The Lord of the Ice Wasteland had disliked accepting disciples.
His purpose in seeking a successor was simply to prevent his secret techniques from being lost forever, and he'd hoped to see someone draw upon his legacy to reach a realm he himself had never achieved, Immortality.
Therefore, he'd set no tests, confidently entrusting all authority to Rimuru.
Rimuru could be considered Han Jue's teacher, responsible for guiding his cultivation and arranging the most suitable path forward. Having previously accessed the Virtual Universe Company's extensive database, he certainly possessed this capability.
While he might not match the personal guidance of an Immortal, at least his perspective was broader than Babata's would ever be. At minimum, before achieving Immortality, Rimuru's judgment would remain flawless.
As for what came after that threshold, well, that wasn't a question requiring consideration just yet.
"Han Jue, my second brother and I just had a discussion," Hong said once they'd emerged from the bank's imposing facade.
"What about?" Han Jue asked, curious despite himself.
"We both want to become space mercenaries," Thunder God declared.
"Space mercenaries?" Han Jue understood immediately and chuckled. "Even the lowest-ranking cosmic mercenary trainee must reach Stellar level to qualify for the assessment. Well, I'll head back and purchase some training supplies, I'll pick up materials suitable for you two as well."
Thunder God's eyes lit up with obvious gratitude. "Thank you very much!"
"Master, you're being far too formal," Han Jue said, waving his hand dismissively. "Back then... well, three months ago, given the contract you offered me and your relationship with my uncle, I couldn't possibly treat you poorly."
He paused, his expression softening. "Besides, I was able to obtain that inheritance thanks to your assistance."
"Second Brother, I owe this all to you," Hong said with gentle teasing.
"Good boy, you..." Thunder God felt genuinely moved, emotions threatening to overwhelm him. He'd never expected that the young warrior from just months ago could now provide for him so generously.
"Alright," Han Jue said with a look of mock disgust. "Stop being sentimental and focus on cultivation instead. You don't even have a Domain yet, and you still want to be a mercenary?"
His tone shifted to something more serious. "Let me warn you both, in the universe, those who lack sufficient strength will be captured and enslaved. Even geniuses who are rare throughout an entire galaxy might be sold as slaves if they're not careful. Strength is the only currency that truly matters out here."
"Don't worry," Thunder God and Hong replied simultaneously, their expressions growing grave.
"We've absorbed all the information you provided," Hong added solemnly. "We both understand the tragic fate awaiting planets designated as slave worlds."
The three of them had all studied the data extensively, entire planetary populations treated as commodities, bought and sold without regard for their humanity or dignity.
They couldn't accept such a future. None of them could.
Han Jue wouldn't accept it either.
But he remained confident, confident that he could protect Earth and everyone he cared about. Whether it was the approaching Golden-Horned Beast or opportunistic cosmic adventurers, Han Jue was certain he could reach them first, grow stronger than them, and resolve any crisis at its source before it ever threatened those he loved.
"Ten years from now, the Virtual Universe Company will host the Genius Battle, a competition for the pinnacle of Stellar-level talent," Han Jue explained, his voice carrying quiet intensity. "All Stellar-level geniuses throughout the entire universe will participate in this tournament. The better your performance, the more attention and resources you'll receive."
He met their gazes steadily. "If you can reach the Virtual Universe Company's core membership, you'll be directly superior to most humans in the cosmos, with genuine potential to achieve Immortality, and not just as weaklings among Immortals, either."
The timeline of the Genius Battle was common knowledge to anyone who paid attention; it wasn't remotely secret information.
"We'll work hard!" Hong promised with absolute sincerity.
The two of them lacked inherited legacies or ancient masters, they would have to rely entirely on themselves and whatever support Han Jue could provide. It was a daunting prospect, but neither warrior had ever backed down from challenge.
Han Jue didn't elaborate further, but transferred one Hunyuan Unit to each of them through their newly established bank accounts.
One Hunyuan Unit equated to one trillion Universe Coins, or 330 trillion Qianwu Coins, an absolutely staggering sum by any measure.
This amount would more than cover their expenses and training needs. At minimum, they wouldn't need to worry about funding up through Domain Master level. Even at that tier, one Hunyuan Unit represented astronomical wealth.
"Han Jue, this..." Thunder God hesitated, clearly apprehensive about accepting such an enormous gift. "Wouldn't this be enough to purchase several entire galaxies?"
"Consider it pocket money," Han Jue said with an easy smile. "Buy whatever catches your interest later. You should start by joining the Qianwu Universe Dojo. With your demonstrated talent, even if you can't gain entry to the Virtual Universe Company's core, you'll still be recognized as genuine geniuses here."
His expression grew more serious. "Also, don't flaunt your wealth carelessly. You both understand the principle of 'wealth invites disaster,' correct?"
"Understood!" Hong and Thunder God acknowledged the warning with solemn nods.
Helping them would ultimately help himself as well.
After arriving in this world over sixteen years ago, Han Jue had long since integrated completely into his new existence. His bonds with Han Hesheng, Han Hechang, and others had tied him irrevocably to Earth's fate.
Supporting them now meant that once they matured into their full potential, they could assist both him and Earth in return. Hong and Thunder God had both performed remarkably well in the original timeline, ultimately becoming a True God and Universe Master respectively. They were absolutely worth Han Jue's investment of resources and attention.
Han Jue believed that Hong's exposure of Earth's location in the original storyline had been somewhat inevitable, the planet would have been discovered regardless. As long as he could demonstrate sufficient talent and transform that potential into genuine power quickly enough, he could control Earth's destiny entirely.
"Let's go," Han Jue said, already planning their next moves.
Rimuru had compiled comprehensive lists of the resources Han Jue would require for his Planetary and Stellar-level cultivation phases.
While he wasn't as resource-intensive as the Golden-Horned Beast would prove to be, his triple genetic level still demanded considerably more materials than average warriors. Additionally, he needed to cultivate plant life companions, purchase advanced weapons and equipment, and acquire countless other necessities.
Millions of Hunyuan Units might seem like an enormous fortune, but raising even a single plant life companion represented a significant expense. The funds wouldn't stretch as far as one might hope.
After flying through the designated aerial traffic lanes for a while, the three soon arrived before the Qiulong City Treasure Pavilion, one of the premier equipment suppliers in this sector.
"Sir, how may I assist you?" Upon entering the establishment, a charmingly dressed attendant immediately approached them, her professional smile warm without being obsequious.
"I need five hundred kilograms of Jade Wave Marrow," Han Jue stated directly.
This substance was among the cultivation resources Rimuru had specified for Planetary-level advancement, a crystallized concentrate of water-attributed energy that would significantly accelerate his genetic enhancement.
Upon hearing this request, the attendant's expression shifted to obvious surprise, her professionalism momentarily faltering. "Please... please wait one moment!"
Her hands trembled slightly as she gestured toward a waiting area. The item Han Jue had requested was far too valuable for someone of her station to handle independently. Employees at even the Black Dragon Mountain Empire's administrative offices only earned a few hundred Black Dragon Coins monthly, the resources Han Jue sought could purchase countless lifetimes of her current salary.
Within minutes, the attendant returned, accompanied by an elderly man whose bearing suggested considerable authority. She led all three visitors into a private reception room normally reserved for only the most valued clients.
"Honored sir, please forgive us," the old man said, wiping perspiration from his brow despite the climate-controlled environment. "We don't maintain sufficient quantities of Jade Wave Marrow in our current inventory. We'll need to arrange shipment from one of our larger facilities."
Han Jue frowned slightly, his enhanced perception noting the man's genuine distress.
"That's the limitation of operating in such provincial locations," Rimuru's voice commented disapprovingly through their mental connection. "They simply don't stock anything of real value."
He paused before adding, "Let's handle this through the Virtual Universe Company instead and purchase a Planetary-level nutrition cabin. It will directly elevate you to Planetary Level Nine, eliminating the need for these intermediate materials entirely."
"That works," Han Jue agreed mentally, then refocused on the anxious merchant. "Do you have fifty kilograms available currently?"
"Yes, yes, we maintain that quantity in stock," the old man confirmed quickly, relief flooding his features.
"Then fifty kilograms for now," Han Jue said. "Also, some Wood Crystals for plant cultivation... Do you carry young Cloud Vine seedlings for sale?"
"This..." The old man hesitated, fresh perspiration beading on his forehead.
"My apologies, honored sir. Our establishment's inventory is limited to more common goods. For specialized items like Cloud Vines, customers must place advance orders so we can arrange transfers from our primary facilities."
"Never mind, then," Han Jue said, shaking his head slightly. The delay wasn't worth the inconvenience.
"Brother Hong, Master, I've had Rimuru compile comprehensive lists of materials suitable for your cultivation needs. I've transmitted them to your optical brain computers, please review them at your convenience."
Hong and Thunder God nodded, accessing the detailed recommendations and beginning to select resources appropriate for their specific development paths.
Eventually, after extensive consultation and negotiation, the old merchant smiled with obvious satisfaction as he personally escorted all three visitors from his establishment. He provided each with premium membership cards offering substantial future discounts, securing their potential return business.
"Next, you should both register with the Qianwu Universe Dojo, then return to Earth," Han Jue instructed once they'd departed the shop. "You'll need time to properly absorb and integrate these new resources."
"Understood," both warriors acknowledged in unison.
This journey beyond Earth's boundaries, witnessing the universe's vast prosperity firsthand, had made them acutely aware of their own relative weakness. The realization burned like fire in their consciousness.
They absolutely had to accelerate their cultivation and grow stronger, only through overwhelming personal power could they truly protect Earth from whatever threats the future might bring.
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