Lucien's current territory spanned a vast 70,000 square meters—truly spacious by any measure.
Stepping out of the Yunying Inn, Lucien surveyed the surrounding area. Despite the expansive space, it still felt rather empty.
Opening the [Territory] interface, Lucien paused briefly before approaching the [Celestial Palace]. With a flick of his hand, he tossed out the [Universal Forum].
In the blink of an eye, a small altar rose from the ground, transforming into an ancient structure with the dimensions of a three-meter square garden.
The altar stood only a meter high, appearing fragile, as though it might crumble to dust with the slightest gust of wind.
[Universal Forum] (+)
"Can this change?"
Lucien froze momentarily, placing a hand on his waist with a slightly bemused expression.
The Universal Forum was said to be forged by ancient divine powers, a construct meant to connect humanity with the Celestial Realm, linking all worlds together.
But now, had it been altered?
What would it turn into?
"Interesting," Lucien murmured, hesitating for a moment before finally pressing the option to confirm.
The next moment, five-colored divine light burst from his body, enveloping the altar. The light covered the entire structure, glimmering brightly before dissipating within seconds.
As the sacred light faded, the altar was transformed into one made of pristine white jade, adorned with intricate carvings of countless deities.
What caught Lucien's attention was the mural embedded into the center of the altar. It was none other than the "Suiren Drilling Wood for Fire" mural he had once encountered before.
On the side of the mural were ancient inscriptions, mysterious and profound:
"At the dawn of creation, who shall impart the Way?"
"Is this just a coincidence?" Lucien muttered, a faint regret flickering in his eyes.
The mural bore a striking resemblance to the one he had seen in the legendary grand hall. Could there be some connection between them?
After pondering for a moment, Lucien decisively opened the newly upgraded property interface for the structure.
[Universal Forum]
Type: Universal Forum
Level: None (Non-upgradable)
Function: Multiversal Network
Inscription: "At the dawn of creation, who shall impart the Way?"
"Well, isn't that something? Aren't 'Multiverse' and 'Celestial Realm' basically the same thing?" Lucien frowned.
Despite his doubts, Lucien trusted his golden finger. It wouldn't mislead him. Clearly, the [Celestial Forum] and [Universal Forum] were two entirely different entities.
Perhaps the Celestial Forum might offer superior functionality.
With a sense of anticipation, Lucien stepped onto the altar.
The surroundings were immediately enveloped by a dense mist, obscuring everything in sight.
Lucien found himself standing on a peculiar stone platform. In front of him stretched several paths, each marked with a signpost:
Forum (Empty)
Friends (Empty)
"Hm, doesn't look all that special," Lucien muttered, glancing around with a hint of disappointment.
Silver Moon High School
Meanwhile, in the principal's office at Silver Moon High, Mistdream was busy sending notices to the students.
"There are many ways to connect through the [Universal Forum]. The simplest is to add 'friends,'" Mistdream explained.
Since the forum system was standardized by the nation, there were clear protocols for its implementation. For families unable to manage it independently, the school would provide support.
Mistdream's sharp gaze softened momentarily as she sighed.
"Not long ago, there was talk of a peerless prodigy, though no one knows the origins of this tale…"
If only Silver Moon High had a legendary lord among its students—even one would suffice. It would be a remarkable thing.
Alas, since the establishment of Lunar City, there had yet to be a single legendary lord to emerge.
Mistdream thought back to the firm vow she made to her grandfather. For a fleeting moment, she felt helpless.
As she began sending out friend requests, her eyes suddenly locked onto a name: Lucien.
This mysterious student carried an air of intrigue—an anomaly that seemed almost supernatural.
"He must have benefitted from a beginner's trial," Mistdream muttered.
"Too bad… it's a man." She shook her head with a faint smile, sending over the friend request and accompanying message.
Lucien was idly observing his surroundings when a notification suddenly popped up:
[Mistdream] has added you as a friend! [Accept] / [Reject]
"Mistdream?"
Lucien's eyes narrowed slightly before he agreed.
Almost immediately, another notification appeared:
[Mistdream] invites you to join the forum: [Silver Moon High (Class 20)]! [Accept] / [Reject]
"Accept," Lucien decided without hesitation.
A new pathway appeared before him on the forum interface, extending into unknown territory.
As a "friend," Mistdream's faint silhouette materialized within his interface. With just a thought, Lucien realized he could send her messages directly.
Still, he chose not to disturb her and instead proceeded toward the [Forum], curiosity building with every step.
The single path led Lucien to the end of the road, where a massive hall stood before him.
Inside, many figures had already gathered. Among them were students who had been in the lecture hall earlier, as well as several others exuding the confidence of privileged elites.
The hall's atmosphere buzzed with expectation as fog continuously swirled, heralding the arrival of newcomers.
"Lucien!"
A familiar voice called out.
Turning, Lucien saw Andrew and Alice waving at him.
With a smile, Lucien walked over to greet them.
"Ha! Let's add each other as friends!"
Andrew grinned as he sent a friend request, which Lucien accepted immediately.
Alice, however, pretended not to hear. Her attitude suggested she didn't particularly care for Lucien.
Lucien wasn't offended. Instead, he struck up a conversation with Andrew, the two chatting amiably.
The Grand Forum and the Traveler's Guild
Among the many forums present, one in particular caught Lucien's eye: [Traveler's Guild Forum].
This forum, steeped in ancient tradition, was one of the most renowned trade hubs across dimensions. The [Traveler's Guild] itself dated back to time immemorial, created to facilitate trade and communication among realms.
Legends told of a deity who, dissatisfied with mere connectivity, sought to establish meaningful commerce between worlds. Thus was born the concept of the Traveler, encompassing professions like traveling wizards and trading sorcerers. These pioneers bridged the heavens and earth, circulating goods and fostering prosperity.
In combat, Travelers might not be the strongest. But in trade, their dominance was undisputed.
Lucien, filled with excitement, accepted the invitation to join.
Before him, the mist parted, revealing a new pathway and a staircase of white jade leading into the unknown.