Cosmic-Level Demon God

Qin Shi clicked on the cross-region match, only to find that the function was unavailable.

He just remembered that the Galaxy region had disconnected from the Grand Cosmos Server.

There was still a normal matchmaking system, but it required reaching level three hundred.

"With one hundred percent simulation technology, plus sensory sharing, it truly deserves the name 'Second Universe.'"

As Qin Shi familiarized himself with the various functions, he tried purchasing food with Void Coins.

The general currency in this world was quite retro, featuring coins stamped with doors and three strings, divided into gold, silver, and copper.

These were considered "game coins" and were not very valuable; real transactions in the trading houses and auctions were done with Void Coins mined through Spiritual Ability.

"Eating and drinking can also provide very realistic feedback."

Qin Shi stepped into an inn, ordered a specialty drink and meal, and tasted them carefully.

He also visited a clothing store to change into a new robe, no longer looking like a rookie fresh out of the Newbie Village.

"Talking to these 'NPCs,' their reactions aren't stiff; they seem more like real 'native residents' here."

Qin Shi did not hold a "player" mindset; the Grand Cosmos Server was the work of those higher pillars.

It's hard to say whether this belonged to a "True Universe" they had created.

Leaving the inn, Qin Shi wandered aimlessly.

The overall societal style leaned towards medieval.

There were numerous entertainment venues like brothels, stables, bathhouses, and gladiator arenas.

There were also public facilities like great cathedrals, libraries, and city squares.

From the patrolling guards to the law enforcement officers, Qin Shi sensed a tremendous aura.

Anyone wearing medals and dressed in extraordinary attire had mostly stepped into a Specialized Domain.

Even their weapons, like long spears, longswords, great swords, giant axes, etc., all emitted intense energy fluctuations.

"I wonder if there are fantastical creatures from textbooks, like dragons, elves, or orcs."

As Qin Shi ventured deeper, he gradually realized why the Grand Cosmos Server was so captivating—to live different lives here.

If he wished, he could spend a small amount to buy a vast land, become a lord, drive slaves, recruit knights, and attract citizens;

Or he could be a wanderer, traveling with trade teams to various kingdoms, enjoying the scenery and recording interesting stories.

"Compared to the 'artifacts' that attract low-level players like me, the real lives might be more tempting for those transcending Specialized Domains. They wouldn't have to worry about the relentless pursuit of time, experiencing everything calmly..."

Qin Shi pondered that no matter how powerful beings were, their lifespans had limits.

Immortality is a trait of deities, and eternity is a privilege of the pillars.

Even the Nine Marshals, who climbed to the highest martial god in the Star Sea, fell into slumber one after another, having led the Great Expedition and initiated the Great Wilderness in New Dongxia over the nine millennia they established.

Precisely, if it weren't for the Celestial Crystal Coffins forged by divine origin, the bodies of the Nine Marshals would have long decayed in the stream of time.

"This is like a playground or a testing ground for true powerhouses beyond Specialized Domains, prepared by the divine pillars."

Qin Shi pondered for a while and noticed he had seventy-two hours of login time left.

He chose to log off for now and return another day.

The intention of Yuan Energy Company giving him this card was simple.

To experience the beauty of the Grand Cosmos Server and promote cooperation intentions.

"I need to ask Teacher Lin what she thinks. If United Pharmaceutical has more to lose than gain, there's no need to proceed."

Qin Shi exited the lifelike "Second Universe" and his spirit returned to his mortal body, feeling somewhat unacclimated for a moment.

Until his senses recaptured all sorts of information, converting the noise of the vehicle, the sound of the wind outside, and the tactile feedback of the cushioned seat to his Sea of Consciousness.

"Where is the boundary between reality and illusion?"

Qin Shi looked down at the palm of his hand, pondering the question upon leaving that universe.

Even in the Spiritual Realm, where the prototype of the Holy Embryo was condensed, he seemed unable to discern the differences.

"There's a significant disparity in the foundational rules."

Super Little He of the Inner World spoke.

"If explained in gaming terminology, it's like 'different levels of physics engines.' How did it feel to level up by slaying monsters in that game universe?"

Qin Shi frowned and extended a thread of his spirit to converse with Super Little He:

"Very easy."

Super Little He continued:

"If you try to deduce lineage, perfect your cultivation route, or break through your own realm, you'll have the same experience—easy.

That's a 'world' with very weak foundational rules. Though it is incredibly realistic with every existence truly present, the pillars building it are far from sturdy, so it cannot even accommodate the existence of kings or emperors."

After pondering, Qin Shi asked:

"So, in the material world we live in, the rules are stronger, right?"

Super Little He nodded:

"More or less. The Grand Cosmos has twelve upper pillars, which construct everything. But the Second Universe within the server is only a 'subsidiary world,' with its ceiling already locked. Even after billions of years, it won't naturally produce beings surpassing the Specialized Domain."

Qin Shi's thoughts wandered back to the remnant temple where he had spiritually resonated with Marshal Qin and Vice Marshal.

"If Marshal Qin wants to transcend the martial god and reach the pinnacle of the path, undoubtedly, he must become a pillar of the Grand Cosmos.

A subsidiary world constructed by 'doors' and 'world strings' cannot produce beings surpassing the Specialized Domain, then what basis did Marshal Qin have for believing he could stand alongside those twelve pillars?

As far as I know, the Grand Cosmos has only ever produced those twelve pillars. What makes Marshal Qin think he can do it?"

He sat by the window in the carriage, the wind sweeping through his hair, his thoughts floating like endless threads but failing to grasp the main point.

...

...

At Nanhuang Daoist School, it became quiet because Qin Shi had gone to Central City.

Little Yu'er went along, and Little Zhu returned to Hai Province after the holidays, leaving only Old Zhang and Ren You in the vast place, along with Zhou Ning, who sneaked in through connections.

"Curator, you lost to Qi Wuxiang and He Lanchan back then, right?"

This day, after finishing his practice, Zhou Ning saw Old Zhang coming out in a wheelchair and ran up with a fawning smile.

Had Qin Shi been there, he would have known his best friend was dancing on a minefield.

Old Zhang most hated anyone mentioning two people, precisely Qi Wuxiang and He Lanchan.

After all, he had lost to them most miserably and disgracefully.

He even had a shameful record of being defeated by Qi Wuxiang in one move during their first encounter.

"Hmph. Though these guys beat me, they also lost."

Old Zhang raised his head proudly:

"I lost the Star Cup, but I lived longer. Look, where's He Lanchan?"

Zhou Ning, a typical fan of champions, whispered:

"But Qi Wuxiang is still alive."

Old Zhang snorted lightly:

"It's no different from being dead; he's just stuck in the Virtual Universe."