While the Ortega family patriarch's Domain Lord banquet was still ongoing, Hugo, a direct descendant of the family, had already boarded the departing ship with his entourage.
After more than half a month of dark-space travel, the C9-class alloy spaceship carrying them slowly descended in front of the fortress on Thunderstorm Star.
"Lao Wu, and Qi Yuan, come with me," Hugo ordered, then headed straight back to the castle.
"Yes, Master," Qi Yuan and Lao Wu exchanged a glance and quickly followed.
In the castle's main hall, Hugo unceremoniously flopped down into his luxurious chair inlaid with precious gems. After gulping down several large mouthfuls of a fine wine brewed from Purple Cloud Fruit, he finally sat upright and addressed Qi Yuan and Lao Wu:
"According to Ortega family rules, any family member who breaks through to Stellar-level must undergo the 'Apprentice Mercenary Assessment' conducted by the Galactic Mercenary Alliance."
"I originally had ten years to prepare, but because of that damned Adona's sabotage, the time has been cut down to just one year!"
Hugo slammed the wine bottle heavily on the table, breathing heavily through his nose.
After a while, he looked up again and spoke to Qi Yuan and Lao Wu:
"The apprentice mercenary assessment always takes place inside a 'Domain Lord World.'"
"In that Domain Lord World, one must face not only the inherent dangers of the world itself, but also be wary of being attacked and killed by other candidates. The death rate during these assessments is extremely high!"
"Lao Wu!" he looked at Lao Wu seriously. "For the assessment one year from now, I will take all the bodyguards who are Stellar-level seventh tier or above with me."
"During this period, triple all resource allocations to every bodyguard at Stellar-level seventh tier and above, so they can increase their strength as much as possible!"
"Yes, Master!" Lao Wu responded earnestly.
"Good." Hugo nodded, then turned his gaze to Qi Yuan.
"Qi Yuan, keep a close eye on Mining Site No. 5. Raise the production of Thunder Crystal stones as much as possible. I'm severely short on funds right now!"
Hugo sighed, sounding somewhat resentful. "It's a pity I've only controlled Thunderstorm Star for such a short time. If I had ten years, the income from this star alone would be enough for me to buy a batch of Stellar-level ninth tier slaves outright!"
When Hugo first mentioned the apprentice mercenary assessment, Qi Yuan's spirit instantly lifted.
A strange Domain Lord World, a deadly environment full of dangers, and countless scheming competitors—this was a perfect chance to escape!
If he missed this opportunity, who knew how long he'd be trapped on Thunderstorm Star!
Hearing Hugo mention him, Qi Yuan quickly put on a sincere expression of loyalty and concern.
"Master, may I accompany you to the assessment one year from now? I have received many favors from you and wish to contribute my efforts!"
"You?" Hugo was momentarily taken aback but then showed a faint smile of approval.
"Your intention is good, but your current realm is too low," he said thoughtfully but without dampening his subordinate's enthusiasm.
"This is how it will be: if you can break through to Stellar-level sixth tier before departure, I will permit you to come along."
Though this sounded somewhat lenient, it was essentially a rejection.
To advance from Stellar-level fourth tier to sixth tier normally takes decades, even centuries.
Even a genius with abundant resources would require several years at minimum.
After all, the body's energy absorption and evolution isn't instant; the body needs proper rest, and the soul's power and control must also be developed.
Otherwise, trying to advance too fast results in a shallow foundation that severely hampers future progress.
Qi Yuan had broken through two tiers in six months, which was somewhat a case of accumulated effort suddenly erupting.
But Hugo considered it nearly impossible to reach sixth tier within just one year from the fourth tier.
"Don't rush. You'll have plenty of chances in the future. For now, focus on improving your strength as much as possible!"
Hugo smiled and encouraged him. "By the way, I've successfully acquired a suitable combat secret technique for you, as promised."
"When you enter the virtual universe later, I'll send the secret technique to you."
"Understood, thank you, Master!" Qi Yuan feigned surprise and gratitude.
Qi Yuan wasn't too worried about reaching sixth tier within a year—he was confident with the system's help.
What mattered most now was maximizing his strength.
That way, when the opportunity finally arrived, his chance of escape would be much higher!
"Many thanks to His Highness the Seventh Prince for his support. Rest assured, as long as I am here, our branch will forever remain loyal to His Highness!"
Far away on Lanka Star, after seeing the Seventh Prince's small warship slowly disappear from view, Adona's smile vanished suddenly.
"Riding on the Seventh Prince's backing really does make many things easier to accomplish!"
"Hmph, poor little Hugo must be worried about the trial task right now. Let me add a little more surprise for you."
He connected a strand of his consciousness to the virtual universe and quickly opened communication with someone—
"Mugu Luo, contact the Blood Blade Organization."
"'Lightning Flash.' Compress the power of the domain infinitely, condensing it into an extremely focused strike, perfectly unleashing the entire domain's power."
"Also, use the domain to enhance movement speed techniques. It can actually be used like this—ingenious, truly ingenious."
Inside the virtual universe, in a temporarily rented apartment,
Qi Yuan, dressed in a simple gray robe, was engrossed in reading a massive book nearly half a meter long, one foot wide, and almost a palm thick.
This was a combat secret technique that Hugo had specially obtained from the Ortega family patriarch for him.
The secret technique was called Lightning Flash. It not only described a powerful attack using the Thunder domain but also included unique techniques for applying the domain to movement and defense.
If Nine Radiant Heavenly Blades focused on deeply unleashing physical power,
then Lightning Flash was a secret technique dedicated to utilizing domain power.
Nine Radiant Heavenly Blades could only increase the amplitude of his power output; how to use it effectively still required combat techniques.
Lightning Flash itself was a full-fledged combat secret technique, and mastering it would significantly boost his immediate combat ability!
"Amazing, truly amazing! If I can master Lightning Flash, my strength might increase several times over!"
"Thanks a lot to Hugo this time—he really put in the effort!"
Qi Yuan kept flipping through the book, soon fully immersed in comprehending the Lightning Flash secret technique.