Chapter 211: Arriving at the Temple

Alex looked at the Dragon Horse standing faithfully beside him.

"You should return to my shadow for now. You attract far too much attention."

The Dragon Horse lowered its massive head in acknowledgment. A moment later, its enormous body dissolved into countless strands of darkness that flowed silently across the ground. The shadows beneath Alex’s feet rippled gently before swallowing every trace of the beast. Within seconds, everything returned to normal, as though the Dragon Horse had never existed.

Satisfied, Alex continued walking through the unfamiliar streets.

This was his first time exploring the city, and he had no intention of acting recklessly. His first priority was to understand the Genesis Realm and establish a stable foundation. According to Valen, the Origin Temple was located at the very center of the city. If there was any place where he could obtain an official identity and gather reliable information, it would undoubtedly be there.

As he walked through the bustling streets, another thought surfaced in his mind.

"I need a backer. Someone powerful enough that others will think twice before provoking me."

He paused briefly before asking another question.

"How strong is the Origin Temple?"

The system answered immediately.

[Ding! The Origin Temple is classified as a Third Rate Power within the Genesis Realm.]

Alex raised an eyebrow.

"Only Third Rate? Then there must be Second Rate Powers as well."

[Ding! There are many of them. Prominent Second Rate Powers include the Genesis Bank, the Virtual World Company, the World Mercenary Company, and the Primordial Empire.]

Alex considered the names for a moment.

"Only those four?"

[Ding! There are numerous Second Rate Powers throughout the Genesis Realm. These are merely among the most influential.]

The system continued its explanation.

[Ding! A Second Rate Power is defined as an organization whose strongest leader has reached Rank Nine, Domain Master.]

Alex nodded silently.

"So the Origin Temple’s strongest expert has only reached the Absolute Reality Realm."

A faint smile slowly appeared on his face.

"That is not enough to threaten me. Even if I cannot defeat every expert within the temple, protecting myself will not be difficult."

The tension within his heart eased considerably.

Ever since arriving in the Genesis Realm, he had remained cautious because he knew almost nothing about this place. Now that he possessed a rough understanding of the local powers, his confidence naturally increased.

As long as no extraordinary accident occurred and no ancient monster suddenly appeared before him, this region would not pose a serious threat.

Not long afterward, the Origin Temple entered his field of vision.

The magnificent structure towered high above every surrounding building. Countless white jade pillars stretched toward the heavens, while divine runes shimmered continuously across its massive walls. Broad staircases forged from radiant golden stone led toward a colossal entrance where dozens of armored cultivators stood guard with solemn expressions.

The entire temple radiated an ancient dignity that naturally inspired respect and reverence.

Alex calmly climbed the enormous staircase without the slightest hesitation.

Before he could reach the entrance, two guards stepped forward and crossed their long spears, blocking his path.

"State your identity."

Alex remained composed.

"I am a traveler who has lost his memory. I wish to settle within this city and apply for an identity card."

The guards carefully examined him from head to toe.

After several seconds, one of them reached into his storage ring and produced a transparent crystal sphere that was only slightly larger than a person’s fist.

"Place your hand on it."

Alex calmly extended his arm and pressed his palm against the crystal.

The transparent sphere remained completely clear.

The guard’s expression relaxed immediately.

"No criminal record."

He glanced at Alex once more before lowering the crystal.

"No wanted status either. You may enter."

The other guard spoke in a firm voice.

"Remember this well. The Origin Temple is responsible for maintaining order throughout this city. If you cause trouble, even powerful cultivators will not escape punishment."

Alex gave a slight nod.

"I understand."

The guards stepped aside, allowing him to pass.

Alex walked through the towering gates and entered the temple.

At that exact moment, the system’s notification sounded once again.

[Ding! Host should obtain a Genesis Cultivation Technique.]

[Ding! All cultivation techniques currently possessed by the host are incompatible with Genesis Energy.]

[Ding! Without a compatible cultivation technique, the host cannot naturally absorb Genesis Energy or increase cultivation.]

Alex’s footsteps slowed for only a brief moment.

"So that is the real problem."

Everything he possessed had originated from lower worlds.

Those cultivation techniques had once been incomparably powerful within their own universes. However, after arriving in the Genesis Realm, they had become fundamentally incompatible with the higher form of energy that existed here.

Without obtaining a suitable cultivation technique, his cultivation would remain completely stagnant.

He would have to replace everything.

Alex slowly observed the interior of the temple.

The enormous hall was spacious enough to rival an imperial palace. Hundreds of cultivators moved in neat, orderly lines before different service counters. Some people were registering new identities, while others accepted dangerous missions, exchanged precious treasures, purchased cultivation manuals, or submitted various requests.

Although the hall was crowded, everything operated with remarkable discipline.

Every employee wore identical white robes embroidered with a brilliant golden sun surrounded by countless stars. Their appearance gave the entire hall a unified and professional atmosphere.

Above each service counter floated glowing words formed entirely from condensed Genesis Energy.

Identity Registration.

Mission Hall.

Treasure Exchange.

Cultivation Arts Pavilion.

Bloodline Assessment.

Alex’s gaze lingered on the final two signs.

A thoughtful smile gradually appeared across his face.

"It seems I have come to the right place."

Just as he prepared to walk toward the Cultivation Arts Pavilion, a pleasant female voice interrupted him.

"You appear to be visiting the Origin Temple for the first time."

Alex turned toward the speaker.

A young woman dressed in elegant temple robes approached him with graceful steps. Her expression carried a professional smile that appeared both warm and practiced.

She stopped before him and bowed slightly.

"Would you like me to explain the services offered by the Origin Temple?"

Alex looked at her for a brief moment before nodding.

"Yes."

Since he had entered an entirely unfamiliar world, gathering information before making important decisions was always the wisest choice.

The young woman smiled more brightly.

"Our Origin Temple is one of the greatest organizations in this region. We possess an enormous collection of cultivation techniques suitable for cultivators of every level. We also provide powerful weapons, armor, medicinal pills, bloodline evaluations, beast contracts, mission opportunities, treasure exchanges, cultivation guidance, and numerous other services."

She spoke with obvious pride.

"Many cultivators travel from distant cities specifically to seek assistance from our temple. Whether you wish to improve your strength or establish your future, the Origin Temple can satisfy nearly every need."

Alex listened patiently until she paused.

Then he politely interrupted her.

"Actually, I would like to apply for an identity card first."

The young woman blinked briefly before maintaining her professional smile.

"Of course."

She folded her hands before explaining.

"The Origin Temple currently offers three levels of citizenship."

"The first is the Common Citizen status. Registration is completely free."

"The second is Elite Citizen status, which requires fifty Genesis Coins each year. Elite members receive faster service, discounts on many temple facilities, and priority access to selected cultivation resources."

"The third is Hero Citizen status."

Her smile widened slightly.

"Hero status requires one thousand Genesis Coins annually. Heroes enjoy the highest priority within the temple, receive significant discounts, gain access to exclusive services, and are entitled to many additional privileges unavailable to ordinary members."

She looked at Alex expectantly.

"Which level would you like to choose?"

Alex answered without hesitation.

"The Common Citizen status."

He did not possess a single Genesis Coin.

The woman’s expression changed almost imperceptibly.

The warm enthusiasm in her eyes faded noticeably.

When she had first approached Alex, she had assumed that someone with his extraordinary appearance, calm demeanor, and natural confidence must possess an exceptional background. She had hoped he might become an important customer.

Instead, he could not even afford Elite status.

"Oh."

Her smile became much more restrained.

"In that case, you may register over there."

She casually pointed toward one of the longest lines within the hall.

"That counter handles Common Citizen registrations."

Without waiting for another response, she politely excused herself and quickly walked away to greet another newly arrived visitor who appeared far wealthier.

Alex watched her leave before shaking his head slightly.

Human nature remained remarkably consistent regardless of the world.

Whether in the lower realms or the Genesis Realm, wealth often determined the amount of respect one received.

Fortunately, he had never cared about such things.

Without another word, Alex walked toward the designated registration counter and quietly joined the end of the long line.

He waited patiently while observing the people around him and silently memorizing everything he could about this new world.

As for the Cultivation Arts Pavilion, he decided that he would return after earning enough Genesis Coins.