The Chenriver Emperor Zhen Gu's voice echoed in Andrew Han's ears.
From childhood on Earth to his journey among the stars, the word 'genius' had always described those exceptionally gifted in some aspect. Yet this was the first time Andrew Han learned that being a genius actually had a fixed standard.
"To be recognized as a genius in the Human Supreme Hall."
Andrew Han was stunned, lost in thought. For a moment, he seemed to stand within the vast starry sky, gazing out at endless brilliance and infinite wonders.
So this is how vast the world truly is!
And the starry sky he had touched so far was but a drop in the ocean!
Hearing the Emperor's words, Andrew Han felt a lingering resonance, countless emotions surging in his heart. Suddenly, he recalled an ancient saying from Huaguo: "Clouds rise layer upon layer in the chest, eyes follow the homebound birds. When I reach the summit, all mountains seem small!"
At this moment, the world was utterly silent.
The Emperor Zhen Gu, clad in a silver imperial robe, and Suweng sat directly before Andrew Han, watching him with gentle smiles. They drank rare wine unhurriedly, their eyes filled with extraordinary expectation.
In their eyes, Andrew Han had a chance to be recognized as a true genius.
"What does the Emperor think of Sen?"
"Sen is indeed remarkable, but his chances are slim. To kill a Stellar Palace-tier foe as a peak Starlight, Sen would need to master two Profound-grade traits... His 'Star-Flame Cloud' is still incomplete, let alone a second Profound trait."
A chill flashed through the Emperor Zhen Gu's golden eyes.
Just another cultivation genius—did Sen truly think he was something special? In the life-and-death battle, Sen was not needed; for Chenriver had Andrew Han.
Seeing the Emperor's expression, Suweng shook his head, not daring to argue on Sen's behalf for fear of saying the wrong thing.
Geniuses were certainly precious, but Suweng was no longer one. His experiences in the Cosmic Ancient Kingdom had shattered any hope of further cultivation and evolution.
"Sigh."
"Andrew Han should still have hope." Suweng quietly watched Andrew's changing expression, sitting with the Emperor Zhen Gu at the very heart of a volcanic crater.
This was deep within the Chenriver Palace, on the ninety-ninth floor.
Gurgle, gurgle.
Behind the two men, the volcanic crater exhaled steaming heat, molten magma slowly flowing within its depths, sometimes sending up waves, sometimes releasing sizzling, scorching sounds.
A wave of heat surged out from the mouth of the volcano.
Immediately, blazing red light rose up, illuminating the backs of Emperor Zhen Gu and Suweng, and turning Andrew Han's face a vivid crimson.
The roaring magma only accentuated the silence of this moment; the scalding lava, able to extinguish ordinary life in an instant, occasionally splashed out, yet neither Zhen Gu, Suweng, nor Andrew paid it any mind.
"To be crowned with the title of Genius."
"To be honored as a Genius, inscribed in the Ancient Human Genius Register through the ages."
The Emperor's deep voice echoed like thunder lingering in the air, reverberating in the depths of Andrew's soul, leaving him momentarily speechless.
In truth.
Thinking it through, the Human Territory is so vast—establishing a fixed standard is perfectly reasonable. Unexpected, yet entirely logical.
Yet for some reason, Andrew felt a flame slowly ignite within his chest—a long-dormant passion and conviction stirring, a fighting spirit reawakening. It was as if the world before him suddenly broadened, so bright it was almost dazzling.
The Human Territory, where the Ancient Human Genius Register is inscribed!
Within the Human Supreme Hall, there are statutes that bestow the title of Genius with a new definition and unique concept!
"I... I want to see it for myself."
Unknowingly, a simple and unadorned wish was born in Andrew's heart—so minor, so ordinary.
The simpler the wish, the greater its boundless power.
This wish took root in his heart, marked his soul, slowly and irresistibly growing—he wanted to see the vast starry sky!
No oppression.
No life-and-death struggle.
Just a pure desire to see.
In this life, he fought desperately to protect his family, stood up for his homeland, and battled to the death for Earth in its hour of calamity. These experiences witnessed Andrew's journey from ordinary man to strength, but they also constantly imposed heavy burdens, pressing down on his shoulders.
He always kept these things in mind.
He never had the time, nor the right, to consider his own pursuits.
...
If an ordinary person gained strength, would they be willing to bear responsibility and duty?
Andrew had given the perfect answer: he was willing.
...
If duty and responsibility were fulfilled, would there still be a higher goal?
Andrew asked himself honestly and found the answer: freedom.
...
To chase freedom, to experience the vast starry sky—Andrew couldn't help but lift his head and look at Emperor Zhen Gu and Suweng.
"The Ancient Human Genius Register."
So, if I reach peak Starlight and slay a Stellar Palace-tier foe, or defeat an invincible Starry Sky Fiend of the same realm, I can be crowned with the title Genius and stand as a true Human Supreme Hall Genius?
It sounded like a question, but the tone was declarative.
Andrew's clear, black-and-white eyes seemed to spark with starlight, his voice carrying a heavy, indescribable power.
Emperor Zhen Gu's eyes lit up. "Confidence is good, but avoid aiming too high too soon. Suweng will give you his full support. As soon as you reach the Genius standard, I will immediately petition the Cosmic Ancient Kingdom to let you take the branch-hall test."
Andrew thought for a moment, then bowed respectfully. "Thank you, Emperor."
"Ha ha."
Emperor Zhen Gu smiled.
When the White-Horn Human Clan recommends a cultivation genius, the empire grants merit rewards.
But when Zhen Gu recommends a genius, the Cosmic Ancient Kingdom bestows merit rewards. This layered recommendation system is precisely the ascension channel granted by the Human Supreme Law for Human cultivation geniuses to rise.