Land Recruitment Office." This was a Virtual Universe Network privilege specially set by the Glacier Empire, a basic function granted equally to every user who accessed the network. Anyone entering the Virtual Universe through special permissions could only go to the Glacier Sacred Land Recruitment Office.

Without hesitation, he strode forward, following the navigation's guidance. After walking for about a quarter of an hour and passing through several bustling streets, Qin Zhao arrived at a relatively secluded area.

The architectural style here was uniform, dominated by ice blue and silver white, exuding a solemn, frigid aura. A massive archway, carved as if from crystal, bore four imposing words in the universal cosmic language—Glacier Sacred Land.

Beneath the archway was a spacious hall. At the entrance, a modest queue had formed, mostly of young people from various races. Their auras (as sensed through their virtual bodies) were generally not weak, clearly so-called "geniuses" from various star systems within the Glacier Empire's territory, here to register and try their luck.

Qin Zhao silently took his place at the end of the line. He noticed staff members in the Glacier Sacred Land's standard uniforms maintaining order and guiding people. The uniforms came in several colors, seemingly indicating rank, with gray and white being the most common. Occasionally, a figure in a blue uniform would pass by, drawing reverent glances from those around.

The wait wasn't dull. Qin Zhao could overhear hushed conversations from those ahead.

"I heard this year's Glacier Sacred Land expansion has slightly relaxed standards compared to previous years?"

"Relaxed? You're dreaming! They've only added a few recommendation slots for lower-level affiliated civilizations. The actual entrance exam is said to be tougher than ever!"

"Sigh, I've been stuck at Star Level nine for fifty years now. I haven't even glimpsed Universe Level. I'm probably just making up the numbers again."

"Universe Level? You dare to dream big! At least that would land you an elite student spot. People like us, if we can pass the basic exam and become ordinary students, we should be grateful!"

"..."

Listening to these discussions, Qin Zhao appeared thoughtful. So the Glacier Sacred Land's student identities were divided into three tiers: ordinary, elite, and core.

Generally speaking, someone who could comprehend a Domain at the Star Level was considered a minor genius even in the Virtual Universe Company's branches in medium-level universe kingdoms. In a primary civilization's official force like the Glacier Sacred Land, such a person was an unquestionable Domain Lord seed and an absolute core member!

Soon, it was Qin Zhao's turn. He was greeted by a young man in a gray uniform. His attitude was neither warm nor cold, merely procedural as he asked, "Name, age, origin, current strength level."

"Qin Zhao, age 25, from... the Noah Universe Kingdom, Qinglan Star Sector, Glacier Star System, Flame Meteor Planet. Strength: Planet Level one." Qin Zhao replied calmly.

"Flame Meteor Planet?" The gray-clad youth operated on the virtual screen before him, frowning slightly. "No record in the database. Is it a newly discovered indigenous planet? The one reported by the K-77 survey base?"

"Yes." Qin Zhao confirmed with a nod.

The gray-clad youth glanced at Qin Zhao, his gaze carrying a hint of scrutiny, but he said nothing more. "Fill out the detailed information form. It must be truthful. Any false information, once verified, will result in permanent disqualification from joining the Glacier Sacred Land and all its affiliated forces."

A light screen appeared before Qin Zhao, requiring very detailed entries, including physical force output level, Spiritual Force amplitude (if any), mastered techniques and secret methods, and so on. At the very end, there was a specially marked section: [Special Insights] (Please fill in truthfully, including but not limited to "Conception," "Domain," "Law," etc. This is a core evaluation criterion.)

Qin Zhao's mind raced as he quickly input information on the light screen. For force output and amplitude, he filled in values based on Flame Meteor Planet's general standards and his actual situation, nothing outstanding. When he reached the [Special Insights] section, he paused briefly.

Directly revealing his threshold for the Law of Earth? That would be too shocking. A Planet Level one from an indigenous planet comprehending a Law would inevitably attract unwanted attention and trouble. Moreover, being able to comprehend a Domain at Planet Level one was already astonishing. Without knowing the Glacier Sacred Land's training methods, there was no need to expose too much.

With that in mind, Qin Zhao quickly filled in the [Special Insights] section: "Earth Domain, first level."

In the Swallowed Star system, Domains had nine levels. A first-level Domain at Planet Level was considered a decent genius, still within acceptable bounds. It would draw attention without being too conspicuous. As for Laws, those were his trump card, best kept hidden for now.

After completing the form and confirming it was correct, Qin Zhao submitted it.

"Beep beep beep—!!"

The moment he submitted, a short, sharp alert sounded from within the reception desk! The noise wasn't loud, but it instantly drew the attention of nearby staff and queuers.

The gray-clad youth's previously procedural expression froze. He abruptly looked down at his screen, his eyes widening in disbelief.

"Pl... Planet Level one? Earth Domain?! And... and directly reported by the base AI through the Genius Recruitment Treaty?!" His voice cracked with shock as he jerked his head up, staring intently at Qin Zhao as if seeing him for the first time.

The surroundings fell silent instantly. All eyes focused on Qin Zhao. A Planet Level one mastering a Domain? Even among the many civilizations under the Glacier Empire, this was a one-in-a-million, no, one-in-ten-million genius!

And he came from an obscure indigenous planet, directly reported by the survey base AI! What did that mean? It meant this genius's potential and authenticity had official preliminary backing!

"You... Sir, is the information you filled in correct?" The gray-clad youth's tone became unprecedentedly cautious, even adopting honorifics.

"It's correct." Qin Zhao nodded calmly, his heart undisturbed. This reaction was within his expectations.

The gray-clad youth took a deep breath, forcibly suppressing his shock. He quickly operated a few controls, then said to Qin Zhao, "Mr. Qin Zhao, your talent has triggered our Glacier Sacred Land's 'Special Recruitment Review' mechanism. The standard registration process no longer applies. Please wait a moment; I'll notify the supervisor immediately!"

"And you must show respect, because the incoming Supervisor Snow is a Domain Lord nine-level powerhouse!"

As soon as he finished speaking, a blue figure appeared beside the reception desk as if by Teleportation. It was a middle-aged man in a blue uniform, with a stern face and eyes as sharp as an eagle's. He naturally exuded a powerful oppressive aura. Even though his virtual body was only at the apprentice-level peak, the imposing presence of a long-time superior was still overwhelming.

"Supervisor Snow!" The gray-clad youth and other staff immediately bowed in salute.