Chapter 897

"Lady Emers, as per your instructions."

"Over the past month, we have made the Third Civilization Era aware of our Firebrand Temple through challenges."

Bok stepped forward and reported respectfully, "Two Mingguang-level prodigies, one Yaoguang-level prodigy."

Two were defeated; only Meng Yu remained undefeated."

"This record is truly unworthy of the Temple's cultivation. Please, High Priest, impose punishment."

As his words ended, Green and Meng Ke both lowered their heads slightly, bracing for punishment.

"Lost?"

Emers's voice carried a hint of surprise. "According to my calculations, you shouldn't have lost. Did a higher-rank adept intervene?"

"No."

Bok shook his head, his voice grave. "A young man named Xu Jingming."

"He is not yet twenty-one, yet he has already reached the Eighth Rank Lower Grand Master."

"Meng Ke and Green both fell to him."

Hum—

With a soft sound,

a holographic projection emerged from the communicator watch on his wrist, displaying Xu Jingming's figure.

"Xu Jingming?"

Emers, her eyes veiled by black ribbons, slightly furrowed her brows.

In the visions she had foreseen, this man did not exist.

"Xu Jingming is formidable; his spear technique has reached perfection."

"He also controls the first level of a domain. Records show he possesses the Lightning-type SSS-level ability 'Dutian Divine Thunder.'"

After a pause, Bok continued hesitantly,

"But after his battle with Green, it was discovered that his ability has undergone transformation."

"It appears to have evolved from SSS to SSSS, though whether it truly is SSSS remains unconfirmed."

"SSSS-level Lightning ability..."

A deeper frown creased Emers's pale, delicate face. After a moment's thought, she softly spoke,

"Win or lose does not affect the plan. You will face no punishment."

"As for Xu Jingming, invite him to join our Firebrand Temple. I wish to personally 'observe' his fate."

"Yes!"

Bok and the others all nodded.

Green and the Meng Ke siblings wore expressions of envy.

High Priest Emers possesses a unique SSS-level ability: 'Eyes of Fate.'

Among peers of equal rank, her combat strength may not be the strongest.

But her eyes can perceive all things in the world—even a person's past and future.

Should Xu Jingming come under the gaze of the Eyes of Fate, he may receive a hint capable of altering his entire life.

Swish! Swish! Swish!...

At that moment, spatial ripples appeared, and six powerful figures suddenly materialized above the glacier.

They were the six supreme beings of Blue Star, including Grand Councilor Zhou Yuanwu.

"Supreme beings of the Second Civilization Era, state your purpose."

Facing the gaze of six peers of equal rank, Emers showed no tension.

On her pale, veiled face, a faint smile appeared:

"The Firebrand World is open. This is a great opportunity for your entire civilization era..."

Metropolis, Yuehu Community.

On the rooftop of a luxury villa.

Xu Jingming sat cross-legged, his muscular frame surrounded by swirling black lightning.

His chest rose and fell gently as he practiced his ability cultivation method, absorbing Yuan energy to strengthen his physique and spirit.

Since reaching Eighth Rank Grand Master, each breath of his drained all surrounding Yuan energy.

Fortunately, Yuan energy was abundant, instantly replenishing itself.

As he trained, Eva's voice suddenly echoed in his mind:

"S-rank, hurry to the virtual world! The Firebrand Temple is making a major move!"

"Finally."

Xu Jingming opened his eyes, put on his neural helmet, and entered the virtual world.

Eva had already set his login point: the square in front of the Thunder Martial Arts Academy headquarters.

The square was already crowded.

In the past, Xu Jingming would immediately draw a crowd upon arrival.

But now, everyone on the square looked upward.

Xu Jingming followed their gaze and saw a massive advertisement floating in the sky.

The advertisement stretched over a hundred kilometers long and fifty to sixty kilometers wide—larger than any previous challenge leaderboard!

It was clearly visible from any direction in the virtual world.

The advertisement displayed neatly arranged lines of text.

Simultaneously, a powerful, stirring voice boomed across the sky:

"Everyone!"

"The Firebrand Temple's Sixth, Seventh, and Eighth Rank challenge leaderboards have concluded."

"Their strength is undeniable! Many have speculated about their origins."

"Some guessed they came from Blue Star's Six Titans. Others thought they hailed from a hidden small nation."

"Regrettably, neither is correct!"

"The truth is—they are survivors of the Ancient Civilization Era, from the Fireseed Project!"

"With the Fireseed Project's aid, the Ancient Civilization not only preserved countless humans but also established a Firebrand World!"

"Now, the Firebrand World is officially open to all!"

"Here, you need not unearth ancient relics to obtain rare combat techniques!"

"Here, you gain abundant rare cultivation resources, rare flowers and herbs!"

"Here, you may even obtain the chance for ability evolution!"

"Come! Enter the Firebrand World, challenge the Void-Breaking Tower, and claim everything you desire!"

"The Firebrand World is located..."

The booming voice echoed through the sky. Su Qingli, Ling Shuang, Song Qiuyun, and Jiang Chuxuan also teleported beside Xu Jingming.

"The Firebrand Temple's origins have been revealed, and the Firebrand World is opening to everyone."

"The entire Blue Star will surely experience a seismic upheaval."

Su Qingli, having scanned the entire advertisement, sighed.

"Indeed. We must prepare early."

Xu Jingming nodded.

Just the fact that an Ancient Civilization survived over two thousand years would draw immense interest, let alone the countless opportunities within.

Once the news spreads, every adept on Blue Star will go mad for it.

"The Firebrand Temple comes from the Ancient Civilization? No wonder they're so strong!"

"Rare combat techniques, cultivation resources—even ability evolution? Is the Ancient Civilization insane?"

"I don't know if they're insane, but I'm going!"

"Sixth Rank Mid-tier Enhancement adept—anyone want to team up?"

"Wolf Pack is forming an exploration team. Invite all adepts of Fourth Rank and above!"

"..."

As Xu Jingming predicted, once the Firebrand Temple's news was announced, every adept on Blue Star went mad.

Except those stationed at the frontlines and border regions, all adepts and factions were forming teams, preparing to enter the Firebrand World.