Plans for Comprehension, the Weight of Leading the Team

While an initial quota of 10,000 points is substantial, considering that we are currently only in the fifth level of the game and that obtaining subsequent quotas is quite difficult, it is clear that we cannot afford to waste any of them.

After a brief moment's thought, Lin Yi quickly abandoned the idea of long-term treasures. Time was his most scarce resource at the moment, and all his resources had to be designed around the principle of "short-term, efficient, and explosive breakthroughs."

His gaze was sharp as he scanned the resource list again, his mind racing with calculations. Soon, a short-term sprint plan that aimed for maximum efficiency gradually became clear.

"Xuanji, record my resource exchange plan. Add Deep Blue Aria, Myriad Streams Return to Source Meditation Diagram, 5 portions of Clear Source Dew, and access to the Tide Simulation Room to the exchange list. Also, directly apply to exchange for a Basic Water Rule Structural Model," Lin Yi said in a deep voice.

This is his proposed solution after careful consideration.

Deep Blue Aria, Myriad Streams Return to Source Meditation Diagram, and Clear Source Dew can be used together. Using 5 portions of Clear Source Dew can achieve a maximum increase of 50%.

The Basic Water Rule Structural Model is the foundation of knowledge. With sufficient prior knowledge, the utilization rate of Spiritual Enlightenment Qi can be maximized.

As for the Tide Simulation Room, it was the breakthrough site he planned to use.

The total cost of this plan is 1620 points.

"Xuanji, calculate the short-term efficiency increase in comprehending the Water Rule under this configuration."

Lin Yi needs to make some quantitative predictions to determine the approximate time for a breakthrough.

Xuanji paused for a moment, then replied:

"Master, based on comprehensive calculations, the peak effective comprehension rate in the short term is expected to reach between 5.1 and 5.5 times the base rate."

Lin Yi nodded, thinking to himself, "If I were to rely solely on my own and my clone's accumulated Spiritual Enlightenment Qi to fully comprehend the Water Rule, it would take approximately 380 years."

"But if we adopt this treasure-hunting plan, the total time can be reduced to between 35 and 40 years."

35 to 40 years!

A glint of light flashed in Lin Yi's eyes.

This result was even better than his most optimistic prediction.

"Excellent." Lin Yi suppressed his excitement. "Xuanji, first submit the application for exchanging the Basic Water Rule Structural Model. Reserve the other resources using Points."

"Yes, Master," Xuanji replied immediately.

With the resource plan finalized, Lin Yi felt a sense of relief. He composed himself and began making simple preparations for the evening's gathering.

At the same time, Xuanji began to organize and present the most basic rule framework information to him according to the Basic Water Rule Structural Model.

Before long, the sky outside the window, under the unique energy illumination of the Origin Star, gradually turned into a soft, deep blue, symbolizing "night," dotted with simulated stars.

A silver-gray Flying Shuttle silently landed on the manor's landing pad.

There were no conspicuous markings on the Flying Shuttle's exterior, only a faint, flowing light.

This is a common commuter vehicle within Star Source District, arranged by Lan Yuan at Lin Yi's request; it's relatively low-key.

Lin Yi was ready.

He changed into a casual outfit common in Star Source District. The fabric was a dark composite material that could adapt to ambient temperature and slightly adjust light refraction. The cut was good, and the style was simple, neither too casual nor too formal.

Lin Yi checked his appearance again on the mirrored display screen in the lobby, then turned and stepped into the waiting Flying Shuttle.

The Flying Shuttle has a comfortable interior and an autopilot system that connects directly to the Lan Yuan, allowing it to take off smoothly and fly towards the core of the Star Source District.

Outside the window, the night sky of the Origin Star is gentle and dazzling.

Simulated stars and pale golden energy bands flowing across the sky complement each other, while the lights scattered across the manors in the Star Source District below are like jewels adorning deep blue velvet, serene and mysterious.

About ten minutes later, the Flying Shuttle began to descend.

A magnificent complex of buildings came into view ahead.

The main building resembles several enormous, slightly folded silver wings, pointing towards the sky with an elegant arc. The wing surfaces are not solid, but are composed of flowing energy and a certain crystalline structure, constantly refracting and absorbing the energy flow in the surrounding space, emitting a gentle and bright glow.

The building is surrounded by a large, meticulously designed crystal garden and tranquil water landscape, which blends harmoniously with the brilliance of the main building.

Lin Yi thought to himself, "No wonder it's called the ' Dawnlight Hall '."

Two minutes later, the Flying Shuttle came to a stop in the designated landing area.

The hatch opened, Lin Yi stepped out.

Immediately, a humanoid Mechanical Servants with eyes that shimmered with a soft blue light stepped forward to greet them.

"Your Excellency Lin Yi, His Starweaver and all the guests are already here and waiting in the Flowing Radiance Hall. Please follow me."

Lin Yi nodded, Mechanical Servants, and passed through an invisible energy gate into the Dawnlight Hall.

The interior space is exceptionally spacious and high-ceilinged, with bright but not glaring light, as if the building itself is radiant.

The air was filled with a soothing energy, and one could faintly hear a pleasant hum, like the movement of light particles.

Occasionally, you can see other Mechanical Servants standing quietly by, everything is in good order.

Soon, they arrived at a tall archway with doors formed by flowing light curtains.

The Mechanical Servants bowed slightly. "Lin Yi has arrived."

The light curtain opened like ripples on water, revealing the interior.

This is an extremely spacious hall, consistent with the exterior in style, filled with the art of light.

Instead of a traditional long table in the center of the hall, there are some uniquely designed floating chairs and small communication tables scattered around, many of which are decorated with drinks or delicate snacks that emit a soft glow.

Soft light streams in from all directions at just the right angles, creating a comfortable and bright atmosphere for conversation.

There were already more than twenty people in the hall.

They gathered in small groups, some sitting, some standing, talking in hushed tones.

When Lin Yi stepped in, almost all eyes turned to him, some calm, some curious, some scrutinizing.

Lin Yi instantly became the focus of the entire room.

His expression remained unchanged as he calmly walked into the center of the hall. He bowed slightly to the silver-haired man who seemed to radiate a warm glow and possessed the gentlest and most tolerant demeanor, as well as the several clearly esteemed figures beside him.

"Lin Yi, it is my first time visiting Star Source District. I am deeply grateful for the kindness of His Starweaver and everyone else who have hosted a banquet to welcome me." His voice was clear and resonant, neither humble nor arrogant.

The silver-haired man in the main seat was none other than Starweaver.

With a warm smile on his face, he gently raised his hand in a gesture of support. "No need for formalities. Your exceptional inclusion in the list means you are on the same path as us. Although Star Source District is large, the number of members on the list is not large. Today's gathering is not only to welcome you, but also a rare opportunity for us to get together."

As she spoke, Starweaver briefly introduced herself, then turned her gaze to the people beside her.

"You've probably heard of these people: Frost Ash, Heart Whisper, Martial Evening, Return to Source, Sharp Edge, and Void Simulation."

Each time Starweaver uttered a code name, the corresponding Eternal Divinity would nod slightly to Lin Yi as a greeting.

Lin Yi returned the greetings one by one.

"I won't introduce the rest one by one; you young people can get to know them yourselves later."

Starweaver smiled, then raised a crystal-clear drink in her hand, seemingly containing starlight, "Come, let's drink together, and welcome Lin Yi to the list."

Everyone raised their glasses in a toast, and the atmosphere became much more relaxed.

After a simple welcoming ceremony, it was time for free exchange, and soon several members of the World Derivation level came over on their own initiative.

"Lin Yi, this is An Chen."

A burly, kind-faced man spoke first, "I heard you fought against the Kunmo Race on the border and even killed their pride?"

His eyes held an undisguised interest, clearly indicating he was a straightforward person.

"Yes, it was just luck," Lin Yi said modestly, briefly describing the battle.

"Good, well done!"

An Chen patted Lin Yi on the shoulder, "Those Kunmo brats have been making more and more trouble at the border lately, it's so annoying. It's great that you were able to wipe out their seedlings at the Star Core level!"

A woman with a slightly aloof demeanor, whose surroundings seemed to ripple with subtle spatial energy, spoke up, "I am He Mo, specializing in spacetime. Lin Yi, the data shows that you have already integrated with the rules of spacetime; we can exchange ideas more often in the future."

"Thank you very much He Mo Master He Mo. I will definitely seek your guidance in the future if I have the opportunity," Lin Yi said earnestly.

As time went by, Lin Yi gradually began to talk to more and more people.

Some were curious about his experiences on the frontier, some were interested in his combination of spacetime rules, and others simply wanted to see what was so special about this young man who had been jointly recommended by the two venerable masters.

However, after exchanging initial greetings, they returned to their respective social circles.

Lin Yi knew that this was a natural state based on the difference in absolute strength and level of understanding, not a deliberate alienation, but simply a difference in circles.

At the same time, he also noticed that the previously anticipated in-depth discussion of everyone's cultivation experiences almost did not occur.

The occasional fragmented conversations that brushed past my ears were all unrelated to cultivation.

"The regular reports from Observation Station 77 in the Black Abyss Corridor have been delayed. It's not a technical malfunction; it's a deliberate silence. Things haven't been peaceful there lately."

"In the latest trade list submitted by the Eternal Frost Merchant Group, the purchase volume of Star Core Stabilizer has surged by 300% year-on-year, citing the need to explore New Star regions as the reason. However, their route applications do not indicate any large-scale expansion plans."

"The Law Application Research Institute under the Spirit Race 'Origin Court has seen a 22% increase in the proportion of publicly available documents on the stability of law structures under high-intensity energy environments over the past three years, which is unusual."

"Someone from the Military Logistics Division privately revealed that the Void Whale Bone Powder quota for the next quarter has been cut by 15%, with the entire amount allocated to emergency repair projects at the Frontline. I reckon it'll be coming soon?"

Lin Yi stood there, suddenly feeling a rare sense of unease.

It's not tension, but rather a "speechlessness" at the informational level.

He could understand each word, but the meaning strung together pointed to a completely unfamiliar level for him.

What do the unusual movements in the Black Abyss Corridor signify?

Whose demand is behind the surge in purchases by the Eternal Frost Merchant Group?

What trend does the Spirit Race's shift in research foreshadow?

Which front is facing a severe shortage of military resources due to the adjustment of military quotas?

He had no way of judging, much less any ability to participate.

These topics, though seemingly scattered, are like the various corners of a giant jigsaw puzzle. Those who possess the information can vaguely glimpse the whole picture, while he, a newcomer, doesn't even have a decent piece in his hands.

He was like a spectator who had stumbled into the post-game analysis room of top chess players, watching them pontificate on the chessboard, discussing possibilities ten moves ahead and strategies a hundred moves ahead, while he himself might not even fully understand why the pieces in front of him were arranged the way they were.

He can ask Thousand Illusions for advice on cultivation issues, explore on his own, or exchange resources to break through.

But in this dialogue based on a vast information network, a keen political sense, and a strategic vision, he couldn't find a way to engage with it.

Several members of the World Derivation level passed by him, whispering about the relationship between resource output fluctuations and loyalty among several vassal civilizations in a certain star field. They merely nodded politely to him before continuing their discussion.

Standing amidst the flowing light and shadows and whispers, Lin Yi, for the first time on a purely informational level, felt the actual distance between himself and the core circle of Star Source District.

This distance is more subtle and more real than the difference in realms.

Just then, a gentle halo of light approached.

After finishing her brief conversation with a member of the World Derivation level, Starweaver naturally walked over to Lin Yi's side.

Do you feel like you don't have much in common with everyone?

Starweaver's voice carried a knowing smile as her gaze swept over the groups of people in the hall, whispering amongst themselves. "At our level of cultivation, unless our paths overlap significantly or we encounter extremely unique bottlenecks, we rarely discuss specific insights and experiences in public. Those are more private exchanges between masters and disciples or close friends."

"Here, what everyone is more concerned about is the momentum."

Lin Yi nodded frankly. "Yes, I found myself completely unable to join the conversation."

He has nothing to hide; that's the truth.

Starweaver smiled, not surprised. "That's normal. You're new here, so you don't know a lot of background information."

"However, the fact that the Roster Review Committee approved your exceptional application so quickly during this sensitive period itself represents an attitude and expectation."

As he spoke, he changed the subject, his gaze landing on Lin Yi's face, "How do you assess your chances of winning the upcoming Pan-Spirit Alliance Genius Battle?"

The topic suddenly shifted to himself, and to such a direct and crucial issue, that Lin Yi was slightly taken aback.

But he quickly composed himself, thought carefully, and replied, "If we're only talking about rankings, I'm fairly confident I can get into the top ranks. But if we're talking about the real number one..."

He recalled Senior Sister Thousand Illusions's reminder about the unspoken rules of the Spirit Race and said tactfully, "I can only say that I will do my best."

"Giving it your all is fundamental."

Starweaver's tone was calm, yet carried a serious undertone, "The committee, including the two venerable ones who nominated you, are probably expecting more than just a top ranking."

"It's extremely difficult for Star Core level individuals to be included on the list. In this special period, you've been exceptionally admitted as Star Core level individual. Have you considered the deeper meaning behind this?"

Lin Yi's heart stirred slightly.

He certainly considered that the resources were for his own rapid growth to prepare for the Genius Battle, and he also vaguely felt that it was related to the face of the Human Race.

But the meaning behind Starweaver's words seems to go beyond that.

"I humbly request your guidance, Your Majesty," Lin Yi said respectfully.

Starweaver's gaze fell upon the simulated starlight flowing across the hall's dome, as if organizing her thoughts. "Influence, morale boosting—these are obvious benefits, I won't elaborate. With your intelligence, you should be able to figure them out."

Lin Yi nodded.

This was indeed the aspect he could think of: the Human Race genius winning first place in the Pan-Spirit Alliance would enhance the influence of the Human Race and boost the morale of the Frontline soldiers, especially the Star Core level, who are the absolute main fighting force in the vast Source Energy Barren Zone. This was particularly important during a period of escalating friction.

"I have two points to make." Starweaver withdrew her gaze and looked back at Lin Yi.

"First, there is tangible reduction in battlefield casualties."

He said slowly, "No matter how the battle unfolds, Star Core level beings will be the main force in the conflict. The appearance of a universally acknowledged number one genius who crushes his generation in our camp will have an invisible but enormous psychological deterrent effect on the enemy's peers of the same level."

"They will be wary, hesitant, and avoid direct confrontation with you or your forces. This subtle psychological advantage, translated into casualty ratio and mission success rate, will accumulate into a considerable figure over the long border and countless small-scale conflicts."

"It can save the lives of many outstanding soldiers who would otherwise have sacrificed their lives, and preserve many precious strategic nodes. This is the most direct military value brought by the first."

Lin Yi nodded; he had also considered this point.

"Secondly, it involves a higher level of strategic maneuvering and is also related to the rules of the Myriad Secret Realm."

Starweaver slowly said, "According to the ancient rules of the Pan-Spirit Alliance, the one who wins first place in the Genius Battle will automatically become the leader of the Pan-Spirit Alliance when exploring the Myriad Secret Realm together to deal with the other two forces."

"This team leader has the authority to coordinate the various factions within the Pan-Spirit Alliance and formulate basic operational strategies within the secret realm."

Upon hearing this, Lin Yi's gaze immediately sharpened.

Team leader?

He had never heard of this information before.

"Normally, this leadership position would undoubtedly belong to the Spirit Race," Starweaver continued, "But this time is different. Undercurrents are swirling at the border; the Kunmo Race is restless, and other races are also wavering."

"If our Human Race representative can demonstrate, well, truly the strength of number one in the Genius Battle, and thus secure this team leader position..."

Starweaver paused, then looked at Lin Yi meaningfully. "So, in order to gain your full cooperation and support as the strongest in the perilous Myriad Secret Realm, to ensure the Spirit Race's dominance within the Pan-Spirit Alliance, and also to protect the Spirit Race's current generation of prodigies from excessive losses..."

"In the ensuing conflict, the Spirit Race will have to consider granting us Human Race some additional benefits in exchange."

Lin Yi suddenly understood, but then a wave of doubt washed over him.

"But," Lin Yi suppressed the turmoil in his heart and raised a question, "Your Majesty, given the situation, shouldn't other races also devote all their efforts to cultivating geniuses to compete for this first place, which could influence the Spirit Race's attitude?"

"Moreover, even if I were to become the team leader by chance, the Spirit Race would have an absolute numerical advantage in the top thousand in the Genius Battle. If they were to outwardly comply but inwardly defy me, my position as team leader would likely be merely nominal, and the Spirit Race could still maintain control. Why would they cede some benefits to us in exchange?"

Upon hearing this, Starweaver smiled, her first slightly approving smile of the evening.

"The first question."

He said slowly, "Enlightenment-type treasures are not omnipotent; they can only amplify existing talents."

"According to the intelligence we have, within the Pan-Spirit Alliance, apart from you, there are very few non- Spirit Race whose Star Core level can reach the fourth level of Rule Fusion, let alone the fifth level."

"Even if they were given resources at the level of a list, to push their Rule Comprehension to the eighth or ninth level within eight hundred years? That's practically hopeless. Which race would invest a lot of resources to gamble on a slim chance? The cost-benefit ratio is too low."

"So, the real variable, at this moment, is only you."

Regarding the second question...

Starweaver's smile faded, and her tone became serious. "You've hit the nail on the head."

"The reason the leader can make the Spirit Race hesitate is not only because of his title, but also because of a rule that the Spirit Race established for their own benefit."

As Starweaver spoke, a cold smile appeared on her face, "The Spirit Race believes that in order for the Pan-Spirit Alliance to have a certain degree of unified combat capability within the secret realm, making it easier to confront the other two parties, the team leader, as the top expert, will be granted law enforcement authority."

Lin Yi was immediately startled.

Enforcement power!

This means

"That's right."

Starweaver confirmed his guess, "As long as the reasons are sufficient and the process is recorded, the team leader has the right to punish, or even kill on the spot, any member of their own side who disobeys orders."

"Afterwards, the Pan-Spirit Alliance Supreme Arbitration Tribunal will only conduct a procedural review and will usually not investigate the team leader's substantive decisions."

The soft light in the hall seemed to turn somewhat cold at this moment.

The hushed conversations around us about resources and observation seemed to be separated by an invisible barrier.

Lin Yi immediately understood.

This is no empty reputation.

This is a sword hanging over everyone's head.

The Spirit Race might be able to use their numerical advantage to sideline a mediocre leader, but if the leader is a "true number one" with enough strength to suppress their internal geniuses, then the weight of this sword is entirely different.

Not cooperating?

Is it outwardly compliant but inwardly defiant?

In a perilous secret realm where one must also contend with two other powerful enemies, a leader with absolute power and legitimate authority has numerous ways to legally make disobedient individuals pay the price, or even disappear.

The Spirit Race were clearly unwilling to take this risk, nor did they want to succumb to internal conflict while fighting an external enemy.

Therefore, if the Human Race does produce such a leader, then exchanging some other support for this leader's friendly cooperation in the secret realm would be a very worthwhile deal for the Spirit Race.

Lin Yi pondered to himself that perhaps the Spirit Race would use a similar method to determine the winners of the previous non- Spirit Race Genius Battle.

After all, paying some price to win them over is definitely much easier than resorting to other means. If other methods go wrong and damage the reputation of the race, that would be a major blunder.

Therefore, any high-ranking member of the Spirit Race in charge of these Myriad Secret Realm who has a brain would know what to do.

Everything suddenly became clear.

The exceptional inclusion in the list, the allocation of resources, and the expectations of the higher-ups—all of these ultimately rested on the fulcrum of "first place in the Genius Battle."

This fulcrum leverages not only glory, but also tangible battlefield advantages, the lives of countless soldiers of the race, and invaluable strategic support from the Spirit Race, the alliance leader, during this critical period.

Lin Yi knew that even if becoming the leader of the secret realm only brought him a little extra support, it would still be invaluable when considered in the context of the entire race.

pressure.

An unprecedented amount of pressure fell squarely on Lin Yi's shoulders.

This is no longer the vague "bringing glory to the Human Race," but a series of cold and weighty responsibilities and expectations.

Starweaver looked at Lin Yi, who was silently pondering, and knew that he had completely understood.

He didn't say anything more, but gently patted Lin Yi's shoulder and said, "The road ahead is long. Listen more tonight; it's a good way to learn."

After speaking, Starweaver turned around and rejoined the conversation of the others, as if her strategic advice, which could have influenced the fate of countless people, was just an ordinary chat.

Lin Yi stood alone in the same spot, the surrounding light and shadows and whispers seemingly becoming clearer once again.

He raised his head and glanced at the figures in the hall.

The night in Star Source District is still long.

But the direction of the path beneath his feet had never been so clear.