"I could hear many students talking about me in the inner world," said Zhong Peng, a faint smirk playing on his lips. "So I thought, to ease everyone's concerns, I'd showcase the world I've developed."
Zhong Peng's tone was light, but his gaze carried an unsettling chill. The students outside frowned at his words.
"Concern? Why would we be concerned about you?" one student muttered, clearly irritated.
Zhong Peng shook his head and said in a low voice, "Of course, you're worried I'll win. So here I am, proving there's no need to worry."
His voice paused for a moment before growing arrogant. "Because I'm guaranteed to win."
With that, he reached out and grasped the crystal sphere before him. In an instant, the majestic scene of his developed world was projected onto the large glass wall in front of him.
The students, initially annoyed by his remarks, were stunned into silence. Their brows furrowed as they stared at the projection.
What they saw was a world vastly different from before. The once desolate wasteland had transformed into a lush paradise. Green grass covered the soft earth, and towering trees stretched up into the sky, their verdant canopy extending even to the outskirts of the sandy beaches.
Without a doubt, this was now a fully-fledged standard world.
"How is this possible? It's only been a day and a half. Even with the help of special item cards, this level of development is way too fast," someone murmured.
Before anyone could process further, the scene on the glass wall shook slightly. A massive figure, towering over 30 meters tall and standing on four legs arranged in an inverted triangle, appeared.
The ground rumbled with each step as the colossal creature moved, its shadow engulfing the forest below.
"It's a nanite beast!" someone exclaimed. "And there's more than one!"
From the distance, an army of nanite beasts marched forth, their spindly legs moving in a synchronized rhythm. There were over 500 of them, their large mouths open to reveal silver-white swirling cores that absorbed the energy around them. The massive horde moved like an unstoppable wave, sending the small forest creatures cowering under their enormous shadows.
"As expected of nanite beasts. Their growth rate is terrifyingly fast," a student muttered. "They absorb energy from the air, constantly growing larger."
It was undeniable that Zhong Peng's strategic choice was spot on. Nanite beasts were renowned for their rapid early growth, making them perfect for short-term competitions. While their durability couldn't compare to high-level bloodline creatures in the long run, their early-game dominance was unparalleled.
Moreover, Bai Ze, his opponent, had chosen intelligent beings a type of lifeform known for its slow early development and immense late-game potential.
"I know I'm strong, but there's no need to worry about it," Zhong Peng said with a broad grin. "Your classmate Bai Ze has yet to even begin developing his world. Who knows? Maybe he's planning something extraordinary."
Zhong Peng laughed heartily as he finished, though his words did little to reassure the students. As they saw it, developing a world wasn't something that could be achieved in a single burst. It required gradual accumulation over time. Bai Ze's prolonged inaction only made them more anxious.
"Alright, I've made my point," Zhong Peng said finally. "Just wait for the good news. Soon, I'll show you how I, alone, can dominate the entire younger generation of Su Lin Province."
As the scene on the glass wall faded, Zhong Peng returned to his seat and re-entered the inner world to continue developing it. The students outside were left uneasy, watching the clock as time crawled forward.
Only two hours later did Bai Ze finally open his eyes.
Ding! Cooldown complete. The host may now begin the next simulation!
The system's voice echoed in Bai Ze's mind, prompting a confident smile to appear on his face. Time was running out, and this was his final chance. Purely physical creatures weren't enough, and purely intelligent beings developed too slowly.
This time, he would combine intelligence and strength to take a gamble!
"System, begin the simulation."
Ding! Simulation initiated. The host has only proxy rights over this planet, so no Creation Points are required to activate the simulation. Confirm?
"Yes," Bai Ze said softly.
Ding! Ten random talents were drawn. Host, please select talents for this simulation!
Without hesitation, Bai Ze chose the "Species Branching" talent first. He then scrolled down to view the rest.
[Rule-Free Growth (Gold)]: A rule-breaking talent that allows cells to evolve into any form of life, any bloodline whether malformed or complete beyond the limits of natural laws.
"Gold-tier talent!" Bai Ze's eyes lit up with delight.
Smiling, he scrolled further until his gaze caught on something crimson.
[Ghost Army Passage (Red)]: A one-time active talent. Resurrects the dead as vengeful spirits, allowing them to return to the world and fight again.
"A red-tier talent!" Bai Ze's heart skipped a beat as he confirmed he wasn't mistaken.
This was only the second red-tier talent he had ever encountered, the first being "Spiritual Energy Awakening."
"Let's do it," he decided without hesitation. Red-tier talents were too rare to pass up.
As for "Spiritual Energy Awakening," it required a longer development period and wasn't suitable for this simulation.
With his selections finalized, Bai Ze began his preparations.
"System, these three talents will do."
Ding! Talent selection confirmed. Please choose items to carry into the simulation.
Ding! The host is automatically equipped with the divine artifacts: Divine Authority and Divine Eye.
Optional items: 1 B-rank creature card, 3 B-rank resource cards, 3 B-rank tool cards.
"Deduct Creation Points and carry all items," Bai Ze instructed without hesitation.
Ding! Creation Points were deducted. Items equipped successfully. Simulation commencing!
The system's voice resonated as Bai Ze gazed at the barren land before him. A confident grin spread across his face.
"Deploy the B-rank Resource Card: Resource Growth."
"Deploy the B-rank Resource Card: Torrential Rain."
"Deploy the B-rank Creature Card: Ancient Apes."
Ding! Detected synergy between two resource cards. Chain reaction triggered!
Ding! A-rank Resource Card: Resource Surge activated!
Ding! B-rank Creature Card: Ancient Apes deployed successfully!
At the center of the world, the primitive ancient apes appeared on the barren land, their small frames looking fragile. Yet Bai Ze's eyes gleamed with determination.
"Deploy the B-rank Tool Card: Child of Destiny."
Ding! Tool Card: Child of Destiny deployed. Please select a target.
"Not a single creature," Bai Ze interrupted, his tone firm. "The entire world is the target!"
...
Ding! Target confirmed. Child of Destiny applied to all life in the world!
"And finally…" Bai Ze said, holding a shimmering card in his hand. "Deploy the B-rank Resource Card: Celestial Energy Infusion!"
"Let the storm of blood and chaos begin!"
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