The Proposal is Good, But I Refuse

Time flies, stars turn, and forty years have passed since Lin Yi decisively killed the Blade Prince Talolanke and began his "score-farming" journey.

These forty years may be just a blink of an eye for the star races with long lifespans, but for the Kunmo Race in the K-77 star system and the more than ten adjacent War Zone, it has been a long and frustrating period.

Lin Yi, this name is like a nightmare, constantly looming over the Kunmo Race's Level 2 battlefield.

He accepted all sorts of highly difficult battlefield missions at a rate that drove his opponents to despair.

With the absolute suppressive power of his Triple Domain and the unpredictable Space Rule, he was like a god of death walking among the stars.

Wherever he went, the Kunmo Race's offensive was inevitably thwarted, and their carefully laid defenses were often easily torn apart. Under his leadership, the East Peak Mercenary Group had long since become a sharp force that struck fear into the hearts of the Kunmo Race.

However, in the past two decades, Lin Yi has mostly acted alone.

On the one hand, following the main force to clear out the enemy is indeed less efficient than using his spatial abilities to carry out precise "decapitations".

On the other hand, the latest "Star Domain level" personal spaceship, "Shadow Shuttle," which was given to him as a "signing fee" after he signed the contract with "Star Dome Dynamics," also provided him with excellent protection for his solo operations due to its superior performance.

The "Shadow Shuttle" is small in size and can only accommodate a few people, but it uses the most advanced stealth technology and hyperspace engine from Star Dome Dynamics, making it extremely maneuverable. Whether it is infiltration, pursuit or withdrawal, it is far superior to ordinary warships.

Lin Yi piloted the "Shadow Shuttle" like a ghost, traversing various secondary battlefields. Often, before the Kunmo Race could react, he had already completed his hunt and sped away.

Under his relentless attacks, the Kunmo Race suffered repeated defeats on the secondary battlefield, their morale plummeted, and many areas where they had previously held an advantage were forced to shrink, resulting in a significant reversal of the strategic situation.

The Kunmo Race is responsible for the Supreme Command of the entire K-series War Zone.

The atmosphere was so heavy it was almost palpable.

A colossal being, covered in thick, dark gold bone armor and radiating an aura of eternity, was gazing at the areas on the star map marked as "high-risk" or "fallen," most of which were associated with one name— Lin Yi.

"Forty years."

Its deep voice echoed in the command room, laced with suppressed anger, "This Lin Yi, doesn't he need to cultivate?"

This is the biggest question lingering in the minds of all the high-ranking Kunmo Race who are paying attention to this matter.

Logically speaking, for a prodigy like Lin Yi, time is the most precious resource.

They need to spend a long time comprehending the more profound rules, and they also need to spend time condensing Star Core to cultivate and perfect powerful combat skills.

Appearing in Tiered Battlefield is usually to test what one has learned, or to fight to the death with opponents of the same level, seeking a breakthrough under extreme pressure.

Lin Yi, who has already mastered the Triple Domain and possesses power far exceeding that of his peers, does not go into seclusion to break through to a higher realm. Instead, he acts like a "battlefield cleaner," spending long periods of time in the second-level battlefield, brutally killing opponents whose understanding of the rules is far inferior to his. This behavior is simply incomprehensible.

In fact, under normal circumstances, news of the outcome of a single Tier 2 battle would not even reach it.

This falls under the jurisdiction of the star sector commander.

However, Lin Yi kept taking down a level-two battlefield every few days, and these were all key locations. The star field commanders couldn't handle it, so they would send out requests for help each time.

This went on for forty years, until it finally couldn't sit still any longer.

"Riftclaw King, above."

A member of the Kunmo Race cautiously stated, "We analyze that there are two possibilities. First, his Rule Comprehension may have encountered a significant bottleneck, which is difficult to overcome in a short period of time, thus he is focusing his energy on honing his combat skills and accumulating resources. Second, perhaps the cultivation method he practices is special, requiring him to draw some kind of power from continuous killing?"

The Kunmo Race known as the Cracked Claw snorted coldly, "Whatever the reason, we can't let him continue like this!"

"Otherwise, if the situation in the K-series War Zone deteriorates, Human Race Star Realm Army to focus its efforts, it could even affect the overall strategic layout of the war."

How it longed to personally take action and slap this despicable Human Race insect to death!

However, the rules of the Tiered Battlefield severely restrict it.

The forceful intervention of a power exceeding the Star Core level triggered a backlash against the rules and subsequent chain reactions that it could not withstand.

"Have you thought of any solutions?" Riftclaw King asked.

The Kunmo Race's voice was even lower. "The combination of Triple Domain and Space Rule is almost unsolvable in a level two battlefield. Unless..."

"Unless what?"

"Unless we can gather several equally top-tier geniuses from the Dual Domain and set up a carefully laid ambush, we might have a chance to repel them by virtue of our numerical advantage and tacit cooperation."

It suggested a possibility, "However, those prodigies who can reach this level are all treasures of their respective royal families, proud and arrogant, with complex backgrounds. They are either in seclusion trying to break through to the Triple Domain, or training in higher-level battlefields or secret realms. With the authority of a subordinate, it is simply impossible to mobilize them."

Riftclaw King silent.

It knew that what its subordinates said was true.

The Eternal Divine level is supreme in the eyes of ordinary warriors, but it is still somewhat insufficient in the face of those top geniuses with the bloodline of the Venerable Lord.

The only thing that could make those prodigies willingly risk their lives to hunt down a monster of the Triple Domain is the intervention of an even more powerful being, or the payment of a price they cannot refuse.

After much hesitation, a decisive glint flashed in the eyes of the Riftclaw King.

It could no longer stand by and watch Lin Yi run rampant.

Then, it activated a bloodline, connecting it to a higher being.

A moment later, a powerful and majestic thought descended.

What is it?

An ancient and chilling voice resounded directly within the soul of the Riftclaw King.

"The great Bloodblade Venerable."

Riftclaw King respectfully reported, "The situation regarding the Human Race prodigy Lin Yi has deteriorated to..."

He quickly recounted Lin Yi's "misdeeds" over the past forty years and the current predicament on the battlefield.

"Your subordinates are incompetent and unable to control them. If this continues, it may shake the morale of our army and damage the prestige of our clan. I humbly request Your Majesty to decide whether it is possible to dispatch our clan's top Dual Domain geniuses to encircle and kill them. Even if we cannot succeed, we must curb their arrogance and prevent them from acting so recklessly again!"

It didn't mention the ordinary Dual Domain; for those spatial cultivators in the Triple Domain, it was no different from sending them to their deaths.

There was a moment of silence on the other end, as if the cold thought was weighing its options.

After a long silence, the voice rang out again:

"Ke. Gelagu, Shalisi, Balote will be coming to you. How they are dealt with is entirely up to you. Remember, you only have one chance."

As soon as the words were spoken, the thought faded away.

Riftclaw King made up his mind, but at the same time felt a chill run down his spine.

The Bloodblade Venerable actually dispatched these three directly.

These three are currently the strongest among the Star Core level members of the clan. They are all formidable figures with a long history in the Dual Domain, each with a glorious record, and are only one step away from the Triple Domain.

With the three of them working together and using their unique methods, they should be able to defeat Lin Yi. In fact, if Lin Yi were to overestimate himself, they might even have a chance to severely injure him.

After all, combat effectiveness is influenced by more than just the Rule Comprehension; tactics, secret techniques, and even courage are all important factors.

On this point, Riftclaw King believed that these three prodigies of his clan were no less capable than Lin Yi.

--

One month later.

Lin Yi has just completed a surprise attack on a forward supply base of the Kunmo Race.

Piloting the "Shadow Shuttle," he was like an assassin in the dark, easily breaking through the outer perimeter and destroying the base's energy core and several warehouses with lightning speed. Before the Kunmo Race reinforcements could surround him, he had already activated the hyperspace engine and disappeared into the vast sea of stars.

Sitting in the comfortable cockpit of the "Shadow Shuttle," Lin Yi checked the battle results and military merit entries compiled by Xuanji.

Forty years of uninterrupted hunting led to an astonishing accumulation of military merits, though far less than the one earned when he killed Talolanke, but the merits lay in the steady, gradual process.

More importantly, in this high-intensity real combat, he became more and more proficient in using the Triple Domain, and the combination of several rules became more and more exquisite.

Although there was no qualitative breakthrough in the Rule Comprehension, the combat power was steadily improving.

"Master, an emergency distress call has been received from the ' Star Shatter Belt ' War Zone, from the 'Kans' space station."

Xuanji's gentle yet clear voice rang out in the quiet cabin, "Mission data indicates that the Kunmo Race has launched a large-scale surprise attack, far exceeding normal levels. The space station's shield energy is rapidly decreasing, and the defense line is on the verge of collapse."

Lin Yi slowly opened his eyes, his gaze deep and unwavering.

Over the past forty years, he has handled far too many similar requests for help.

Although the Kunmo Race suffered repeated defeats on the secondary battlefield, they were not to be underestimated. They frequently amassed large forces to launch counterattacks aimed at seizing key points, since their importance would diminish if their numbers were too great.

"Analyze the battlefield star map and assess the threat level," Lin Yi ordered.

The screen unfolded in front of him, clearly marking the enemy and friendly positions in the "Star Shatter Belt" War Zone.

The crimson symbol representing the Kunmo Race surged like a boiling tide, almost drowning out the blue dot representing the "Kans" space station.

"The mission indicates that the threat level is 'high.' The probability of the space station falling is over 87%."

Xuanji quickly gave her conclusion.

"Accept support mission."

Lin Yi stood up. "Set the course, target 'Kans' space station. Full speed ahead."

"Command confirmed. Shadow Shuttle enters hyperspace passage."

The streamlined spaceship shuddered slightly, then tore through the tranquil starry sky, plunged into the bizarre hyperspace portal, and sped towards the war-torn star field.

When the Shadow Shuttle once again broke free of hyperspace and appeared in the "Star Shatter Belt" War Zone, the scene before it was utterly devastating.

The massive "Kans" space station's external armor was riddled with holes, and its energy shield flickered unpredictably, like a candle in the wind.

Countless Kunmo Race, like sharks smelling blood, frantically charged at the defensive line, their energy cannon fire and acid breath weaving a web of destruction.

The Star Realm Army' resistance was tenacious, but their situation appeared precarious.

Lin Yi did not rush out of the spaceship immediately. Instead, he walked to the hatch first. Before stepping out of the spaceship and standing in the last moment before the cold vacuum and the noise of war, he raised his hands and his fingertips were surrounded by condensed silver light. As if weaving, he inserted fine but extremely stable spatial runes into the spaceship's core energy source and coordinate anchor point.

A high-level spatial beacon, existing between reality and illusion and deeply anchored on the "Shadow Shuttle," was completed within a few breaths.

Unless the flagship is completely destroyed instantly, even under severe spatial interference, he can sense and activate it, returning instantly, thanks to his absolute mastery of Space Rule.

This was his escape route, and also the source of his confidence to roam the battlefield.

Having done all this, Lin Yi took a step forward, and his figure appeared in the most intense part of the war-torn starry sky.

He didn't even need to deliberately stimulate the growth; with a thought, the Gold Domain unfolded around him.

Within the Gold Domain, the air seemed to transform into billions of tiny, invisible blades, emitting a subtle yet chilling hiss. The Kunmo Race's Stardust level units were instantly disintegrated and annihilated, as if they had been thrown into an invisible crusher.

This single action instantly stabilized the previously collapsing local battlefront.

Then, ignoring the ragtag soldiers, Lin Yi's gaze, sharp as a hawk's, instantly locked onto a few figures among the remaining Star Core level Kunmo Race who exuded powerful auras.

These are all at the peak of the Star Core level, posing a greater threat and being more valuable.

Lin Yi locked onto one of them with his mind and was preparing to use spatial teleportation to get close and kill it.

A sudden change has occurred!

"Buzz!!"

Three undisguised, powerful auras, like three cold stars originally hidden in the darkness, suddenly erupted from the outer edge of the battlefield, and like three unsheathed swords, traversed space and instantly locked onto Lin Yi.

The oppressive feeling of this united aura far surpassed that of any previous opponent, even causing the surrounding clamor of battle to momentarily pause.

Ambush!

Alarm bells rang in Lin Yi's mind. Almost driven by his combat instincts, his consciousness instantly connected with the spatial beacon left on the "Shadow Shuttle," and his energy surged, preparing to activate it immediately and break away.

However, in the split second before the beacon was activated, Lin Yi keenly noticed a problem.

A unique fluctuation without Space Rule!

These three uninvited guests, though possessing vast and condensed energy levels, clearly demonstrated through the manifestation and interweaving of their rules that they were still at the level of perfecting the Dual Domain.

After discovering that there were no cultivators with Space Rule, and that they were only three at the Dual Domain, Lin Yi was no longer in a hurry to leave.

After all, once he leaves, the Kans Space Station will definitely fall, and none of the Star Realm Army left behind will be able to escape.

Given a choice, Lin Yi would certainly not easily abandon his comrades.

Moreover, he also wanted to see what tricks the Kunmo Race was up to.

Soon, the light appeared before Lin Yi.

These three powerful Kunmo Race belonged to the same high-level lineage as Talolanke, whom he had previously killed. They were humanoid in form, covered with carapaces that were full of biological texture yet shimmered with the light of rules, but the details and the surrounding rule radiance were completely different.

Furthermore, these three clearly knew the terror of spatial cultivators. Upon revealing themselves and locking onto him, they unhesitatingly compressed and condensed their own domains to the extreme, transforming them into a set of rule-based battle armor that covered their entire bodies and shimmered with light.

This is the strongest defensive stance when facing attacks that cannot be easily dodged.

The Kunmo Race directly in front was the most robust and imposing, resembling a moving small mountain.

It was covered by a suit of armor made of dark red, molten lava and thick, dark brown crystalline rock. Lava seemed to flow between the gaps in the shell, radiating a suffocating high temperature and the frenzied fury of fire. At the same time, the crystalline rock part gave people a sense of stability and indestructible weight, like the pulse of the earth.

To its left was a slightly slender figure.

Enveloped in a suit of armor resembling flowing azure mercury and constantly distorting and refracting light and shadow, it appeared both mysterious and agile.

As the battle armor shimmered with light, it seemed capable of devouring all attacks, while the distorted light and shadow constantly interfered with vision and perception, emanating a strange force field that was both flexible and distorted, like the ever-changing flow of water.

The Kunmo Race on the far right is covered with a bright silver armor with sharp edges and a cold, metallic sheen.

Its carapace surface not only flows with the unparalleled sharpness of gold, but also faintly lingers with a gray and Deathly Silence Qi that seems to erode life force, integrating extreme physical destruction with eerie death erosion.

The three Kunmo Race prodigies, all at the peak of the Dual Domain, shone with the light of their rule-based battle armor, forming a combined force field that acted like an invisible cage, locking Lin Yi in place.

"The advanced rules of Blazing Fusion, Earth, Water, and Twisting, and the advanced rules of Metal and Death—three Dual Domain perfections. This should place him among the top tier of the Kunmo Race. Looks like they're serious this time."

"I can't yet discern what their third near-perfect rule is, but based on that alone, they shouldn't be a match for me. They dared to come here, so they probably have something else to rely on."

Lin Yi's mind raced, and he immediately determined the rules that these three Kunmo Race prodigies were practicing.

At the same time, the burly powerhouse in lava crystal armor directly in front of them spoke in a deep, rumbling voice, like the rumble of the earth's core, carrying undisguised apprehension:

"Human Race, the battle merits and resources you have acquired in the level two battlefield are more than enough. Now, retreat and return to the stage that belongs to you, and we can let you leave."

From the left, the eerie figure within the shimmering, distorted armor spoke in a voice that was ethereal and carried a strange echo, tinged with helplessness. "As cultivators who control space, we admit that it's difficult to keep you here. However, if the three of us join forces and are willing to pay a sufficient price, we can still injure you. Rather than being injured and delaying your cultivation, it's better to retreat."

On the right, the Kunmo Race, imbued with the Death Rule, remained silent. However, it slightly raised the pair of saw blades in its hands, which were surrounded by dazzling golden light and deathly gray aura. Its chilling killing intent was so tangible that it locked onto Lin Yi, indicating that it was ready for a bloody battle and awaiting the final signal.

"Is this... a way to persuade someone to quit?"

Lin Yi instantly grasped the other party's strategic intentions.

These three opponents were extremely clear-headed, fully aware of how difficult and terrifying spatial cultivators were to kill, and without absolute certainty, they only hoped to force them to retreat.

Perception confirmed once again the composition of the opponent's armor of rules: explosive and heavy, ever-changing and twisted, extremely sharp and deathly silent.

There are indeed no rules classified as confinement or spatial.

Lin Yi made up his mind, and a cold and sharp smile appeared on his lips.

"Judging from their words, these three are like a stick trying to catch a wolf—afraid of both sides. After appearing, they didn't immediately attack but instead tried to mediate. Even if they have something to rely on, it's probably not much, or rather, they're not very confident."

Lin Yi guessed that these three guys might not even have come willingly.

"However, the three Dual Domain perfections, the rules combined for both offense and defense, and their strong complementarity, coupled with the unknown hidden trump cards, make it more troublesome than expected."

Lin Yi's mind raced, and he instantly weighed the options. "But the enemy is wary and unwilling to fight to the death; their morale has already dropped by a third. However, if I want to repel them and protect this space station, I must take this seriously and not be careless."

He raised his head, his gaze calmly sweeping over his three formidable opponents.

"Your proposal sounds quite good."

Lin Yi paused slightly, noticing the fleeting glint of joy in the other's compound eyes, then chuckled and said, word by word:

"But."

"I refuse!"

Please vote for me since I haven't asked for leave despite having a fever of 38.2 degrees Celsius.