Within the silent corridors of the Tomb Ship, numerous volumetric projections emanated beams of various colors. Luo Feng, the Beast Bug Master, the Wu Mian Master, and the Shadow Ash Master all began to approach these projections, standing before the stone pillars, their eyes gleaming as divine power permeated the projections for observation and study. “Though my cultivation years surpass theirs, my consciousness processing speed likely outpaces all of them,” the Beast Bug Master mused inwardly. The Shadow Witch couple and Luo Feng, although silent, radiated an intense, invisible hostility and competitive spirit, primarily because they were the very first wave to arrive for this inheritance. These four held the greatest opportunity.

Inside one of the independent worlds within the Giant Axe Creator’s miniature universe. Surrounding a stretch of land was an endless vortex of whirlwinds and black currents, resembling world-destroying phenomena. Luo Feng sat cross-legged atop a mountain peak, gazing at the destructive cyclones in the distance. His fingers, however, pointed toward the void, weaving strands of divine power that rapidly sketched out an incomparably complex three-dimensional projection in mid-air. “How marvelous, how intricate the Xi Emperor’s Game!” “I’ve pondered it for a moment, yet I’m utterly bewildered. What are the basic rules of this Xi Emperor’s Game?” From childhood to adulthood, Luo Feng had never immersed himself so completely in a game. Back in the Earth Era, his sole focus was changing his parents’ lives, and after becoming a martial artist, he never allowed himself any slack. Who would have thought that upon reaching the true apex of the original universe, he would instead be studying the most popular game from an ancient, powerful civilization? Luo Feng was deeply curious about this game favored by that ancient civilization, as it was reputed to be one that could test, and even enhance, one's comprehension. “What kind of game is this, Huang Ze?” Luo Feng studied it closely. Although he had only just begun analyzing it on the Tomb Ship, the reality was that with a ten-thousand-fold time acceleration, he had been researching it for over a day. Given his consciousness speed, he could quickly decipher the structure of any component, even an entire spaceship. Yet, he couldn't even uncover the most fundamental rules of this game. “Are there 123 sets of solutions to be found?” “123 endgame scenarios, 123 solutions... corresponding to each other…” “Light…” “Form…” Luo Feng continued his intense study.

Luo Feng sat there researching for over three full years, murmuring continuously, his divine power constantly executing simulations. “So this is the rule set.” Luo Feng finally smiled. “The Xi Emperor’s Game.” “It’s a layout for a three-dimensional game, akin to intricate secret pattern diagrams.” “1. Divide into 10,081 fundamental units!” “2. Within each micro three-dimensional diagram, each line can only contain one type of fundamental unit, and must only appear once.” “3. Each fundamental unit causes the micro three-dimensional diagram to change, giving the diagram… almost infinite variations. Absolutely no two micro three-dimensional diagrams within the same array can be identical.” “4,…” “5,…” “9. The final solution formed by the endgame projection, constructed with strands of divine power, can achieve a perfect cycle, an energy loop, existing eternally, indestructible…”

Nine fundamental rules of the game. Incredibly complex. Due to the sheer complexity, even the consciousness of a Universe Master could not forcibly memorize the position of every single ‘fundamental unit.’ Countless fundamental units form a micro three-dimensional diagram, countless micro diagrams form small diagrams, countless small diagrams form medium diagrams, and only then do they culminate in a single volumetric projection. Forcible memorization is impossible, even for a Universe Master! One must grasp the profound secrets embedded within each unit. Just like executing a secret technique—one must truly understand its profundity to utilize it—because its complexity surpasses the limits of rote memory. “Incredible.” Luo Feng was astonished. “Such convoluted rules, and yet every resultant configuration is perfectly formed to be indestructible, consuming not a sliver of energy? Simply unbelievable. Even my miniature universe secret pattern diagram cannot achieve perfect energy cycling. Remarkable.” “The first game of the Xi Emperor’s Game, in terms of mystery, might not surpass the subtlety of the ‘Miniature Universe Secret Pattern Diagram.’ But the fact that it achieves indestructibility and eternal energy circulation—that alone qualifies it as perfect!” “The Xi Emperor truly deserves the veneration bestowed by Duan Dong River.” “To create such an unfathomable, mysterious game.” Luo Feng was thrilled.

Once the rules were understood, studying the Xi Emperor’s Game became significantly easier, and he immediately discovered the game's astonishing allure. Luo Feng instantly became engrossed. It was interesting. It offered challenge. It provided a sense of accomplishment.

Luo Feng admired the Xi Emperor even more; to create such a game. Knowing the rules, the game still demanded an extremely high consciousness processing speed. He estimated that at least an ‘Immortal God’ would be required to truly immerse themselves in contemplating it; those of lower strength couldn't possibly research it effectively. “Duan Dong River mentioned that in the ancient civilization, everyone from juniors to the supreme beings enjoyed playing these games.” “Could it be that some of the junior children in their ancient civilization could already reach the Immortal level?” Luo Feng let the thought pass, then submerged himself once more into studying the Xi Emperor’s Game.

The Beast Bug Master, the Shadow Ash Master, the Wu Mian Master, and Luo Feng all stood there, observing the volumetric projections. “Shadow Ash, Shadow Ash, I’ve discovered the game rules!” the Wu Mian Master transmitted mentally. “What rules?” the Shadow Ash Master was ecstatic. “This accursed Xi Emperor’s Game—even with ten-thousand-fold time acceleration, I’ve researched it for so long, yet I still haven't figured out the rules.” “The rules are—” the Wu Mian Master quickly relayed. “Yes, yes, haha, so that’s it. Why did my previous deductions fail to completely explain the mysteries of these projections? So this is the true rule set. The relationship between the micro three-dimensional diagrams… is this complex.” The Shadow Ash Master was overjoyed. “Wu Kui, we both know the rules. I wonder if the Beast Bug or that Galaxy know them yet.” The couple glanced over at Luo Feng and the Beast Bug Master. Both the Beast Bug Master and Luo Feng stood motionless, like statues. “Let them be. We two can communicate, cross-reference our insights, and map out the layouts together. That gives us a significant advantage over them,” the Wu Kui Master stated. “Mmm, once True Master the Second and the rest of the clans arrive, we will have a much better chance,” the Shadow Ash Master added with anticipation.

The major powers from the three Great Reincarnation Eras and the two Holy Land Universes were all converging upon the Cosmic Boat. The first to arrive, however, was the Tian Zhong Clan, which was relatively weaker from the First Reincarnation Era.

“Boom!”

Traveling at a speed far exceeding a hundred thousand times the speed of light. A residual image rampaged through the void of the Yan Bing Domain, advancing at a terrifying velocity, quickly approaching the Tomb Ship. This sight caused the Li Hai Master, the Chi Ying Master guarding the entrance, and the silent Yan Ju Master on the ship to look out fearfully. “It’s a Universe’s Strongest!” The three shared this consensus.

Whoosh!

The residual image rapidly decelerated but maintained its commanding pace, stopping right at the hatch, causing the Li Hai Master, Chi Ying Master, and Yan Ju Master to immediately fall back. “Master Shadow Bell Demon?” The three watched the space outside. A shadowy bell projection hovered mid-air at the hatchway. The projection dissolved, revealing a bizarre old man radiating malevolent fluctuations, possessing long hair interwoven with billions of tiny black bells. Even his eyebrows and body hair seemed dotted with these miniature bells. As he flew, a faint, rhythmic chiming could be heard. This was the distinct characteristic of the Tian Zhong Clan members. “Master Shadow Bell Demon.” The three masters of the Bone Race bowed respectfully. “Hahaha, Bone Race, thank you for passing on the news this time,” Master Shadow Bell Demon laughed heartily. “I happened to be deep within the inner region of the Cosmic Boat, so I immediately located three of my clan’s experts also in the inner region, and we rushed over.”

Three powerful auras materialized out of thin air. Three experts from the Tian Zhong Clan appeared directly at the hatchway. “Hurry to the control room,” Master Shadow Bell Demon commanded, then looked at the Li Hai Master. “You Bone Race folks should know the way, right?” “We know, we know. Here is the map.” A thread of divine power flew out, rapidly constructing a complex map in mid-air, directly outlining the route to the core hall of the control room. The route was simple enough that a quick sketch made it easy to comprehend. “Excellent,” Master Shadow Bell Demon nodded with satisfaction. “Then proceed.” Master Shadow Bell Demon looked at the three Universe Masters of the Tian Zhong Clan and stated gravely, “The destiny of our Tian Zhong Clan rests upon your shoulders.” “Yes.” “Yes.” “We will exhaust every ounce of our strength, until the moment of our death.” The three Universe Masters, their faces alight with excitement, transformed into three streaks of light and swiftly flew toward the control room hall.

Six months later. At the hatchway of the Tomb Ship. “Master Shadow Bell Demon, you dare to block this entrance, preventing us from entering! Does your Tian Zhong Clan intend to wage a blood feud with our First Ancestor God Sect?” “Get lost.” “Master Shadow Bell Demon!”

Six Universe Masters had already gathered outside the hatch. They were all experts who happened to be near dangerous locations around the Yan Bing Domain when they received the news and rushed over. But to protect his clansmen, Master Shadow Bell Demon naturally wanted other powers to enter as late as possible. “Hmph.” Master Shadow Bell Demon stood there coldly, ignoring them entirely.

Boom!

A dazzling, overwhelmingly powerful aura suddenly tore through space and time, arriving directly. Master Shadow Bell Demon, who was blocking the entrance, suddenly changed expression, looking into the distance: “What a fierce aura. Who—who is this Universe’s Strongest? I have never seen them before?”

Peng!!!

A streak of light smashed directly into the hatch. Master Shadow Bell Demon was so terrified he dared not resist. He could clearly judge that the palace-level supreme treasure being wielded by the newcomer was a peak supreme treasure. Amidst a resounding roar, as the powerful aura spread, a white-robed old man, whose body was wreathed in green vines and leaves, descended. He swept his gaze across the surroundings, sparing a glance for Master Shadow Bell Demon. “You are—” Master Shadow Bell Demon frowned. “The Dong Di Holy Land Universe?” “Hmph.”

The white-robed elder disdained even looking at Master Shadow Bell Demon. With a wave of his hand, the entire wide passage of the cabin was instantly filled with dense figures—twenty Universe Masters, two hundred Universe Venerables, and two thousand Immortal Gods. “Go, seize that inheritance for our Dong Di Holy Land Universe,” the white-robed elder commanded. “Yes.”

The massive contingent of over two thousand experts charged in. The Bone Race, eager to curry favor with the Dong Di Holy Land, had already provided them with a simple map of the Tomb Ship’s interior. “I, Bei Zhen, have not ventured into the sea of the universe for over ten reincarnation eras,” the white-robed elder observed Master Shadow Bell Demon and the others coldly. “Since the Purple Moon Holy Land and a few other factions haven't arrived yet, they won't be getting in.” “Boom!”

The white-robed elder waved his hand again. A massive, intensely black sphere materialized and instantly blocked the hatchway. “I, Bei Zhen, am here. Let’s see who else can get inside?” The white-robed elder took a step and merged directly into the dazzling black sphere. To be continued