Swallowing the Stars: Starting with the Battle of Geniuses

Chapter 87 Showdown, Life Source Fruit, and the Chaos City Lord's Expectations

Venerable Guiyi has quietly withdrawn from the Chaos Ruins.

At this moment and in this place, only the Lord of Chaos City and Hunzhen were present.

This great being, who is the embodiment of the law itself, simply stands there quietly like a mountain, bringing unparalleled oppression and majesty.

He was over three meters tall, wearing dark red armor covered with ancient and mysterious patterns, with a thick, scaled tail protruding from his battle skirt.

Beneath those armored boots lay the corpses of countless powerful beings from different races, each one exerting an oppressive force no less than that of the Nine Swords Venerable or the Unity Venerable, with many even surpassing them.

The moment Hunzhen's gaze fell upon the Lord of Chaos City, he naturally activated the laws of the universe, unleashing an aura of boundless slaughter that nearly forced him to submit on the spot.

"Hunzhen greets the City Lord."

Hunzhen immediately lowered his head and knelt on one knee to pay his respects.

While he was filled with trepidation, he could not hide his excitement.

"This is humanity's leader, one of the strongest beings in the universe!"

"The mere natural pressure emanating from him is terrifying to this extent!"

In the simulation, the simulated human did not choose to become an apprentice of the Chaos City Lord.

The reason is simple: even if a true strongman is established through the Genius Battle, the simulated human is aware of his true talent.

Achieving immortality in one's lifetime is basically the pinnacle; with this level of talent, even becoming an apprentice of a cosmic ruler would be a stretch.

To become the master of the Chaos City Lord?

Such an idea is something even a Simulator wouldn't dare to consider!

In ancient times, there was a crime of deceiving the emperor.

As the leader of the human race, the Chaos City Lord's status and position are hundreds of millions of times greater than that of an ancient emperor of Earth!

What would happen if the Lord of Chaos City discovered that he had taken on a disciple with poor aptitude?

Given the selfless nature of the Chaos City Lord, he might not punish him; at most, he would be expelled from the sect, and there's even a chance he'd retain his status as a nominal disciple.

However... the simulated humans will not enjoy the same treatment as the original disciples of the Chaos City Lord.

To nurture geniuses with resources far exceeding their potential is irresponsible towards the human race.

If the Lord of Chaos City does not punish him, Hunzhen will definitely be in the eye of the storm in the eyes of the higher-ups of the Virtual Universe Company, and may even be subjected to verbal attacks and covert sabotage.

This is the real consequence!

So whether in simulation or reality, this was Hunzhen's first time meeting the Lord of Chaos City.

Just as Hunzhen bowed his head in greeting, the Lord of Chaos City finally spoke his first words to Hunzhen since they met.

"Why don't you study the Chaos Stele?"

Hunzhen was suddenly startled.

He hadn't expected the Chaos City Lord to ask this question as his first question.

Fortunately, he had already prepared a plan for some of the issues that would arise after meeting the Lord of Chaos.

Hunzhen slightly raised his head, meeting the calm eyes of the Chaos City Lord, and replied in a deep voice, "Because I possess an innate talent that allows me to steal the insights and power of my future self."

Revealing even a tiny fragment of the simulation ability to the Lord of Chaos City was an idea that Hunzhen had long harbored.

Looking at the entire original novel of Swallowed Star, the Lord of Chaos City is definitely one of the characters who cares most about the human race.

He wasn't without selfish motives; he would also humbly beg Luo Feng for the sake of liberating the original ancestors.

But compared to that small personal desire, he cared more about the future of the human race.

This is a person with a great love in his heart.

It's hard not to admire such a person.

Others might delve into the details of Hunzhen's talent, but given the Chaos City Lord's vision and character, he has long since transcended the level of "coveting the resources of his own kind."

As long as humanity as a whole can become strong, the Lord of Chaos City is even willing to give up his own interests to help future generations.

Moreover, Hunzhen did not fully reveal the capabilities of the simulation system.

Just now, after a partial showdown, he had used up one simulation attempt, obtained the desired result, and was completely at ease.

"Stealing the future?"

The Lord of Chaos City was incredibly quick-witted; in the blink of an eye, he had a rough idea of ​​the function of the "talent" Hunzhen.

"The reason you don't study the Chaos Stele is to accumulate study attempts so that your future self can study it, thereby maximizing the effect of the Chaos Stele."

The Lord of Chaos City nodded slightly and said, "No wonder you progress much faster than others who try to comprehend the Chaos Stele, even though you don't study it yourself!"

A rare smile appeared on the face of the Chaos City Lord.

Stealing the insights and power of your future self?

Such talent was unheard of even by the standards of the Chaos City Lord.

But does it really matter if it's talent or not?

It doesn't matter, what matters is... that its function is real.

Therefore, the Lord of Chaos City was willing to regard it as the talent of the Hunzhen people.

Such talent belongs to the type that becomes stronger as the host becomes stronger.

Perhaps the insights gained are insignificant when the host is weak in the early stages, but as the host becomes stronger, the effects become more and more significant.

Just like Hunzhen, after encountering the opportunity of the Chaos Stele, he instantly soared into the sky!

They are absolutely among the most incredible in the universe!

The Chaos City Lord commented, "Excellent! 'Stealing the Future,' based solely on its current enhancement of cultivation effects, it ranks among the 'top-tier' among the billions of races in the universe!"

As he spoke, he reached out and beckoned a golden fruit, resembling an apple, to Hunzhen.

"This is the Life Source Fruit, one of the most heaven-defying treasures that can directly increase the life gene ratio of flesh and blood life. It is enough to drive immortal beings mad, and it is a treasure that even universe venerables cherish."

The Chaos City Lord explained, "The first pill increases gene multiplier by five times; the second and third each increase it by four times, and so on, until the eleventh to fifteenth pills each increase it by one time. Depending on slight differences in individual absorption efficiency, the total increase can be thirty to thirty-five times. After accumulating fifteen pills, you will even gain a special talent technique!"

As he spoke, the Chaos City Lord shook his head regretfully: "Unfortunately, back then, our human race competed with other top races, and in the end, we only managed to obtain ten. Without enough to gather fifteen, the value of continuously using the Life Source Fruit was greatly reduced. Now, we only have three left in our inventory, and even a Universe Venerable can only exchange for one at most based on their contributions. So... I'm giving them to you."

As the Lord of Chaos spoke, he casually tossed the golden fruit into Hunzhen's palm.

"You gave it to me!?"

Even with Hunzhen's understanding of the Chaos City Lord, he couldn't help but be somewhat shocked at this moment.

Although it was practically a done deal, he hadn't yet completed the formal apprenticeship ceremony—

Suddenly, Hunzhen realized the purpose of the Chaos City Lord's actions.

He looked up abruptly and saw the Lord of Chaos City nodding slightly to him.

"He noticed."

He whispered from the depths of his heart.

Stealing the power of one's future self, if that future self also possesses such ability, allows for infinite nesting, instantly expanding the power to an unimaginable level.

Naturally, the "other self" whose power was stolen does not possess such ability.

There is a limit to the power that can be stolen.

This limit lies in the future version of yourself.

If the ownership of the Life Source Fruit has not truly changed, can this power be considered within the scope of one's future abilities?

The Lord of Chaos City made no judgment, kept the truth to himself, and left the choice to Hunzhen.

The simulation record just now also mentioned the Chaos City Lord giving away the Life Source Fruit, but it couldn't bring Hunzhen the same kind of understanding as in reality.

Ultimately, the simulated human did not use the Life Source Fruit.

Having understood the good intentions of the Chaos City Lord, Hunzhen took a deep breath and said something that the simulated humans would never dare to say, "Lord City Lord, please assure me that this fruit now belongs to me. Even if I do not have the talent to 'steal the future,' I cannot take it back."

The Lord of Chaos City was not angry at such a statement that was almost "insubordination," but rather somewhat pleased.

This proves that Hunzhen was willing to actively reveal details of his talents and proactively verify them.

"I promise."

The Lord of Chaos City nodded slightly, and a contract document was instantly formed.

Witnessed by the virtual universe, the contract was concluded, and Hunzhen earnestly said, "Lord City Lord, please grant me seven hours!"

Seven hours, a day in the primordial universe?

Is this the time it takes for Hunzhen to use his "Steal the Future" ability?

The Lord of Chaos City did not point it out, but nodded slightly: "Agreed."

He watched with interest as Hunzhen, who seemed somewhat tense, waited for time to pass.

The latest novel is first published here!

In the blink of an eye, a day has passed.

A glint of light flashed in the eyes of the Chaos City Lord.

"It's changed."

"His gene ratio changed in an instant."

The Chaos City Lord's gaze fell on the Life Source Fruit in Hunzhen's palm. The fruit did not dissipate any energy, just as it had at the beginning.

"unbelievable."

"This is truly an extraordinary talent!"

Even with the perspective of the Lord of Chaos City, he was still somewhat shocked the moment he truly confirmed this reality.

No, it is precisely because of his position and perspective that he can see the value of this talent!

This is a talent that completely violates the laws of the universe and should not exist in the first place!

"Thank you for your kindness, Lord City Lord."

A look of joy flashed in Hunzhen's eyes as he bowed to the Lord of Chaos City with utmost sincerity.

The clarity of the understanding of the laws did not improve much, which proves that the potential of this body's Balian bloodline in terms of law compatibility has basically been explored to its limit.

However, the increase in gene multiplication rate is a fact, clearly documented in terms of material inheritance.

As the physical body's carrying capacity increases, the size of the sea of ​​consciousness expands accordingly. The spiritual energy planet that originally floated above the sea of ​​consciousness is also poured into it, causing the quality of the spiritual power that Hunzhen can control to increase dramatically.

While changes in gene ratios are a matter of material inheritance and cannot affect the essence of the soul, they can influence mental power.

This also means that the "one-hit line" for carrying out a possession plan is rising rapidly, greatly increasing the chances of success.

Even though he had anticipated this, Hunzhen still couldn't help but feel admiration when the Lord of Chaos City actually acted as he had said.

The Lord of Chaos City smiled and said, "Hunzhen, would you be willing to become my disciple in name only?"

Once his talent is proven, Hunzhen will naturally be qualified to become his disciple.

"This disciple is willing."

Hunzhen immediately knelt down and respectfully performed the disciple's rites.

The simulation recording from earlier flashed through my mind.

[You confess to the Lord of Chaos that in this timeline, you do not possess the so-called talent to "steal the future," and are not worthy of the human race's top-tier resources for cultivation; you are just an ordinary, unremarkable person.]

The Lord of Chaos City did not accept you as a disciple, but he also did not take back the Life Source Fruit. He will let you leave.

The contents of your conversation were not leaked; all your secrets have been lost to time.

"teacher."

Hunzhen suddenly looked up, puzzled, and asked, "Why haven't you taken back the Life Source Fruit even though my future self no longer possesses the power to steal the future?"

Having already become a disciple, and with the endorsement of the simulation record, Hunzhen naturally felt a sense of closeness when looking at the Lord of Chaos City, and the slight concern in his heart completely disappeared.

He said these words without any attempt to hide them.

The Lord of Chaos City stared at Hunzhen and laughed heartily, "To gamble a more magnificent future for humanity with a single Life Source Fruit, what does it matter if we lose even if we lose? I think, no matter which point in time I am, I would be more than willing to pay such a price."

pattern.

These two words flashed through Hunzhen's mind.

A sudden feeling welled up inside me: "Perhaps it is because of leaders with such vision that humanity has ultimately been able to stand at the pinnacle of the universe!"

The Lord of Chaos City nodded slightly: "Now that you are my disciple, let's return to the issue of cultivation itself."

"Nine Swords told me about you. You insisted on taking the path of time, and I guess this talent of 'stealing the future' should have greatly improved your talent in the laws of time."

The Lord of Chaos City analyzed the situation, then suddenly smiled and asked, "Then, tell me your true thoughts."

Hunzhen nodded seriously: "I want to pursue the path of combining space and time. The reason I'm temporarily suspending my cultivation of the laws of space is because even using the ability to steal the future has significantly reduced my insights. It's too inefficient!"

Hunzhen paused for a moment, then said, "Teacher, my talent not only enhances my strength, but also allows me to instantly recover from losses! My plan is to possess a special life form with spatial talent, and then return to the path of spacetime integration!"

"Possession?"

The Lord of Chaos City revealed a half-smile: "It seems you are quite familiar with the practices of my Virtual Universe Company, even so openly discussing the possession of alien races. However, it's not surprising that you know about special life forms."

Seemingly remembering something, the Chaos City Lord changed the subject, saying, "Speaking of possession, among the geniuses of your generation, there was also a little fellow who possessed the Golden Horned Beast. No wonder you're from the same generation, you really are of the same mind."

Upon hearing this, Hunzhen chuckled awkwardly, secretly thinking to himself, "If you knew that you would also take him as your disciple a few hundred years from now, I wonder what you would think."

While the Chaos City Lord was teasing him, he already understood Hunzhen's thoughts and said, "Since you have this idea, and the success rate is not small, then let you go. I know you are searching for information about special life forms everywhere, but this is not something you can find at this stage. I have already transmitted three target locations to you through the virtual universe network."

As he spoke, he casually tossed a delicate jade slip into view in front of Hunzhen.

"This is the Soul Heart Jade. Even if you fail to possess someone, it can help you rebuild your soul. In addition to the Soul Fruit and the Soul Heart Jade, I will give you twenty more chances to study the Chaos Stele to maximize your talent. Alright, leave now. When you successfully possess someone, come back here to see me, and you will become my personal disciple."

"Yes."

Hunzhen immediately agreed.

After the Lord of Chaos waved his hand and sent Hunzhen out of Chaos Ruins, the place returned to tranquility once again.

Even though Hunzhen had already displayed a "heaven-defying talent" that shocked even him, the Lord of Chaos City still did not spare him the assessment process.

However, compared to the initially envisioned assessment content, it has been transformed into a scheme that aligns with Hunzhen's own plan.

"My disciple, in terms of his opportunities alone, may rank first among all my disciples."

The Lord of Chaos City thought to himself.

"But opportunities are one thing, but without the ability to seize them and turn them into strength, even the most extraordinary opportunities will not prevent one from ending up mediocre."

All three destinations are fraught with risk.

Even though he has already given the Hunzhen Soul Heart Jade, there is still a possibility that he will die if he fails to possess the body.

If he successfully possesses and returns, the Universe Venerable will become the starting point for Hunzhen—one day, Hunzhen will walk alongside him.

(End of this chapter)