Chapter 68: The Virtual Universe

Stepping through the city gates, Jiang Chen felt like a country bumpkin entering a grand palace for the first time. Even though he had read some descriptions in the original novel, witnessing it with his own eyes was an experience that words simply could not capture. The variety of human races, the fantastical architecture, the peculiar technologies—everything dazzled him, leaving him at a loss as to where to look.

"Jiang Chen, I’ve already checked—the Black Dragon Mountain Empire's administrative building on this planet is about two hundred kilometers away. You should go there as soon as possible to register your citizenship. Without it, you won’t receive any protection," Babata reminded him.

Suppressing his curiosity, Jiang Chen immediately followed Babata’s directions, swiftly taking off and flying toward his destination.

The distance was not far at all, and soon Jiang Chen stood before a towering structure that resembled a high mountain coiled about by a black dragon. This was the administrative building of the Black Dragon Mountain Empire.

He hadn’t brought the “Flowing Silver Guard,” nor did he enjoy the special treatment Luo Feng received in the original story, but he wasn't hindered in any way either.

Entering the main hall, Jiang Chen glanced at the directory and quickly found his target. He took a circular platform-like “elevator” to the thirty-second floor. Just as he stepped out, a young woman with cat ears and a tail flew over, bowed slightly, and asked in a gentle voice, "Sir, how may I help you today?"

"I’d like to apply for citizenship in the Black Dragon Mountain Empire," Jiang Chen replied, unable to resist glancing a few more times at this “cat-eared girl.” She looked just like a half-beast race straight out of a fantasy novel—remarkably unusual. Of course, his curiosity was purely about her species; Jiang Chen certainly harbored no peculiar interests!

"Apply for citizenship?" The cat-eared girl seemed a little surprised, but quickly composed herself with professional poise. She led Jiang Chen to an office and said, "Sir, this is the office for citizenship applications."

"Thank you," Jiang Chen replied, then pushed open the door.

—

Less than half an hour later, Jiang Chen left the administrative building. By now, he had obtained citizenship in the Black Dragon Mountain Empire, a mid-level cosmic nation, and was, to a certain extent, protected by its laws.

Of course, such protection was of limited effect. Many outlaws and interstellar pirates in the universe cared nothing for such things. But at least within the planet’s boundaries, citizenship was very useful. For example, some special procedures—like opening a virtual universe account—were impossible without it.

After leaving the administrative building, Jiang Chen headed to the Virtual Universe Company to open his account. With these tasks complete, he had accomplished most of his goals for this venture into the universe.

Next, he needed to gather information and intelligence to plan his future development.

In a rather upscale restaurant, Jiang Chen booked a private room. After instructing the staff not to disturb him, he locked the door behind him. Connecting to the virtual universe required one's consciousness to be fully immersed, and with his current abilities, Jiang Chen could not split his awareness. Once he entered, he would lose all sense of the outside world, so he needed to ensure he was in an absolutely safe environment.

Fortunately, this was Qiu Long City, where public order was excellent. As long as he chose a private space, he had little to worry about in terms of safety.

"Ha! Finally, I can enter the virtual universe!" Babata urged excitedly, "Jiang Chen, hurry! I've been waiting for this day for so long!"

Tens of thousands of years of solitude would have been bearable for a normal AI that hadn't evolved into a sentient lifeform. But Babata was a true intelligent life, and during these long millennia trapped on Earth, he had constantly yearned for the splendors and countless entertainments of the virtual universe.

Jiang Chen was equally curious about the virtual universe. Without hesitation, he took out his login device and sank his consciousness into it.

"Connecting to the virtual universe..."

A voice sounded deep within Jiang Chen’s mind.

In the next instant, the scene before him changed abruptly, and he found himself standing on a bustling street.

On his shoulder sat a tiny, demon-like figure the size of a palm—Babata.

Within the virtual universe, Babata possessed a physical form, unlike in the real world where he could only project a virtual image with specialized equipment.

This world, as far as Jiang Chen could perceive, was indistinguishable from reality.

"We’re currently on ‘Black Dragon Mountain Island,’ at the edge of the ‘Qianwu Continent’ in the virtual universe," Babata explained. "Though it’s called an island, all the inhabitants of the Black Dragon Mountain Empire’s eight thousand-plus star systems who enter the virtual universe are gathered here. So the island is far larger than you can imagine."

"All the people from more than eight thousand star systems, together on one island?" Jiang Chen exclaimed in wonder. Even a single galaxy boasted tens of thousands of life-bearing planets. With over eight thousand star systems, how many humans would that be? Even counting only planetary-level ‘citizens,’ the number was staggering. Not to mention that many planetary lords would buy large quantities of ‘anonymous login devices’ for their subordinates who had not reached planetary level or obtained citizenship, multiplying the number many times over.

"In the virtual universe, you can do almost anything—games, gourmet food, work, finance, trading, learning, even duels. If you can imagine it, you can do it here," Babata said enticingly. But then his tone grew serious. "But remember, virtual is only virtual. No matter how long you stay in the virtual universe, your physical body will not grow stronger. For true warriors, the virtual universe is merely a convenient tool. You can use it to gather information, hone your combat skills, buy and sell goods, and so on. But whatever you do, don’t lose yourself in games and pleasures—that will ruin you! You are a core disciple of the Yunmo Star lineage, and I won’t let you become a slave to virtual indulgence, falling short of your potential!"

"I understand," Jiang Chen nodded slightly.

Though he was intensely curious about the virtual universe, Jiang Chen didn’t rush off to explore. Instead, he asked, "Babata, help me check the prices of these materials. Also, see how much my ‘Goliath Giant’ mecha would fetch on the open market."

As he spoke, Jiang Chen sent a file to Babata.

"Prices in the universe vary greatly depending on the region," Babata began, searching rapidly as he explained. "For example, certain materials cost more or less in different star zones due to transportation costs. Also, buying a small quantity is very different from bulk procurement. I’ll check the current prices near Qiu Long Star for you."