NOVEL ONLINE FREE Chapter 153: Chapter 153
The Next Morning
As the first light of dawn broke across the skies, 7,300 talented individuals from across the universe, including Wang Yi, Luo Feng, and Rong Jun, assembled in the grand central square. The atmosphere was thick with anticipation and tension, as if the air itself was holding its breath for the events to unfold.
Above the massive gathering, the majestic figure of Venerable Nine Swords descended once more, his aura commanding absolute attention. Dressed in a flowing robe of ethereal patterns that seemed to shimmer with fragments of galaxies, his presence silenced the murmurs that had rippled through the square moments earlier.
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An Announcement
"The trial has ended," Venerable Nine Swords declared, his voice carrying a serene authority that seemed to echo in the minds of everyone present. "First, congratulations to the top 100 participants. You have earned the qualification to join the core layer of the Virtual Universe Company."
As the words settled over the crowd, Wang Yi noticed how even the most confident among them held their breath, awaiting further clarification.
"If any of you wish not to join the Virtual Universe Company," the Venerable continued, "you may voice it now. Rest assured, we do not force anyone to join."
The square fell into a profound silence. Not a single person dared to respond. After all, the opportunity to join the Virtual Universe Company, a dominant force spanning the cosmos, was akin to holding a divine key to power and opportunity.
"Good," Venerable Nine Swords said, his satisfaction evident. "As for those ranked 101st to 7,300th, the Virtual Universe System has arranged duels to determine your fates. Based on your performance in the test space, the system has matched you in the arena. Win three consecutive battles, and you will secure your place. Those who fail will be eliminated."
With a graceful wave of his hand, the 7,200 participants vanished, transported to their respective arenas. The top 100 participants, including Wang Yi, Luo Feng, and Rong Jun, remained seated in a designated corner of the square. From their vantage point, they could observe the heated battles that would soon take place.
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The Trials Begin
The scene in the arenas was nothing short of chaos. Thousands of participants faced off against each other under the cold, watchful eye of the Virtual Universe System. The battles were brutal, and the stakes were life-changing.
Round One:
Within mere minutes, half of the participants—3,600—were eliminated. Explosions of power rippled through the space as contestants unleashed their unique skills and weapons. Some battles were over in an instant, while others dragged on with sheer grit and determination.
From their elevated seats, Wang Yi and the other top contenders watched in silence. Luo Feng's expression was contemplative. "The disparity in strength is clear," he remarked. "Most of them were never destined to make it past this point."
Rong Jun, with his usual bluntness, snorted. "Survival of the fittest. That's the law of the universe."
Wang Yi nodded slightly but remained focused on the unfolding duels, his sharp eyes analyzing each participant's techniques and flaws.
Round Two:
Half an hour later, the second round commenced. The remaining 3,600 participants faced off, and once again, the numbers dwindled drastically. By the end, only 1,800 were left standing. Each survivor bore signs of their grueling battles—torn armor, labored breathing, and an aura of sheer resolve.
Round Three:
After a brief rest, the final round began. The tension was palpable as the remaining participants fought with everything they had. Roars of defiance echoed across the arena as techniques of unimaginable power clashed. By the end, 900 victors stood victorious, their faces alight with a mixture of relief and triumph.
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Return to the Square
In a dazzling burst of light, the 900 survivors were transported back to the central square. They stood amidst the throng, their expressions a mix of pride and exhaustion. Meanwhile, those who had been eliminated watched from afar, their disappointment evident.
Among the gathered geniuses, the top contenders naturally drew the most attention. Wang Yi and Bolan, known as the two most powerful participants, were the center of every gaze. Even those ranked high, such as Luo Feng, Rong Jun, and the enigmatic Phantom Gale, garnered significant focus. Whispers of admiration and speculation rippled through the crowd.
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A Momentous Reward
Suddenly, a familiar voice echoed in their minds. "Congratulations," it said, as a man clad in a cyan robe and covered in shimmering scales materialized before the crowd. His gaze swept over them, calm yet intense.
"You are the top 1,000 participants among the 1008 universe nations in this genius battle. The Virtual Universe Company will spare no effort in training you to reach your full potential. If any of you wish to decline this honor, speak now."
Silence reigned once more. The crowd understood the magnitude of the opportunity before them.
"Very well," Venerable Nine Swords said. "Let me now announce your rewards."
His words seemed to carry a weight that hung in the air, pressing into the hearts of every participant.
Ranks 101–1,000:
10 Universe coin units Entry into the Original Universe Access to the Virtual Universe Company's Absolute Beginning Secret Realm
Ranks 11–100:
100 Universe coinv Entry into the Initial Universe for enlightenment Access to the core Heaven and Earth Secret Realm
Ranks 4–10:
1,000 Universe coin into the Original Universe for enlightenment Access to the core Last Phase Secret Realm
Ranks 1–3:
10,000 Universe coin units Entry into the Original Universe for enlightenment Access to the core Primal Secret Realm
Wang Yi's sharp mind immediately picked up on a crucial difference. Three places for the Primal Secret Realm this time? he thought. In the original story, there were only two. Had his presence altered the course of events?
"Due to the exceptional talent in this group," Venerable Nine Swords continued, "the Virtual Universe Company has decided to increase the number of Primal Secret Realm slots from one to three."
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Preparing for the Final Decisive Battle
The announcement of the rewards set the square abuzz with excitement and speculation. However, as the crowd gradually dispersed, Wang Yi, Luo Feng, and Rong Jun gathered in a quiet corner of Building 0825.
"I still can't believe the Virtual Universe Company has such overwhelming dominance," Luo Feng said, his voice tinged with awe.
"They've earned it," Wang Yi replied, his tone calm yet thoughtful. The Virtual Universe Company's might is only the tip of the iceberg. The trials ahead will reveal just how vast their influence truly is.
Still, one thought lingered in his mind: With three Primal Secret Realm slots available, this battle might unfold differently than history intended. But one thing is certain—those slots will belong to me, Bolan, and Luo Feng.
The following day would mark the decisive battle, a clash that would not only determine rankings but also shape the destinies of these 1,000 geniuses. The universe watched with bated breath as the stage was set for a spectacle of unprecedented magnitude.