Chapter 26: Senator Jiang Chen

“So this is the consciousness sensing helmet? Its design is quite similar to the brainwave access device.” Jiang Chen muttered as he cradled a piece of equipment shaped like a motorcycle helmet.

This was the sensing helmet sent by the War God Palace. No matter where one was on Earth, it could connect to the exclusive ‘virtual space’ of the War God Palace. The technology behind it far surpassed anything known on Earth, and Jiang Chen suspected it was likely related to the remnants of cosmic civilizations left on the planet.

Given the sheer number produced—every War God and the upper echelons of the eight major forces each owned one—it was probable that the technology had been reverse-engineered from those cosmic relics and then manufactured on Earth.

“The maximum alert radius is only five meters? Well, with my reaction speed, five meters should be enough…” Jiang Chen mused to himself.

Using the consciousness sensing helmet meant one’s entire awareness would be drawn into the virtual space, losing all sense of the outside world. If any unexpected event occurred during this time, it could be extremely dangerous.

Therefore, the helmet itself had an internal alert program; if anything changed within the set radius, it would immediately awaken the user's consciousness. The range was small, but for War Gods and those of planetary level strength, their reaction speed made it sufficient.

Besides, within the city base, safety concerns were practically nonexistent.

“Jarvis, you stay outside for now. I suspect the War God Palace has its own cosmic-level auxiliary intelligence.” After configuring everything, Jiang Chen ordered, “Monitor the area around me. If anyone approaches the villa, wake me up immediately.”

Having issued the command, Jiang Chen settled onto the sofa, donned the deep blue helmet, and pressed the activation button.

In a moment of dizziness, Jiang Chen found himself inside a luxurious room.

Spanning over a thousand square meters, it was divided into various functional areas: lounge, study, dining room, swimming pool, entertainment room…

“Senator Jiang Chen, this is your private chamber within the War God Palace. No one but yourself may enter. Here, you may order anything you wish to eat or drink—there are delicacies unavailable in the real world.”

“On your desk is a copy of the ‘War God Palace Code,’ to help you quickly understand the rules here. Senator Jiang Chen, enjoy your time in the War God Palace.”

An electronic synthesized voice spoke these words and then vanished.

“Enjoy myself?” Jiang Chen couldn’t help but laugh.

Li Dawei had also told Jiang Chen about some of the happenings inside the War God Palace.

Indeed, aside from deliberating major issues concerning the human race, the primary role of the War God Palace was to serve as a place for amusement and socializing for the War Gods and senators.

Jiang Chen walked to the desk, where a thin sheet of paper lay, its heading displaying the bold title: ‘War God Palace Code.’

“The War God Palace is the strongest organization of human warriors, jointly founded by First Speaker ‘Hong’ and Second Speaker ‘Thunder God.’ Every War God and those beyond on Earth are members…”

The paper contained little, merely a brief introduction to the War God Palace, with few rules. After all, it was a virtual space—even if conflict broke out, there would be no impact on reality.

Some powerful individuals, when in the mood, would spar in the arena, which was quite common.

Having memorized the information, Jiang Chen pushed open the door and stepped outside.

Passing through a long corridor and a spiral staircase, Jiang Chen arrived at the main hall on the first floor.

The hall was filled with numerous sofas and chairs, though most of them were empty. At a glance, several hundred people gathered in small groups, drinking and chatting.

“So many people… I remember there are just over three thousand War Gods on Earth. At least a quarter are here. Are War Gods really this idle?” Jiang Chen wondered.

But he paid no mind to such details and planned to wander about.

As he took a step forward, suddenly, the lighting in the hall dimmed sharply. The soothing music ceased, and everyone lifted their heads simultaneously.

A crisp sound rang out, and a stirring melody filled the hall.

A beam of light focused on Jiang Chen, making him the instant center of attention.

All the War Gods and senators present stood up, smiling as they applauded him.

“A new member joins the War God Palace, and he enters as a senator—a true powerhouse. His name is Jiang Chen!”

Above the hall, a floating projection appeared.

—

Name: Jiang Chen

Nationality: China

Level: Planetary Tier One

—

“The number of senator-level human powerhouses increases by one, bringing the total to fifty-three!” a rough voice echoed through the hall.

Moments later, the stirring music faded, and the hall’s lighting returned to normal.

Jiang Chen found himself both amused and helpless. In the original story, when Luo Feng joined the War God Palace, there was a similar spectacle. Now, as he entered, the commotion seemed even greater than when Luo Feng did.

For Jiang Chen, who tended toward social anxiety, this was somewhat overwhelming.

He was still pondering what to do next when a familiar voice called out behind him, “Mr. Jiang!”

Turning, Jiang Chen saw Li Dawei approaching.

“I figured you’d be here already, so I logged in for a look. Seems I missed the main event, haha!” Li Dawei joked, his demeanor casual.

Li Dawei was a mid-tier War God, so he naturally had access to the War God Palace.

“Mr. Li,” Jiang Chen nodded in greeting.

“Mr. Jiang, it’s your first time here—you’re probably not familiar with the War God Palace. Shall I show you around?” Li Dawei offered tentatively.

Jiang Chen readily agreed, nodding, “I’ll leave it to you, then.”

“No trouble at all,” Li Dawei replied, eager to seize any chance to grow closer to Jiang Chen. He proceeded to give a thorough tour of every facility in the War God Palace.

Occasionally, he introduced some of the powerful figures from various factions, though when it came to Jiang Chen’s own background, Li Dawei was deliberately vague, refusing to disclose anything specific.

“This is the auction hall. Every month, an auction is held, and the doors only open then. Many factions and powerhouses bring valuable items here to sell. If things go as usual, the next auction will be in a dozen days or so. If you’re interested, Mr. Jiang, you might want to attend.”

Li Dawei pointed to a tightly closed door.

“If you have anything you wish to sell, you can bring it here. But there’s one rule: the minimum value of any item auctioned must not be less than one billion China credits.”

Jiang Chen’s mind stirred, though outwardly he remained calm and composed.