Wang Yi exited the duel space and returned to the Killing Field, where he was approached by a waiter from the establishment.
The waiter bowed and smiled. "Sir, an esteemed guest upstairs in the meditation room would like to meet with you."
"Alright," Wang Yi replied with a nod, and followed the waiter to the second floor of the Killing Field.
On the way, Wang Yi noticed the head of the Killing Field at the Black Dragon Mountain Island branch—an elderly man named Man Luo, with green skin and a wrinkled head—watching him as he ascended the stairs, shaking his head slightly.
The Killing Field was a training ground for many specially trained elites, and the meditation rooms were private spaces often rented by powerful individuals, most of whom were at least at the Universe level.
Following a spiral staircase, they arrived at the second floor, which was designed as a beautiful, quiet labyrinth. Meditation rooms were scattered throughout. The waiter led Wang Yi to one of the doors and knocked. "Sir, your guest has arrived."
"Come in," a hoarse, elderly voice called from inside.
The waiter opened the door and gestured for Wang Yi to enter. Wang Yi nodded in response and stepped inside.
The meditation room was sparse, containing only a few cushions. In the center sat a large-headed man with green skin, dressed in a luxurious blue robe embroidered with intricate, unknown plant patterns. The man smiled warmly.
"Wang Yi, please take a seat."
Wang Yi offered a slight bow, found a cushion, and sat down, facing Rabic.
Rabic's smile grew wider. "Wang Yi, let me introduce myself. I am Rabic, the head of the Black Dragon Mountain Branch of the Dry Witch Universe Kingdom. You can call me Master Rabic."
"Master Rabic," Wang Yi replied politely, knowing it was wise not to show arrogance in front of such a powerful figure.
"You must be wondering why I've asked to meet with you," Rabic continued with a smile.
"Yes, I am curious to know how I may be of service," Wang Yi replied.
"Wang Yi, there's no need to beat around the bush. You're a genius," Rabic said straightforwardly. "I've been gathering elite talents from various star regions, and you have caught my attention. I believe you have the potential to become exceptionally strong in the future. I'd like to recommend you to the headquarters of the Dry Witch Universe Kingdom, where you can join the Dry Witch Secret Realm. What do you think?"
Rabic observed Wang Yi's expression carefully, hoping for a reaction but finding none, which slightly disappointed him.
After appearing to think it over for a moment, Wang Yi finally spoke. "Master Rabic."
Rabic motioned for him to continue.
"What status will I have if I join the Dry Witch Secret Realm?" Wang Yi asked, feigning curiosity.
Rabic let out a quiet sigh of relief. He wasn't afraid of Wang Yi asking questions; his real fear was that Wang Yi might not be interested at all. A genius like him would be courted by many powerful organizations.
"The Dry Witch Secret Realm..." Rabic began to outline the benefits of joining the Dry Witch Universe Kingdom, embellishing his points, though not excessively.
For someone not planning to join the Virtual Universe Company, the Dry Witch Secret Realm would indeed be an ideal opportunity. But for Wang Yi, whose sights were set on the peak human genius competition six years away, the Dry Witch Secret Realm was only a stepping stone.
"Master Rabic," Wang Yi interrupted, "I want to know: if I join the Dry Witch Secret Realm, will I still have the chance to participate in the upcoming peak genius battle?"
Rabic's eyes narrowed slightly. "You even know about that? It seems you already have plans in mind. Are you aiming to join the Virtual Universe Company?"
"That's correct," Wang Yi admitted without hesitation. "If joining the Dry Witch Secret Realm means I can't compete in the Virtual Universe Company's Peak Genius Battle, then I must respectfully decline your offer."
Rabic shook his head with a small chuckle. "You have lofty ambitions, young one. You aren't wrong—among the pinnacle forces in the universe, the Virtual Universe Company offers the best conditions for nurturing talent. The Original Universe, many secret realms, powerful treasures, the finest teachers..."
He paused, then continued, "But only the top 1,000 geniuses are granted access to those resources."
Rabic scrutinized Wang Yi. "You are very talented and might even break into the top 1,000 within the Ganwu Universe. But to rank in the top 1,000 across the entire human race? That is far more difficult. Extremely difficult."
Rabic wanted to pressure Wang Yi, but Wang Yi's determination remained unwavering.
"Master Rabic, I am confident I will place in the top 1,000 in the Peak Genius Battle and join the Virtual Universe Company, perhaps even become the number one!"
Rabic laughed softly. "Ah, youth—fearless in their ignorance."
"Well then," Rabic smiled, "if you join the Dry Witch Secret Realm, you'll still represent our universe in the Peak Genius Battle. If you break into the top 1,000 and join the Virtual Universe Company, that will be a victory for us as well."
With a thoughtful expression, Rabic asked, "So, any other concerns about joining the Dry Witch Secret Realm?"
Wang Yi considered briefly before meeting Rabic's eyes.
"No, in that case, Master Rabic, I am willing to join the Dry Witch Secret Realm."