https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-94-Soaring-in-the-Starry-Sea-Seeking-Subscription-/12529882/
Chapter 93: Seven-Star Cave, the Chi Kun Lineage
Chapter 93: Seven-Star Cave, the Chi Kun Lineage
In the cold starry sky, the Chi Kun Star Master's expression turned to one of surprise.
As a Star Master, a figure beyond the sixth stage of existence, it was rare for the Chi Kun Star Master to display such emotions.
"This tournament has certainly brought forth quite a few geniuses," the Chi Kun Star Master mused.
The competition footage in front of the Chi Kun Star Master suddenly paused and then split into more than a hundred different screens, each playing a separate match.
These hundred-plus screens corresponded to over a hundred evolving lifeform competitors.
These individuals were, of course, the 'geniuses' that the Chi Kun Star Master spoke of.
The Morning Star Galaxy, one of the eight galaxies in the Chi Kun Star Domain, boasted 120,000 life-bearing planets.
And on each of these 120,000 planets, a tournament was held to determine the rankings.
For the Chi Kun Star Master to handpick just over a hundred individuals from such a vast pool of evolving lifeforms was an extremely selective process, with only one in a trillion making the cut.
The Chi Kun Star Master's gaze lingered on the first three screens.
The evolving lifeforms on these three screens were a silver-haired woman, a man with a third eye on his forehead, and a burly man wielding a giant hammer.
"A talent for space. Quite a promising seed," the Chi Kun Star Master commented after watching the silver-haired woman's battle footage for a while, nodding slightly.
"And I didn't expect to see a member of the Three-Eyed Tribe as well," the Chi Kun Star Master added, glancing at the three-eyed man.
The Three-Eyed Tribe was a branch of the human tribe, and even among humans, there were different lineages. For example, they could be categorized based on skin color into yellow, white, and black.
And the Three-Eyed Tribe was an incredibly rare branch of humanity.
So rare that they couldn't form concrete families because their inheritance wasn't passed down from father to son but rather awakened randomly.
And the chances of this random awakening were terrifyingly low. Currently, in the entire Human Federation, the number of Three-Eyed Tribe members didn't exceed 100,000, and they were scattered across the human domain.
Of course, their scarcity made the Three-Eyed Tribe's talents exceptionally powerful. It was said that the third eye on their forehead could perceive the rules of the universe and allow them to strike with power far beyond their own.
"Has grasped the basics of the rule of power. Should have no problem advancing to the sixth stage," the Chi Kun Star Master remarked as he turned his attention to the last of the three, the burly man with the giant hammer.
Based on past tournaments, it would be considered good luck to have one of these three appear. To have all three emerge in a single tournament was indeed surprising, and it was no wonder that the Chi Kun Star Master was taken aback.
After observing the first three evolving lifeforms, the Chi Kun Star Master's gaze moved down the line.
At the sixty-eighth position, he spotted Lin Yuan.
"Two extreme attribute rules. That path won't be easy from here on," the Chi Kun Star Master commented before moving on, not giving it much further thought.
It would indeed be challenging, but only for those below the sixth stage of evolution.
To the great Chi Kun Star Master, it was not a significant concern.
"Since this tournament has produced so many geniuses, let's open the 'Seven-Star Cave' trial," the Chi Kun Star Master said after some thought. With a grand wave of his hand, he declared, "For these one hundred and eighteen evolving lifeforms, the first three shall be granted the Chi Mark. The next one hundred and fifteen shall receive the Gold Mark. Additionally, the top ten from the tournaments on each of the planets shall be bestowed the Silver Mark."
"They shall all enter the 'Seven-Star Cave' together."
Middle Continent Estate.
Lin Yuan had just finished his cultivation and connected to the virtual world, intending to spar with Fang Qing to research the 'Ancient God' evolutionary path.
Suddenly, a prompt appeared before him.
"You are about to enter the 'Seven-Star Cave' world."
"Please prepare yourself."
"5, 4, 3..."
The countdown began.
Lin Yuan was taken aback by this unexpected development.
It was the first time he had encountered a situation in the virtual world where he was forcibly transported without his consent, not even given the option to refuse.
The next moment, the countdown ended.
Lin Yuan's surroundings transformed, and he found himself in a vast white jade plaza.
At this moment, Lin Yuan could only see a few meters around him, as the distant areas were shrouded in layer upon layer of mist.
"Please adjust your appearance and physique," a mechanical-sounding voice instructed.
"Am I supposed to conceal my identity?" Lin Yuan wondered, and proceeded to modify his appearance and physique slightly, giving off a slightly colder aura overall.
As Lin Yuan finished adjusting his appearance, the mist that shrouded the plaza suddenly parted, revealing a million other Evolvers scattered about.
These Evolvers exuded varying auras, at least of the third stage of evolution, and among them were quite a few fourth-stage Evolvers.
"What are these marks on their faces?" Lin Yuan wondered aloud, noticing the silver streak emblazoned on each of their cheeks.
He reached up to touch his own face, his senses keen enough to perceive the mark on his cheek, a golden streak in contrast to the silver of the others.
"And this Seven-Star Cave world..." Lin Yuan's eyes swept across the plaza, a guess forming in his mind.
"They must know something I don't." His gaze landed on a group of three Evolvers gathered not far away, conversing in hushed tones.
Lin Yuan approached them.
The trio immediately noticed his approach, and their faces paled as they caught sight of the golden mark on his cheek.
"Your Highness, the Golden Mark," the leader of the three said, bowing slightly.
"Golden Mark?" Lin Yuan's expression remained unchanged, realizing that the 'gold' in Golden Mark referred to the golden streak on his cheek.
Apparently, the Golden Mark held a higher status than the Silver Mark, at least based on the reaction of these three Evolvers.
"Yes," Lin Yuan replied nonchalantly.
"We are from the 'Ice Sea Star.' May I ask which planet you are from, Your Highness?" the leader inquired.
"Moon Spirit Star," Lin Yuan answered casually.
The Moon Spirit Star was a high-level life planet in the Morning Star Galaxy and the birthplace of the 'Force' evolutionary path that Lin Yuan had purchased.
"The Moon Spirit Star, I've heard of it. It's a very powerful planet," one of the trio remarked.
"I didn't expect a Golden Mark bearer to come from the Moon Spirit Star in this tournament," another added.
"With the Golden Mark, you are sure to pass the trial of the Seven-Star Cave," the third chimed in.
Through their flattery, Lin Yuan immediately understood the purpose of the Seven-Star Cave world.
"A trial by Chi Kun Star Master?" he mused to himself.
Even during the latter stages of the tournament, Lin Yuan had known that the top ten finalists might eventually attract the attention of the Chi Kun Star Master.
The Wisdom Goddess had also subtly hinted that he should seize this opportunity.
When the top ten contenders from across the globe faced off, Lin Yuan had revealed his true strength as a fourth-stage Evolver, showcasing his extraordinary talent.
Initially, Lin Yuan had thought that he might, at most, receive a reward from the Chi Kun Star Master.
"The Seven-Star Cave world is a virtual realm created by the Chi Kun Star Master to test geniuses. Those who conquer all seven star caves will be eligible to join the Chi Kun lineage," one of the trio explained.
"Before entering the Seven-Star Cave world, the Chi Kun Star Master bestows three marks—the Red Mark, the Golden Mark, and the Silver Mark—upon Evolvers based on their performance in the tournament," another continued.
"The Red Mark holds the highest status, granted to those with infinite potential and destined to reach the sixth stage of evolution. The Golden Mark is for extraordinary geniuses, and only a handful in an entire star domain may receive it. Their chances of reaching the sixth stage are also extremely high," he added.
"As for the Silver Mark, it is given to the top ten finalists from each planetary tournament. While they are revered as 'star' Evolvers on their respective planets, here, they are quite ordinary. Anyone who enters the Seven-Star Cave world is an exceptional existence," the third Evolver concluded.
"The Chi Kun lineage..." Lin Yuan's eyes glinted with a fiery light.
Undoubtedly, the Chi Kun lineage was the strongest force in the entire Chi Kun Star Domain, and the Chi Kun Star Master was a being beyond the 'Falling Star' level.
If Lin Yuan could join such a powerful faction, it would greatly benefit his growth and ensure his safety for a long time to come.
Moreover, being able to interact with and receive guidance from a being like the Chi Kun Star Master would be far more beneficial than solitary cultivation.
Lin Yuan's Heaven-Defying Comprehension talent was especially useful in this regard.
"But how do I get through the seven star caves?" Lin Yuan fell into deep thought.
To find out how to get through the seven star caves, he needed to at least know the specifics.
For example, what method would be used to pass each trial?
If he knew the trial contents in advance, he would naturally have a greater advantage.
Although Lin Yuan currently possessed Fourth Stage strength and had begun to comprehend various rules, he did not underestimate the other Evolvers in the slightest.
Not to mention those with the Golden Mark like himself.
Above the Golden Mark was the Red Mark.
Chi Kun Star Master, as an existence that had granted him the Golden Mark, obviously did not think he had reached the standard of the Red Mark yet.
In other words, Evolvers with the Red Mark were even more powerful than Lin Yuan at his current stage.
Just as Lin Yuan was deep in thought.
In the vast white jade plaza.
A majestic shadow suddenly appeared.
"The trial of the Seven-Star Cave will officially begin in twenty-four hours."
"Friendly reminder, the Seven-Star Cave trial is divided into seven stages. Passing through all seven star caves will result in clearing the trial."
"Finally, the trial process must not be disclosed. Otherwise, you will be subject to punishment by the Universal Human Federation and the Star Master."
After saying this, the majestic shadow disappeared.
"Must not disclose the trial process?" Lin Yuan frowned slightly.
They were required to keep this a secret, and it was likely that other Evolvers who had come to the Seven-Star Cave world in the past would have faced the same restriction.
This meant that the difficulty of obtaining information about the trials would increase exponentially.
With the higher threshold for information, the scarcity would drive up its value, making it even harder to obtain related intelligence.
Perhaps those Evolvers with powerful backgrounds and connections knew about the trial contents, but they certainly wouldn't divulge it to Lin Yuan without a reason.
"Hello, I'm from the Morning Star."
A short-haired man walked over, and the mark on his face was the same as Lin Yuan's—golden.
"Morning Star," Lin Yuan glanced at him.
The Morning Star was the main star of the Morning Star Galaxy, the most prosperous region in the entire galaxy.
It was also the place with the most high-level Evolvers, including those at the sixth stage of evolution.
"Moon Spirit Star," Lin Yuan nodded.
"Do you want to exchange information?" The short-haired man suddenly lowered his voice.
To be acknowledged by the Chi Kun Star Master and receive the Golden Mark, one would have to be an extraordinary genius who had begun to touch upon the fundamental rules of the universe.
Such geniuses would most likely have a powerful force backing them.
Although the trials of the Seven-Star Cave world were strictly forbidden to be shared, powerful forces would have their ways to obtain the information, even if it came at a cost.
"You go first," Lin Yuan said, immediately intending to freeload.
After all, even if he couldn't provide any information in return, there wasn't much the other party could do to him.
"Which of the seven star caves is the most difficult?" The short-haired man wasn't foolish either and tried to probe first.
"Which one?" Lin Yuan's expression remained unchanged.
How could he be sure which one was the most difficult?
"The seventh one," Lin Yuan replied calmly.
Based on Lin Yuan's past experiences, the final stage was most likely the most challenging.
"You're lying to me." The short-haired man turned and walked away.
"Hmm?" Lin Yuan did gain some insight, at the very least, he now knew that the most challenging star cave among the seven wasn't the seventh one.
"Could it be that the first one is the most difficult?" Lin Yuan wondered.
This didn't quite fit the logic of the trials, what if the first stage eliminated everyone?
Soon after.
Another Evolver with the Golden Mark approached him.
"The first one is the most difficult," Lin Yuan answered.
"You're not being sincere," the other Evolver with the Golden Mark shook his head, giving Lin Yuan a strange look before turning away as well.
Subsequently.
Several other Golden Mark Evolvers tried to exchange information with Lin Yuan.
Those who could appear in the Seven-Star Cave world were at least Third Stage Evolvers, and their intelligence was undoubtedly sharp, making it difficult for Lin Yuan to freeload the trial details.
"Honored Golden Mark bearer."
An Evolver with a silver mark on his face approached him.
"I know the intelligence regarding the Seven-Star Cave trials, and I am willing to divulge this information without asking for anything in return." The silver-marked Evolver said directly.
After observing Lin Yuan for a long while, the man beside him realized that Lin Yuan knew very little about the Seven-Star Cave.
"What are your conditions?" Lin Yuan asked calmly.
"I hope that when Golden Mark bearer enters the trial grounds, you can do three things for me," the Silver Mark Evolver said.
"What three things?" Lin Yuan inquired, looking at him.
The Silver Mark Evolver shook his head. "I don't know yet. The trials of the Seven-Star Cave are ever-changing, and no one knows what they will be until they begin."
"Then forget it," Lin Yuan refused.
His request was too vague, and Lin Yuan wasn't about to agree without knowing the specifics. What if the other party asked him to kill a Red Mark Evolver or give up his chance to pass?
"Are you sure? Intelligence about the Seven-Star Cave is invaluable. Knowing the challenges in advance and preparing accordingly will greatly increase your chances of success." The Silver Mark Evolver was disappointed by Lin Yuan's refusal but didn't give up.
"Only if you tell me exactly what those things are first," Lin Yuan said again.
"I won't know until we're inside, either," the Silver Mark Evolver admitted, leaving with a hint of regret when he saw that Lin Yuan wouldn't budge.
After several other Evolvers tried to bargain with him for information about the Seven-Star Cave, Lin Yuan disconnected from the virtual world and returned to reality.
In the underground training field of the Main Building in the Middle Continent Estate, Lin Yuan rubbed his temples and fell into a brief contemplation.
"Intelligence is crucial," Lin Yuan thought to himself. Having prior knowledge was like having the answers to an exam beforehand, which could significantly improve one's chances of success.
And in the case of the Seven-Star Cave, having information beforehand was even more important than simply having answers. With his heaven-defying comprehension, Lin Yuan was confident that he could score a "perfect score" even without knowing the answers.
However, in the trials of the Seven-Star Cave, other Evolvers might use their knowledge to set traps or take advantage of him. A single mistake could lead to his elimination.
"I should ask the Wisdom Goddess." Lin Yuan began to connect with the Wisdom Goddess. Given her status in the Universal Human Federation, she surely knew the contents of the Seven-Star Cave trials. Whether she would tell him was another matter.
"Citizen Lin Yuan, insufficient permissions," the Wisdom Goddess replied in her usual solemn and cold tone.
This was within Lin Yuan's expectations. One of the rules of the Seven-Star Cave trials was that the process must not be disclosed, or one would face punishment from both the Universal Human Federation and the Star Master. The key point here was the punishment from the Universal Human Federation, which implied that disclosing the process would violate the laws of the Federation.
Under such circumstances, the Wisdom Goddess would definitely not divulge any information. After all, one of the foundations of the Three Goddesses' existence was the Federation's laws.
"Never mind," Lin Yuan said to himself. "Even without intelligence, I can still pass all seven star caves."
Lin Yuan sighed and was about to give up. He figured that the Red Kun Star Master was aware that only a handful of Evolvers had knowledge about the Seven-Star Cave trials, and yet he still didn't prevent them from participating. This meant that the Star Master believed that even without prior knowledge, there was still a chance for one to pass.
"Strength is the foundation of everything," Lin Yuan concluded, closing his eyes and continuing his cultivation.
Meanwhile, outside the 66th Estate where Lin Yuan resided, a visitor arrived.
This visitor was none other than Fang Qing.
At this moment, Fang Qing looked dazed, and the roar of the old man with the white beard echoed incessantly in his ears.
"You useless fool! In terms of strength, you're inferior to Lin Yuan, and in terms of talent, he has surpassed you by far!"
"At this point, if you're still not trying to get on his good side, what are you waiting for?"
"My master prepared the intelligence about the Seven-Star Cave trial before his death. Why haven't you delivered it to Lin Yuan yet?"
"If you wait any longer, by the time Lin Yuan obtains the intelligence from elsewhere, it'll be too late for you to give it to him!"
The old man's urging roars kept ringing in Fang Qing's ears.
(End of Chapter)
Chapter end
Report
