Chapter 335: A Headline That Shook the Sea of Stars - Starting From the Civilization Promotion Assessment

Five days passed in the blink of an eye.

Myriad Secret Realm.

The leaders of the Spirit Race, the Abyss Race, and the Devouring Race floated clearly in the void.

Further ahead of them were three figures whose mere existence seemed to command the submission of the entire starry sky.

The Spirit Race's Qing Yan, still wore a simple white robe, his face blurred, only his eyes, which contained the birth and death of the universe, calmly gazed ahead.

The Abyss Race's dark golden ruler shrunk his enormous beastly body to a size similar to that of the Spirit Race.

But the savage and domineering aura originating from the bloodline of the "Origin Beast" was like an invisible Tide, crashing against everything around it wave after wave. The space around him collapsed slightly, and the light was strangely bent as it passed through.

The misty body of the Devouring Race ruler constantly changed shape, sometimes condensing into a ferocious insect head, and sometimes spreading into a sky-covering mist.

At its core, two Nether Fire coldly swept across the direction of the Spirit Race, occasionally meeting the gaze of the Abyss Race's ruler for a fleeting moment.

All the lords remained silent.

Xuan Yan stood slightly to the side behind the Qing Yan, his gaze fixed on the void area that was originally the entrance to the secret realm. His expression seemed calm, but his hands, hanging at his sides, were slightly clenched.

Time passed second by second in a suffocating silence.

Finally, the appointed time arrived.

The ripples in that void suddenly intensified, and the remaining aftershocks of the rules seemed to be stirred by an invisible giant hand, beginning to spin wildly. The colors gradually became clearer from chaos, eventually transforming into a vortex passage where light and shadow flowed erratically.

The exit of the Myriad Secret Realm has been opened.

Almost at the same instant the passage was solidified, the wills of the three Dao Lord seemed to fluctuate slightly, and the gazes of all the lords instantly focused on the exit of the passage.

Then they saw it.

Two figures, one after the other, shot out of the passage almost side by side.

A figure, resembling Giant Bear covered in thick Rock Armor.

The other figure was a mantis-shaped Devouring Race, entirely purplish-black in color and covered with sharp bone spurs on its back.

After the two figures emerged, they didn't linger or even glance at each other before flying straight towards their respective camps, quickly disappearing into the ranks of the Abyss Race and the Devouring Race's leaders, where they were protected by the energy of their fellow clan leaders.

After that, nothing more happened.

The passage continued to rotate steadily, emitting a mesmerizing light and shadow, but the exit was empty; no third figure flew out.

One second, two seconds, ten seconds, one minute.

Time flowed in the deathly silence, each second seemingly stretched into an Epoch.

On the Pan-Spirit Alliance's side, the figure of the Qing Yan remained blurry, revealing no expression.

However, the expressions of the dozens of Venerable Lords behind him, led by Xuan Yan, Hui Guang, and Phantom Light, became solemn at a visible speed.

Especially Xuan Yan.

He stared intently at the empty exit, his Soul Power already acting like the most precise scanner, scanning the passage inside and out again and again, trying to capture any trace of the aura of a genius from the Pan-Spirit Alliance.

No.

There was nothing there.

Apart from the trails left by those two figures, the passageway was eerily clean.

From the direction of the Abyss Race and the Devouring Race camps, several low energy fluctuations faintly emanated, like suppressed communication, or perhaps some kind of confirmation.

The two rulers remained as deep and unfathomable as abyss, showing no reaction whatsoever, but their silence was more jarring than any mockery at this moment.

The atmosphere quickly shifted from solemn to oppressive.

A day is but a fleeting moment in the long lives of the venerable ones, but at this moment, it seems to be divided into countless agonizing fragments.

The light and shadow in the passageway began to fade, the rotation speed gradually slowed down, and the vibrant colors began to dim.

Finally, the vortex passage emitted a low hum, like a weary sigh, and slowly collapsed inward, eventually turning into a faint ray of light and disappearing completely into the void.

The passage is closed.

In the end, no third figure flew out.

What this meant was clear to every venerable one present.

According to the ironclad rule passed down through countless Epoch, those who fail to leave the Myriad Secret Realm on time are considered to have been captured. This time, however, a full thousand of the Pan-Spirit Alliance's most outstanding Star Core level geniuses were wiped out.

Xuan Yan slowly closed his eyes, his chest heaving slightly. When he opened them again, his eyes were filled with a frozen rage.

Just then, the ever-silent Qing Yan finally spoke.

His voice remained gentle, seemingly devoid of any warmth or human emotion, yet it resonated clearly throughout the desolate starry sky, reaching the depths of the consciousness of every being.

"Using this method to seize the Source Essence." The Qing Yan's gaze slowly swept over the rulers of the Abyss Race and the Devouring Race. "Aren't you afraid of reigniting the war between the three races?"

These words were spoken calmly, yet the weight they carried sent a chill down the spines of all the venerable ones.

The war between the three races meant a catastrophe that would sweep across countless starfields, the fall of sovereigns like rain, and a dark age in which the Light of Civilization would be extinguished in vast swathes.

The horrors and traumas of the last war still leave a deep imprint on the memories of many ancient people.

Upon hearing this, the Abyss Race Ruler looked at the Qing Yan and let out a low, sneer.

"Oh"

"Start a war?"

His dark golden beastly eyes flashed with undisguised mockery. "Qing Yan, put away your hypocritical tricks. Your Spirit Race has secretly produced a second Supreme Being, yet you keep it a secret, secretly accumulating power. What are you plotting? Do you really think we don't know?"

The words "the second supreme being" resounded like thunder in the hearts of many lords.

Even among the Spirit Race's lords, except for a very few truly core high-ranking members, such as the Radiance Lord eyes flickered slightly, most of the Spirit Race lords and the lords of all allied races instantly showed expressions of shock.

Many of the lords even subconsciously exchanged glances, seeing the horror in each other's eyes.

The Spirit Race has a second Supreme Being?!

When did this happen?

Why is there no celebration at all, and not even a single announcement?

If that were true, wouldn't the entire universe be turned upside down?!

Xuan Yan suddenly raised his head to look at the back of the Qing Yan, and then quickly looked at the Abyss Race Ruler. His heart was instantly filled with turbulent waves.

The blurred face of the Qing Yan seemed unchanged as he silently gazed at the Abyss Race Sovereign, coldly saying, "Oh? You're making this clear now because you think you've got me cornered?"

The Abyss Race ruler stopped looking at him, abruptly turned his head, and let out a roar that shook the starry sky in the direction of the Devouring Race ruler.

"Do it!"

Within the Myriad Secret Realm.

Blood mist surged, and deathly silence reigned.

More than 700 Pan-Spirit Alliance prodigies, led by Lin Yi and Edith, gathered in the camp.

The blood mist remained that repulsive dark red, the suppression of the rules persisted, and the mobilization of source energy remained sluggish.

More than two standard hours have passed.

The secret realm did not collapse, nor did it show any signs of change.

Nothing has changed.

They remain trapped in this blood-red world.

The group exchanged bewildered glances, and finally couldn't help but whisper among themselves.

"Shouldn't the exit from the secret realm have been closed by now? Why is there no sign of it?"

"Then why are we still alive? Didn't the records say that those who fall will perish when the secret realm closes?"

"Perhaps annihilation isn't instantaneous? Or... is this time different?"

The discussion gradually became heated, but soon reached a stalemate.

Because no matter how they speculate, they cannot verify it, nor can they change the facts before their eyes.

They were trapped; the exit was closed.

Lin Yi stood on a slightly higher crystal in front of the group. After a moment of contemplation, he said in a deep voice, "No matter what happens next, since we are still alive, and since the secret realm hasn't collapsed immediately or experienced any unforeseen changes that we can't handle, it means there are still variables, there is still room for maneuver, and there is still time."

He paused, allowing everyone to process the meaning of his words.

Blind optimism and fantasizing about miracles are undesirable. But giving up in despair and lying down to wait for death is even more undesirable, and it would be a disservice to all that we've fought our way to this point, and even more so to ourselves.

His gaze swept over the calm faces of the dozens of Star Vortex level prodigies, then over Hui Yao's reclining figure. "And even more so, I feel sorry for the price we've already paid."

"The only thing we can do now, the only thing we should do, is to continue according to the plan we set beforehand."

"Does the leader mean to continue hunting Mist Beast, collecting Source Essence Crystal, and increasing our strength?" Hui Yao asked.

He leaned against a relatively flat crystal, his face still pale from the aftereffects of his injury, but his eyes had regained their former sharpness, even becoming more composed than before.

"Not bad." Lin Yi nodded.

"Enhancing one's capabilities is the most fundamental and effective way to cope with any situation, at any time."

"If—and I mean if—something unforeseen and incomprehensible happens that allows us to remain in this Blood Mist Layer instead of being immediately annihilated, then greater strength means a greater chance of survival, the ability to explore further, and the ability to deal with more dangerous Mist Beast. It might also mean..."

"To find another way to leave this place or establish contact with the outside world at some unknown point in the future."

"The team leader is right."

Liu Yun, who was standing slightly behind the crowd, spoke up.

"If the final outcome is still annihilation we cannot resist, or eternal imprisonment, then at least, before the end comes, we fought to the very last moment, without ceasing to think, without ceasing to cultivate, and without wasting the power and potential contained in this body and soul."

"This in itself is a form of resistance against fate."

"That's right! Who cares if things are in chaos outside, who cares if we live or die in the end, cultivating and becoming stronger is never wrong."

Kenkes suddenly stood up, waving his arm. "Maybe if I kill enough Blood Mist Beast, I might even become the Mist Beast King in this godforsaken place!"

His words were somewhat comical, but strangely, they had a slight effect in this oppressive atmosphere.

Several prodigies couldn't help but grin, their tense nerves relaxing slightly.

The other prodigies didn't say much, but their actions and glances made their stance clear.

After the initial shock and confusion, the instinct for survival, the will to never give up, and the pride of being a prodigy resurfaced like rocks, supporting them to stand tall.

Lin Yi's suggestion was approved by everyone.

This is practically the only thing that can be done right now.

Besides, having something to do and a goal to pursue is always better than going crazy waiting idly.

The matter was temporarily settled.

The team was reorganized, with more refined groupings to take into account the potential for a prolonged siege and continuous combat, emphasizing defense, rotation, coordination, and support.

The hunting team continued to explore the controllable area around the camp in a more cautious manner, with the goal of hunting Blood Mist Beast at the early Star Domain level and collecting Source Essence Crystal.

The construction of the camp was given higher priority. Everyone began to use the collected materials, crystal core fragments, and their own power of rules to continuously strengthen the defenses, create safer areas for rest and cultivation, and even try to construct small, rudimentary inscriptions to purify the air and stabilize the rules.

Just as everyone was preparing to disperse and carry out their respective missions, a prodigy from the Star Spirit Race, who was relatively introverted and quiet, looked at the blood-red sky and suddenly sighed softly.

The sigh was soft, yet it seemed to touch a shared chord.

His tone was somewhat complicated.

"I wonder what's going on outside now."

He turned his head slightly to look at his silent companions around him.

"From our perspective, we're just trapped, still struggling, still trying to find a way out. Every day is a battle, a training, a struggle for survival. We know we're still alive."

"But from the outside perspective..."

He paused here, as if he needed to gather his strength before he could finish speaking.

"None of the Pan-Spirit Alliance's top one thousand Star Core level experts, along with Law Realm prodigies like the team leader, showed up after the exit of the Myriad Secret Realm opened."

"Completely annihilated."

"Such a big event has probably already spread throughout the entire starry sea."

He shut his mouth and said no more. But everyone understood what he had left unsaid.

This has probably already shaken the entire galaxy, hasn't it?

The group, who had begun to move, stopped again, their expressions instantly becoming incredibly complex.

Yes, they are here thinking about how to survive tomorrow, how to hunt down the next Mist Beast, and how to refine a little more Source Essence.

But outside, in the vast expanse of space, in the news of countless races, and in the memories of their families and relatives in their respective homelands, their names are probably already branded with the cold and eternal label of "fallen."

Under the ironclad rules of the Myriad Secret Realm, failing to leave on time is essentially tantamount to certain death.

Relatives, teachers, close friends, and fellow clansmen.

How much grief must those who care about them, have high hopes for them, and are proud of them feel at this moment?

How unbelievable!

What utter despair!

Many proud individuals lowered their heads.

Some people had red eyes and were biting their lips tightly.

Some people looked up at the sky, their eyes unfocused, as if piercing through the thick fog of blood to see their distant hometown and the faces of their loved ones.

Lin Yi was slightly taken aback upon hearing this.

He had previously focused all his attention on analyzing the situation and rallying the team, deliberately avoiding this issue.

Now that his thoughts had been directly exposed, the emotions that had been forcibly suppressed surged forth like a flood bursting its banks.

The image of Aurelia involuntarily appeared in his mind.

I recalled the deep worry hidden in her emerald eyes before we parted, and her soft words, "You must come back safely."

She should have received the notification from the Spirit Race by now, right?

Lin Yi thought of Thousand Illusions again.

That seemingly carefree but actually thoughtful senior sister.

Will she sigh for her junior brother? Will she regret not giving him more advice?

As for Xuan Yan, seeing that he hasn't left the secret realm, his usually calm face will probably look quite ugly, right?

The Human Race finally produced such a Genius Battle, but his rise to the top was abruptly cut short at the height of his glory. This will likely have a significant impact on the morale of the entire Human Race.

There are also his Parents, younger siblings, high-ranking officials on Blue Star, East Peak Mercenary Group. It may take them some time before they learn of this devastating news through official Human Race channels.

After all, information about the Myriad Secret Realm is generally beyond the reach of ordinary people.

Of course, given how big of a deal this is, the truth will probably be revealed soon.

What was the scene like then?

He could almost see the news feeds and headlines that exploded and flooded the virtual universe network in an instant:

The Spirit Race mourns the loss of Princess Edith, Star Spirit Race prince, Xing Hen, goes missing!

He could imagine the shocking discussions among countless races, the announcements of their demise, which would become a heavy footnote to this era, a lamentable legend, or something else entirely.

The prelude to an even bigger storm.

Thinking about this, Lin Yi felt an indescribable sense of suffocation.

He wasn't afraid of death; from the moment he embarked on this path, he was prepared to face all sorts of outcomes.

He was unwilling to accept that all those who cared about him and had expectations of him would suffer pain and disappointment in such a humiliating way.

Edith seemed to notice the subtle emotional fluctuation in Lin Yi, and glanced at him sideways.

"Thinking about these things now is pointless," Edith said after a moment's hesitation.

Her voice remained cool and detached, but it lacked its usual distance and carried a hint of comfort.

What happens outside is beyond our control. Sadness and worry cannot change the established facts; they will only drain our energy.

She paused, then continued, "Only by surviving can we possibly salvage the situation. Those who perish here have no future, and no voice."

Lin Yi slowly exhaled a breath of stale air, nodded, and forcibly suppressed the images and emotions churning in his mind, sealing them away again in the deepest part of his heart.

Edith is right.

Now is not the time for sentimentality.

Indulging in fantasies about the outside world and feelings of guilt towards relatives and friends is unhelpful and will only weaken one's will to survive.

He stopped thinking about it and turned to walk towards his own relatively secluded training area in the camp.

It was a corner naturally enclosed by several huge blood-red crystals. He needed to understand more deeply the twisted, chaotic, yet self-contained rules and structure here, try to adapt to it, and even seek new insights within the suppression.

Perhaps, this extreme suppression and the vastly different environment can actually forge something different.

Survive, become stronger, find a way out.

This is their only path now.

Meanwhile, in the outside world...

A major celebrity event has indeed occurred.

Moreover, it's a truly earth-shattering piece of news, enough to shake the entire universe!

Shortly after the exit of the Myriad Secret Realm was closed, and at the very moment when the Abyss Race's ruler uttered the earth-shattering cry of "Make your move!" that echoed across the starry sky where the three sides were locked in confrontation.

The combined forces of the Abyss Race and the Devouring Race launched a major attack on the Pan-Spirit Alliance, especially targeting the Spirit Race.

This is not an escalation of border friction, nor a struggle for local interests, but a long-planned all-out war!

The contradictions that had been masked by a long period of peace and controlled competition were ignited at this moment, turning into the most intense flames of war.

The cosmic war has been restarted!

The virtual universe network, at the very first moment, was instantly paralyzed.

It was as if countless intelligent beings throughout the starry sea were stunned by this sudden and enormous change, losing their ability to react.

The intelligent editing systems of major news media outlets also seemed to experience a brief period of logical confusion, unable to process such an explosive and multi-dimensional flood of information in an instant.

But what followed was an unprecedented explosion of information.

The entire Pan-Spirit Alliance was in an uproar!

The Devouring Race's "Dark Devouring Insect Sea" has overwhelmed the Outer Defense Line of the "Emerald Star Ring," exposing the Star Spirit Race's core star system, "Crystal Radiance," to their overwhelming power!

The Abyss Race's "Wild Fang" main force launches a surprise attack on the Human Race's "Heavenly Furnace" strategic hub; the "Blazing Forge" Lord's whereabouts are unknown.

The Spirit Race's "Wall of Radiance" defense line was attacked by a combined force of several Abyss Race lords, resulting in a breach.

Trade disrupted! Safe shipping lanes attacked! Space logistics crippled!

Resource Star prices skyrocket! War panic spreads to financial markets!

Minor races urgently request aid; the cosmic landscape shifts dramatically in a single day!

Headlines bearing scarlet logos and constantly flashing "Live Updates" exploded across all news channels, information platforms, intranets, and personal communication devices.

Public discussion forums in the Virtual Network were instantly flooded with a massive number of posts, and message overload alarms sounded simultaneously on major platforms.

On this day, the shadow of war loomed over the entire known universe in its most brutal form.

Amidst the raging flames and clamor of war, the news of the "annihilation" of Lin Yi and a thousand other prodigies, though causing a stir of exclamations and regrets, was quickly drowned out by more urgent and tragic battle reports under the shadow of the all-out war sweeping across the entire Pan-Spirit Alliance.

Only those closest to us can bury this grief deep in their hearts, transforming it into an even deeper hatred for the enemy.

or.

A stubborn refusal to believe.

A Headline That Shook the Sea of Stars

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