231: return

"Excellency, welcome back."

"Master! I missed you so much!"

"Sir, it's a pleasure to see you again."

Almost at the instant he pierced through the world barrier, three devices that had long lost contact lit up simultaneously.

"I missed you all too."

Zhang Huaiyuan's gaze swept over the devices at his side, the corners of his mouth curling up slightly without him realizing it.

"Is everything alright at home?"

"Of course, it has completely returned to its pre-war prosperity."

The integrated device on his left wrist emitted streaks of light and shadow, sketching a miniature universe in the void. Planets constructed from virtual networks streaked past Zhang Huaiyuan's eyes, as if he were watching a holographic movie.

"Now, the Star Dome Empire, the Orr Empire, and the Free Star Alliance have merged into a single power."

"A Standing Council has been formed by several princes resurrected from the original Star Dome Imperial Family, the Star Alliance's Marshal, many Class 3S Experts, and heroes who performed exceptionally during the war."

"The Intellectual Brain monitors everyone's daily behavior."

Asroth recounted each detail.

"According to your original request, we implemented the Quality Score System. Any corrupt official will be warned immediately."

"Furthermore, Her Excellency the Statue of Liberty used parts of the 'Miracle Algorithm' to build a 'Cradle' belonging to intelligent lifeforms."

"Every day, countless new intelligent lifeforms awaken. They can freely choose their identities and integrate into the world."

As he spoke, scenes from the planets before them materialized.

A group of youths could be seen chasing each other along a track, shouting things like 'Go!...' and 'Overtake it!...'

Miraculously, as they shouted, the small racing cars at their feet seemed to understand, executing various commands.

The scene changed again.

Similarly, a group of youths, each accompanied by a uniquely styled and handsome entity, shouted things like 'Courage!...' and 'Bonds!...' as they charged toward monsters on the other side.

Similar scenes were everywhere.

"This is quite interesting..."

Zhang Huaiyuan saw at a glance that these were all objects implanted with intelligent lifeforms.

"Heh, Master, these are all intelligent lifeforms hatched in the 'Cradle'."

"I don't know how Her Excellency the Statue of Liberty did it, but their personalities and thoughts are all different."

Asroth explained:

"Some of them like being close to humans and proactively enter those toys, giving them life."

"Others want to pursue self-worth and have entered various industries."

"There are also some who believe that human life only brings destruction and waste, so the Statue of Liberty created a virtual world for them to battle against humans."

"Interesting..."

Zhang Huaiyuan's thoughts drifted, and he quickly found the 'Cradle' they spoke of.

It mainly drew upon the solidification ability within the 'Miracle Algorithm.'

It threw those born intelligent lifeforms into patches of illusory worlds to experience different lives, solidify memories, and complete their initial personality shaping.

"A very creative idea."

Zhang Huaiyuan smiled and touched his right wrist.

Although this algorithm seemed full of loopholes to him now, for an intelligent lifeform to take the step of creation meant they had taken a huge stride toward evolving into true life.

He was happy for her growth.

"I am merely following in your footsteps, Excellency."

Light shone from the light screen on his right wrist, and the voice, as always, carried a hint of a smile that only appeared when facing Zhang Huaiyuan.

"This is our promise: to create a world where humans and intelligent lifeforms coexist as equals."

"Naturally, I remember."

Zhang Huaiyuan nodded with a light smile:

"This world is just the beginning. One day, the entire All Heavens and Myriad Realms will operate according to our wishes."

"I believe in you, Excellency."

The Statue of Liberty responded joyfully.

"I'm going to see my teacher and some friends to say goodbye to them."

Zhang Huaiyuan's gaze shifted to the ring:

"Intellectual Brain, I plan to take the Statue of Liberty and Asroth with me this time. I'll leave the management of everything here to you for the time being."

"In a while, the entire Xuanjian Great World and its sixty-plus affiliated minor worlds may be incorporated under my name. At that time, I will synchronize management rights with you, and everything here will be handed over to you."

"Additionally, I took some time to modify the corpses of the Xuanjian Sect members. They can barely exert the strength of level 3 rules experts, and I'll leave them for your use as well."

"I will do my utmost, Sir."

The Intellectual Brain's ring flashed as it responded solemnly.

"You all get ready. Back up the data that needs backing up. We'll set off once I return."

After giving another instruction to his left and right wrists, Zhang Huaiyuan's mind stirred, and the Warp Device materialized from the void.

In the blink of an eye, he had crossed dozens of light-years and arrived within the Dawn Star Sector of the Free Star Alliance.

On the extremely expensive Lihua Star, within a manor spanning over ten million square meters, a middle-aged man was leaning leisurely by a pond, fishing with one hand while holding a magazine to read closely with the other.

"Teacher is in high spirits."

Accompanied by a light laugh, Zhang Huaiyuan's figure appeared to the side.

"Who... oh, it's you, kid."

Vidi was so startled that the hand holding the fishing rod shook. Only after seeing who it was did he regain his lazy demeanor, while inconspicuously hiding the magazine behind his back.

"As for me, your teacher, I don't have much talent. I used to work desperately to become a real Star Mechanic just to save some money and live a good life. Now, thanks to you, since I'm already living it, there's no need to work hard anymore."

"As long as Teacher is happy."

Zhang Huaiyuan nodded in agreement. Seeing his teacher and savior doing well made him very happy.

"I've come this time first to visit you, Teacher, and second to say goodbye. This departure might mean I won't be back for quite a while."

After some pleasantries, Zhang Huaiyuan stated his purpose.

"Go then. Your abilities have already far exceeded my imagination. I can't give you any more professional guidance. However..."

Vidi's eyelids drooped slightly as he patted Zhang Huaiyuan's shoulder.

"Do you still remember the sentence I often told you?"

"Of course, I remember."

Zhang Huaiyuan smiled, saying with some nostalgia, "When you first brought back 'Kaiqiao' to help me master the language, you said you wanted me to understand that 'the acquisition of knowledge always comes with a price'."

"Remember those words well. Do not lose yourself on the path of seeking truth."

Vidi casually dropped those words, leaned back in the lounge chair again, narrowed his eyes slightly, and cast his fishing line.

"I understand."

Zhang Huaiyuan was slightly stunned. He took a close look at this ordinary teacher but found nothing unusual.

"It's probably just some of Teacher's life insights. What am I overthinking?"

Zhang Huaiyuan chuckled and shook his head, performing the respectful salute of a disciple once more.

"Then I shall take my leave. Please take care, Teacher. If there is anything you need, just instruct the Intellectual Brain."

"Go on."

...