Chapter 13: Liu Shaoge (1/2)

The Astral Combat Academies were the most powerful institutions in the universe. There were a total of ten of them, and outside of Astral-9 in the Endless Weave, all others were located in the Innerverse. Astral-10 moving to the Frostwave Weave was big news; this was the Weave that contained the Great Yu Empire.

Lu Yin’s eyes were practically glowing when he switched the screen off, knowing that this was hugely important. Astral-10 would pose a fatal attraction to many youths in the universe, and while it was unrelated to him at first, he now had to plan around it. Entering the Academy would require aptitude, power, and most of all the ability to learn quickly from experience. And there was an enormous chance to gain that experience right now: Earth’s planetary evolution. It was no wonder that so many people had come out to participate this time. Vesta was likely one of those who had rushed here the moment he heard the news.

However, this wasn’t all encouraging. He still didn’t know what Vesta’s actual mission was— those participating in planetary evolution had to complete certain tasks to succeed— and even worse, a second batch would arrive in three months if this set of students couldn’t accomplish that mission. Many people would be enticed by the opportunity, including those from powerful races or affluent families. The next set could bring untold cruelty to this planet.

Lu Yin felt a little anxious. If even the first batch of students was comprised of Sentinels, then the second would certainly have individuals that were even stronger. With his current power, he might not even be able to preserve his own life. He had to become a Sentinel at least within the next three months, or he would be relegated to being mere cannon fodder. He ordered his army to begin work the next morning, growing more silent than ever as he simply lay atop the roof of his vehicle.

Within the Hubei province, the city of Wucheng was now the core of China’s central lands, protecting tens of millions of survivors with more gathering by the day. This place was the camp of one of the Seven Sages— Liu Shaoge, the Radiance. The title came from a strange ore that had appeared all around the city soon after the Apocalypse came to be, glowing when it was split apart. This ore and its properties were the foundation of Liu Shaoge’s battle techniques and had saved millions of lives. Beams of light shot towards the sky from all over Wucheng, enveloping the entire city. It was thus known as the City of Light amongst survivors, with some even calling it the Everbright City.

One section of Wucheng’s land was propped up in mid-air by its beams of light, floating up high in the sky. This was the residence of the Radiance, termed the City in the Sky. Below it was the Camp of Light, where 100,000 cultivators guarded the city’s core.

Near him was another young man. Though this one wasn’t comparable in appearance, the pride in his gaze seemed to disregard the elegant youth entirely. He grumbled, “All these resources here belong to you, especially the light crystals. They could have given you a ten-year head start over the rest of your planet, but here you are, wasting them.”

Liu Shaoge turned and smiled at the man, “Don’t put it like that, Phil. All these crystals belong to us, not me alone.”

Phil’s expression softened, “Cut off these light pillars, you’re squandering resources.”

Liu Shaoge nodded, “Alright, I’ll listen to you. So, could you elaborate on the regional divisions you were talking about?”

“Mm. There are some unwritten rules in training. As long as any of us students control a certain area, we can mark it blue on the net. Most others won’t fight for blue districts in the initial phases, the only exception is if they’re already enemies.”

“So Wucheng has already been marked blue?”

“Of course! Do you think I was the only one who came here in the past few days? This training is cruel enough already; no one wants a fight to the death so early. We also have to consider each other’s backgrounds; fortunately, mine is good enough for no one to bother us.”

Liu Shaoge smiled faintly and nodded, “I see.”

“Alright, how’s the other stuff I asked you to look into?” Phil asked impatiently, then glanced at the light pillar. Annoyance flashed past his eyes once more, “Deactivate those things, it’s such a waste.”

Liu Shaoge smiled and poured some wine, “Things are beginning to take shape.”

Phil’s eyes gleamed, “Really? Continue.”

Liu Shaoge passed the wine over, “Look at this glass of wine.”

Phil hesitated and subconsciously looked over. There was nothing special about it, only the liquor within rocking and rippling endlessly, circle after circle…