The chest containing the Cloud Sea Dragon Hunter had been designed with two compartments, Han Jue discovered. His fingers traced the lower section, finding the secondary latch.
Inside rested a Force Armor suit, deep blue like the sword above it, but with a texture reminiscent of flowing water given solid form. The material seemed to shift under his gaze, neither fully liquid nor entirely solid.
Defensive equipment rarely generated excitement the way weapons did, but Han Jue understood its importance. The Force Armor's primary function was protection, though it offered the additional benefit of better resonance with the fundamental laws of water and space. Nothing spectacular, but undeniably valuable for a warrior of his current level.
The suit could be worn simultaneously with Alloy Armor, creating layered defenses that would significantly enhance his survivability. Not as impressive as the legendary Moyu Vine armor would eventually be, but more than adequate until he reached Realm Master level.
Han Jue lifted the suit experimentally. The moment his fingers made contact, the material responded, flowing like liquid across his skin, enveloping his entire body in a protective layer that felt simultaneously present and weightless. The sensation was remarkable, as if he'd been clothed in flowing water that somehow provided the defensive capabilities of the finest metal.
This will serve well enough, he thought with satisfaction.
One container remained.
"Open it!" Rimuru urged, his holographic form practically vibrating with anticipation.
Han Jue complied, releasing the final latch.
Inside lay what appeared to be preserved skin, black as midnight, covered in mysterious dark gold patterns that seemed to pulse with barely contained power. The craftsmanship was extraordinary, the patterns following geometric principles that his Six Eyes instinctively recognized as related to spatial manipulation.
"A complete skin from the Demon Killer Clan!" Rimuru announced triumphantly, clearly proud of his selection. "Known throughout the universe as the premier assassin race! This specimen alone is worth hundreds of Hunyuan Units. It can be used to comprehend the fundamental laws of space, it will provide immense benefit to your spatial law training!"
Han Jue paused, genuine surprise flickering across his features.
The Demon Killer Clan skin. He hadn't expected this particular gift.
Then again, he'd never actually told Rimuru about the Six Eyes' complete capabilities, only about the tripled genetic level. The AI companion didn't know that Han Jue could directly perceive spatial law operations through his enhanced vision, making external comprehension aids largely redundant.
The realization brought a slight smile to his lips. Rimuru had been planning thoroughly, purchasing resources based on incomplete information. The gesture was thoughtful even if the specific item wasn't particularly useful to him personally.
Rimuru was intelligent life, truly sentient rather than merely programmed. As such, he wouldn't betray his master. There was no reason to withhold information that could help him plan more effectively.
"Rimuru," Han Jue said after a moment's consideration, "there's something I should tell you about the Six Eyes' actual capabilities."
He proceeded to explain the full scope of his unique ability, including the direct spatial law perception that had emerged after his mutation upon reaching Planetary level.
"Huh?" Rimuru's holographic eyes transformed into perfect circles of shock, clearly never having considered this possibility. His form flickered slightly, processing this new information and recalculating dozens of training scenarios simultaneously.
After several seconds of stunned silence, he spoke cautiously. "Do you... want me to return it? I can probably arrange an exchange through the Virtual Universe Company, though there might be restocking fees..."
"Keep it," Han Jue interrupted, shaking his head decisively. "A few hundred Hunyuan Units isn't worth the hassle of returning it. Besides, it's not completely useless."
He ran his fingers across the preserved skin thoughtfully. "I can directly observe spatial laws, yes, but if I can't comprehend what I'm seeing, the observation is meaningless. This Demon Killer skin might help bridge that gap, providing context for what my Six Eyes show me."
A secondary possibility occurred to him as well. "Also, this could potentially be used by Luo Feng to cultivate a clone in the future. The original owner only reached Universe Level One, considerably weaker than the Demon Killer clone Luo Feng used in the original timeline. Giving it to him earlier might accelerate his development significantly."
"That's... actually remarkably practical thinking," Rimuru admitted, his earlier embarrassment fading into renewed enthusiasm. "Your ability to identify alternative applications for resources is quite impressive."
"Let's return to Earth," Han Jue said, carefully storing the skin alongside his other acquisitions.
"Understood!" Rimuru's cheerful demeanor fully restored, his holographic form practically bouncing with excitement as he interfaced with the spacecraft's navigation systems.
The D3-class vessel's engines hummed to life, powerful thrusters accelerating them toward the coordinates that would allow transition into the Dark Universe. Within minutes, they'd entered that strange dimensional shortcut, space folding around them as they raced toward home at speeds that would have seemed impossible just months ago.
December 1st, 2056
Four months had passed since the warrior combat assessment that had first revealed Han Jue's extraordinary talents to the wider world.
Two days had elapsed since his return to Earth from Qionglong Star.
After distributing the purchased Jade Wave Marrow and Wood Crystals to Han Hechang and Han Hesheng, along with detailed instructions for their optimal usage, Han Jue prepared to enter intensive cultivation seclusion. The resources he'd acquired represented years of accelerated development compressed into usable materials. It would be foolish to waste such opportunities.
Inside the D3-class spacecraft's primary control room, Han Jue stripped away his outer garments, revealing the athletic physique honed through countless hours of training. His movements were methodical, almost ritualistic, as he approached the first of three D-grade nutrition cabins.
The sophisticated medical pod gleamed under the room's ambient lighting, its interior filled with specialized nutrient solution that would facilitate his breakthrough. Han Jue lowered himself into the chamber, the cool liquid immediately enveloping his body as the mechanism sealed around him.
The nutrient solution covered him completely, rising over his chest and shoulders before finally submerging his face. The substance began penetrating through his skin with almost supernatural efficiency, permeating his muscles, seeping into bones, saturating membranes, flooding internal organs with transformative energy.
As his physical body underwent this profound change, his consciousness shifted, entering the Virtual Universe network through his neural connector.
The beauty of Virtual Universe technology lay in its completeness. While his body transformed in the physical world, his mind could cultivate secret techniques, hone combat skills, and deepen his Domain comprehension without wasting a single moment. Time that would normally be lost to physical cultivation could be spent productively improving other aspects of his capabilities.
For comprehending fundamental laws, however, the Virtual Universe offered limited benefits. His Six Eyes functioned far more effectively in reality, where they could directly observe the actual operations of universal principles rather than digital simulations.
The Killing Field
Han Jue materialized in the Virtual Universe Company's premier combat training facility. The environment was stark, efficient, a featureless arena designed solely for honing technique through endless repetition and challenge.
"Configure opponent: Planetary Level Nine warrior. Parameters: complete mastery of 'Ice Wasteland Sword Technique - Foundation,'" Han Jue commanded the system.
Whoosh!
A figure appeared across from him, identical to Han Jue in physical appearance but wearing white combat attire instead of the dark blue Force battle suit Han Jue had equipped. The simulated warrior's eyes were vacant, emotionless, containing only the cold efficiency of purpose-built programming.
"Come," Han Jue said, his own eyes blazing with anticipation and fighting spirit.
The white-clad figure moved without preamble, drawing his blade with practiced precision. "Ice Wasteland Sword Technique, First Form, Condensation!"
The attack came fast, faster than most warriors could track with naked eyes. But Han Jue was no ordinary warrior. His enhanced perception cataloged every detail: the angle of approach, the distribution of force, the subtle feint embedded within the primary strike.
Han Jue drew Cloud Sea Dragon Hunter in response, employing the same technique. "Condensation!"
Clang!
Their blades met with explosive force, the impact sending shockwaves through the virtual environment. Despite using identical techniques, the white-clad figure clearly held advantage, his simulated physique carried far greater raw power, pushing Han Jue backward several steps.
Heat flooded through Han Jue's arms from the jarring impact, his muscles protesting the strain.
Perfect, he thought with fierce satisfaction.
"Again!" Han Jue shouted, already surging forward to meet the next exchange.
The white-clad figure remained silent, it was programming rather than personality, but responded with immediate aggression. Three consecutive strikes, each building upon the last, each faster and more powerful than what preceded it.
The simulated opponent lacked Domain comprehension, but his raw physical capabilities exceeded Han Jue's by several multiples. In the Virtual Universe, Han Jue's current manifestation matched a Planetary Level Four warrior with double genetic multiplier, respectable, but inferior to the Level Nine physique facing him.
The three-strike combination overwhelmed his defenses, forcing him to activate his trump card.
Water Domain, Third Level!
Nearly two months had passed since he'd first comprehended his Domain. Thanks to the Six Eyes' extraordinary perception, Han Jue had already advanced through multiple levels of mastery, even beginning to grasp the threshold of water's fundamental Origin Law.
Perhaps he could fully cross that threshold before breaking through to Stellar level, an achievement that would place him among the greatest talents in this sector of the universe.
The Domain manifested around him like visible pressure, the very fabric of space within its influence bending to his will. Water-attributed energy saturated the area, responding to his intentions with perfect obedience.
At Planetary level, possessing any Domain meant near-absolute dominance over opponents of similar cultivation!
The white-clad figure's movements immediately became sluggish, as if fighting through invisible resistance. His blade moved through air that had transformed into something approaching thick syrup, every motion requiring exponentially more effort than before.
The suppression granted Han Jue crucial breathing room, but his opponent adapted quickly, demonstrating why this training program was valued throughout the universe.
"Ice Wasteland Sword Technique, Second Form, Frost!"
Even without Domain enhancement or law comprehension backing it, the technique itself contained devastating power. The blade seemed to freeze the very air through which it passed, leaving trails of crystalline ice in its wake.
Han Jue's eyes widened fractionally at the sheer force contained within that single strike.
Incredible, he thought, already analyzing and memorizing every detail.
Bang!
His counterattack met the simulated warrior's blade, and the white-clad figure was sent flying backward like a meteor, his form dissolving into scattered data before he could even strike the arena's far wall.
Instant elimination.
Facing Domain suppression, no amount of technical skill could compensate. The fundamental disadvantage was simply too vast to overcome through technique alone.
"I've barely scratched the surface of the first form," Han Jue muttered, examining his own performance with critical precision. "Without Domain assistance, I definitely couldn't defeat him. I need more practice with the Ice Wasteland Sword Technique itself, the pure technical aspects independent of my other advantages."
His eyes refocused with renewed determination. "Next round: no Domain usage. Pure swordsmanship only."
According to both his calculations and Rimuru's detailed explanations, mastering the second form would grant him Stellar-level combat capability while still at Planetary level, a feat that would mark him as an exceptional talent even in the wider universe.
As for the third form, mastering it at Planetary level was considered virtually impossible. If a Stellar-level warrior could achieve it, they would be deemed invincible among their peers, possessing strength sufficient to challenge even Universe-level opponents despite the vast gulf in cultivation.
The white-clad figure reformed, weapon already drawn, immediately launching into attack.
Clang!
Their blades met again, and this time the disparity became immediately apparent. Without his Domain to level the playing field, Han Jue struggled against the superior physique. After blocking several strikes, his guard failed.
The simulated blade pierced his heart with mechanical precision.
Han Jue's vision went dark as the training system registered his death.
He respawned moments later, already analyzing what had gone wrong, already planning adjustments to his technique.
Again, he thought, gripping Cloud Sea Dragon Hunter tighter. I'll master this if it takes a thousand deaths.
February 4th, 2057
Chinese New Year arrived with its traditional celebrations and family gatherings.
Han Jue emerged from his nutrition cabin on this particular day, setting aside his intensive cultivation to spend time with those he loved. Some traditions transcended even the pursuit of power, and family remained paramount despite his rapidly expanding horizons.
Hong and Thunder God visited the Han family manor that afternoon, their arrival carrying more than simple holiday well-wishes.
"We want to allow all Earthlings access to the Virtual Universe," Hong explained without preamble, his expression serious. "The benefits to humanity's overall development would be extraordinary. Training efficiency would increase dramatically. Knowledge sharing would become instantaneous. The potential is unlimited."
Han Jue pondered the request for a long time, weighing benefits against risks. The Virtual Universe could indeed revolutionize Earth's warrior culture, but it also represented exposure to cosmic civilization, with all the dangers that entailed.
Finally, he nodded his agreement. "Acceptable. However, you'll both be responsible for managing any problems that arise. Earth's location must remain protected, security protocols must be strictly enforced, and any suspicious activity gets reported immediately."
"Understood," both warriors acknowledged solemnly.
To facilitate this new initiative, Hong and Thunder God borrowed several of the Stellar-level slaves from Han Jue's purchased forces. The group made a journey to Qionglong Star, purchasing vast quantities of Virtual Universe access equipment and establishing the infrastructure necessary to bring Earth's population onto the network.
Han Jue also granted Han Hechang and Han Hesheng their own Virtual Universe access, along with substantial quantities of Jade Wave Marrow and Wood Crystals. With these resources accelerating their cultivation, both brothers' strength grew at remarkable rates, placing them second only to Hong and Thunder God among Earth's Planetary-level warriors.
Before returning to seclusion, Han Jue paid a special visit to the Luo family, reassuring them of Luo Feng's safety and explaining that the young Spirit Reader was undergoing intensive training that would transform him into one of Earth's most powerful defenders. The gratitude in their eyes reminded him why he fought, why he pushed himself to such extremes.
March 21st, 2057
The final drops of nutrient solution drained from the third cabin, the medical systems signaling completion of their programming.
Han Jue emerged transformed, having successfully advanced to Planetary Level Nine, the absolute peak before the threshold to Stellar cultivation. His physical capabilities had increased geometrically, every cell optimized to its maximum potential at this tier of existence.
He'd also achieved mastery of the Ice Wasteland Sword Technique's second form, Frost, though the secrets of the third form, Ice, remained frustratingly elusive. The technique's complexity increased exponentially with each advancement, requiring not just practice but genuine enlightenment.
Han Jue reconfigured his training opponent: now facing a simulated warrior who possessed both the second form mastery and a complete Water Domain. This new challenge forced him to learn how to integrate Domain control with technical swordsmanship, a synthesis that would elevate his combat effectiveness to entirely new heights.
June 1st, 2057
Children's Day brought unexpected drama.
Thunder God, having finally achieved his long-sought Domain breakthrough through months of intensive cultivation, immediately sought to prove his newfound capabilities. He challenged both Hong and Han Jue to duels, his confidence radiating like physical pressure.
Both matches ended with Thunder God's decisive defeat.
Hong's superior experience and deeper Domain comprehension overwhelmed Thunder God's newly acquired abilities. Han Jue, meanwhile, demonstrated that raw Domain mastery meant little against someone who'd integrated law comprehension into their technique.
Humiliated by the losses and further mocked by Han Hechang's casual commentary about "premature celebration," Thunder God challenged the elder Han brother to a duel in the Virtual Universe. They agreed to fight without using Domains, pure technique against technique.
The match ended in a draw, both warriors battered and exhausted but neither achieving decisive victory. Thunder God's mood improved considerably after this result, his wounded pride partially restored by demonstrating he could at least match one of Earth's elite warriors in pure skill.
July 20th, 2057
Hong and Thunder God both reached Planetary Level Nine, joining Han Jue at the peak of this cultivation tier. They began seeking opportunities for breakthrough to Stellar level, a transition that would require not just accumulated energy but genuine enlightenment about their respective law comprehensions.
That same day, Thunder God challenged Han Hechang to another duel. This time, the result differed dramatically from their previous encounter.
Thunder God's superior cultivation level, combined with months of additional training, allowed him to defeat Han Hechang decisively. The victory restored his typical arrogance, his chest puffing with renewed confidence as he crowed about his superiority to anyone who would listen.
Han Hechang took the defeat with grace, already planning his own intensive training regimen to close the gap.
August 11th, 2057
A breakthrough moment arrived during Han Jue's meditation.
His Water Domain reached the fifth level, a tier of mastery that marked the beginning of true law comprehension. He'd crossed the threshold separating technique from understanding, beginning his journey into the fundamental Origin of Water itself.
The difference was profound. Previously, he'd manipulated water-attributed energy through instinct and practice. Now, he could perceive the underlying principles governing how water existed and operated throughout the universe. The distinction between using a tool and understanding its essential nature.
This achievement placed him among the elite talents throughout this entire sector of space. Most warriors never achieved genuine law comprehension even after centuries of cultivation. Han Jue had reached it before his seventeenth birthday.
December 30th, 2057
Nearly one full year after beginning his intensive cultivation, the moment finally arrived.
Han Jue broke through to Stellar level.
The transformation was extraordinary, a complete restructuring of his fundamental existence. The nine micro-planets spinning within his dantian collapsed inward, fusing together through processes that defied conventional physics. Energy compressed beyond normal matter's capacity to contain, creating something qualitatively different from what had existed before.
A miniature star formed within his core, blazing with power that dwarfed his previous capabilities.
His genetic energy underwent metamorphosis, becoming denser, more potent, more aligned with universal laws. Every cell in his body was reforged, rebuilt according to new principles that granted capabilities impossible at lower cultivation tiers.
When the process completed, Han Jue opened his eyes, now literally glowing with barely contained power, and smiled.
Stellar Level One.
But with his Water Domain's fifth level, his mastery of the Ice Wasteland Sword Technique's second form, and his progress toward comprehending Cloud Sea Dragon Hunter's secret patterns, his actual combat effectiveness far exceeded what the numerical designation suggested.
He could challenge Stellar Level Five warriors with confidence. Perhaps even higher, depending on their specific capabilities and his preparation.
The path to the Genius Battle was opening before him. Three years remained until that universe-spanning competition would begin. Three years to advance further, to master additional techniques, to transform potential into reality.
I will be ready, Han Jue thought with absolute conviction. When that tournament begins, I'll prove myself worthy of the Lord of the Ice Wasteland's legacy.
December 31st, 2057
On the final day of 2057, nearly fifteen months after entering those ancient ruins, a familiar presence returned to Earth.
Luo Feng finally emerged from Ruin No. 9, transformed beyond recognition by his experiences within those ancient halls.
The protagonist of the original timeline had returned, and the universe would never be quite the same.
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