Drawing on the Reserves, Deputy Captain

Inside the cultivation room, Lin Yi slowly opened his eyes.

Deep within the soul, the dark golden Gold Chaos Universe Seal floated silently, radiating a strange fluctuation that combined the Origin Law of Metal with the Chaos Rules.

He didn't feel any particular excitement after successfully forming the first seal.

The reason is simple.

According to Lord Li, the fastest cultivation record within the Imperial Army of the Silent Left Silent Cosmos Domain was less than half an Epoch.

This is only within the Silent Cosmos Domain; it's clear that the time required would be even shorter across the entire Seventh Constant Domain, not to mention the vast territory of the Eternal Cosmos Empire.

Lin Yi gently shook his head.

"A divine-level comprehension foundation is still too much of a drag," he thought to himself.

Even with the full Spiritual Enlightenment Qi, his talent still couldn't match that of the First Heavenly Prodigy at the Cosmic Domain level.

He had previously considered whether he should conceal his understanding if he grasped the concepts too quickly.

In hindsight, it was all just needless worry...

If one truly wants to conceal it, it should only be considered after one's comprehension and foundation have improved further.

After a moment of reflection, Lin Yi composed himself and began to carefully comprehend the newly formed Cosmic Universe Seal.

First, there's the effect of increasing Rule Comprehension.

Lin Yi closed his eyes, attempting to mobilize the power of the Chaos Rules while simultaneously sensing the resonance of the Cosmic Universe Seal.

After a moment, he concluded that the increase was approximately 10%.

This number is not low.

The understanding at the True Source Realm level is extremely difficult to improve even by a little bit, and a 10% increase is already quite considerable.

Next is the combat style.

According to the information in the transmission of the cultivation method, the Cosmic Universe Seal has two main ways of being used.

The first type is blessing.

The power of the Cosmic Universe Seal is imbued into attacks or defenses in the form of subtle runes. When attacking, the Hunyu Seal appears and disappears on weapons or fists, increasing power to varying degrees.

When defending, runes flow across shields or armor, enhancing defensive capabilities.

The second type is suppression.

It directly triggers the manifestation of the illusory image of the Cosmic Universe Seal. The more Cosmic Universe Seal one comprehends, the stronger the sealing power during suppression becomes, greatly restricting the opponent's actions and application of rules, forcing the opponent to only withstand it head-on.

Once multiple seals unite, their power is overwhelming and unstoppable.

Lin Yi mentally rehearsed several battle scenarios, but did not actually practice them.

This is just a training room; it can't withstand any rough handling.

For drills, we need to go to the small training area at the stern of the ship, where there are stronger protective measures.

After experiencing it, Lin Yi did not rush to condense the second Cosmic Universe Seal.

Because with each condensation of a Cosmic Universe Seal, the soul is disturbed by the previous Cosmic Universe Seal when condensing the next one. It's like trying to discard preconceived notions; the more seals condensed, the stronger the interference.

The order in which the Cosmic Universe Seal are condensed doesn't actually make a big difference. For example, if you choose higher-level Origin Law like time and space or life and death first, the interference will be stronger when condensing basic Origin Law seals later. If you Cosmic Universe Seal basic Origin Law first, the interference will be weaker when condensing higher-level Origin Law seals later, but the higher-level Origin Law seals themselves are more difficult to condense.

So overall, they're actually about the same.

Based on the time it took him to condense the first one, Lin Yi estimated that it would take about two Epoch to condense the second one.

However, his Spiritual Enlightenment Qi was no longer sufficient to support such a long period of deep comprehension.

That's not the most crucial point.

More importantly, his current level of understanding of the Chaos Rules is insufficient to support him in condensing a second Cosmic Universe Seal.

According to the requirements of the cultivation method, in order to condense the second Cosmic Universe Seal, one needs to have a comprehension of at least 10% of the Chaos Rules.

He has just broken through to the True Source Realm, and his understanding of the Chaos Rules is still at the most basic stage, far from reaching the 10% threshold.

Therefore, replenishing Spiritual Enlightenment Qi is the primary task now.

As for the source of the Source Essence Crystal...

Lin Yi already had a plan in mind.

Although there was a large amount of Source Essence Crystal in the warehouse area, which was stored there after hunting first-tier Black Silence Beast and Crystal Snail Beast, he did not have a suitable reason to take a large amount of it.

However, this doesn't mean there's no way to solve it.

Because he was not alone.

Behind him is his entire clan.

He also has reserves somewhere.

The Divine Kingdom within the body, the treasure trove of Human Race clan honors.

With this in mind, Lin Yi focused his mind on his inner Divine Kingdom, appearing directly in the Human Race's Clan Merit Treasury.

Before leaving the Origin Universe, the Human Race's resources accumulated over countless Epoch were divided into three parts, and he possessed forty percent of them.

The Human Race's Clan Treasury, which he kept here, was located in a large hall at the deepest part of the Star Abyss Hall. This hall used space expansion technology, and its interior was vast and boundless, with countless shelves neatly arranged, each containing various resources accumulated by the race over a long period of time.

Deep within the treasure vault, in a specially designated area, lay a vast quantity of gray crystals.

It is a low-grade Source Essence Crystal.

Most of these Source Essence Crystal were brought out by cultivators who entered the secret realm before the final closure of the Origin Universe Tower, after they exchanged their excess Points for them. They were then sold back to their clans at clan merit prices.

At that time, in the Yuan Yu Shen, Source Essence Crystal were a rare strategic resource, and the clan included them in the restricted exchange list, planning to use them gradually over a long period of time.

But things changed after entering the Chaos Cosmic Sea.

Source Essence Crystal are not rare here; in fact, they can be considered a fairly common resource.

Therefore, Lin Yi removed the exchange restrictions and reduced the clan merit points required for exchange, but even so, the consumption was not significant.

Ordinary cultivators have a limited speed at which they can absorb and purify Source Essence Crystal; they can only absorb a fixed amount within a certain time. No one would exchange for too much stock that exceeds their own digestive capacity.

Therefore, the amount of Source Essence Crystal accumulated in the clan merit treasury is still quite considerable.

Lin Yi's gaze swept over the sea of gray crystals.

He planned to keep only enough for his people in his Divine Kingdom to last for a thousand Epoch, and take the rest to convert into Spiritual Enlightenment Qi.

As for the clan merit points required for redemption...

As the second ruler of the Human Race, and now the only True Source Realm expert, his contributions to the race have long been immeasurable by conventional values. His clan merit points have reached astronomical levels, and he holds the highest authority.

Lin Yi did not alert anyone.

He communicated with Xuanji directly in his mind.

"I will use the low-grade Source Essence Crystal from the clan merit treasury. I will leave enough for the personnel of the Divine Kingdom to use for one thousand Epoch, and I will take the rest temporarily. My corresponding clan merit quota will be temporarily sealed. This matter is set as top secret and must not be disclosed to anyone in any form. If any related records are touched, it will be dealt with according to the old rules."

Xuanji immediately responded seriously, "Understood, Master. The records have been sealed, and the soul contract has been activated for sealing. Once the relevant records are touched, multiple soul contract protection mechanisms will be automatically triggered, and the information will be destroyed according to the preset program. All traces of operation have been erased."

Lin Yi nodded.

He walked to the pile of Source Essence Crystal and sat down cross-legged.

Instead of taking the crystal out, they started absorbing and transforming it right here, since taking it outside would only attract Zero Three's attention.

The treasure vault was stable enough and had comprehensive security measures, so Xuanji, having received his instructions, would not allow anyone to enter.

With a thought, Lin Yi unleashed an invisible suction force that enveloped the mountain of gray crystals piled up before him.

The outermost layer of Source Essence Crystal began to transform into a torrent of chaotic energy, surging into his body and converging into the Purple Mist Space.

The purple mist nebula spun rapidly, quickly stripping away impurities from the surging chaotic energy and refining it into wisps of pure purple Spiritual Enlightenment Qi, which then merged into the liquid lake below.

This is a somewhat time-consuming process.

There are too many Source Essence Crystal.

Lin Yi was like the most patient miner, extracting and transforming bit by bit.

Time slips away silently through absorption.

Ten years, a hundred years...

When the three hundredth standard year had passed, the last wisp of chaotic energy was completely transformed by the Purple Mist Space.

Lin Yi slowly opened his eyes, and then his figure gradually faded away in the treasure vault.

Back in the training room.

He silently sensed the Purple Mist Space deep within his soul.

The once nearly dried-up liquid lake has now become vast and full again, with a tranquil purple liquid radiance flowing through it.

He made a careful estimate.

"Sufficient to sustain the profound insights gained in the 1971 Epoch."

This number truly put his mind at ease.

With enough fuel, we can now focus on enhancing our understanding of the Chaos Rules in preparation for condensing the second Cosmic Universe Seal.

However, Lin Yi was not in a hurry to begin comprehending the truth immediately.

He decided to start with Main Body for deep learning.

Although the tasks previously assigned to the three clones were still underway, even with the meager Spiritual Enlightenment Qi they generated, the efficiency of learning profound classics such as <Analysis of Chaos Rules - Book 1> and <Chaos Rules Application - Book 1> was far from ideal, and progress was slow.

"I'll have to do it myself."

With a slight thought, Lin Yi felt a response from the Purple Mist Space deep within his soul.

A purple flame of enlightenment ignited silently.

The information crystallization from "Analysis of Chaos Rules - Book 1" and "Chaos Rules Application - Book 1", along with the silver crystallization of insights given to him by Lord Li, this vast amount of theoretical knowledge, complex rule models, and the many difficult points and common misconceptions marked by Lord Li, surged into his consciousness like a mighty river.

With the Spiritual Enlightenment Qi, those originally obscure and difficult theories began to be rapidly deconstructed and absorbed.

Time slipped away quietly as I focused on my studies.

One hundred years, three hundred years, seven hundred years...

When the thousandth standard year had passed, Lin Yi breathed a sigh of relief.

A thousand years of in-depth study of combustion, combined with the insights and guidance of Lord Li, has finally led to the completion of <Analysis of Chaos Rules - Book 1>.

I have grasped about 10% of the theoretical framework of Chaos Rules.

This laid a solid theoretical foundation for his subsequent formal understanding of the Chaos Rules.

As for "Chaos Rules Application - Volume 1", because it focuses more on practical operation, he has only understood its principles and basic models so far, and has not yet practiced it in depth.

"What a pity..." A sigh crossed Lin Yi's mind, "Even after advancing to the True Source Realm, the Purple Mist Space hasn't changed at all."

If the Purple Mist Space can evolve again, it will allow the clone to play a greater role and share more of the learning burden, whether by increasing the daily output of Spiritual Enlightenment Qi or enhancing its comprehension effects.

However, the role of the clone is indeed limited now; the core deep learning and enlightenment still have to rely on the Main Body burning its Spiritual Enlightenment Qi to drive it.

Overthinking is pointless.

Lin Yi calmed his mind and began to formally comprehend the Chaos Rules.

Consciousness sank into the core of the primordial universe within the body, perceiving the omnipresent yet mysterious and unpredictable Chaos Rules.

With 10% of the theoretical framework as guidance, his perception was no longer completely blind, but had a certain direction and goal.

Even so, the difficulty is still beyond imagination.

Every insight requires a tremendous amount of mental effort.

Years passed.

Ten thousand years, twenty thousand years, thirty thousand years...

After more than 30,000 standard years had passed silently, Lin Yi slowly opened his eyes, his eyes revealing a trace of weariness and helplessness.

"This is too difficult..."

Despite over 30,000 years of continuous comprehension and the constant support of Spiritual Enlightenment Qi, his understanding of the Chaos Rules has only increased by less than 0.1%.

This speed is so slow it's unsettling.

But he knew that this was the norm for the True Source Realm cultivators.

The understanding of the Chaos Rules is incredibly difficult; every step forward is fraught with peril.

Lord Li's statement that "reaching the late stage of the True Source Realm in fifteen Universal Epoch" is by no means an exaggeration; it may even be an extremely high requirement.

"Never mind, we'll talk about that later. Let's focus on the present."

Lin Yi suppressed his inner sigh and stood up.

The time of one Epoch has come, and the initiation test that Mantaji spoke of is today.

He adjusted his dark red Fierce Blood Battle Armor and gripped the dark Long Spear that the weapon's core had transformed into.

The gun was cold, yet it subtly resonated with his aura.

The hatch slid open, and Zero Three's Light Sphere hovered outside.

"Lin Yi, Captain Mantaji has summoned you to the training ground."

"Um.

"Zero Three turned and drifted towards the stern of the ship, with Lin Yi following behind.

The training ground is located at the stern of the warship, and its interior space has been specially expanded, making the actual combat area much larger than it appears.

It was surrounded by a thick energy barrier, with dark red protective patterns flowing across its surface.

When Lin Yi entered the training field, he found that quite a few people were already standing on the sidelines.

Not only were Mantaji, Zhaoyue, Frost Rainbow and other members of the Fifth Squad present, but almost all the blood-armored warriors on the warship came. They stood or leaned against each other, their eyes all focused on him.

Zhaoyue's voice rang in his consciousness through Soul Transmission: "Be careful, these people are all here to see how you, a two-star seal reporter, perform. After all, back in the Black Mist Sea, everyone risked their lives to save us, especially you."

Lin Yi understood.

He didn't think there was anything wrong with it.

If it were him, he would also want to see what kind of person he risked his life to save really was.

He walked to the center of the training field and nodded slightly to Mantaji: "Captain."

Mantaji, clad in dark red armor, stood ten meters away from him and nodded. "The rules are simple. Three moves. If you can withstand them, you pass."

"Understood." Lin Yi gripped the Long Spear tightly.

Just then, a slight commotion arose from the outer edge of the crowd.

A figure clad in black armor appeared silently at the sidelines.

It is Lord Li.

Lord Li slightly raised his hand to Mantaji, who was looking at him, signaling him to continue.

Mantaji withdrew her gaze and looked at Lin Yi: "Ready?"

Lin Yi took a deep breath, and the Chaos Power within his body began to circulate. The dark golden Gold Chaos Universe Seal deep within his soul glowed faintly. "Anytime is fine."

"Training ground protection activated," Zero Three's voice rang out from inside the training ground.

Buzz...

The surrounding energy barriers suddenly lit up, and a dark red light shield enveloped the entire battle area.

Mantaji did not use any weapons.

He raised his right hand, his five fingers loosely clenched, and a heavy, solid Chaos Power began to gather in his palm, carrying the unique pressure of a mid-stage True Source Realm.

With this first move, he only intended to test Lin Yi's basic reaction and strength level.

After all, he was considered a strong figure among the captains at the mid-stage of the True Source Realm. It would be unreasonable for him to use his full strength against someone who had just advanced to the True Source Realm.

However, just as he was about to make his move...

Lin Yi made a move.

He held the dark Long Spear forward, its tip pointing directly at Mantaji. The Chaos Power within him erupted, surging along the spear shaft to the tip.

At the same time, the Gold Chaos Universe Seal deep within his soul suddenly lit up.

Countless tiny, almost invisible dark gold runes, like living patterns, spread from Lin Yi's right hand holding the gun, instantly covering the entire gun barrel, and finally converging on the sharp tip.

These runes are small and intricate, with chaotic patterns flowing across their surface, radiating a strange aura that is both Sharpness and profoundly weighty.

The gun trembled slightly, and the surrounding air seemed to be cut by an invisible force, emitting a low hiss.

Mantaji, facing Lin Yi directly, suddenly narrowed his eyes.

Among the blood-armored warriors watching from the sidelines, some couldn't help but gasp softly.

"This... this is the Cosmic Universe Seal! The Gold Chaos Universe Seal is imbued with its talismanic power!"

"He actually mastered the first seal?!"

"How long has it been?"

Whispers of surprise and doubt quickly spread through the crowd.

Everyone's eyes were fixed on the tiny, dark gold runes on the tip of Lin Yi's spear, their expressions becoming serious.

Mantaji, who had originally only intended to use 20% of his strength to test the waters with his first move, instantly changed his mind.

Because he clearly sensed that when those dark golden runes appeared, the power of Lin Yi's spear underwent a qualitative change.

He had also tried to cultivate the Cosmic Universe Seal, so he knew very well that even the first Cosmic Universe Seal was roughly equivalent to the minor completion level of the True Source Nether-Sundering Battle Canon.

Furthermore, considering Lin Yi's status as a two-star seal reporter, his foundation in the Chaos Origin Universe undoubtedly far surpasses that of other cultivators of the same level...

The power of this shot is no less than that of a strike delivered by someone newly entering the mid-stage of the True Source Realm!

If we are careless, we might end up making a mess of things.

Lord Li was watching from the sidelines; if they lost to the new team members, it would be a huge embarrassment.

Even if the talent they display exceeds the normal range of a two-star mark, it still won't work!

A fierce glint flashed in Mantaji's eyes, and the Chaos Power gathered in his palm surged instantly.

He threw his right fist forward, unleashing his full power!

There are no fancy techniques, just pure, overwhelming power.

A solid, gray fist force, as solid as Iron Wall, tore through the air, accompanied by a muffled roar, and collided head-on with the tip of Lin Yi's thrusting spear.

The moment the spear tip collided with the fist's force, the dark golden spear light and the gray fist force fiercely clashed and annihilated each other.

Dense ripples spread across the surface of the energy barrier in the training field.

Lin Yi felt an irresistible force coming from the gun, which made his arm go numb and his whole body slide backward uncontrollably, his combat boots leaving two clear marks on the metal ground.

His right hand, which was gripping the gun, had a split at the base of his thumb, from which blood seeped, but his eyes were exceptionally bright.

It's blocked.

Mantaji stood still, his body motionless, but the look in his eyes as he gazed at Lin Yi had completely changed.

He had used all his strength in that punch, yet his opponent had taken it head-on. Although Lin Yi was knocked back, he was clearly not seriously injured.

"Alright!" Mantaji shouted, "Again!"

He clasped his hands together in front of his chest, Chaos Power surged forth like a tide, condensing into a gray energy ball half a meter in diameter in front of him.

The surface of the energy sphere is covered with countless fine, regular patterns that emanate a heart-pounding vibration.

This is a secret technique from the "True Source Nether-Sundering Battle Canon," the Source Suppression Seal!

Lin Yi took a deep breath, suppressing his surging blood and qi.

He knew that the real test was just beginning.

He gripped the Long Spear tightly with both hands, and the Gold Chaos Universe Seal deep within his soul operated wildly, causing more dark golden runes to spread from the spear to the armor on his arms, forming a faint golden light film.

He did not choose to dodge.

Dodging is not very effective against this type of targeted energy attack.

What he needs to do is break through it head-on!

Lin Yi strode forward, his Long Spear transforming into a dark golden streak of light, the most densely packed runes at the tip of the spear gleaming with a blinding light.

"Break!"

The spear tip collided with Source Suppression Seal once again.

Boom!

A violent energy storm exploded from the point of impact, causing the energy barrier of the training ground to tremble violently, and the dark red patterns on its surface to flicker wildly, almost reaching its limit.

Lin Yi's figure was struck as if by a giant hammer, flying backward and crashing heavily into the energy barrier with a muffled thud.

He felt a sweet taste in his throat, and a mouthful of blood welled up, but he forced it back down.

But his hand holding the gun remained steady.

Although the golden runes on the dark Long Spear had dimmed considerably, they had not dissipated.

The sidelines were completely silent.

Everyone could see that although Lin Yi was knocked away and might even have suffered some internal injuries, he had indeed withstood the second attack.

And it was done in the most direct way, a head-on confrontation!

Mantaji dispersed the residual energy in his hand, looked at Lin Yi had straightened up again with his spear as a support, and a hint of admiration flashed in his eyes.

"The third move," he said slowly, "If you can handle it, you'll not only be qualified, but you can also become the Deputy Captain directly."

Lin Yi wiped the blood from the corner of his mouth and stood up straight.

Although most of the Chaos Power within his body had been consumed, the Gold Chaos Universe Seal deep within his soul continued to operate steadily, providing a continuous source of power.

"Please enlighten me, Captain."

Mantaji stopped talking.

He slowly raised his right hand, his five fingers spread, and aimed it at Lin Yi.

This time, the space in front of his palm began to twist silently, as if forming a miniature black hole, devouring all the light and energy around it.

A suffocating sense of oppression spread out.

Lin Yi's pupils contracted slightly.

In a flash, he made a decision.

He released the Long Spear with his right hand, and the dark Long Spear transformed into a stream of light and was withdrawn.

At the same time, he clasped his hands together in front of him, and the dark golden Gold Chaos Universe Seal deep within his soul shone brightly.

A phantom mark, entirely dark gold with chaotic patterns flowing across its surface, suddenly appeared between his palms!

The moment the mark appeared, a murmur rippled through the crowd.

"The illusory seal manifests!"

"He wants to use a feint to directly confront us?!"

Zhaoyue and Frost Rainbow exchanged a glance, both seeing a hint of shock in each other's eyes.

They had tried to condense the Cosmic Universe Seal and knew how difficult it was to fully manifest the illusory seal and use it in actual combat. That required a subtle level of control over the Origin Law and Chaos Rules fused within the seal.

A hint of surprise flashed in Mantaji's eyes, but his hands continued to move. The chaotic Tide power that was about to be unleashed surged out like a raging torrent. The violent chaotic turbulence turned into a gray Tide of destruction, which crashed towards Lin Yi.

And at the very moment the Tide was about to reach them.

Lin Yi both palms forward with a powerful push!

The suspended, dark gold Cosmic Universe Seal suddenly magnified, like an indestructible ancient shield, blocking his way.

The chaotic patterns on the surface of the seal flowed wildly, violently clashing and annihilating with the disordered and violent Chaos Rules in the Tide!

A piercing energy hiss echoed throughout the training ground.

The illusory image of the Cosmic Universe Seal trembled violently, and even fine cracks appeared on its surface, but it withstood the first and most ferocious Tide impact.

Lin Yi maintained the pushing posture with both hands, pouring the Chaos Power within his body into the illusory seal without regard to cost.

The dark golden light, which had begun to weaken, stabilized again!

"It's blocked?!"

"He's only been at the True Source Realm for one Epoch!"

The blood-armored warriors who were watching finally couldn't help but start discussing it.

Mantaji's eyes narrowed.

"Good!" he shouted in a low voice, and pressed his right palm forward sharply.

What was originally just a starting move, the Chaos Tide, suddenly became twice as powerful.

The gray turbulence became even more violent and solid, as if it wanted to crush the dark gold illusory seal along with Lin Yi behind it!

Lin Yi felt the pressure increase sharply, and the cracks on the virtual seal began to spread.

A fierce glint flashed in his eyes.

"Town!"

He no longer simply defended, but actively urged the Cosmic Universe Seal forward to suppress.

The dark gold illusory seal shone brightly, and the chaotic patterns on its surface immediately came to life, transforming into chains of light that cut through the surging chaotic Tide in the opposite direction.

Golden light and gray Tide clashed and annihilated each other in a frenzy.

One second, two seconds, three seconds!

At the end of the third second, the illusory image of the Dark Gold Cosmic Universe Seal finally could not withstand the pressure, its surface covered with spiderweb-like cracks, and it collapsed with a crash.

At the same time, the raging chaotic Tide was also cut and split in half by the golden light, and its remaining power was less than one-tenth of what it used to be.

Lin Yi summoned his Long Spear again and dispersed the remaining chaotic Tide one by one.

Mantaji looked at Lin Yi, who was panting heavily not far away, and remained silent for a moment.

He slowly lowered his right hand, Chaos Power surging around him subsided.

"Three moves have passed."

"Fifth Squad, Deputy Captain Lin Yi, welcome to the team."