Lanhe's Hint, Silver-Blue's Recruitment

Meanwhile, in the Pale Forbidden Land, at the East Peak Mercenary Group's camp.

As the pillar of energy that pierced through heaven and earth gradually dissipated, the extraordinary phenomena caused by the collective breakthrough of a thousand newly Star Vortex level experts also slowly began to subside.

Subsequently, these Star Vortex level experts quickly divided themselves into one hundred small teams of ten people each.

Immediately afterwards, from the already completed steel military camp next to it, a hundred squads of the Star Realm Army warriors clad in dark silver armor flew out as well.

These one hundred Star Realm Army squads, each with a thousand members, are generally at the high-level of the Star Core level.

The next moment, these one hundred mixed teams, consisting of Star Vortex level and Star Core level squads, shot off like arrows, transforming into one hundred streams of light of different colors, rising from the camp and rushing off in all directions.

Lin Yi stood outside the Command Center, gazing at the points of light that scattered across the continent like a meteor shower, his eyes deep and thoughtful.

He noticed that these streaks of light seemed to be heading towards the Royal City of those countries.

"The Star Realm Army remains as efficient as ever." A calm voice sounded beside me.

Lin Yi turned his head and saw that the Lanhe consultant had returned through the two-way passage at some point and was standing beside him, also looking at the departing lights.

"Lanhe Consultant."

Lin Yi nodded slightly in acknowledgment.

No need for such formalities.

Lanhe, the advisor, smiled, his gaze sweeping over the now much emptier camp. "This is standard procedure in the new secret realm. Establishing a new order always requires demonstrating strength first, making potential dissenting voices realize the reality."

Demonstrate strength, and face reality.

After hesitating for a moment, Lin Yi couldn't help but ask, "Advisor Lanhe, how does the Star Realm Army plan to treat the natives of this secret realm?"

Having spent so many years in the secret realm, Lin Yi quite admired the spirit of the humans there in fighting against madness and monsters. However, the secret realm courses made no mention whatsoever of how the Star Realm Army would take over the secret realm.

Upon hearing this, Lanhe Consultant turned to look at Lin Yi.

"Don't worry, Commander Lin."

He smiled and said, "The natives of this secret realm also belong to a branch of the Human Race. As long as they recognize the situation, obey the management of the Star Realm Army, and cooperate with the subsequent resource survey and development plans, their lives and basic rights will naturally be guaranteed."

"Generally speaking, the Star Realm Army will properly settle and guide them according to the specific circumstances, and they will also gain opportunities to travel to a wider world as a result."

Lin Yi nodded. The Lanhe consultant's answer was within his expectations, and his attitude was quite mild.

But he astutely grasped the premise of that statement. "Obeying management."

Furthermore, the advisor specifically emphasized the "Human Race branch".

Lin Yi naturally understood the subtext.

If the dominant race within this secret realm is not Human Race, then the Star Realm Army's response would likely be far more lenient than simply "proper resettlement."

Cleansing, suppression, and even enslavement are common occurrences under the dark laws of interspecies competition in the universe.

Seeing Lin Yi fall silent, Lanhe Consultant's eyes flickered slightly, seemingly changing the subject unintentionally.

"Commander Lin Yi, based on the information you provided and our preliminary observations over the past few days, the Silver Blue Society, established by your East Peak Mercenary Group over seventy years of operation in this area, has become a behemoth covering the entire Secret Realm Continent."

"It was just a coincidence, a matter of going with the flow."

Lin Yi frankly admitted that he had not concealed this matter in the documents, nor could he have hidden it.

"The Silver Blue Society exists primarily to better gather information and resources, and to facilitate potential large-scale operations in the future."

His words were half true and half false; he attributed his main purpose to the mission of exploring the secret realm, while concealing his own research needs.

"Hehe, Commander Lin Yi, you're too modest."

Lanhe smiled meaningfully.

"In the materials submitted, Commander Lin Yi pointed out the abnormal energy structure of the Blood Crystal Coin and speculated that they might have some weak connection with the Source Essence. I imagine that over the past seventy years, your East Peak Mercenary Group has devoted a lot of effort and resources to the collection and research of these Blood Crystal Coin, hasn't it?"

Lin Yi felt a slight chill, knowing that the main topic was about to be discussed.

He didn't foolishly deny it outright. After all, when he decided to report the discovery, he thought that if even they could quickly notice the special nature of the Blood Crystal Coin, professionals would surely be able to discover it just as quickly. It was better to be open about it.

Therefore, he remained expressionless, but his brows furrowed slightly as he looked at Lanhe.

"What does Advisor Lanhe mean by this? The Silver Blue Society collects Blood Crystal Coin for two reasons: first, because this is the local hard currency, facilitating the large-scale procurement of other resources and books; second, since its unique energy structure has been discovered, seemingly related to the core rules of the secret realm, isn't it our duty as an exploration team to invest resources in research?"

"Is there... something wrong with this?"

Lanhe looked at Lin Yi's expression, which seemed to say, "I'm doing all this for the mission," and couldn't help but laugh and wave his hand.

"Commander Lin Yi, there's no need to be nervous. I didn't mean to question you. On the contrary, your keen awareness of the special nature of the Blood Crystal Coin and your dedication to its research once again proves your excellence, it's just that..."

"But what?" Lin Yi knew the main event was about to begin, and cooperatively asked.

"However, Commander Lin Yi, you need to understand one thing. According to relevant regulations, anything clearly and directly related to the Source Essence can be classified as a strategic resource. In principle, it needs to be under unified control and, after evaluation, received and processed by a designated agency."

"Since it has been preliminarily confirmed that the energy core of Blood Crystal Coin is related to the Source Essence, even if the connection is weak, it can be classified as a strategic reserve resource according to the established procedures."

Lanhe, the advisor, looked at Lin Yi and slowly said, "As for strategic resources, they all need to be handed over. Of course, the Star Realm Army never mistreats those who have made contributions. For the strategic resources handed over, corresponding military merit points or other forms of compensation will be given according to their assessed value."

Hand it in!

Lin Yi fell silent for a moment.

He wasn't entirely unprepared for this situation, since the Blood Crystal Coin involved Source Essence, and his order to collect them was merely a precaution.

Anyway, it's just sitting idle, and what if it's not treated as a strategic resource?

Now it seems I was overthinking it.

"Fortunately, they'll give compensation for their military service, so it's not like they worked for nothing. Is that wrong? Can it be classified?"

Lin Yi hadn't been a leader for so many years for nothing; he immediately and astutely grasped the most crucial word in Lanhe's words.

"It can be qualitatively described."

Lin Yi repeated those four words, then looked at Lanhe.

"You mean this isn't an absolutely mandatory rule, or rather, whether it's classified or not depends on certain conditions?"

Lin Yi naturally didn't ask directly, "Is it possible to not define it?" That would be too blunt and dangerous.

Seeing Lin Yi Lanhe's cautious and inquisitive look, Lan He's serious expression suddenly relaxed.

"Haha, Commander Lin Yi, there's no need to be so nervous."

He chuckled and said, "Just kidding, and testing your reaction. Not bad, calm and collected, meticulous in the face of adversity. You truly deserve to be called the brightest New Star of our Human Race."

Lin Yi was slightly taken aback, not expecting the other party to change the subject so quickly.

But he immediately realized what was going on and replied with a smile, "You flatter me."

Seeing Lin Yi Lanhe's eyes flashed with admiration.

He stepped forward and stood beside Lin Yi, gazing at the distant Star Realm Army base, and said as if chatting casually, "You don't need to worry too much about Blood Crystal Coin. Indeed, they do contain a trace of properties similar to Source Essence, and can be considered a derivative of Source Essence."

"However, its internal energy is impure and heavily polluted, and its Source Essence are so faint as to be almost negligible. It's less a resource and more a 'residue' or 'waste' of rules. The true treasure is the one in the heavens."

He pointed to the high-hanging Blood Sun, "That's the core of this secret realm's ability to stably produce Source Essence -related energy; it's an indisputable strategic resource."

"So."

Lanhe turned to Lin Yi, "Blood Crystal Coin will not be included in the list of strategic materials that must be confiscated for the time being. The Silver Blue Society's current savings can be used for regular exploration of secret realms; keep them for yourselves for now."

Lin Yi immediately understood.

Clearly, it wasn't because Blood Crystal Coin were worthless, but rather a gesture of goodwill towards Lin Yi's personal potential.

Because he is recognized as a top genius among Human Race and is likely to become a high-level combat force or even a pillar of the Human Race in the future, this advisor from Lanhe is willing to give him face and make a good relationship over such a "scratched" resource.

"I understand, thank you very much, Mr. Consultant," Lin Yi said sincerely.

He naturally understood the line the other person had drawn.

Forgive past transgressions, but stop looting. Also, dispose of any existing Blood Crystal Coin as soon as possible, as they will only be temporarily excluded from the list.

"Oh, right."

As if remembering something, Lanhe added, "The direct use of this severely contaminated Source Essence derivative has extremely serious drawbacks."

"If you want to harness that primal power, the first priority is to solve the pollution problem. In this regard, I suggest you consider seeking help from the Tree of Life Company. I recall you seem to have some prior collaboration with them? They are leaders in the field of life energy purification and pollution cleansing."

As he spoke, Advisor Lanhe casually popped up a Contact Mark, which displayed his personal encrypted communication code. "This is my contact information. If I encounter any difficulties in my research in the future, we can perhaps exchange information."

Lin Yi immediately wrote down the communication code and once again expressed his sincere gratitude, "Thank you for your guidance, consultant!"

He knew perfectly well what was going on.

Clearly, Lanhe Consultant's words were both a well-intentioned reminder and a subtle urging.

Before the Blood Crystal Coin are officially targeted, we need to quickly find a way to purify this batch of "hot potatoes" and then use them up.

Otherwise, if the policy direction changes one day, or if a higher-level figure notices this batch of "waste materials," it's hard to guarantee that unforeseen complications won't arise.

When others perceive you as having potential, you're more likely to encounter kind people wherever you go.

After seeing Lanhe Consultant off, Lin Yi couldn't help but feel a sense of emotion.

Clearly, given Lanhe's status and future prospects, he might never need Lin Yi in his lifetime, yet he was willing to make an exception for her.

Strength and potential are indeed universally applicable hard currency.

Of course, while we may feel moved, we must act swiftly.

Lin Yi immediately used the Xuanji to issue the highest order to all the Silver Blue Society branches scattered throughout the continent.

"All Silver Blue Society across the region, effective immediately, cease all commercial activities centered on the collection of Blood Crystal Coin and raw ore."

"Each branch leader should proactively contact the Star Realm Army takeover teams that are currently arriving or about to arrive, expressing their full cooperation. Utilize our intelligence network and public credibility to assist the Star Realm Army in explaining the situation to local powers, stabilizing the situation, avoiding unnecessary conflict, and ensuring a smooth transition of power. Simultaneously, we can attempt to recruit powerful native inhabitants."

"After completing the above tasks, all dispatched personnel, carrying all collected assets, with a focus on Blood Crystal Coin, raw ore, and various secret manuals and tomes, shall immediately return to the headquarters camp. The Silver Blue Society's various branches will remain in place to maintain basic operations, subject to further arrangements by the Star Realm Army."

--

Just as Lin Yi was issuing orders to the heads of the various branch pavilions, the ancient capital of Heng Kingdom, a city that had witnessed the rise and fall of countless dynasties and struggled to survive under the cycle of blood-red suns for countless years, was immersed in the brief tranquility at the end of the night.

The hustle and bustle of the city had not yet completely subsided, and the palace was brightly lit. The king was discussing matters submitted by various cities with several trusted ministers.

Suddenly.

"Buzz!"

An overwhelming and terrifying pressure crashed down.

The light above the Royal Palace Square suddenly dimmed, and ten figures emerged from the stream of light, silently hovering directly above the Golden Hall of the Royal Palace.

The power of rules surrounding them appeared and disappeared like Tide, and light passing by them was visibly deflected.

One of them calmly swept his gaze across the magnificent palace below. Every royal guard, hidden expert, and even the king himself who were touched by that gaze felt a heavy pressure deep within their souls.

Royal level!

Almost simultaneously, the area around the palace was completely covered by a dark silver color, with a full thousand Star Core level warriors of the Star Realm Army forming an impenetrable spherical encirclement.

Ten unfathomable Emperor-level warriors, and a thousand heavily armed King-level warriors!

"Enemy attack! Protect His Majesty!"

The chief of the royal guards roared at the top of his lungs, but his voice was filled with undisguised fear.

"Boom!" "Boom!"

Deep within the royal palace, two auras, both belonging to the royal level, suddenly erupted.

Two elderly men with white hair and beards, dressed in ancient royal attire, soared into the sky. Immediately afterward, nearly a hundred auras belonging to the royal rank erupted from all parts of the Royal City.

Surrounded by his guards, the king walked out of the palace and looked up. At that moment, this emperor, who ruled over hundreds of millions of miles of territory and possessed the strength of a king, felt his hands and feet turn ice cold, and he could hardly hold the scepter in his hand.

The leading Star Realm Army officer, Xingxuan, deliberately waited a while until all the powerful figures in the city had gathered before calmly announcing:

"By order of the Supreme Command of the Star Realm Army, this secret realm is hereby formally taken over by the Human Race Supreme Council. All existing state governments are hereby dissolved. All personnel are to unconditionally accept the Star Realm Army's reorganization and evaluation, and prepare for relocation to a designated settlement area in the Main Universe."

He paused slightly, and a chilling killing intent swept down like a storm:

Those who dare to resist will bear the consequences.

The commands were concise, direct, and carried the iron-fisted style characteristic of the Star Realm Army.

Below, the king swayed violently, and the guards beside him quickly helped him up.

Several fierce military officers, their eyes bloodshot, gripped their weapons tightly.

Some of the younger members of the royal family had expressions of humiliation and resentment on their faces.

The two royal members exchanged a glance, both seeing despair and a desperate resolve in each other's eyes.

Those who have risen to power through years of fighting against madness and monsters are not made of clay; moreover, who among those who have grown up in this world doesn't possess a touch of latent madness?

Dissolve the kingdom?

Migration?

Go to a completely unknown place?

Who can guarantee this isn't a devastating lie? Are we becoming slaves, or livestock kept in captivity?

Rather than be slaughtered without dignity, it is better to die a glorious death in battle and preserve the last vestige of the royal family's honor!

A tragic yet desperate sense of resistance quickly took root in the minds of the top leadership.

In particular, the auras of the two royal family members, both at the imperial level, began to rise dramatically, like volcanoes about to erupt.

At this critical moment...

"Wait!"

A clear voice suddenly rang out.

A familiar blue streak of light shot out from the iconic top floor of the Silver Blue Pavilion in the Royal City, and then landed steadily in the tense standoff airspace between the two sides, right between the royal family and the Star Realm Army.

The newcomer was dressed in the attire of the Silver Blue Society Master, with a composed expression. He was none other than Zhou Yuxuan, the Silver Blue Pavilion of the Royal City, who had cultivated deep trust and prestige with the Eternal Kingdom family and nobles of Heng Kingdom over decades.

After Zhou Yuxuan appeared, ignoring the astonished gazes of the royal family below, he solemnly faced the breathtaking array of the Star Realm Army in the air, especially the leading Star Swirl officer, and bowed, saying:

"Zhou Yuxuan, the Silver Blue Society's branch leader in Heng Kingdom's capital and a member of the Dongfeng Mercenary Group, greets the Star Realm Envoy."

A scene unfolded that deeply shocked all the high-ranking officials of the Eternal Kingdom, especially the two royal family members who were prepared to fight to the death.

The cold-faced royal-level leader's gaze softened slightly when it fell on Zhou Yuxuan.

He even gave Zhou Yuxuan a small but clearly visible nod.

Although no words were spoken, the sheer amount of information conveyed by that gesture was enough to drive any discerning person crazy.

A leader who suddenly appeared, claiming to be a royal-level leader of the Star Realm Army, actually responded to Zhou Yuxuan, the leader of a "local organization".

What does this mean?

This means that the Silver Blue Society's status is far more complex than they had previously imagined.

This means that Zhou Yuxuan, or rather the forces behind him, are beings that even these terrifying "heavenly soldiers" must respect.

Zhou Yuxuan wasn't surprised at all. He knew very well that this was because the other party was giving face to the "East Peak Mercenary Group" and its Commander, Lin Yi.

He steadied himself and turned to face the king and his entourage, whose expressions were shifting between surprise and doubt.

"Everyone, please calm down and don't act impulsively."

He pointed to the terrifying military formation overhead, his voice carrying clearly throughout the entire palace area.

"What you see before you is neither an illusion nor an incomprehensible calamity. They come from beyond this world, from that truly boundless and vast universe, where stars are endless— the Main Universe."

Zhou Yuxuan looked around at everyone, his gaze sweeping over the hesitant and unwilling faces, and finally focusing on the two royal figures whose auras were still restless.

"The Main Universe is vast and boundless, with civilizations as brilliant as the Milky Way and powerful beings as numerous as clouds. But the most crucial point is that there is no Blood Sun there."

"No Blood Sun?!"

These four simple words, like four thunderbolts that split the heavens and the earth, exploded in the minds of all who heard them.

Whether it was the king, the patriarch, the general, or ordinary civil officials and guards, everyone was stunned.

No Blood Sun?

No need to guard against the rampant erosion day and night anymore?

No longer need to face attacks from monster hordes every so often?

Can we no longer bear to watch our compatriots, and even ourselves, gradually become twisted and degenerate in despair?

This is their deepest, most painful, and most unthinkable desire, born from generations of struggle for survival.

Now, someone is actually telling them that there is a place where this wish can be fulfilled?

"Sect Master Zhou, are you truly serious?"

The king stared intently at Zhou Yuxuan, as if trying to discern the truth from his words.

"Absolutely true! I guarantee it with the Silver Blue Society's decades-long reputation!"

Zhou Yuxuan naturally knew what these natives cared about most. To put it bluntly, it was nothing more than escaping the Blood Sun and ensuring that their descendants would no longer be plagued by madness.

"The Star Realm Army, one of the pillars protecting Human Race in the Main Universe, is the defender of order and civilization. They have come to guide, not conquer, but to lead all of us out of this cursed Cage to a new land truly suitable for survival, where we can peacefully pursue higher realms."

Of course, Zhou Yuxuan also knew that simply describing the future was not enough to make these people in high positions completely give up; what was more important was the irresistible force.

Therefore, he directly presented facts that were enough to completely shatter any wishful thinking.

"Everyone, as you all know, these ten god-like emperors, along with these thousand elite kings exuding murderous aura, are more than capable of easily destroying the Eternal Kingdom."

"But"

"Do you know that this is merely an advance squad dispatched by a standard battle group of the Star Realm Army? A full battle group can deploy hundreds of such squads simultaneously."

"A regular legion of the Star Realm Army has a full thousand battle squadrons!"

"Our Human Race's Star Realm Army has countless legions; the legions I'm familiar with alone number 93,778. Moreover, the Star Realm Army is only one of the Human Race's publicly displayed and regular military forces."

A small team?

A single battle group might have hundreds of such squads?

Does the Star Realm Army have countless chapters?

This series of astronomical descriptions of military strength completely crushed the last shred of pride in the hearts of the Eternal Kingdom's top brass.

Seeing the dramatic changes in the expressions on everyone's faces, Zhou Yuxuan knew that the time was right.

His tone softened, and he continued:

"The old kingdom order, within the vast scale of the Main Universe and the framework of the Human Race Supreme Council, is indeed no longer necessary. But please rest assured, the Star Realm Army has strict laws and clear rewards and punishments, and is by no means tyrannical or merciless towards its own kind."

"Based on your strengths, talents, past experience, and contributions, they will provide you with a fair starting point and a future far broader than being confined to this place in the new star system."

Finally, Zhou Yuxuan added, "Once you have settled into your new home and become familiar with the rules of the Main Universe, if you still harbor the ambition to traverse the stars, explore the unknown, and achieve great things..."

"I, Zhou Yuxuan, in my capacity as the Lord of the Royal City Pavilion of the Silver Blue Society and a core member of the East Peak Mercenary Group, sincerely invite you all to gather here and join our East Peak Mercenary Group."

"As for Lin Yi, the Commander of my East Peak Mercenary Group, his name and legend will resound in your ears once you step into the Main Universe. He is a peerless figure who dominates the present era, makes the geniuses of all races pale in comparison, and truly leads the times. It is our honor to follow him."

Zhou Yuxuan's words, which progressed step by step and combined soft and hard tactics, were like silver needles in the hands of the most skilled doctor, precisely piercing the most sensitive nerves of the Eternal Kingdom's top leadership.

First, they established their superior status and deterrence by taking advantage of the Star Realm Army's "nod," then they used the "Main Universe" and "Blood Sun" to depict an irresistible blueprint of hope, and used the absolute power difference to completely crush their will to resist. Finally, they offered the "East Peak Mercenary Group" and "Lin Yi" as an alluring and seemingly respectable way out and a ladder to heaven.

If Zhou Yuxuan weren't unsure whether his lifespan would be restored after eradicating the rampant pollution in these people, the mere thought of extending his lifespan would have been enough to tempt these natives.

Throughout the entire process, the Star Realm Army troops in the air maintained absolute silence and solemnity, tacitly approving or even condoning Zhou Yuxuan's "GG" behavior.

The King of the Eternal Kingdom felt a chill in his heart, yet strangely, a sense of utter relief and bewilderment also welled up within him.

Resistance is a certain death sentence, while submission seems to be a viable alternative.

He saw it clearly: the fact that Silver Blue Society willing to recruit them meant that they still had value and wouldn't face a tragic end like being slaughtered or enslaved.

As an emperor, he was best at weighing the pros and cons. Having value meant he could survive, and might even gain a higher starting point in a new environment.

Compared to the continuation of the royal family and a better future, the empty title of the royal family and the temporary power seem not so irreplaceable.

The two royal figures, who had originally prepared to fight to the death, exchanged a glance and saw similar shock in each other's eyes, as well as a sudden burst of desire that had been forcibly suppressed for hundreds of years.

There was no madness, no Blood Sun.

For these old monsters who struggled under the shadow of the Blood Sun, constantly resisting the erosion of their souls, and watching generation after generation of geniuses fall due to madness, this held an ultimate allure that surpassed everything else.

The shock and indignation in the hearts of the other civil and military officials were gradually replaced by a complex emotion.

Judging from their actions over the years, although the Silver Blue Society is mysterious and powerful, it is indeed trustworthy, fair in its dealings, and has never engaged in fraud or bullying.

Furthermore, the fact that this so-called Star Realm Army, despite possessing such an absolute advantage, did not immediately take action to establish its authority, but instead allowed Zhou Yuxuan to come forward and explain in detail, and even provided a clear solution, is itself a manifestation of its attitude.

As for those exaggerated claims, the gap in strength is too large, and there is really no need to deceive.

If they truly wanted to exterminate them, they would simply take action and reduce the Royal City to ruins in an instant. Why waste time talking to them?

After exchanging bewildered glances, the Eternal Kingdom executives' initial resentment and doubts ultimately vanished in the face of absolute power and a promising "backup plan."

The two Emperor-level experts slowly withdrew all their auras, as if a heavy burden had been lifted, and nodded slightly to the sky.

A complex sense of desolation flashed across the King of the Eternal Kingdom's face, but more than that, it was a sense of relief after seeing reality clearly.

He took a deep breath, as if instantly relinquishing the power he had held for many years, and slowly lowered his once noble head towards the Stardust officer in the air.

"Eternal Kingdom is willing to comply with all arrangements and cooperate with the relocation and reorganization."

I've been too busy lately, with so much to do as the year draws to a close. I can only update once a week for now, but I'll keep it at least 6,000 words.