Sharpening Weapons and Feeding Horses, Meeting in the Sea of Stars

Inside the tea room of Jade Whisper Starship, the lingering fragrance of Clear Radiance Dew had not yet completely dissipated, and a faint aroma permeated the air.

Aurelia was still deeply moved. She completely missed Lin Yi's subtle changes in expression, and simply exclaimed, "Commander, this Clear Radiance Dew is actually my first time taking it. Its main effect is to greatly enhance a cultivator's comprehension in a short period, cleansing the soul of impurities and bringing it closer to the origin of the rules. As for increasing source energy, that's just a side effect. I wonder how you feel, Commander?"

She originally thought that this tea would only increase her chances of breaking through to the Star Domain level Star Vortex level. She never expected that it would become the key to her final push.

"The effect is truly remarkable."

Lin Yi nodded in agreement, then smiled and chuckled lightly, "My gains are so-so, though my source energy has solidified quite a bit. It's definitely not as great as Ellie's gains, stepping into the Star Domain in one fell swoop; that's a truly great opportunity."

He showed no sign of it on his face, but he had already made up his mind: he must accumulate as much Spiritual Enlightenment Qi as possible! Next time he encounters something as good as the Clear Radiance Dew, he can combine it with Spiritual Enlightenment Qi for a two-pronged approach, wouldn't his comprehension efficiency be heaven-defying? And he won't be in this situation where he easily loses his genius persona.

Aurelia took Lin Yi's understated manner as mere modesty.

She thought to herself, "The Commander is exceptionally talented, with an extremely high level of Rule Comprehension. Drinking this tea will primarily benefit him in his comprehension of the rules."

Although comprehending the second rule will be interfered with by the first rule already mastered, making it much more difficult, given the Commander's extraordinary comprehension, the gains will certainly be substantial, far more than just "the source energy has solidified considerably."

Aurelia thought to herself, "He's probably being considerate of my recent breakthrough and doesn't want me to seem boastful if he says too much, which might discourage me, so he's deliberately being so nonchalant."

"You're too modest, Commander." Aurelia's lips curved slightly, revealing a faint smile. "In Xia Country terms, you are truly a gentleman."

Even with Lin Yi's thick skin, he couldn't help but blush a little upon hearing this. He quickly coughed lightly and changed the subject. "Ahem, Ellie, let's get back to business. After the Mercenary Group's personnel selection is completed, training will follow immediately. We have three years. When the supplies arrive in three years, that's when we'll set off."

He looked at Aurelia and said seriously, "Regarding the Xina Family, the selection and preliminary organization of members willing to join the East Peak Mercenary Group are entirely your responsibility. They don't need to come to Blue Star; they can go directly to Zi Chen Star to wait for us, which will save a lot of time."

Aurelia nodded in agreement. "The Commander's consideration is thorough. There are indeed some clansmen skilled in combat or possessing special abilities; I will rigorously select those. However..."

She added, "To quickly establish combat capability upon arrival at Zi Chen Star, team cohesion is crucial. I suggest that once the batch of portable Virtual Network launchers we purchased from the Chamber of Commerce arrives in three years, we immediately have the team members conduct joint training via the Pan-Spirit Alliance Virtual Network. The Virtual Network is sufficient to simulate most interstellar environments and mission scenarios, which can effectively improve team collaboration capabilities."

"Good idea."

Lin Yi had actually thought of this method before, since in his previous life, when the various teams carried out missions separately, they would also conduct joint training sessions regularly. However, it was more appropriate for Ellie to suggest this method.

Lin Yi agreed, saying, "Virtual training allows us to familiarize ourselves with the material beforehand without disrupting our schedule. Let's do it your way."

In this way, the core framework of the East Peak Mercenary Group can be initially built and refined in the virtual world before officially accepting missions.

After discussing some details, Lin Yi got up to take his leave and returned to the Blue Star Commonwealth Headquarters to continue his cultivation.

The newly enhanced understanding of source energy and Life Rule needs time to solidify and be digested.

--

Time flies, and half a month has passed in the blink of an eye.

The recruitment of the first batch of personnel from the Blue Star Civilization by the East Peak Mercenary Group has officially ended.

After Xuanji's initial screening and Lin Yi's review, the first batch of members was finalized, including two hundred Star Core level official members and more than eighteen hundred Stardust level reserve members who had mastered unique skills.

On this day, all the selected members, whether seasoned Star Core level experts or promising Stardust level upstarts, received a special order to return to the East Peak Military Academy.

However, instead of returning to the familiar physical campus, they entered a "virtual East Peak Military Academy" through newly issued virtual access pods. This academy was built under Xuanji's leadership and incorporated a wealth of interstellar knowledge donated by the Human Race Chamber of Commerce.

The moment their consciousness connected, the scene before them shocked even veteran Star Core level like Chen Yu and Andre.

They found themselves in the center of a huge circular plaza, where the sky above them was no longer blue with white clouds, but a dark cosmic curtain dotted with countless stars, and in the distance, they could see slowly rotating nebulae and blazing stars.

Around the plaza stand rows of futuristic, silver-gray buildings, labeled with names such as [Interstellar Tactical Simulation Hall], [Starship Control Simulation Center], [Orbital Drop Training Ground], and [Alien Environment Adaptation Pod].

"Attention all!"

The Xuanji rang in everyone's ears. "Welcome to the East Peak Military Academy, Star Sea Branch. From today until your departure, you will receive comprehensive basic skills training as interstellar mercenaries. Your past honors and strength are the foundation here, not the destination. The goal is: within three years, master the basic abilities to survive and fight in the Star Sea!"

Without a lengthy mobilization, training began immediately.

In individual combat training in a space environment, everyone is instantly transported to a cold, vacuum-like space.

Weightlessness, low temperature, radiation warnings—various negative conditions are clearly communicated to everyone.

The Virtual Instructor's voice rang in my ears.

"Adjust your energy sources to adapt to the weightless environment!"

"Utilize source energy or jet propulsion for maneuvering! Pay attention to Source Energy."

"The enemy could appear from any direction; maintain 360-degree all-around awareness!"

Soon, a swarm of virtual "space raider" drones surged in from all directions, their energy beams crisscrossing.

The Star Core level powerhouses were able to maintain their footing thanks to their formidable strength and rudimentary application of the rules, while the Stardust level prospective members appeared quite disheveled, with people constantly being destroyed, their consciousnesses regenerating in the plaza, and then gritting their teeth and throwing themselves back into the fray.

Chen Yu yelled and brandished a battle sword simulated by source energy, slicing through beams of energy as he tried to get closer to the enemy ship. He kept shouting, "This is much more troublesome than cutting down the Abyssal Beast. There are enemies on all sides!" But the excitement in his eyes far outweighed his complaints.

Elizabeth, on the other hand, was much calmer. She was surrounded by icy power of rules, which condensed into countless ice crystal shields and spears in the vacuum, combining offense and defense with ease. She was also constantly adjusting her power output to adapt to the rules of the vacuum environment.

Those who were more mature and prudent, such as Liu Yuan, focused more on observation and learning, quietly recording various data and coping strategies.

In the basic starship knowledge and operation training, the participants were divided into groups and entered simulated starship cabins.

From the most basic assault boats to complex integrated attack ships, Xuanji provides detailed virtual tutorials. "Get to know every control unit in front of you: engine power output adjustment, shield energy distribution, weapon system locking and firing procedures."

"Remember! In the Star Sea, warships are your mobile fortresses and strongest weapons. Even Star Domain level expert will be defeated when facing a well-organized fleet."

On the enormous virtual screen, structural diagrams of warships, energy flow routes, and tactical commands scrolled down like a waterfall. For the powerful beings of Blue Star, accustomed to individual combat, this was a completely new realm.

Some people learn very quickly, such as Zhou Yuxuan, who is good at analysis and logical thinking, and he is like a fish in water.

Some people find it extremely difficult, such as Chen Yu and Andre, who rely more on intuition and strength, finding it even harder than understanding the rules.

Looking at the dense array of buttons and virtual screens in front of him, Andre carefully tapped them with his large fingers, muttering, "Why can't we give the Intelligent Life full control?" This drew a chuckle from his teammates, but the laughter was quickly interrupted by a stern warning from the instructor.

What everyone found most novel was the orbital landing and the attack and defense of strongholds.

They need to break through a simulated "planetary defense system" on the surface of an alien planet with abnormal gravity and complex atmospheric composition, land precisely in a designated area, and then establish a defensive line or capture an enemy stronghold.

"Pay attention to environmental parameters: gravity, air pressure, radiation levels, and the presence of potentially toxic gases or protozoa!"

"The landing module is not invincible! Avoid attacks and choose the best landing spot!"

"Establish a position, set up temporary energy shields and reconnaissance equipment!" Nightingale's figure stood out in this training.

Her "Instant Shadow Thousand Kills" technique perfectly showcases her mobility in complex terrain, allowing her to dart like a ghost through jagged rocks and gaps in energy explosions, often eliminating key threats first.

In addition, there are numerous theoretical and non-combat courses such as [Interstellar Common Language Enhancement], [Pan-Spirit Alliance Common Equipment Identification and Maintenance], [Basic Star Navigation], and [Mercenary Mission Procedures and Risk Identification].

Every day, the virtual East Peak Military Academy is in a state of extreme tension and fulfillment.

Intensive training, realistic simulations, and fierce competition rankings have enabled these Pioneer to absorb interstellar knowledge and skills at an astonishing pace.

They knew in their hearts that every drop of sweat they shed now might increase their chances of survival in the real world of space in the future.

In the virtual world, time flies.

Two and a half years passed quietly amidst this rigorous training, day after day.

On this day, Lin Yi was in a private training room on the top floor of the Commonwealth Headquarters, guiding the increasingly powerful source energy within his body while carefully comprehending the mysteries of the Life Rule.

With the lingering effects of the Clear Radiance Dew, two and a half years later, his understanding of the Life Rule slowly but steadily progressed to about 7%.

Suddenly, Xuanji's notification sounded in his ear, "Principal, an encrypted signal has been received from the Human Interstellar Chamber of Commerce's 'Fast Delivery' service. The transport fleet marked 'Procurement of Supplies' has arrived at the preset coordinates— Blue Star LB-7392113-C. The guild's escort fleet requests to initiate the handover procedure."

Lin Yi suddenly opened his eyes, a sharp glint in them.

After a two-and-a-half-year wait, it's finally here.

He contacted Aurelia: "Ellie, the guild's delivery has arrived, in airspace LB-7392113. Let's go pick it up together."

"Understood, Commander, I'll be there right away." Aurelia's voice also carried a hint of anticipation.

A moment later, two streaks of light shot into the sky from the Blue Star, broke through the atmosphere, entered the cold outer space, and sped toward the preset coordinates.

Soon, a silent star field appeared before them.

Here, far from the stars, only the faint light from distant stars provides illumination.

In the void, a sizable fleet was quietly suspended.

In the center are five large, somewhat bulky, disposable unmanned transport ships. Their surfaces shimmer with a dark blue light, indicating that the system is in standby mode, and the emblem of the Human Interstellar Chamber of Commerce is clearly painted on their hulls.

These transport ships were clearly specially designed with expanded interior space to carry all the procured supplies, including Northwind-class Warship, individual soldier equipment, and planetary defense matrices.

Surrounding the transport ship were three silver-gray frigates equipped with clearly visible weapon systems.

They spread out in a warning formation, with the scanning array at the bow of the ship occasionally sweeping across the surrounding airspace.

This is the standard escort force provided by the Chamber of Commerce to ensure the safety of goods during the final leg of their journey for "rapid delivery".

As Lin Yi and Aurelia approached, the hatch of one of the escort ships opened, and a high-level intelligent robot made of precision metal with eyes that shimmered with a soft blue light flew out.

The intelligent robot approached Lin Yi. "Distinguished guest, by order of the Human Interstellar Chamber of Commerce Purple Gold Star Union, your ordered goods have been safely delivered to the designated coordinates. This is the packing list and packaging integrity self-inspection report; please verify."

It raised its hand and projected a screen of light, displaying a detailed list of supplies and various test data.

Lin Yi and Aurelia quickly reviewed the documents, confirming that everything matched the order, all supplies were properly sealed, and the energy reaction was stable.

"Confirmed." Lin Yi nodded.

Thank you very much for your confirmation.

The intelligent robot bowed slightly. "The handover process is complete. The Chamber of Commerce escort fleet's mission is finished and it will return in one standard hour. We wish your Mercenary Group great success on its journey across the stars!"

After saying that, it returned to the frigate with the other intelligent robots.

The engines of the three merchant guild escort ships glowed with a ghostly blue light. They adjusted their course and quickly transformed into three streaks of light, disappearing into the deep starry sky.

In the void, only the five fully loaded, disposable unmanned transport ships remained, quietly awaiting their masters.

Looking at the massive amount of supplies—enough to arm an elite Mercenary Group and initially establish an interstellar base— Lin Yi felt a surge of pride.

He turned to Aurelia and smiled, "Ellie, our belongings have finally arrived. Now, it's time to put them to use!"

Aurelia gazed at the transport fleet, her icy blue eyes gleaming.

"Commander, we can begin the next step of the plan now," she said softly.

Lin Yi looked at the five massive transport ships in the void and issued a command to Xuanji through his mind:

"Xuanji, inform all members to handle their personal affairs and settle their relatives and friends within one week. One week later, board the ship and set sail!"

"Instruction confirmed. Announcement has been sent to all members' personal terminals and the East Peak Mercenary Group's internal Virtual Network channel."

[East Peak Mercenary Group Internal Channel][Commander's Order]: All initial members shall handle matters on Blue Star and settle relatives and friends within one week. One week later, on Blue Star Standard Day 10950, assemble and board the ship in the near-Earth orbit LB-7392113-C airspace to officially set sail! The journey across the stars begins here!

The command was concise, yet carried immense weight.

The training within the virtual East Peak Military Academy came to an abrupt halt, and everyone's consciousness returned to reality.

Excitement, elation, reluctance, and determination—a complex mix of emotions surged within each member.

The Blue Star Source Martial Forum was instantly ignited by related topics:

[Pinned Hot Post][Historic Moment! East Peak Mercenary Group Set to Set Sail in Seven Days!]

"It's here! It's finally here! Seven days! Only seven days left!"

"Blessings to all warriors! May you have a safe journey and great success in your endeavors!"

"Waaaaah, my brother got selected! I'm so proud of him, but I'm also so sad to see him go."

"Form ranks! To bid farewell to the Pioneer!"

"Silver Moon Blue, where the Eastern Edge leads! The Sea of Stars is within reach!"

On the forum, posts expressing blessings, reluctance to part, pride, and encouragement were being refreshed rapidly, and the entire Blue Star Network was filled with a tragic yet heroic atmosphere.

Chen Yu rushed out of the training room almost immediately and hurried to the research center at the headquarters of the Blue Star Commonwealth Headquarters.

He found Su Xiao in a laboratory filled with sophisticated instruments and energy circuits.

Su Xiao was still wearing a white lab coat, intently adjusting a complex energy source array model.

"Su Xiao!" Chen Yu called out, his voice lower than usual.

Su Xiao looked up, saw it was him, and a look of understanding appeared on her face.

"You saw the announcement?"

"Hmm." Chen Yu scratched his head, usually so eloquent, but now he was at a loss for words. "Um... I'm leaving in a week."

The lab quieted down. Su Xiao put down her tools, walked over to him, and gently and naturally straightened his collar, which had been askew due to the rush.

"Be careful," she said softly, without any further admonitions, just those four simple words, yet they seemed to contain a thousand unspoken messages.

"Don't be reckless. Listen to the commander and Zhou Yuxuan in everything."

Looking into Su Xiao's clear eyes, Chen Yu felt a surge of warmth in his heart. He nodded emphatically, "Don't worry! I, Old Chen, am lucky and will definitely be fine! Once we've established ourselves in Xinghai, we might even be able to bring you over for research!"

He tried to dispel the sadness of parting with his usual optimism.

Su Xiao smiled slightly, but didn't reply. Instead, she placed a palm-sized metal box into his hand. "Inside are some highly effective first-aid gels and energy replenishers that I made. They might come in handy."

Chen Yu took the box, opened his mouth, but ultimately just patted his chest forcefully. "Wait for me to come back!"

After saying that, he turned and strode away. Su Xiao stared in the direction he left, remaining motionless for a long time.

Andre didn't go to say goodbye to any important figures; instead, he went alone to a rebuilt residential area.

He knocked on a door.

The person who opened the door was a middle-aged Black woman with a weathered face but gentle eyes. Behind her was a little girl of about seven or eight years old, who was curiously looking at Andre.

The sound of a boy reading could be heard coming from inside the room.

"Uncle Andre!" the little girl called out timidly when she saw him, her eyes filled with gratitude and a hint of affection.

This family was rescued from the ruins by Andre during an attack by Abyssal Beast. At the time, the single mother was tightly protecting her young child. Andre not only saved them, but also visited them frequently afterward, helping to repair things and bringing them supplies, becoming their reliance and benefactor.

"Marina." Andre gave what he considered his gentlest smile, yet it still appeared somewhat rugged. "I'm going on a long trip."

Marina was stunned for a moment, then realized what was happening, and her eyes instantly welled up with tears.

After all, the news had already spread far and wide.

She grasped Andre's rough, calloused hand, her voice choked with emotion. "Mr. Andre, are you... going to Xinghai?"

Andre nodded, squatted down, looked at the little girl, and gently ruffled her hair with his large hand. "Lilia, listen to your mother, eat well, and grow up quickly."

The little girl nodded blankly. "Is Uncle going to fight bad guys? Like fighting monsters before?"

Andre laughed heartily, "That's right! Uncle will go to the Star Sea to fight the bad guys and protect you." He stood up, took a small bag from his pocket, and handed it to Marina: "This is a token of my appreciation. It's not much, but keep it. Take good care of yourselves from now on."

Without saying another word, he turned and strode away. Marina, holding the child's hand, stood at the door, watching him until he disappeared around the street corner, tears finally streaming down her face silently.

Inside the Wildcat Squad's camp, Nightingale had already packed her simple gear, including a multi-functional tactical backpack.

Old Cat took a deep breath and spoke on behalf of the team, "Nightingale, is everything packed?"

"Everyone's here." Nightingale nodded, her voice still cool, but her gaze swept over each teammate with obvious reluctance.

Big Bear stepped forward and handed Nightingale a metal wristband engraved with fine patterns. "Nightingale, this is something I made from the scraps of Star Steel I got as a reward from the last mission. It's very sturdy and can stop you for a bit. Wear it."

Nightingale did not refuse, took the wristband, and solemnly put it on her wrist. "Thank you, Big Bear."

Bamboo Pole handed over a data chip. "This is a compilation of our team's tactical cooperation experience over the years. You might find it useful in the future, or you can teach it to new teammates." His voice carried a barely perceptible sob.

Nightingale took the chip and held it tightly in her hand. "I'll examine it carefully."

Finally, it was Skinny Monkey's turn. Unlike last time, he wasn't excited; instead, he remained unusually silent.

He walked up to Nightingale, lowered his head, and took out a bracelet carefully woven from an unknown blue metal wire from his pocket. A tiny crystal that seemed to contain starlight was strung on the bracelet.

"Sister Nightingale."

The Skinny Monkey's voice was low. "This... is for you. It's not worth much. It's just... a keepsake." He didn't dare look Nightingale in the eye, and the tips of his ears turned slightly red.

Nightingale gazed at the shimmering crystal and the intricately woven bracelet, remained silent for a moment, then reached out and took it, feeling the cool touch on her fingertips.

"Thank you." She put the bracelet on her wrist as well, next to the metal wristband.

Skinny Monkey finally raised his head, "Sister Nightingale, don't worry, I mean what I say, we'll meet again at the Starry Sea!"

"We'll meet again amidst the stars!" Old Cat, Big Bear, Bamboo Pole exclaimed in unison.

The Nightingale looked at her companions, with whom she had shared life and death, and nodded heavily. "Yes, we met amidst the stars!"

She didn't say anything more sentimental, picked up her bag, and turned to walk towards the barracks entrance.

At the doorway, she paused for a moment, without turning around. She simply raised her hand, adorned with a wristband and bracelet, and waved it gently before resolutely walking out, her figure disappearing into the light outside.

A week flew by in this atmosphere filled with farewells, blessings, and resolute determination.

Similar stories are unfolding in every corner of the Blue Star.

The admonitions of relatives and friends, the reluctance of a lover to part, and the promises made to comrades.

All emotions ultimately transformed into anticipation and support for the journey to the stars.

The seven-day period passed in the blink of an eye.