Pretending to be a genius starts with the civilization advancement assessment.

Chapter 384 Top-Tier Venerable Master Accepts Disciple? A Powerful Charge

Five million?

Lin Yi's consciousness almost froze for a moment.

He guessed there would be many.

Judging from Mingluo's hesitant and suspenseful demeanor, he must have received a lot of clan honors.

He even made a rather bold estimate in his mind: perhaps it could be 500,000, or even 1 million.

That was a huge sum of money, far beyond his imagination, enough for him to build up the Law of Death to a very high level, and even have a considerable surplus for other purposes.

But to his utter surprise, the number jumped directly to five million.

Five million clan honors!
Even though Lin Yi had lived two lives, a wave of emotion, difficult to quell, surged deep within his soul at this moment.

This is beyond what can be described as a "huge sum of money"; it's practically a majestic sacred mountain made entirely of resources!
All his previous achievements—military exploits, rank points, and even clan honors awarded by his clan—diminished compared to this number.

The 100,000 clan merits bestowed upon Mingluo have already greatly satisfied this veteran deity.

And me? I'm fifty times stronger than them!
Mingluo seemed quite pleased with Lin Yi's brief moment of distraction, a mischievous smile on her face as she waited for him to process the information.

"This is..." Lin Yi took a deep breath, looked at Ming Luo, and said with a hint of disbelief, "Brother Ming Luo, it's not that I'm being pretentious about the clan honors, but how come so many have been awarded?"

He knew the community valued him, but the extent to which they valued him exceeded his expectations.

Upon hearing this, Mingluo's smile deepened, clearly having anticipated Lin Yi's reaction.

He chuckled and lowered his voice, saying, "I actually know a little about that. As far as I know, the clan subsidies for this First Secret Realm are clearly tiered."

As she spoke, Mingluo held up her fingers, listing them off as if they were her own treasures: "Ordinary gods usually receive between 50,000 and 200,000 clan merits, so I got 100,000, which is pretty good. Powerful gods, on the other hand, receive between 200,000 and 500,000. High-level gods receive between 500,000 and 2 million."

He paused for a moment, then slowly uttered the last sentence: "And for the higher gods, it's two to five million! Brother Lin Yi, the clan gave you this according to the highest standard for higher gods."

The highest standard for superior deities!
Lin Yi's heart skipped a beat.

High-ranking deities are often only one step away from becoming supreme beings. The clan directly categorizes them into this level, and even includes the highest amount of five million. The implications of this are self-evident.

"The highest standard for high-ranking deities," Lin Yi repeated softly, his tone complex. "I see."

Minglu waved his hand, his face showing even more envy, but no jealousy. Instead, he was filled with a sense of pride and excitement: "Clan honors aren't the most important thing! Brother Lin Yi, do you know what those five million clan honors represent?"

"Oh?" Lin Yi composed himself and looked at Ming Luo. "Is there some other trick to this?"

“Of course!” Mingluo’s tone became solemn. “This represents recognition! Honor! My friend, the twenty members of the No. 1 Secret Realm Affairs Review Committee are all the strongest among our human race’s lords, the top group below the rulers. Each of them is a great figure who has experienced countless eras of battles, and whose every stomp shakes the human race’s territory!”

“A proposal like yours, which received the highest amount of subsidy through exceptional means, won’t be easy to get through the committee.”

"But it was ultimately approved. What does that mean? It means you've gained the approval of at least most of the committee members among these twenty top-tier Venerables! More than ten top-tier Venerables! They all agree that you deserve this much!"

As Mingluo spoke, he became somewhat excited: "Speaking of which, Brother Lin Yi, you were trapped in the Myriad Secret Realms for five thousand years right after winning the championship. Otherwise, based on your performance in the Pan-Spirit Alliance Genius Battle, I dare say that you would most likely have been sought after as a disciple by one, or even several, top Venerables as soon as you returned to Origin Star."

"A top-tier venerable master taking on a disciple?"

Lin Yi raised an eyebrow slightly.

Becoming a disciple of Xu Chen was the starting point of his cultivation journey, and his sect was his solid support. So even though his master Xu Chen went into seclusion after accepting him as a disciple, his third senior sister taught him wholeheartedly.

Therefore, even though it is not uncommon for powerful beings to rise up in the universe and seek apprenticeship multiple times, he had never thought about it in that direction.

“That’s right.” Seeing Lin Yi deep in thought, Mingluo assumed he was unfamiliar with this matter and continued, “It’s normal for a powerful person to have to take on several masters as they rise to prominence. Of course, it doesn’t necessarily have to be a formal apprenticeship. Take your eldest brother Zhenyu, for example. After he became a god, he received more guidance from Lord Qiuyuan. Your third sister Qianhuan goes without saying. Lord Xuanyan is her father, so he would definitely teach her everything he knows.”

Upon hearing this, Lin Yi chuckled inwardly: Judging from the father-daughter relationship between Senior Sister Qianhuan and Venerable Master Xuanyan, it's hard to say whether she will listen to Venerable Master Xuanyan's teachings.

But Mingluo's point is correct. In the process of growing up, this kind of informal but extremely important inheritance and guidance is everywhere, just like he himself had received cultivation insights from the Venerable Xuanyan.

After giving two examples from Lin Yi's life, Mingluo continued, "After you escaped from the Myriad Secret Realms, it was during a great war, so the Venerables naturally didn't have the mind or time to consider taking on disciples and passing on their skills. Now that the war has ended and the situation has temporarily eased, those Venerables must have already noticed you."

"Then what?" Lin Yi asked, somewhat puzzled.

Now that they have noticed, given the status and character of the esteemed lords, if they wish, they can simply send a message or summon them directly.

"Wait!" Minglu chuckled. "They're all waiting!"

"wait?"

"Of course, we'll wait for your master's breakthrough in the Source Law."

Mingluo explained, "Think about it, if an ordinary Venerable Lord were to extend an olive branch to you now, inviting you to follow him in cultivation, what if His Majesty Xuchen successfully breaks through to the Source Law soon after? The Illusory Source Law is ever-changing, and in terms of its suitability for teaching disciples, it far surpasses other Source Laws. Wouldn't the Venerable Lord who invited you be embarrassed then?"

"Those truly top-tier Venerables, with their lofty status and respect for their position, would rather wait for the results and let you choose for yourself. This would appear magnanimous and avoid giving others cause for criticism. In any case, although challenging the Source Law is extremely dangerous, it doesn't take too long, so what's wrong with waiting?"

Lin Yi nodded slowly, realizing there was such a consideration involved.

Among the universe's top powerhouses, in addition to strength, face, rules, and unspoken understanding are equally important.

Then his mind raced, and he caught a word in Mingluo's words: "Not very long? Brother Mingluo, this isn't very long, how long is it usually?"

Minglu stroked his chin and pondered, "Well, according to previous records, it would take about one era if things went fast, and at most two or three eras if things went slow."

Two or three eras.
Lin Yi paused for a moment.

For eternal gods with infinite lifespans, especially beings at the level of the Lord, two or three eras are indeed just a short period of time that can be described as "wait and see." A deep seclusion, an exploration of a secret realm, or a deduction of a secret technique could take up more than that amount of time.

But for him, he hasn't even lived for 0.1 epochs since his rebirth.

The phrase "soon" has a rather long timeframe.

“Indeed, not too long.” Then he said sincerely, “Brother Mingluo, your insight is truly admirable.”

These were Lin Yi's honest thoughts. Although Ming Luo's strength was average, his knowledge was indeed extensive. Compared to him, he was like a nouveau riche, lacking in both background and vision.

"Ha!" Minglu laughed, "What's this? As long as you live long enough, you'll naturally know everything. Alright, Brother Lin Yi, I won't take up any more of your time. If I suddenly received such a large amount of clan merit, I would definitely be anxiously thinking about how to convert it into strength."

With that, Mingluo stood up and said, "I'll take my leave now. Oh, by the way, according to the latest notice issued by the clan, all those who have obtained the qualification to enter the No. 1 Secret Realm must arrive at the designated assembly point outside the Secret Realm after thirty standard years. You don't need to go back to the Purple Gold Star Alliance. There is a unified departure arrangement here on Origin Star. It should be after twenty-eight standard years. I have already registered and reported it for you. Just remember to pay attention to the specific notices later."

"Thank you for your trouble, Brother Mingluo." Lin Yi also stood up and sincerely thanked him.

"Don't mention it! I'm leaving!" Minglu waved casually, and her virtual figure quickly faded and disappeared into the reception room.

The cultivation room at the Origin Star Manor.

Lin Yi opened his eyes, a glint of light flashing within them.

"Xuanji".

A phantom figure in palace attire instantly appeared, bowing slightly: "Master."

A slight smile appeared on Lin Yi's lips.

In the past, he would have carefully calculated and weighed which resources needed to be discarded due to diminishing effects, which treasures were more cost-effective, and which cultivation ground was more worthwhile. But now?
With these five million clan merits as a foundation, he no longer needed to worry about these things.

His only concern was how to maximize the power of the Law of Death before entering the first secret realm!

He had originally considered whether to visit the cultivation sites mentioned by his senior brothers and sisters, since the efficiency of the Myriad Manifestations Platform was not particularly high, but its advantage lay in its stability.

However, the departure time for the first secret realm has now been set for 28 standard years later, which is not a very long time.

Traveling to those secret cultivation sites inevitably involves considerable travel time and effort.

Therefore, Lin Yi decisively said, "Xuanji, reserve the Myriad Manifestations Returning to Origin Platform for me." Lin Yi was resolute.

The Myriad Phenomena Return to Origin Platform was where he previously cultivated the laws of space.

Its core function is to temporarily create and simulate the most suitable environment for the current understanding of the law according to the user's needs. Although the specific amplification effect on a single law is not as good as the extreme environment of "Rebirth Corridor", its value lies in its stability and controllability, and it can be used directly on the Origin Star without having to travel.

Previously, we might have had to consider whether the amplification effect of the Myriad Origins Platform on the Law of Death was strong enough, but now?
Does Lin Yi really need that little bit of effect?

What he lacks is time! He lacks efficiency!

He planned to use a treasure based on the Law of Death, which was compatible with the environmental characteristics of the Myriad Things Returning to the Source Platform, to make up for the gap in environmental growth and use resources to achieve efficiency.

"Xuanji, select all treasures from the resource library and clan merit treasury that are suitable for gaining insights into the Law of Death at the Myriad Manifestations Returning to Origin Platform. These treasures must not conflict with the effects of existing treasures and must complement and enhance them. Price is not a limit!"

"In addition, import the data of my existing treasures and calculate their theoretical effect decay curves under the death environment of the Myriad Origins Platform. Then, according to the principle of replacing them when the effect decays to 50%, give me a list of the quantities that need to be replenished. Note that 'Turbid Spring Marrow Heart' and 'Silent Extinction Crystal Core' were gifts from my sect, and there may not be exactly the same ones in the clan's merit treasury. Find the treasures with the most similar effects."

"Yes, Master!"

Upon hearing this, Xuanji's illusory palace attire seemed to brighten slightly. Lin Yi's instruction meant that she could consider those top-tier treasures in the treasury that she could only admire on ordinary days.

In less than a minute, several light screens unfolded simultaneously, displaying a dense array of treasure information, each exuding a chilling aura of death.

Yellow Spring Source Eye (One Drop): Collected from a colossal, dying secret realm, formed from a wisp of death's essence. It can trigger a fundamental resonance between the soul and the laws of death, increasing comprehension speed by up to 8-10 times. The duration depends on the absorption rate, typically lasting 3-5 standard years. Exchange requires: 22 Clan Merit Points/drop. (Limited quantity, 3 drops in stock)
The Eternal Burial Monument (One-time projection comprehension opportunity): Projects the laws of the "Eternal Burial Monument," a core divine artifact from the ancient forbidden land of "The Ancient Burial Domain," into the Myriad Manifestations Origin Platform. The comprehension participant can directly observe the natural evolution of the laws of death inscribed on the monument. The comprehension boost is approximately 6-8 times, and the duration is fixed at 1 standard year. Requires: 18 Clan Merit Points/time. (Advance reservation required to activate the projection)

The Blooming of the Annihilation Flower (One-Time Experience): A "Annihilation Flower" sealed within a crystal core undergoes its complete transformation from gestation to its ultimate bloom, culminating in the instantaneous annihilation of all life force within the entire star field, a complete fluctuation of the laws governing its existence. The experiencer will personally witness this ultimate death that strips away all vitality. The amplification effect is uncertain; it may be extremely high or cause intense discomfort. Requires: 15 Clan Merit Points.

Whispers of Death (A Wisp): A lawful whisper passed down from an ancient whisperer of the Underworld, directly affecting the soul and elucidating the essence of death. It must be listened to in an absolutely silent, deathly environment, slowly analyzed, and can steadily enhance understanding of various true meanings of death. The increase is approximately 4-5 times, lasting for 10 standard years. Exchange requires: 12 Clan Merit Points.

[List of Existing Treasures to be Supplemented]:
Netherworld Soul Crystal: The current effect is estimated to decrease to 65% of that of a new crystal. It is recommended to exchange for 1 more.

Breath of Eternal Slumber: Effect reduced to 55%. It is recommended to redeem one more.

Turbid Spring Marrow (alternative): Its effects are similar to the treasure "Nine Nether Cold Marrow," produced from the depths of the Nine Nether Cold Spring. It contains pure deathly chill and the power to cleanse the soul, with effects approximately 90% of the Marrow. Exchange requires: 55000 Clan Merit Points.

Nirvana Crystal Core (alternative): Its effects are similar to the treasure "Return to the Void Crystal Fragment", and it is a product of a small universe's Return to the Void Moment.

As he looked at the dazzling array of top-tier death law treasures listed by Xuanji, each with a price more frightening than the last, Lin Yi's heart remained calm and undisturbed.

The confidence brought by five million clan merits allowed him to examine these priceless treasures in the eyes of ordinary people from an almost overlooking perspective.

"Xuanji, one drop of the Eye of the Yellow Springs, one opportunity to comprehend the projection of the Eternal Burial Monument, one experience of the blooming of the Silent Demon Flower, one whisper of the dead, one piece of the Nine Nether Cold Marrow Jade Heart, one fragment of the Return to the Void Crystal. In addition, you can exchange for three different styles of God-level insights into the Laws of Death."

"Yes, Master!" Xuanji's voice seemed to rise slightly because of this huge order.

Ten days later. Outside Lin Yi's private manor on Origin Star.

A specially made metal box, personally escorted by a high-level deity, with an unadorned exterior but engraved with numerous spatial stability and law sealing runes inside, was handed over to Lin Yi.

"Lord Lin Yi, all the treasures you have redeemed are here. Please verify them."

The escorting deity clearly knew the treasures in the box were extremely valuable, as even his voice sounded exceptionally solemn.

Lin Yi calmly accepted the metal box. He swept his soul power over it, and the layers of seals inside the box automatically dissipated, revealing the treasures that had been carefully sealed inside.

Most striking is a fist-sized transparent crystal sphere containing a single drop of murky liquid. Just staring at it through the sphere feels like being dragged into the ultimate abyss of nothingness.

Beside it was a jet-black jade slip imprinted with intricate inscriptions, and a strange, illusory flower, seemingly existing in a fleeting moment between blooming and annihilation, sealed within a crystal of laws.

In addition, there are other treasures, each of which is extremely valuable.

Lin Yi checked everything carefully and, finding nothing amiss, signed to confirm receipt.

With the resources in hand, everything is ready.

Without a moment's delay, Lin Yi went directly to the Hall of All Laws Returning to the Origin and stepped into that familiar silver void cultivation room once again—the Platform of All Phenomena Returning to the Origin.

"Set environmental parameters: Understand the environment by comprehending the laws of extreme death."

Lin Yi sat cross-legged in the center of the void and gave instructions in a deep voice.

"Environment generation complete in parameter settings."

hum.

The entire silver void instantly dimmed, and a thick, gray-black mist appeared out of nowhere. Within the mist, countless stars were dying and life was withering away. A sense of sorrow and absolute silence, that all things will eventually come to an end and all glory will return to dust, filled every inch of space.

This place is no longer a neutral training ground, but has been temporarily transformed into a manifestation of the laws of death.

Lin Yi took a deep breath and first took out the jade slip that projected the Eternal Burial Monument, then crushed it without hesitation.

In an instant, a gigantic phantom stone monument, composed of countless tombstones from different worlds, slowly coalesced in the void.

The monument is naturally engraved with countless mysterious patterns. These patterns are not static, but slowly flowing, depicting the complete cycle of the law of death, from its silent emergence to its final arrival, to the return of all things to nothingness, and even a faint trace of "rebirth".

"Let's begin."

Lin Yi's thoughts sank into the deepest part of his soul, into that vast purple mist space.

"Spiritual energy, ignite!"

boom!
At the same time, he activated the power of the Yellow Spring Source Eye, slightly opened the stopper of the bottle containing the whispers of the dead, and placed the Turbid Spring Essence in front of him, while absorbing the pure aura of death emanating from it.

Under the frenzied burning of spiritual energy, his understanding of the laws of death improved at an astonishing rate.

Deep within the soul, the dark mark representing the law of death began to become increasingly complex and profound at a visible speed.

Inside the Wanxiang Guiyuan Terrace, time quietly slips away amidst deep contemplation.

One year, two years, three years.
When the year of comprehension of the Eternal Burial Monument projection came to an end, Lin Yi's comprehension of the Law of Death had soared to 61%.

Without stopping, he immediately activated the second round of treasure combinations.

The blooming of the Annihilation Demon Flower was triggered.

In that instant, Lin Yi's consciousness seemed to be forcibly detached and thrown into the interior of a strange demonic flower growing in the void of the universe.

He personally experienced how this demonic flower went from being conceived to absorbing the life force of all living beings in the entire star field and the light and heat of the stars, and finally blooming to its fullest extent, pushing itself and everything around it toward complete annihilation.

It is an ultimate annihilation that strips away everything, destroys everything, and returns all things to nothingness.

Violent, domineering, and ruthless.

If it weren't for the protection of spiritual energy, this experience alone would have been enough to damage his soul.

But high risk brings high reward.

In this immersive experience of annihilation, Lin Yi's understanding of annihilation reached a new level, which subtly echoed the sentiment of witnessing the end in slaughter that he had learned from his senior brother's experience in suppressing the prison, but was even more extreme.

After the experience, it took Lin Yi several months to fully digest the violent annihilation intent and integrate it into his own death law system.

The comprehension level jumped again, reaching 74%.

He then entered a period of steady and sustained deep cultivation.

During this stage, the pace of progress slows down, but every step is taken with exceptional firmness.

He constantly compared the multiple divine insights he had obtained, filled in the gaps, broadened his perspective, and avoided going astray.

At the same time, he began to consciously compare and connect the laws of death with the laws of life that had already been perfected, and to experience the profound meaning of "the cycle of life and death". Although he was still far from truly integrating them, the seeds had been sown.

Cultivation makes one oblivious to the passage of time.

Inside the Myriad Origins Platform, a gray-black death mist slowly swirled, and Lin Yi's figure appeared and disappeared within it. His aura grew increasingly profound and obscure, and his body sometimes swirled with the desolate gray light of the withering of all things, and sometimes transformed into a black hole of nothingness that devoured everything.

Finally, in the fourteenth year of entering the Wanxiang Guiyuantai.

Lin Yi, who had been sitting cross-legged for fourteen years, trembled slightly.

Deep within his soul, the imprint of the law of death, already incredibly complex and precise, suddenly erupted with an incomparably profound and dark light.

In the light, all spirits fell silent, stars returned to nothingness, and even a faint, almost imperceptible shadow of the cycle of rebirth lingered.
All the phenomena eventually converged inward, completely merging into the mark.

The mark became incredibly ancient and understated, yet it exuded a supreme meaning of controlling the end of all things.

The Law of Death, 100% Perfect!

Lin Yi slowly opened his eyes.

An indescribable aura of death naturally emanated from him. Although he deliberately concealed it, it still caused the simulated death environment of the Myriad Manifestations Returning to Origin Platform to tremble slightly, as if expressing awe to this newly appointed controller of the laws of death.

"It's done."

Lin Yi muttered to himself, his tone carrying a hint of relief.

Although the Fourth Law became more difficult than he had anticipated in the later stages, he eventually succeeded.

After thirteen years of arduous cultivation, consuming numerous top-tier treasures, he finally perfected the Law of Death.

"However, simply mastering it completely is not enough."

Lin Yi's profound gaze swept across the gray and desolate void, and he said, "Myriad Phenomena Returning to Origin Platform, adjust the environment."

A calm, neutral voice echoed in the void, “Command received. User Lin Yi, please set up a new environment.”

Lin Yi explained directly, “It simulates the cycle of life and death, from the flourishing of all things and their vibrant life, to the inward restraint of life and the entry into silence, then to the withering of all things and the return to death, and finally, in the death, a glimmer of rebirth is conceived, and life is reborn. This cycle repeats itself, and the period is controllable. At the same time, the active foundation of the laws of time and space is preserved to ensure the stability of the time and space framework.”

"Parameters are being received and parsed. Environment reconstruction has begun."

The voice of the Vientiane Platform's control system remained steady, but the vibrations in the silver void were more intense than before.

The dark gray fog of death began to churn violently, but this time, the changes were no longer one-dimensional.

A glimmer of emerald light, like a spark ignited in the darkness, lit up at the other end of the void.

The light rapidly expanded and spread, transforming into boundless, burgeoning vitality. Grass and trees grew wildly, and spiritual springs gushed forth, as if one were instantly immersed in an ocean of life.

Then, life reaches its peak, and then begins to recede and settle, like the transition from midsummer to late autumn, with decay hidden beneath the prosperity.

Then, the emerald green faded, and grayness spread.

The once vibrant scene decayed, withered, and turned to ashes at a visible speed, eventually returning to the chilling stillness of the void.

However, just when the deathly silence reached its peak, as if even time and space were about to be frozen and annihilated, a tiny, almost imperceptible green sprout tremblingly peeked out from that absolute "nothingness".

Though faint, it contained the meaning of "new life," breaking the eternal silence and starting a new cycle.

"Environment shaping complete." The intelligent control system of Vientiane Terrace announced.

Lin Yi nodded slightly.

At this moment, many treasures were still in the final stages of their effects, so he sat down cross-legged and focused all his energy on comprehending them!

Under the extreme mental stimulation brought about by the burning spiritual energy, his soul was like the most sophisticated supercomputer, processing a massive number of law variables.

He constantly adjusted the frequency of the fluctuations of the four laws and the "phase" of intervention, attempting to find the most harmonious resonance point for the cyclical power of life and death on the initial framework of spacetime fusion.

Time flew by during the in-depth analysis.

All things in the outside world return to Taichung, where life and death cycles endlessly. Lin Yi's figure is as firm as a rock at the center, yet his aura undergoes a wondrous transformation.

Before we knew it, more than half a year had passed.

On this day, within the Myriad Phenomena Returning to Origin Platform, the scene of life and death cycle suddenly contracted inward, as if all rivers were flowing into the sea, all of them disappearing into Lin Yi's body. Finally, the environment stabilized in a relatively balanced state, where life and death coexisted harmoniously.

A more inclusive and evolutionary force flows within him.

Time, space, life, and death, accomplished!

Lin Yi slowly stood up, a satisfied smile curving his lips.

This seclusion not only achieved the predetermined goal of perfecting the Law of Death, but also, in one fell swoop, completed the fusion of the four laws, resulting in a qualitative leap in strength.

"It's time to go back."

There are still fourteen standard years left. If we make good use of them, our strength can improve significantly. We need to plan carefully.

(End of this chapter)