"I understand, but why did you say Zhou Yuanjue is my destiny?"

Li Qingxuan asked in confusion.

"Some treasures still shine brightly even when buried in dust. In truth, there is no such thing as destiny. I just happened to notice the unique light radiating from him—that willpower that surpasses the ordinary—and so I gave you a little push."

the luminous figure said.

"You tricked me?!"

Li Qingxuan glared at it fiercely, her voice filled with indignation.

"The facts prove my judgment was not mistaken. That person has now grown into a figure who influences the entire era and our people. His will won’t just elevate his own life, but will also lead our entire people to a great leap forward."

"And you, as the only person in this world who can communicate with me, your entanglement with him will be anything but shallow. Was I wrong to call it ’destiny’?"

The luminous figure’s voice remained perfectly calm.

"Fine. Whatever you say goes."

Li Qingxuan said, her voice weak and listless.

"So, how are we going to train next?"

Li Qingxuan changed the subject and continued her questions.

"Next, I will begin to teach you how to change the frequency of your will."

the luminous figure said.

······

······

While Li Qingxuan was beginning a series of training exercises she could perform while lying down, the global situation was undergoing tumultuous and massive changes.

Seven days after the Donghua Delegation departed for Bosha Country, the two sides finally reached a series of agreements on their cooperation. At a press conference, Bosha Country announced it would engage in deep cooperation with Donghua.

The following day, Donghua Country seized the opportunity to hold a press conference. It announced the establishment of the "Human Life Research Committee," spearheaded by the Donghua Martial Arts University and the Martial Arts Association. Invitations were also extended to many countries around the world in the hope of fostering deeper cooperation in the life sciences.

That same afternoon, Beisha Country and Bosha Country responded to Donghua’s call almost simultaneously. They expressed interest in the "Human Life Research Committee" and their willingness to join Donghua in researching the limits of human potential.

Following their lead, and under the call of the three major nations, numerous smaller countries on the Far East Continent also responded, joining the "Human Life Research Committee" and causing its influence to swell.

Anyone with a discerning eye could see this was a measure taken by the Far East Countries to counter the "Celestial Beings Joint Research Committee" led by Starry Sky Country. Or rather, it was a measure to more thoroughly resist the Celestial Demons.

This series of moves shocked the world. Some in the international community had even started calling the "Human Life Research Committee" the "Far East Group."

Within the committee’s member nations, the establishment of this cooperative organization also stirred up considerable controversy. Some supported it, while others opposed it, believing it would provoke a world war. Still others were terrified, fearing that very same outcome.

Some Neutral Countries, led by those in the Hiloba and Ori Regions, condemned the actions of the Far East Countries. Curiously, however, while criticizing Donghua, they all conveniently avoided any mention of Starry Sky Country’s own alliance-building, which was laughable.

Meanwhile, within Starry Sky Country, the first round of nationwide screening for the Apostle Plan had been completed. A total of fifteen lucky "candidates" were selected. Within the Nebula Alliance, they successfully underwent "modification" and achieved "symbiosis" with the Celestial Demons.

These "lucky ones" became powerful Super Warriors, capable of using all sorts of "cool" abilities. Their families’ fates were also changed as a result, allowing them to rapidly climb the social ladder.

But in reality, what the public—who were kept in the dark—didn’t know was that the original wills of these candidates had actually been devoured by the Celestial Demons. These Celestial Demons were merely "playing" their roles according to Doctor Nightmare’s orders. Naturally possessing the hosts’ memories, their performances were seamless.

And so, this selection process, more exciting than winning the lottery, completely ignited a public frenzy. The second round for the Apostle Plan began almost immediately, and the Starry Sky Country government’s approval ratings hit a new high. Through a deliberate propaganda campaign, they portrayed the "Human Life Research Committee," formed by Donghua and other nations, as a cruel and inhumane experimental organization. They spread the narrative that this organization would disrupt the harmonious coexistence between humans and the Celestial Beings, damage friendly relations between the two species, hinder the development of advanced life technology, and obstruct the "Apostle Plan."

This gradually fostered a sentiment of hatred toward the Far East Group within Starry Sky Country and its allies. Relations between nations of opposing stances grew increasingly tense, and the smell of gunpowder hung thick in the air.

However, under these circumstances, both sides remained relatively restrained, having not yet found a suitable entry point for open conflict. But any discerning person could see that this powder keg would inevitably explode; all it lacked was a trigger.

······

······

「Half a month later.」

Inside Li Qingxuan’s personal Dream Realm.

A ball of blazing white light floated in her palm. Her brow was furrowed, and a hint of gravity and nervousness showed in her eyes.

Her focus was absolute as she tried to use the frequency-tuning method her guide had taught her to change the shape of the ball of light in her hand.

The white ball of light trembled slightly, beginning to deform faintly under the control of her will. Then, amid gradual vibrations, the changes in its form grew more and more intense.

Finally, it faintly took on the shape of an antique key.

’Just a little more.’

Li Qingxuan gritted her teeth, doing her utmost to stabilize the struggling ball of white light.

Finally, she seemed to touch some kind of node.

The light radiating from the white ball quickly retracted. In the end, a white key fell from the air into her hand.

"Did I succeed?"

A trace of joy appeared in Li Qingxuan’s eyes.

"Half a month is still a bit slow. I can already feel the storm clouds gathering in the outside world. You must enter the Pure White Dream Realm as soon as possible, borrow its power, and capture the corresponding magnetic field information to uncover the Celestial Beings’ intelligence and plans."

her guide said to her.

"What do I do now?"

Li Qingxuan asked.

"You need a door—any door. Then, use this key to open it."

the guide said.

"It’s that simple?"

Li Qingxuan asked, slightly surprised.

"Yes."

The guide nodded.

Li Qingxuan thought for a moment, then waved her hand, materializing a tall, antique wooden door out of thin air in the Dream Realm. It looked like the entrance to some great treasure or a temple.

She took the key, walked slowly to the keyhole, and inserted the key smoothly. She gave it a gentle twist.

CLICK!!

Li Qingxuan’s body trembled slightly. The door was unlocked.

She paused for a moment in silence, then put her strength into her hands and shoved the door open.

An endless white light shone in through the gap in the door.