Chapter 64: Re-entering the Ascension Platform, Exploring the Spiritual Realm

"In the Ascension Platform, you can do anything you want, but the core objective is survival—strive to survive as long as possible. The longer you survive, the greater the benefits you'll receive in the process."

"Second, don't assume that it's completely safe inside and that you don't need to worry about your lives. Even though it's just your brainwaves connecting to the system, if you experience extreme mental stimulation, there is still a risk of brainwave shock causing real danger. So, if you ever feel it's beyond your endurance, press your emergency signal device immediately to exit the Ascension Platform. Do you all understand?"

"Understood." Tang Wulin and the other five quickly responded.

As for Gu You, he didn't care at all. With his current strength, there were no opponents for him in the Primary Ascension Platform—unless he ventured deep into the Star Dou Forest inside it. And he planned to do just that. This was the perfect opportunity to test whether the world within his own Spiritual Sea could accommodate the soul energy forms of soul beasts. If it could, then he could declare to the world that his spiritual power would become the most formidable in the entire universe.

The staff member nodded. "You'll experience everything firsthand inside. Since today is your first time entering, you may not last too long, but it should leave a deep impression on you. Children, prepare yourselves mentally. Remember, no matter what happens, don't panic. Soul beasts aren't that scary as long as you handle them properly."

After listening to the staff's instructions, the five young warriors felt a strong eagerness to begin. For Tang Wulin, who had just learned about the Ascension Platform for the first time, excitement filled his entire being.

Brainwave connection? What kind of sensation would that be?

The staff pressed a button, and six metal pods smoothly slid out from the walls. These pods lay horizontally, each featuring a humanoid recess inside—making them resemble futuristic coffins.

"Lie down in them."

The six of them followed instructions, lying down in their respective pods. The cold touch of the metal against their backs made them more alert.

A series of sensor-like suction pads extended from the pod walls, quickly attaching themselves to various points on their bodies, fitting seamlessly.

"We're about to start. Relax completely. During the scanning process, you may feel some mild discomfort—just endure it, and it'll pass soon."

These were the last words the six of them heard from the staff before the metal lids slowly sealed them inside. Their vision plunged into darkness.

Gu You suddenly felt an intense numbing sensation coursing through every inch of his body, as if something was surging through him. His soul power and bloodline instinctively fluctuated in response, making his whole body tingle and almost paralyzing him. This sensation was much stronger than the first time he had entered, proving the difference in machine quality.

To Gu You, this level of discomfort was nothing; in fact, it made him a bit drowsy.

He had no idea how long had passed when suddenly, his body jerked violently, and he instinctively snapped out of his semi-conscious state.

When he came to, he found himself in a completely different world.

The metal pod was gone. So was the numbing sensation.

On the back of his hand, a small metal device had appeared—a red emergency button.

The Emergency Signal Device.

A dense aura of life surrounded him, filling him with comfort. This place felt primordial, pure, and untouched by modern civilization.

With the progress of human society, pristine forests like this had become extremely rare in the Federation. It was said that the legendary Star Dou Forest, once the largest and most formidable jungle on the continent, had been reduced to less than 1% of its original size due to relentless human expansion.

Around him stood towering ancient trees, and in front of him lay thick undergrowth, making it clear that there was no direct path forward.

But as a great person once said:

"Walk enough times, and a path will be made."

Gu You took this wisdom to heart. Releasing his martial soul, he extended his dragon claws and began clearing his way forward!

Primary Ascension Platform, Zone 5

"What is he doing?" Long Hengxu pointed at a screen displaying Tang Wulin, who was leaning comfortably against a tree with his eyes closed. His lips twitched in disbelief.

From every angle, it looked like the kid was sleeping! In this once-in-a-lifetime training opportunity, he was actually sleeping?!

Wu Zhangkong, however, remained calm. "He seems to be sensing something. Don't forget, his martial soul is Blue Silver Grass. In reality, such lush, thriving Blue Silver Grass is rare. He might be trying to connect with it—just look at the way he's releasing his own martial soul into the surroundings."

Long Hengxu nodded thoughtfully. But his real focus was on Gu You—the legendary Federation prodigy who had once defeated two Soul Douluo-level evil soul masters. What kind of power did this boy truly possess?

Gu You wasn't interested in simply enhancing his soul rings. The Primary Ascension Platform's energy was too weak—it could never support his ten-thousand-year soul rings. Even if it was possible through sheer numbers of slain soul beasts, the process would take an absurdly long time.

The details about the Ascension Platform in general were vague, but logically, since it was divided into Primary, Intermediate, and Advanced levels, then the strength of the soul beasts should also increase progressively. Yet, no matter which level it was, the entire system recreated the original Star Dou Forest.

And the original Star Dou Forest had three zones:

Outer Region – Home to weaker soul beasts. Middle Region – Where older, stronger beasts lived. Core Region – A place of legendary beasts and Sovereign-tier creatures.

Based on this logic, Gu You had a bold hypothesis:

If he ventured deep enough into the Primary Ascension Platform's Star Dou Forest… could he encounter a hundred-thousand-year soul beast?

Leaping onto a tall ancient tree, he scanned the endless sea of dense foliage around him. Every direction looked the same.

No landmarks. No maps.

How was he supposed to find the Core Region?

"Damn it!" he grumbled, glaring at the sky.

"This whole setup sucks! Why can't they make a map like in video games? Show boss locations, soul beast tiers, where the high-value targets are—that would be a real perfect system!"

The staff outside were speechless. Even Wu Zhangkong and Long Hengxu flinched at his complaint.

This kid… Did he just call the Federation's greatest technological achievement "a crappy game"?

A nearby staff member cleared his throat awkwardly. "We'll… report the child's feedback to the higher-ups and consider adjustments."

Long Hengxu smirked. "That would be greatly appreciated."

Meanwhile, Gu Yue walked calmly through the lush forest, her expression slightly dazed.

The fresh air, the towering trees—everything was so beautiful.

She loved it here.

But then she reminded herself:

This place isn't real.

The Ascension Platform, no matter how miraculous, was ultimately an artificial illusion.

Suddenly, ahead of her, the bushes rustled.

A towering bear emerged—standing three meters tall, covered in dense yellow-brown fur, with massive claws and bright yellow eyes.

Upon spotting Gu Yue, it let out a deafening roar and charged toward her!

(End of Chapter)