Wizard: My skills can be upgraded indefinitely.

"Oh? What identity have you assigned me?"

"His name is... Mr. Yin, a reclusive powerhouse who has been guarding the 'Black Abyss Rift'."

"The Black Abyss Rift?" Ian took the clothes and raised an eyebrow.

After the information was fully synchronized, he knew that this was one of the first rifts to form within the Great Yan territory, and it had existed for two hundred years.

Located on the southwestern border, it is bottomless and constantly emits the abyssal aura.

The official record states a danger level of "Level 4," but the actual level is most likely Level 5, suggesting it may be a deep rift connecting to the other world.

However, since there are very few legendary figures in the Great Yan Dynasty, there will be no legendary guardians for any rift that is not rated as a level five rift.

Wei Song blinked. "I just went to 'inspect' the area last month and cleaned up the remaining pollution on the outside."

"This can be seen as you acting in secret. Once your identity is confirmed, you can act openly and clean up this rift on your own."

Ian nodded and began changing his clothes; they fit perfectly, as if tailor-made.

"I think the mid-legendary realm is more suitable for you in terms of external strength. After all, your actual combat power is at least at the late stage. It's good to leave some gaps in case of unexpected events."

Wei Song added, "This way, you won't be too conspicuous, nor will you be looked down upon."

"As for its origin..." He thought for a moment.

"Just say you're my teacher. You guided me when I awakened, and you've been guarding the Black Abyss Rift ever since. Recently, you sensed that the Great Yan had gained a new legend, so you came out to take a look."

"Take a look and see if it makes sense. Do you want to rewrite it?"

"That's good, and it's reasonable."

Ian fastened the last button, looked in the mirror, and saw a person with black hair and black eyes, a calm face, and deep eyes.

"Now that you've arranged everything, go out and meet your colleagues."

He turned and walked toward the exit of the secret room, keeping Gaga hidden for the time being. The little guy was getting familiar with this shadowy world and enjoying himself.

Top-floor conference room at the headquarters of the Jiangnan Province Supernatural Abilities Management Bureau.

Zhou Zhen, Lin Wei, Ling Xi, and other high-ranking officials from the Jiangnan Provincial Administration were all standing in the conference room.

Everyone's face was pale with excessive excitement.

The news of Wei Song's breakthrough to legendary status has spread throughout the entire Great Yan Dynasty, and even throughout the entire Xuanhuang Star.

The headquarters in Beijing sent a congratulatory telegram directly, the Governor-General of Jiangnan Province personally called to express his condolences, and other provinces also received a constant stream of phone calls.

And they were the first people to witness the birth of a legend.

"Souji... he really succeeded?"

A young Level 2 Controller asked in a low voice, his voice trembling.

"Nonsense, didn't you see that commotion just now?" The person next to him glared at him.

"The whole of Jiangzhou City can see it! A new sun has appeared in the sky!"

"But... after Souji broke through, why did he disappear?"

"Perhaps he's consolidating his realm. A legend... a legend who can live for a thousand years..."

A low murmur arose, everyone unable to contain their excitement.

Just then, the conference room door opened.

Wei Song walked in, followed by a young man in simple, unassuming clothes.

The young man was very young, looking no more than thirty, with deep, unfathomable eyes.

When Ian revealed a hint of his own abilities that rivaled Wei Song's, the conference room fell silent instantly.

Good heavens! How come... another legend has appeared?

All eyes turned to Ian.

Curiosity, exploration, awe... and a hint of wariness.

"Let me formally introduce you to Mr. Yin, my teacher."

Wei Song walked to the head of the table, his voice calm.

"It had been guarding the Black Abyss Rift, but it sensed my breakthrough recently and came out to check on me."

As soon as he finished speaking, a chorus of hissing gasps filled the conference room.

Only a few people in the arena knew that the Black Abyss Rift was one of the most dangerous rifts in the Great Yan territory.

A person who can single-handedly guard such a place... is at least a legend.

"Hello, Mr. Yin!"

Zhou Zhen was the first to react, standing at attention and saluting, and the others quickly followed suit, their movements perfectly synchronized.

Ian nodded in acknowledgment, his gaze sweeping over the crowd.

Perception spreads like mercury, instantly capturing the energy fluctuations of each person.

Two Level 4 Grandmasters, forty-five Level 3 Grandmasters, and more than twenty Level 2 Controllers.

Their strength... is alright.

After a brief introduction, Wei Song asked, "How was the disturbance handled?"

"It's under control now." Lin Wei stepped forward and adjusted her glasses.

"Residents have been evacuated, damage assessments are underway, and the media has been notified."

"And..." she paused, lowering her voice.

"Someone from the Beijing headquarters has arrived; it's 'Li Yanjun' himself."

Wei Song's gaze sharpened slightly. "Yan Jun, Li Yan."

One of the five legends of the Great Yan Administration Headquarters, the most senior, with unfathomable strength.

It is said that this person has some secret lineage, entered the legendary realm a hundred years ago, and may have now gone even further, reaching the mid-legendary stage.

"When did you arrive?"

"We're downstairs now."

As soon as he finished speaking, the conference room door was pushed open again, and an elderly man dressed in a red Tang suit walked in slowly.

He looked to be in his sixties, with gray hair, but his back was straight and his eyes were sharp as an eagle's.

Strangely, there was a badge hanging on the shoulder of the Tang suit, with two golden stars in the middle.

He held the rank of lieutenant general, and was in the mid-legendary stage.

He held the rank of lieutenant general, and was in the mid-legendary stage.

Ian could sense that the old man's aura was at least twice as strong as Wei Song's.

"Congratulations, Commander Wei, our Great Yan has gained another pillar of strength."

Li Yan spoke, his voice loud and clear, carrying the authority of someone who had long held a high position. His gaze fell on Wei Song, filled with undisguised admiration.

Then his gaze shifted to Ian, a hint of seriousness flashing across his face.

Ian looked back calmly, without any intimidation or imposing manner.

But Li Yan's expression gradually changed. With his mid-stage legendary perception, he couldn't see through the depth of this young man's abilities.

All I could feel was... that a real star was hidden within the other person's body.

Fiery, vast, and unfathomable.

"Commander Wei, who is this...?"

When Li Yan spoke, there was a hint of caution in his voice.

Wei Song stepped forward and stood beside Ian.

"Mr. Li, let me introduce you. This is Mr. Yin, who is also my teacher."

"I've been guarding the Black Abyss Rift all along."

Li Yan's eyes narrowed. He had been to the Black Abyss Rift once, a hundred years ago.

At that time, he was still a fourth-level grandmaster. He went on an inspection with his elders. Just standing on the edge of the rift, he felt as if his soul was about to be sucked in.

And now, this young man says he has been guarding that place for at least fifty years?

He knew almost every legendary powerhouse in the entire Great Yan Dynasty, yet he had never heard of this person.

"Hello, Mr. Yin." Li Yan clasped his hands in greeting, his attitude becoming much more solemn. "I have long admired your name."

"Mr. Li, you are too kind. I have long heard of your great name, which is very famous."

Ian's expression was solemn as he returned the greeting with utmost respect.

"Mr. Li, teacher, please sit down and let's talk."

Wei Song gestured, and the three of them immediately walked to the conference table and sat down.

The others tactfully withdrew, leaving only Zhou Zhen and Lin Wei guarding the door.

"Mr. Yin's return to public life this time is..." Li Yan asked tentatively.

"Let's check on Wei Song, and take a stroll around while we're at it."

Ian picked up his teacup, took a sip, and did so naturally, as if he had simply come out for a walk to clear his head.

Li Yan didn't believe a single word of it.

How could a legend who guarded the Black Abyss Rift for fifty years suddenly emerge from seclusion just for a "trip"?

But he didn't press further; everyone has secrets, especially legends.

"Since Mr. Yin is here, why don't you... stay a little longer?"

Li Yan changed the subject, speaking in a warm tone.

"The Great Yan Dynasty is in dire need of talent, and legendary experts... are too few."

"There are fewer than twenty on the surface, but even fewer that can actually be mobilized. In many provinces, there isn't even a single legendary figure in charge."

He paused, looking at Wei Song.

"Jiangnan Province didn't have one before, but now it has the General Wei, but... it's still not enough."

"Those fissures to the north have been rather unstable lately."

Ian looked down at his teacup, a thoughtful expression on his face. "Old Li wants me... to join the management bureau?"

"It's not joining, it's hiring," Li Yan corrected.

"Mr. Yin has guarded the Black Abyss Rift for fifty years and has made outstanding contributions. The Great Yan Headquarters is willing to hire Mr. Yin as a 'Security Consultant'."

"Enjoy the national level 5 treatment and receive a quota of 20 complete source crystals per year."

Ian's eyes flickered slightly. Putting everything else aside, the twenty complete source crystals that Elder Li mentioned were at least the size of goose eggs.

This is no small amount; it's enough for Wei Song to cultivate for three months.

"What about my obligations?"

"obligation……"

A smile spread across Li Yan's face, but there was a hint of something deeper in it.

"Since Mr. Yin has been guarding the rift for fifty years, he must hate it deeply. It just so happens that a new level-four rift has recently been discovered in the northern part of Jiangnan Province."

"It hasn't been recorded yet, and we haven't had time to purify it."

"If Mr. Yin is interested, he can go and see for himself."

Ian put down his teacup and looked up at Li Yan.

"A new crack? Where is it located?"

"You can get the exact coordinates from Commander Wei, as he is deep within the Black Dragon Mountains."

Li Yan took out a token from his pocket and placed it on the table.

The token is dark gold, with the character "炎" (flame) engraved on the front and the emblem of the management office on the back.

"This is the highest-level advisor's warrant. With this token, one can mobilize resources from various provinces and have priority access to classified files."

"Of course, we are also obligated to intervene when necessary."

Ian picked up the token; it felt heavy and had a warm, smooth texture.

He examined the patterns on the token's surface, a thoughtful look flashing in his eyes.

Joining the management agency, as it stands, aligns closely with his goals, allowing him to legally allocate all resources and intelligence.

As for whether it will get involved in other high-level power struggles, there's no need to consider that right now.

He needs the Source Crystal; he needs to quickly restore his strength.

A legitimate identity is also needed to operate in this world.

"I agree," Ian said, putting away the token. "But I have a few conditions."

"Please speak," Li Yanjun replied.

"First, I do not participate in day-to-day affairs, I only deal with rift-related matters. Second, my actions are autonomous and I am not subject to any orders."

Ian pondered for a moment, then shook his head. "That's all for now. I'll add more when I think of something else."

"No problem, I can make the decision right now." Li Yan's face lit up with joy.

"Mr. Yin is a legend, so naturally he deserves the treatment of a legend."

He stood up and extended his hand to Ian. "Welcome to the Great Yan."

Ian grasped his hand. "Then... it'll be a pleasure working together."

Outside the conference room.

Zhou Zhen and Lin Wei stood on either side like two door gods, their ears perked up.

Although the specific content was unclear, words like "legend," "rift," and "source crystal" still floated out intermittently.

Although the specific content was unclear, words like "legend," "rift," and "source crystal" still floated out intermittently.

Lin Wei asked in a low voice, "Is that Mr. Yin really Commander Wei's teacher?"

"It should be," Zhou Zhen said in a low voice.

"Didn't you see Old Li's attitude? He wasn't this serious with other people."

"That's Yan Jun... one of the five legends of headquarters."

"Even he was so polite, that Mr. Yin... must be at least on the same level as Old Master Li."

Lin Wei gasped.

There are only two or three people in the entire Great Yan Dynasty who are on the same level as Elder Li, and each of them is a national-level figure.

Now, Jiangnan Province has two of them.

Although Commander Wei has just broken through, he is a true legend and a solid national-level expert.

"Now... our Jiangnan Province is about to take off."

Zhou Zhen muttered to himself, his eyes gleaming with excitement.

Lin Wei nodded in agreement, a look of longing in her eyes.

"Three legends gathered in Jiangnan Province... This is a rare sight indeed!"

"Yes, that's legendary..." Zhou Zhen's face also showed longing.

He recalled the scene of his first meeting with Wei Song. Who could have imagined that it would only be ten years later?

Commander Wei then soared into the sky, and his figure was never seen again.

"We two are lucky to have followed Commander Wei all this time. While becoming a legend is impossible, becoming a Grandmaster... is still something we can dream about."

"Yes, to reach the Grandmaster level would be enough for a lifetime of fulfillment!"

In the conference room.

Ian and Li Yan's conversation was nearing its end.

"The data on the Black Mountain Rift will be sent to Commander Wei later."

Li Yan stood up. "Mr. Yin, you may take a look at the documents first."

"I will stay in Jiangzhou for three days to handle some business. I will return to Beijing after three days. If you need anything, please feel free to contact me."

Ian stood up as well, "Definitely."

After Wei Song saw Li Yan out, Ian returned to his seat and began to think about the next steps.

A short while later, Wei Song returned to the hall.

"Your identity issue has been resolved. Although Li Yan doesn't believe it, as long as it benefits the Great Yan, there's no problem."

"Come, let me show you the Source Crystals. I've spent a lot of time collecting them."

Ian's eyes lit up, and he followed Wei Song through the corridor to a secluded bedroom on the top floor of the management office.

The room wasn't big, but it was simply furnished with a bed, a desk, and a wardrobe.

Several documents were piled on the desk, and a map of Jiangnan Province hung on the wall, with several points marked in red pen.

Wei Song walked to the wardrobe, pulled open the bottom drawer, revealing a dark silver metal box.

The box is covered with intricate runes and has traces of energy locks along its edges.

Wei Song pressed his finger on the lock, the runes lit up, and the box slid open silently, releasing a pure and vast energy wave.

Ian's pupils contracted slightly, and every orbit of stars in his mind's eye felt an instinctive "desire" for the energy emanating from the box.

Wei Song took out a jade box from the trunk and opened it. Twenty golden source crystals, each the size of an egg, lay quietly on the velvet cushion.

Each one is crystal clear, with liquid golden energy flowing slowly inside.

Next to it, there was an even smaller box, which was full of source crystal fragments.

They vary in size and shape, but each piece exudes the same primal aura.

"This is what I've saved up over the past five years, and now it's all yours."

Wei Song pushed the jade box and wooden chest in front of Ian, his voice calm.

"Absorb it as quickly as possible to adapt to the rules of this world faster. I'll be right outside, no one will bother you."

After saying that, Wei Song turned and left, gently closing the door behind him.

In the bedroom, only Ian remained, along with a box full of Source Crystals.

He walked to the bedside, sat down cross-legged, picked up a complete source crystal, closed his eyes, and probed the source crystal with his spiritual power.

hum!

At the edge of my field of vision, the panel vibrated silently, and pale gold lettering appeared.

[The origin of the world has been detected]

[Rank Determination: Minor World Origin (Level 5)]

Is it absorbed?

"Yes."

As Ian focused his mind, the source crystal in his palm began to melt.

After all, his plan was to let the panel absorb all of his knowledge first, and then give him feedback on the rules.

This satisfies the panel's requirements while also making him safer.

Absorbing His essence within this world is not entirely safe; transforming it through the panel is the safest approach.

As the last source crystal was absorbed by the panel, strands of golden light were emitted from it.

Deep within the spiritual sea, five star orbits lit up simultaneously, their five colors intertwining like a silent feast.

The light filaments were drawn by the star trails, splitting into five strands, each merging into its corresponding rule.

The gravitational orbit absorbs the light the fastest, and the silvery-gray light solidifies at a visible speed, making the points of light on the orbit even more dazzling.

The progress bar started jumping, 48%...49%...50%!

The gravitational orbiter shuddered suddenly, and fine silver patterns appeared on its surface.

"The gravitational pull has exceeded 50%, showing a significant increase."

Ian muttered to himself, his voice filled with barely suppressed excitement.

50% is a threshold; crossing it means that the rules of gravity have entered a new realm.

From "knowing how to use it" to "understanding its essence".

Golden threads of light continuously flowed into the sea of ​​consciousness, and the thermal star orbit began to rotate at an accelerated speed.

The progress jumped from 43% to 44%, 45%... and finally stopped at 46%.

The purification of star trails was the slowest, but it still increased from 25% to 26%. Time star trails and Earth star trails also saw slight increases.

But Ian could sense that what was increasing was not "progress," but... depth.

My understanding of the rules has deepened; for example, I used to only be able to see the surface of the water, but now I can see the fish underwater.

When the last strand of gold thread was absorbed, Ian opened his eyes.

Gravity rule 51%, thermal energy rule 47%, purification rule 27%, time rule 8%, earth rule 11%.

Although the growth rate is not large, it is an all-round improvement.

More importantly, Ian could clearly feel that his "fit" with the world was improving.

Like fish swimming into water, or weary birds returning to the forest.

The original sense of "barrier" was disappearing, and the rules of the Xuanhuang world were becoming clearer in his eyes.

The energy particles in the air are no longer moving randomly.

Instead, they are like living fireflies, slowly rising and falling along some mysterious trajectory.

He can "see" the veins of gravity, like an invisible net that envelops the entire world.

You can "hear" the flow of heat energy, like underground magma, slowly surging.

You can "feel" the order of purification, like an invisible barrier that keeps the pollution of the abyss at bay.

Even... one can vaguely "touch" the flow of time.

"This is... a gift from the very origin of the world," Ian murmured to himself, a slight smile playing on his lips. .

It's not just about accelerating one's understanding of rules, but also about deepening one's understanding of the essence of this world.

He stood up, flexed his fingers, and looked out the window.

"That's far from enough."

Night has fallen, and the city lights are dazzling.

"Let's start the operation tomorrow. Let's take control of one rift first, and make a good impression on Great Yan."

He muttered to himself, a cold glint in his eyes.