Myriad Realms Gatekeeper

"Unanimously passed!"

The giant blood-red vertical pupil suspended high in the skies of the Dharma Realm slowly pivoted, aligning itself with the consciousness of Shen Ye.

"Welcome to the fold."

An authoritative voice resounded.

Almost at the same instant, dense and numerous runes burst forth from within the giant blood-red vertical pupil.

These runes swept out, enveloping Shen Ye's consciousness.

In a flash,

In his cave dwelling, Shen Ye opened his eyes, fixing his gaze upon his left hand.

Quietly surfacing on the back of his left hand were densely intertwined black lines, forming together into a vertical black pupil.

This vertical pupil gazed into the void, exuding a will to end all things.

It was the representative Dharma Aspect of the king species:

"Destiny's End"!

The vertical pupil gazed into the void from afar, forging a vague yet real connection between Shen Ye and the Dharma Realm.

Subconsciously, Shen Ye understood how to use it.

He merely needed to focus his consciousness on the back of his hand, and the power of the black vertical pupil would activate—

His thoughts were immediately projected into the largest union consciousness, where he could communicate with other members of the king species.

As soon as his mind entered the union, he immediately received a barrage of messages:

"Welcome!"

"Welcome, new bug!"

"Let's hustle, time for the new bug initiation."

"Can't wait, come on."

Shen Ye was slightly baffled.

"What does a new bug have to do?" he asked.

That authoritative voice rang out again:

"In our union consciousness, a new bug begins at Level 0, with no privileges."

"To ascend to Level 1, you must contribute some resources to everyone."

"This first step is the simplest."

An insect egg devoid of life passed through the Dharma Realm and landed in Shen Ye's hand.

"I believe you've accumulated some treasures and wealth, just fill this insect egg and contribute it to the union consciousness, and you will reach Level 1, unlocking most of the functions of the union consciousness."

Shen Ye nodded.

That made sense.

As a newcomer joining a group of titans without offering anything, expecting ready-made rewards—

Does the world work that way?

"Alright, I can fill it right away,"

Shen Ye said.

A burst of laughter erupted.

Some bugs even started to whistle cheerfully.

Shen Ye didn't understand why.

However, he felt that everyone seemed to harbor no ill will.

The authoritative voice cleared its throat and spoke again:

"Your attitude is commendable, but this insect egg possesses its own consciousness."

"If the value isn't sufficient, it won't accept it."

"Filling it might be somewhat challenging...you're likely to need some effort."

So that was it.

It seemed other bugs had also experienced their share of embarrassment upon joining.

—Could it be that a vast amount of treasure was needed?

There was only one way to find out.

Shen Ye swiped over his ring, then opened the lifeless insect egg, pouring the treasures collected by Elder Wang into it.

It filled up in no time.

Shen Ye was taken aback.

—Well, that amount wasn't too bad!

He patted the insect egg, about half a palm high.

The egg instantly burrowed into the void, leaping toward the Dharma Realm, and swiftly embedded itself within the enormous vertical pupil.

Sweeping back and forth over the egg was a majestic and formidable spiritual power.

"There's money for sure."

"It seems to have filled up in an instant."

"A bug like this joining our ranks truly strengthens our entire group."

"Indeed, indeed."

The bugs chattered.

At the same time,

Shen Ye noticed a bronze outline emerging around the vertical pupil on the back of his hand.

The authoritative voice, now tinged with satisfaction, declared:

"Your rating has been elevated to Level 1."

"The First Layer of the Talent Tree is now open to you, choose an appropriate Level 1 skill."

"—These skills are all left behind by the mightiest bugs."

"Mastering them will aid in enhancing your strength."

"Explore the additional functions at your own pace; now, there's just one last thing—"

"Do you have any advice or suggestions for our swarm?"

"Advice?" Shen Ye was startled.

"Yes, we take the suggestions of newcomers very seriously."

The authoritative voice continued:

"After all, you're experiencing the union consciousness for the first time, and you're able to notice problems that we may overlook—if your suggestion is adopted, I'll grant you a corresponding reward."

Advice...

After a moment of consideration, recalling the myriad vertical pupils he had witnessed in the Dharma Realm, Shen Ye spoke:

"Does our union consciousness have any special 'name' or designation?"

"No, the Dharma Realm does not bestow 'names' or labels on union consciousnesses," the authoritative voice said.

"Is there any way to differentiate our group from other consciousness entities?" asked Shen Ye.

"We're the strongest, hence we occupy the highest positions," the authoritative voice declared.

I've got it!

Shen Ye lightly coughed and said:

"The truth is, when I first entered the Dharma Realm and sought an organization, I nearly joined a random union consciousness."

"—It was not strong, yet it appeared before me first."

"I suspect some bugs also do this, accidentally entering another union consciousness."

"But there's only one chance to select a union consciousness."

"So, to attract powerful and talented newcomers, to prevent them from mistaking our identity—"

"Our union consciousness requires a highly distinctive name, one that makes it clear to everyone who we are and draws them toward us."

"Well said," the authoritative voice praised, "Do you have any suggestions?"

"I propose we give a name to our union consciousness."

A name!

The other bugs stirred, voicing out:

"That's right!"

"For too long, we've been a collection of separate minds behind closed doors, this is outdated—why not open up the scene?"