A Day in the horned dragon city

"The Earth is located within the 'Void Zone.' To purchase it, one must submit detailed and specific planetary data to the Black Dragon Mountain Empire. This includes interstellar coordinates—something Wang Yi was unwilling to provide.

Even in the original story, outsiders who wanted to reach Earth had to use the wormhole accidentally discovered by the Nolan Mountain family, which still required over two years of interstellar travel. This granted Earth a crucial buffer period.

Wang Yi knew that if he wasn't strong enough to protect Earth and shield it from the predatory forces of the Black Dragon Mountain Empire—especially once they discovered Earth housed an immortal powerhouse—he couldn't risk exposing it to the universe prematurely.

Flying swiftly over the bustling Horned Dragon City, Wang Yi's thoughts focused on a pressing matter. 'I need to establish an interstellar defense system for the solar system to detect any foreign spaceship as soon as they approach Earth,' he mused.

'Ideally, if the Nolan Mountain family's adventurer ships reach Earth, I can intercept and destroy them before they send any information back to their family.'

However, constructing such a defense system would require vast sums of money, and Wang Yi currently had only one million Black Dragon Coins, far from enough.

In the vast expanse of the universe, five major corporations dominate: Cosmic Galaxy Bank, Cosmic First Bank, Giant Axe Arena, Cosmic Mercenary Alliance, and the Virtual Universe Company. These companies hold absolute monopolies in their fields.

The Virtual Universe Company, for example, monopolizes the virtual universe network. Every human empire in the cosmos must rely on this network—there is no competition.

As a traveler between worlds, Wang Yi knew all too well the formidable power of the Virtual Universe Company.

In the Horned Dragon City, the Virtual Universe Company's branch building was even more magnificent and futuristic than the Black Dragon Mountain Empire's administrative office. When Wang Yi stepped into the crystalline hall on the first floor, he initiated his sign-in.

[Ding, congratulations to the host for successfully signing in. You have been awarded a residence on Black Dragon Mountain Island in the virtual universe of Qianwu Continent (non-transferable).]

[Log into the virtual universe to claim it.]

[No more check-ins available at this location.]

Wang Yi's mouth twitched slightly in surprise.

It was an unexpected reward, but a house in the virtual universe was not something to scoff at—ordinary people couldn't afford one. At least he wouldn't have to spend money on virtual real estate. Still, the non-tradeable note at the end was a bit disappointing.

Back on Earth, Wang Yi had never successfully checked in at any mundane location, likely because he didn't yet meet the requirements or the value wasn't sufficient.

"Can I help you, sir?" a smiling woman with a fluffy tail, dressed in a red uniform, asked as Wang Yi approached the counter.

"I'd like to open an account."

After leaving the Virtual Universe Company's branch, Wang Yi not only opened his own account but also purchased 20 bearer accounts and 20 awareness helmets. The expenses weren't significant—the real cost was the network fees. Even in the vast human universe, only a small portion of the population could access the network whenever they wished.

'Today's sign-in is done. I'll have to wait until tomorrow for another chance,' Wang Yi thought. He wasn't in a rush, having already planned his sign-in strategy for Horned Dragon Planet. After all, he still had two years to go.

At a restaurant in Horned Dragon City, Wang Yi sat in a private booth, enjoying the local cuisine. The experience was new and refreshing, and he ate with great relish.

Once his meal was finished, he logged into the virtual universe.

In the virtual universe, on Black Dragon Mountain Island within the Dry Witch Continent, a black-haired youth in plain gray clothes materialized on a stone-paved street. Perched on his shoulder was a chubby black-and-white creature.

"This is the virtual universe," Wang Yi observed, gazing around curiously.

Around him, strange-looking beings of various races and sizes, most dressed in similar gray outfits, walked the streets. Each had a small elf-like creature on their shoulders.

"I'm on Black Dragon Mountain Island," Wang Yi smiled.

Anyone connected to the virtual universe within the Black Dragon Mountain Empire's territory would appear here.

Though Black Dragon Mountain Island was small compared to the vast human universe, it was still enormous. The Black Dragon Mountain Empire ruled over more than 8,000 galaxies, with billions of inhabitants, and countless individuals were connected to the virtual universe network.

In fact, the virtual universe was even livelier and more exciting than the real world. It offered games, food, beauty, financial services, trading, competitions, and learning opportunities—virtually anything one could imagine.

Wang Yi was especially pleased that he had a residence in the virtual universe, allowing him to set his login location and bypass appearing randomly on the streets. He could also invite and link his friends and family to his home. This was a privilege only available to users with property in the virtual universe.

After a brief exploration of the virtual universe, Wang Yi returned to reality and headed to the Black Dragon Mountain Imperial Bank to apply for a bank card.

Next, he visited a Qibao shop in Horned Dragon City. This store covered a massive area, comparable to a large shopping mall on Earth, and was divided into sections for combat uniforms, animal taming, mental weapons, exotic fruits, robots, and more. Each section displayed simulated projections, with prices that were eye-wateringly expensive.

"I have some items I'd like to sell," Wang Yi informed the long-nosed, wide-eyed clerk, gesturing to the two silver guards standing behind him.

The clerk, who had a keen eye for discerning value, immediately understood Wang Yi's status and didn't dare neglect him.

"Please, follow me, sir."

Wang Yi sold the surplus items he had acquired from Earth, earning a total of 12.69 million Black Dragon Coins, which was more than he had anticipated.

"Do you have Bibo Marrow and Atlas Mo Scorpion Liquid?" Wang Yi asked.

'Bibo Marrow' was a treasure known for its potent body-strengthening effects during the planetary stage. Meanwhile, 'Atlas Mo Scorpion Liquid' was perfect for enhancing the soul and improving mental strength during the same stage.

"Certainly, sir. Please follow me." The clerk led Wang Yi to a room where a virtual projection displayed both items.

Bibo Marrow was a strange, green, mercury-like liquid that faintly glowed with an eerie light, while Atlas Mo Scorpion Liquid resembled a thick, dark red substance that bubbled continuously.

"The price for Bibo Marrow is 9,000 Black Dragon Coins per gram," the clerk said.

"Atlas Mo Scorpion Liquid is more expensive—21,000 Black Dragon Coins per gram."

With nearly 13.7 million Black Dragon Coins on hand, Wang Yi could afford either 1.5 kilograms of Bibo Marrow or 0.65 kilograms of Atlas Mo Scorpion Liquid.

"I'll take 550 grams of Bibo Marrow and 238 grams of Atlas Mo Scorpion Liquid," Wang Yi decided.

"Certainly, sir. With the discount, that will be 9.958 million Black Dragon Coins," the clerk smiled.

In an instant, nearly 10 million coins were gone. After paying, Wang Yi placed the two glass bottles containing the precious liquids into his space ring and left the Qibao shop, the clerk bowing respectfully as he departed.