A divine guard, the rankings begin
"Huh? It went straight to the top of the list?"
Eternal Rock paused, his finger hovering in mid-air.
In the clan task system, only two types of tasks can be displayed at the top.
It is either an extremely urgent crisis that concerns the survival of the tribe, or a high-priority special mission directly issued by the tribe's leadership.
Given his current financial situation, he shouldn't be paying attention to tasks at this level, but out of habit, Eternal Rock subconsciously took another look.
[Task ID: SS-00173]
[Type: Long-term Guard]
[Location: Follow the mission objective]
[Content: Serve as the protector of the target, ensuring their personal safety during the mission. The target must not be sealed, imprisoned, robbed, or otherwise endangered in any way. Mission duration: Tentatively 100 Epoch (subject to adjustment based on actual circumstances).]
[Guardian Requirements: Proficient in defensive techniques or possessing powerful defensive methods; calm and composed, able to handle unexpected crises.]
[Mission Benefits: During the mission, a fixed 80 clan merit points will be awarded per Epoch. Upon completion of the mission, additional clan merit points will be awarded based on performance during the escort mission.]
[Note: One "Void Token" will be issued at the start of the mission; if you perish while performing your duty as a protector during the mission, your clan will provide one free resurrection opportunity.]
Eternal Rock's eyes quickly scanned the mission description.
He was somewhat surprised when he saw "80 clan merits per Epoch".
This is considered a fairly generous fixed reward for a long-term mission.
His pupils contracted slightly when he saw the "Void Symbol".
This one-time use talisman contains a spatial beacon left by a digital space system master. Once activated, the masters will instantly sense it and tear through space to arrive. It is usually only issued when protecting the most important strategic objectives of the clan or when carrying out top-secret missions.
When his gaze fell on the words "free revival opportunity," Eternal Rock was stunned for a moment.
"A chance to revive? Free?"
As a deity who had once perished in the Ashen Corridor and exhausted his life savings to gain a chance to be resurrected, Eternal Rock understood better than anyone what "one free resurrection" meant.
Now, this task directly promises: if you accept it, you'll be resurrected if you die.
What does this mean?
Eternal Rock's gaze returned to the sentence in the mission details. "Ensure the personal safety of the person being protected; the person being protected must not be sealed, imprisoned, robbed, or otherwise endanger their life."
Combine this with the Void Token and free resurrection.
He understood instantly.
The subtext of this mission couldn't be clearer: the person you're protecting must not be harmed. You can die, but you must delay until the Void Rune is activated and the Lord arrives.
Even if it costs us our lives, we must ensure the safety of our target.
"An opportunity. This is absolutely an opportunity!"
Eternal Rock's heart began to pound, and a long-lost light shone in his eyes.
Although the identity of the target being protected is unknown, the fact that the clan's leadership attaches such importance to the individual, even going so far as to promise "free resurrection" to recruit them as a protector, suggests that their significance is beyond imagination.
Being able to establish a connection with such a being, even if it's just as a guard, means entering the sights of the highest levels of the tribe.
Moreover, there is a fixed income of 80 clan merit points per Epoch.
As for the danger.
"High risk, high reward." Eternal Rock gritted his teeth secretly.
What's more, this time you can be resurrected for free if you die!
Without further hesitation, he immediately instructed the Intelligent Life beside him, "Quick! Accept this mission, apply immediately!"
Good missions are highly sought after. There are many gods who are skilled in defensive laws, and nobody is stupid. These missions are definitely first come, first served.
"Yes, Master." The virtual figure bowed in response and then began to operate.
A series of confirmation windows popped up on the screen, including a loyalty review consent form, a mission risk disclosure statement, and a confidentiality agreement. Eternal Rock didn't even look at the specific terms and directly checked all of them to agree.
A moment later.
[Application submitted]
[Loyalty check passed (checking body: Supreme Council direct system)]
[Strength assessment passed (Assessor: Ethnic War Preparedness Database)]
[Task matching rate: 87% (Meets requirements)]
[Under final review]
[Approved.]
[Mission SS-00173 has been successfully accepted. Mission details and target information have been sent.]
A series of notifications flashed by, finally settling on the words "Acceptance successful".
Eternal Rock took a deep breath and opened the mission details.
There was only one short document inside.
[Target to be protected: Lin Yi]
[Current Status: Member of the Special Talent Cultivation Roster]
[Current Realm: Star Core level]
[Current Location: Origin Star, Star Source District (Specific coordinates attached)]
[Mission Start Time: Upon arrival at the coordinates and completion of the handover with the Imperial Guard Legion squad]
[Special Reminder: During the escort period, unless the target's life is in danger, their normal activities must not be interfered with.]
Lin Yi.
Eternal Rock looked at the name and suddenly realized what it meant.
It turns out to be this newly rising prodigy.
He knew all this information: first place in the preliminaries, the Ninefold Spacetime Life-Death Domain, and his overwhelming power over the Spirit Race's Edith.
After all, the Genius Battle is a grand event for the entire Pan-Spirit Alliance, and even though he has been busy recovering during this time, he can't help but pay attention to it.
Logically speaking, a Star Core level genius, even at the Ninefold Domain, shouldn't need a God-level person as a personal bodyguard.
Offering a "God-level Long-Term Guardian Mission" directly, along with Void Tokens and free resurrection opportunities, is a rare treat.
Eternal Rock's eyes narrowed slightly.
"Obviously, there are special circumstances I'm unaware of, but regardless, I'm taking this mission."
Eternal Rock turned off the light screen and stood up.
The dark blue, ancient armor shimmered faintly on his body.
With a thought, he said to the Intelligent Life form beside him, "Notify Yong Feng, Yong Qing, Musto to come see me."
Not long after, the door to the quiet room slid open silently, and three men and women dressed in family attire quickly entered and bowed respectfully.
"Chief."
These three are the current core Yong Yan Family: the eldest son, Yong Feng, who is at the mid-stage of the World Derivation level; the youngest daughter, Yong Qing, who is at the early stage of the World Derivation level; and the family elder Musto.
Musto is Eternal Rock's disciple, a World Derivation level, and the strongest member of the family besides Eternal Rock.
Eternal Rock looked at them and said directly, "I have just accepted a long-term mission from the clan and will be away for a long time. During this period, Yong Feng will temporarily take charge of clan affairs, and major decisions will need to be discussed with Musto and Yong Qing. You can contact me through the Virtual Network for urgent matters, but please do not disturb me unless it is a matter of life and death."
The three of them were somewhat surprised upon hearing this.
Yong Feng couldn't help but ask, "Father, you've only recently recovered. Don't you need to rest for a while longer? And what kind of mission requires you to go for so long in person?"
Eternal Rock waved his hand. "It's a clan mission, no need to ask too many questions, it's a good thing in short."
As he said this, a rare look of ease appeared on his face.
For the past few months, Eternal Rock has been in a heavy mood because the clan's merits were exhausted and the Divine Kingdom was damaged after his resurrection. Everyone in the family could feel the oppressive atmosphere.
Yong Qing and Musto exchanged a glance, secretly wondering: Could it be that they were going to follow some powerful figure on one of those easy missions where they could "just show their face and intimidate others to earn clan merit"?
After all, the clan leader had just passed away, so it was only natural for the clan's higher-ups to take care of him.
They dared not ask any further questions and immediately bowed, accepting the order, "Yes."
"Go on, I need to Ready to Depart." Eternal Rock waved his hand.
The three left the quiet room.
Eternal Rock stood there, silent for a moment.
He placed his hand on his chest armor and muttered to himself, "Lin Yi, let me see what's so special about you that makes the clan value you so much."
Seven days later, the outer ring road of the Origin Star.
A silver-gray spaceship slowly detached from its warp drive and glided into the Origin Star's defense identification zone.
Inside the spaceship's control room, Eternal Rock stood by the porthole, gazing at the Origin Star that was gradually enlarging in his field of vision, a complex expression on his face.
"The last time the Origin Star was here was 137 Epoch ago."
At that time, he had just obtained a treasure that suited him from the secret realm, and was then ordered to come to Origin Star to participate in an advanced tactical seminar. He was in high spirits and full of expectations for the future.
Now, having survived life-or-death experiences, lost their treasures, and are almost penniless, they have returned.
Life's encounters are truly unpredictable.
"Master, guidance signal received from the Origin Star Orbit Control Center," the spaceship's intelligent system reported. "Verification code sent, verifying identity."
"Mm." Eternal Rock nodded.
A few seconds later, a system notification sounded, "Identity verified. Your Majesty Eternal Rock, welcome to Origin Star. Your access level is 'Eternal (Temporary)'. The navigation path is locked. Destination: Seventh Entrance of the Star Source District. Please follow the navigation path and do not deviate from the course."
The spaceship began its descent, passing through the atmosphere and heading towards the area on the planet's surface shrouded in a pale golden energy membrane.
Star Source District, as the residence of the members on the list, has an extremely high level of protection.
Eternal Rock could sense at least thirteen different scanning waves sweeping across the surface of the spaceship. Several of them made him feel a slight unease, clearly indicating that they were defensive weapons powerful enough to threaten the Eternal Divinity, confirming their identities.
The spacecraft eventually landed on a secluded landing pad.
Eternal Rock stepped out of the cabin, a guide Mechanical Servants that had been waiting there stepped forward to salute him.
"Your Excellency Eternal Rock, please follow me. Lord Lin Yi's manor is located in the southeast of Star Source District, about a ten-minute walk away."
"Lead the way."
Eternal Rock followed the Mechanical Servants, walking on the clean roads of Star Source District.
The road is lined with manors of different styles, each shrouded in its own protective field.
He could sense that many of the manors exuded powerful auras, at least at the World Derivation level, and occasionally he could even sense subtle fluctuations belonging to Eternal Divinity.
"Truly worthy of being the future home of our people," he thought to himself.
"The manor of Lord Lin Yi is just ahead."
The Mechanical Servants stopped in front of a manor shrouded in a pale blue energy membrane. "I have sent your visit request. Please wait."
The manor gates slid open silently.
A man dressed in a royal guard uniform strode out; it was Nagi Feng.
He approached Eternal Rock, bowed respectfully, and then spoke, "Your Excellency Eternal Rock, I am Nagi Feng, the current captain of Lin Yi's guards. May I ask the purpose of your visit?"
Eternal Rock could see the wariness and doubt in the captain's eyes.
He directly retrieved the mission verification code and projected it into the air between the two of them.
"By order of the Supreme Council, I have come to relieve Lin Yi of his guard duties. This is the mission number and verification information."
Nagi Feng's pupils suddenly contracted.
He quickly checked the verification code, and when he saw the number "SS-00173" and the "directly under the Supreme Council" label, he was immediately taken aback.
"Your Majesty, are you on a guard duty?" Nagi Feng felt a dryness in his throat.
"Yes," Eternal Rock said calmly. "From now on, I will be in charge of protecting Lord Lin Yi. Your and your team's tasks will be adjusted; the specific arrangements should have already been sent to your system."
Nagi Feng subconsciously checked his tactical terminal.
Sure enough, an order from the "Supreme Command of the Imperial Guard Legion" had just arrived.
[Order: The Nagi Feng Squad is hereby relieved of its escort duties for Lin Yi and will proceed to the Silver Blue Starfield for garrison duty. Further mission details will be provided separately.]
Nagi Feng was shocked when he read the order.
Garrisoning in the Silver Blue Starfield?
The Silver Blue Starfield —isn't this Lin Yi's hometown?
Their elite squad, originally responsible for close protection, was reassigned, and their replacement was none other than an Eternal Divinity!
"I see."
Nagi Feng a deep breath, suppressing his shock. "I will organize a team handover immediately."
"No need to rush."
Eternal Rock waved his hand, "I'll give you a day to say goodbye to Lin Yi and tell me about the things you need to be careful about. After all, you've protected him for so long, you're more familiar with the situation."
Nagi Feng was taken aback for a moment, then gratitude appeared in his eyes. "Thank you for your understanding, Your Majesty."
"Take me to see Lin Yi."
"Yes, please follow me."
The two entered the manor.
Lin Yi, Aurelia, Chen Yu, and others were all in the living room.
They had just received a notification from Xuanji that an Eternal Divinity had come to visit, carrying mission instructions from the Supreme Council.
When everyone saw Nagi Feng in a middle-aged man clad in dark blue armor, exuding an aura as deep as the sea, they all stood up.
"Your Mightiness."
Nagi Feng forward, his tone complex, "This is Lord Eternal Rock, sent by the Supreme Council to relieve you of your guard duties."
The living room was quiet.
Chen Yu opened his mouth, but no sound came out.
Zhou Yuxuan and Kaliya exchanged a glance, both seeing the shock in each other's eyes.
Lin Yao instinctively gripped the hem of her clothes.
Aurelia eyes narrowed slightly. Her gaze lingered on Eternal Rock for a moment before turning to Lin Yi.
Lin Yi himself was somewhat surprised.
He knew that after demonstrating his Ninefold Domain and winning the preliminary rounds, the clan's leadership would definitely strengthen protective measures.
He thought at most they would send a few more elite warriors at the World Derivation level, but he didn't expect them to send an Eternal Divinity as a long-term bodyguard?
Isn't this specification a bit too high?
unless
Lin Yi's heart stirred as he recalled his recent breakthrough in the laws of time.
Did Senior Sister Thousand Illusions tell Xuan Yan about this?
But if that's the case, why didn't Xuan Yan contact me directly?
Lin Yi's mind immediately flashed to Thousand Illusions's face with her mischievous smile.
"Could it be that Senior Sister went to upset Xuan Yan, and the Lord is busy dealing with his father-daughter relationship and doesn't have time to inform me personally?"
The somewhat absurd idea popped into his head, but the more he thought about it, the more likely it seemed.
Forget it, I shouldn't pry into the Lord's affairs.
Lin Yi composed himself, stepped forward, and bowed respectfully to Eternal Rock: "Lin Yi greets Your Majesty Eternal Rock. I am truly flattered that Your Majesty has come in person."
Eternal Rock sized up the young man in front of him.
Wearing a dark blue combat suit, standing tall and straight, with a calm face and clear yet profound eyes, he showed none of the restraint or fear that ordinary Star Core level would have when meeting Eternal Divinity.
"He's definitely not simple," Eternal Rock thought to himself.
He smiled gently and returned the greeting, saying, "Lord Lin Yi, you needn't be so polite. I've been ordered to come and provide protection, and I'll be troubling you for quite some time to come."
"Your Majesty is too kind." Lin Yi stepped aside. "Please sit. Captain Nagi Feng, you may sit as well."
Everyone sat down again, but the atmosphere was much more somber than before.
After all, an Eternal Divinity was sitting right next to him, so even someone as impulsive as Chen Yu didn't dare to say anything out of line.
Eternal Rock noticed the awkwardness among the group and spoke up, "Since I've accepted the guard duty, I will do my best. But in daily life, please don't treat me like some important person; just think of me as another guest in the manor. Otherwise, it will only attract attention."
Lin Yi nodded. "Your Majesty is right. Then, following the custom of my hometown, I will address you as Mr. Eternal Rock from now on, shall I?"
"Okay." Eternal Rock smiled.
"By the way, Captain Nagi Feng will be leading his team away tomorrow to be stationed in the Silver Blue Starfield," Eternal Rock continued. "The handover must be completed today."
In the following time, Eternal Rock and Nagi Feng conducted a detailed handover.
Nagi Feng shared with Eternal Rock the experience he had accumulated over the past few centuries of guarding work, as well as the precautions he needed to take.
Lin Yi and the others listened quietly.
After the handover was completed, Nagi Feng solemnly bid farewell to Lin Yi.
"Lord Lin Yi, it has been an honor for me and the entire team to serve as your bodyguard all these years." The captain of the Derivation Realm said with reluctance in his eyes, "I wish you continued success in the upcoming competitions and that you will uphold the prestige of our Human Race."
"Thank you for protecting me all these years," Lin Yi said earnestly. "I'm also counting on you for the Silver Blue Starfield."
"I will certainly live up to your trust."
Nagi Feng saluted, then turned and left.
Lin Yi and a few others, along with Eternal Rock, remained in the living room.
Eternal Rock stood up. "I'll go familiarize myself with the manor's environment first and check for any security vulnerabilities."
With that, he nodded to Lin Yi, then walked out of the living room, his figure quickly disappearing at the end of the corridor.
Only then did the atmosphere in the living room relax a little.
"Divine protection," Chen Yu murmured, "I feel like I'm dreaming."
Zhou Yuxuan also lowered his voice. "Commander, I don't recall ever hearing of such a precedent among the geniuses of the Ninefold Domain the realm in history."
Lin Yi smiled but offered no explanation.
Aurelia glanced at Lin Yi and said softly, "The clan's higher-ups have their own considerations. We just need to know that this shows they value and protect their Commander, and that's enough."
"Sister Ellie is right," Lin Yao nodded. "Brother, you need to be even more careful in the upcoming matches. The fact that even divine guardians have been sent means there might really be an enemy plotting against you."
"I know." Lin Yi's smile faded. "I'll be careful. You all should also be prepared. Contestants can bring a few family members to watch the competition. You can come with me."
Everyone perked up upon hearing this, especially Aurelia, whose eyes flashed with a complex expression.
Soon, everyone left to make their own preparations.
Lin Yi stood alone by the living room window, gazing at the pale golden energy flow outside the manor.
The arrival of Eternal Rock is not only about the inhabitation of an Eternal Divinity, but also about the signal it conveys.
Since the clan's leadership has specifically increased his defenses, it's clear that in addition to placing greater importance on him, it also indicates that the leadership believes he may face dangers that only gods can handle.
"The Law of Time," Lin Yi muttered to himself, "It seems I need to familiarize myself with this power as soon as possible."
He turned and walked towards the meditation room.
--
Meanwhile, on the Virtual Network, the Yong Yan Family's private channel.
Yong Feng, Yong Qing, Musto gathered in the encrypted space, all with puzzled expressions on their faces.
"What kind of mission did Father take on? Why haven't we heard anything about it these past few days?" Yong Feng frowned.
Yong Qing guessed, "Perhaps they're accompanying a Venerable Lord on a patrol of a remote star system? Those kinds of missions usually require maintaining communication silence."
"It doesn't seem like it," Musto shook his head. "The chieftain's demeanor when he left was more like... anticipation of something. If it were just a routine patrol mission, he wouldn't have acted that way."
The three discussed it for a while, but still couldn't come up with a solution.
"Never mind, let's wait for the clan leader to contact us," Yong Feng said. "By the way, isn't the ranking competition for the Pan-Spirit Alliance Genius Battle about to start?"
"Yes, it'll be soon." Yong Qing pulled up the competition schedule. "Should our family organize a group viewing? It would be good for the younger generation to witness the prowess of the Star Sea's top talents."
"Yes," Musto nodded. "Especially Lin Yi, our Human Race has really made a name for itself this time. They beat the Spirit Race's Edith in the preliminaries; maybe we can actually contend for the championship."
"I've already told the younger members of the family to take on fewer assignments these next few days and focus on watching the game," Yong Feng said with a smile. "This is an exciting event."
The three chatted for a few more minutes before logging off.
Five days later, at Origin Star Spaceport.
A spaceship slowly descended.
The ship was marked with the ancient tree and star emblem of the Spirit Race, making it a special vessel sent by the Spirit Race to guide the contestants.
After verifying their identities, Lin Yi and his group boarded the spaceship.
Eternal Rock followed behind Lin Yi the whole time, seemingly casually, but in reality, his spirit had already enveloped the entire scene, and no trace of malice could escape his perception.
Soon, the Spirit Race spaceship that had received Lin Yi set sail again.
Lin Yi noticed that Eternal Rock was standing by the window, gazing at the Origin Star gradually receding into the distance outside the porthole.
"What is Mr. Eternal Rock thinking about?" Lin Yi asked.
"It brings back some memories."
Eternal Rock turned around and said, "The first time I went to the Spirit Race's territory was more than four thousand Epoch ago, as an attendant to a multi-race coalition meeting. At that time, I was still a World Derivation level cultivator, and everything I saw was awe-inspiring."
He paused, then said, "This time, my status is different, and my mindset is different too."
Lin Yi walked to the window and stood side by side with Eternal Rock.
Outside the window, the starry sky is like a waterfall.
"No matter your status, you still have to walk your own path," Lin Yi said softly.
Eternal Rock glanced at him, a hint of approval flashing in his eyes.
"That's right."
--
Twenty days later.
The outer airport of the Spirit Race's territory, the Ultimate Arena.
After twenty days of hyperspace travel, the homing spacecraft finally arrived at its destination.
It was a planet made entirely of metal and crystals, more than ten times the diameter of an ordinary planet.
The planet's surface has no land or ocean, only countless intricate giant structures and slowly rotating energy rings.
This is the "Ultimate Arena," a super arena built by the Spirit Race at great expense, specifically for the final stage of the Genius Battle.
The entire planet itself is a massive artifact, its internal space capable of being folded and expanded at will, simulating most environments in the universe.
The spacecraft slowly landed in the airport area.
As Lin Yi stepped out of the cabin, he immediately felt countless eyes focused on him.
He remained calm as he led the group of people behind him down the gangway.
Eternal Rock followed beside Lin Yi, seemingly casually glancing around.
But to those secretly observing, it was as if they were being pressed down by an invisible mountain, and they instantly withdrew their gaze.
--
The next day.
Qualifying match day.
Human Race territory, the main star of the Yong Yan Family.
In the family's main council hall, hundreds of Star Core level direct descendants of the Yong Yan Family gathered.
A huge circular light screen floated in the center of the hall, playing a "player arrival highlights" clip before the official start of the qualifying rounds.
This segment has always been a top-rated one.
Especially those high-profile prodigies, their every move will be captured by the camera and magnified in front of the entire audience of Xinghai.
"Look! That's a Crystal Spirit Race team!"
"The Holy Radiance Race contestant's Holy Light Armor is truly dazzling."
"The Li Race is still as fierce as ever; you can feel their murderous aura even through the screen."
The younger generation discussed it excitedly.
Yong Feng, Yong Qing, Musto, and other core executives sat in the front row, watching with great interest.
Yong Qing said, "The rules for the ranking competition are different every time. I'm really curious about the rules for this ranking competition. But no matter what the rules are, only the top 100 will make it to the finals, so the competition will definitely be fierce."
"Lin Yi will definitely make it into the top 100, the key is whether he can get first place," Yong Feng laughed. "If he can get first place, our Human Race will truly be able to hold its head high this time."
"Hard to say"
Musto took over, saying in a deep voice, "The Spirit Race's Edith has already reached the ninth level, and her combat skills and secret techniques are top-notch. If she makes up for her weaknesses during this period, Lin Yi will definitely face a tough battle."
As they were talking, the images on the screen changed.
The commentator's voice rang out. "Next up is the Human Race Human Race. As a powerful race, nearly ten Humans have qualified for the ranking matches, and one of their Human Race even took first place in the qualifiers!"
As he spoke, a familiar figure appeared in the frame.
A cheer erupted in the spectator hall.
"Lin Yi! It's Lin Yi!"
"First place in the qualifiers! We'll definitely be first in the qualifying rounds too!"
Yong Feng and the others also smiled.
But the next second, their smiles froze.
Because among the people following Lin Yi out of the spaceship, there was a figure they recognized very well.
He wore dark blue, ancient-style armor, exuding a calm and composed aura, and his gaze warily swept across his surroundings.
It was Eternal Rock, the patriarch of their family.
"That's it."
Yong Qing suddenly stood up.
The cup in Yong Feng's hand fell to the ground, making a crisp shattering sound.
Musto stood there, mouth agape, stunned.
The entire viewing hall fell silent instantly, everyone staring blankly at the light screen.
In the scene, Eternal Rock closely followed behind Lin Yi, always keeping a half-step distance behind.
When a member of the Spirit Race tried to approach and guide him, Eternal Rock stepped forward half a step and whispered something. The member immediately stepped back respectfully.
That posture, that position, that wary look in his eyes
It looks like he's acting as Lin Yi's bodyguard.