On the City of Starlight, Anqi was on a call with Liu Hui displayed on the massive screen before her.

“Liu Hui, rest assured!” Anqi said. “With our supercomputers, we have complete mastery over the situation on Mars. Any change happening anywhere on the planet, and we’ll instantly devise a corresponding countermeasure.”

“If you are confident, that’s excellent news,” Liu Hui replied. “As the saying goes, know yourself and know your enemy to win a hundred battles. Tell me about the current state of Mars.”

Anqi responded, “Overall, the situation on Mars is good. However, we’ve observed minor deviations in certain localized areas. These slight variances, however, will not impact our terraforming plan. We will correct these small deviations in subsequent phases of the project.”

Liu Hui inquired, “The Martian bases are all constructed now, and all the necessary auxiliary equipment is in place. So, what is the very first task we must undertake?”

Anqi stated, “Our third phase of work is heating—we must raise the temperature of Mars.”

Liu Hui mused, “I can understand the need for heating, but how exactly do you propose to heat an entire massive planet like Mars?”

Anqi provided the explanation: “We have selected two hundred crucial strategic locations across Mars. At each of these two hundred strongholds, we will construct two hundred massive chemical plants. The sole purpose of these factories is to produce vast quantities of mixed gases containing carbon, chlorine, and fluorine. Once these mixed gases are manufactured, they will be vented directly into the Martian atmosphere from the two hundred strategic points. Upon entering the atmosphere, they will initiate chemical reactions, rapidly boosting the surface temperature of Mars. As long as we can generate a sufficient volume of these mixed gases, we can quickly elevate the surface temperature above fifteen degrees Celsius. At that point, the Martian climate will become highly suitable for human habitation.”

Liu Hui asked with curiosity, “I recall you mentioning this method before, but is this truly the only way to warm up Mars?”

Anqi smiled. “There are many other methods for warming Mars. For instance, the minerals in the Martian soil contain abundant carbon dioxide. Releasing this CO2 would induce a greenhouse effect, similarly increasing the temperature. However, this method requires an exceptionally long period—over a thousand times longer than the timeframe needed by our gas factories. Using the mixed gases, we can bring the average Martian temperature up to fifteen degrees within two years, whereas the greenhouse effect approach would necessitate over two millennia.”

Liu Hui then asked, “Will the specialized mixed gases we produce have any detrimental effects on the Martian atmosphere?”

Anqi assured him, “There will be no adverse effects whatsoever. These special gases undergo vigorous chemical reactions upon entering the atmosphere. After accomplishing their mission of raising the temperature, they will naturally dissipate, leaving no negative impact on the future Martian atmosphere. Raising the temperature is merely our first planned step. Once this phase commences, we will proceed to the second phase.”

“What is the second phase?” Liu Hui inquired.

Anqi explained, “Our second phase is to thicken the Martian atmosphere and stabilize the surface temperature. Simultaneously, we will adjust the atmospheric gas composition—removing toxic gases and increasing the proportion of oxygen and nitrogen to levels suitable for human life. Furthermore, we will begin the artificial creation of a Martian ozone layer to shield the surface from incoming solar ultraviolet radiation.”

“Once the massive energy focusing array begins operation, the Martian bases will never lack energy. Therefore, we will devote immense electrical power to electrolysis. By drawing water from the ancient Martian oceans and subjecting it to electrolysis, we can generate sufficient oxygen and hydrogen. We will store the hydrogen for future energy needs, while the oxygen will be directly vented to increase atmospheric oxygen content. We will also synthesize and release vast quantities of nitrogen into the air. Moreover, we will discharge specific gases into the atmosphere that react chemically with the toxic components, breaking them down and thus reducing their concentration, causing the Martian atmosphere to gradually shift towards our designed parameters.”

“Under the influence of our specialized mixed gases, the surface temperature of Mars will gradually rise within six months. Once the surface temperature exceeds freezing point, the ice beneath the permafrost layer will begin to melt extensively. Under Martian gravity, this liquid water will be forced to the surface, forming the seas of the ancient Martian ocean. Once these primordial seas are established, they will generate substantial water vapor, which will further thicken the atmosphere, causing the temperature to continue its ascent.”

“Following that, we will introduce massive quantities of algal life into these nascent oceans. These algae will absorb significant amounts of atmospheric carbon dioxide and convert it into oxygen. On the Martian surface, we will seed the soil with specific fungi and mosses that bind the sand. These organisms will not only prevent dust storms and reduce CO2 levels but also generate more oxygen, gradually transforming the Martian regolith into genuinely nutrient-rich soil, thereby expanding the scope of human activity.”

Hearing Anqi’s detailed explanation, Liu Hui brought up a lingering question: “At the very beginning, the Martian environment was so harsh—surely those initial algae, fungi, and mosses wouldn’t survive, right?”

Anqi chuckled. “Indeed, in the initial stages, most of those algae would perish due to the severity of the Martian conditions. However, our genetics lab has achieved a breakthrough: a method to briefly stimulate the vital force of plants, allowing them to grow quickly to maturity before rapidly dying off. We have successfully applied this technology to the algae, fungi, and mosses. We will sow the genetically modified plants; although the majority will perish quickly, a select few will tenaciously survive. They will grow rapidly, convert more oxygen, and then die. By continuously repeating this process of cultivation, coupled with our ongoing release of oxygen and nitrogen into the sky, the survival rate of these pioneer organisms will continuously increase, and their oxygen production rate will accelerate. The Martian environment will improve steadily. Once the atmospheric gas composition reaches a specific threshold, we can move on to large-scale cultivation of other plant species.”

Liu Hui sighed. “Terraforming Mars is indeed an arduous undertaking, but thankfully, we have embarked on this journey. I trust that before long, Mars will become our second homeland.”

Anqi reassured him, “Liu Hui, please be at ease. Currently, all aspects of Martian terraforming are proceeding normally. I am confident that within five years at the very most, we can begin human immigration, and in ten years, Mars will transform into a beautiful, Earth-like habitat suitable for our existence.”

Liu Hui smiled. “Ten years is a wait I can endure. The thought of the City of Starlight pioneering human interstellar migration in a decade excites me beyond measure. I long for that day to arrive.”

Anqi shot him an exasperated look. “Our ultimate goal is the conquest of the entire cosmos! You are this thrilled just starting the Martian project. What will you do if we discover a habitable planet outside the Solar System?” Liu Hui merely scratched his head and gave a sheepish grin at Anqi’s words.

All the massive cargo containers had been transported from the Mifa Plane back to the Martian base, and with the deployment of three colossal energy arrays, Liu Hui’s mission on Mars was complete. He was not a specialist; he had always adhered to the principle of letting professionals handle professional matters. Thus, everything on Mars was now largely outside his purview. After staying on Mars for three months, Liu Hui boarded an interstellar transport vessel and began his return journey to Earth. Anqi assumed full command over the ongoing terraforming efforts.

Liu Hui’s interstellar voyage took ten days before he once again set foot on Earth. This trip to Mars had broadened his perspective immeasurably. The unknown cosmos held infinite wealth, rendering the petty struggles over resources on Earth utterly meaningless. From that moment forward, Liu Hui had fundamentally transcended the confines of Earth, choosing instead to frame his considerations on a far grander stage.

Four months after leaving Earth, Liu Hui finally stepped back onto the soil of the City of Starlight. Just as he was thrilling at the prospect of seeing his family, his Planar Trade Device began to vibrate urgently.

Liu Hui quickly found a secluded spot and activated the device, realizing it was Xiaoyaozi from the Cultivation World calling him. As soon as he connected, he saw Xiaoyaozi’s face, stretched wide in an almost debilitating grin.

Upon seeing Liu Hui, Xiaoyaozi exclaimed happily, “Little Friend Liu, is your reward ready? We have already completed the refinement of that colossal Illusionary Array for you!”

Liu Hui paused, bewildered. “Senior, which colossal Illusionary Array are you referring to?”

Xiaoyaozi’s expression collapsed instantly. He spoke in a trembling voice, “Little Friend Liu, surely not! Are you planning to default, or have you simply forgotten our previous agreement?”

Liu Hui felt genuinely confused. He thought back and replied, “Senior, we’ve discussed so many things. I truly don't recall what you are referencing.”

Xiaoyaozi’s face turned ghastly pale. He groaned, “Little Friend Liu, don't torture an honest man like this! While I may have occasionally cheated you out of some high-grade spirit stones before, this super-colossal Illusionary Array involved genuine effort and treasure. We never intended to profit from you! Why would you set a trap to ensnare such an honest and benevolent soul as myself?”

It was then that Liu Hui remembered: Xiaoyaozi was referring to the massive array capable of functioning as a truly immersive virtual game. A secret joy bloomed in his heart. “Senior, is this massive array you mention the one capable of accommodating one billion simultaneous players?” he asked.

Seeing that Liu Hui recalled the matter, Xiaoyaozi’s pallor lessened. “Yes! That very thing—we have successfully refined it. Little Friend, you have no idea the trials we endured to complete this formation…”

Liu Hui, however, had no patience for Xiaoyaozi’s litany of woes. “Senior, can you let me see this colossal Illusionary Array?”

With a flip of his hand, Xiaoyaozi conjured a hovering white sphere above his palm. The sphere immediately began to expand rapidly, eventually becoming a massive orb two meters in diameter, suspended motionless in the air.

Liu Hui stared at the colossal white sphere, two points of burning intensity flashing in his eyes. “Senior, this is the massive array that can host a billion simultaneous players? Why is it so small? It looks rather unremarkable!”

Xiaoyaozi began puffing out his beard in indignation. “Little Friend Liu, you must have faith in my technical prowess! We paid an immense price for this project, using countless rare materials. Don’t be fooled by its small size; it possesses an extraordinary array of functions. I haven't slept soundly for half a year perfecting this device!”

Sensing Xiaoyaozi veering off course again, Liu Hui quickly cut him off. “Senior, how does an ordinary person access this virtual world for entertainment?”

Xiaoyaozi flipped his hand once more and produced an object shaped like a helmet. He smiled, “Little Friend, anyone wishing to enter this array only needs to don this device, which is my unique invention, press the switch on top, and they can freely enter and exit the world within the array.”

Liu Hui focused his gaze and noticed a single red button on the helmet-shaped device. He was momentarily stunned. He hadn't expected cultivators to devise helmets, complete with operational buttons—and Xiaoyaozi claimed it was his unique design.

However, at that moment, Liu Hui was unwilling to delve into these peripheral trifles. He asked instead, “Can I manufacture this type of helmet you possess, Senior?”

Xiaoyaozi replied, “Well… you cannot manufacture them independently. Only I can…”

“If that is the case,” Liu Hui countered, “then this massive Illusionary Array is meaningless to me. You might as well keep it for your own use!” With that, he made a motion as if to close the Planar Trade Device.

Xiaoyaozi panicked, shouting, “Little Friend, wait! Wait! Hear me out slowly!”

Liu Hui retorted, “What is there to discuss, Senior? You give me this colossal array but withhold the means to manufacture the necessary helmets. What good is your array to me then? It’s worthless!”

Xiaoyaozi laughed, “Little Friend, then I shall simply teach you the method for constructing these helmets! Why cause such a dramatic reaction?”

Liu Hui had achieved his objective. He successfully extorted the manufacturing schematics for the gaming helmets from the slippery Xiaoyaozi, scoring a major victory.

Xiaoyaozi, on the other hand, looked as if he had been severely drained, appearing listless. He knew Liu Hui had grand plans for the array. If he had monopolized the helmet production, Liu Hui would have been forced to purchase the gaming helmets from him—and the potential market, given Liu Hui’s specified cap of one billion users, was colossal.

If Xiaoyaozi had been granted a little more time, he might have squeezed more profit from Liu Hui. However, he faced an immediate and dire threat: he needed the one hundred thousand high-grade spirit stones Liu Hui had promised to save his life. Thus, under duress, he yielded to Liu Hui’s superior leverage.

Liu Hui then pressed, “Senior, will this array of yours suddenly fail? Will there be a need for additional components later on, such as more spirit stones?” Liu Hui remained cautious, fearing the old schemer might have embedded a backdoor that could be exploited later, forcing him into subservience.

Xiaoyaozi stated glumly, “Little Friend Liu, rest easy. This colossal Illusionary Array is extraordinarily perfect. It will sustain no damage unless attacked full-force by a Nascent Soul master. Moreover, we used only high-grade spirit stones within this formation. Even if ten billion people played within it every day, the energy would not deplete. This array is guaranteed to operate safely for at least two hundred years.”

Liu Hui was overjoyed. While Xiaoyaozi was cunning, his product reputation was impeccable. Liu Hui had never found a defect in Xiaoyaozi’s wares. Given the Senior’s assurances, the quality of the Illusionary Array was beyond question.

Xiaoyaozi sighed heavily. “Little Friend, let us finalize the trade quickly. I am relying on those high-grade spirit stones to save my life!”

Liu Hui blinked. “What is wrong, Senior? Have you run into trouble?”

Xiaoyaozi replied, “Didn't I tell you before? The Celestial Demon Clan has appeared in our Cultivation World, and they are returning with full force. They are specifically targeting our Artifact Refining Sect and are preparing to attack our mountain gate soon. But with the one hundred thousand high-grade spirit stones you promised, I believe we can repel this Celestial Demon assault.”

Liu Hui exclaimed in surprise, “Senior, what you said before was actually true? I thought you were trying to trick me!”

Xiaoyaozi roared again, “Little Friend Liu, you must speak with a conscience! When have I ever lied to you?”

Liu Hui realized that Xiaoyaozi’s mood was clearly foul. He decided not to press the issue of whether he had been deceived earlier. “Senior, please wait a moment. I will retrieve the high-grade spirit stones, and then we can conclude the trade.”

Hanging up on Xiaoyaozi, Liu Hui immediately proceeded to the underground vault complex beneath the City of Starlight. After passing through multiple layers of stringent security checks, Liu Hui entered the specific warehouse where his stockpile of Demon Beast Crystal Cores was stored.

Among the numerous vaults submerged beneath the sea floor supporting the City of Starlight, Liu Hui had designated one hundred large chambers solely for storing the various provisions he had traded back from the Magic Plane, the majority of which consisted of Demon Beast Crystal Cores. Thanks to years of tireless acquisition by Alexander, Liu Hui’s storage now held over fifty billion Demon Beast Crystal Cores, segregated into different warehouses based on grade. Although the majority were Grade One and Grade Two, the quantity of higher-grade cores was still substantial. For instance, the supply of Grade Eight Demon Beast Crystal Cores alone exceeded one million units, illustrating the sheer volume stored. Moreover, Alexander now controlled the entire Xiling Kingdom and continued to funnel astronomical numbers of Crystal Cores to Liu Hui.

Standing before this massive collection, Liu Hui felt a profound sense of satisfaction. With these cores, there would be no developmental limitations for the City of Starlight in the future. Yet, this joy was something he could not share, leaving him with the feeling of success achieved in secret.

Liu Hui entered the warehouse storing Grade Four Demon Beast Crystal Cores and selected one hundred thousand units. Just as he was about to contact Xiaoyaozi, he hesitated. He then walked to the repository for Grade Eight Crystal Cores and retrieved a single, flawless Grade Eight core before initiating contact with Xiaoyaozi.

Xiaoyaozi had been waiting anxiously. As soon as Liu Hui’s call connected, he answered immediately.

“Well? Little Friend, can we trade now?” Xiaoyaozi asked.

Liu Hui replied, “Senior, we can proceed. Please place all your items onto the trading interface.”

Xiaoyaozi promptly set the enormous white sphere onto the device, followed by the gaming helmet. Finally, he placed down a jade slip.

Liu Hui asked curiously, “Senior, what is this jade slip?”

Xiaoyaozi explained, “That jade slip contains the method for manufacturing these helmets. Once you take it, you will learn instantly.”

Liu Hui remained cautious. “Senior, are you certain I can fabricate the helmet using the method in this slip?”

Xiaoyaozi affirmed, “I am certain you can manufacture it. In fact, anyone capable of channeling True Essence, along with a small number of minor spirit stones, can construct this helmet.”

Receiving this definitive assurance, Liu Hui finally relaxed. He placed one hundred thousand high-grade spirit stones onto the trading interface and pressed the transaction button. Moments later, the white sphere, the gaming helmet, and the jade slip were in Liu Hui’s possession, while the hundred thousand Grade Four Demon Beast Crystal Cores were transferred to Xiaoyaozi.

Xiao Yao Zi stared down at the pile of high-grade spirit stones scattered on the ground. His divine sense swept over them, instantly registering the precise count—no more, no less—exactly one hundred thousand stones. A crimson light ignited in Xiao Yao Zi's eyes, an almost manic surge of excitement, as if he had been injected with potent vitality, completely shattering his former air of dejection.