The Space-Time Nightmare Beast

"Master, according to your wishes, I've selected several lifeforms with a high degree of compatibility."

Xiaoye's voice sounded beside Qin Ming's ear, and several marked lifeforms appeared on the screen.

In the end, Qin Ming's gaze settled on one of them.

It was a strange lifeform with a body resembling flowing liquid. Its shape was unstable, shifting from a nebula to a stream, and it shimmered with a dreamy, otherworldly light.

"The Space-Time Nightmare Beast?" Qin Ming looked at the information about it.

According to the data, the Space-Time Nightmare Beast was a special lifeform in the universe, with a gene level of around 180 times, and three innate talents.

First, it had an exceptionally strong natural affinity for the Laws of Time and Space.

Second, its body could freely shift between solid and illusory states across time and space, allowing it to evade most physical and energy attacks. It also had an exceptionally strong resistance to soul attacks.

Third, although it was a flesh-and-blood lifeform, it had no fixed shape and could freely imitate and transform into any form.

However, even exchanging for just a small portion of its body would cost ten million points, and would also require approval from the higher-ups of the Virtual Universe Company.

Qin Ming's gaze remained fixed on the information about the Space-Time Nightmare Beast, especially its gene level of 180 times and its outstanding affinity for the Laws of Time and Space.

A gene level of 180 times!

Lifeforms with gene levels above a hundred were exceedingly rare in the universe. At 180 times, it far surpassed the gene levels of ordinary special lifeforms!

This meant that once he nurtured it into a clone, it would have an astonishingly high starting point and immeasurable potential.

Its supreme affinity for the Laws of Time and Space would also make them easier to comprehend.

One could say it increased his chances of becoming a Universe Master by the tiniest fraction!

Of course, the requirements for exchanging for it were extremely harsh. Even acquiring a small amount of its material cost ten million points and required approval from the higher-ups.

"The Space-Time Nightmare Beast?" Qin Ming murmured, his eyes gleaming.

The Golden Horned Behemoth, one of the twelve Starry Sky Behemoths, was utterly insignificant next to the Space-Time Nightmare Beast.

Its gene level was only ten times. The only thing it had going for it was its Clone Talent. No wonder Chaos City Lord had described it in the original story as merely an above-average opportunity.

"Xiaoye, pull up more detailed background information and historical records about the Space-Time Nightmare Beast," Qin Ming instructed.

"Yes, Master!"

More information appeared on the screen.

The Space-Time Nightmare Beast was born in the cracks of the universe's space-time or deep within certain extreme space-time secret realms. It was a flesh-and-blood lifeform formed from the manifestation of the Space-Time Law.

It was exceptionally rare, its whereabouts unpredictable, and only a handful of individuals had ever been confirmed and recorded throughout history.

Qin Ming had already decided it would be his first clone, but the points required posed a thorny problem.

Ten million points!

Forget a Universe-Level warrior—even the World Lord geniuses in the Primal Secret Realm couldn't afford that.

One had to know that within the Virtual Universe Company's system, one point was roughly equivalent to one Hunyuan Unit.

A World Lord's entire fortune might amount to anywhere from a few to a few hundred Hunyuan Units.

An ordinary Immortal soldier's wealth usually ranged from a few hundred to ten thousand Hunyuan Units.

A more powerful high-level soldier might have anywhere from a few hundred thousand to a few million Hunyuan Units.

Only an Immortal at the Marquis Level, counting all his savings, weapons, and equipment, might have a fortune worth tens of millions.

In other words, the price of exchanging for a Space-Time Nightmare Beast was practically aimed at Immortals at King Rank!

Most of Qin Ming's current points came from his initial allotment as a Primal Secret Region Member, along with the tenfold point bonus he had received as a newcomer for breaking through the Heavenly Bridge in Chaos City.

But even so, his total amounted to no more than a few hundred thousand points.

Compared to ten million, the difference was like heaven and earth.

If he tried to accumulate ten million points through normal channels, he would have to complete countless high-difficulty, high-risk missions and spend an immense amount of time. Clearly, he wasn't willing to wait that long.

Even if he passed the Universe-Level Primal Heavenly Mountain and earned a hundred million points, he would have to reach the World Lord level before he could claim them.

"Looks like... I'll have to think of another way." Qin Ming closed the virtual screen.

The Space-Time Nightmare Beast's advantages were simply too great, and its potential was perfectly suited to his own path of the Laws. He could hardly bring himself to give it up.

If he missed this opportunity, who knew how long he would have to wait before finding another clone so perfect and precious?

After thinking for a moment, an idea came to him.

Perhaps... the fastest shortcut was right in front of him.

He took a deep breath and used his privileges to try to contact Chaos City Lord through the Virtual Universe.

"Your disciple Qin Ming requests an audience with his teacher on an important matter."

After a brief silence, a vast, gentle will descended and enveloped him.

"What is it?" Chaos City Lord's voice sounded directly in Qin Ming's consciousness.

"Teacher," Qin Ming said respectfully.

"Your disciple has arrived in the Primal Secret Realm. Regarding the nurturing of a clone from the Star Crystal Beast you bestowed upon me, I've found a lifeform I'm very interested in. It's just that..."

He briefly explained the Space-Time Nightmare Beast and the ten-million-point price to Chaos City Lord.

"...Your disciple knows this request is quite presumptuous, but the Space-Time Nightmare Beast's talents are suited to my path, and its potential is tremendous.

"So, I boldly ask you to help me obtain permission to exchange for it, or lend me the points. I'm willing to repay you twice over with the rewards from my future missions!"

Qin Ming finished in one breath, unable to keep the unease from creeping into his heart.

The virtual space fell silent for a moment.

"The Space-Time Nightmare Beast... You have a good eye," Chaos City Lord said, his voice carrying a trace of barely perceptible approval.

"It is indeed rare, and it can also help you comprehend the Laws of Time and Space. A complete one would be even more valuable."

"However, even ten million points for a portion of its body is an astronomical sum for you right now. But..." Chaos City Lord changed tack.

"Since you are my personal disciple, it is only right that I give you a hand."

"I can pay the points required to exchange for the Space-Time Nightmare Beast upfront. As for repayment..." Chaos City Lord's voice held a trace of amusement.

"There's no need. Consider these ten million points the second gift I'm giving you to celebrate your becoming my disciple."

"However, the Virtual Universe Company has its own rules.

"Points can be gifted, but exchanging for a lifeform like the Space-Time Nightmare Beast still requires an application for special approval through the proper channels, even though I'm one of the company's decision-makers.

"Wait patiently for a few days. You'll be notified of the result."

Hearing this, Qin Ming finally relaxed.

"Thank you, Teacher! Your disciple... will not let you down!" He bowed solemnly.

"Mm." Chaos City Lord acknowledged him, and his vast will receded like the tide.

After ending the connection, Qin Ming stood still in the virtual study for a long while.

He hadn't expected Chaos City Lord to agree so readily!

This kindness from his teacher was truly profound.

"With a Space-Time Nightmare Beast clone, and the insights from the Jin World..." Qin Ming's eyes gleamed. He was more confident about the future than ever before.