Chapter 589 — Breaking Through to Divine Beast Tamer

"To succeed in reaching the summit in a single challenge, and in such a manner—perhaps even hundreds of thousands of years from now, records of this battle will remain, and countless latecomers will worship you."

"Chairman Sachi, you flatter me." Shi Yan took the rewards the other had already prepared and said, "Is the permanent teleportation array among them as well?"

"Exactly," said Chairman Saqi. "Rational use and management of a permanent teleportation array will yield enormous profits far into the future. This is the honor and proof of completing the Champion's Challenge. On Planet Realm King, the issuance of every permanent teleportation array carries profound significance. Now, it is yours."

"Of course, if you don't want it, you're free to transfer it. I'm sure countless factions would flock to it like ducks to water. You could reap enormous benefits in one go. The choice is yours."

"Thank you for the reminder, Chairman Saqi." Shili of course understood how much profit a direct sale would bring—he didn't even need to sell it outright; he could choose a profit-sharing model instead. But he still chose to give it to Blue Star, intending to make Blue Star more prosperous.

Once Blue Star was upgraded, squeezing Blue Star would work just the same—and with acquaintances it was more convenient; no need to worry about feeling awkward.

"Chairman Saqi, I recall that even without completing the Champion's Challenge, first place in the Sealing of Gods still comes with an extra reward, doesn't it?" said Shili.

"Hm?" Chairman Saqi was taken aback. "You're interested in becoming a Realm Lord?"

First place in the Sealing of Gods did indeed carry an additional reward: a fast track to apply to become a Realm Lord, to receive a fief, and to become the ruler of a Tier-3 realm—with a very high chance of approval.

It was just that for anyone capable of taking first place in the Sealing of Gods, this reward was no better than a chicken rib—worthless, yet not to be discarded.

Becoming the lord of a Tier-3 realm was not the only path to that end. Contracting a low-tier planet, earning military merit, and so on all offered opportunities to become a Tier-3 Realm Lord. The reward, therefore, was nothing special.

The main issue was that the returns from ruling a Tier-3 realm were meager; developing a territory consumed time and effort while offering little profit. So anyone with real ambition aimed at becoming at least a Tier-2 Realm Lord.

Developing a Tier-3 realm was like developing a remote, impoverished village... There were resources within, but also hordes of vicious beasts and dangers—one had to carve it out oneself...

Apart from an official identity that greased the wheels here and there, it suited only those of humble origins clawing their way up from the bottom. People like Kahn and Shitan, with influential backgrounds and no shortage of resources, had no need for it at all.

"I just want to hold the identity of a Realm Lord," said Shili.

With the identity of a Realm Lord, one could lawfully take away the epoch relics unearthed on Planet Realm King—a matter of great importance to the archaeologist Shijin.

As for whether it was a Tier-3 or Tier-2 realm, Shijue cared about that; when the time came, he could simply hand its management to the Jewel Cat—she was idle anyway.

If Shijin wanted a Tier-2 realm, that too would not be difficult; once Xiao Zi broke through to mid-tier planet status, she would be eligible to apply.

"Fine, this old man will go apply for you personally," Chairman Saqi said with a hearty laugh.

"Have you thought of a name for the realm? And what considerations do you have for arrangements regarding the fief?"

Shili: "The realm's name... let's call it the Eastern Radiance Realm. As for the location, ideally between the Suspended Sky, Eastern Mystic, and Heavenly Demon Realms—preferably in an empty, uninhabited wasteland."

"Is that so." Chairman Saqi paused. Most people who became Tier-3 Realm Lords preferred to take over some Tier-3 realm already largely developed after its lord's accidental death. A Realm Lord like Shitan, who didn't mind wasteland, was probably in it purely for the identity.

"At the soonest a week, at the latest half a month, and I'll have it done for you," said Chairman Saqi. "When the time comes, I'll have the Realm Lord token delivered personally to your residence."

"Thank you, Chairman Saqi."

"No need for thanks. I look forward to you stirring up even greater storms on Planet Realm King in the days to come." Chairman Saqi chuckled happily. Now in a state of semi-retirement, halfway to a quiet old age, he simply loved watching a good show and hoped Shijin would make Planet Realm King livelier still.

…

After the Sealing of Gods concluded, Shijin returned to his residence to await the arrival of the Realm Lord token.

Meanwhile, on this side, Kongdi, Lin Feng, and Blue Star's Five Supremes were already chomping at the bit.

The moment Shijin returned, Blue Star's Five Supremes immediately asked, "Shijin, where's the teleportation array?"

"It's already in my hands, seniors."

"By the way, taking away the Four Saints' Relics may have to wait a while—my Realm Lord status is already being processed," said Shili. "In the meantime, I'll head back to Blue Star first and get the permanent teleportation array connected."

"Good." Hearing Shitan say this, Kongdi agreed. "No time like the present—why don't we return to the Suspended Sky Domain right now?"

At this moment, Lin Feng and the others were equally impatient, thrilled at the thought of returning to Blue Star at once!

"Blue Star's side is easy enough to handle. The key question is... on Planet Realm King's side, in which realm do we place the teleportation array?"

Now that the permanent teleportation array was finally confirmed in hand, the Five Supremes began eyeing it covetously again.

The Dragon, Phoenix, and Qilin races naturally hoped it would be placed in the Eastern Mystic Realm.

The Angel and Demon races, of course, hoped it would be placed in the Heavenly Demon Realm.

A permanent teleportation array came in a matched pair. One would be taken by Shijin to Blue Star—where would the other go?

"Seniors, you're eyeing this too??" Lin Feng said with displeasure. "Shijin fought for this teleportation array. Why not just place it in his realm?"

"Let's not argue over it, everyone."

"His realm is going to be established between the Suspended Sky, Heavenly Demon, and Eastern Mystic Realms anyway—it won't be too much trouble for any of us."

"Exactly," Kongdi nodded. In any case, it couldn't possibly be built in the Eastern Mystic or Heavenly Demon Realms.

Seeing this, Blue Star's Five Supremes had nothing more to say. Fine, fine, fine—call it fair enough.

"Then it's decided. Shijin will go to Blue Star first to fix the teleportation array, and once the realm's location is confirmed, we'll fix the array on this side," said the Qilin race's Supreme.

"In the meantime, let Secretary Shiying keep the other teleportation array safe."

"Who?" said Lin Feng.

Since when did Shijin have a secretary?

"Isn't that the catgirl?"

"That's Teacher Shiying! Though not the kind of teacher who taught Shijin how to grow stronger. Just a teacher from his homeworld school."

The Five Supergods: ???

"But look, that Jiaqi is always doing chores for Shijin."

Kongdi and Lin Feng had no idea how to talk their way out of this one.

"Let's just leave it to Teacher Ying..." Shizhuo smiled faintly. That way, Teacher Jewel Cat would surely be pleased.

From then on she would be the one controlling the teleportation array too; just collecting teleportation fees alone, she would probably be overjoyed.

That very day, the group felt no attachment to Tianshu City and returned to the Suspended Sky Domain.