Imperial Army: The Strong Lead the Stronger

Imperial Treasure Trove.

When Lin Yi read this message, a deep chill ran through him for a moment, but he quickly suppressed it.

His breathing was steady, and his expression was normal, but deep in his consciousness, a certain corner was tense.

Purple Mist Space.

Although these four words did not appear anywhere in the Blood Crystal, he could not help but make the connection.

This thing is hidden deep within his soul; it can generate Spiritual Enlightenment Qi, allowing him to enter a state of absolute enlightenment. It is his greatest trump card for survival and becoming stronger.

To date, no powerful individual has been able to discover the Purple Mist Space. Not only the Supreme Being of the Origin Universe, but even Lord Li from Mist Sea City has been unable to see through its existence.

In Lin Yi's view, the Purple Mist Space definitely belongs to the very, very top-tier level of treasures... if it can be considered a treasure at all.

Because its effects are simply too incredible.

He had never heard of such a method that could lead to enlightenment regardless of one's cultivation level; he had not even found anything similar among the famous treasures of the Cosmic Sea recorded in the Blood Crystal Records.

But ironically, when Emperor Luo fell, he left behind those words that echoed throughout the entire Chaos Cosmic Sea: "Want to become Chaos Source Realm? Go find it; I've left everything there."

Go find it?

What are you looking for?

Luo's subtext was clearly that if he found or obtained something, he would have a chance to become Chaos Source Realm.

Lin Yi suppressed the turmoil in his mind and calmly analyzed the situation.

Before, he would occasionally wonder, where are the limits of the Purple Mist Space?

But now, having learned more information, a thought inexplicably arose in his mind.

If the Purple Mist Space truly has no upper limit, he could even use it to become the second Chaos Source Realm.

But here's the problem: in the Cosmic Clam, if someone becomes stronger quickly, most people's first reaction is that they are "exceptionally talented," "have had some fortuitous encounters," or "have accumulated abundant resources."

But in the Chaos Cosmic Sea, the people here have another direction for their associations.

Emperor's Legacy.

Of course, as the Blood Crystal said, after so many years, the Emperor's Legacy has become a half-joking joke among the people, "So-and-so's breakthrough speed is like obtaining Emperor's Legacy."

Others might laugh it off, but the problem is... he really does have it.

At least, deep down, Lin Yi felt that his Purple Mist Space was no less valuable than the so-called Emperor's Legacy.

so..

We must be extremely cautious.

Going forward, all breakthroughs and improvements should be traceable, and before sufficient strength is achieved, one should try to avoid letting people truly associate him with Emperor's Legacy.

As Lin Yi was pondering this, Wu Qi suddenly spoke up from the corner.

The old man from the third universe still had that hunched back and deep-set eyes, but his gaze carried a composure that came from the accumulation of countless years.

"I don't know if you've noticed, but according to what's inside the Blood Crystal, the Chaos Cosmic Sea itself is a huge circle, with the Central District being the richest in resources, becoming increasingly barren towards the edges. Beyond the outermost edge lies an endless void."

Dark Annihilation snorted, "I've noticed. We are currently in the Silent Cosmos Domain of the Seventh Constant Domain. This domain is a relatively peripheral area within the Seventh Constant Domain, and unfortunately, it borders the Third Constant Domain, making it a Frontline area directly facing the threat of the Black Mist."

These words caused many people present to subtly change their expressions.

Because Pei Yan was telling the truth.

Of the Nine Constant Domains of the Chaos Cosmic Sea, the First Constant Domain is located in the very center, where Emperor Luo's Imperial Court once stood.

The Black Tide erupted from there, instantly annihilating the Imperial Capital Cosmic Domain. Then, the black mist, carrying countless Black Silence Beast, spread in all directions.

The supreme commanders of the second, third, fourth, and fifth Constant Domain, which border the First Constant Domain, successively led their elite forces deep into the black fog in an attempt to uncover the truth and control its spread.

None of them returned.

Having lost a large number of powerful figures to guard them, these four Constant Domain were no longer able to resist and fell one after another.

The Seventh Constant Domain is one of the only four remaining Constant Domain.

The sixth, seventh, eighth, and Ninth Constant Domain are separated from each other by the Black Mist Sea, each independently resisting the erosion of the Black Tide.

Of course, the connections between the various Constant Domain are not completely severed. After a long period of exploration, some powerful families have formed exploration teams, and together with the remnants of the Imperial Army scattered throughout the Constant Domain, they have found some relatively safe routes. However, these routes all have to bypass the very central First Constant Domain, and no one dares to approach it.

"Based on our current observations, and combined with the records about the Imperial Army in the Blood Crystal, I guess that Lord Li saved us, should belong to the Imperial Army," Zhaoyue said slowly.

The Imperial Army was the regular military force of the Imperial Court before the outbreak of the Black Tide, and it is also the main force resisting the Black Tide today.

The Blood Crystal also made it very clear that other scattered forces, families, and lone powerhouses were the main force exploring the Black Mist, but the routes and resource points they discovered would ultimately have to be used in conjunction with the Imperial Army in combat.

"Indeed, that blood-red armor is the iconic armor of the Imperial Army soldiers." Bai Su rarely spoke up. "The problem now is that, according to the rules of the Imperial Army, our rescue wasn't free."

Frost Rainbow looked up at Bai Su, holding the fragment of Blood Crystal in her hand and turning it gently.

"As is customary, independent survivors who receive emergency aid from the Imperial Army are either paid a corresponding reward or repayed with military service. Clearly, we don't have the resources to do so." She raised her eyes and looked at the crowd. "In the short term, serving the Imperial Army is the only option."

Frost Rainbow's tone was indifferent, and her words were unpleasant, but no one present refuted her.

Those who have reached this point have all navigated the rules of equivalent exchange.

Being rescued is a fact, and so is being in debt.

At this moment, Chu Yu said, "But joining the Imperial Army also has its advantages. The subsequent cultivation techniques are the most crucial. Without cultivation techniques, one can only rely on guesswork to advance from the Cosmic Source Realm to the True Source Realm. In addition, although we can't do much for the time being, it's always better to take the initiative to ask where we can help and show our willingness than to wait to be urged."

Zhaoyue pondered for a moment and said, "I think it's feasible."

Bai Su nodded slightly.

Wu Qi, standing in the corner, didn't give a clear answer, but he did say one thing, "Find out the price."

This statement caused everyone to fall silent for a moment.

"There's something else," Chu Yu drew everyone's attention back. "The rest of us have reached the end of the Cosmic Source Realm. The nine Origin Law have been perfectly integrated, and we stand at the threshold of the True Source Realm. But breakthroughs require cultivation techniques and opportune moments; they can't be achieved overnight. Star Abyss is different; he hasn't completed this final step yet. Not only Star Abyss, but the other potential Sovereigns are in the same boat."

Chu Yu's gaze swept across Heng Shi's face and landed on Lin Yi.

"Star Abyss, although you've obtained the two-star mark, you haven't reached perfection in the fusion of Origin Law. Your potential hasn't been fully realized." Chu Yu paused slightly. "In my opinion, the most urgent task now is to concentrate resources and cultivate the first True Source Realm cultivator as soon as possible. Having the strong lead the weak is the most efficient path."

These words caused a slight change in the atmosphere.

Everyone present was stunned, especially the rulers who had not yet reached perfection.

The original idea was that these top-tier resources would form the foundation for the subsequent development of each race.

There was a moment of silence among the people present.

The Supreme Beings from the other two universes exchanged glances almost instinctively, with a hint of hesitation in their eyes.

They didn't dislike Lin Yi; on the contrary, they were quite grateful to Lin Yi during their previous rescue.

But getting them to concentrate their entire fortune on one person is not something that can be put at ease with just a few words.

Chu Yu seemed to have anticipated this hesitation.

She didn't rush to explain, but remained silent for a few moments, allowing the doubts enough time to surface.

Then she spoke.

"I understand your concerns. You worry that if you concentrate your resources on training someone and they don't remember our kindness, or they have ulterior motives, then all our efforts will be wasted."

The several supreme beings opposite him neither denied nor refuted, but simply waited quietly for him to continue.

Chu Yu glanced at Lin Yi, then looked away and continued, "Because you are relatively unfamiliar with Star Abyss and don't know him well enough, this is a decision you can make yourselves; there's no need to force yourselves. However, our Spirit Race will fully support him, because his reputation in our universe is evident to all. From Silver Blue Star to now, he has never once betrayed his fellow countrymen or severed ties with his comrades."

Frost Rainbow finally put down the Blood Crystal fragments she had been playing with for a while, looked up and glanced around, "I support it."

"I agree," Dark Annihilation said directly.

The supreme beings from other universes made their choices only after a longer period of silence.

Bai Su's gaze fell on Lin Yi, as if he were measuring something.

After a moment, he nodded slightly, as if in agreement.

Then, from the corner, Wu Qi a hoarse voice, "I have no objection."

Lin Yi naturally didn't refuse everyone's kindness, because rationally speaking, concentrating resources to create a strong individual was indeed the optimal solution.

Moreover, this concentration of resources among everyone provides him with a suitable reason for rapid advancement in the early stages.

Following the statements of the supreme beings, the rulers of various races also expressed their support.

"Thank you all." Lin Yi did not refuse this important task, but simply bowed respectfully. After straightening up, he did not say anything more passionate.

He was never one to shout slogans in front of crowds; some promises don't need to be proven with tone of voice.

After this decision was made, the previously gloomy mood seemed to ease a little, as if they had finally found a rock where they could stand firm in the storm. Perhaps there was still nothing on this road, but they had found their first support.

Lin Yi then addressed the empty warehouse. "Zero Three."

A soft Light Sphere suddenly appeared before him. "What can I do for you?"

"Please contact His Excellency Mantaji for me," Lin Yi said. "Tell him that we have finished our discussions and would like to have a more detailed talk with him."

The Light Sphere flickered slightly. "Message delivered."

"Thank you," Lin Yi said, and then fell silent.

Everyone waited in silence.

A moment later, the hatch slid open silently.

When Mantaji walked in, he was still wearing that dark red, full-body armor.

The helmet obscured his face, leaving only an indistinct shadow.

He stopped in front of everyone, looked around, and finally fixed his gaze on Lin Yi.

Have you thought it through?

Lin Yi stepped forward and said in a deep voice, "Lord Mantaji, we have completed our discussions. We hope to join the Imperial Army, but we have some questions that we would like to ask."

Mantaji didn't respond immediately, but instead shifted her gaze from Lin Yi, slowly sweeping it over Chu Yu, Zhaoyue, and...

After a moment, Bai Su and the others looked away and nodded.

"Please allow me to report this matter to the magistrate."

After saying that, he turned around and strode towards the cabin door.

The crowd stood still, watching him walk away.

Mantaji is a man of few words, but he is always efficient and doesn't waste his breath.

About half a standard hour later, Mantaji returned.

He stopped in front of everyone and said calmly, "The lord has agreed."

Before anyone could react, he raised his right hand, made a pressing gesture, and continued, "But there's a rule I'll make clear to you beforehand."

"On this warship, only those who have obtained the Origin Universe Mark are eligible to join the Imperial Army. You have the mark, and although your strength is not yet up to par, you can apply to join as reserves. As for those in your Divine Kingdom... those who do not have the mark are not eligible to apply."

He paused for a moment.

"But the lord said that we can turn a blind eye to your bringing your own kind into the Divine Kingdom. We won't investigate or pursue it. But there's one condition: it is strictly forbidden to release any life form from the Divine Kingdom Divine Kingdom. Neither your own people nor any other living beings are allowed to set foot on the warship, nor should they be released into Mist Sea City Mist Sea City before obtaining residency rights. If they want to leave, you can settle them yourselves when you have the ability. As for how to settle them, that's your own business."

Mantaji looked at everyone, "Understood?"

"Understood," Lin Yi replied first.

The others nodded in agreement, and no one raised any objections.

Reaching this point already demonstrates remarkable tolerance, and no one would consider these conditions harsh.

"Alright." Mantaji put his hands back behind his back. "From this moment on, you will become Imperial Army reserves. Your reserve status and privileges will be issued to you later through Zero Three. As for you..." He looked at Lin Yi, "You have a little more than them. You are a two-star mark holder, so you will become a full member directly."

No one was surprised by this, nor did they react in any other way.

They had already seen the information in the Blood Crystal. After all, in the empire's talent cultivation system, a two-star mark represented a considerable probability of reaching the Eternal Source Realm, so it was normal to receive this treatment.

"Then," Heng Shi asked, "How long will we need to serve?"

"Your service period is indefinite; it depends on when you accumulate enough merit to be discharged," Mantaji answered decisively. "You're not strong enough to be of any use right now. The magistrate said you should focus on improving your strength first. So, until you break through to the True Source Realm, your main task is cultivation. Once you've accumulated enough military merit and meet the discharge requirements, you can apply for discharge. If you have any questions, you can ask Zero Three."

"Understood." Lin Yi nodded.

"So what are our current responsibilities?" Chu Yu asked. "Although we haven't broken through yet, is there anything we can do to help while we wait?"

Mantaji glanced at Chu Yu and shook his head, saying, "You can't do anything right now. Logistics, infrastructure..."

Equipment maintenance requires specialized skills training; it's not enough to just have cultivation level. Once we return to Mist Sea City, those of you who haven't reached the True Source Realm will be taken care of. For now, take good care of yourselves and don't cause any trouble for Zero Three."

This was said directly, but the tone wasn't harsh; it was like stating a very simple fact.

No one thought there was anything wrong with it.

Within the Cosmic Clam, they are supreme beings, rulers; but here, in the Chaos Cosmic Sea, they are merely ordinary members.

Starting from scratch and recognizing the changes in one's role is a step that everyone must take.

"After joining the reserve force, you will receive a certain amount of basic military merit as your initial rations. These merits can be exchanged for various resources in the Mist Sea City supply depot, including cultivation treasures, weapons and equipment, and special privileges. However, since the warship is currently on its course, you cannot collect these items until you arrive in Mist Sea City."

Mantaji paused, then changed the subject.

"However, there is one condition that is not restricted by location: the cultivation manuals for the True Source Realm. Before you officially enter the True Source Realm, you must first establish a foundation. We have a complete set of introductory guides and manuals. You can exchange for these manuals as long as you have military merits. After exchanging them, I can teach them to you directly."

Mantaji's gaze swept over everyone, finally landing on Lin Yi.

"But let me make it clear that military merits are used to exchange for resources or books, and must not be shared with anyone outside the military. They can only be used by the individuals themselves, and the exchange of experience is limited to those who have also exchanged for books."

"That's the situation," Mantaji said, clapping his hands. "Any more questions?"

Lin Yi glanced at everyone, and seeing that no one else would speak, he turned around and nodded slightly to Mantaji.

"Mantaji, Lord Mantaki. We don't have any more for now. If we could obtain the introductory texts, it would be of great help to us."

Mantaji nodded. "Alright. The specific amount of military merit and the details of the exchange will be sent to you by Zero Three later."

After saying that, he turned around cleanly and left the warehouse area.

Lin Yi watched the hatch close, then turned around and found everyone still looking at him, waiting for him to speak.

"From today onwards, we will officially be integrated into the Imperial Army system here, until we meet the conditions for retirement."

His gaze swept over Chu Yu, Heng Shi, Bai Su, and Wu Qi, who was still curled up in the corner, and then he saw Xi Luo standing behind Bai Su, looking at him.

"We have lost our homeland, lost the universe we can retreat to. All that remains are ourselves, and those in every Divine Kingdom who still believe we can keep them alive."

Lin Yi paused for a moment, giving everyone some time to process what he had said.

"Since everyone is willing to pool their resources on me, I will complete the fusion of the nine Origin Law as soon as possible, and then be among the first to break through to the True Source Realm."

He said this calmly, without any grand pronouncements.

But Chu Yu smiled softly, as if relieved, Heng Shi's tense face relaxed as well.

Lin Yi took in everyone's reactions and added, "Afterwards, if we can gain a foothold in Mist Sea City, we can apply to purchase the Cosmic Clam as soon as possible to settle our people."

Upon hearing this, some people involuntarily clenched their fists.

Even Wu Qi, who had been expressionless the whole time, looked up at Lin Yi, which was quite unusual.

According to the information in the Blood Crystal, once you reach the True Source Realm, you will be eligible to apply to the City Lord's Mansion to purchase the Cosmic Clam.

Although the price wasn't mentioned, it probably won't be cheap, but at least it's something to look forward to.

One... has hope for a new home.

"Before that, we need to become stronger as quickly as possible." Lin Yi raised his hand, pointing to the pale blue light shield above his head. "We need to prove to Lord Li and to the Imperial Army that their trip wasn't in vain."

As soon as the words were spoken, Xi Luo, who had been standing quietly to the side, finally breathed a sigh of relief and muttered something under her breath.

"Why is this guy so bland even when he's mobilizing..."

No one noticed her words, except Bai Su, who turned his head slightly and glanced at his disciple.