167: Extraordinary Transformation

On the outskirts of the Dawn Star Sector, a medium-sized Disaster Zone.

As the Statue of Liberty said, this was intentionally preserved for military training.

A full fleet was stationed nearby, controlling the scale of its expansion.

At this moment, a flash of warp light flickered, and Zhang Huaiyuan appeared at the edge of the dark red mist of the Disaster Zone.

He reached out and touched the void, and wisps of visible dark red air currents slipped from his hand.

He had already researched this "Improved Biological Potential Stimulant" countless times.

In fact, if not for the limitation of certain materials not existing in this world, he could have completely replicated it one-to-one.

"Let's see if there can be some different gains this time..."

Taking a deep breath, Zhang Huaiyuan's gaze fell on the dark red air current, and his ability activated.

Instantly, he felt a slight trance.

An image, like the previous "Viral Aberrant," appeared in his mind.

"Is the Final Trial Ground arranged?"

In a void of the star sea, a low and majestic voice rang out.

"Venerable One, the world barrier level wasn't well-controlled previously, causing one side's strength to rise too quickly. Now that the Secondary Evolution Potion has been deployed, once the exotic beast side has completely finished evolving, the strength of both sides will be balanced."

A bald humanoid creature respectfully reported to the figure with its back turned in the center of the galaxy.

Its body proportions were discordant, with extremely thick limbs, looking like a light bulb growing on a mountain of flesh.

"Very good. Over the years, the Sacred Sect has suffered heavy casualties on the Ascension Battlefield; we need to cultivate more outstanding disciples as quickly as possible..."

The indistinct figure paused for a moment, seemingly deep in thought.

After a while, the low voice rang out again:

"Thus... pass on my command. Aside from the original rewards, the top two in personal points in this trial can be exceptionally appointed as Holy Son and Holy Daughter. The top ten can enter the core."

"I obey the Sacred Decree."

The bald humanoid creature bowed respectfully: "Does the Venerable One have any other instructions?"

"You may leave."

"Yes, Venerable One."

The image dissipated.

Zhang Huaiyuan stood in place for a long time, a look of deep thought on his face.

This was just a very short conversation.

From the content, this should be a faction focused mainly on the cultivation path, while also practicing other methods.

And just as he and Emperor Luo had previously guessed, these people seemed to treat this world as a trial ground.

They were going to send some disciples to undergo the trial.

"This is going to be difficult..."

Zhang Huaiyuan rubbed his brow.

If it were just dealing with these so-called "trialists," he could still give it a try.

But behind these people was a massive faction.

That existence called the "Venerable One"—even through the image, one could feel the suppression from the life level.

If they weren't dealt with, even if this crisis was weathered...

...there would be a next time, and a time after that.

What was a matter of life and death for this world might, for them, just be a trivial game that could be started at any time!

"Damn it! Since you want to treat us as a whetstone... treat us like toys to be kneaded at will... then you'd better be prepared to have your limbs broken."

Zhang Huaiyuan felt a surge of ruthlessness in his heart, yet his mind became increasingly clear.

"From the image fragments, this should be a world between Level 2 and Level 3, but definitely not exceeding Level 3 Rules."

When he was in the Time Spire before, he had triggered images of other high-level rule relic items.

The power displayed by worlds with Level 3 Rules and above far exceeded this so-called "Venerable One."

"Unsurprisingly, the strength of these trialists should be equivalent to beings of level 2 rules; it's not impossible to put up a fight."

"Solve them first, then find a way to eliminate the power behind them as well."

A hint of coldness was hidden in Zhang Huaiyuan's eyes. A flash of warp light flickered beneath his feet, and he disappeared from the spot... Three months later, Lihua Star Transcendent Research Institute.

Scarlet potions churned within five giant transparent vessels.

Distorted faces from pain could be vaguely seen inside. Veins bulged on them, as if they might explode and die at any moment.

Meanwhile, Zhang Huaiyuan was simultaneously controlling five sets of specialized instruments, sketching out incredibly complex Transcendent Diagrams.

His eyes were indifferent, seemingly not worried about whether these people lived or died.

After an unknown amount of time, the scarlet potion in the vessels was gradually absorbed completely.

"It's a success!"

Zhang Huaiyuan, standing aside, withdrew his consciousness, and warmth gradually returned to his eyes.

The Gods Chosen-level diagrams were too complex; to be safe, he had just temporarily activated God Mode to perform the transformation.

Coupled with the fact that this group were all people with profound providence, the risk of failure was almost zero.

Bang!

One of them seemed to wake up first; he subconsciously waved his hand, and fine cracks immediately appeared on the specialized glass—capable of withstanding a strike from a full-power Star-Destroyer Cannon—before it quietly shattered to the ground.

"How do you feel, Mr. Kols?"

Zhang Huaiyuan's eyes flickered slightly as a new stream of data flowed into his mind.

Mastered Ability: Inheritance of the Wind God (11% Completion)—Initial mastery of the essence of wind; can continue to increase strength without being restricted by Level 1 Rules.

"As expected, after breaking through the barrier, one is no longer restricted!"

Zhang Huaiyuan's expression showed no surprise.

He had extracted blood crystals from nearly half of the Star Alliance's stock of SSS-Rank Star River Beasts, extracting substances involving level 2 rules.

To complete and replace the missing parts in the abilities of Kols, Sailos, and the others.

From the looks of it now, the results seemed good.

"I feel... wonderful!"

Kols looked at his hands in amazement and tentatively snapped his fingers.

Instantly, two hundred-meter-high azure tornadoes rose, and many instruments were touched and directly swept in and disintegrated.

He was so startled that he quickly withdrew his power, but the joy on his face could not be hidden.

"Mr. Kols, due to your mistake, 11 precious instruments were destroyed, totaling a value of 1,002.6 billion credits, which has been deducted from your salary. The next time you receive your salary will be in 101 years. In addition..."

An indicator light lit up, and the Statue of Liberty gave an untimely reminder.

"It's fine, it's fine."

Kols, dizzy from the massive increase in strength, waved his hand dismissively to interrupt.

It was just 100 years of salary; he had plenty of savings!

Kols couldn't help but pace back and forth, muttering with a face full of excitement:

"Oh my god... I see it, I see it—the path to continue improving. That feeling of getting stronger every second is back..."

After chattering for a full ten minutes, this Class 3S Expert, who usually carried the air of a master, finally managed to calm down. Realizing something, he quickly turned to thank Zhang Huaiyuan:

"Excellency Zhang Huaiyuan, I really don't know how to thank you..."

"You're welcome. Your increase in strength also represents the improvement of the entire Star Alliance. Is there anything you're not used to, or anything that feels strange?"

Zhang Huaiyuan waved his hand and asked with some concern.

"No... if I had to say, I seemed to hear a certain voice just now."

As he spoke, a trace of doubt appeared in Kols's eyes.

"A voice?"

Zhang Huaiyuan was also slightly taken aback.

"Yes, it said that I have entered the candidates for the Wind God's Inheritance, and my current rank is 376,600,162,781."

...