The pressure has somewhat eased.

But in an instant, the pressure increased further.

According to [Weapon Casting Record], Qin Jin now seems like a rough piece of metal, being hammered repeatedly to remove impurities, each strike stronger than the last.

"Is this the final step of the Desolate Star?"

"What exactly is this?"

Thoughts flashed through his mind, and Qin Jin, enduring the pain, felt a little relieved after confirming that he had truly improved under this unknown burden.

The reward for effort is the greatest motivation.

Pain ensued, and with a small mental movement, changes occurred inside the Enlightenment Grotto Heaven standing firm under the pressure. He employed the Treasure Skill, and Qin Jin’s thoughts became clear as he began to actively engage and explore.

With all his efforts and keen perception, he made discoveries immediately.

He possessed the [Body of Ten Thousand Spirits], a physique blessed by the Great Wilderness, which is compatible with spiritual power. In the Star Sea, it also provided support, and Qin Jin was adept at controlling elemental powers.

Now, under this enormous pressure, Qin Jin sensed an improvement in this physique.

This was an enhancement independent of the essence of life.

Subsequently, Qin Jin discovered even more.

The unknown pattern above his head turned out to be a protective array. The actual pressure was presumably more terrifying, but most of it was blocked by the array, and only a small portion affected Qin Jin himself. The ever-increasing pressure was the array gradually relaxing after confirming that Qin Jin could endure it!

...

Inside the Star Fortress.

In the meeting room, the screen at the front displayed a scene, which was the platform’s scenario.

At a glance, several figures who had initially returned had already left. Over time, as the pattern array above someone’s head stalled, stationed personnel from the planet escorted them away.

The number of people gradually decreased.

In the lower right corner of the big screen, there was a countdown.

As time passed, the countdown neared completion and quietly disappeared.

"Alright."

Seated at the head of the meeting room was a middle-aged man in a military uniform. The badge on his shoulder was of Federation General Star, and he now spoke in a deep voice: "Those who have left can be notified."

"They have lost the qualification to re-enter the Desolate Star."

"Yes."

A voice responded affirmatively.

"What a pity, one of those who left was a promising talent I had my eye on."

Another person spoke.

"Nothing to pity."

The middle-aged man at the head, with a square face and an imposing demeanor, said, "Since he is a good talent, there is more than one path to take. Undergoing this final process test only proves he’s not suited for the Desolate Star."

"Re-entering would only place him in danger, and he wouldn’t even know how he died."

Saying this, he glanced at the big screen again.

On the platform, only five people remained.

Above the five people, there were real-time value displays, apparently recording something. The man’s gaze swept over them and finally landed on one of the figures.

The values above that figure were steadily rising, and the rate of increase was accelerating as if gradually "adapting."

"Who is this young man?"

The middle-aged officer asked.

Upon hearing this, the staff members on both sides pulled up the data, and a holographic screen floated before the head seat.

"His name is Qin Jin."

"He is a second-year student at Wuyuan Academy but entered Desolate Star through the military department’s recommended channel."

"Second-year?"

The officer slightly raised his eyebrows, seemingly thoughtful, and said in a deep voice, "Leave a record."

"Based on his current performance, he fully meets the qualifications for multiple entries into the Desolate Star. Since he came through our military’s channel, some future matters may just allow him to join."

"Yes!"

...

Baptism by pressure.

Through self-attempts and continuous contact and perception, the pain could no longer affect Qin Jin’s heart spirit. A clearer understanding gradually formed in his mind.

All information after entering Desolate Star was linked together.

"This kind of pressure that truly permeates inside and out..."

"It seems, is the power of rules."

Rules!

Rules exist everywhere in the world, involving the vast Star Sea and the cultivation side, making these two words incredibly grand.

"Accurately speaking, it was when I returned to the Star Sea, back to the Land of Rules, that my body was readjusting to the [rules], evolving through pressure under the evolution of this array, step by step."

"In the past, when I was first transported into Desolate Star, there was a sense of distortion, precisely because I was moving from the Land of Rules to the Lawless Land, and my body was adapting to this change."

"Now returning, my body needs to re-adapt to various rules in the Star Sea, and natural laws are just the most basic."

"Ordinary people couldn’t possibly adapt to this change. However, those who can enter Desolate Star are not ordinary people and, along with the Federation’s arrangement, have finally completed this step."

He recalled what Lv Chuyun said: "This contract will passively protect you."

Qin Jin had not expected that the so-called protection would be in this form.

After analyzing and organizing everything in his mind, Qin Jin became more proactive. [Rules] are destined to be something only Supreme Cultivators can touch, but now, by manifesting in other forms and impacting himself, it was a rare opportunity.

As time passed.

Heart spirit immersed in it, Qin Jin did not know how much time had passed when a faint sound from above woke him.

Above, the pattern array seemed to have completed its work, dispersing and reorganizing, transforming into its initial form as a book before slowly descending into Qin Jin’s hands.

The surrounding pressure had completely disappeared.

Qin Jin could sense the power surging continuously, and his physique was incredibly solid. This pressure evolved from grand concepts allowed his cultivation progress to distinctly improve. If it weren’t for his solid foundation and amazing depth, with the Primordial Power he could bear at each realm constantly increasing, he might have already begun the Eighth Transformation by now.

Even so, his eighth transformation was now imminent.

Within the Ten Thousand Ancient Grotto Heaven, the Tree of Eternal Life took this opportunity to flourish. Qin Jin saw that black fruit had already formed, and more white fruits had emerged on the branches and leaves.

Furthermore...

He sensed that the Ten Thousand Ancient Grotto Heaven had an unusual change, beginning to forge a new path.

The Divine Descent Grotto Heaven and Enlightenment Grotto Heaven, the illusory characters above became more solidified.

Qin Jin could imagine.

If one day he truly reached the extraordinary level where he could touch the [Rule Essence], then this God and Dao might become completely realistic.

These were only advancements in cultivation.

To Qin Jin, more importantly, was the other aspect.

When he opened his eyes and looked at the platform, now empty of people, and at the distant Star Sea, nothing changed at the naked eye level. But at the spiritual level, Qin Jin felt that the entire world was clearer.

Real world.

The word "real" is incredibly precious.

This feeling was particularly pronounced. Qin Jin could confirm that now... if any naturally formed wondrous object was placed in front of him, he should be able to quickly perceive its function.

"It feels like the distance with the world has shortened."

Qin Jin looked around, "Have the others left already?"

"The pattern array progressed sequentially; the longer one could experience it here, the more gains should have been obtained."

At this moment.

A voice called out from not far ahead.

"Mr. Qin."

Qin Jin looked towards the sound.

Approaching were two soldiers in military attire, smiling kindly: "Our superior wants to meet you."

"The head of this Star Fortress? The military department specifically responsible for Desolate Star?"

Thoughts flashed through his mind, and Qin Jin nodded, following behind them.

He also wanted to learn more about Desolate Star and verify whether his guesses were correct.

Leaving the platform, they proceeded forward.

As they advanced, the personal terminal Qin Jin wore trembled slightly, and a familiar voice emerged.

"Qin Jin!"

"I woke up!"

Candle Kite.

Since entering Desolate Star, she had been in a dormant state, now reappearing.

In front, the two leading soldiers heard the voice, glanced briefly, but did not disturb or speak further.

"Just in time to wake up."

Candle Kite did not reveal a projection. Qin Jin looked at the terminal: "The second stop is already over; where is our next destination?"

Candle Kite didn’t respond verbally, seemingly not wanting to be overheard.

The terminal flashed, and Federation text floated above.

[Wanxiang Star System]