Light Fortress Chapter 1686 - 367: Grand Judge (Part 2)

The new headquarters of the Judgement Institute stands with impressive grandeur. Its first forty floors are designated as Extraordinary Training Grounds, available for system-coordinated Transcendents to utilize without any cost.

Worrying about [gate access] is completely unnecessary.

The entryway to this main building is overseen by [Deep Sea]. Only on the intermediate levels will manual verification be required. Gu Shen, however, merely intended to take a leisurely walk. Even without the [source code] to manipulate gate access, his inherent authority grants him effortless entry into the structure.

Transcendents are constantly arriving and departing the Judgement Institute's headquarters.

Here, a significant number of Intern Judges accept missions daily. The Judgement Institute offers "Breathing Techniques" and "Seal Items" as rewards, but acquiring them necessitates accumulating sufficient merit points.

One awakens their Extraordinary Ability after successfully passing the [Deep Sea] background verification.

These aspiring Intern Judges are eager to enhance their strength, and the most effective method involves undertaking missions posted on the [Deep Water Area] Spirit Network.

They possess the freedom to form teams amongst themselves or to embark on missions individually.

In recent years, the primary [Deep Sea] system has undergone another substantial upgrade. Its computational power now adequately covers the entirety of the East Continent. Judges from the Changye area, while traveling to diverse locations, can have their movements meticulously recorded. For collective tasks, the Spirit Network meticulously evaluates each member's contribution, subsequently distributing and assessing merit points.

"The populace here is far more abundant than I had initially envisioned,"

Gu Shen remarked to himself as he proceeded.

The pace of development in this current era is overwhelmingly rapid.

Earlier, during his period of cultivation in Changye, the [Deep Sea] network was not nearly as sophisticated as it is today. Currently, the entire edifice is managed by [Deep Sea]. The majority of Transcendents are simply passing through, with minimal interaction amongst themselves — they receive tasks, opt to team up with familiar faces, and then proceed to complete their assignments.

All these necessary activities can be accomplished seamlessly within the [Deep Sea] network.

Nevertheless, the Judgement Institute's headquarters preserves the ultimate jurisdiction over the [Judgement Archives], thus mandating that every mission acceptance and subsequent handover requires tangible, real-world actions and in-person procedures within the building.

"At this trajectory of advancement, it won’t be long before physical visits to the headquarters building for task completion become obsolete."

Chu Ling chimed in, stating, "A proposal has already been put forth by a member of the East Continent Council to grant [Deep Sea] complete authority over mission distribution... Law Enforcers within the tripartite institute system could directly manage task assignments via the Spirit Network."

"From a standpoint of sheer convenience, this proposition is indeed commendable."

Gu Shen responded with measured calm, "However, regrettably, I will not permit such a proposal to be enacted."

Through his concerted efforts, the highest echelons of both Changye and Da Du have already solidified a mutual understanding.

The [Deep Sea] network is, and shall remain, merely an instrument.

The prerogative to command this instrument must invariably reside within human control.

The Ancient Literature Society suffered annihilation once due to [Deep Sea], and Gu Shen is resolutely determined to prevent such a recurrence.

Gu Shen entered the premises and actuated the elevator button.

"Kindly hold."

Just as the elevator doors were commencing their closure... an individual extended a hand, halting the mechanism.

Gu Shen's eyebrows subtly lifted.

The Transcendent who intervened to stop the elevator appeared to be around forty years of age, his features displaying a weathered countenance, yet possessing a gentle demeanor. His Extraordinary Realm had attained the sixth level.

Peak Second Order, merely a hair's breadth away from the contemplation of the [Domain Embryo].

Verily, this level of cultivation is by no means insignificant.

Within this world, individuals endowed with innate cultivation talent are, in the final summation, a minority.

Some ascend with unyielding determination, reaching this specific tier of the Extraordinary Realm within a span of three to five years...

While others find themselves perpetually ensnared at this very stage for their entire existence.

What truly captured Gu Shen's focused attention were the cluster of several inquisitive teenagers positioned behind this middle-aged Transcendent.

The moment these individuals stepped inside, the previously spacious elevator became decidedly more confined.

The majority of these Transcendents were merely sixteen or seventeen years of age, the youngest among them appearing no older than twelve or thirteen.

"My sincere gratitude."

The middle-aged Transcendent, positioned at the fore, offered a slight nod of acknowledgment to Gu Shen.

"It is my pleasure."

Gu Shen reciprocated with a polite nod, refraining from further discourse.

The elevator doors sealed shut, and the middle-aged Transcendent consulted the team identifiers. Enfolding the youngsters surrounding him with an arm, he softly imparted, "It is no small undertaking to journey to Changye for participation in the Dojo Trial... The Qinghe District produces but a limited number of individuals qualified for this endeavor annually, thus you must wholeheartedly seize this invaluable opportunity."

These individuals hailed from Qinghe District?

What a remarkable coincidence; they originated from the very same locale as himself.

Observing the youthful and somewhat apprehensive expressions etched upon the teenagers' brows.

Gu Shen found himself enveloped in a subtle, almost dreamlike sensation and could not suppress a gentle smile.

Indeed.

My suspicions were correct; the establishment of the new headquarters was bound to draw a multitude of young Transcendents. I see a reflection of myself in these youngsters.

This middle-aged Transcendent clearly isn't a local of Changye, judging by the reserved nature of his presence.

Reaching the peak of the Second Order is a commendable achievement in a smaller locale.

However, in Changye, it's merely adequate.

Such a cultivation level would only suffice for an ordinary Judge's position.

"Do you recall my earlier instructions?" the middle-aged Transcendent inquired gently, cautious not to disturb Gu Shen.

The teenagers responded in unison with nods: "...We remember."

Gu Shen appeared lost in his own contemplations, yet he continued to subtly monitor the teenagers' exchange.

The youths were discussing the architectural layout of the Judgement Institute's headquarters.

The Extraordinary Dojo, spanning forty floors, is segmented into distinct zones.

The three primary departments for Transcendents – Spiritual, Elemental, and Direct Combat – provide unique enhancements within their respective Dojos.

Within the Spiritual Transcendent dojo, tranquilizing artifacts are positioned to foster mental clarity. While their potency doesn't rival that of Red Lake, they serve their purpose adequately. It appears to be a simplified iteration of the "Heart-washing Pond." Importantly, this Spirit Dojo is accessible to all Transcendents, and while zones are designated, intrusion into other areas is not prohibited.

For those "youngsters" whose mental fortitude is still developing, this Spirit Dojo offers substantial assistance, serving as a refuge.

For the Direct Combat oriented cultivators, numerous Mithril Gravity Training Rooms are available.

The most significant investment is allocated to the Elemental cultivators.

The Judgement Institute Dojo has dedicated considerable resources, gathering "universal elemental resources" from various Elemental systems to grant each Elemental Transcendent a refined experience in "elemental extraction."

For instance, the fire system boasts a dedicated "Lava Simulation Room" on a specific dojo level, while the ice system sustains a "Snowfield Environment" through specialized artifacts.

It presents a considerable challenge for an Elemental Transcendent to find a natural setting conducive to extracting primal elemental essence.

The Judgement Institute's headquarters have indeed made a substantial commitment.

Naturally, these are resources assembled artificially, and their effectiveness in cultivation cannot match that of natural-born transcendent wondrous locales.

However, the endeavor itself is quite commendable.

The elevator ascended smoothly to the fortieth floor. Having overheard their conversation, Gu Shen had a general understanding of the situation.

The Changye Court headquarters conducts a "genius recruitment" annually.

Regardless of whether they hail from Jiangbei or Jiangnan, any young Transcendent demonstrating talent and capability can gain entry into the headquarters through this "recruitment" process.

Residing at headquarters provides access to greater resources.

Yet, this comes with increased responsibilities.

Should these Transcendents, originating from less developed regions, successfully seize this opportunity, their destinies could undergo a profound transformation, leading to significantly accelerated growth. In return for this boon, the quantity and difficulty of missions they are required to undertake each year will also escalate.

And today marks the pivotal moment that will determine if these young individuals' fates will achieve such a leap forward.

A "recruitment" event is taking place today, where aspiring young Transcendents from various locations will face a series of straightforward trials. The exceptionally gifted among them will earn the right to remain in Changye.

"Ding——"

The elevator reached the fortieth floor.

The middle-aged Transcendent offered another nod to Gu Shen. Gu Shen responded with a slight smile, observed the youths disembarking, and since he had no particular destination, he followed them out of the elevator.

Upon reaching the fortieth-floor dojo, numerous similar groups had already convened.

"Old Yu, why are you just arriving now?"

Another middle-aged Transcendent, guiding his own team, was anxiously scanning the surroundings nearby. A sigh of relief escaped him as the elevator doors opened.

"We encountered some minor complications, causing a slight delay."

Old Yu wiped the perspiration from his brow and inquired, "Brother Xu, has the initial selection list from [Deep Sea] been released yet? Can we review the matchup details?"

"It has... this year's "recruitment" appears to be quite challenging."

The middle-aged Transcendent, addressed as "Brother Xu," whose name was Xu Fang, paused momentarily upon noticing the young person emerging from the elevator with Old Yu. He asked softly, "Who might this be?"

Old Yu turned to look back.

He observed the young man standing just outside the dojo's railing, mingling with the other youths, his gaze curiously fixed on the training area.

"I... I don't recognize him."

Old Yu offered a faint, wry smile. “I ran into him on the elevator and we happened to be going the same way. I always assumed he was some significant figure from Changye.”

“A bigwig from Changye, visiting the Judgement Institute’s main headquarters for the very first time?”

Xu Fang’s expression became rather complicated.

The young man indeed emanated a subtle pressure that could instill apprehension. Having originated from the humble Qinghe District, would they dare to carelessly extend their spiritual power to probe?

Yet, upon closer examination now, this young man hardly seemed like a “bigwig” at all.

What kind of prominent figure would be observing the Judgement Institute’s dojo with the sheer curiosity of a fourteen or fifteen-year-old boy?

“Could he possibly be one of the contenders in the ’recruitment’?”

Xu Fang couldn’t help but ponder this thought internally, though he dismissed it as mere jest.

The “recruitment” held at Changye’s headquarters did indeed have an age restriction.

Individuals exceeding the age of twenty were generally barred from participating in the “recruitment.”

However, there were no rigid absolutes; this era certainly wouldn’t overlook any emergent star.

As long as one possessed sufficient strength, even a late bloomer would suffice. Changye certainly wouldn’t let any capable and driven “aspiring individual” slip through the cracks.

“Brother Xu, this is Changye, so let’s refrain from speaking too casually. Even if I couldn’t ascertain his background, he is undoubtedly a formidable Transcendent,” Old Yu stated with solemnity. “I merely exchanged glances with him in the elevator.”

“You made eye contact, and so?”

“He was remarkably polite and courteous towards me,” Old Yu affirmed earnestly. “The prominent figures in Changye are universally known for their courtesy.”

“Pfft…”

Xu Fang nearly burst into laughter. He had anticipated some profound deduction, only to be met with this trivial observation.

“Very well, I am employing spiritual communication. He cannot possibly overhear us,” Xu Fang conveyed. “But you are correct; Changye is indeed teeming with significant figures. I just received crucial intelligence indicating that this particular ’recruitment’ differs from those of the past, with several Judges reportedly taking a keen interest… This young person might be an apprentice or a junior under one of these Judges, scouting for promising talents to bolster their respective factions.”

“This recruitment has the attention of Judges?”

Old Yu’s anxiety spiked instantly. Casting another glance at the young man lounging against the railing, the more he looked, the more he seemed to fit the profile of someone under a notable Judge’s tutelage.

…… (PS: These recent chapters have served as transitional segments, featuring somewhat fragmented storylines. I kindly request everyone’s patience as we gradually bridge some minor plot gaps within Changye. An additional update is scheduled for tonight. If you find yourselves unable to wait, feel free to rest.)