The Pre-Selection Concludes!
The top 1,001 from each world region have cleared the pre-selection, totaling 101,000 across the hundred regions. Notably, the first place from each world zone directly secures a place in the final competition.
In the Dry Witch Universe, the top 1,000 will participate in the intergalactic genius peak battle, representing the Dry Witch Universe against other Cosmic Universes. This elite competition will reveal the most unparalleled talent in humanity.
With 1,000 positions available, the top finisher from each world zone claims a slot, totaling 100 direct entries. The remaining 100,000 contestants will vie for the remaining 900 places.
Among these, Wang Yi already secured an indisputable spot with his first-place rank in the Second World Zone. However, four other qualifiers from the Black Dragon Mountain Empire — "Hong," "Thor," "Luo Feng," and "Nabini" — will compete for a place among the remaining 900. The elimination rate is fierce, with just one out of every hundred contestants advancing!
After the pre-selection ended, Wang Yi was transported back to the skies above Black Dragon Mountain Island. Surprisingly, he received fewer messages and calls, as most major organizations understood he had been recruited into the Dry Witch Secret Realm, with his promising future and strong connections evident. However, Luo Feng, Hong, and Thunder God were overwhelmed with messages upon their return.
"Hey, you have 231 missed calls… no, make that 255!" Thor's old mentor chuckled in his ear. "Emails too, 566, and counting!"
Thor grinned, "Forget those for now. Let's head back and check how we all ranked. I'm really curious about Wang Yi, Brother Hong, and Luo Feng!"
Back at Jiuxingwan, home to the Earth's top four, Wang Yi and his friends regrouped.
"Luo Feng!"
"Brother Hong!"
"Wang Yi!"
"Thor!"
"Say that again and you'll get a beating," Thor joked, glaring at the mischievous youth.
Hong smiled, "Thor, you know you can't beat him. Wang Yi actually ranked first in the Second World Zone!"
The group fell silent.
"Wow!" Thor and Luo Feng were both astonished and impressed.
Hong added, "Luo Feng ranked seventh in his world zone, much better than Thor and me."
Thor rubbed his bald head, "Seems I need to up my game."
Just then, Wang Yi's children ran out of the house, the little ones clinging to his legs, their eyes full of pride. His youngest daughter, Yuanyuan, looked up and said, "Dad, everyone is talking about you!"
Wang Yi smiled, picking her up, "Dad will do even greater things in the future."
Nearby, Thor teased, "Actually, Uncle Thor is pretty amazing too, you know!"
Yuanyuan blinked, "But you can't beat my dad!"
Thor looked down, stifling a sigh, "Ouch."
The group entered the yard, with Thor cheering, "Let's all make it to the top 1,000 in the Dry Witch Universe!"
They all knew Wang Yi already had a spot, while the others would face intense competition in the final month's ring battle for the remaining places. While Luo Feng felt confident, Hong and Thor knew the challenge was high; the top 1,000 would include many who mastered the domain or even touched the original laws.
A few days later, a representative from the Ganwu royal family reached out to Wang Yi with news.
"His Royal Highness, the Qianwu Universe has heard of an exceptionally powerful competitor from the Noah Universe. Many think this person might rank first across the entire universe. You may want to prepare," he said.
Wang Yi considered this. Could they have already gathered intelligence on Bolan?
Unfazed, Wang Yi responded calmly, "Understood, I'll consider it."
The Ganwu royal family hadn't yet fully evaluated Bolan's strength, or they'd be more insistent on Wang Yi's immediate return.
On the tenth day after pre-selection, a prominent guest arrived at Jiuxingwan, a bald elder dressed in a white robe with a lightning symbol on his forehead. He approached Thor, exuding a powerful thunder aura.
"I'd like to take you as my disciple," the man said with a gentle smile.
Thor, surprised, asked, "Really?"
The elder replied, "Yes. I've watched your performance and believe you're a great fit for my teachings. My master, an immortal thunder wielder, is also exploring an ancient technique to reach Universe Venerable realm. Training under us would be invaluable to your future. What do you say?"
Thor, blinking in surprise, thought back to his old mentor's words: "One dead master and now a new living one…"