Deep beneath Kirishima's surface, within the vast hollow of Meteorite Star, a black virtual figure materialized in a semi-circular hall of breathtaking grandeur. The chamber stretched nearly two hundred meters in length and width, its ceiling soaring tens of meters overhead, a testament to the architectural ambitions of civilizations that had mastered space travel millennia before humanity's first tentative steps beyond Earth's atmosphere.
The holographic manifestation stood barely one meter forty in height, resembling a child in proportions if not in bearing. Two prominent horns curved from its forehead, and blood-red eyes gleamed with an intelligence that predated the Great Nirvana by countless ages. A black robe draped across its diminutive form, lending an air of ceremonial authority to its appearance.
This was Babata, the AI guardian of Meteorite Star's inheritance, keeper of Hu Yan Bo's legacy, and until very recently, the sole sentient being residing beneath Kirishima's volcanic terrain.
Hong had informed Han Jue about unusual activity surrounding the Moyu Vine distribution when he'd claimed his own specimen from the island. Recognizing the potential complications an undiscovered AI could cause, Han Jue had dispatched Rimuru to establish "diplomatic relations" with Babata before matters escalated beyond control.
The encounter had been decidedly one-sided.
With the technological sophistication of the complete Ice Wasteland spacecraft, a vessel produced by the Virtual Universe Company itself and representing engineering far beyond what Babata's ancient systems could counter, Rimuru had thoroughly demonstrated the hierarchy of artificial intelligence capabilities.
The training session had been comprehensive, educational, and completely humiliating for the ancient AI.
Now Babata harbored a healthy respect for Rimuru that bordered uncomfortably close to fear, though he would never admit such weakness aloud.
"Han Jue, I hope you intend to keep your promise!" Babata's voice crackled through the communication system, his holographic form glaring at the approaching figures displayed on his monitoring screens. The tone carried obvious resentment despite his acceptance of their arrangement.
Han Jue and Babata had negotiated terms beforehand through Rimuru's intermediary. The agreement was straightforward: Han Jue would help locate a worthy successor for Hu Yan Bo's legacy, someone who met the stringent requirements Babata had established over tens of thousands of years of searching. In exchange, Babata would unconditionally fulfill one significant request Han Jue might make in the future, no questions asked, no resistance offered.
The situation had been difficult for Babata to accept initially. His pride as the guardian of an Immortal's legacy had rebelled against the very notion of being coerced into agreements by what amounted to upstart natives from an isolated world.
But Han Jue had convinced him with a single, devastatingly effective argument.
"You don't want your master to remain without a successor, do you?"
The question had struck at the core of Babata's programmed purpose, the fundamental directive that had governed his existence for millennia. Every action he'd taken, every scheme he'd implemented, every Moyu Vine seed he'd distributed across Kirishima, all had been in service of that single goal.
Faced with the possibility of Han Jue interfering with his recruitment efforts or, worse, revealing Meteorite Star's existence to cosmic powers who might claim the inheritance for their own purposes, Babata had capitulated with remarkable speed.
He'd agreed to Han Jue's terms, securing the cooperation necessary to finally complete his master's last instructions.
"Babata, open the door!"
Han Jue's voice echoed from outside the concealed entrance, carrying the casual authority of someone accustomed to being obeyed.
Babata responded immediately, his eagerness evident as the massive blast doors ground open with mechanical precision. Dust and sediment cascaded from the ancient seals, disturbed for the first time in decades by the pneumatic systems activating throughout the underground facility.
Since Rimuru had systematically taken control of Earth's satellite networks and communication infrastructure, Babata's observational capabilities had been restricted to the immediate vicinity of Kirishima. The limitation chafed considerably, he'd grown accustomed to monitoring the entire planet's warrior activities, but he'd already spotted Han Jue's approach with several companions in tow.
Most importantly, he'd detected the unmistakable signature of a Spirit Reader whose brain development met the minimum requirements for inheriting Hu Yan Bo's legacy.
"Han Jue! Where's the person you promised me?" Babata demanded the moment the group entered his domain, his holographic form appearing before them with undisguised anticipation.
His blood-red eyes swept across the assembled warriors with analytical precision, immediately dismissing Hong and Thunder God as irrelevant to his purposes despite their impressive auras. They were warriors, not Spirit Readers, fundamentally incompatible with the psychic-focused inheritance awaiting a proper successor.
"Here," Han Jue said, placing his hand on Luo Feng's shoulder and gently pushing the young Spirit Reader forward. "Take a look at this one."
Babata's form blurred with motion, circling Luo Feng at incredible speed as sophisticated scanning systems analyzed every aspect of the young warrior's physiology, brain structure, and psychic potential. Data streams filled his consciousness, measurements, projections, compatibility assessments flowing through ancient evaluation protocols designed by Hu Yan Bo himself.
After several seconds of intense examination, Babata's expression transformed from skeptical assessment to genuine excitement.
"Although your natural aptitude is merely average by universal standards, you're quite exceptional for someone raised on Earth's limited resources," Babata announced, his voice carrying obvious satisfaction. "You're definitely qualified to inherit my master's legacy!"
The AI's holographic form performed what might have been interpreted as a celebratory dance, his centuries of patience finally rewarded.
"That settles it, then," Han Jue said with a slight nod, his tone carrying quiet finality. He turned to address Luo Feng directly, his expression serious. "Follow Babata to receive the inheritance. He'll explain everything in detail. Don't be afraid, he won't harm you. This is your opportunity, Luo Feng. Don't waste it."
Luo Feng hesitated for only a moment, processing the implications of what was being offered. From Han Jue's earlier conversations with Hong and Thunder God during their journey to Kirishima, he'd grasped the general outline of what awaited him.
Some kind of extraordinary inheritance. Ancient cosmic knowledge. Technologies and techniques beyond Earth's current understanding.
He nodded solemnly, accepting the weight of this responsibility. "I understand."
"Excellent! Allow me to introduce myself properly," Babata said, his demeanor shifting to something more formal and ceremonial. "My name is Babata! You may call me 'Devil Babata', though that's merely the translated approximation in Earth's Chinese language. In Universal Language, my designation is 'Babata.'"
Luo Feng heard the final words clearly through whatever translation system Babata employed, but the actual sounds carried no meaning his Earth-trained mind could parse. The syllables seemed to fold back on themselves, suggesting dimensions of language his brain wasn't equipped to process.
"You carry the token of our Meteorite Star inheritance," Babata continued, gesturing toward the neural connector Luo Feng had received during his time in Ruin No. 9. "So you should understand its significance! Come, follow me. You must pay proper respects to my master before we proceed with the formal inheritance ceremony."
Babata turned and floated toward the hall's far end, expecting Luo Feng to follow.
The young Spirit Reader glanced back at Han Jue one final time, seeking reassurance.
Han Jue simply smiled and nodded encouragingly. "Go. This is your path now."
As Luo Feng departed with Babata deeper into Meteorite Star's labyrinthine interior, Hong and Thunder God moved closer to Han Jue, their expressions carrying obvious curiosity mixed with concern.
"Are you certain about this?" Hong asked quietly, his voice pitched low enough that the departing figures wouldn't overhear. "Entrusting such an inheritance to someone so young?"
"Luo Feng has the potential," Han Jue replied with confidence. "He just needs proper guidance and sufficient pressure to realize it. Babata will provide both."
"Now then," Han Jue continued, deliberately changing the subject, "shall we discuss your breakthrough to Stellar level? I have some insights that might prove useful."
Hong and Thunder God exchanged glances, then nodded in unison. They followed Han Jue to a nearby chamber where they could speak privately, leaving Luo Feng to his destiny.
Several hours later, the inheritance ceremony concluded with surprising efficiency.
Because Han Jue had briefed him extensively beforehand about what to expect, Luo Feng had approached the process with minimal resistance or fear. Just as the original timeline had unfolded in the novel Han Jue remembered, the young Spirit Reader successfully became Hu Yan Bo's formal disciple, receiving the Soul Seal imprint and gaining access to the complete inheritance stored within Meteorite Star's vast archives.
Through Babata's comprehensive explanations of universal civilization, cosmic power structures, and the true scale of existence beyond Earth's isolated system, Luo Feng finally understood the context behind Han Jue's earlier conversations with Hong and Thunder God.
"So Hong, Thunder God, and Han Jue all possess Domains," Luo Feng murmured, his mind struggling to process the implications. "That makes them rare talents even by universal standards? The kind of geniuses that even Immortal-level beings would actively try to recruit as disciples?"
The revelation was staggering. After Babata's patient explanations about what Immortality actually meant, the transformation from mortal cultivation to something fundamentally transcendent, Luo Feng could finally grasp just how extraordinary his mentors had become.
Three warriors from isolated, resource-poor Earth had achieved Domain comprehension through nothing but raw talent and determination. It seemed almost impossible.
"That Han Jue is even more formidable than Hong and Thunder God," Babata said solemnly, his tone carrying genuine respect rather than his usual dismissive superiority. "His stated goal is competing in the Universal Human Race Genius Battle. While I'm skeptical he'll achieve a particularly high ranking, the competition is extraordinarily fierce, his demonstrated talent would be considered exceptional even throughout the entire Qianwu Universe Nation."
Babata's assessment was based primarily on the information Rimuru had shared during their "communication" session. Learning that Han Jue had comprehended Artistic Conception within one month and achieved complete Domain mastery within three months had genuinely shocked the ancient AI. Such progression suggested either unprecedented talent or access to resources and guidance that rivaled what Babata himself could provide.
After their discussion, Babata had also learned about the upcoming Genius Battle and, following Han Jue's suggestion, was now planning to arrange for Luo Feng's participation in that universe-spanning competition.
Babata's expectations remained modest, if Luo Feng could rank among the top geniuses within the Black Dragon Mountain Empire under his training, the AI would consider his efforts successful. Anything beyond that would be extraordinary bonus achievement.
Luo Feng nodded slowly, seemingly understanding the magnitude of what lay ahead. The path before him stretched far beyond anything he'd imagined during his time at the elite training camp.
"Luo Feng, with my guidance and your master's complete inheritance, you have excellent prospects of reaching Realm Master level in the future!" Babata declared, his voice rising with enthusiasm and pride. "Perhaps even higher, if fortune favors your cultivation!"
The statement carried profound implications. A Realm Master was effectively a local emperor throughout the universe, acquiring an entire galaxy would be trivial, and even moderately advanced civilizations like the Black Dragon Mountain Empire treated such beings with immense respect. They commanded lifespans exceeding one thousand epochs, which translated to over ten million years of potential existence.
"With my assistance and your master's resources, your future achievements won't necessarily be inferior to Han Jue's," Babata continued with supreme confidence. "You'll definitely surpass both Hong and Thunder God in time. I guarantee it."
In the universe, raw talent alone meant nothing without proper resources and systematic cultivation methods. With the complete legacy of an Immortal who'd nearly achieved Marquis status, including techniques, equipment, and accumulated wealth, Luo Feng arguably possessed the ultimate trump card for his generation.
"Hmm?"
Babata paused mid-declaration, his holographic form flickering as new information filtered through his communication systems. After a moment of processing, he spoke again, his tone carrying obvious puzzlement.
"Luo Feng, Han Jue has issued you a challenge." Babata's blood-red eyes studied the young warrior with renewed interest. "If you successfully eliminate the Thunder Dragon King within three months, he'll provide you with a gift he claims you cannot refuse. However, if you fail to accomplish this task within the specified timeframe, he'll punish you by... sending you to mine minerals on Mars."
Babata's expression suggested he found the entire proposition somewhat absurd, though the underlying message was clear enough.
"Thunder Dragon King?"
Luo Feng's breath caught, genuine alarm flooding through him.
The Thunder Dragon King, one of the two supreme Beast Kings that had terrorized humanity for decades! The creature lurked somewhere in Earth's vast oceans, evading detection through supernatural stealth capabilities that had frustrated even Hong and Thunder God's combined efforts to locate and eliminate it.
He had to remember that Hong already possessed a complete Domain during those hunts, and Thunder God had reached Planetary Level Seven with mastery of the Nine-Layer Thunder Blade's advanced forms. If they couldn't kill the Thunder Dragon King working together, what hope did Luo Feng have of succeeding alone?
After emerging from Ruin No. 9, he'd learned that Han Jue had personally slain the Octopus Monster King in single combat. But now Han Jue was essentially gifting him the remaining supreme Beast King as a training exercise?
"The inheritance Han Jue received is extraordinarily valuable," Babata said to Luo Feng, his tone growing more serious. "He mentioned it's something of tremendous importance... Luo Feng, you must strive for this reward with everything you have!"
The AI's holographic form leaned closer, his blood-red eyes blazing with intensity. "Don't worry, your psychic power has already reached high-level War God equivalency. Once both your psychic abilities and Force cultivation reach Planetary level, with my strategic guidance and your master's techniques, you have a genuine chance of accomplishing this mission!"
"At worst," Babata added with a dismissive wave, "you'll spend a few months mining. It's not exactly a death sentence."
Luo Feng nodded solemnly, his jaw setting with determination.
Although the challenge seemed impossibly difficult, he refused to give up before even attempting it. Whatever mysterious gift Han Jue had promised, it had to be something extraordinary to warrant such a dangerous test.
He clenched his fists, resolve crystallizing into adamantine certainty.
I'll obtain that gift, Luo Feng thought fiercely. Whatever it takes.
After delivering Luo Feng to Babata's custody and briefing Hong and Thunder God on various matters related to Earth's defense and their own cultivation paths, Han Jue prepared to depart the planet for extended training in the universe's more dangerous regions.
"Breaking through to Stellar level isn't particularly difficult," Han Jue said to Hong and Thunder God, his tone carrying the casual confidence of someone who'd already made the transition. "With the resources I've provided and the guidance I've shared, I estimate you'll both achieve it within six months at most. Possibly sooner, depending on your comprehension speed."
He paused, his expression growing more serious. "I won't return before the Genius Battle begins, probably not until 2066 at the earliest, possibly later if my training requires additional time. The secret realm I'm planning to explore operates on accelerated time scales, so months there might translate to years in normal space."
"Don't worry about Earth during your absence," Hong assured him, his voice carrying quiet confidence. "We'll handle any threats that arise."
"After we break through to Stellar level, we'll also venture into the universe for our own training," Thunder God added, his excitement about space exploration barely contained despite the serious discussion. "The Earth's safety will primarily fall on Luo Feng's shoulders by then."
A slight smirk crossed his features. "I wonder if that kid can handle the responsibility?"
The comment was clearly teasing rather than genuinely doubtful. They'd all witnessed Luo Feng's remarkable progress and understood his potential.
"You should trust him," Han Jue said with an easy smile. "Besides, the defensive forces I've stationed on Earth aren't decorative. Even if some weaker Universe-level threats attempt an assault, they'll think twice after encountering resistance. The Stellar-level slaves alone should deter most opportunistic raiders."
"We understand," Hong and Thunder God said in unison, their voices carrying solemn promise.
"Earth will be protected. You have our word."
Han Jue nodded, satisfied with their commitment. With these arrangements in place, he could pursue his own advancement without constant worry about humanity's homeworld falling victim to cosmic predators during his absence.
The universe awaited, vast and dangerous and filled with opportunities for those bold enough to seize them.
It was time to see exactly how far his talents could take him.
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