Chapter 1656: Eternal Council! Selected for the Starfire Project!

"Everyone is here."

The Star Lord spoke, his voice resonating directly within the soul of every being present, carrying an eternal, unchanging rhythm.

"Let the session begin."

For the next hour, these peak human entities spoke in turn.

The agenda covered strategic deployment of human territories, resource allocation, alien movements, and talent cultivation...

Every decision bore upon the fate of countless lives.

Finally, when the main agenda concluded.

On the fourth throne to the left, a figure shrouded in black flame leaned forward slightly.

"Star Lord, everyone."

"I propose the formal inclusion of Xu Jingming, the direct disciple of the Frost Crown Sovereign of the Eternal Star Alliance, into the 'Starfire Project.'"

Black Flame Venerable, Supreme Commander of the Human Outer Frontiers, a Realm Sovereign.

The gazes of all the Venerables converged upon him.

He waved his hand, and a holographic projection unfolded at the center of the council.

It clearly displayed Xu Jingming's three-dimensional image and a series of data:

"I propose that Xu Jingming, a member of the Eternal Star Alliance and direct disciple of the Frost Crown Sovereign, be formally admitted into the 'Starfire Project.'"

Data scrolled across the screen, accompanied by relevant visuals:

"Xu Jingming, native of the terrestrial planet Blue Star, has been with the Eternal Star Alliance for less than twelve years."

"During the Cosmic Stage, he single-handedly swept through hundreds of prodigies from the Insect Clan, Demon Clan, Beast Clan, and Machine Clan within the Starfall Secret Realm, ultimately claiming the core inheritance of the Starfall Sovereign."

"Recently, he has successfully broken through to the Immortal Stage, suspected of forging a 'Perfect Divine Body,' and has received dual recognition from the Cosmic Origins of Lightning and Destruction."

"......"

One by one, his achievements and evaluations were listed—concise yet devastatingly impactful.

"An Immortal Stage cultivator under forty? Does our race truly have such a prodigy?"

A burly male Venerable showed surprise.

"I've heard of him—he is indeed extraordinary."

A female Venerable, surrounded by soft, wave-like radiance, nodded slightly.

"The Starfire Project needs exactly this kind of prodigy with supreme potential—I agree."

A Venerable whose aura was as sharp as a blade voiced his support outright.

On the Starlight Throne, the Star Lord scanned Xu Jingming's data.

The hazy starlight rippled slightly, and a calm voice spoke:

"The data is thorough; his achievements and potential fully meet the admission criteria of the 'Starfire Project.' Let us vote."

There was no doubt.

"Agreed."

"Agreed."

"Seconded."

"......"

One by one, voices representing the highest authority of humanity fell.

"Unanimously approved."

The Star Lord confirmed finally, "Effective immediately, Xu Jingming is formally enrolled in the core cultivation roster of the 'Starfire Project.'"

"Resource allocation and protection protocols shall be executed at the highest tier."

"Black Flame, you shall coordinate all subsequent matters with the Star Alliance and the Frost Crown."

"Yes." Black Flame Venerable bowed respectfully.

After testing teleportation.

Xu Jingming entered the Virtual Universe and thoroughly tested his full strength.

The sixth-layer breakthrough of the Purple Nightmare Divine Body brought more than just this bug-level teleportation ability.

His overall power, defense, and speed underwent a qualitative transformation.

Combined with his Perfect Divine Body and dual cosmic origin recognition, he could now directly defeat even an Immortal Stage Seven cultivator with a top-tier Divine Body.

However, defeating was one thing; killing was another matter entirely.

The Divine Body strength and regenerative capacity of an Immortal Stage Seven were extraordinarily potent.

He could currently kill only an Immortal Stage Four cultivator with a top-tier Divine Body.

But that changed if he used his trump cards.

"If I unleash the Chaos Pearl, I can directly slay an Immortal Stage Eight!"

In the Virtual Arena, above Xu Jingming's palm floated a black pearl that seemed to swallow light itself.

The Chaos Pearl!

This peak treasure had been perfectly simulated by the Virtual Universe.

And the power of a peak treasure was utterly terrifying.

Once activated, it could instantly annihilate a Divine Body, leaving no chance for recovery.

But the cost was immense.

With his current divine energy reserves, fully activating the Chaos Pearl would drain him completely.

"This thing can only be used as a last resort."

"And once used, I must ensure the target is eliminated—no leaks allowed."

Xu Jingming's gaze flickered slightly.

A peak-level relic—even a Dominator would envy it.

If anyone found out a Level-1 Immortal like him possessed this thing.

He'd be targeted by countless powerhouses the next second.

As he pondered, the succubus little girl Vera suddenly popped up from his shoulder.

She shook her tiny head and said:

"Dame Shuangmian wants to see you—go to her now."

"Dame Shuangmian wants to see me?" Xu Jingming blinked in surprise.

Dame Shuangmian rarely summoned him voluntarily—only when something important was at stake.

And it had been only a few days since their last meeting.

Though puzzled, he didn't delay—he headed straight for Dame Shuangmian's palace.

When he arrived, he found Sister Yeli there too.

"Dame, Sister." Xu Jingming bowed respectfully.

"You're here."

Dame Shuangmian nodded, her gaze settling on him as she smiled:

"It seems you've mastered your new power well."

She had already learned of the auction from Yeli.

"Still adapting."

Xu Jingming replied honestly, then asked: "Dame, why did you summon me?"

"Not a command—good news."

Dame Shuangmian's tone was gentle, yet carried a hint of gravity:

"I just received word.

At the recent Eternal Council, you've been selected for the 'Starfire Project.'"

"Starfire Project?"

Xu Jingming froze—he'd never heard the name before.

"Yes. It's a cultivation program established by the highest echelons of humanity for the most promising successors."

Dame Shuangmian explained patiently:

"Those selected are deemed capable of reaching Dominator status—or even higher.

The project provides top-tier resources, unique training opportunities, and higher-level protection.

In short, from today, you're one of humanity's most core reserve forces.

The entire race will strive to pave your path and aid your growth.

Of course, in the future, you'll need to fight for humanity.

Your performance in the Starfall Sanctuary must have earned their recognition.

That's why you received this slot."

Starfall Sanctuary?

Xu Jingming immediately thought of Nine Swords Dominator.

It must have been his behind-the-scenes maneuvering.

"Your sister Yeli is also a member of the Starfire Project."

Dame Shuangmian smiled. "She was selected one hundred thousand years before you.

Now that you've entered the program, at least you have company."

"Oh?"

Xu Jingming turned to Yeli, who wore a faint smile on her cold face:

"Little brother, congratulations."

Xu Jingming nodded in reply, then turned to Dame Shuangmian:

"Thank you for informing me—what should I prepare for next?"

With the Deep Blue System, his need for cultivation resources was minimal.

But why refuse free gains?

Since he'd been selected, he'd take it seriously.

"No rush.

Specific arrangements and resources will be coordinated with you by the Star Alliance later.

Today is just to inform you of the news.

Remember: the Starfire Project means you've officially entered humanity's high echelons' view.

Your future path will be broader—but also destined not to be peaceful."

Seeing him adapt swiftly, Dame Shuangmian's eyes gleamed with deeper amusement.