Return to the Human Race, Zi Chen's Reaction

After leaving the Ancient Tree Courtyard, Lin Yi first returned to his residence.

The Spirit Race's five-year buffer period for the prodigies of other races still had some leeway. Considering that their separation was imminent, Lin Yi did not continue cultivating in the following time, but instead devoted himself to more frequent and extensive exchanges.

Edith, Green Leaf, Hui Yao, Liu Yun, Kenkes, Valerie... these names, who stood shoulder to shoulder amidst the blood and fire of the Myriad Secret Realm and cultivated together on Sacred Tree Star, naturally maintained close contact now that the war had ceased and the outcome of Secret Realm One remained unresolved.

Their gatherings often take place in a private space on the Virtual Network or in an elegant venue provided by Sacred Tree Star, and the topics they discuss go far beyond cultivation insights.

"According to the latest information I have, the interior of the Secret Realm One is very likely divided into zones, and the initial entry points for different zones may be completely random, even light-years apart."

At a gathering, Hui Yao revealed fragmented information that his family had gathered, which, though vague, was enough to provoke deep thought.

"Intelligence sharing and rapid mobilization will be key," Edith added, her blue eyes sparkling. "While individuals or small teams may be more efficient, teams with reliable allies will have a decisive advantage when it comes to core resources."

Lin Yi listened quietly, occasionally asking one or two key questions.

What he was pondering was far more far-reaching than what was being discussed at the moment.

The Star Source Society, a secret circle born in dire straits and maintained by soul imprints and a system of Purified Source Essence, was the cornerstone of their survival and rise in the secret realm in the past.

However, with the upcoming "Secret Realm One," a secret bond and tacit understanding alone may not be enough to meet all the challenges.

He clearly recognized two things: First, in order to facilitate communication, location, resource exchange, and even seeking help in times of crisis for the members of the Star Source Society in the future within the secret realm, a more open organizational form with certain recognized symbols and basic structures would provide great convenience.

Secondly, and this is the foundation supporting the first point, is his own strength.

The perfection of the Life Law and their initial fusion with the laws of spacetime bring not only a baptism of the Soul Origin and a qualitative change in combat power, but also a sense of confidence.

Once he updates his clones, and with the help of the "Fearless War God," his strength will steadily surpass the threshold of a higher god.

High-level deities are considered powerful even among Eternal Divinity.

This strength is enough to maintain the facade of a public organization, provide members with a certain degree of potential protection and credibility, and also give them sufficient weight when negotiating with other forces.

Therefore, at a small gathering attended by only a dozen or so of the core members of the Star Source Society, Lin Yi put forward his well-thought-out idea.

"Gentlemen."

Lin Yi's gaze swept over Edith, Hui Yao, Valerie, Green Leaf, and the others. "With the Secret Realm One approaching, future cooperation will be too inefficient if it's limited to private communication between us, and it will be difficult to respond to emergencies in a timely manner."

He paused briefly, allowing everyone to process the meaning of his words, before continuing, "I have decided to officially and publicly establish the Star Source Society. We will establish a basic organizational framework and set up an internal contribution and information exchange platform. The initial members will be the surviving geniuses of the Myriad Secret Realm. We do not seek to establish a strict hierarchical system, but rather an elite alliance based on shared experiences and trust, aiming at intelligence sharing, resource assistance, and priority collaboration in exploring secret realms."

"Of course, those who meet the requirements can be admitted as reserve members. After passing the test and signing the membership agreement, they can be admitted as full members. Only one full member is added per Epoch."

The suggestion was made, and a brief silence fell around the table. Then, everyone's eyes lit up.

Everyone understood Lin Yi's subtext: the reserve members definitely didn't know the core secret. To become a formal member, one had to sign a soul "agreement" and then be taken to the Star Source Space to officially join the organization.

"I agree," Edith said first. "Revealing our identities is not only a convenience, but also an intangible asset. To outsiders, a group led by you, Lin Yi, whose members are all top talents selected from the Myriad Secret Realm, possesses a reputation and potential that will give us advantages and even priority in many situations."

"Indeed," Hui Yao nodded. "Moreover, this gives us a transparent channel and standards for recruiting new members, allowing us to more systematically bring in comrades whose character and abilities are trustworthy, thus strengthening our network. This is crucial for quickly establishing a foothold in an environment like the potentially vast Secret Realm One."

Kenkes scratched his head and said, "I have no objection. Whatever the chairman says, we'll do. As long as we trust each other, that's fine. Once it's public, it'll be less troublesome when we fight... uh, when we're exploring resources, just stating our names will save us some trouble."

His words drew a few soft laughs, but they also revealed the most genuine thoughts.

Strength and reputation are themselves a form of deterrence and a passport to success.

Valerie added gently, "We could also consider designing a simple emblem or token to facilitate identification within the secret realm and prevent accidental harm."

The proposal was unanimously approved by all core members.

Soon, the news of the official establishment of the Star Source Society quietly spread among the elites of Sacred Tree Star.

Without any grand announcement, the news quickly spread to those talented individuals with sufficient strength through the individual networks of the Star Source Society members and Lin Yi's growing reputation among the prodigies of Sacred Tree Star.

Over the next few days, Lin Yi processed many applications from people hoping to join through Xuanji.

He and several core members established basic vetting criteria: the most important thing is character and integrity, and at least two official members of the Star Source Society must vouch for the individual; of course, the president can directly invite them.

Secondly, one must possess strength and potential, excelling in at least one aspect; finally, one must agree with the Star Source Society's fundamental principle of "mutual assistance and support, avoiding internal strife."

The review process was mainly handled by Hui Yao, Qing Feng, Green Leaf, and others, with Lin Yi making the final decision.

In a short period of time, more than twenty outstanding talents with excellent abilities and reputations passed the review and became reserve members of the Star Source Society, which quietly expanded the scale of this emerging organization and gradually spread its influence.

Fifteen standard days passed in the blink of an eye.

The unified return date arranged by the Spirit Race has arrived.

At the interstellar port of Sacred Tree Star, dozens of streamlined, silver-gray medium-sized spaceships were quietly moored in their designated berths.

One of the ships will carry Lin Yi, Hui Yao, Qing Feng, Kenkes, and other Human Race prodigies back to the core of the Human Race territory, the Origin Star.

The one in charge of this escort mission is an Eternal Divinity of the Spirit Race.

The crowd boarded the ship in an orderly fashion.

The spaceship's interior was spacious and elegantly decorated with a high-tech feel. As the spaceship slowly left the port and entered a stable hyperspace channel, the image of the majestic, verdant tree of Sacred Tree Star gradually shrank outside the porthole and was eventually replaced by leaping streaks of light.

Shortly after the voyage began, the Eldar Eternal Divinity Spirit Race responsible for escorting them voluntarily came to the public rest area.

His gaze swept briefly across the crowd before landing directly on Lin Yi, who was sitting by the window, talking quietly with Hui Yao.

"Lin Yi."

The Spirit Race approached with a gentle smile and was very polite.

Lin Yi stood up and politely replied, "Thank you for your trouble in escorting me."

"You're too kind," the Spirit Race smiled and nodded, introducing himself, "I am Ethan, from the Starfall Family."

The fact that she mentioned sharing the same clan as Edith clearly indicated that she knew Lin Yi and Edith had a close relationship, which made her attitude even more friendly and intimate.

Lin Yi understood, and he smiled and nodded, "So it's His Excellency Ethan of the Starfall Family. Thank you for your help on this trip."

The two then began to talk.

Ethan was knowledgeable and spoke eloquently, discussing topics ranging from the unique ecology of Sacred Tree Star to several famous landscapes within the Spirit Race territory, and ancient anecdotes circulating among the stars, creating a relaxed and harmonious atmosphere.

He spoke highly of Lin Yi, and when he mentioned the "Fearless War God," he also showed appropriate admiration. This was clearly not just because of Edith, but more of an acknowledgment of Lin Yi's own strength and potential.

Not far away, Hui Yao, Qing Feng, Kenkes, and others appeared to be resting or browsing information, but in reality, they were secretly communicating in a small, temporarily encrypted group via Virtual Network.

Hui Yao: "See that? An Eternal Divinity is so polite to the guild leader, taking the initiative to come over and greet him."

Qing Feng: "It is indeed somewhat unexpected. Although I know that the guild leader's status is different now, for an Eternal Divinity to react this way... that's truly extraordinary."

Kenkes: "The Spirit Race are known for their inherent arrogance, especially towards those who are not of their race. This Ethan Ethan's attitude is probably not just because of the Guild Master's strength, is it?"

Mo Yuan: "What do you mean? You don't think it's because of Edith, do you? I don't think even Edith herself would have such a good attitude from His Majesty."

Hui Yao: "You may not know the details yet. A senior member of my clan, who is also Eternal Divinity, once mentioned that long before the Sacred Tree Secret Realm, the Guild Master, with his Fearless War God Clone, had already demonstrated a combat level comparable to a powerful god. In recent years, this news has hardly been a secret in the god-level circle."

Qing Feng: "With the president's talent, after these years of secluded cultivation in the Sacred Tree Secret Realm, his strength must have made a qualitative leap. As to what extent, only the president himself probably knows."

Everyone in the group expressed their agreement.

Meanwhile, Lin Yi's conversation with Ethan also came to an end.

Ethan wisely refrained from further inquiries, exchanged a few pleasantries, and then politely left, giving Lin Yi and the others the space they needed.

However, Lin Yi only chatted with Hui Yao and the others for a while before returning to his cabin.

Although he was on a spaceship and the cultivation environment was far inferior to that of the Ancient Tree Courtyard, the nourishing effects of the Immortal Azure Essence he had previously exchanged on Sacred Tree Star still lingered, and the stable environment buffs provided by the Primal Life Aura were still present.

These valuable auxiliary effects are still ongoing, and should not be wasted.

During the tranquil voyage, Lin Yi's mind was completely immersed in sorting out and deepening his own power.

Half a standard year passed quietly amidst intensive training and occasional intelligence exchanges with Hui Yao and others.

As the spaceship shuddered slightly and broke free of the hyperspace trajectory, the magnificent and familiar scenery of the Origin Star gradually appeared outside the porthole. Everyone knew that the journey was about to reach its end.

The spaceship slowly docked on the massive starport platform.

Lin Yi and the others bid farewell to Ethan politely, thanking him for escorting them along the way.

Ethan maintained his gentle smile and politely expressed his hope to meet again in the future.

Returning to the core sacred land of Human Race, everyone felt a sense of relief, like coming home, but it also meant a temporary separation.

Hui Yao, Qing Feng, Kenkes, and the others need to return to their respective star systems immediately to prepare for the comprehensive selection and training within the Human Race targeting the "Secret Realm One," which will begin two standard years later.

Lin Yi did not linger on Origin Star for long.

He first returned to his private manor in the Star Source District.

The manor was still well-maintained by the intelligent system, and both clones were already waiting inside.

He had a brief meeting and exchange with several other Human Race were also on the list, either having already returned or already residing on Origin Star. They exchanged some scattered information about the "Secret Realm One" and also participated in a small-scale internal gathering.

The next morning, Lin Yi left his ordinary clone in the manor to continue cultivating his combat skills, while he took his Fearless War God Clone and boarded the Shadow Shuttle to embark on his journey back to the Purple Gold Starfield.

He wouldn't feel truly secure just because of a ceasefire agreement between the three races.

Lin Yi knew very well that although there was a truce on the surface, if the two races saw an opportunity, they would certainly not hesitate to sacrifice an ordinary Eternal Divinity "Star Pirate" with no future to kill him.

Half a standard year later, the Shadow Shuttle entered the range of the Purple Gold Star Union.

Five thousand years may be just a blink of an eye for the vast universe, but for the beings who personally experienced and changed this protracted and brutal war that affected countless star fields, it is a long period of time that they will remember for a lifetime.

Since Lin Yi escaped from the Myriad Secret Realm and plunged into the battlefield of the "Two Realms Abyss," relying on the might of the Fearless War God to roam freely, his name and achievements have already spread throughout the Human Race territory through the Pan-Spirit Alliance battlefield system and Star Sea News, and naturally, they have also reached his "hometown" Purple Gold Star Union.

The war was temporarily brought to a halt due to the appearance of the "Secret Realm One," and the three dominant races signed a truce agreement lasting for one hundred Epoch.

The war machine, which had been taut for five thousand years, gradually slowed down, and various forces began to lick their wounds and adjust their strategies, while "Secret Realm One" became the new focus.

As one of the Star Union within the Human Race's territory, the Purple Gold Star Union also paid a heavy price in this war, but similarly, some names became even more brilliant because of this war.

Zi Chen Star, the capital of the Purple Gold Star Union.

Although the shadow of war has temporarily dissipated, this super-planet is still shrouded in a solemn and tranquil atmosphere unique to the post-war era. Among the towering buildings, many new commemorative sculptures and light screens have been added, silently telling the story of sacrifice and glory.

Inside the Star Union Executive Committee headquarters, in that magnificent building that resembles an inverted mountain peak, Chairman Ming Luo sat in the main seat in the top-floor conference room.

His face remained composed, but deep within his eyes, it seemed as if countless stars were being born and dying in an orderly fashion—a testament to the majesty and wisdom that had been honed through countless life-and-death decisions after controlling a vast Star Union.

He suddenly raised his hand slightly, interrupting a member of the World Derivation level who was reporting on the post-war resource allocation plan for the Third Star Sector.

The entire conference room fell silent instantly.

Several gazes, some ancient and profound, some sharp and shrewd, some calm and reserved, all focused on Ming Luo.

They were all true high-ranking members of the Purple Gold Star Union who survived the war and proved themselves, or veteran powerhouses who held power before the war, or rising stars who emerged in the blood and fire and were promoted exceptionally.

Ming Luo didn't speak immediately, but listened to some message that only he could perceive.

After a moment, he slowly spoke.

"Everyone, I just received a private message from Vice President Lin Yi."

The moment the name "Lin Yi" was uttered, the air in the conference room seemed to freeze for a moment.

"His spaceship has just completed its final hyperspace jump and has entered the territory of the Purple Gold Star Union. It is expected to arrive at Zi Chen Star in one standard hour."

As soon as he finished speaking, the meeting room fell silent.

Vice President Lin Yi!

For many of those present, that name can no longer be simply summarized as "genius" or "New Star".

That was a living legend, a miracle that perhaps had never happened before since the founding of the Purple Gold Star Union.

Five thousand years ago, this name, accompanied by the astonishing report of "Level 5 Civilization Assessment" and "Level 7 Individual Potential," swept through the upper echelons of Zi Chen Star like a hurricane, attracting the six major powers and countless families to flock to it, sending envoys across the star sea to that remote Blue Star.

At that time, they saw Lin Yi as a "gem" that needed evaluation, was worth investing in, but also needed to be observed.

Then came the emergence of the Genius Battle, who overwhelmed all others and won unparalleled glory for the Human Race.

At that time, he was a rising New Star with a promising future, worthy of being courted and befriended by the Purple Gold Star Union at the highest level.

The fact that President Ming Luo personally presented the gift is proof of this.

Then, he disappeared in a secret realm, sparking countless speculations and anxieties.

When war broke out, this name was shrouded in the shadow of war and sacrifice, and was only occasionally mentioned in the stories of the remnants of the East Peak Mercenary Group and their arduous battles against the Silver Blue Civilization.

However, when the war reached its most brutal stage, Lin Yi, along with a group of prodigies, made a triumphant return to the battlefield of "Two Realms Abyss"!

His fame began to resound like thunder.

Soon, as one brilliant victory after another was officially recorded and certified by the battlefield system, the name Lin Yi, which was bound to the "Fearless War God," once again entered everyone's field of vision with an incomparably dazzling appearance.

God-level combat power certification!

Together with Guild Master Ming Luo, Moon Abyss, Lan, and other veteran deities, they form a fixed team and dominate the battlefield.

Later, he even acted alone with the strength of a powerful god, participating in emergency support, and his name even reached the ears of the high-ranking Abyss Race and the Crystal Spirit Race!

Five thousand years of war was a heavy period for these beings at the World Derivation level.

They witnessed firsthand the reshuffling of countless power structures and the rise and fall of families.

The name "Lin Yi" rose with unstoppable momentum in this bloody drama, from "potential New Star" to "Vice President of the Star Union Executive Committee," "a comrade-in-arms who once fought alongside the president on the Frontline and entrusted his life to him," and "the strongest fighting force currently visible in the Purple Gold Star Union."

This goes beyond the category of "potential stock".

It was like stumbling upon a rough stone in a barren star field, expecting to extract at most a high-grade source crystal, but instead cutting out the legendary "Eternal Star Core".

General Raymond, the commander in charge of the star system's defense, was the first to break the silence.

"Lin Yi... Your Majesty, are you returning?"

He paused, seemingly adjusting to the new title, "Time... flies. It feels like just yesterday he first arrived on Zi Chen Star."

"Yes."

The person who answered the phone was a high-ranking official in charge of internal affairs and resource allocation, named Mo Heng.

If Lin Yi were here, he might remember that five thousand years ago, it was this being, who was then in charge of the "New Civilization Guidance and Integration Department," who was a being of the World Derivation level, who immediately dispatched an envoy in both official and family capacity after receiving the Level 5 assessment report from Blue Star.

At this moment, Mo Heng's face was even more refined and profound than it had been back then.

"Who could have imagined that the young man who came from that remote Resource Star would have reached this point in just a few thousand years?"

His words resonated with several high-ranking officials present.

Some of them had participated in or paid attention to the recruitment of Lin Yi and the Silver Blue Civilization back then, while others indirectly learned about the influence of this legendary figure during the war by handling matters related to the East Peak Mercenary Group and the Silver Blue Civilization.

A newly promoted high-ranking officer, who had distinguished himself in the later stages of the war, couldn't help but whisper to his colleague beside him, "I remember the records mentioning that when His Majesty Lin Yi participated in the Civilization Advancement Assessment, his personal rating was... Level 7? At the time, I thought it was unprecedented, but now it seems that it was probably just the beginning."

"It's more than just the beginning," his colleague, a capable-looking female expert from the Transcendent Realm, replied. "His Majesty Lin Yi has made another trip to the Spirit Race's Supreme Sacred Tree Secret Realm; his strength will only increase further upon his return."

These quick, private exchanges did not escape the notice of Ming Luo and several top-tier World Derivation level experts, but they did not stop them.

Making these core members fully aware of Lin Yi's current importance will only benefit their future reception and follow-up matters.

Soon, almost everyone's gaze, intentionally or unintentionally, turned to Aurelia was sitting not far below Ming Luo.

Aurelia Sheena.

She was the person in the conference room at that moment most closely associated with the name "Lin Yi," and also the most special.

As Lin Yi's designated spokesperson, the vice- Commander of the East Peak Mercenary Group, and the plenipotentiary representative of the Silver Blue Civilization in the Purple Gold Star Union, she served as the most important bridge connecting that legend with the real world of the Purple Gold Star Union during the long years of Lin Yi's disappearance and the outbreak of war.

She had to coordinate the integration of the remnants of the East Peak Mercenary Group into the Star Realm Army, striving to preserve the core members amidst the fierce war of attrition; she had to secure development space and resources for the Silver Blue Civilization within the Purple Gold Star Union; as an alien and Star Domain level individual, she had to navigate the Star Union's upper echelons, fighting for every possible benefit for the legacy left by Lin Yi; she also had to personally lead troops on dangerous missions, using battle merits and bloodshed to solidify her position...

Over the past five thousand years, she has walked a path fraught with peril, each step fraught with danger.

Some of the veteran executives present in the conference room may have initially had other ideas, but under the influence of Aurelia's abilities, resilience, and... the subtle "intimidation" from Lin Yi's sect behind her, they ultimately chose to cooperate or wait and see.

They also witnessed firsthand how she grew from a somewhat naive Spirit Race young lady into the powerful "Vice Commander Aurelia" who wields considerable influence even within the core of the Star Union.

"Vice Commander Aurelia."

Mo Heng's tone was polite, yet subtly flattering, "You and His Lin Yi have known each other since humble beginnings and have remained companions ever since. You have also single-handedly managed the affairs of Eastern Edge and Silverblue for so long. With His Majesty's return this time, I'm afraid you will need to put in a lot of effort in communicating and coordinating many matters."

Aurelia slightly raised her eyelids, her gaze calmly meeting Mo Heng's, as well as the other gazes in the conference room that contained a hint of emotion, or even a touch of envy.

"Committee Member Mo Heng, you flatter me. It's just my duty. The Commander's return this time is primarily for personal matters, and I will do my best to cooperate to ensure that the normal operation of the Star Union is not affected, and I will also ensure a smooth transition between Eastern Edge and Silverblue."

Ming Luo took in everyone's reactions, then slowly stood up, exuding an invisible aura of authority that immediately silenced the conference room.

"Alright. Everyone knows the news. Vice President Lin Yi's first return to the Purple Gold Star Union since emerging from the Myriad Secret Realm is a major event for our Purple Gold Star Union. Everyone, please come with me to the airport to welcome him. Vice Commander Aurelia, you will come with me."

"Yes, Chairman!" everyone responded in unison.

The meeting was quickly adjourned, but the undercurrent of tension spread throughout the upper echelons of the Purple Gold Star Union.

Almost simultaneously, across Zi Chen Star, those behemoths deeply rooted in the Star Union's network of power and wealth also received the same message through their own overt or covert channels.

The Human Star Realm Legion is stationed at the Purple Gold Star Union headquarters.

The one from five thousand years ago has already sacrificed himself in the war. The current Commander is a burly man who still exudes an aura of iron and blood, but whose brows are now etched with countless marks of time and hardship.

The adjutant had just finished his report in a low voice when he suddenly looked up from the holographic sand table covered with a star map.

Lin Yi...

The Commander muttered the name to himself, a complex expression appearing on his rugged face.

When he took over, he read through all the files about Lin Yi in detail and knew about the terrifying achievements of this "genius" who had a close relationship with the Star Realm Army.

Especially during the war, part of the East Peak Mercenary Group was incorporated into the Star Realm Army for combat, and its performance and relationship with Lin Yi left a deep impression on him.

"Issue the order," the Commander said in a deep voice, "Prepare a congratulatory gift in my name. The specifications... should be the same as those for welcoming a veteran, god-level commander returning victorious from the Frontline. Also, adjust my schedule for today; the airport reception—count me in."

The adjutant hesitated slightly. "Sir, Chairman Ming Luo has personally..."

"The president represents the Star Union officially," the Commander interrupted him, a glint of shrewdness in his eyes. "I represent the Star Realm Army, and our stance must be clear. This Vice President Lin Yi has deep ties with our legion, and in the future, in the Secret Realm One and even further plans, he is a worthy partner for close cooperation. This stance must be maintained."

The Purple Gold Star Union Branch of the Galactic Mercenary Alliance.

Compared to the solemn and austere Legion headquarters, the Mercenary Alliance branch is more like a busy and vibrant super hub.

In a top-floor office overlooking most of the Zi Chen Star Ring, a middle-aged man with a sharp and capable demeanor, his eyes filled with the wisdom of years and a touch of languor, was gently wiping an ancient armband bearing the emblem of Star Shatter and a sharp sword.

He is the current branch leader, having also taken office during the war.

He's finally coming back...

The elder lowered his armband and gazed at the dazzling sea of stars outside the window, as if he could see through space to the approaching spaceship. "Back then, he chose the path of a mercenary at the invitation of our alliance representative."

He turned to his assistant, who was standing beside him, and instructed, "Send a welcome letter of the highest honors in the name of the branch. Also, check the latest upgrade assessment progress of the East Peak Mercenary Group after its reconstruction. If the conditions are close, you can appropriately... expedite the process. This vice president is one of our own in the alliance." A smile played at the corners of his lips.

Human Interstellar Chamber of Commerce, Purple Gold Star Union Alliance.

In an office overflowing with all sorts of strange samples, where data flowed like a waterfall, a seemingly kind-faced old man, whose eyes constantly gleamed with the shrewdness characteristic of a businessman, roared at the branch manager of a distant star system on the other end of the communication line, "... I don't care about the seasonal fluctuations in rare crystal ore over there! Send me the goods! Immediately! Right now! There's a top priority need from Zi Chen Star!"

"Yes, it's on the gift list for Vice President Lin Yi who's about to return! If you miss it, you can forget about having any budget next year!"

After hanging up the communication, the old man took a breath, rubbed his temples, and his face instantly broke into a warm, spring-like smile. He said to the core managers around him, "Have you found out everything? Vice President Lin Yi's spaceship has entered the Star Union territory."

A senior manager in charge of the Chamber of Commerce's external strategy immediately replied, "General Manager, the news is accurate. The estimated arrival time matches the information from the Executive Committee."

"Alright." The old man nodded. "Then, gentlemen, do I need to say more about what we should do?"

Regarding the gift, both options have been prepared as you previously instructed.

Another female manager in charge of etiquette and large-scale resource allocation immediately responded, presenting three detailed holographic lists. "The first, on behalf of the Chamber of Commerce, congratulates the Vice President on his return, focusing on rare materials and luxury goods to demonstrate the Chamber's heritage and respect; the second, on your personal behalf, expresses gratitude for the East Peak Mercenary Group's indirect support of certain border logistics lines of our Chamber during the war, with gifts emphasizing practicality and sentiment."

"Hmm." The old man nodded slightly. "Gifts are for appearances, cooperation is for substance. Appearances are important, but substance is key. Given Lin Yi's current position, ordinary treasures are unlikely to catch his eye. What he needs more is how to efficiently transform his personal and Mo Xia forces' military power into resources for comprehensive strength and long-term development."

"Understood!" the managers replied in unison.

They were all elites who had worked their way up in the chamber of commerce system and had been tested by war, so they naturally understood the intricacies of the business.

"Furthermore," the old man added, glancing at the manager in charge of intelligence analysis, "Immediately conduct a comprehensive reassessment of all existing and potential business related to the Silver Blue Civilization and the East Peak Mercenary Group. Credit lines, investment portfolios, trade priorities... all should be upgraded to 'Supreme VIP' level, enjoying the highest priority and optimal risk weighting. As for the East Peak Mercenary Group, especially the business handled by Vice- Commander Aurelia, assign the most capable and tactful person to handle it."

"General Manager, is it necessary to...?" the intelligence officer asked cautiously, "To provide additional friendly investment or technical support to the Silver Blue Civilization's key industrial projects within the Star Union, as a further expression of goodwill?"

The old man pondered for a moment, then shook his head. "There's no need to overdo it. Adding too much embellishment will only make us seem impatient or have ulterior motives. What kind of person is His Excellency Lin Yi? Back on Blue Star, he saw through the long-term calculations behind our 'free gift' of the Star Ring Shipyard. We just need to do our job to the best of our ability, demonstrating our reliability and value as partners. The rest will come when he arrives. We need to maintain a proper posture, but the core is to showcase our capabilities, not simply to curry favor."

"Furthermore," the old man concluded, "My schedule for today has been adjusted. I need to go to the airport to pick someone up."

"Yes!" The stewards responded respectfully and quickly dispersed to make their own arrangements.

The old man remained alone in his luxurious yet pragmatic and aloof office, gazing out the window at the dazzling artificial star rings of Zi Chen Star and the countless spaceships shuttling back and forth.

The warm smile on his face gradually faded, replaced by a deep contemplation.

He knew that he wasn't the only one to receive the message.

The Star Realm Army, the Galactic Mercenary Alliance, banks, and other forces large and small are probably all making similar emergency preparations and assessments at this moment.

Beneath the seemingly calm surface of Zi Chen Star, the return of Lin Yi has already stirred up turbulent undercurrents.

Everyone wanted to make the best impression on this vice president of the Star Union, so as to gain an advantage in future cooperation or even competition.

All of this is because the power and authority represented by that name are about to descend upon this planet once more.

The old man straightened his exquisitely made robe, as if trying to soothe all his weariness and calculations, and put on his warm, spring-like smile again.

He was also Ready to Depart for the airport to welcome the "returning person" who was about to change many things.