Chapter 290 -290-Clearstone, a Visitor from Beyond the Universe
Chapter 290 -290-Clearstone, a Visitor from Beyond the Universe
The drawings for the advancement round continued.
Udi of Copper starfield was matched against Marcus, the eight-star expert from Vesta starfield.
His luck immediately drew the envy of most of the competitors.
A nine-star expert against an eight-star expert—this was practically no more difficult than a warm-up match!
"Udi practically picked up a massive bargain this round."
"That luck of his must have been blessed by the Goddess of Fortune herself!"
"Facing a mere eight-star opponent, Udi will probably pass this round without even breaking a sweat."
Immediately afterward, White Wolf of Alba starfield, who ranked tenth on the Combat Power Rankings, was matched against Silas of Viridis starfield, who ranked thirteenth.
Although this was likewise a pinnacle clash between two nine-star experts, the spectators generally favored White Wolf.
"Back when White Wolf’s name already shook the four directions, Silas probably hadn’t even stepped through the Gate of Divinity yet."
"In terms of foundation and renown, White Wolf is indeed a level above him."
"That may be true, but nothing in this world is absolute. How many years has it been since Faustus suddenly appeared out of nowhere? Who would dare claim that White Wolf is stronger than Faustus?"
Meanwhile, Cold Star of Aetno starfield, ranked eleventh, was matched against Igor of Maritim starfield, who ranked twelfth.
Yet another battle between two nine-star experts!
The first round of the advancement stage followed a one-on-one elimination format, which meant that only ten participants could advance.
However, there were fewer than twenty nine-star experts in total, meaning the eight-star experts also had an opportunity to fight their way into the top ten of the rankings.
That was precisely the significance of this tournament.
Reaching the top ten alone was already an excellent result. The various starfields would divide their benefits according to their final rankings.
As for an eight-star expert advancing while a nine-star expert was eliminated?
All that could be said was that, sometimes, luck was also a part of one’s strength!
...
Once every competitor had finished drawing their opponent, the Oracle-grade powerhouse from Budelica starfield announced in a resounding voice,
"Participants of the advancement round, please return and rest. The advancement round will officially begin tomorrow."
Under Oracle-grade Chanelle’s leadership, Daniel returned with the others to their resting quarters.
The moment he stepped into his room, a system notification rang out.
[Ding! Congratulations on perfectly completing your mission and successfully obtaining a qualification for the advancement round.]
[Notification: You have obtained one [Divine-grade Treasure Chest].]
Daniel retrieved the treasure chest from his backpack space. With a light touch of his fingertips, the lid opened in response.
[Ding! You have obtained the special Holy Relic [Clearstone] (Divine-grade)!]
Daniel held the Holy Relic in his palm. A vast yet soothing wave of Strength surged through his fingertips and poured into his bloodline.
[Clearstone] (Divine-grade)
Requirement: Supreme-grade
Effect: Once equipped, grants immunity to all [Laws of Illusion] and [Laws of Lust] below Oracle-grade, permanently stabilizing your [Mental State]!
Record: The Laws of Illusion are strange, elusive, and exceedingly difficult to defend against. The [Laws of Lust], which stand shoulder to shoulder with the Laws of Illusion, are equally impossible to guard against. Once this Holy Relic is equipped, its wearer shall have nothing to fear when facing either of these two great Laws, for their Mental State shall remain as unshakable as a boulder.
A sharp gleam flashed through Daniel’s eyes.
This item was anything but ordinary!
Without hesitation, he equipped Clearstone upon his chest. At once, a clear and refreshing Strength washed through his mind like a spring, purifying his thoughts.
Just then—
[Ding! You have received a new mission: [Starlight Tournament · 3]. Please check it in time.]
[Notification: A new mission has been added to your mission panel. Please check the details yourself.]
Daniel immediately opened his mission panel.
[Starlight Tournament · 3] (Special)
Restriction: Faustus
Requirement: Participate throughout the entire event
Objective: Obtain a qualification for the [Second Round of the Advancement Stage]
Record: Emerge victorious in the first round of the advancement stage, and you shall step onto the battlefield of the second round. Crush every enemy who seeks to block your coronation, and climb to the summit!
Time Limit: Long-term
Reward: [Mysterious Holy Relic (Divine-grade)]
Daniel closed the mission panel, the corner of his mouth curving upward.
"Another Divine-grade reward. This tournament is turning out to be quite profitable!"
He smiled faintly, battle intent reflecting deep within his eyes.
...
The following day, the advancement round began.
Chanelle led every competitor from Canaan starfield into the arena.
The venue had changed completely from the day before.
Within the grand formation, the space had been divided into five separate sections. Each floated independently in the void, completely isolated from the others and incapable of interfering with one another.
Daniel sat in the viewing area, his expression indifferent.
According to the tournament schedule, his match had been arranged as the final battle. It was not yet his turn to take the stage.
At this moment, the competitors from every major starfield had already gathered.
The Oracle-grade powerhouse from Budelica starfield swept his gaze across the entire arena.
"The rules of the advancement round are clear and straightforward. The ten victors will automatically obtain qualifications for the second round of the advancement stage. The second round will continue tomorrow."
He raised his hand and pointed toward the five sections of isolated space behind him.
"Everyone, please look!"
"These are five arenas created specifically for this tournament. The competitors in the advancement round will take the stage in two batches. Each batch will consist of ten competitors, with all five matches taking place simultaneously."
"After the battles conclude, the Combat Power Rankings will be updated accordingly."
So those five separated spatial regions had been specially established for the advancement round.
Such an arrangement was efficient and direct, allowing the first round of matches to be completed rapidly.
...
Conquest starfield, Starvault Sanctum.
The fabric of space suddenly rippled, as though a stone had been tossed into the surface of a still lake.
A man dressed in long robes, his face covered in a thick beard, tore open a spatial rift and slowly stepped out.
His foot descended upon the void.
In the next instant, his figure vanished.
When he reappeared, he was already ten thousand miles away.
Starvault Sanctum.
The robed man abruptly appeared before the sacred hall.
The sanctuary guards immediately stepped forward to block his path and shouted sharply,
"Halt! State your identity!"
The robed man wore a gentle smile, and his voice was warm and courteous.
"Dustin of the Chaos Humans, from the Chaosverse, pays his respects to the Lord of the Sanctum."
Chaosverse!
Chaos Humans!
"A visitor from an outer universe..."
The sanctuary guard’s heart trembled. He did not dare show the slightest negligence.
"Please wait here for a moment, honored guest. Allow me to go and deliver the report."
The guard bowed respectfully.
"Much appreciated."
Dustin nodded with a smile.
The news was relayed upward level by level like flowing water. Before long, it arrived before the Lord of Starvault Sanctum.
The Lord of Starvault Sanctum was an unrivaled peak T7 Oracle-grade powerhouse. He presided over Conquest starfield and patrolled the star sea. The one currently handling these ordinary affairs was merely one of his avatars.
Upon hearing that a visitor from the Chaosverse had arrived, not the slightest trace of surprise appeared on his face.
"It seems the strongest rising genius of the Chaosverse has already been selected."
He immediately gave an order to those beside him.
"Invite in our distinguished guest from the outer universe."
...
"Dustin pays his respects to the Lord of the Sanctum."
The robed man bowed respectfully.
The Lord of Starvault Sanctum examined Dustin from head to toe, a hint of astonishment flashing through his eyes.
"How many years has it been since you stepped into the transcendent realm?"
"Reporting to the Lord of the Sanctum, thirteen years in total."
Dustin smiled faintly.
"Hiss... This is truly outrageous!"
The Lord of Starvault Sanctum clicked his tongue in amazement before asking with slight uncertainty,
"Are you the expert sent by the Chaosverse to participate in my Starlight Tournament?"
"That is correct."
Dustin smiled.
"I was fortunate enough to defeat all those of my generation in the Chaosverse. Although my strength is nothing remarkable, I still wished to visit your esteemed universe to learn and seek guidance."
"You defeated every member of your generation... and came here to learn?"
The corner of the Lord of Starvault Sanctum’s mouth twitched slightly.
Were all Chaos Humans this excessively modest?
"At present, the Starlight Tournament is in the first round of the advancement stage."
A sharp gleam flashed through the eyes of the Lord of Starvault Sanctum.
"How about you directly enter the third round of the advancement stage?"
He silently calculated within his heart.
The first round would determine the top ten.
The second round would consist of five one-on-one matches, leaving five victors.
If Dustin joined them in the third round, there would be exactly six competitors remaining, allowing three matches to be arranged!
Although one expert would receive a bye during the semifinals, the victors could simply be granted treasures to restore their strength before facing the competitor who had received the bye in the finals.
Such an arrangement was nothing short of perfect.
"My Lord."
Dustin smiled softly and spoke in a gentle voice.
"Dustin has a request."
"Oh? Do you have something in mind? Feel free to speak."
The Lord of Starvault Sanctum smiled.
Dustin’s expression remained relaxed and natural.
"Dustin... wishes to challenge every competitor of your esteemed universe single-handedly!"
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