Who Did You Say Was Chasing Whom?
The Ultimate Arena, the most renowned arena for competition within the Spirit Race's territory, is now shrouded in a the storm is coming is brewing.
The once bustling and lively spectator area is now deserted, replaced by Spirit Race staff members hurrying through the passageways, busy with scheduling and evacuation.
The brilliant energy halo surrounding the entire arena was subtly changing its trajectory, gradually shifting from a gentle and smooth viewing mode to a sharply defined, powerful array shape, silently revealing the ferocious fangs that this magnificent creation was about to unleash.
Eternal Rock's lounge is located on a high floor of the contestants' family and friends reception area, offering a panoramic view.
The interior furnishings were simple yet possessed a technological aesthetic unique to the Spirit Race, but at this moment, a stagnant atmosphere permeated the air.
Eternal Rock stood with his back to the huge arched viewing window, outside which was the Arena Energy Dome, which was slowly deforming and reorganizing.
Several semi-transparent light screens floated in front of him, displaying real-time Information Flow from major mainstream media outlets of the Pan-Spirit Alliance and intelligence channels of the race.
His brow remained furrowed throughout, and he lightly tapped his fingertips in the air, glancing over routine battle reports.
The mind of Eternal Divinity should be as calm as still water, but at this moment, a trace of barely perceptible anxiety lingered between his brows.
The target of the mission— Lin Yi —his whereabouts and safety have always been his primary concern.
Suddenly, he stopped moving and fixed his gaze on a text message.
<A supreme-level battle erupts outside the myriad secret realms, and all the geniuses of the Pan-Spirit Alliance are trapped within the secret realms>
"Fall."
Eternal Rock repeated the two words in a low voice, his voice sounding exceptionally clear in the quiet room.
He fell silent, and the eternal divine power that had been flowing naturally around him slightly stagnated, as if the light in the lounge had dimmed as well.
Just then, the voice of the Intelligent Life rang out directly in his consciousness.
"Master, we have received a mandatory regional announcement from the highest management center of the Ultimate Arena."
"Announcement: Due to the needs of the Frontline battles and a resolution of the Supreme Council, the Ultimate Arena will cease all non-combat functions and activate combat mode 48 hours from standard time. All personnel remaining outside the Spirit Race combat sequence will be escorted back to their respective registered civilizations or designated Safe Zone in batches by dedicated shuttles arranged by the Arena at the same time. Please prepare for evacuation within the specified time."
Upon hearing this, Eternal Rock looked up and gazed out the window.
In the sky, the halos that were originally interwoven like art were now recombinating at a significantly faster pace, and some huge bases and matrix nodes began to slowly emerge from the arena's magnificent shell.
A powerful sense of strength is awakening from the depths of that colossal creature.
"Combat mode. A Dominator-level war fortress that requires the joint maintenance of ten Venerable Lords."
Eternal Rock murmured.
So many years have passed, so long that even many eternal beings have almost forgotten that this top-tier arena, renowned Pan-Spirit Alliance, is fundamentally one of the ultimate weapons built by the Spirit Race during their glorious ancient era.
When the facade of peace is torn away, the iron fist of war will reveal its sharpness.
Eternal Rock gazed at the distorting sky for a moment, then composed himself and instructed the Intelligent Life, "In my name, I invite Miss Aurelia and Miss Lin Yao to come for a meeting. Now."
--
At almost the same time, in another reception suite, slightly less luxurious but equally well-equipped.
Aurelia stood in the center of the room. She had just received the notice of evacuation from the Ultimate Arena, but it didn't cause her much emotional reaction.
What truly chilled her to the bone were the pieces of information that Zhou Yuxuan had just searched and displayed on the public screen.
On the screen is a summary of information about the "Myriad Secret Realm" from Starsea Media and other comments on the Virtual Network.
"The Myriad Secret Realm are high-level secret realms that produce strategic resources for the race."
"Due to the rules of the secret realm, only individuals with a life level no higher than the Star Core level are allowed to enter."
"The secret realm lasts for one standard year. If you do not leave the secret realm by the deadline, you are considered trapped inside. Although you cannot be immediately confirmed as dead, there is no record of you ever reappearing."
Chen Yu stared intently at the last few lines of text, his face pale. "Isn't this almost like a plane crash? They say they're missing, waiting for a miracle, but everyone knows..."
He didn't finish his sentence, but everyone understood what he meant.
Zhou Yuxuan turned off the light screen and rubbed his temples.
Kaliya looked worriedly at Aurelia's straight but slightly trembling back, then at Lin Yao beside her, who was biting her lip and had red eyes but was trying her best to hold back her tears. She wanted to say something to comfort her, but found that any words would be pale and powerless at this moment.
Could it be that Lin Yi, the Commander of the East Peak Mercenary Group, their backbone, the one who has created miracles time and time again, is really...?
Just then, the doorbell rang softly.
Immediately afterwards, a gentle voice came. "Miss Aurelia, Miss Lin Yao, I have come on the orders of my master, His Eternal Rock, to invite you both to a meeting."
The somber atmosphere inside was briefly broken.
Aurelia took a deep breath, forcibly suppressing her turbulent emotions, and when she turned around, her face had regained its usual calm.
She told Chen Yu and the others, "Continue to collect all information that may have been overlooked, especially whether there have been even the slightest reports in history suggesting survival. Don't overlook any clues. We'll discuss this further when I return."
She glanced at Lin Yao again, lowering her voice, "Yao Yao, let's go and hear what His Majesty Eternal Rock has to say."
Lin Yao nodded vigorously, quickly wiping the corner of her eye with the back of her hand, trying her best to appear calm.
Guided by the Intelligent Life sent by Eternal Rock, the two left the room.
After the door closed, Chen Yu slumped his shoulders and scratched his head in frustration. "His Majesty Eternal Rock didn't call us. I really want to know how the Commander and the others are doing. What exactly happened in the fall?"
Zhou Yuxuan patted his shoulder, somewhat helplessly saying, "It's normal that they didn't invite us. Everyone knows the relationship between the deputy Commander and the Commander; Miss Lin Yao is the Commander's younger sister, a blood relative."
"His Majesty Eternal Rock only treats them differently and consults with them on matters because of the Commander, while the rest of us..."
He gave a wry smile. "In the eyes of the Eternal Divinity, they're just a few ordinary Star Core level juniors with some potential. Being able to witness this level with the Commander is already incredibly lucky. Don't dwell on these useless thoughts; the Vice- Commander has instructed us to investigate quickly!"
Chen Yu sighed, knowing that Zhou Yuxuan was right. He rallied his spirits and, together with the others, began to try to dig out more information about the "Myriad Secret Realm" and the clues about this incident in the vast and somewhat chaotic wartime Virtual Network.
Inside the rest room at Eternal Rock, Aurelia and Lin Yao arrived and were led to Eternal Rock by the Intelligent Life.
Without any further pleasantries, Eternal Rock waved for them to sit down and cut straight to the point. "You've probably already seen the news about the Myriad Secret Realm."
Aurelia took a deep breath and nodded.
"Yes, Your Majesty Eternal Rock. We have seen the news of the outbreak of war, and also the brief report about the fall of all the prodigies in the Myriad Secret Realm."
She deliberately used the official term "fallen" instead of the more direct "collapsed".
Lin Yao nodded in agreement.
Her lips were pressed together until they turned white, and her hands were clasped tightly together on her knees, so tightly that her knuckles bulged.
Eternal Rock's gaze lingered on the two faces for a moment, taking in Aurelia's feigned composure and Lin Yao's vulnerability and stubbornness.
He paused briefly before speaking, "The battle at the entrance to the secret realm, though the specific details are still pending, has been confirmed through the clan's intelligence system. One thing is certain: Lord Lin Yi and his team are currently trapped within the secret realm."
Eternal Rock paused, his gaze sweeping over Aurelia's instantly tense body and Lin Yao's sudden upward movement, her eyes brimming with tears yet stubbornly refusing to fall, before continuing:
"Based on publicly available historical data and general understanding, the chances of survival after being trapped in the Myriad Secret Realm are extremely slim."
Aurelia's body swayed almost imperceptibly, but she quickly regained her balance with her powerful willpower.
She heard her own voice sound somewhat unsteady, "Your Majesty means..."
"Although Lord Lin Yi and other prodigies are currently trapped in the Myriad Secret Realm, their fates unknown."
Eternal Rock specifically emphasized "at present" and "life or death is uncertain" rather than drawing a direct conclusion.
"However, as of now, I have not received a clear termination instruction from the clan mission system regarding my initial mission to protect Lord Lin Yi."
His gaze swept over Aurelia and Lin Yao.
"Therefore, until I receive new, clear instructions, I have decided to continue with the remaining parts of the mission."
"I will travel to Lin Yi's home planet, Silver Blue Star, to take command. It is his foundation, and also the place most likely to experience uncertainty due to his fall. Ensuring its stability during wartime aligns with the mission's spirit, and perhaps is the only thing we can do now."
He paused for a moment and looked at the two of them.
"As Lin Yi's closest partners and blood relatives, it is no longer necessary for you two to remain in the core territory of the Spirit Race. Furthermore, the Ultimate Arena will soon enter a state of war, and non-combatants must evacuate. The journey is long, and the star sea is currently turbulent, making navigation uncertain. You should return to Silver Blue Star with me. This is the safest option."
Aurelia immediately rose and bowed solemnly to Eternal Rock: "Thank you for your protection, Your Majesty."
Lin Yao quickly followed suit, her voice choked with emotion, "Eternal Rock."
"Go back and prepare. The evacuation and assembly time is limited; we need to arrive at the designated location on time."
Eternal Rock waved his hand, ending the brief meeting.
Aurelia, supporting the still somewhat weak Lin Yao, thanked Eternal Rock again, and with mixed feelings, turned and left the lounge.
On the way back, they both remained silent.
Aurelia stopped just before they reached their suite and looked at Lin Yao. "Yao Yao, once we get back to Silver Blue Star, you'll stay there and focus on your cultivation."
Lin Yao was taken aback. "Sister Aurelia, what about you?"
"I'm going back to the Frontline, back to the East Peak Mercenary Group."
Aurelia said slowly, "The Commander entrusted the Mercenary Group to me temporarily. I can't let Eastern Edge disband just because of the current situation."
"During wartime, Mercenary Group need stability and someone to oversee command. I can't do that. If the Commander returns, he'll find Eastern Edge falling apart."
When she said "waiting for the Commander to come back," she didn't hesitate at all, as if it were something that was bound to happen.
Lin Yao's tears finally rolled down her cheeks. She nodded vigorously, "I understand! I will stay on Silver Blue Star, cultivate diligently, and protect my home! Sister Aurelia, you... you must be careful."
Aurelia gave her a gentle hug, then let go and pushed open the door to the suite.
Chen Yu, Zhou Yuxuan, and Kaliya immediately surrounded them, looking at them anxiously.
Aurelia did not hide anything and briefly informed him of Eternal Rock's decision and arrangements.
"His Eternal Rock will go to Silver Blue Star to oversee things, and Yaoyao will return with him and stay Silver Blue Star."
Aurelia looked at the three core members. "As for me, I'm preparing to return to the Frontline to stabilize the East Peak Mercenary Group. The three of you can choose the relatively safe Silver Blue Star, or you can Mercenary Group with me. The decision is yours; I won't force you."
"Wait for the Commander to come back," Chen Yu repeated subconsciously, exchanging a glance with Zhou Yuxuan.
They all saw the unwavering conviction in Aurelia's eyes, even though that conviction seemed so fragile in the face of harsh reality.
The two tacitly refrained from raising any questions, almost simultaneously stating, "We'll Mercenary Group with the vice- Commander."
Kaliya glanced at Aurelia's now calm face, a pang of pain shooting through her heart, and whispered, "I'll go back too."
Aurelia's gaze swept over the three of them one by one, and she nodded, the competence and responsibility that belonged to the vice Commander returning to her. "Alright. Then prepare yourselves and board the ship on time."
While Aurelia and the others were making their decision, Eternal Rock was not idle either.
He activated the Virtual Network access device and summoned the core members of the family.
Soon, several figures began to materialize on the ancient and solemn floating chairs in the core virtual conference hall of the Yong Yan Family.
These are the core members of the Yong Yan Family who are currently in charge of various affairs, including his son Yong Feng, daughter Yong Qing, and his eldest disciple Musto.
"Father." "Clan Chief." The group bowed respectfully.
Eternal Rock's virtual figure sat in the main seat and said without hesitation, "The war has begun, and the Ultimate Arena is about to transform. I will go to Silver Blue Star to oversee the clan according to the original mission, until the mission is changed or canceled. During this period, Yong Feng will temporarily take charge of all clan affairs, with Musto assisting him."
"You must fully cooperate with any war deployment and mobilization orders that the Supreme Council may issue, without fail. Family resources should be allocated to war missions, but actions must be prudent to preserve the family's vitality."
The core members were all taken aback.
Silver Blue Star?
Isn't that the home planet of Lin Yi, the prodigy who has already been trapped in the secret realm?
The clan leader actually wants to go?
Now that war has broken out, this is the perfect opportunity to use the power of Eternal Divinity to earn a large amount of clan merit and enhance the family's status. Why would they choose to go and oversee a remote, emerging civilization planet instead?
Despite their utter astonishment, their long-held reverence and trust in Eternal Rock forced them to suppress all doubts, and they bowed in unison. "We will obey the clan leader's command!"
Eternal Rock's figure slowly disappeared, exiting the virtual conference hall.
A moment of silence fell over the conference room.
Yong Qing was the first to speak up. Being relatively simple-minded, she asked directly, "Father, why is this? Lin Yi has clearly already perished in the secret realm."
"Although the clan missions weren't explicitly canceled, the missions are naturally invalid now that everyone's gone! We're in the midst of war, and countless missions with high clan honors are waiting for the Eternal Divinity to accept. This is a perfect opportunity for our clan to rise to power. Why is Father going to that Silver Blue Star to oversee things instead?"
Yong Feng glanced at his sister and sighed helplessly.
After considering his words for a moment, he explained, "You're oversimplifying things. Father just said that the tribe hasn't explicitly terminated its guard duties."
"This clearly means that the Supreme Council, or at least the Venerables who issued the mission, such as Xuan Yan and Sky Halberd Lord, have not yet officially acknowledged Lin Yi's death, or rather, are unwilling to acknowledge it immediately."
He paused, lowering his voice slightly. "You know the potential Lin Yi has shown and the amount of attention he's received. The sudden downfall of such a promising talent, favored by multiple venerable masters, has left those powerful figures seething with resentment and frustration."
"Theoretically, this matter cannot be blamed on Father, who was on guard duty. But if Father were to turn around at this moment and eagerly accept other missions that could earn more clan merits, what would those disgruntled lords think if they saw this?"
"Won't you feel that your father is cold-hearted? Utilitarian? Even if you rationally know that your father is not wrong, you will still feel dislike."
"Even if they don't punish my father for this, just the slightest expression of their dissatisfaction could be a huge obstacle to the future development of our family."
"Father's trip to Silver Blue Star was a statement, a sign of respect for the deceased. This reputation is more important than any current clan honors, especially in the hearts of truly important figures."
Musto chimed in, "Secondly, at the very beginning of a war, the first wave of missions is often the most chaotic and dangerous, with the enemy's offensive being the fiercest and our preparations potentially insufficient. Charging ahead may bring great merit, but the probability of becoming cannon fodder is also high."
"Rather than charging ahead and taking huge risks, it's better to take this opportunity to temporarily avoid the limelight. Going to Silver Blue Star to oversee things not only fulfills our mission and upholds our reputation, but also allows us to avoid the initial, most chaotic, and dangerous phase of the war. Observing the situation is the wisdom of our family in turbulent times."
After hearing this, Yong Qing suddenly understood and murmured, "So that's how it is. I thought Father insisted on going because of old friendship and because he was a good person."
Upon hearing this, Yong Feng and Musto exchanged a glance, both seeing a hint of amusement or exasperation in each other's eyes.
Yong Feng shook his head, his tone gentle yet cautionary. "Although there are some things I shouldn't say, those who can cultivate to become Eternal Divinity in the universe and establish and maintain a large family are neither purely good nor purely bad. Father has his principles and sentiments, but more importantly, they are the result of weighing and choosing after experiencing many hardships. There may be nostalgia, but what underpins these choices is a more complex set of considerations. You still have a lot to learn."
"Of course, Father is not a cold-hearted person, and he does admire Lord Lin Yi, but this admiration will never supersede the safety of the family. You will need to think carefully before participating in family affairs in the future."
Yong Feng pondered for a moment, then added, "Furthermore, there's another point that might be important. Although the historical record of the lost Myriad Secret Realm is that none have been recovered, what if? The universe is vast and anything is possible. The clan's desire to preserve Father's mission is probably just a very faint glimmer of hope."
"Perhaps it will be several Epoch later, after utter despair, before it is officially cancelled. Father's choice at this moment also takes into account this sliver of possibility, although that possibility is almost impossible to occur."
Yong Qing nodded, but she still felt in her heart that her father's choice to do this was not simply a calculation, as her elder brother and senior brother thought.
However, she didn't say anything more, otherwise she would be laughed at for being too naive.
Silence fell once again in the virtual conference room.
The core members each digested this information and began to seriously plan how to cooperate with the council's directives while ensuring the family's continued operation in the context of war.
--
Within the Myriad Secret Realm.
On a wasteland composed of dark red gravel, with several pale mountain peaks resembling giant skeletons towering in the distance, a figure slowly retracts his outstretched hand.
Before him, a thick cloud of blood mist, emitting a silent roar, was rapidly disintegrating, leaving only a blood-red crystal, which was drawn into his hand by an invisible force.
That figure was none other than Lin Yi.
Two years had passed since they were trapped in the Myriad Secret Realm.
Compared to two years ago, his appearance has not changed much, but his aura has become more profound and restrained, like a piece of deep-sea black iron that has been tempered.
The Blood Mist Beast from earlier was one of the overlords of this area called "Bone Wasteland," a mid-stage Star Domain level beast. Its core blood mist could erode the soul and distort perception, enough to instantly kill an ordinary Star Core level prodigy.
But in his hands, it couldn't even withstand three blows.
"Xuanji, record the current location coordinates and mark the Bone Lord as eliminated. The collected Blood Soul Crystal Core are of medium purity and have stable energy reactions; they can be stored." Lin Yi calmly instructed.
"Coordinates have been recorded, and the crystal nucleus has been stored."
Xuanji's voice rang directly in his consciousness, as clear and steady as ever.
Lin Yi nodded, then shifted slightly, preparing to return to the camp.
Suddenly, Xuanji's voice rang out again.
"Master, an emergency! Three minutes ago, an abnormal data stream was transmitted from the 7th concealed monitoring point (coordinates: Blood Mist Layer - Southeast - Edge - 3471) that we established when we first entered this layer."
"The monitoring point detected a high-intensity energy burst near the entrance of the Blood Mist Passage, lasting approximately 1.7 seconds. Energy spectrum analysis has been completed, with a feature comparison database match rate of 87.3%, consistent with the Abyss Race's standard attack pattern."
"Reverse engineering of the movement trajectory shows that a high-speed moving target escaped from the direction of the channel before the energy burst, and its energy characteristics are highly consistent with those of the Devouring Race."
"Based on calculations, the probability that the Abyss Race will hunt down the Devouring Race is as high as 92.1%."
Lin Yi's figure suddenly froze.
"Who are you saying is hunting down whom?"
"The Abyss Race is hunting down the Devouring Race?"