The Guards Arrive, First Visit to the Origin (Three-in-One)

The next moment, their figures vanished simultaneously, and then they appeared at the same time outside the main port of the fortress.

The leader, a powerful expert at the World Derivation level dressed in a dark blue battle robe, calmly swept his gaze across the steel fortress before him, a fortress marked by bloodshed and war.

The twenty Star Domain level guards behind him were like twenty silent statues, their auras completely concealed, yet they subtly formed some kind of profound formation, connected with the aura of the captain at the head, as if they were an inseparable whole.

Almost at the same time they appeared, the massive alloy gate of the fortress facing this direction slowly opened with a low rumble.

A group of figures dressed in the uniforms of the Border Legion officers, led by General Luger, strode out to greet them.

As an invincible powerhouse at the Star Domain level and a powerful figure like the Commander of the Border Legion, Luger's status was enough to allow him to speak on equal terms with ordinary World Derivation level powerhouses.

However, Luger's expression was different from the previous visits by World Derivation level experts; he appeared extremely serious.

Because the moment the other party appeared and the identification signal reached the Command Center, he already knew the identity of the visitor.

Star Realm Army, Imperial Guard Legion!

The Star Realm Army, as the most powerful military force of the Human Race, is also divided into subdivisions.

The main force consists of conventional border guards, mobile strike units, and expeditionary exploration units, while the "Imperial Guard Legion" is the elite force within the Star Realm Army that directly obeys the Supreme Council.

They rarely participate in conventional warfare, instead undertaking the duties of guarding key locations, carrying out special classified missions, and protecting certain important figures.

A standard Imperial Guard Legion squad consists of one World Derivation level captain and twenty elite Star Domain level members.

The squad before us perfectly matched the description in terms of personnel configuration, clothing details, and the deep-rooted discipline and elite temperament.

Luger's mind raced.

Why would Imperial Guard Legion squad personally descend upon his remote border fortress?

He immediately ruled out the possibility of paving the way for a high-ranking official's military mission or inspection, as such situations would involve different procedures and notification methods.

So the only special factor left for me seems to be that young man, Lin Yi, who rose to prominence at an incredible speed and established himself here with the East Peak Mercenary Group as his base.

In the blink of an eye, Luger had already arrived with several Star Domain level deputies.

He raised his hand first, giving a standard legion greeting, "Star Realm Army, 93778th Border Legion, Commander Luger, welcomes my colleagues from the Imperial Guard Legion. May I ask what brings you here today?"

His gaze was mainly fixed on the captain of the World Derivation level, while he was also secretly observing the twenty Star Domain level team members.

These guards, though individually not as strong as him— Star Domain level invincible being honed through life-and-death battles—possessed a harmonious and unified aura, sharing an unspoken understanding and connection.

Luger had heard that the Imperial Guard Legion possessed a powerful combined secret technique, and that if these twenty Star Domain level beings joined forces, they would be able to briefly contend with or even threaten World Derivation level.

The captain of the leading team, Nagi Feng, did not show any disrespect to Luger because he was only Star Domain level officer. He first raised his hand and returned the salute seriously before saying, "General Luger, it's a pleasure to meet you. I am Nagfeng from the Imperial Guard Legion. My unit has been ordered to come to find Lin Yi, to convey the Supreme Council's resolution, and to carry out subsequent escort duties."

The words were concise and clear, yet they gave Luger a jolt.

His order to find Lin Yi confirmed his suspicions.

But what bothered him even more was the other party's wording.

"Lin Yi!"

A squad leader of the elite guards at the World Derivation level used the honorific "Your Excellency" to address a young man at the Star Core level.

This is highly unusual in a hierarchical military system that places particular emphasis on strength.

Unless, of course, this Star Core level individual's status has risen to such a level that even a World Derivation level Guard officer must show them sufficient respect.

Supreme Council Resolution: Escort Mission

Several keywords collided in Luger's mind, and combined with Lin Yi's displayed talent, a vague but shocking conjecture gradually emerged.

Could it be...?

Suppressing the turmoil in his heart, Luger kept a straight face and immediately turned to his adjutant beside him, whispering, "Immediately notify the East Peak Mercenary Group's headquarters. Commander Lin Yi, a special envoy from the Supreme Council has arrived. Ask them to prepare to receive him."

The adjutant received the order and quickly relayed the message through the internal communication network.

At the same time, Luger nodded to Captain Yanjie and said, "Lord Lin Yi is currently at the East Peak Mercenary Group's base inside the fortress. Please follow me."

"Thank you for your trouble, General." Captain Yanjie nodded slightly.

Led by General Luger, the group entered the fortress.

Along the way, whether it was soldiers on duty or officers and mercenaries passing by, they all turned their heads and secretly guessed the origins of this unfamiliar squad when they felt the invisible pressure emanating from them.

When they saw that even General Luger was personally accompanying and leading the way, they were even more awestruck, knowing that an extraordinary figure had arrived.

At the entrance of the East Peak Mercenary Group's base, Lin Yi, having received an urgent notification, was already waiting with Aurelia.

Lin Yi was still wearing the East Peak Mercenary Group, his aura calm and restrained.

Aurelia stood half a step behind him, her expression serious yet tinged with a hidden curiosity.

When Lin Yi saw General Luger approaching with a group of unfathomable, unfamiliar powerful figures, his gaze narrowed slightly, and he already knew what was going on.

General Luger stopped first and introduced them, "Commander Lin Yi, this is Captain Nagi Feng of the Star Realm Army Imperial Guard Legion, who has been ordered to come and find you."

He skillfully remained silent, handing over the reins to the Imperial Guard.

Nagi Feng forward, his gaze falling on Lin Yi. He carefully and politely examined him, a hint of barely perceptible approval flashing in his eyes. So young, yet his aura was as deep and profound as an abyss. Facing the invisible pressure of their team's aura, he could remain so calm and composed, truly an extraordinary person.

He then stood at attention, placed his right hand on his chest, and solemnly saluted, "Star Realm Army, Imperial Guard Legion, 931st Battle Regiment, 46th Squad, Captain Nagi Feng, here to pay homage to His Excellency Lin Yi on the orders of the Supreme Council and the Human Race Special Talent Cultivation Roster Management Committee."

Upon hearing the word "audience," General Luger's pupils constricted slightly, and Aurelia instinctively covered her mouth, her eyes filled with disbelief.

Even Lin Yi himself was slightly surprised.

This formality seems overly elaborate.

Captain Nagi Feng seemed oblivious to everyone's reaction. With a solemn expression, he flipped his hand, revealing an ancient, dark gold metal box.

He opened the metal box and took out a document that was neither paper nor silk, but rather seemed to be a "document" formed from some kind of law energy mixed with strange metal foil.

The document emitted a faint glow, and complex and mysterious runes flowed across its surface.

Nagi Feng held up the special document with both hands, looked directly at Lin Yi, and said loudly:

"Supreme Council Decree:"

"Nominated jointly by Xuan Yan and Sky Halberd Lord, reviewed and approved by the Human Race Special Talent Cultivation Roster Management Committee, and subsequently submitted to the Overlord for approval."

"It is hereby confirmed that Lin Yi, Star Core level cultivator, possesses exceptional talent and boundless potential. His character and conduct have passed the assessment, and his sense of identity and contribution to the race meet the standards. Therefore, he is hereby exceptionally admitted as a formal member of the Human Race's ' Special Talent Cultivation Roster '."

This order is effective immediately.

After the document was read aloud, Captain Nagi Feng stepped forward and solemnly handed the document, which symbolized recognition and opportunity, to Lin Yi with both hands.

Lin Yi took a deep breath, suppressing the excitement in his heart, and solemnly accepted it with both hands.

The document felt slightly heavy in my hand, with a peculiar texture, as if a warm energy flowed into my body through my palm, creating a subtle resonance with my soul.

He knew that this was not just a document, but a special token, and perhaps it even contained some special function.

"Thank you very much, Captain Nagi Feng, for personally delivering this." Lin Yi put away the document and nodded in gratitude.

"This is our duty." Captain Nagi Feng's tone remained respectful, but he relaxed slightly.

"Furthermore, following the joint directives of the List Management Committee and the Star Realm Army Headquarters, effective immediately, the 46th Squad 931st Battle Regiment the Imperial Guard Legion, led by Nagi Feng, will be solely responsible for the core security work of His Excellency Lin Yi during his time on the List, until His Excellency is promoted to the World Derivation level, or until further orders are issued."

He paused, looked at Lin Yi, and asked, "According to the regulations of the roster, you may choose to continue your cultivation at your current location, or you may relocate to the exclusive area for roster members on Origin Star. What are your plans? Our department will immediately deploy the corresponding security plan based on your choice."

All eyes were on Lin Yi.

General Luger's mind was in turmoil.

"Special Talent Cultivation Roster"!

Even with his limited authority, he had only vaguely heard of the name and knew that it was a top-secret plan by the highest levels of the Human Race to cultivate future pillars of strength. Ordinary Star Domain level, and even many World Derivation level, had no chance to know the details.

Unexpectedly, Lin Yi was exceptionally admitted, nominated by two Venerable Lords and reviewed by the Sovereign!

No wonder the Imperial Guards addressed him as "Your Excellency" and performed the audience ceremony.

This young man's future is already a sure thing— Eternal Divinity, or perhaps even higher!

Although Aurelia didn't know exactly what the list meant, the words "Supreme Council Decree," "Nominated by the Lord," "Approved by the Sovereign," and "Dedicated Guardian" were enough for her to understand what an earth-shattering opportunity Lin Yi had obtained.

She couldn't help but turn to look at Lin Yi.

His eyes held both joy for Lin Yi and a hint of inexplicable complexity.

Lin Yi, however, didn't notice any of this. Without hesitation, he gave the answer he had already decided, "I choose to relocate to Origin Star."

"Understood." Nagi Feng nodded. "Then, when do you plan to depart? Our spaceship is waiting outside and can depart at any time."

"We can set off now."

Lin Yi decisively said, then turned to Aurelia, "Ellie, notify Liu Yuan, Elizabeth, and Zhang Zhen to assemble at the entrance of the base immediately, and prepare to travel with me to Origin Star."

"Yes, Commander!"

Preparations had been made well in advance, Aurelia immediately contacted the three of them via communicator.

Then, Lin Yi looked at General Luger, who had a complicated expression.

"General Luger, Lin Yi am deeply grateful for the care and support the Legion has provided on the border over the years. My avatar will remain here on this trip to Origin Star to oversee the East Peak Mercenary Group and handle daily affairs. I hope you will continue to look after me in the future."

Luger quickly waved his hand, his tone more polite than ever before, even carrying a hint of barely perceptible respect.

"Lin Yi, you flatter me. The East Peak Mercenary Group is a reliable comrade and partner of my 93778 Legion. In the future, if there is any need, as long as it does not violate military regulations, my 93778 Legion will do its best. Here, I wish you a smooth cultivation on Origin Star and that you will soon reach the pinnacle."

Having served as Commander for so many years, Luger was certainly not the arrogant and impetuous type; he quickly adapted to his new position.

The young man before him was no longer the "rising New Star" who needed his guidance, but rather "Your Excellency," who had received the endorsement of the highest levels of Human Race and was destined to stand at the pinnacle of the race.

Befriending them would only benefit both yourself and the 93778 Legion.

Soon, Liu Yuan, Elizabeth, and Zhang Zhen arrived at top speed.

They had all been notified beforehand, and now seeing the scene at the entrance of the camp— the Commander personally accompanying them, a group of terrifyingly powerful strangers, and Commander Lin Yi's serious expression—they immediately understood that it was time to set off.

They dared not ask any more questions, but simply stood at attention and awaited orders.

Lin Yi simply said to the three of them, "As the top three meritorious members of the group, you three have been granted the first batch of accompanying privileges, for a period of one hundred years. Now, depart with me immediately."

The three responded in unison, "Yes, Commander."

Once everyone was present, Nagi Feng gestured for them to proceed. "Sir, the spaceship is ready at the port. Please follow me."

Lin Yi nodded to General Luger one last time, then led Aurelia, Liu Yuan, Elizabeth, and Zhang Zhen, escorted by Nagi Feng and his twenty starfield team members, toward the port.

The team attracted even more attention wherever they went.

Soon, everyone boarded the dark silver Royal Guard's private spaceship.

The interior of the spaceship is much more spacious than it appears from the outside. The decoration is simple yet full of technological and utilitarian style, and many devices bear the unique insignia of the Star Realm Army and the Royal Guard.

As the spaceship's engines silently started, it quietly glided out of the port and disappeared into the deep starry sky. After the spaceship entered a stable cruising state, Nagi Feng arranged for the team members to perform their duties, while he went to the private rest cabin prepared for Lin Yi.

"Your Excellency, during the voyage, if you need anything, you may call me or any of the team members at any time through the cabin communication," Nagi Feng said, his attitude still respectful, but more approachable than when they were at the fortress.

Hearing Nagi Feng say that, Lin Yi didn't stand on ceremony; he happened to have something he wanted to ask.

He invited Nagi Feng to sit down. "Captain Nagi Feng, I have a question and would appreciate your clarification."

"Please speak, sir."

"As I understand it, the information of members in a training program like the Special Talent Cultivation Roster should be kept highly confidential to prevent targeting by hostile forces. But judging from today's scene, it seems that they haven't deliberately concealed it?" Lin Yi asked.

After all, the Imperial Guard squad had come to pick them up in such a grand manner, and General Luger and others were already aware of the existence of the "list".

Upon hearing this, Captain Nagi Feng smiled slightly. "Your considerations are not without merit. The strategy for maintaining the confidentiality of the list of members has evolved over time."

He paused briefly to recall, then continued, "Long ago, before our Human Race had risen to the ranks of powerful races, when our overall strength was relatively weak and we faced more complex and perilous external pressures and competition, the identities of the members of the roster had to be kept strictly confidential."

"Back then, geniuses often had to remain anonymous, receiving training and developing in secret to avoid risks."

"However, as the overall strength of our Human Race continued to increase and our position within the Pan-Spirit Alliance became increasingly stable, making us one of the recognized powerful races, this rule of secrecy was gradually relaxed until it was finally abolished."

Nagi Feng's tone carried a hint of pride, "There are two main reasons."

"Firstly, it's due to objective conditions. The core residential and cultivation areas of the members on the list are fixed in the ' Star Source District ' of the Origin Star. Although it is heavily guarded and difficult to detect under normal circumstances, its special nature cannot be hidden from the deliberate investigation of other forces of the same level within the Pan-Spirit Alliance. Rather than going to great lengths to conceal it, it's better to be open about it."

"Secondly, and more importantly," Nagi Feng's eyes gleamed, "When we are strong enough, we will have the confidence and ability to protect our own geniuses."

He smiled and said, "It is said that this change in policy originated from the master's emotion."

"The Sovereign once said: When we were weak, the geniuses of our clan had to be hidden away like treasures, kept secret for fear of being coveted. But if we go through all the trouble to become strong, and still have to make our own geniuses hide, then wouldn't all that strength have been wasted?"

"Moreover, the existence of geniuses on the list is itself a demonstration of the potential and future of our Human Race. It is a silent deterrent and declaration that our Human Race has produced many outstanding talents and has successors."

After hearing this, Lin Yi felt enlightened and deeply agreed with the assessment.

This statement gets straight to the point!

The weak must be patient and conceal their abilities to protect themselves, while the strong should confidently display their strength to intimidate others.

The Human Race has now clearly acquired the initial qualifications and confidence to "show its strength".

Behind this is the elevation of status achieved through the bloodshed and sacrifice of countless predecessors.

"Thank you for your explanation, Captain. I understand now," Lin Yi said sincerely.

"You're too kind, sir." Nagi Feng waved his hand. "The mission to protect the geniuses on the list is an extremely sought-after and coveted position within our Imperial Guard Legion. To be able to get to know a future pillar like yourself and establish a good relationship in advance is a rare opportunity and a valuable connection for both me and my team."

"Once you arrive on Origin Star and settle in the Star Source District, you will discover that it is far more than just a sacred place for cultivation."

He only touched on the point briefly, but Lin Yi had already grasped the deeper meaning behind his words.

This doesn't stop him from recalling how, after passing the Civilization Advancement Assessment on Blue Star and being rated as a level 7 potential genius, the entire planet witnessed a surge of visits, investments, and friendships from representatives of various powerful forces.

However, the stage has now changed from a planet newly entering interstellar space to the entire Human Race, and the level of those we associate with has also risen to a level that was unimaginable back then.

"I'll be relying on Captain Nagi Feng and the other brothers for support during this time ahead," Lin Yi said with a smile.

"It is our duty, and we cannot shirk it," Nagi Feng said immediately, then smiled. "It is our honor to travel with you."

The rest of the voyage was uneventful and tedious.

The Guard's ships are of excellent performance, traversing a network of fixed stargate channels to perform long-distance jumps.

Lin Yi spent most of his time meditating in his cabin, occasionally exchanging ideas with Nagi Feng to learn some basic knowledge about Origin Star and the Star Realm Army.

Aurelia and the other three were assigned to other cabins, where they were making the most of their time to adjust and process the limited information Lin Yi had given them about the "list" and Origin Star.

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

On this day, the spaceship had just completed an ultra-long-distance stargate jump and exited through a huge stargate exit.

Almost the instant they left the stargate and entered normal flight, everyone in the cabin clearly felt a change.

Source energy concentration!

The cosmic void outside the spaceship seemed to be filled with an invisible, high-concentration energy.

Even through the ship's thick bulkheads and energy shields, everyone could feel the energy activity and purity of the surrounding space, which was far higher than that of the border star system.

With each breath, it seemed as if strands of pure energy seeped into the body, invigorating the spirit.

"We have entered the Celestial Splendor Greater Star Domain, which is one of the outer barrier areas of the Origin Star Domain. The energy concentration here has reached level six."

Captain Nagi Feng's voice rang out through the cabin's intercom, "The closer we get to the Origin Star, the higher the concentration will continue to rise. The area where the Origin Star Main Body is located is a level nine Source Energy Enrichment Zone."

A level six energy source zone—this is already the standard for the core territory of many mid-level races—yet here, it's merely an "outer barrier zone."

Lin Yi and the others were deeply shocked, gaining a more direct understanding of the profound heritage of the Human Race's capital.

Moreover, during the remainder of the journey, the spacecraft was scanned, probed, and its identity verified at a significantly higher frequency.

Powerful spiritual energy or probing fluctuations frequently sweep across the depths of the void.

Occasionally, one can also sense a fleeting, terrifying burst of immense energy in the distant starry sky.

About a month later...

Nagi Feng appeared at the door of Lin Yi's rest cabin, a smile on his face, "Origin Star, we're almost there. The spaceship will soon activate panoramic observation mode, and you can get a direct feel for it."

Upon hearing this, Lin Yi got up and followed Nagi Feng to the spaceship's main control room. Aurelia and the other three also arrived after being notified.

Nagi Feng gave an order to the spaceship's Intelligent Life, and immediately, the front bulkhead and part of the side walls of the spaceship quickly became transparent, eventually disappearing as if they had vanished, revealing the starry sky outside to everyone without reservation.

What first caught Lin Yi's eye was not the bustling starport or dense space buildings he had envisioned.

It was not a vast, boundless, and dazzling sea of stars.

Here, the stars are exceptionally bright, the nebulae are magnificent and colorful, and the energy flows silently and intertwine in the deep space like the aurora borealis, forming a series of grand and mysterious cosmic paintings.

In the center of this sea of stars, there exists an exceptionally "clean" area.

There were no typical interstellar dust belts, no messy asteroids, and even the starlight seemed to have been smoothed out by some force, becoming soft and orderly.

At the center of this region, a giant planet floats silently.

Clearly, that is the Origin Star.

It is not a planet in the conventional sense.

However, what first caught Lin Yi's attention were the nine slightly smaller "companion stars" evenly distributed in the synchronous orbit far away from the Origin Star, each radiating immense energy and a profound aura.

They are not natural celestial bodies, but enormous man-made objects.

These "companion stars" are covered with runes and float there silently, like nine silent guardians protecting the central Origin Star.

Further away, there are even more and larger interstellar defense platforms, as well as the looming shadows of fleets, forming an impenetrable three-dimensional defense network.

In the void between the Origin Star and these defensive facilities, there are some huge suspended objects that resemble islands or mountains.

Most of the buildings there were magnificent temples and towers. Lin Yi guessed that they were probably the separate residences or cultivation grounds of some powerful beings.

At the very core of these outer defenses lies the Origin Star, with its layers upon layers of magnificent, rippling light resembling waves.

These halos change color constantly, sometimes displaying a rainbow of colors, sometimes transforming into pure gold or silver, and sometimes appearing as a hazy gray like the beginning of chaos.

Within the halo, countless tiny, yet incredibly clear, law runes could be vaguely seen arising and passing away, as if the entire planet were enveloped by an "atmosphere" composed of materialized laws.

Only through this dazzling and mysterious halo of laws can one vaguely see the planet's Main Body.

Its entire body presents a strange texture; the direction of the mountains, the distribution of the rivers, the outline of the ocean—all natural landforms seem to conform to the laws of the universe, exuding a profound and immortal aura.

Tranquility, solemnity, vastness, mystery, and power—a multitude of feelings intertwine, impacting the hearts of every first-time witness.

Lin Yi took a deep breath. Even through the spaceship, he could almost feel the supreme meaning that cleansed his soul and nourished his very essence.

Aurelia, Liu Yuan, Elizabeth, and Zhang Zhen were so mesmerized that they almost forgot to breathe.

This is the capital of the Human Race!

This is where they are about to live.

Captain Nagi Feng smiled slightly at the shocked expressions on everyone's faces, a hint of pride flashing in his eyes.

His steady voice rang out, "Your Excellency, gentlemen, welcome to— Origin Star."

Then, the spaceship began to adjust its attitude and steadily headed towards the planet shrouded in endless radiance and majesty.