Chapter 40: Life Countdown

“Where is this?” Ye Feng looked up at this enormous place that resembled a palace. The word “splendid” was far from enough to describe what he saw before him.
The vast dome, as wide as the sky, seemed made of transparent crystal—bright and clear. In the farthest distance visible, four towering jade pillars could be faintly seen, connecting the ground to the dome. The black ground, smooth as a mirror, had not a single crack, resembling a huge piece of black silk-printed glass. Yet, when footsteps touched it, ripples would form, just like on a calm, waveless surface.
“I… didn’t I just use the smart photon cannon to kill that vampire? How did I end up here?” Ye Feng stared at this strange place with curiosity.
“As the ruler of the Void Realm, you have the right to know about the existence of such a place…” A voice suddenly came from behind Ye Feng. He turned around and was shocked to see someone who not only looked exactly like him but even dressed, moved, and acted in the same way.
“Who are you? Why pretend to be me?” Ye Feng asked, wary.
“Don’t worry, young man. I’m just a projection of the Void Realm. To be precise, I take on the appearance of each ruler who has held this position. Since you are the current ruler, I’ve taken on your appearance,” the projection replied.
“Why am I here?” Ye Feng pressed further.
“It’s simple. Your realm value has now turned negative, so I must deliver a kind reminder on behalf of the Void Realm,” the projection answered.
Having received a warning from Boy before, Ye Feng immediately understood what might happen to him here.

“That vampire was killed, and the system automatically repaid 10,000 in domain value. Your current domain value is -922,900. If you don’t repay it within ten days, the amount due will double to -1,845,800. If you still haven’t repaid it after twenty days, it will double again to -3,691,600. By the thirtieth day, your domain value will be -7,383,200. Of course, the thirtieth day is also the final deadline. If you still haven’t repaid your debt by then, I’m sorry to inform you that you will vanish completely. Vanishing completely doesn’t just mean the disappearance of your soul and inability to enter reincarnation; it also means that all traces of you in all time and space will be erased, including your past lives… All memories of you will be wiped out, because the laws of the universe will consider you to have never existed at all. They will automatically erase every trace of you, making you truly non-existent…” These words projected by the Virtual Domain made Ye Feng realize the situation he was in.

“I want to know if all owners of the Virtual Domain encounter such situations and are then consumed by it?” Ye Feng asked a rather direct question.

“First, let me correct a mistake. You are not an owner of the Virtual Domain right now; you are merely an authorized user. So far, every authorized user before you has disappeared without exception due to failing to repay their debts. Of course, a very small number of exceptional individuals have signed contracts with the Virtual Domain and exist in certain special forms. But only the most outstanding ones are left behind…” The projection didn’t hold back any information about this.

“How many authorized users are there like me?” Ye Feng frowned slightly, wanting to know his chances of success.

“Hmm, that number is currently a secret. But I can tell you it’s between 10,000 and 100,000,” the projection gave a range.

“Not everyone who gets access to the Virtual Domain can become an authorized user, right?” Ye Feng looked at the man across from him who looked exactly like him.

“That’s correct. Those who are chosen are one in a million, possessing terrifying potential. In fact, everyone chosen could potentially become the true owner of the Virtual Domain. It’s just that they made wrong choices at certain times, leading to their failure.” The projection still gave some recognition to those authorized users.

“You sent me here this time to tell me to pay off the debt sooner, right? If that’s the case, can I leave now?” Ye Feng knew his time was running out, but he still had many things left unfinished.
“No problem. By the way, if you pay off the debt, you’ll get a reward…” The projection waved its hand, and a golden door appeared in front of Ye Feng.
Without hesitation, Ye Feng pushed the door open and stepped inside.
The projection disappeared, leaving only an aged voice echoing through the palace, “An interesting little guy. I hope you can give me a surprise…”
Ye Feng slowly opened his eyes. Everything before him gradually became clearer. He finally saw Yi Fan asleep, resting his head on his hands. He slowly got up, trying to make as little noise as possible, but even so, Yi Fan opened his eyes.
“You’re awake?” Yi Fan was stunned for a moment before standing up and heading toward the door. “Stay put. I’ll have Kelly ask the kitchen to prepare something to eat. I’ll be back soon!”
It wasn’t long before Yi Fan returned.
“What’s wrong? I’m not hungry…” Ye Feng shook his head with a smile.
“You’ve been asleep for three days. If you don’t eat something, you’ll die!” Yi Fan said irritably. “They’ve already started preparing. It won’t take long. It’s easy to get some liquid food like millet porridge.”
“I’ve been asleep for three days?” Ye Feng was slightly shocked. “Where are Long Ge and the others’ bodies?”
“The people from the Long family are going back, together with Ling Kai…” Yi Fan lowered his head.
“Yi Ge, you guys go back…” Ye Feng remained silent for a while before finally making up his mind.
“What did you say?” Yi Fan was confused. He didn’t understand what Ye Feng meant. “You… aren’t going to leave with us?”
“No, I want to stay.” Ye Feng gave a very calm reply.
“Don’t be foolish. That faction isn’t something you can confront alone. It’s okay to wait ten years to take revenge. You can wait until you’re stronger and then settle accounts with them…” Yi Fan immediately understood what Ye Feng intended to do.
“But I can’t wait that long…” Ye Feng shook his head. “I only have 27 days left to live… In 27 days, I don’t know what I can do, but I’ll make them pay, with blood!!! I said I’d repay him for everything I owe him. Unfortunately, all I can do now is avenge him…”