Admonishment

Black Dragon Island, Nine Star Bay—the scenery remained unchanged. Chen Qing had brought the two women here for the first time, and the three of them rarely even logged into the Virtual Universe.

Without any property, they had to stop randomly on the streets every time, so Chen Qing naturally had little interest.

As for the two women, with him training them personally and being the creator of the secret techniques themselves, they seldom logged in either, only occasionally customizing opponents in the Killing Field to test themselves.

Arriving at Luo Feng's turf, they saw three connected estates, with the left gate already open.

Aside from Thor, who wore a strange expression, Hong stood nearby, his burly frame imposing, hands clasped behind his back.

Jiang Fang was fine, but Chen Qing could clearly feel Yao Rao's body trembling slightly.

After all, since Hong had gone wandering, he rarely logged into the Virtual Universe, and even when he did, he seldom contacted his former subordinates.

"Chief!"

Hearing the trembling voice, Hong first looked at Yao Rao, a gratified smile spreading across his face.

"Foolish child, to see an old acquaintance on the path of cultivation—how wonderful!"

"Mm!"

At Hong's encouragement, Yao Rao gently took Chen Qing's arm, a hint of shyness flashing across her face.

"Hehehe, big brother, this kid's got something after all. How many years has it been, and we actually get to see Yao Rao make that face? Rare!"

Hong was far more proper. After scrutinizing Chen Qing for a moment, he nodded in satisfaction.

"Good. I never thought our homeland could produce such a talent. This calls for a toast!"

"Big brother, if you've got good stuff, hurry up and bring it out instead of standing here catching the wind!"

"What do I have that you don't know about?"

Chen Qing had little interest in drinking, and with ladies present, Thor didn't drink much either. Mostly, they listened to stories about old times and tales from the universe.

Chen Qing was happy to be a quiet listener, but the two women—especially Yao Rao—kept glancing at him.

At first, he didn't notice, but eventually even Thor picked up on something.

When everyone turned to look at him, Chen Qing finally realized Yao Rao was thinking about the Basics.

Not that it was strange—Yao Rao still didn't know about genes, nor that Hong had used a bloodline evolution agent.

Chen Qing hesitated a little. The Basics meant little to him—just something he tossed out casually.

But this matter had huge implications for Earth, so much so that he didn't even want to discuss it in the Virtual Universe.

Luo Feng was already out in the open. As Hong's talent was unleashed, his fame grew, and the faster Earth would be exposed.

Still, Hong and Thor were worth it. No matter what others thought, anyone willing to stand up and burn their soul in the most dangerous moment deserved respect.

As for them not dying—that was just hindsight from the prophets. History was full of people who became famous ministers by dying with a young emperor!

"Chief, do you think these hundred years of wandering were worth it?"

Hong fell silent at the question. After glancing at Jiang Fang and Yao Rao, he still spoke.

"These years, I've seen a lot of dark people and dark things in the universe. It's not only broadened my horizons but also helped my state of mind a great deal."

"So, the Time World Lord has been using his life experience to temper your will as a strong one. But I imagine he was quite surprised!"

"True. Setting everything else aside, I'm still confident in my state of mind."

Hong's lips curled slightly. "Teacher intends to speed things up. Maybe next time, it'll be in the Martial Arena."

Chen Qing understood. The next adventure would involve Ji Qing's appearance, followed by a steady climb in the Martial Arena.

"Then what do you think of everyone's willpower in the universe?"

"Tch! What's there to say? They bully the weak and fear the strong. Either they wallow in pleasure or they're cruel and savage. Not even as good as an ordinary person from Earth."

Thor took a small sip of wine and sneered from the side.

Hong didn't respond, but his eyes narrowed. After drifting through the universe for so many years, he was no longer the naive rookie he used to be.

"Yeah. If most strong people in the universe are like that, then the problem isn't with them!"

"Kid Chen, what kind of talk is that? If it's not their problem, are you saying it's ours?"

At Thor's words, Hong's eyes snapped open. "Second brother, watch your words!"

Thor immediately understood what Hong meant. He turned his head stiffly to look at Chen Qing. Could it really be that he was the problem?

Chen Qing nodded slightly, ignoring the shocked looks from the four of them. Jiang Fang shook her head.

"No wonder you said Earth produces too many geniuses. I thought you were just afraid of jealousy. Now, add in the Nine Basic Forms!"

The two women exchanged glances. This thing was a perfect match for Earthlings!

Chen Qing looked up at the sky, feeling the warmth of the "sunlight," as if talking to himself.

"Earth is only so big. The later you divide it, the fewer factions get a share, and the outcome naturally differs. If it comes to it, internal digestion is better. That bunch of killers in the Martial Arena aren't as easy to deal with as company executives. Getting it back from them later would be way too hard!"

Hong fell silent. Everyone understood Chen Qing's meaning.

On one side was the path of cultivation; on the other, their homeland. No one spoke. They just sat quietly, waiting. The two women each held one of Chen Qing's hands.

It didn't take long before Hong visibly relaxed.

"Actually, the two factions are about the same—both start from the outer edges and fight their way in. To be honest, my second brother and I are both outer members of the company."

Thor laughed cheerfully. His big brother had never let him down!

Seeing everyone's mood settle, Chen Qing finally brought up his original purpose.

"Since the Pavilion Master has no interest in the Martial Arena, it's better to come back for a visit. I have a true opportunity for a strong one here, but it can only be passed down in person."

"Oh..."

Hong's eyes lit up. He had noticed the expressions on the two women's faces earlier, but he simply hadn't wanted to overstep.

"In that case, I'll come back for a while. It'll only take a few years. I'll arrange things properly with my teacher."

"Really!" Thor stood up excitedly.

"Big brother, maybe we can go on adventures together again!"

Hong nodded lightly, his smile growing more pronounced. All roads lead to Rome. If he was going to take risks, having good teammates was still important.

"It's a pity we don't know when Third Brother's training will end. Otherwise, we could form an Earth Squad!"

Watching Thor's excitement, Chen Qing paid it no mind. This was the price of inexperience—he'd have to send him for further training later.

His attention was now on his hands. Clearly, those two women were also tempted.

"We don't need to worry about Third Brother. But this matter—we still need to find a way to let him know."

Hong's words calmed Thor down. It was obvious Chen Qing didn't want to discuss it in the Virtual Universe. Though the chance of surveillance was slim, caution never hurt.

"There is a way," Jiang Fang said hesitantly. "We can go through Xu Xin. When a couple is alone, there are many ways to pass information. With intent against carelessness, it's quite safe."

Chen Qing's mind stirred. Since the Foundation was compensation for Hong, why not invest in Luo Feng as well?

He could shuffle the order and send it in batches. Some methods took time, but they were also more covert.

He could even use the Demon Slayer Clone as a test subject to see how Creation power affected energy lifeforms!

After some discussion, they split up to act. Thor, already at the estate, couldn't wait to come find him.

The two women went next door. Xu Xin happened to be free. Over the years, the relationships among the women had developed quite quickly.

Thor's foundation and comprehension were far beyond Yao Rao and the others. Perhaps because of his burning soul, the more he trained, the more addicted he became, the more comfortable he felt.

Soon he surpassed Yao Rao and Jiang Fang. Especially when he learned he could double his gene level, he would rush to the Virtual Universe after every session to urge his big brother.

Five years later, Hong finally returned to Qiu Long Star aboard his teacher's spaceship. An elated Yao Rao treated Chen Qing to a special service.

In high spirits, she even dragged Jiang Fang into it, nearly breaking Chen Qing's constant operation of the "Ruyi." The two women called him a freak, then happily drained him before letting him go.