Devouring the Stars: Soul Master

Chapter 176 The Battle of Geniuses Concludes, Final Rankings

The battle of geniuses continued the next morning.

Qin Ming, Luo Feng, Bo Lan Rong Jun, and others who ranked in the top 100 of the Trial Tower sat in a corner of the central square.

The table in front of them was laden with wine and food.

They had already decided on the spots for entry into the core of the Virtual Universe company.

As for those ranked 101st to 7300th, these 7200 trial participants were battling it out in various arenas not far away.

The rules are simple: a player who wins three consecutive matches will receive a spot.

Losers are eliminated.

The first 1,000 people will join the core of the Virtual Universe Company, and all losers will be eliminated.

Qin Ming and Luo Feng naturally sat together.

3600 screens appeared in the sky.

The arena battles for 900 spots have officially begun!
In less than five minutes, 3600 people were eliminated.

Half an hour later, the second round began.

Of the 3600 geniuses, half have fallen again, while the other half continue onward.

In half an hour, the third round will begin.

Compared to the three-year-long arena competition within the universe, this arena duel seemed rather hasty, almost frighteningly fast.

The winners advance, the losers are eliminated.

It's that simple.

In just one and a half hours, 900 figures appeared in the central square.

Most of these 900 human geniuses and elites looked excited.

After three rounds of elimination, they have secured their spots out of 7200 people.

……

"congratulations!"

A faint voice rang out as the Nine Swords Venerable hovered in front of the crowd.

"You are the 1000 most outstanding individuals from the 1008 universe nations of the human race in this year's Genius Battle. The Virtual Universe Company will dedicate its full efforts to nurturing you."

If anyone doesn't want to join Virtual Universe Company, they can say so now.

There was complete silence; no one uttered a sound.

After fighting so hard for so long, no one would be foolish enough to give up.

"very good."

"However, you should understand that competition exists everywhere in the universe."

Although you 1000 people have already obtained the qualifications to enter the Virtual Universe Company.

However, you will need to continue fighting, and based on the final rankings, you will enter different secret realms.

The Nine Swords Venerable smiled.
"I'd like to make an announcement."

"Among these 1000 people, the 101st to 1000th will receive a bonus of 10 Hunyuan units, the opportunity to enter the Initial Universe for enlightenment, and the opportunity to join the core of my Virtual Universe Company, the 'Apocalypse Secret Realm'."

"Those ranked 11th to 100th will receive a bonus of 100 Hunyuan Units, the opportunity to enter the Initial Universe for enlightenment, and the opportunity to join the core of my Virtual Universe Company, 'Heaven and Earth Secret Realm'."

"Those who rank 4th to 10th will receive a prize of 1000 Chaos Units, the opportunity to enter the Initial Universe for enlightenment, and the opportunity to join the core of my Virtual Universe Company, the 'Primordial Secret Realm'."

"Those ranked 1th to 3th will receive a prize of 1 Chaos Units, the opportunity to enter the Initial Universe for enlightenment, and the opportunity to join the core of my Virtual Universe Company, the 'Primordial Secret Realm'."

"Under normal circumstances, only one person is admitted to the 'Primal Secret Realm' each time."

However, your class is of an exceptionally high standard.

Therefore, after deliberation, the top management of Virtual Universe Company has decided to grant you three slots to enter the 'Primal Secret Realm' this year.

It was quiet.

Many of the thousand geniuses were wondering what the four great secret realms—the 'Doomsday Secret Realm,' the 'Heaven and Earth Secret Realm,' the 'Primordial Secret Realm,' and the 'Original Secret Realm'—truly meant.

Clearly, these four secret realms are quite different.

And the 'Primitive Secret Realm' is undoubtedly the best of them all.

Geniuses like Qin Ming and Luo Feng, who were personally taught by the ruler of the Qianwu Kingdom, naturally knew the meaning of these four secret realms.

Qin Ming didn't care, but Luo Feng breathed a sigh of relief.

If only one member from the Primordial Secret Realm is accepted this year, then he doesn't need to compete anymore; he can just go to the Primordial Secret Realm.

There are three spots available!

Therefore, he must be one of those candidates!
As for the others, their expressions were much more complicated.

Even geniuses as strong as Rong Jun and Long Yun have set their sights on Qin Ming, Luo Feng, and Bo Lan.

Although it's said there are three spots available, in reality, almost all three spots are already locked in.

Qin Ming is too strong.

It's in a league of its own.

When Luo Feng unleashed the third level of the Divine Weapon and ascended to the third level of the seventh trial tower, the others knew they were no match for him.

Berlan also kept them far behind.

These three spots are reserved for the three of them.

What they are fighting for is only one of the top ten spots in the Primordial Secret Realm.

Of course, not everyone was convinced.

For example, Qin Ming knew he couldn't compare to 'Galesi', who was shrouded in a black robe.

But he still wants to challenge the other two, no matter how strong they are!
The boy from Manka Star, the genius brother and sister from Augustus Planet, the girl from the Dream Wing Clan, and the burly man carrying a blood axe all had solemn expressions.

Regardless, they've come this far.

They will all do their best to strive, but if they don't even have the will to strive, then their future will end there.

The Nine Swords Venerable glanced around before continuing to speak.

“Among you 1000 people, there are still differences in talent and strength, so the resources you receive will naturally be different.”

"The final battles will begin tomorrow to determine the final rankings."

"The rules of the final battle have been sent to each of you. Now you can all rest well today."

After the Nine Swords Venerable finished speaking, he disappeared. Only then did the 1008 powerful immortals begin to talk.

"The Primal Realm has absorbed three this year!"

“That’s normal. It would be strange if there weren’t three spots. Needless to say, the two disciples of the Qianwu Kingdom’s ruler are top-notch, and Bolan’s talent is also exceptional.”

"The quality of this year's geniuses is indeed much higher than in previous years."

……

While the immortals were discussing, Qin Ming, Luo Feng, and the other 1000 people were looking down at the screens on their wrists, where they had already received the rules of the decisive battle.

The rules are cruel.

Of the 900 geniuses selected through three rounds of elimination, the virtual universe system chooses the top 100 based on their performance. These 100 will then engage in one-on-one battles with the top 100 from the trial space, for a total of 200 people. The winners will enter the "Secret Realm of Heaven and Earth".

Then, 20 people are selected to determine the top ten who will enter the "Primordial Secret Realm", and the top three will enter the "Original Secret Realm".

When they saw the rules, many of the 1000 people were furious. The rules didn't even give them the right to compete, excluding them outright.

"unfair!"

Why won't they even give us the right to the final battle?

In the central square, many of the 800 people who were not selected roared in anger.

These final battle rules directly excluded them, leaving them no chance to even display their strength!

How can they accept this?

however--

Faced with numerous doubts, the powerful and terrifying consciousness of the 1008 beings spread out.

The oppressive force pressed directly on those 800 people.

This caused the 800 geniuses to turn pale and tremble all over, until they finally succumbed to their injuries and knelt on the ground.

Boom~~~
1008 powerful immortals appeared before a group of geniuses, looking down at the kneeling geniuses.

"I refuse to accept this! I refuse to accept this!!!"

Among the kneeling crowd, one three-eyed youth braced himself on the ground with his arms twisted and bulging like earthworms, and roared with his head held high.

"madness"

Among the 1008 powerful immortals, the thirteen divine generals coldly glanced at the young man.

And at this moment, a magnificent and ethereal voice resounds.

"If you have any objections to the final battle rules of the Virtual Universe System, you may choose not to join my Virtual Universe Company. My Virtual Universe Company will not force anyone to participate."

The sound echoed between heaven and earth, causing the 800 geniuses lying on the ground to change their expressions.

"How stupid!"

Among the 1008 immortals, one black-clad immortal covered in scales looked down at the 800 kneeling people below, his voice icy.

"These are the final battle rules set by the top management of Virtual Universe Company. Do you think you can change them?"

"If Qin Ming raises an opinion, the higher-ups will take it seriously! Because he is a peerless genius who passed the seventh trial tower!"

The other immortal also had a cold gaze.

"As for you... even though you're on the outermost layer of the core, you dare to say you're not convinced?"

"Outside, you may be geniuses, but at the core of the Virtual Universe Company, you are just an ordinary member!"

"Disobeying decisions made by higher-ups is a grave taboo!"

Of the 1008 immortals, it is clear that these geniuses are all exceptionally talented, but most geniuses are temperamental and arrogant.

This rule is designed to put geniuses to the test. If they really go through a few rounds, it will only take less than half a day.

This is a deterrent, but also a warning!
……

The next morning.

In the central square, 1000 geniuses gathered.

"Sir!"

In the distance, 1008 immortals respectfully bowed.

"Ah."

The Nine Swords Venerable in the distance nodded slightly, then looked down at the 1000 young people and spoke.

"We will select the top 100, the top 10, the first place, the second place, and the third place from among your 1000 people today."

"Are you all ready? The final battle begins now!"

The Nine Swords Venerable looked down at the crowd, then waved his hand, and 100 huge arenas appeared directly in the central square, each with two people inside.

One of the opponents in the arena was Qin Ming and a lean martial artist wielding a long spear.

The lean martial artist's expression darkened for a moment, but he perked up again the next instant.

"Qin Ming, I know I'm no match for you, but I hope you can show your true strength."

Qin Ming simply smiled and nodded, a light shining in his eyes.

The lean martial artist roared and unleashed his inner energy, preparing to charge forward.

however.

Qin Ming glanced at him once, then dragged him into the illusion, where his soul shattered and he died.

On the other side, Luo Feng also easily defeated his first opponent.

With his strength at the third level of the Divine Weapon, perhaps only Bolan could rival him.

……

After the first 100 are selected, the next round is the qualifying battle for the top 20.

The system will still filter directly.

Qin Ming didn't care at all; no matter how they chose, he would get a spot.

"Qin Ming!"

"Luo Feng!"

The Nine Swords Master began announcing the list of 20 people.

"Berlan"

"Guthro!"

"Ai Chen!"

……

"The 20 people selected by the virtual universe system are the same 20 people I just announced."

After half an hour.

Ten giant arenas gradually rose up in the center of the square.

Qin Ming and twenty others were instantly teleported into the arena.

Inside the arena.

"Haha, 'Phantom Demon' Galesi has met 'Madman' Luo Feng?"

"Qin Ming vs. Gusiro?"

"Those two guys are in trouble."

"."

The battle seemed a bit boring to Qin Ming. Even a genius ranked in the top 20 of the Genius Battle couldn't withstand a single glance from him.

The power gap is too great.

Their strength is even less than that of the Blood-haired Mammoth on the first floor of the Trial Tower!
After quickly defeating his opponent, Qin Ming looked towards the arena where Luo Feng was.

'Phantom Demon' Galesi was also unlucky.

With his talent for illusion magic, he might have a good chance of advancing if he encountered someone else.

But then we ran into Luo Feng!

Luo Feng and Qin Ming had fought many times, and Luo Feng was used to Qin Ming's terrifying illusions. In comparison, the illusion attacks of 'Illusion Demon' Galesi were somewhat laughable.

He was killed with a single sword strike.

"Congratulations to the ten winners! You have made it into the top ten, and your prize money has been increased to 1000 Chaos Units, which will grant you access to the 'Primordial Secret Realm'."

The Nine Swords Master wore a smile.

1000 young people and 1008 powerful immortals listened attentively to the words of the 'Nine Swords Venerable'.

"Qin Ming, Luo Feng, Bo Lan, Jiang Mo, Qian Shui, Wu Ka, Ai Chen, Long Yun, Opatitra, Rong Jun, congratulations to the ten of you."

"In a moment, we will select the top five from among the ten of you, and the first, second, and third place winners will be chosen from among the top five."

Nine Swords Venerable smiled.

"As for how the ten of you will be divided into groups, it will be in accordance with the rules previously established by the virtual universe system."

"The ten of you won your battles at varying times. The fastest and slowest will face off, the second fastest and second slowest, and so on!"

The list was released quickly.

'Qin Ming' vs. 'Opatra'!
'Bolan' versus 'Rongjun'!
'Luo Feng' versus 'Long Yun'!
'Jiang Mo' versus 'Ai Chen'!
'Thousand Waters' versus 'Uka'!
The battle began quickly, and five more exquisite arenas appeared.

Ten human youths were teleported into the arena.

Once again, he defeated his opponent with a single glance, and then Qin Ming looked at the others.

In the original timeline, Luo Feng was ultimately defeated by Long Yun.

This time, however, Luo Feng won decisively.

Before even unleashing the third level of the Divine Weapon Technique, nine golden swords pierced through Long Yun's defenses and pierced his throat as they stabbed down in the void.

Having become a disciple of the ruler of the Qianwu Kingdom, Luo Feng began to comprehend the essence of the laws of space at a very early age, and his strength had already become far greater.

Soon, the battles of the others also ended.

Bolan decisively defeated Rong Jun, while the other two groups were roughly equal in strength.

The final five were Qin Ming, Luo Feng, Bo Lan, Ai Chen, and Wu Ka.

After selecting the top five, the top three need to be chosen from these five.

Each person plays one game against four other people, and the person with the most wins is ranked in the top three.

The result was as expected.

Qin Ming, with four wins in four games, is the undisputed number one!

Luo Feng, with three wins and one loss, finished second.

Bolan, with two wins and two losses, is in third place.

Bolan's two failures were naturally due to encountering Qin Ming and Luo Feng.

Facing Bolan, Qin Ming did not use illusion magic this time, but instead competed with him in agility!
A thousand illusions against ten thousand illusions!

In an instant, all of Berlan's illusions shattered, and he was eliminated.

Berlan's talent is actually quite good. If he had been able to stick to the space route from the beginning, his future achievements would probably have been even greater.

However, he was too confident, and the two laws he perceived were actually wind and space!
That's right!

One of them is the Law of Wind under the Time category!

He wanted to use the Law of Wind as a springboard to comprehend the Law of Time, and then follow the path of spacetime within the Chaos Monument of the Universe.

However, he clearly overestimated his talent.

In the original timeline, thirty years after the Chaos City, his understanding of the laws of space reached the ninth level of the Tongtian Bridge, but his understanding of the laws of time was too weak.

However, he was able to pass through the sixth level of the Tongtian Bridge, where he was overtaken by Luo Feng.

Until finally, he was completely surpassed by Luo Feng.

This time, he should be much more obedient and realize the gap in his talent ahead of time.

Because not only did Qin Ming defeat him at his strongest point, but when Luo Feng unleashed the third level of the Divine Weapon, 'Sword Domain,' he was also easily crushed!

Within the domain, sword energy crisscrossed.

No matter how many illusions he created, they were all defeated one by one.

……

All battles have ended, and the rankings have been determined.

1000 geniuses and 1008 powerful immortals stood in the central square listening to the Nine Swords Venerable speak.

"With all the geniuses from the four secret realms selected, this year's selection of the universe's top human geniuses has come to a perfect end."

The Nine Swords Master wore a smile.

"Your class is the most outstanding in billions of epochs, producing top geniuses such as Qin Ming, Luo Feng, and Bo Lan."

I believe that after tens or hundreds of epochs, many of you will become true powerhouses.

"The battle is over. Someone will contact you shortly to take you to the headquarters of my Virtual Universe Company, and then to the 'Initial Universe'."

"From this day forward, your path will no longer be ordinary."

"My Virtual Universe Company will fully support you. Whether you become a top-tier existence renowned throughout the universe, stagnate, or perish along the way, it all depends on yourselves."

Work hard and strive for excellence; your path to becoming a strong person has only just begun!

The Nine Swords Venerable's voice echoed in everyone's minds.

This genius battle has officially come to an end!
(End of this chapter)