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

Chapter 236 Beneath the Endless Tower, All Eyes Are On (5K)

Now that the personnel have been initially determined, Lin Yi figured the next step was to familiarize each other with their fighting styles and capabilities.

After all, trust must be built on genuine understanding.

Lin Yi was too lazy to figure it out himself, so he turned his attention to the guy in the team who seemed to be the most well-informed.

"The training camp handbook contains a lot of information that is rather brief. Kenx, you know the training camp best. Do you have any suggestions on how we can quickly get to know each other?"

Upon hearing this, Kenx perked up, as if he had finally waited for the moment to demonstrate his value.

A bright smile immediately spread across his face. He leaned closer to the group with his colorful head, lowered his voice, and created an atmosphere of sharing secrets: "Captain, you've come to the right person. If you're looking for a quick way to improve understanding, there really is one. And not only can it increase understanding, but it can also earn you points!"

As he spoke, Kenx pointed to the colossal tower that stretched from the sky to the ground at the far end of the square.

"See that? That's the Tower of Endless. As you all have probably noticed, the manual says there are two modes: solo and team."

"However, what the manual doesn't mention is that the higher the floor you reach in this Endless Tower, the more generous the one-time points reward will be. Moreover, depending on the floor you reach, you will also receive a fixed amount of 'daily settlement points' automatically every day, which is a steady and stable source of points."

Then, he changed the subject, lowering his voice, "And most importantly, the first time you challenge the tower, it's free."

He emphasized the word "free".

Seeing that everyone's interest had clearly been piqued, Kenx then moved on to the core part, his expression becoming much more serious.

"Of course, points are just icing on the cake. The most amazing thing about this tower is that it can accurately measure how well we have mastered the rules. After all, dividing it into only 5 tiers is a bit too broad. Even within the same tier, there are different levels. If we give everyone the same resources, wouldn't that be unfair?"

Kenx further explained:

"Therefore, the difficulty of this tower is strictly linked to the level of understanding of the rules. Although they are all Star Core level mirror images, don't be misled by the level. The understanding and application of the rules by these mirror images, even the most basic first level, is a genuine Star Vortex level. Levels 1-10 range from the lowest Star Vortex 1st level to the perfect Star Vortex level of rule understanding."

"Furthermore, starting from the 11th level, it becomes the first level of the Star Domain. The higher you go, the more monstrous the opponents become, and the more exquisite the application of the rules becomes. Starting from the 21st level, it will become a Fusion Domain."

"For us newbies, we should be able to at least pass level 6. After all, that's the minimum requirement to get a 5th-tier rating."

"Being able to maintain a stable level 9 is already quite impressive within the 5th tier. Level 10 signifies that one's Star Swirl-level comprehension is nearing perfection, with one foot already in the threshold of the 4th tier. As for level 11..."

Kenx's gaze lingered on Starfire and Amber for a moment. "That's the standard for Gear 4."

He concluded with a final, forceful wave of his hand: "So, conquering this tower is like giving each of us a comprehensive 'rule awareness check-up.' We each go in and take a round, and we'll clearly see our strengths, our strengths, and our weaknesses."

"Furthermore, I propose that we grant each other spectating privileges so we can watch our teammates play in real time. Is there a more efficient and direct way to understand each other?"

Open to spectators?
Everyone has different expressions.

This means exposing your most authentic combat process, including your habits of applying the rules, your choices at crucial moments, and even any mistakes or embarrassing moments, to your teammates.

Evan Whisper was the first to agree, smiling and nodding, "Kennex's suggestion is excellent. Only by understanding each other's limits can we cooperate more effectively in future missions. I agree."

Xingying rationally analyzed, "The logic is sound. Team collaboration efficiency and the depth of information sharing are significantly positively correlated. Granting spectator access aligns with the principle of maximizing efficiency. Agreed."

Lei Hao patted his chest, which was covered with fine rock and soil patterns, and grinned, "I'm fine."

Mo Yuan remained with his arms crossed, his cold face expressionless. He only glanced back at Lin Yi's face for a moment after the tower in the distance, before giving a barely perceptible nod, which was taken as acquiescence.

Kenx himself was, of course, wholeheartedly in favor.

In the end, only amber remained.

She hesitated for a moment before saying, "I... I might not be the most graceful fighter... I'm just pretty direct."

He smiled and reassured her, "It's okay, Amber. What we need to see is the most authentic you. We're choosing teammates, not a beauty contest, so there's no need to feel uneasy about it."

“That’s true,” Amber nodded vigorously. “Okay then, I’ll try my best.”

Seeing that everyone agreed, Lin Yi made the final decision, "In that case, everyone is free to do as they please today, familiarize themselves with the environment, and adjust their mindset. Tomorrow at this time, we will meet here and take advantage of our first free opportunity to challenge the tower together and spectate each other's battles."

"Yes, Captain!" the group responded in unison. A shared sense of purpose began to dispel the initial awkwardness, and the atmosphere became noticeably more lively than before.

The group dispersed according to their interests, while Lin Yi simply logged off.

The North Wind, in its private training room.

Lin Yi slowly opened his eyes. Without any hesitation, his consciousness immediately sank into the depths of his soul's origin.

Within the purple mist space, a wisp of spiritual energy, slowly rotating like a nebula and radiating a hazy glow, floated quietly.

Since he used his spiritual energy once twenty years ago when he left Blue Star, which increased his understanding of the rules to 53%, he has accumulated spiritual energy for another twenty years. This is his precious resource for breaking through to a higher realm.

"it's time."

With a thought, Lin Yi instantly absorbed that wisp of spiritual energy.

boom!
It was as if the first great roar of the universe at its beginning resounded deep within my soul.

The concepts of time and space became blurred instantly, and his consciousness was thrown into a bizarre and wondrous realm.

What lies before me is no longer a specific scene, but a vast ocean composed of countless colorful and varied regular threads.

They intertwine, entwine, collide, and perish, representing the most fundamental mysteries of the universe.

Lin Yi, familiar with the process, directly focused on the green threads that represented vitality, reproduction, prosperity, decline, and reincarnation—the rules of life.

Many previously obscure and difficult-to-understand rules of life, like viewing them through a veil of mist, have now become clearer than ever before.

The microscopic composition and macroscopic manifestation of life energy, the underlying logic of cell division and proliferation, the rules and rhythms of growth and decay of all things, and the mysterious connection between life and soul.
Various profound mysteries unfolded before his eyes like a scroll, which he understood, absorbed, and integrated.

Lin Yi's comprehension of the rules of life began to soar at an unprecedented speed: 60%, 70%, 80%, and finally, it settled steadily at 82%!

However, as Lin Yi's consciousness slowly withdrew from that profound state of enlightenment and regained control of his body, carefully experiencing himself, he frowned slightly.

The improvement was indeed enormous, but Lin Yi clearly felt that this surge in understanding was like a magnificent palace built on quicksand—grand but with an unstable foundation.

He knew many subtle details, but he failed to fully digest and control them, and could not perfectly transform them into combat power as intuitive as his own thoughts.

A vague sense of power lingered in my mind, as if the power exceeded the limits of the container itself.

"Indeed, while sudden enlightenment is good, it ultimately needs the sedimentation of time and the honing of practical experience to solidify it."

Lin Yi murmured to himself.

However, he was not discouraged by the fundamental issues; instead, he became even clearer about his next direction.

Lin Yi knew very well that with his 82% understanding of the rules of life and his already perfected domain of the rules of metal, he was enough to secure a place in the early stages of the training camp. However, if he wanted to reach the top, he had to digest and absorb this surge of understanding as soon as possible and transform it into real strength.

Therefore, Lin Yi did not immediately return to the virtual world, but instead seized the time to sit cross-legged and begin to circulate the "Star Evolution and Essence Tempering Technique".

The surging source energy within his body was like a gentle galaxy, nourishing his body and soul again and again under the guidance of the cultivation technique, as he tried to control the newly added life rule power.
-
The next day, at the training camp.

Seven figures appeared precisely at the foot of the Endless Tower.

Dozens of figures had already gathered around the base of the tower, waiting in various places.

A semi-transparent light screen floats beside the tower, displaying the current queue sequence and estimated waiting time.

The atmosphere was somewhat somber and oppressive, a stark contrast to the hustle and bustle of the rest of the square.

"This is the Tower of Endless?"

Lei Hao gazed at the tower that exuded a chilling aura, his rugged face showing a solemn expression. "Each entry costs 2000 points, which is no small amount."

"After all, the rules can be perfectly applied inside. It would be extremely expensive to pay for it yourself, and more importantly, you can't get the permission to perfectly simulate it. Also, because it's a perfect simulation, only one person or one team can enter at a time."

Kenx, his colorful head close to the group, explained, "However, since battles are usually quick, there's no need to worry about long queues. Besides, unless you're confident you can break through a bottleneck, or a newbie like us getting a free trial, who would bother burning points every day? Most of the people around here are newbies like us, or..."

He gestured with his eyes to several small groups not far away who were exchanging subtle glances with each other. "Those veteran teams are waiting to pick up the scraps. They're here to observe the performance of our new batch of recruits and see if there are any promising talents worth recruiting or that need special attention."

Lin Yi nodded slightly and looked at his teammates: "As Kenx said, this is an opportunity for us to showcase our strength and observe others. Watching each other play allows us to understand each other most directly. Is everyone ready?" "Ready!" The response was filled with a focused fighting spirit and anticipation.

"Open up spectating privileges within the team, then we'll go queue up."

Lin Yi took the lead and went to the registration area to enter the names of the seven members of his team one by one.

Their arrival also attracted the attention of some veteran teams and other newcomers present.

Several pairs of eyes, filled with scrutiny and curiosity, swept over the unusually racially diverse group of newcomers, but most only gave them a perfunctory glance and did not linger for long.

There are new talents every time, but only a very small number of them will ultimately stand out and become worth investing in.

The process of waiting in line is like a silent qualifying round.

As more people enter the tower, the names of those who attempt the tower and the floor they ultimately reach are clearly displayed on the light screen outside the tower.

Most scores were concentrated in the 6th to 8th floors, with the occasional 9th ​​floor score causing a brief, subdued discussion.

“Look, that ‘Flame Wolf’ team’s newly recruited member has passed the 9th floor.”

"Hmm, the potential is decent, it can be considered to have reached the excellent level of 5."

The discussions were restrained and practical, more like a calm assessment of resources and a value judgment.

Soon, it was the turn of Lin Yi's team members.

Kenx was the first to enter.

Lin Yi discovered that Kenx's performance was agile and extremely deceptive. His colorful figure moved through the tower space, making the use of the rules of light to the extreme, and finally managed to get his score on the 9th floor with great difficulty.

When he came out, he had a smug look on his face and winked at his teammates.

This result is already excellent among the newcomers present. Several members of the veteran teams have noted in the database that "Kennex, 9th floor, 5th grade, excellent."

Next up is Evan.

Although it was also the 9th floor, his combat style, which involved sustained attrition and defense using sophisticated life rules, caught Lin Yi's eye. "So this is how life rules can be used."

As for Lei Hao, he played steadily and surely. His score of 9th floor, combined with his reassuring earth defense style, made Lin Yi nod slightly.

As Mo Yuan's figure disappeared into the tower, and after a considerable period of time, the number of floors on the light screen finally settled firmly at the 10th floor, a murmur of discussion arose around the base of the tower.

"10th floor, Starry Sky Perfection."

"Which team is it? Write down the information and highlight it!"

Xingyu, the vice-captain of the "Star Glory" team who had previously tried to recruit Lin Yi, was also in the crowd.

Looking at Mo Yuan's cold and stern face and his score of tenth level, a hint of regret flashed in his eyes. Why hadn't he discovered this potential talent back then?

Subsequently, Xingying's achievement of reaching level 13 and Amber's achievement of reaching level 12 further amplified this level of attention.

"13 floors, and still a mechanical race, is considered quite good among the four tiers of newcomers."

"On the 12th floor, that girl from the Li Clan, didn't she say she wouldn't join teams? Why did she join a newbie's team?"

"This new team is quite interesting. Two are excellent at level 4, one is close to the level 4 threshold, and three are excellent at level 5."

"The one leading this is also Tier 4, a human, a new face, a newcomer. I think his name is Lin Yi. What's his background?"

The veteran team observers' eyes sharpened, and their mental exchanges with each other increased several times over.

Xingyu's expression was somewhat complicated. He was thinking that after two episodes, he would try to recruit Lin Yi again, but he didn't expect that Lin Yi would raise a team that looked pretty good the very next day.

Finally, it was Lin Yi's turn, who was at the end of the line and was also the core of the team.

At this moment, most of the eyes around Taji were focused on him.

As the captain of this suddenly emerging new team, he undoubtedly bears the brunt of scrutiny and curiosity.

Lin Yi remained calm, as if the invisible gazes around him did not exist.

He adjusted his breathing, maintaining his optimal condition, and then stepped into the portal of light that flowed with countless data and runes.

On the light screen, the light spot representing him suddenly lit up, and the number of layers began to jump at a steady and rapid speed.

+1 3 5 7 9
The rapid progress through the early levels did not cause much of a stir, which was expected and was the performance expected of a strong captain.

10 floors! The speed of passing through did not slow down significantly, showing that it was going with ease.

11th floor! The light spot rose steadily with almost no pauses.

Floor 13! Still the same efficiency, cleared instantly.

Upon reaching this floor, those still queuing or observing began to take things seriously.

The fact that they were able to pass through 13 levels so smoothly means that their understanding of the rules and the breadth of their application have reached a very solid level, far exceeding that of ordinary newcomers, making them one of the best among the four levels of newcomers.

14 floors! Speed ​​remains unchanged. Pass!

15 floors! Passed!

"It's already on the 15th floor."

"A veteran team's scout muttered."

16th floor! The light spot stayed for a little longer, obviously encountering some resistance, but it still lit up firmly.

The area outside the tower gradually quieted down, and more and more people turned their attention to the light screen. Even some representatives of the old teams who had been talking in hushed tones stopped talking.

A score of 16 is a solid improvement over all the newcomers in this season, and even surpasses the best historical performance of some of the veteran contestants in the fourth tier.

17 floors! This time, the stay was significantly longer.

Everyone can imagine the intense clash of rules and the battle of wills taking place inside the tower.

That kind of silent waiting creates more invisible pressure than any sound.

Several minutes passed, and the light spot continued to flicker on the 17th floor, neither going out nor rising.

Some people began to exchange opinions in hushed tones, speculating that he might be about to stop there.

After all, 16 floors is already a remarkable achievement for a newcomer.

However, the light suddenly went out in the next moment, and then suddenly lit up again on the 18th floor.

Level 17, cleared!

In an instant, almost all eyes were focused on the name and number of layers on the light screen.

Day 1! 17th floor!
The significance of this achievement is all too clear to the veteran team observers present.

This is no longer just in the category of "4th grade excellent", it has the potential to approach the threshold of 3rd grade.

Xingyu's pupils contracted slightly, and for the first time, his usual composure vanished from his face. Beside him, Qingfeng, the captain of the "White Fang" team, had also arrived nearby at some point.

She looked at the light screen, a complex smile appearing on her sharp face. She whispered to her deputy beside her, "It seems that our bargaining chips for 'fair distribution' back then were really nothing in their eyes. The 17th floor on the first day. Hey, this is getting interesting."

Several representatives who were originally just observing routinely have now stepped aside with serious expressions and begun urgently transmitting this information, which is enough to attract the attention of the team's superiors, through an encrypted channel.

However, just as everyone was wondering if Lin Yi could get past the 18th floor, the light suddenly disappeared.

Then, at the exit of the Endless Tower, light flickered, and Lin Yi's figure slowly appeared.

(End of this chapter)