Swallow the starry sky, grind to become the strongest in the universe

Chapter 6: Reshaping Civilization and Embarking on a Journey to the Universe
Within Yu Duan's body, the Book of Cause and Effect, containing endless mysteries, floated silently, swirling with dreamlike seven-colored light, and containing some unknown secret.

On the ancient pages, a line of handwriting seemed to come alive: "Paying the price, 40 hours of sunshine, current progress: 6393.6 hours."

"Sure enough, with each level of advancement in the domain, the time required to incur the costs increases exponentially."

Yu Duan's eyes were calm, showing no surprise at the prospect of needing 40 hours of liver energy to prepare for the triple domain.

"Following this pattern, the ultimate cost of pre-emptively using the Nine Realms should be 25.6 million hours of sunlight. Converted to years... that's about 2,900 years."

"Even with the 37-fold increase in efficiency, it would take about 78 years, which is by no means slow."

Yu Duan did a quick calculation and found that the total time required from the initial first level of the domain to the final ninth level was less than 160 years.

If the super geniuses of the universe knew that a little guy at the planetary level could ascend from the Perfection of the Realm to the Ninth Realm in such a short time, countless people would probably be mentally devastated.

This is only the most conservative estimate!
As Yu Duan's cultivation level increases, he can get closer to stars and even reside directly within their cores.

The efficiency improvement at that time will be more than 37 times that of now.

"go home!"

Under the intense light of a star, a tiny, single-soldier spaceship suddenly started its engine, tearing through space and hurtling toward the star of light, 7600 million kilometers away.

It is estimated that it will take about two days to reach the star of light.

……

Light Source Star, Temple of Civilization.

On the last day of the 51st year of the new calendar, in the solemn and majestic Temple Square, Grandmaster-level (Apprentice Rank 7 and above) powerhouses from all sides of the Light Source World gathered together, their expressions respectful, waiting to pay homage to the Celestial Saint.

Time flows quietly, and the critical point of the transition between the old and new year has finally arrived.

"Om-!"

A brilliant radiance rose from the temple of civilization, illuminating all directions.

Three figures, each surrounded by an indescribably powerful aura, emerged from the depths of the temple and hovered steadily in mid-air in the center of the plaza.

"Greetings, Your Holiness!"

Below, hundreds of grandmaster-level experts were deeply shaken and immediately bowed in respect. Following the highest etiquette of the Light Source Clan, they opened their third eye between their eyebrows, their gazes filled with awe and reverence as they watched Zhen Li, Kun Zhu, and Shen Jian.

Master Zhenli, who was at the head of the group, had white hair and beard, a kind face, and a dignified and composed demeanor. His aged yet deep voice resonated clearly in the ears of every master.

"Today, we are announcing some major news."

Master Zhenli's gaze swept across the area below, his expression solemn: "Yu Duan, the former number one grandmaster of the Light Source World, has successfully ascended to sainthood! From now on, our clan will have four Celestial Saints!"

"boom--!"

Like a boulder thrown into a calm lake, the plaza erupted in an uncontrollable uproar. After a brief moment of deathly silence, the numerous grandmaster-level experts were filled with excitement and agitation.

"call out--!"

A dazzling white divine light, like the first ray of dawn breaking through the darkness, shot straight into the sky from behind the temple, revealing Yu Duan's tall and imposing figure.

"Greetings to Sage Yu Duan!" Many grandmasters and powerful figures hurriedly bowed and paid their respects in unison.

Yu Duan nodded slightly, his figure gracefully landing, standing shoulder to shoulder with Master Zhenli.

Then Master Zhenli spoke again, his aged voice echoing in all directions: "51 years have passed since I broke through to the peak of the ninth level, and four Celestials have been born in our clan."

"After our joint discussion, it has been decided that, from this day forward, the realm above the ninth peak will be officially named—Planetary Level!"

"At the same time, in order to guide civilization to a higher peak, we have decided to establish the 'Palace of Light' as the highest center for the development of civilization..."

The Palace of Light Source was the highest authority established by Yu Duan, drawing inspiration from the Palace of the God of War.

All grandmaster-level experts can join and form the cornerstone of the Light Source Palace.

The true decision-making core rests with four planetary-level powerhouses, known as the 'Elders of the Light Source Palace'.

Among them, Yu Duan, who wields the power of the domain, is naturally the first elder and holds the highest authority.

"Sage Yu Duan... is actually the First Elder?"

This sudden ranking shocked many masters below, and doubts spread rapidly like ripples on water.

"Sage Yu Duan's talent is unparalleled throughout history, and surpassing Sage Kun is perhaps only a matter of time. But now that he has just ascended to sainthood, he has already become the first elder. Isn't this... a bit too hasty?"

Similar thoughts churned in the minds of many grandmasters. They subconsciously exchanged glances, each seeing the same surprise and confusion in the other's eyes, yet none dared to utter aloud.

At this moment, the Kun Master, whose figure was as imposing as a mountain, stepped forward and said in a deep voice: "In the Elder Seats of the Light Source Palace, only strength is respected!"

"I am no match for the First Elder, therefore I am content to remain as the Second Elder. The Divine Sage and the Trembling Sage shall be ranked as the Third and Fourth Elders, respectively!"

Upon hearing this, the first reaction of those grandmasters who still harbored doubts was disbelief. The Lord of Kun had held the position of the strongest being in the Light Source Civilization for decades, and his prestige and strength were deeply ingrained in the hearts of the people.

But then reason told them that the Lord of the Earth had no need to lie or deceive the world on such an important occasion.

At this moment, countless gazes instantly focused on Yu Duan, their eyes filled with awe and hope.

Yu Duan has just broken through and already surpassed Kun Zhu to become number one. In the future, he will surely become the absolute pillar of the clan and lead the development of civilization.

Once everyone had calmed down a bit, Master Zhenli spoke again: "Next, I will distribute login devices for the 'Light Source Palace' virtual network to everyone. All Grandmaster-level experts can use this login device to access the virtual network for communication and discussions..."

Setting up a virtual network is not difficult. Using a computer as the virtual network host and with the help of intelligent programming, a simple virtual network can be built in a short time.

Even the most rudimentary virtual network is a groundbreaking technology for a civilization that has only been developing the information age for a little over a decade.

The daily operations of the Light Source Palace will be entirely handled by the most prestigious Master Zhenli.

In this way, Yu Duan and the other two can also get away from the trivial matters within the civilization and concentrate on cultivation and improvement.

In the cruel cosmic society, only when more and stronger beings emerge from the race can the future be guaranteed.

……

The following morning, outside the atmosphere of the light source star.

The 400-meter-diameter 'Blazing Lotus Star' spaceship blends perfectly into the space background, appearing like a ghost.

Once in stealth mode, no one can see this crimson, futuristic alien spaceship.

Inside the spaceship's main control room, Yu Duanzheng was making his final communication with Master Zhenli through a floating light screen. On the screen, the old man's face was filled with deep worry as he repeatedly gave instructions on various matters.

Yu Duan, with a solemn expression and a calm tone, reassured him, "Master, please rest assured. Our destination is not any planet under the jurisdiction of the Crimson Empire, but directly to the core administrative planet of the 'Blazing Lotus God Empire'—Ink Lotus Star."

As he spoke, Yu Duan pointed to the spaceship beneath his feet and said, "Besides, the 'Blazing Lotus Star' is a Blazing Lotus series spaceship produced by the Blazing Lotus God Empire. It's quite common and won't attract any extra attention."

Seeing Duan say this, Master Zhenli's worries eased somewhat.

The Crimson Empire possesses several domain lord-level powerhouses, over 20 cosmic-level strongmen, and governs 14 star systems, encompassing millions of inhabited planets.

For the Star of Light, the Crimson Empire was an inviolable behemoth.

However, the Crimson Empire was merely a rudimentary civilization in the universe, and in the face of the Blazing Lotus God Empire, it was nothing more than one of more than six hundred vassal states.

"Okay, okay... I won't say anything more. Remember, be careful in everything you do."

Master Zhenli hung up the communication, and the projected light screen dissipated into tiny blue light particles.

Yu Duan turned around, his gaze falling on Kun Zhu and Shen Jian, who were already fully prepared and ready to go, a calm smile on his face.

"My two senior brothers, please remember to use the agreed-upon titles and forms of address when you are communicating with others."

Kunzhu and Shenjian exchanged a glance, both with solemn expressions: "Understood, Junior Brother!"

"boom--!"

A deep rumble emanated from the core of the spaceship, and the entire hull began to tremble slightly.

With the warp drive at full power, invisible spatial ripples spread across the bow of the ship.

The next moment, the crimson 'Blazing Lotus Star' suddenly transformed into a dazzling rainbow of light that tore through the void, shooting headlong into the deep and boundless universe!
As a B6-class spaceship, the 'Radiant Lotus Star' was able to eventually accelerate to the speed of light and enter the dark universe for faster-than-light travel, but its acceleration process was relatively slow, taking about two hours to break through the light barrier and enter the dark universe.

"Om..."

The light in the control room dimmed instantly, and the vast starry sky outside the porthole turned into complete darkness.

"Number One, activate outdoor simulation," Yu Duan calmly ordered.

The bulkheads around the bridge trembled slightly, revealing a simulated dark universe scene.

In the dark universe, because the speed exceeds the speed of light, it is impossible to see the outside scenery, but virtual scenery can be projected directly.

The entire dark universe is vast and boundless, with no stars in sight, only countless dazzling points of light twinkling.

"Is this the Dark Universe?" Shen Jian's eyes darted around as he examined the simulated virtual landscape.

Yu Duan nodded and raised his hand, making a sweeping motion in the air. A clear and precise holographic projection of the starry sky unfolded before the three of them.

In the projection, a tiny blue dot marks their current location.

Yu Duan extended his finger forward and pointed to a striking red dot: "This is our destination, about 102 million light-years away from the source star—Mo Lian Star."

"The prosperity of Mo Lian Star far surpasses that of the capital star of the Crimson Empire. It is the core trade hub of more than four hundred star systems around it and is directly governed by the Blazing Lotus God Empire."

Yu Duan pointed to the spaceship's trajectory on the star map: "Our spaceship can only barely reach the speed of light. With the speed amplification of 1008 million times in the dark universe, it will take about 36 cosmic days to reach our destination."

(End of this chapter)