Manor

In the Flame Dragon Universe Nation, far from the Purple Chen Universe Nation, a discussion about Zhou Yuan was taking place inside a palace built from volcanic rock on a massive planet.

Seated in the palace's main seat was a youth who appeared to be only around ten years old. He wore golden battle armor, and though his features were immature, his gaze was exceptionally profound—this was Yan Lie, prince of the Flame Dragon Universe Nation and one of its seeded contestants in this Powerhouse Battle.

At that moment, he looked at the giant bowing below him and asked calmly, "Which opponents did you say posed a threat?"

The giant stood dozens of meters tall, his entire body covered in dark-red rock armor. He respectfully raised his head, and the projection device in his hand lit up, displaying three figures in midair—Zhou Yuan in the center, a cold-faced blond young man on the left, and a girl with wings of light on her back on the right.

"Your Highness, these three are the opponents the intelligence department has determined to pose the greatest threat to you in this Powerhouse Battle." The giant pointed at Zhou Yuan in the center, his tone grave. "Especially this Zhou Yuan, a warrior from the Purple Chen Universe Nation known as the 'God of Blades.' He took first place in the elimination rounds with an overwhelming advantage, scoring more than three times as many points as second place."

"According to intelligence analysis, he excels in the Earth Origin Law and the Space Origin Law. His Earth Law has already reached the realm of 'Law Acknowledgment,' while his attainments in the Space Law are unfathomable. Opponents at the same level can scarcely resist him. The intelligence department believes he is highly likely to win the overall championship of this Powerhouse Battle."

The giant then pointed to the blond young man on the left. "This is Kien, from the Dark Prison Universe Nation, known as the 'God of Slaughter.' He is a spirit reader with exceedingly ruthless methods. Every alien and human contestant he encountered in the elimination rounds was slaughtered without exception, leaving no survivors. He excels in the Metal Origin Law and has also touched upon the threshold of the Space Law. His control over psychic weapons is superb."

Finally, he pointed to the light-winged girl on the right. "This is Shafir, from the Crystal Universe Nation, known as 'Lightfeather.' She is also a spirit reader. The wings of light behind her are a psychic weapon, and she is exceptionally fast. She excels in the Light Origin Law and has also entered the threshold of the Time Law. She specializes in long-range attacks and restraint."

Yan Lie looked at Zhou Yuan in the projection, his brows knitting slightly. "Is Zhou Yuan really that strong? He was judged capable of taking first place when it is only the elimination rounds? How great is the gap between him and me?"

The giant pondered for a moment before carefully replying, "Your Highness, according to the intelligence department's simulated projections, Zhou Yuan's mastery of the Earth Origin Law far surpasses yours, and he also excels in the Space Origin Law. Based only on the combat power Zhou Yuan has revealed, you likely would not last ten moves against him."

"Enough, I understand. You may leave." The youth waved his hand, signaling for the giant to withdraw. "It seems I should make a point of befriending him later. We are in the same Powerhouse Battle, after all, so we have some connection. It should be easier to get acquainted."

"This subordinate obeys!" the giant replied respectfully before turning and leaving the palace.

The scene within the palace was playing out across the various universe nations, and intelligence concerning Prince Yan Lie was likewise being circulated among intelligence agencies throughout the universe nations.

Following the Purple Chen Nation Lord's immortal servant, Zhou Yuan transformed into a streak of light and landed before a gigantic manor to the right of the main hall. The manor covered more than a thousand square kilometers. A pale-purple protective formation enveloped its perimeter, and within it, rolling mountains and babbling streams could faintly be seen, like a miniature world.

At the manor entrance, a group of attendants dressed in uniform had long been waiting respectfully. Leading them was a World Lord level powerhouse with a steady aura.

"Your Highness, this is the residence Master has arranged for you. The several manors nearby belong to the other Highnesses, but they are currently serving or training in various parts of the universe nation and will not return for the time being." The immortal servant pointed at the manor and introduced it to Zhou Yuan respectfully.

He then pointed toward the World Lord leading the attendants at the entrance. "This is the manor's steward, Qian Hong. From now on, you may directly instruct him regarding any needs you have within the manor."

Qian Hong hurriedly stepped forward and bowed slightly, his voice deep and powerful. "Your Highness, this subordinate is Qian Hong. From now on, I will be your personal steward and manage all affairs within the manor for you."

"Sorry for the trouble." Zhou Yuan nodded slightly and watched him leave.

"Your Highness, please come in with me." Qian Hong made an inviting gesture and took the lead into the manor. Zhou Yuan followed behind him, sweeping his gaze over the surroundings. Ancient trees towered overhead, and the origin energy was so dense it nearly condensed into a thin mist. A faint floral fragrance filled the air, and the scenery was pleasant.

As they walked, Qian Hong introduced the manor's buildings. Pointing toward a structure in the distance built entirely from alloys and crystals, he said, "That is Your Highness's training ground. It contains a battle platform with extremely high defensive capabilities, capable of withstanding battles between immortal powerhouses; there is also an ultra-large nutrition pod for Your Highness's use."

Zhou Yuan looked in the direction he indicated. The building had a majestic design, with pale-purple formation light glimmering at its summit. The energy fluctuations radiating from it alone were enough to leave one awestruck.

"Not bad." Zhou Yuan nodded in satisfaction.

"This is your main villa, located in the center of the manor. It is equipped with a dedicated service team, and someone will take care of all your daily needs." Qian Hong pointed toward an antique yet elegant villa deeper within the manor. Gardens and an artificial lake surrounded it, making it look peaceful and comfortable.

"Let's take a look first." Zhou Yuan's heart stirred as he headed toward the villa. Qian Hong followed at his side, continuing to introduce the manor's other facilities.

The two entered the villa. Its decor was simple and grand, luxurious in every detail without being ostentatious. Zhou Yuan gave it a cursory glance before saying to Qian Hong, "You may return first. I need to enter seclusion for a while. I'll contact you if anything comes up."

Upon hearing this, Qian Hong bowed and replied, "Yes, Your Highness."

"Yes, Your Highness." Qian Hong answered respectfully with a bow, slowly leaving the villa and closing its front door behind him.

Zhou Yuan went directly to the lounge on the third floor, which had already been arranged as a small cultivation chamber. He sat cross-legged within the formation, closed his eyes, and began digesting the Purple Chen Nation Lord's earlier guidance.

In his mind, scenes of the Purple Chen Nation Lord explaining the laws replayed again and again. He reorganized and integrated each piece of knowledge.

Time quietly passed in cultivation. In the blink of an eye, twenty-nine full days had passed since the end of the first-stage elimination rounds. On this day, while Zhou Yuan was immersed in his comprehension of the laws, his virtual communicator suddenly emitted an urgent alert.

He opened his eyes and checked the message, only then remembering—the second stage of the Purple Chen Universe Nation's Powerhouse Battle, the arena matches, would begin tomorrow. According to the rules, all 501 contestants who had survived in the world zones, along with the top 500 scorers among the eliminated contestants, were required to attend the pre-match meeting held by the Virtual Universe Company today to confirm the arena match rules and groupings.

Zhou Yuan shook his head helplessly and could only temporarily interrupt his seclusion. He rose and stretched his body, feeling power fill him from head to toe. His understanding of the laws had deepened another step.

"Fine. I've been in seclusion for so long; this is a good chance to see what the arena matches are like." Zhou Yuan muttered to himself.