Arrival, Going Home

at the same time.

Zi Chen Star, Seventh Star Ring, Headquarters of the East Peak Mercenary Group.

This is less a Mercenary Group headquarters and more a small military fortress.

The towering alloy main building has cold, hard, and smooth lines. Its surface is covered with composite armor that can absorb detection waves and some energy attacks. The East Peak Emblem at the top reflects a cold metallic luster under the illumination of the artificial star.

It occupies the best and most energy-rich plot of land in the Seventh Star Ring, which was one of the preferential treatments granted by the Purple Gold Star Union Executive Committee when Aurelia returned to Zi Chen Star to begin rebuilding Eastern Edge.

Inside the grand auditorium on the top floor of the headquarters, a giant light screen floated, playing live footage from the official news channel of the Purple Gold Star Union.

The camera focused on the VIP passage of Zi Chen Star First Spaceport, where a dense crowd had already gathered. A group of high-ranking officials, led by Star Union President Ming Luo, stood solemnly. Media ships hovered at a safe distance like a swarm of bees, and various image capture devices were aimed at the entrance.

Liu Yuan, Elizabeth, Zhou Yuxuan, and other early core members of the East Peak Mercenary Group were all standing in front of the light screen.

Five thousand years of war have etched the marks of time on the once youthful faces of Blue Star.

Liu Yuan's aura was clearly at the Star Vortex level, and specifically at the fifth rank of the Star Vortex.

He crossed his arms and stared intently at the serene, emerald-green figure beside Ming Luo on the screen.

Eliza stood beside Liu Yuan, dressed in the new dark blue uniform of the East Peak Mercenary Group. Her posture remained upright as she quietly watched, her fingers unconsciously stroking the East Peak Emblem on her cuff.

Zhou Yuxuan's demeanor was even more refined, his Star Vortex level aura condensed and unwavering. He held a glass of energy drink in his hand, but did not drink it. Instead, he watched the scrolling news subtitles on the screen and the silhouette of the "Shadow Shuttle" spaceship slowly approaching the airport in the distance.

Andre scratched his head, breaking the silence. "Old Liu, tell me... just how strong is the Commander now? The news keeps saying he's at the Eternal Divine level, Fearless War God," but we've never seen that thing in person, only some blurry battle footage.

He is now Star Vortex level Tier 1, and his physique is even more robust than before. He has a few light scars on his face, left from a starship boarding battle.

Like Elizabeth, he was selected for the elite legion, and his cultivation was suppressed in preparation for the reopening of the Myriad Secret Realm, so he had only recently broken through to the Star Vortex level.

Liu Yuan didn't turn around, and answered directly, "I don't know. How can we fathom the power of a god?"

"The gap is widening," Elizabeth said softly. "I used to think that if I trained hard, maybe one day I could barely see his back. Now..." She paused, "I can't even see his back clearly. But that's a good thing."

"Of course it's a good thing." Zhou Yuxuan put down his cup. "The stronger the Commander, the more Eastern Edge's name becomes, and the better life will be for us old brothers. We'll stand taller! Think back to those arrogant guys before..."

He snorted and didn't say anything more, but everyone understood.

In the early stages of the war, the East Peak Mercenary Group lost Lin Yi's direct leadership. Although Aurelia tried her best to support them, she was ultimately only a Star Domain level. How could such a large Star Realm Army possibly be harmonious?

In some people's eyes, the legacy of a deceased prodigy is naturally limited.

It wasn't until Lin Yi emerged from the Myriad Secret Realm and his achievements in the "Two Realms Abyss" were reported back, and until the name of the "Fearless War God" resounded throughout the battlefield, that the situation gradually changed.

When Vice Commander Aurelia returned to Zi Chen Star to rebuild Eastern Edge, the Star Union granted her land and resources as she requested, practically giving her the green light.

"Oh right, the Principal and Old Chen..." Andre began in a muffled voice.

He didn't finish his sentence, but the atmosphere suddenly became heavy for a moment.

Liu Yuan's voice was somewhat hoarse, "When the Commander returns, he'll definitely ask about it. At that time... we'll have to explain the situation clearly. The deputy regimental Commander hasn't had an easy time these past few years, and we... haven't let Eastern Edge down."

On the screen, the news anchor's excited voice rang out. "... The Shadow Shuttle has confirmed docking with the spaceport's guidance signal! The spacecraft is currently executing the final docking procedures! The hatch is expected to open in three minutes! His Majesty Lin Yi is about to set foot on the land of Zi Chen Star, which he has been away from for five thousand years!"

All eyes immediately focused on them.

Elizabeth instinctively straightened her back, her icy blue eyes unblinking. Liu Yuan's fingers, which were crossed over his arms, tightened slightly. Zhou Yuxuan held his breath, and Andre clenched his fists.

At this moment, the reunion that had been awaited for five thousand years was finally within reach.

Outside the VIP passage of Zi Chen Star First Spaceport.

The atmosphere was solemn and respectful.

Led by Chairman Ming Luo, the Purple Gold Star Union Executive Committee consisted of more than ten core high-ranking members on Zi Chen Star, plus the current Commander of the Star Realm Army Purple Gold Star Union, the branch elder of the Galactic Mercenary Alliance, and the regional president of the Human Star Sea Bank.

General Director of the Human Interstellar Chamber of Commerce...

These important figures, who usually tremble with a stomp of their Zi Chen Star, were now standing on either side of Ming Luo, all of them restraining their usual imposing manner and looking solemn.

Aurelia stood half a step behind and to the side of Ming Luo.

She changed into a more formal Spirit Race -style dress, predominantly emerald green with silver accents, exuding a dignified yet lively beauty.

Soon, as the hatch of the Shadow Shuttle slid open, a figure stepped out first.

Dark-colored casual clothes, simple and neat in style, without any unnecessary decorations.

With black hair and a face as young as it had been five thousand years ago, his eyes were so deep they seemed to contain an entire starry sea, calm and still, yet exuding an invisible sense of oppression.

Lin Yi didn't deliberately exude an aura, but simply standing there, he seemed to become the center of the entire airport.

That was a fundamental change brought about by countless life-and-death battles, mastery of immense power, and a leap in the level of life.

Half a step behind him, the Fearless War God Clone stood silently.

It made no move, but its powerful aura, even when deliberately concealed, made the experts at the World Derivation level present feel slightly breathless.

Fearless War God!

The mechanical divine body that everyone in the Purple Gold Star Union knows today!

Lin Yi's gaze swept over the welcoming crowd, lingering on Ming Luo's face for a moment before a smile appeared on his lips.

He then stepped down the gangway.

"Haha, Brother Lin Yi, we've been waiting for you to come back!"

Ming Luo laughed loudly and stepped forward.

Lin Yi quickened his pace, stood before Ming Luo, and smiled, "I didn't expect you to make this trip in person."

"What kind of talk is that!"

Ming Luo laughed heartily, then looked Lin Yi up and down, his eyes lighting up immediately, "You must have gained quite a bit on Sacred Tree Star, right? Besides the source energy, the aura of the laws is noticeably different."

"We did gain some insights."

Lin Yi nodded with a smile, his gaze then naturally shifting to Aurelia beside Ming Luo.

Their eyes met.

Aurelia's icy blue eyes clearly reflected Lin Yi's figure. She took a slight breath, stepped forward, and bowed slightly. "Welcome back, Commander."

In this situation, Lin Yi had a lot to say, but in the end he just smiled and gave Aurelia a look, "Ellie, thank you for your hard work, we'll talk later."

Aurelia knew this wasn't the time to talk, so she gave Lin Yi a look to indicate that she understood.

After a brief exchange of pleasantries, Lin Yi turned his gaze to the high-ranking members of the Purple Gold Star Union behind Ming Luo.

He nodded slightly as a gesture of greeting.

However, his gaze paused deliberately for a moment as it swept over a certain spot.

She was a woman with an ethereal aura and obvious characteristics of the Spirit Race.

She wore a long, fringed dress adorned with starlight, as if she were draped with a miniature starry sky. Her eyes were deep and wise, and a faint, languid smile played on her lips.

Xing Yi.

The head of the Purple Gold Star Union branch of the Pan-Spirit Alliance Virtual Network Company, a powerhouse at the World Derivation level.

Five thousand years ago, she was the only being who personally traveled to the remote Blue Star to try and recruit Lin Yi, a being of the World Derivation level.

The "Spirit Glory Level" treatment they offered was astonishing even at the time.

Although Lin Yi ultimately chose the path of the Galactic Mercenary Alliance, the gift of "green privileges" greatly helped the Blue Star Civilization and the East Peak Mercenary Group in their early development as they entered the starry sea.

Lin Yi always remembered this favor.

Lin Yi turned slightly, took two steps towards Xing Yi, and greeted her, "Realm Lord Xing Yi, it's been a long time."

This greeting caused many high-ranking officials who knew the inside story of what happened back then to exchange glances.

Clearly, this Lord Lin Yi remembers very well who he has a past relationship with or who has been kind to him.

In this situation, taking the initiative to greet Xing Yi is itself a gesture of goodwill.

A hint of surprise flashed in Xing Yi's eyes, which then turned into an even brighter smile.

She nodded slightly. "Your Lin Yi, it has indeed been a long time. It feels like only yesterday that we parted on Blue Star. To meet again today, Your Excellency has become a legend in the galaxy, truly admirable."

Although Xing was only at the World Derivation level, he represented the Virtual Network Company after all. His words were neither humble nor arrogant, both mentioning past friendships and congratulating the present, demonstrating excellent tact.

"I have always remembered the generous gift from the Realm Lord back then," Lin Yi Lin Yi politely, stopping short of commenting.

Some things don't need to be said; everyone present is shrewd and understands.

After exchanging a few more pleasantries with Xing Yi, Lin Yi returned to Ming Luo's side.

Ming Luo observed everything and nodded inwardly.

Although Lin Yi's strength has increased dramatically, he still maintains his sense of propriety in dealing with people. He hasn't become arrogant or difficult to get along with because of his power, which is good.

He smiled and said, "Let's go, the Flying Shuttle is ready. Let's head back to the Executive Committee headquarters first."

"Okay." Lin Yi nodded.

The group began to move towards the luxurious Flying Shuttle bearing the Star Union logo.

The media faithfully recorded the scene of Lin Yi and Ming Luo walking side by side and talking in hushed tones, the scene of Aurelia following quietly half a step behind, and the various reactions of the giants of the Purple Gold Star Union around them.

The scenes of the airport welcoming guests are rapidly spreading throughout Zi Chen Star and the entire Purple Gold Star Union via live broadcasts by major media outlets of the Purple Gold Star Union.

Everyone knows that this Lord Lin Yi will inevitably bring new changes to the landscape of the Purple Gold Star Union.

Inside the headquarters of the East Peak Mercenary Group, Liu Yuan, Elizabeth, and others watched the scene on the screen where Lin Yi and Chairman Ming Luo were chatting and laughing. They looked at the Fearless War God who silently followed them, and their excitement, pride, emotion, and expectations for the future were all intertwined.

The Commander has really returned.

The Executive Committee's luxurious Flying Shuttle sped along the highest priority exclusive route on Zi Chen Star, with the dazzling buildings outside the window rushing past.

In just over ten minutes, the Flying Shuttle landed smoothly on the top-floor landing pad of the Executive Committee headquarters, a magnificent building that resembled an inverted mountain peak.

Ming Luo led Lin Yi and Aurelia into the top-floor circular conference room, which offered a panoramic view overlooking most of the Zi Chen Star Ring.

"Please be seated."

Ming Luo walked to the head seat and gestured for Lin Yi to sit in the first seat to his right.

After taking their seats, Ming Luo skipped the pleasantries and went straight to the point.

He pointed his finger in the air, bringing up a holographic star map covering all major star sectors of the Purple Gold Star Union. Different colors were used to mark the progress of post-war reconstruction, resource flow, defensive posture, and the early deployment areas for the exploration of "Secret Realm One".

Ming Luo first gave Lin Yi a brief overview of the Purple Gold Star Union, and then handed over the speaking rights to several core committee members present.

They each gave a brief introduction to their respective areas of responsibility.

Lin Yi leaned back in his large chair, listening calmly.

His gaze occasionally swept across the data stream on the holographic star map, but more often it fell on the faces of the reporters, but he never interrupted or offered any opinions or instructions.

He was not familiar with these specific administrative affairs, resource allocation, and military deployments.

Speaking rashly, whether agreeing or offering a different opinion, could disrupt the existing operational rhythm, trigger unnecessary speculation, or even internal turmoil.

He was well aware of the true source of his current status and influence within the Purple Gold Star Union.

As long as this power exists, regardless of whether he is the vice president of the Purple Gold Star Union, the interests of the Silver Blue Civilization and the East Peak Mercenary Group within the Star Union will be protected at the highest level.

His very existence is the greatest source of power and deterrence.

"... That's the basic situation." After the last committee member finished reporting, the meeting room fell silent again, and everyone's eyes were focused on Lin Yi, waiting for his reaction.

Lin Yi slowly sat up straight, his gaze sweeping over each of the executives present.

"President Ming Luo, everyone," Lin Yi began, "I've just returned and have limited knowledge of the specific details of the Star Union's current affairs. From what I've heard, under your leadership, President, you've maintained the Star Union orderly manner, and all affairs are progressing steadily—that's no small feat."

He paused, then continued, "Just maintain the current pace and direction. I believe that, with the chairman's coordination and everyone's efforts, the Purple Gold Star Union will be able to recover its strength as soon as possible and gain a favorable position in the upcoming 'Secret Realm One Realm' competition."

These words affirmed Ming Luo's leadership, acknowledged the efforts of the senior executives present, and clearly stated that they would not interfere recklessly, reassuring everyone.

The atmosphere in the meeting room had noticeably relaxed.

After saying this, Lin Yi pondered for a moment, then with a slight thought, he sent a message to the Fearless War God Clone standing quietly behind him.

The Fearless War God Clone raised its right arm.

At the palm of the clone, the silver-white radiance of Space Law and the silver-gray halo of temporal laws intertwined as if they were alive.

In a short while, more than a dozen semi-transparent silver runes floated in the palm of the clone.

Each one is exquisitely crafted and exudes a stable yet mysterious energy.

"This is just a small token of my appreciation, a little something for everyone."

Driven by his will, the dozen or so silver runes flew out gracefully and hovered precisely in front of each of the senior executives in the conference room.

Everyone's attention was instantly drawn to it, sensing the power of the laws contained within that made them all feel a faint tremor in their hearts.

"This is a spacetime escape talisman I created by primarily using the Space Law, and incorporating a trace of the laws of time."

Lin Yi explained, "In case of mortal danger, simply crush it. It can forcibly break through spatial blockades below the god level and randomly teleport the user to a safe coordinate within approximately one standard star field."

"However, because it is purely condensed divine power and its structure is temporarily solidified by the laws of time, it can only be used once, and the teleportation distance is also limited. It's a rather insignificant little gadget."

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

A random teleportation talisman capable of breaking through spatial barriers below the level of a god!

Although they only had one chance to use it and the distance was only one star system, it was like having an extra life for them!

Its value far exceeds that of many precious cultivation resources.

Mo Heng was the first to react. He carefully put away the talisman in front of him. "Thank you for your generous gift, Your Lin Yi. It may be just a trinket to Your Majesty, but it could be a lifesaver for us in a critical moment."

"Your Majesty is so generous!" The general in charge of defense quickly put away the talisman, his tone clearly excited.

This thing is extremely useful for military personnel like them.

Other senior executives also expressed their gratitude, their attitudes becoming even warmer and more respectful than before.

Lin Yi nodded slightly, accepting everyone's gratitude.

Sending out these talismans was not only a gesture of respect from the vice president to the core members of the Star Union, but also a way of demonstrating power and influence.

The escape talisman condensed from the laws of space and time is not something that ordinary Eternal Divinity can casually produce.

After the expressions of gratitude subsided, Lin Yi looked at Ming Luo and said, "President, I have a general understanding of the Star Union's situation. Everyone should perform their duties and proceed according to the established strategy. I've returned mainly to handle some personal matters and visit some old friends, so I won't stay any longer."

Ming Luo nodded understandingly. "Alright. You go ahead with your work, and contact me anytime if you need anything."

"Okay," Lin Yi responded, then said to Aurelia, who was sitting in the audience, "Ellie, let's go."

Aurelia stood up at the sound.

Lin Yi didn't even walk towards the conference room door.

He simply raised his hand and casually waved it at Aurelia and himself.

Buzz!

A silver radiance suddenly appeared, instantly enveloping Lin Yi, Aurelia, and the Fearless War God Clone.

A flash of silver light.

Inside the meeting room, the three figures had vanished without a trace.

"They've been teleported away..." a high-ranking official couldn't help but exclaim in a low voice.

In such a core location as the headquarters of the Zi Chen Star Executive Committee, the spatial structure is extremely stable and equipped with layers of anti-space jump and interference devices. Only Lin Yi, who has fully mastered the Space Law, can teleport so easily.

Headquarters of the East Peak Mercenary Group.

The live stream on the screen had long since ended, but the crowd hadn't dispersed; they were gathered together, talking in hushed tones.

"The Commander and the others went to headquarters. I guess they'll be talking for a while," Andre said, stroking his chin.

"It shouldn't be too long," Zhou Yuxuan interjected. "I estimate it will be soon..."

His words came to an abrupt end.

In the center of the hall, a silver halo rippled outwards like waves.

The light was soft, yet it instantly drew everyone's attention.

The silver light quickly solidified, outlining three figures.

The man in the lead, dressed in dark casual clothes, with a calm expression, was Lin Yi.

Half a step to his side was Aurelia, dressed in an emerald green gown.

Behind Lin Yi, the Fearless War God Clone stood silently.

"Commander!"

"Deputy Commander!"

Almost simultaneously, everyone shouted out. They quickly surrounded him, then instinctively stopped a few steps away, their gazes shifting between Lin Yi and the Fearless War God, a mixture of excitement and instinctive awe.

Lin Yi looked at these familiar faces, etched with the marks of time.

Five thousand years of war have left their mark on each and every one of them.

"Everyone..." Lin Yi's face broke into a genuinely relaxed and gentle smile, "Long time no see."

Those four simple words were like a key that unlocked the gate.

"Commander! You're finally back!" Andre's voice was a little choked up. "We... we've been waiting."

"Welcome back!" Liu Yuan nodded emphatically, his eyes slightly red.

Everyone else gathered around, greeting each other all at once, and the hall was filled with the lively chatter of a long-awaited reunion.

Aurelia stood quietly behind Lin Yi, watching this scene, a hint of gentleness appearing in her icy blue eyes.

Lin Yi smiled and patiently responded to everyone's greetings, patting them on the shoulder and checking their complexion.

After a while, the greetings gradually subsided.

"Xuanji, bring up the star calendar," Lin Yi instructed in his mind.

Almost immediately, an auxiliary light screen on one side of the hall displayed a precise universal astronomical calendar and automatically marked the traditional calendar of the Silver Blue Civilization.

"Everyone, if I remember correctly," Lin Yi said slowly, glancing at the star calendar, "In two standard days, according to the traditional calendar of our Silver Blue Star, it will be the New Year."

new year?

This word caused the Veteran Platform present to pause slightly.

The shadow of war has lingered for five thousand years, and those traditional festivals representing reunion have long been buried deep in memory.

When it is mentioned now, a distant yet warm feeling quietly arises.

Lin Yi's voice carried a hint of emotion.

"In the past, during times of war, we were surrounded by powerful enemies and the flames of war raged on. In order to protect our homes and ensure the continuation of civilization, many of us had to wander far from home, fighting bloody battles. Let alone going home, many times even taking a breath was a luxury."

The hall fell silent.

"But..." Lin Yi changed the subject, "Now that the war Time Stop, according to our Silverblue tradition, the New Year is a time to be with family."

"Being with family..."

A murmur of discussion arose, filled with longing, helplessness, and a hint of bitterness.

Liu Yuan smiled wryly, "Commander, how could we not want to go back? After receiving the news of the war's cessation and the rebuilding of the Mercenary Group, those of us still on the Frontline lines spent five or six standard years just applying for retirement, completing the formalities, and then returning to Zi Chen Star from the Frontline on a military transport starship. Only recently have we all gradually returned to headquarters and reunited."

He sighed, "Besides, even if we wanted to go back to Silver Blue Star now... it would take almost a standard year to get there from Zi Chen Star. I'm afraid we won't make it in time for this year's New Year, but next year might be more likely."

Liu Yuan's words resonated widely, and many Veteran Platform nodded silently in agreement.

The long duration of interstellar travel is a huge chasm standing between us on the way home.

Lin Yi listened quietly, a smile slowly appearing on his face.

"A standard year? It won't take that long."

Everyone was taken aback.

Lin Yi smiled and said, "Back then, I sent everyone away from Blue Star to explore the starry sea. Today, naturally, I'm bringing everyone home!"

After speaking, the Fearless War God Clone beside him took a step forward.

Buzz!

A vast and magnificent silver light suddenly erupted from the clone.

The power of Space Law, so dense it was almost tangible, instantly filled the entire auditorium like a tidal wave.

Everyone felt a lightness in their bodies, and the familiar headquarters scenery around them began to blur.

However, they did not feel uncomfortable; on the contrary, they were protected by a powerful spatial force.

The silver light suddenly contracted.

Then.

Brush!

Inside the auditorium, Lin Yi, Aurelia, the Fearless War God Clone, and the thousands of members of the East Peak Mercenary Group below the stage all vanished without a trace.

Only the empty auditorium remained, along with the remaining intelligent Mechanical Servants, who silently began carrying out routine maintenance work according to Xuanji's instructions.