The Hall of Rising Embers, Earth's new diplomatic embassy in the galactic central zone, gleamed with obsidian walls and floating runic orbs. The outer layer was cloaked in a tri-dimensional formation array—visible only to system-authorized minds.
Inside stood Lie Shen, cloaked in a matte black diplomatic suit laced with pulse-fiber armor, the Earth sigil glowing on his chest: a dragon coiled around a star.
He now bore the title whispered across rising galactic channels:
"Lightning God" — Earth's Storm Diplomat
After Earth's mass acquisition of indigenous planets, powerful civilizations had grown curious—and nervous. How could a backwater Earth manipulate galactic auctions, construct fortified sanctuaries, and enforce cosmic-level law zones?
Only one way to calm—or deter—them: diplomacy backed by overwhelming strength.
Lie Shen's task was clear: Forge alliances before enemies do.
Location: Neutral Galactic Forum – Zeta Quadrant
Thousands of representatives from mid-tier civilizations gathered. The atmosphere was tense; eyes glared toward the lone figure from Earth.
But Lie Shen radiated calm. Around his waist hummed his signature Lightning Conduction Blade, pulsing with internal law circuits. The moment he stepped onto the platform, silence fell.
He spoke simply:
"Earth claims no superiority. We offer no threats. But we demand one thing—sovereignty and dignity for the bloodline-bound, the abandoned, the persecuted."
A few sneered.
A Dagger Snake Ambassador from Venomos Prime stepped forward.
"You shelter weaklings and savages. Your formations block our harvest routes. We ask for passage—"
"Denied," Lie Shen interrupted. "Earth's domain is sealed. Cross without consent and face extinction."
On cue, the hall shimmered with a projection.
A full-body broadcast of Hong appeared above the crowd—his cloak sweeping like a shadow across stars, eyes glowing red.
"I am known as King of Earth. We are not a race of conquerors. We are not a race of cowards. If you abuse your power, you die in our lands. If you use power responsibly, you are welcome."
He raised a hand.
A simulation showed a universe-level being entering Earth's zone, oppressing a refugee… and being obliterated by the system within a microsecond.
The hall froze.
Then came the whispers.
"The King..."
"The Lightning God…"
"And the Mad Blade…"
Scene Shift: Genius Battle Registration – Star Alliance Hub
Luo Feng, now aged 17, arrived with a quiet fury in his steps. His sword—an obsidian dual-edge blade laced with soul runes—was sheathed across his back. His psychic domain twisted reality around him, bending light subtly.
Other geniuses watched him in silence. Some feared. Some planned.
But all had heard the new nickname circulating forums:
"Mad Blade" — the one who walks both paths: Sword and Soul
He didn't smile. He didn't greet anyone.
He sat, alone, but every eye was on him.
Back on Earth — Council Room
Hong reviewed his three elite candidates.
Hong, the King — master of formation and law.
Lie Shen, the Lightning God — Earth's thunder-willed diplomat.
Luo Feng, the Mad Blade — the soul-forged warrior of duality.
Each bore not only power, but a name that shook systems.
System Notification:
"Universal Genius Battle delayed by 13 months due to mass star-level constraint discrepancies.""Earth has window to finish Soul-Forged Labyrinth, Psi Tower Trials, and Universal Law Temple (Phase I)."
Hong smiled faintly.
"Good. More time for Luo Feng to evolve. And more time for us... to become unignorable."