The Line of Tribal Decline

Ming Luo's words startled Lin Yi for a moment.

Vice Chairman of the Purple Gold Star Union Executive Committee

This position makes him the second most powerful figure in the entire Purple Gold Star Union, second only to the president.

"President Ming Luo, this..." Lin Yi hesitated, "I am still relatively inexperienced and have no experience in Star Union affairs. I'm afraid I am not up to the task."

"Brother Lin Yi, don't be so quick to decline." Ming Luo's smile remained unchanged. "This position isn't actually that complicated. Routine affairs are handled by Intelligent Life according to procedures. You're only needed to participate in decision-making when it involves major strategic decisions, resource allocation, or when it's necessary to liaise with other Star Union high-level officials. To put it bluntly, it's just a nominal position, representing the Purple Gold Star Union on key occasions, which can also help you and the civilization behind you gain more influence."

Lin Yi pondered for a moment.

The benefits of agreeing are obvious.

The Silver Blue Civilization has too shallow a foundation. Although Ming Luo takes care of the Silverblue due to his relationship with the senior brother Prison Suppressor, there is still a layer between them.

If he becomes the second-in-command of the Purple Gold Star Union, the Silver Blue Civilization's position within the Star Union will be completely solidified, and acquiring resources and expanding its influence will be much smoother.

What are the downsides?

That means they might get caught up in the conflicts between the Star Union.

Human Race is not a monolithic and harmonious entity; there is also competition among the Star Union.

However, the Silver Blue Civilization is under the jurisdiction of the Purple Gold Star Union, and is naturally on the side of the Purple Gold Star Union. If the Purple Gold Star Union suffers losses, the Silver Blue Civilization will naturally not fare well either, and will inevitably be drawn into the conflict.

Furthermore, with his current Eternal Divine level combat power and sect background, ordinary people wouldn't dare to provoke him easily. On the contrary, he can use this position to integrate more resources for Silverblue and himself.

With this thought in mind, Lin Yi raised his head and said, "Since Brother Ming Luo trusts me, I will take on this responsibility. However, I must focus my main energy on cultivation and battlefield missions, as I simply don't have the time or energy for daily affairs."

"Hahaha, that's enough!" Ming Luo laughed heartily, patting Lin Yi on the shoulder. "Don't worry, would I ever trick you? The specific permission integration can be handled by the Intelligent Life later."

With that matter resolved, Ming Luo seemed much more relaxed. He then changed the subject. "By the way, Brother Lin Yi, now that you possess god-level combat power, what are your plans for the future? Will you hone your skills solo first, or join a god-level squad?"

"My senior brother suggested that I join a team first to get used to the combat rhythm of a god-level opponent," Lin Yi replied truthfully.

"That makes sense. Going solo is still too risky for you. Do you have a team you'd like to join?"

Not yet.

Ming Luo's eyes lit up, and his smile widened. "Not yet? My Star Stillness Squad, brother. Our captain, Moon Abyss, is a powerful deity of the Spirit Race, not far from the threshold of becoming a high-level deity. We also have a teammate, Lan, from the Holy Radiance Race, an ordinary deity, skilled in the Laws of Light and purification-related secret techniques. Our squad lost a member thirty years ago, and we haven't had a suitable replacement since."

As he explained, he was simultaneously communicating with his teammates in his mind using an emergency communication technique.

"Captain, Lan, it's urgent. The new team member has great potential."

A cool female voice and a gentle male voice rang out in Ming Luo's consciousness almost simultaneously.

"Ming Luo, explain yourself clearly," Captain Moon Abyss asked.

"Brother Ming Luo, how much potential does he have?" This was Lan from the Holy Radiance Race.

Ming Luo quickly responded in his mind, "Lin Yi, that's the Lin Yi from our Human Race who just came out of the secret realm and Lin Yi Time Law is perfected. He was just bestowed the title of Fearless War God by the Qing Yan, and I would like to invite him to join our team."

"The Fearless War God?!" Moon Abyss's voice was filled with shock.

"He himself is already at the perfection of the Time Law, so doesn't that mean he already has the basic combat power of Eternal Divine level?" Lan was quite surprised.

Ming Luo pressed on, "That's right! I'm right beside him. With his talent, he's very likely to become a Lord, or even a Lord of Time!"

After a brief silence, Moon Abyss's voice rang out again, "Invite him! I'll return to the fortress immediately to meet him!"

Lan also excitedly said, "Agreed! If we can establish a good relationship with a master of the laws of time, even if he doesn't stay in our team for long, it'll be a good connection. If any of our clan's World Derivation level encounter misfortune in the future, we can turn to him for help. You should know that the resurrection opportunities exchanged by the clan only grant one to World Derivation level; after that, you'll have to find your own way. Moreover, the longer it drags on, the greater the cost of resurrection. There are so many who need it, but in the entire Pan-Spirit Alliance, there are very few time-based masters who can and are willing to perform resurrection!"

Ming Luo felt a chill run down her spine; Lan had hit the nail on the head.

This is indeed a deep-seated worry in the hearts of all Eternal Divinity who are not from the lineage of the supreme ruler.

If one could establish a connection with the Time-based Lord, it would be like providing a precious insurance policy for the beings in the otherworld that one cares about.

"I understand, I will do my best to invite him." Ming Luo responded in her mind, her gaze towards Lin Yi becoming even more fervent.

"Brother Lin Yi, look, our Star Stillness Squad is absolutely sincere. Captain Moon Abyss and teammate Lan warmly welcome us." Ming Luo rubbed his hands together, his eyes full of anticipation. "How about it? Interested in coming to take a look? Fighting side by side is always safer than going alone, and you'll gain more too."

Lin Yi listened to Ming Luo's introduction, he quickly made a mental calculation.

The Star Stillness Squad well-balanced team, with its captain approaching a high-level deity, while members Ming Luo is a veteran ordinary deity, and Lan is also an ordinary deity.

The eldest brother, Prison Suppressor, had previously commented that this team's "combat strength was not bad," which could be considered an acknowledgment.

Joining a team you're completely unfamiliar with is definitely not as good as joining a team you've at least had some prior interaction with.

Ming Luo had previously shown some favor to the Silver Blue Civilization, and this bond of kinship still exists.

Having just agreed to serve as vice chairman, his relationship with Ming Luo has become even closer, making it easier to join his team and work together.

Lin Yi said, "Since Brother Ming Luo is so kind, I'll join the Star Stillness Squad to give it a try. However, we'll need to discuss the specifics of teamwork and combat arrangements in person."

"Great!" Ming Luo exclaimed with delight. "The captain has already set off and should be back at the fortress soon. Come on, let me take you to our usual gathering place for our god-level members. We can meet up directly when the captain arrives. It's called Star Dust Afterglow; many squads like to go there to exchange information during their rest periods."

"Can."

"Huh?" Ming Luo suddenly exclaimed softly, "Brother Lin Yi, your information has been updated? I just received a notification from the battlefield system that the list of God-level combatants has been updated, and your name has been added."

Almost simultaneously, Xuanji's illusory image in palace attire appeared beside Lin Yi: "Master, I have also just received an official notification from the Pan-Spirit Alliance Battlefield System regarding the update of your permissions and identity information."

"Pull it up and take a look."

Xuanji raised her hand and unfolded the light screen, displaying concise and eye-catching information:

[Name: Lin Yi]

[Race: Human Race]

[Current combat power rating: Ordinary God-level]

[Note: The clone is equipped with the "Fearless War God -T714" mechanical body]

[Privilege Level: Eternal Divine level]

"It's been updated as expected." Lin Yi glanced at it.

He was certified as having god-level combat power without even a real combat test; it must be information that was shared with him by Xuan Yan.

"Ordinary God-level, with the note ' Fearless War God.' Very accurate." Ming Luo leaned over to take a look. "With this certification, your mission commissions and battle merits will be calculated entirely according to the God-level standard. Let's go, we'll head to Star Dust Afterglow first."

"Alright." Lin Yi nodded, then said to Ming Luo, "Brother Ming Luo, since the main combat will be carried out by the clone, the meeting will be attended by this Fearless War God Clone. My Main Body's strength is still a bit too low, and I need to focus on cultivation, so I won't be going."

"Haha, of course that's possible."

Ming Luo laughed heartily, thinking to himself, "He can distinguish between primary and secondary tasks, and he never slacks off in his cultivation. His future is definitely promising."

"Brother Ming Luo, let's go," said the clone beside him.

"Haha, okay, follow me." Ming Luo led Lin Yi's clone away from the training ground.

--

Inside the fortress, in a training room.

Hui Yao had just finished a round of law deduction when the tactical terminal on his wrist vibrated.

He glanced at it casually, then his pupils suddenly contracted.

Battlefield System Push Notification: Updated List of God-Level Combat Readiness Members.

"Lin Yi. God-level?" he murmured, his face filled with disbelief. "Note: Fearless War God. What is that? Let me see."

Soon, Hui Yao found out what the Fearless War God was.

After the initial shock, a surge of joy and exhilaration welled up inside me.

The stronger Lin Yi is, the higher his status, which brings immeasurable benefits to his position in the family.

"I need to send a congratulatory message right away," Hui Yao decided immediately.

Another training room.

Green Leaf had just completed a cycle of source energy when he saw the battlefield system notification.

"Hiss, they're on the list of gods right away? The Fearless War God... so that's how it is." Green Leaf was both shocked and felt it was only natural.

"That's great! The guild leader himself is a god-level fighter. From now on, our Star Source Society have more confidence on the battlefield!"

A large rehearsal room.

Kenkes, Mo Yuan, White Phoenix, and several other Human Race prodigies were gathered together discussing cultivation.

"Master, we have received a notification from the battlefield system regarding an updated identity information for Lin Yi," Kenkes's Intelligent Life suddenly prompted in her consciousness.

Kenkes was slightly taken aback, then raised his hand and unfolded a light screen in the air.

Others also curiously gathered around.

The information displayed on the screen made everyone gasp.

"A god-level Fearless War God?" Kenkes's eyes widened. "Holy crap! This is outrageous! He's only been out of the secret realm for a few days?"

Mo Yuan stared at the note, gripped his Long Spear tightly, and his fighting spirit intensified.

In another training room,

Edith had just finished a round of training and was checking the latest battle report from the battlefield system.

An update notification caught her attention.

"Lin Yi. Ordinary God-level?" Her icy blue eyes narrowed slightly. "Fearless War God. So it was bestowed by the Qing Yan."

A slight smile curved her lips.

This result was both unexpected and reasonable.

Given Lin Yi's performance and her Qing Yan's temperament, it's not surprising that Lin Yi was favored by the Overlord and granted a mechanical divine body.

Training room E-47 in the troop Commander's residential area.

As Aurelia performed secondary treatment on her injured left arm, the scene from not long ago kept replaying in her mind.

"Eternal Divinity, you've agreed to accompany me like this?"

She rubbed her forehead in frustration. "What am I doing?"

Just then, a virtual screen suddenly appeared in front of her, and a routine announcement from the battlefield system popped up automatically.

[Announcement: The Pan-Spirit Alliance Battlefield System's God-level combat readiness roster has been updated. New member: Lin Yi (Human Race - Ordinary God-level - Note: Avatar equipped with the Fearless War God - T714 Mechanical God Body). Related permissions have been synchronized.]

Aurelia could no longer make out the text that followed.

"God-level combat power?"

Just moments ago, the man who stood before her, so close she could feel his presence, and told her, "You must become eternal," turned and left. Suddenly, the battlefield system officially certified him as possessing the combat power of Eternal Divine level?

She naturally knew about the Fearless War God, but she never expected that Lin Yi would actually possess the Fearless War God!

Yes, he was summoned by the Sovereign as soon as he returned, which must have been a gift from the Sovereign.

In a short moment, her emotions jumped from confusion and shyness to utter shock, the huge difference leaving her speechless.

But soon, a strong sense of urgency welled up inside me.

Aurelia's fingers clenched tightly. In her icy blue eyes, all shyness and hesitation were washed away, leaving only an almost stubborn determination and a burning fighting spirit.

She recalled Lin Yi's words, "I hope the Derivation Realm isn't your final destination. I hope you can become Eternal Divinity."

I also recalled my own words, "I will try my best," and his correction, "Not try, I definitely will."

Previously, there might have been some confusion and pressure, but now, that pressure has become the most direct motivation.

--

Fortress Rest Area - Star Dust Afterglow.

Soft, natural light streamed from the energy crystals in the ceiling, illuminating the dark alloy walls and solid wood trim, while a faint aroma of wine filled the air.

Ming Luo led Lin Yi inside and, familiar with the place, found a booth by the window and sat down.

"Two cups of Star Dust Embers, the usual." Ming Luo instructed the floating Mechanical Servants, then smiled at Lin Yi, "This place's signature drink, while not particularly effective in enhancing cultivation, can soothe a weary soul. Many deities enjoy it when resting."

Lin Yi nodded, his gaze sweeping across the interior of the tavern.

There are about twenty booths here, and they're about 70-80% full.

Most of the guests were Eternal Divinity, and a few were at the World Derivation level, but they were all seated on the edge.

Their appearance attracted some attention.

"Don't worry about them." Ming Luo waved her hand. "Although some people clearly want to get to know you, the rule here is no disturbance without permission. Once the captain arrives and we've made formal introductions, everyone will know each other."

Soon, two glasses of wine, shimmering with a dark golden light and seemingly containing slowly settling Star Dust, were served.

Ming Luo picked up his cup, took a sip, and showed an expression of enjoyment. "Speaking of which, Brother Lin Yi, what are your specific cultivation plans for the future?"

"Exchange for suitable treasures and improve my Source Energy cultivation as soon as possible. Also, comprehend the Space Law," Lin Yi said. "If nothing unexpected happens, my Main Body should go to the Origin Star to cultivate and exchange for some Void Crystals to assist me."

"Empty Crystal? Good stuff." Ming Luo's eyes lit up. "That stuff really helps with understanding the Space Law, but it's expensive. Exchanging it in the resource database... tsk tsk, you geniuses really get the best treatment."

As the two were talking, the light curtain at the entrance of the tavern rippled slightly.

A figure walked in.

She was a female member of the Spirit Race, tall and slender, dressed in a simple moon-white battle robe, with long silver hair cascading down to her waist like a waterfall, and clear light purple eyes.

She simply stood there, and a hazy Moonlight naturally flowed around her, smoothing out the somewhat chaotic energy fluctuations in the tavern.

The aura of a powerful deity was made without any concealment.

The tavern fell silent for a moment as many deities greeted her.

"The captain's here." Ming Luo immediately stood up and waved in that direction, "Moon Abyss, over here!"

Moon Abyss nodded slightly to the deities she recognized as she walked towards the booth.

"Captain Moon Abyss," Lin Yi also stood up and greeted him.

Moon Abyss stopped in front of the booth, her pale purple eyes falling on Lin Yi. After scrutinizing him for a moment, her cool voice rang out. "I am Moon Abyss, captain of the Star Stillness Squad. Ming Luo has already informed me of your situation."

Her gaze lingered on Lin Yi for a moment, then she nodded slightly. "The Star Stillness Squad is currently short one person. Our squad's battle merits and resource allocation are calculated based on contribution, with a basic ratio of 40% for the captain and 20% for each member. Adjustments will be made for exceptional contributions. What do you think?"

Lin Yi nodded. "Very fair."

"Well then, welcome to the Star Stillness Squad." Moon Abyss smiled and sat down in an empty seat in the booth. "Lan is currently on a purification mission and will be here soon. Once he arrives, we can discuss the squad's tactical coordination and upcoming mission choices in detail."

"Understood," Lin Yi replied.

Moon Abyss nodded slightly, asked no more questions, and began to introduce to Lin Yi the types of missions the Star Stillness Squad had carried out in the past, the enemies they were good at dealing with, and some of the team's tacit understandings and codes.

Her explanation was clear and logical, and her speaking pace was steady, clearly indicating that she was an extremely experienced team leader.

Lin Yi listened attentively, occasionally asking questions, Moon Abyss answered one by one.

Time flew by as we talked.

About half a standard hour later, the light curtain at the tavern entrance began to ripple again.

A gentle-looking man from the Holy Radiance Race, dressed in a white robe with gold trim, walked in.

He had a handsome face, and his golden eyes seemed to shimmer with light. He exuded a pure and warm aura.

"Lan is here," Ming Luo said with a smile.

Lan's gaze swept over the three people in the booth, a gentle smile appeared on her face, and she walked over quickly.

"Captain, Ming Luo." Lan nodded to Moon Abyss and Ming Luo first, then looked at Lin Yi, "I am Lan, from the Holy Radiance Race. It's a pleasure to have you join us. Ming Luo practically raves about you, the future Lord of the Time Law. It's an honor for our Star Stillness Squad to have a teammate like you."

"Brother Lan, you flatter me. I look forward to your guidance in the future," Lin Yi said with a smile.

The four sat down again.

Arashi's arrival livened up the atmosphere a bit more.

He briefly explained how he had just helped purify a god corrupted by the laws of death, and then carefully Lin Yi about some basic characteristics of the laws of time and the Fearless War God, so as to better coordinate in future battles.

After exchanging words for a while, Moon Abyss looked at Lin Yi, a rare hint of emotion in his usually cold tone. "The Qing Yan truly values you. Fearless War God. Even among the Machine Race, this is an extremely valuable strategic resource."

She then seemed to remember something, her tone slightly regretful. "It's a pity that your Human Race's Eternal Beginning Dominator was ambushed and besieged by several enemy sovereigns at the beginning of the war, and was seriously injured, so he has not made a public appearance. Otherwise, given your performance and potential, the Eternal Beginning Dominator would surely have summoned you after learning about it, and your Human Race's sovereign would certainly not have been stingy with his gifts."

Lin Yi was taken aback upon hearing this.

Was the Eternal Beginning Dominator ambushed and seriously injured?

This was the first time he had heard this news!

This has not been mentioned before by either Xuan Yan or other channels.

"The Eternal Beginning Dominator... seriously injured?" Lin Yi looked at Ming Luo. "This matter..."

Ming Luo's smile faded, and he sighed, nodding with a heavy expression. "Captain Moon Abyss is right. The Eternal Beginning Dominator was indeed seriously injured in the early stages of the war."

He paused, then explained, "Actually, the situation is far worse than you know. The number of injuries to Sovereigns and Lords is so large that, in order not to affect the morale of lower-ranking soldiers on the Frontline, the Pan-Spirit Alliance only issued internal notices to those at the God level and above. You weren't officially listed as a God-level soldier before, so you were unaware of it."

Announcements only to deities and above

That means it's true!

Lin Yi's mood instantly turned heavy.

Only those who possess a ruler can become powerful races, those who possess a venerable master are medium-sized races, and those who possess Eternal Divinity are weak races.

Different groups at different levels enjoy vastly different resource quotas, influence, and strategic support priorities within the Pan-Spirit Alliance.

A race that has only one strongest member that meets the current race's ranking is called a "decaying race".

The Human Race falls into this category.

The Human Race has only one ruler, Heng Shi, who is the pillar that supports the Human Race in the Pan-Spirit Alliance and even the entire star sea. In essence, the human race has extremely poor risk resistance.

If anything were to happen to the Eternal Beginning Dominator, the Human Race would instantly fall from a "powerful race" to a "medium-sized race".

This is by no means a simple change of name.

The Spirit Race are not charities.

If something happens to the ruler, the race's status will plummet instantly, and the aid that Human Race can obtain and the space for gaining benefits will shrink drastically.

History has long proven that a force that has fallen from the status of a "powerful ethnic group" often struggles to maintain even its status as a "medium-sized ethnic group," typically experiencing two consecutive declines, and may even face the risk of extinction.

When a wall falls, everyone pushes it down.

In the vast sea of stars, countless eyes are fixed on those once-powerful races that have declined, waiting to devour their legacy, seize their territory, and absorb their talents.

The rise of the Human Race was, to some extent, achieved by stepping over the corpses of other declining and powerful races.

Seeing Lin Yi's solemn expression, Ming Luo comforted him, "Brother Lin Yi, there's no need to worry too much. The strength of a Sovereign-level being far exceeds our imagination. The fact that there are no further rumors about the Eternal Beginning Dominator means that the situation is still under control. Doing our own thing and improving our strength as soon as possible is the greatest support we can give to our clan."

Moon Abyss nodded slightly. "Ming Luo is right. Worrying is useless; strength is the key. Since you have this potential and opportunity, you should focus on moving forward."

Lan added gently, "Brother Lin Yi, if you achieve something in the future, perhaps you can add a sense of confidence to the Human Race."

His words were pointed, referring to the "resurrection" ability unique to those who are strong in the laws of time, which serves to safeguard the core combat power of their clan.

Lin Yi took a deep breath and suppressed his turbulent emotions.

Indeed, given his strength, there's no point in thinking too much now; the only thing he can do is become stronger.

"Thank you for the reminders, all three of you. I understand now and will adapt to squad combat as soon as possible and improve myself."

"That's right." Ming Luo clapped her hands with a smile. "That's settled for today. Brother Lin Yi just got back and needs time to get settled. Let's meet here again at the same time tomorrow to discuss the details of taking on the first integration mission, okay?"

Both Moon Abyss and Lan had no objections.

"Lin Yi, once we get back, you can use the battlefield system to view some of the Star Stillness Squad's past public battle records to familiarize yourself with our style. We'll discuss it again tomorrow," Moon Abyss, standing up.

"I will."

The four said their goodbyes briefly, and Lin Yi was the first to leave "Star Dust Afterglow".

Instead of returning to the training grounds or meditation room, he boarded the Flying Shuttle located at the transportation hub at the entrance of Star Dust Afterglow and headed to a pre-booked meeting room in the fortress, as planned.

The members of the Star Source Society should all be there by now.

Twenty minutes later, Lin Yi arrived at the conference room door.

Permission verification passed, and the heavy metal door slid open to both sides.

The conference room is quite spacious, with clean and austere lines.

At this moment, everyone had already taken their seats in a tacitly agreed-upon order.

Edith, Hui Yao, Green Leaf, Liu Yun, Kenkes, Mo Yuan, Valerie

All members of the Star Source Society were present, without exception.

When Lin Yi appeared at the door, everyone, whether they were sitting or standing, stood up almost simultaneously.

They looked at the figure at the doorway, radiating divine-level energy fluctuations, and bowed:

"Greetings, Your Lin Yi!"