Chapter 972: Legendary Genius Duel (Requesting Monthly Votes)

In Tianhai Residence

“Hum!”

Lin Qi’s figure descended onto the training ground, swiftly retrieving a large quantity of Dream Crystals from the Source Core World and swallowing twenty at once.

“Huff, huff~”

With each breath, the Dream Crystals melted within his body into liquid, surging into his consciousness space and rapidly restoring his depleted spirit.

At the same time, he entered the villa.

He planned to rest thoroughly before facing his second trial.

…

The news of Lin Qi successfully clearing the Dream Bridge’s 100th level spread like a tornado, sweeping across the entire Tai Chu Sacred Land.

Countless members were stunned and began discussing it online.

“Incredible!”

“The trial has barely begun, and he’s already cleared it—his willpower is truly immense.”

“This has broken the record.”

“The previous fastest record took 1,500 years to achieve.”

“Lin Qi cleared it in under a thousand years—even less than five hundred.”

“How did he do it?”

“Isn’t willpower the hardest trait to cultivate?”

“Why is Lin Qi so effortless?”

“All we can say is that Lin Qi’s willpower is extraordinarily strong.”

“He cleared the first trial so easily—it feels like the next few won’t challenge him at all.”

“Not necessarily.”

“Strong willpower doesn’t mean strong cultivation.”

“After all, willpower is only one part of a person’s talent.”

“We’ll see as we keep watching.”

…

At Thunder Estate, in the garden.

Lei Zun, clad in a purple robe and with a stern face, sat in a specially crafted chair, studying a secret technique with a golden cover.

Before him, a large screen projected the rugged face of Holden.

He exclaimed excitedly:

“Master, Younger Brother Lin has cleared the Dream Bridge trial.”

“He cleared all 100 levels!”

“This is amazing—I’m still stuck at level 92!”

“I never expected Younger Brother Lin to clear them all, and he did it in just 353 years.”

“That speed is simply too fast.”

“It’s unimaginable!”

Lei Zun froze, his expression filled with surprise.

After a moment, he lifted his teacup, took a sip, and sighed:

“Faster than I imagined!”

“I thought a thousand years would be enough.”

“Now I see, I underestimated him.”

“He succeeded in just 350 years.”

“Perhaps his chances of clearing all trials will rise dramatically.”

As he spoke, he felt a deep sense of joy.

On the other end, Holden chuckled: “I have absolute confidence in Younger Brother Lin.”

“He will succeed for sure!”

After ending the video call, Lei Zun handled some matters,

then cheerfully contacted his old friends, inviting them over for a gathering.

…

On the other side, after sleeping for a month, Lin Qi finally woke up.

In his bedroom, he rose from the bed.

He walked to the window and gazed at the garden scenery.

Xiao Chan brought him a large glass of cola.

Then she calmly activated the smart device.

He loved this life—sleeping, then savoring drinks and fine wine.

Even many beings of the Four Cosmic Realms were willing to live this way.

Though the theoretical lifespan of a Four Cosmic Realm being is only 100,000 years,

with today’s advanced technology, various methods, and rare treasures, lifespan can be extended.

The degree of extension varies.

The most extreme example is the Eternal Life Fruit, a top-tier rare treasure that grants the lifespan of a Five Cosmic Realm being.

Even ordinary lifeforms can gain it.

But such a thing only extends lifespan—it enhances nothing else.

Even so, it remains a top-tier treasure.

In the Tai Chu Sacred Land, it’s priceless and unavailable on the open market.

Even the Dominators desire it.

Even if a Dominator doesn’t care, Five Cosmic Realm beings will trade for it.

Such items are generally possessed only by the Spirit Clan, who cultivate various top-tier rare treasures.

Unfortunately, most of these treasures rarely surface.

Many beings with long lifespans, upon realizing they have no further growth potential, begin to indulge.

He checked his messages and discovered that in just one month,

countless acquaintances had sent him messages.

His clearance of the Dream Bridge had caused a massive stir.

He had nearly set a legendary genius record.

Even his Master, Lei Zun, had sent a message.

Congratulating him on clearing the trial.

Noting that he had completed the Dream Bridge in less than one-fifth the expected time.

He now had ample time to tackle the remaining trials.

Lin Qi replied to each message individually.

He also planned to gather everyone for a celebration.

He also saw messages from several Dominators, all offering congratulations.

Among them was a message from Kong Ming Dominator.

The latter asked him to reply when free, as the second trial was about to begin.

Lin Qi, upon reading this, sent a message in return.

…

Two days later

At Tianhai Residence, Kong Ming Dominator, clad in a dark green robe, appeared at the gate.

He walked in, smiling:

“Lin Qi, you’ve given me a tremendous surprise!”

“I thought you’d need around 1,500 years—you cleared it in just 350.”

“Others might assume you’re simply exceptionally gifted.”

“But I know there’s no shortcut to strengthening willpower.”

“It requires constant refinement.”

“You must endure pain to grow.”

“Your success means you’ve endured far more than anyone could imagine.”

“To be honest, I’m not sure my own willpower surpasses yours.”

Lin Qi shook his head:

“Master Kong Ming, you flatter me too much.”

He led Kong Ming Dominator into the villa.

As before, Xiao Chan brewed fine tea; the aroma of pu’er filled the air.

Kong Ming Dominator lifted his teacup, took a sip, and said:

“Excellent tea!”

As for tea leaves, yours here are surely the most authentic.

He continued:

"You have now passed the trial of the Dream Bridge."

"You may proceed to the second trial."

"The second trial will now begin."

"But before the second trial begins, there is a prerequisite: you must pass the fifteenth level of the Original Tower."

Lin Qi frowned after hearing this.

He had only just reached the fourteenth level of the Original Tower.

The prerequisite requires passing the fifteenth level—not merely reaching it.