Lost at Sunrise, Ellie's Aid

A few days later, on the "Veteran Platform" platform, a series of free courses, "A Brief Analysis of the Practical Application of the Metal Rule (Elite Optimization)," were quietly launched under a newly registered account named "Eastern Edge - Lin Yi."

The virtual image background is simple, and Lin Yi is dressed in casual clothes.

"Fellow soldiers," Lin Yi began simply and directly, "the Star Realm Army's <Basic Combat Manual> and <Standards for the Application of the Metal Rule> are the cornerstones tested by war, and are the guidelines that every soldier must master."

"What I'm sharing here are my personal experiences in the battles against the Kunmo Race. This is applicable to those who have already laid a solid foundation and aspire to pursue better solutions in the details."

At the edge of the K-77 star system, in a Frontline base located in a Tier 3 battlefield, Hogan, Star Vortex level commander with three silver stars embroidered on his shoulder insignia, was browsing the platform during a lull in the battle.

He majored in the Metal Rule, and upon seeing Lin Yi's name and noticing that it was also about the Metal Rule, he immediately clicked on it.

"Node optimization for the Gold Shield?"

Hogan raised a thick eyebrow and immediately began simulating the pose in his private training area.

A few minutes later, a hint of surprise flashed in his eyes.

"That's interesting. Although this kind of trick has limited effect on improving Star Vortex level, the idea of such precise control can definitely be taught to the lower-level characters. If those Star Core level guys can master this technique, their survival rate will increase significantly."

Hogan didn't hesitate to send the course link to his battle group's intranet, adding the note, "All practitioners of the Metal Rule, study and discuss on your own. Each company should submit their reflections in one week."

For him, Lin Yi's free courses were a beneficial supplement to improving the overall combat effectiveness of the troops.

Hogan's actions represent the general attitude of junior officers in the Star Realm Army.

Pragmatic, emphasizing the practical improvement effect of the courses on grassroots combat capabilities.

In the video, Lin Yi then analyzed a common move called "Pojun Slash".

"Standard tutorials require filling every circuit with energy to achieve maximum burst. But I've noticed something at this cyclical point..."

Lin Yi marked a key turning point in the energy path. "If about 15% to 20% of the energy is retained, it will not only not weaken the power of the core strike, but will also eliminate the slight stiffness caused by the energy infusion, making the connection between the finishing move and subsequent tactical actions smoother. It can be about 0.1 seconds faster."

"That fraction of a second could be the decisive advantage in a close encounter, but it requires a certain level of control over energy sources, and I recommend that elites learn it."

Lin Yi's explanations were devoid of vague theories; they were all based on practical experience, focusing on micro-innovations and optimizations of the existing system's details, much like a top-notch sergeant sharing his unique expertise.

In fact, Lin Yi was well aware that the training manuals developed by the Star Realm Army over the years must be the optimal solution that balances efficiency and power. However, what he provided was a direction for those Veteran Platform and elites who were capable of taking it a step further.

After all, in order to optimize these basic moves, Lin Yi not only used up his own insights but also spent almost half a year's worth of Spiritual Enlightenment Qi to conduct an in-depth exploration.

Lin Yi thought to himself that unless someone at the World Derivation level came down to specifically study these minor techniques, no one could match his level of mastery.

Initially, the course went smoothly after its launch.

But as time went on, especially after many officers like Hogan began to recommend it, and after elites and Veteran Platform in front-line units tried and verified it, the course began to receive more and more positive feedback.

These comments all exhibit a typical military style.

"The marker-node optimization method, verified by the Seventh Patrol Team, effectively raises the shield's critical point when facing the high-intensity attacks of the Kunmo Race's Claw Assault Team, thus buying a crucial time window for counterattacks. It is recommended for members with excellent or higher source energy control precision."

"The technique of conserving energy with the Pojun Slash has been incorporated into the Blood Blade Squad's internal training curriculum. Initial feedback: Team members skilled in agile raids are adapting well, while those focused on direct, aggressive attacks need an adjustment period. Thank you for providing this new idea."

"The content has high reference value and can be used as supplementary teaching material for standard tactical training to stimulate soldiers to think more deeply about the application of their own capabilities."

"His approach is unconventional, but undeniably effective. Lin Yi of the East Peak Mercenary Group truly lives up to his reputation."

These responses were calm, objective, and clearly pragmatic.

These comments suggest that Lin Yi's free courses are seen as a high-level supplement and inspiration for optimizing mature military training systems.

In the eyes of these people, the value of the course lies in providing personalized solutions and improvement paths from top talents to elites who have reached the upper limit of the standard and are beginning to seek breakthroughs.

Soon, the number of people paying attention to the course began to grow steadily.

This free course has been updated for nearly two years. Through continuous high-quality basic courses, the name "Eastern Edge - Lin Yi" has gradually become associated with labels such as "practical elite" and "optimization master" within the platform.

Two years later, feeling that he had established a good reputation, Lin Yi officially launched his carefully prepared paid column.

In his course introduction, Lin Yi clearly stated that the course was positioned as both "supplementary" and "advanced".

The first column is <Space Rule: A Guide to Phenomenon Identification and Basic Responses>.

Lin Yi priced it at 200,000 military merits.

In his introduction, he clearly stated, "This course is not a systematic transmission of Space Rule, nor is it intended to train spatial practitioners. Its core objective is to help those in need to better identify and warn of enemy spatial abilities, and to master several defensive strategies that may be implemented at the Star Core level level."

This course covers "Analysis of Common Spatial Fluctuation Characteristics", "Beyond-Line-of-Sight Teleportation Early Warning Techniques", "Principles of Basic Spatial Interference Force Field Arrangement", and "Defensive Postures Against Low-Order Spatial Cutting".

Lin Yi wasn't afraid that this knowledge would be used against him, since it was just basic application.

Moreover, once the Time Rule are mastered, the combination of time and space becomes a completely different concept.

The second column is <Life Rule: Specific Battlefield Damage Response and Survival Enhancement>.

Lin Yi valued it at 100,000 military merits.

At Xuanji's suggestion, Lin Yi wrote the following introduction:

"Focusing on the emergency treatment and resistance to various regular types of damage most frequently encountered in current battles against the Kunmo Race, such as 'Deadly Erosion' and 'High-Frequency Energy Oscillation.' This content serves as a supplement and enhancement to standard battlefield first aid, aiming to improve an individual's chances of sustained combat and survival in harsh environments."

The content includes "Rapid Identification and Suppression Methods for Specific Rule-Based Toxins", "Techniques for Maintaining Life Core in a Severely Injured State", and "Introduction to Purification Guide for Several Common Rule-Based Attacks".

After the course was released, Lin Yi thought that the Space Rule column would be a best-selling item.

After all, this is the rule from above.

However, the truth is quite the opposite.

The sales curve for the "Space Rule" column was flat. Although there were quite a few buyers, it was far less than he had expected, and the comments section was also rational and restrained.

"The course has a clear positioning and targeted content. However, the 200,000 military merit requirement means that its target audience is mainly a select group of ambitious individuals or specific research departments."

"Legion-level fortresses already possess large-scale spatial stability matrices, sufficient to suppress rule-level spatial forces. This course can only enhance the autonomous response capabilities of warband-level units to Space Rule, making it of very low necessity."

However, amidst the overwhelming majority of pessimistic voices, a small group of people, without commenting, were secretly making purchases.

In the Core Zone of the Human Race's territory, the third elder of the "Lan Family," a family with a long history that originated from military achievements, is reviewing a procurement list.

Lin Yi's <Space Rule: A Guide to Phenomenon Identification and Basic Responses> is prominently featured on the list.

"Two hundred thousand military merits have exceeded the budget."

A deacon whispered a reminder.

The Third Elder shook his head and slowly said, "This is Lin Yi, who has completely mastered the Space Rule at the Star Core level. I believe that although this course is called a coping guide, it actually contains his fundamental understanding of the Space Rule."

"We didn't buy it expecting any of our disciples to learn the Space Rule from it; that's unrealistic. But placing it in the family's Myriad Phenomena Pavilion as a high-level reference book to broaden the horizons of our core disciples and enlighten their thinking about rules is perfect. It can let them know how true geniuses think about problems."

"This investment is for the family's future, and it's worthwhile."

"Besides, I think if we don't buy it now, the price might be higher later."

And so, an order representing the Lan Family was quietly generated.

For these well-established families, Lin Yi's Space Rule course is a valuable resource for knowledge accumulation and intellectual enlightenment with long-term strategic value.

Similarly, for those veteran powerhouses who have been stagnant at the Star Domain level for many years, whose future is uncertain and whose own rule system is difficult to advance, this course provides a perspective from top geniuses on higher-level rules.

A veteran Star Domain level expert anonymously purchased the course left the following comment in the internal communication circle.

"Two hundred thousand military merits for an opportunity to learn from the prodigy's understanding of Space Rule —not a bad deal. Lin Yi's explanation of spatial patterns goes straight to the core, providing several feasible entry points for perception. Although it may not be enough to master the basics, it can still inspire one to draw parallels and understand one's own rules."

But these two types of people are, after all, a minority.

Therefore, in the short term, the sales of <Space Rule> were indeed far below expectations.

But, if it's dark in the east, it's bright in the west.

To Lin Yi's surprise, the "Life Rule" column presented a completely different and wildly popular scene.

The number of comments in the comment section is also much higher than the number of comments in the Space Rule course.

"The Death Erosion Purification Guided Method has been successfully applied to three critically wounded Frontline soldiers. Combined with standard treatment chambers, the recovery rate has increased by approximately 0.4%. We recommend that medical units pay attention to this."

"The specific rule-based toxin suppression method has proven effective in missions, slightly increasing the team's self-rescue success rate when encountering Kunmo Race poison mist attacks. An application has been submitted to make this course a mandatory advanced subject for this unit."

At the headquarters of a medium-sized Mercenary Group adjacent to the K-77 star system, the Commander Sang Yan, a Star Domain level expert, was convening a meeting with the core management team.

One of the issues was whether or not to purchase Lin Yi's "Life Rule" course.

"Commander, 100,000 military merits is no small amount." The logistics officer looked troubled.

Sang Yan slammed his fist on the table and said in a deep voice, "Is military merit more important than life? We've been taking on tough missions, and our casualty rate has remained consistently high. The Kunmo Race's death-related and poison gas-related rules are the main reasons we've lost so many brothers."

"You guys do the math. How much does it cost to train a core team member? How much loss is there if one dies? This investment can reduce casualties, improve mission completion rate and team cohesion. In the long run, it saves money! Buy it!"

This Mercenary Group's procurement reflects the true situation of countless Mercenary Group.

They are willing to pay a high price for knowledge that can genuinely improve survival rates.

Lin Yi then offered a summary of the sudden surge in popularity surrounding the Life Rule.

He believes that the success of the Life Rule course is fundamentally due to its precise targeting of the higher demands on medical protection systems in the current war environment.

It doesn't offer alternatives, but rather targeted "reinforcement patches" and "emergency measures."

It's not a choice between two options; it's more like upgrading version 1 to 1.01.

Although the improvement may be small, it's a matter of life and death, so even a tiny improvement is worthwhile.

However, among those comments, there was one type that left Lin Yi feeling somewhat amused and exasperated.

Below the Life Rule section, there were surprisingly many requests related to Aurelia.

"Commander Lin, I apologize for disturbing you. Your esteemed commander Aurelia, as a Spirit Race, employs energy guidance methods for the application of the Life Rule that differ significantly from our mainstream Human Race traditions, especially in dealing with deep rule entanglements and soul-level trauma, where she possesses unique advantages. Our Advanced Medical Research Institute hopes to establish a channel of communication to discuss the purification plan for the 'K-77-03 Dead Variant.'"

"Standard Soul Stabilization Techniques are ineffective in treating soul shock injuries caused by high-intensity rule impacts. Ms. Aurelia has successfully handled similar cases. We earnestly request guidance on feasible research directions or auxiliary techniques. The reward amount is negotiable."

After all, most of the Spirit Race active in Human Race territory have certain status, and contacting them often brings various troubles. Even Spirit Race like Aurelia, who has left her homeland, is considered top-tier among Star Domain level families.

Therefore, relatively speaking, the Spirit Race's knowledge of Life Rule is still quite scarce.

Inside the cultivation room, Lin Yi examined the detailed data analysis report submitted by Xuanji.

"Master, the data confirms our previous judgment. The demand for <Life Rule> is enormous, and consultations related to Ms. Aurelia involve even more high-end and scarce fields. The Space Rule course, on the other hand, has formed a stable demand within a specific circle," Xuanji summarized.

"Hmm." Lin Yi nodded. "The path of mass teaching of Space Rule is not feasible. Do you have any suggestions?"

"It is recommended that future updates to the <Space Rule> column include key content such as 'Analysis of Typical Spatial Battle Cases' and 'Practical Implementation of Low-Cost Interference Solutions.' At the same time, maintain its theoretical depth and unique perspective to preserve its appeal to high-level cultivators and powerful factions. Keep the price unchanged and continue serving specific core clients."

"As for the ' Life Rule ' column, we will maintain high-quality updates and consolidate our advantages."

"Hmm," Lin Yi nodded in agreement.

He then turned his gaze outside the quiet room. "There's something else you didn't mention: filter out the professional consultation requests specifically for Ellie. I'll go discuss it with her."

Soon, Lin Yi found Aurelia in the base's tactical analysis room.

She was deep in thought, staring at the star chart, when she noticed Lin Yi approaching and looked up.

"Commander."

Lin Yi sat down opposite Aurelia and got straight to the point, explaining the current state of the platform, market feedback on different courses, and the professional inquiries directed at her.

Upon hearing this, a hint of surprise flashed in Aurelia's emerald eyes, then she lowered her gaze slightly, a faint blush rising on her cheeks.

She was naturally aware that the gossip about the two of them on the Virtual Network had not only not stopped, but had spread even further.

"Let me... answer your questions? Or even... give you a lecture?" Aurelia hesitated.

Lin Yi understood her concerns. After thinking for a moment, he said, "It's not about making you show your face in public. You can think of it as a special kind of academic exchange and resource sharing."

"Your Spirit Race possesses a unique perspective and effective methods for dealing with certain types of harm, which our Human Race standard system may not have. This exchange is not only beneficial to our Human Race, but also to the development of the Xina Family within Human Race territory."

Lin Yi paused, then added, "And you don't need to feel pressured. You can start by trying out questions that interest you and that you're confident in. If you think it's feasible, then consider whether to provide more in-depth consultations or customized short courses as a special expert."

"Eastern Edge is your backing, Xuanji will handle all external affairs. Of course, matters involving the core secrets of your family will not be disclosed."

Aurelia was silent for a moment, then finally looked up at Lin Yi and asked, "Commander, do you need to exchange for something? Are you short of military merits?"

"Forehead"

Lin Yi was speechless for a moment, then frankly admitted, "It's not much different. With a little more time, it's enough to put it all together. You don't need to worry about it."

"I understand." She took a soft breath.

Shortly after, on the "Veteran Platform" platform, the "Eastern Edge - Lin Yi" account was added with the certification mark "Special Consultant: Aurelia Sheena (Life Rule Specialist)".

Aurelia carefully selected several difficult questions concerning deep rule purification, soul trauma soothing, and special energy erosion treatment, and provided extremely professional and detailed answers.

Her answers are rigorous and systematic, drawing on classical texts and demonstrating meticulous logic. The solutions she provides often combine theoretical depth with practical feasibility, complementing the mainstream thinking of the Human Race.

Inside the cultivation room, Xuanji presented Lin Yi with the final prediction model.

"Master, thanks to the strategic adjustments and Ms. Aurelia's unique contributions, military merit income will enter a period of stable growth."

"After comprehensively evaluating all channels, we estimate that the time required to accumulate the military merits needed for the Fleeting Splendor' can be shortened to fourteen to fifteen years. Furthermore, we have established preliminary contacts with several military medical departments, advanced research institutions, and some prominent families."

Lin Yi slowly opened his eyes.

"Very good."

This can be seen as a loss on one front but a gain on another; the Kunmo Race's strategic adjustment has forced him to successfully open up a stable supply line in the invisible battlefield of knowledge.

This is not only an accumulation of military achievements, but also an expansion of influence and resources.

--

Time flew by during practice and while teaching and answering questions.

Approximately fifteen years later.

Inside the cultivation room, Xuanji's figure solidified once more. This time, her usually calm and gentle face also carried a hint of barely perceptible joy.

"Master, we have just received the latest notification from the Star Realm Army Merit Settlement Center."

Lin Yi opened his eyes and looked at Xuanji.

"We have successfully collected enough military merits, and slightly exceeded the minimum amount required to exchange for the Fleeting Splendor."

Even with Lin Yi's calm and collected nature, a hint of joy appeared in his eyes upon hearing this news.

"Very good."

Lin Yi nodded slightly, his gaze falling on the long string of numbers that finally settled on the light screen.

Nearly fifteen years of continuous investment and operation have finally borne fruit at this moment.

He stood up. "Xuanji, immediately use the required military merits to exchange for Fleeting Splendor. We're lucky; it hasn't been exchanged for by anyone else during this time."

I'm finding it a bit too much to handle consistently writing 10,000 words a day; I overestimated myself...