Cang Ming's Message, Upheaval on Crimson Blood Star

Over the next few days, the battle on Crimson Blood Star unfolded in a peculiar way.

The Kunmo Race forces, having lost Zagar and his core command, did not completely retreat, but they were no longer able to organize the sophisticated war of attrition they had previously waged.

They seemed to have transformed into a swarm of enraged bees that had lost their leader, still attacking the Helios Base, but their offensive had become chaotic and disorganized, lacking any coordination whatsoever.

Sometimes a swarm of Blade Bug would surge up from the east, only to be easily wiped out by the well-prepared crossfire; other times, Ripper Beast would charge from the west with Acid Cannon Bug, but due to a lack of cover and coordination, they would be quickly eliminated; and there were also Exploding Locusts launching suicide attacks from the air, but they could no longer create the oppressive feeling of covering the sky that they had before.

"It seems that although they have lost unified command, they have still received a similar order to continue the offensive from the rear."

Standing atop the reinforced fortifications, Tavik gazed at the still restless and chaotic Kunmo Race's territory in the distance and said to Lin Yi beside him, "However, this level of attack no longer poses a substantial threat to us."

Lin Yi nodded slightly.

He hasn't completely relaxed these past few days and remains vigilant.

Occasionally, when the Kunmo Race's forces are too numerous and may put significant pressure on a section of the defensive line, they will take action to clear out small areas of territory.

This precise and energy-efficient intervention further ensured the stability of the defense line and also gave the defending soldiers valuable time for rotation and rest.

The soldiers' fatigue was relieved, their spirits were restored, and a more relaxed atmosphere began to emerge both inside and outside the defensive line.

"Hey buddy, look at those swarms of bugs over there, don't they look like headless flies?" A young Star Realm Army pointed to a small group of Blade Bug scurrying around outside and laughed at the Veteran Platform who was maintaining a defensive formation at the repair post next to him.

The Veteran Platform raised his eyelids and glanced at them, then snorted, "Without a commander, they're just a bunch of tough insects. It's just a pity about the brothers who sacrificed themselves before."

His tone was somewhat somber, but he quickly rallied, patting the young soldier on the shoulder, "But it's all good now, reinforcements are almost here, this damned place will finally hold."

Meanwhile, in the area where the East Peak Mercenary Group and the Star Realm Army were jointly defending, communication became more frequent.

"Brother Lei, your Source Energy Shield is absolutely amazing. If it weren't for you last time, I probably would have been killed by those Kunmo Race insects." A Star Realm Army squad leader sincerely thanked a Spirit Race member from Eastern Edge.

The Spirit Race member smiled faintly, "It's our duty. Your firepower coverage was also timely."

On the other side, Andre was hooking his arm around the neck of an Star Realm Army, spitting as he boasted. "I just swung my axe like that, and snap! That big guy's carapace was as thin as paper! You guys didn't see it!"

Although the soldier was struggling to breathe from the tightness, his eyes lit up and he nodded repeatedly.

Chen Yu and Liu Yuan were more popular with the junior officers of the Star Realm Army, and were often surrounded by them asking for advice on the application of rules and team coordination techniques.

Elizabeth has attracted even more attention, reportedly having secretly received several love letters in the past two days.

A bond of camaraderie forged in blood and fire quietly blossomed.

Finally, on the seventh day of perseverance, the long-awaited moment arrived.

Suddenly, the sky was shrouded in huge shadows.

The first to penetrate the atmosphere were the menacing Star Realm Army destroyers and frigates. Their massive hulls created scorching streaks of light as they rubbed against the thin atmosphere, like descending deities, carrying unparalleled pressure.

Although these warships cannot directly intervene in the battlefield, the various Star Core level gunships and aircraft they carry can.

Soon, a dense swarm of Thunderhawk gunboats and Forest Owl atmospheric fighters surged out of the hangars of the large warships like a bee swarm. They quickly cleared the remaining flying Zerg airspace around the base, and then used powerful ground-attack firepower to eliminate the Zerg strongholds exposed on the surface one by one.

Then came the scene that truly made all the defenders cheer with joy.

Countless massive "Giant Rhino"-class heavy transport ships slowly landed in the cleared Safe Zone.

As the hatches opened, squads of well-equipped and high-spirited fresh Star Realm Army marched in orderly formation onto the land of Crimson Blood Star, followed closely by a massive supply of materials.

Boxes of energy crystals, prefabricated fortification modules, medical supplies, and more heavy weapon platforms.

"Reinforcements! Reinforcements have arrived!"

"We held on!"

Deafening cheers erupted both inside and outside the base.

With the addition of fresh troops and the arrival of ample supplies, the Star Realm Army, centered on the "Helios" base, rapidly and steadily advanced outwards, clearing out the remaining Kunmo Race units and expanding its controlled territory.

Meanwhile, the engineering corps also began laying the base for the second "Deep Space Source Energy Condenser" with astonishing efficiency.

The massive prefabricated components were slowly assembled under the operation of the engineering mechs, signifying that humanity would truly take root on this Crimson Plateau.

An atmosphere of victory permeated the air.

At that moment, the members of the East Peak Mercenary Group simultaneously received a personal communication notification from Xuanji.

Each person's tactical goggles or personal terminal clearly displayed a message:

[East Peak Mercenary Group Member: Your personal combat merits in the recent defense of the "Helios" base have been preliminarily calculated. According to the <Silver Blue Pioneer Decree>'s twentieth-rank military merit system, you have met the criteria for being granted the title of "Duke". A detailed list of combat merits and the title certification documents have been sent to your personal account.]

After a brief silence, gasps of surprise rose and fell.

"I'm a nobleman now! I'm a nobleman now!" A young Eastern Edge team member jumped up from the ground, waving his fist, his face flushed with excitement. "Hahaha, my Li family's ancestral graves are emitting auspicious smoke! I'm a man with a noble title now!"

"I've really achieved 1000 battle merits! Dad, Mom, your son hasn't let you down!"

Another team member murmured to himself, his eyes instantly welling up with tears. His hands trembled as he opened his personal terminal, seemingly wanting to immediately send this incredible good news back to his distant hometown.

"Haha, I have over 1500 battle merits. Not only did I get the title of Gongshi, but I can also exchange it for a lot more resources."

"Me too, it was totally worth it this time."

A wave of surprise swept through the small camp assigned to the East Peak Mercenary Group.

Andre grinned widely and slapped Chen Yu's back hard, making a loud thud. "Old Chen! See that, Gongshi! Hehe!"

Chen Yu winced as he was slapped, but a smile remained on his face. He was more composed Andre and nodded. "Yes, this is just the beginning. At this rate, the title of Shangzao, and even higher titles, are not out of reach."

His gaze fell upon his battle merits, which far exceeded the basic requirements, and his heart was filled with anticipation for the future.

Even the usually aloof Elizabeth, looking at the title certification information displayed on her terminal, had a barely perceptible ripple in her icy blue eyes.

She lightly touched the words "Gongshi" on the screen, lost in thought.

However, this euphoria did not last long.

Because when everyone scrolled to the bottom of the communication, they quickly noticed that after the list of all the combat achievements of the East Peak Mercenary Group in this battle, which was simultaneously released by Xuanji, there was also a list of the dead.

A young player who had just been celebrating his new title froze on his face when he saw a familiar name on the roster.

Those were his fellow townsmen; they'd signed up for the Eastern Edge together, trained together, and boarded the North Wind together. Just a few days ago, they were bragging to each other about how, once they'd accumulated enough merits and obtained a noble title, they'd post on the forum to boast about it.

He suddenly lowered his head and clenched his fists tightly.

Andre's smile vanished. He silently walked to the side, picked up a jug of water, and gulped down several mouthfuls.

He remembered the kind-hearted young man who always followed behind him, shouting "Captain, wait for me!" but who had his body torn apart by the Kunmo Race while covering for him.

That kid, just a few days ago, secretly asked him how many battle merits he needed to exchange for a "Gongshi" rank, because he planned to confess his feelings to a girl in the fleet.

Liu Yuan silently looked at the list of names, his finger lingering on one name for a long time.

He was a master swordsman, his skill with the Western fencing was superb, and he had a unique understanding of the rules. The two often sparred and exchanged ideas.

He should have had a bright future, but he fell before dawn.

Joy and sorrow intertwined, bringing tears to the eyes of even the toughest men.

They achieved the glory and future they had always dreamed of, but the brothers who fought alongside them would never see them again.

Just then, Xuanji's district-wide broadcast sounded, and Lin Yi's calm voice resounded throughout the entire Eastern Edge base, reaching the ears of every team member:

"All members of Eastern Edge."

As soon as the sound rang out, everyone instinctively straightened up, composed themselves, and listened intently.

"In this battle, we have lived up to our mission and successfully defended the ' Helios ' base. This glory is earned with your blood, sweat, and loyalty."

"But the road to victory was fraught with thorns. In this battle, twenty-three comrades lay buried on a foreign planet. We will never forget their sacrifice."

"From this day forward, all fallen brothers will be compensated with three times their battle merits. Their due titles and corresponding benefits may be inherited by their designated Heir. Titles may be inherited three times, and benefits will be inherited until the title naturally expires."

Their blood will not have been shed in vain.

Their contributions will benefit future generations.

Their names will be etched in the annals of Eastern Edge and even the Silverblue!

Triple the merits, inherited for three generations!

This means that the families of those fallen comrades will not only receive generous compensation, but also a title that can protect their families for generations.

Their blood was not shed in vain.

"Commander."

Many team members murmured to themselves, looking at the gray names on the roster with a sense of comfort and a responsibility to "live on for them too."

"Brothers!"

Andre abruptly raised his head. "Did you all hear what the Commander said? We survivors, who have received titles and enjoyed glory, must not forget our fallen brothers! From now on, you all better live well, and together we'll earn military merits and carve out a great future for them!"

"Yes!"

"Including their share!"

A mixed but resolute response rang out from the camp.

Grief was transformed into strength, and in the anticipation of the future, there was an added commitment to the departed.

The East Peak Mercenary Group has now successfully completed its mission.

The moment of parting finally arrived.

Tavik found Lin Yi beside the transport ship that was about to set sail back to the near-Earth orbit fleet.

This commander, who was always known for his resolute demeanor, solemnly took out a metal wine flask that looked quite old, with minor dents and scratches on it.

"Commander Lin Yi."

"This is a specialty of my hometown, lava liquor," Tavik said. "I've been saving it for a long time, but I haven't been able to bring myself to drink it."

He shoved the wine jug into Lin Yi's hand, saying, "If it weren't for you and Eastern Edge's brothers, we would all probably be dead here. You must accept this jug of wine."

Lin Yi didn't refuse and nodded. "Fighting side by side is my duty."

Tavik grinned, revealing a set of white teeth. "When I retire from the Star Realm Army someday and have nowhere to go, I might have to come and seek refuge with Commander Lin Yi. Don't look down on old Tavik for being so incompetent then."

Upon hearing this, Lin Yi also revealed a rare hearty smile, "Haha, a talent like Commander Tavik is exactly what Eastern Edge needs. The door is always open for you!"

On the other side, Eastern Edge's team members were also saying goodbye to their Star Realm Army comrades who had fought side by side for many days.

Unlike the previous pure celebrations, this farewell carries a heavier and more sincere tone.

"Brother, take care!" An Eastern Edge member gave the Veteran Platform of the Star Realm Army who had once saved his life a tight hug.

"Remember what I said, Eastern Edge will always welcome you when you retire."

Eastern Edge's squad leader held tightly to the hand of an Star Realm Army officer.

A female medic from the Star Realm Army, unusually reserved, approached an Eastern Edge member and handed him a small amulet radiating gentle life energy. "Take care."

The laughter and chatter may have lessened, but the tightly clasped hands, the firm embraces, and the sincere blessings speak volumes more than ever about the bond forged between life and death.

The transport ship slowly ascended, leaving the "Helios" base and the still-expanding human-controlled area below.

Through the porthole, one can see the rapidly forming skeleton of the second condenser in the distance, like a brand new hope standing on the red earth.

Back on the North Wind, Aurelia was already waiting on the bridge.

She looked at Lin Yi and his teammates who had returned safely, a hint of relief flashing in her usually cool eyes.

"Welcome back," she said softly.

Almost simultaneously, Xuanji's notification sound rang out:

[Commander, the settlement for this mercenary mission has been completed, and the military merits have been transferred to the East Peak Mercenary Group's account.]

[Task Rating: Perfect.]

[Basic military merit points gained: 5 million; Additional reward: 2 million points; Killing the enemy commander: 3 million points; Total military merit points gained: 10 million.]

[All individual battle merits and corresponding titles have been calculated and registered in the Silver Blue Civilization Merit Management System.]

A huge sum of military merits was earned, enough to exchange for a large amount of scarce resources.

But Lin Yi didn't show much joy; he was more concerned about the losses that couldn't be measured in numbers.

"Xuanji, have you confirmed that the triple merits and the inheritance of titles for the fallen soldiers have been properly handled?"

[Confirmed. The military merits (calculated at three times the base value) of all 23 fallen soldiers have been separately transferred to the accounts of their designated or Heir Heir. The inheritance process for their "Gongshi" title (some soldiers' merits, after being calculated at three times the base value, have reached the "Shangzao" standard) and related benefits has been initiated, and system monitoring shows that the process is proceeding smoothly.]

Lin Yi nodded, paused for a moment, and continued to issue orders, "Pass down the word that after the first batch of troops and supplies arrive, when the transport ships return, they should properly send the remains and belongings of the fallen soldiers back to their hometowns with the highest honors."

"In addition, a regimental-wide communication is issued: Anyone who wishes to retire and return home may return with this transport ship, and the regiment will provide full retirement pay. Even those who do not wish to retire may apply for rotation home leave once every five transport ship resupply cycles; this will be established as a regular practice."

The order was issued and transmitted throughout the entire East Peak Fleet via the Xuanji).

However, he was met with an almost unanimous response from the captains and crew members of each ship—no one was willing to leave at this moment.

They chose to continue following Lin Yi, fighting in this sea of stars, for themselves and for the brothers who could not return with them.

Just as Lin Yi finished dealing with these military affairs and was preparing to go to the training room to exercise, Xuanji reminded him again:

[Received Virtual Network meeting invitation from Ninth Senior Brother Cang Ming.]

Lin Yi's heart stirred, and he chose to accept.

Consciousness reappeared on that metal observation deck that seemed to have been ravaged by war, with shattered stars and slowly rotating nebula dust in the distance.

Cang Ming was still dressed in a long black robe, his back to him, gazing into the distance from the railing.

Sensing Lin Yi's arrival, Cang Ming slowly turned around, a hint of approval on his face:

"Junior Brother, you did a fantastic job on Crimson Blood Star this time. Especially that final decapitation strike—the timing, decisiveness, and methods were all exemplary. It seems you not only have exceptional talent in cultivation, but your grasp of opportunities and your keen sense of warfare are also rare."

"You flatter me, senior brother. It was just a matter of necessity," Lin Yi said humbly.

"No need to be so modest." Cang Ming waved his hand, then his expression became slightly more formal. "The main reason I'm here is to inform you of something. The time for our gathering of fellow disciples has been set for six months from now."

He paused, a strange look on his face. "Normally, these gatherings are arranged after everyone has naturally emerged from seclusion. But this time, as is customary, I first asked Master if he was free and if he would do me the honor of joining us. Actually, in the past, Master was afraid we would feel awkward, so he usually didn't participate."

As he spoke, Cang Ming glanced at Lin Yi suspiciously, "But this time, Master actually said he wants to participate."

Lin Yi was also slightly startled.

"Since Master is participating, the timing will definitely be based on Master's convenience," Cang Ming continued. "Therefore, it's set for six months from now. I will inform the other senior brothers and sisters so they can emerge from seclusion at that time. Junior brother, you must remember the time and not miss this opportunity."

He specifically emphasized the word "opportunity".

"Lin Yi understands, thank you for informing me, Senior Brother." Lin Yi solemnly replied.

"Yes, that's the main point. You've just been through a major battle, go back and rest well."

Cang Ming nodded, his figure slowly fading away and disappearing into the virtual space.

As consciousness returned, Lin Yi took a deep breath.

His master suddenly agreed to attend the gathering; was there some deeper meaning behind this? He had no idea.

But the gathering six months later was undoubtedly an important step for him to get in touch with the core of his sect.

With everything settled, the East Peak Fleet began its return to the fortress where the Star Realm Army 93778th Legion was stationed. As a cooperative Mercenary Group, Eastern Edge had obtained a fixed base at the fortress, requiring only periodic payments.

Continuous high-intensity combat requires a thorough maintenance and overhaul of both personnel and equipment.

Furthermore, the large amount of cultivation resources, technical blueprints, and weapons and equipment obtained through the military merit system also need to be digested and absorbed after being distributed by the military, and then transformed into real combat power.

A month passed quietly in relatively peaceful rest and training.

Lin Yi rarely left his house, spending most of his time consolidating his cultivation and using newly acquired resources to enhance his strength.

Amidst the joy of receiving their titles and the complex emotions of missing their fallen comrades, the members of Eastern Edge trained diligently, absorbing the experience from the battlefield.

Until this day, Xuanji's voice interrupted Lin Yi's meditation.

"Commander, Captain Buck, the Commander of the Blood Wolf Mercenary Group, requests a visit."

Lin Yi opened his eyes.

He knew that the Blood Wolf Mercenary Group had just returned to the fortress to rest after completing a mission a few days ago.

Because Commander Buck of the Blood Wolf visited them as soon as he returned, and even brought back local specialties from their mission area.

The Blood Wolf's Commander Buck, may seem rough and tough, but he's actually quite shrewd and well-informed in the surrounding area. They've cooperated several times during previous border missions, and since their bases are close together, their relationship is pretty good.

Didn't you just come a few days ago? Why are you here again?

A hint of suspicion arose in Lin Yi's heart, and he gave instructions to Xuanji.

Please invite him to the reception room.

A moment later, the burly Commander Buck strode into the reception room.

His face, unlike his usual carefree smile, appeared quite solemn.

After a brief exchange of pleasantries, Commander Buck, without even touching the drinks on the table, went straight to the point:

"Commander Lin Yi, I've just received some news that I felt I had to remind you of."

He paused, then said, word by word:

"Crimson Blood Star, something's happened."