Helpless Parting, More Than Meets the Eye

"You will part ways here."

Mantaji's voice rang out.

Lin Yi turned his head and saw that Chu Yu, Heng Shi, and other supreme beings and rulers who had come out of the Origin Universe were also following behind as they walked out of the warship.

He nodded, indicating that he understood.

Mantaji is right. From now on, the regular soldiers of the Imperial Army and Chu Yu and the other reservists will have to act separately.

In Mist Sea City, there are strict regulations for different types of users, such as flight permissions.

Below Eternal Source Realm, unauthorized flight is strictly prohibited.

Those at the True Source Realm and equivalent level of authority can use all types of flying vehicles registered within the city.

As for the Cosmic Source Realm, then only ground transportation can be used.

Therefore, Chu Yu and the others who have not yet broken through to the True Source Realm need to first reach the ground via the high-altitude rail system set up by the military, and then transfer to ground transportation to report to the reserve Training Camp to participate in unified training.

Yes, unlike the regular soldiers who have at least a hundred Epoch of rest after each mission, reserve members have to participate in reserve training until they break through to the True Source Realm before they graduate.

However, this is actually a good thing. The military's training resources are top-notch, which is why only those who obtain the One-Star Mark can directly qualify for reserve service. Other ordinary Cosmic Source Realm Light cultivators who want to become reserves must pass multiple tests.

"Contact me anytime if you need anything," Zhaoyue said to Chu Yu and the others.

Frost Rainbow also gave a few words of advice to the several rulers of the Devouring Race.

"Lin Yi." The Eternal Beginning Dominator walked up to Lin Yi and said solemnly, "We will graduate from the Training Camp as soon as possible and join you."

Lin Yi smiled and nodded, saying, "I look forward to fighting alongside everyone."

After talking for a while, everyone knew that from this point on, they would be going down different paths.

Lin Yi and his two companions are already formal soldiers, but they still need to hone their skills in the reserves and wait for a breakthrough opportunity.

Soon, a strange warrior wearing blood armor came to Chu Yu and the others. After a quick check of their identities, he led them toward an entrance at the edge of the platform that led to the high-altitude track.

Lin Yi, Zhaoyue, Frost Rainbow could only watch them leave.

In this giant city, everyone needs to find their place.

"Let's go." Mantaji withdrew his gaze. "We'll head to the Seventy-First Garrison Fleet's base."

Led by Mantaji, the group walked to the other side of the platform.

Several silver-gray shuttles, bearing the Imperial Army insignia, were moored there.

These are vehicles used internally by the military, specifically for connecting various naval ports and bases.

The other squads had already boarded and left; their Fifth Squad was the last one to depart.

Lin Yi followed Mantaji and boarded one of the shuttles.

He noticed that the shuttle's interior was very simple, with only fixed seats and basic virtual displays.

This is actually quite normal; anything that can exist for a long time in the Chaos Cosmic Sea must be made of materials at least at the Cosmic Source Realm level.

Although materials from the Cosmic Source Realm are inexpensive in Mist Sea City, they are not so extravagant as to make even a simple commuter shuttle extremely luxurious.

After the Fifth Squad had all boarded, the shuttle silently taxied out of the berth and began to accelerate.

Through the porthole, one can see massive pillars, building complexes, air routes, and streets on the ground...

The scenery inside Mist Sea City flashed by.

"Approximately how long will the flight take?"

Lin Yi asked Ruida, who was sitting next to him.

"About a standard year," Ruida laughed. "Mist Sea City is too big. Our Seventy-First Garrison Fleet is stationed in the western part of the city. All the Imperial Army's garrison areas combined occupy almost one-twentieth of Mist Sea City's territory."

A standard year.

Lin Yi silently noted down the number.

The fact that it takes so long just to fly from the internal naval port to the base shows that the scale of this giant city has indeed exceeded his previous expectations.

Ruida continued, "Once we arrive at the garrison, conditions will be much better. Each of us sergeants will be assigned an independent courtyard. Cultivation rooms, training grounds, and basic auxiliary equipment are all standard. In fact, our Imperial Army's military districts have all the necessary facilities; within the military district, as long as you have enough military merit, you can almost meet all your cultivation needs."

As he spoke, he added with a smile, "Of course, even so, everyone still likes to go out and explore, after all, staying in one place all the time isn't very interesting."

Lin Yi nodded.

This is pretty much what he expected.

During the long flight, the group either rested or chatted in hushed tones.

Lin Yi spent most of his time observing the scenery outside the window, getting familiar with the giant city where he might live for a long time in the future.

A standard year quietly passed as the shuttle flew steadily through the air.

As the shuttle began to decelerate and finally landed gently on another, smaller but equally busy platform, we arrived at our destination.

The Seventy-First Garrison Fleet's base.

Several shuttles were parked around the small platform, and in the distance, one could see towering spires shimmering with silver light, neatly arranged courtyards, and training grounds covered with energy shields.

The group disembarked from the shuttle.

"Ruida," Mantaji began, "Take Lin Yi, Zhaoyue, and Frost Rainbow to their accommodations. Once they're settled, you're free to do as you please. Our rest period will last for 127 Epoch, so keep track of the time. That's all, dismissed."

"Yes, Captain."

After the other team members nodded to Lin Yi and his two companions, they dispersed.

Lin Yi knew that these team members had all settled down and started families in Mist Sea City, and were naturally eager to return home.

Soon, only Ruida, Lin Yi, Zhaoyue, and Frost Rainbow remained on the platform.

"Let's go, Vice Captain," Ruida said with a smile, leading the way. "I'll show you to your lodgings."

They traveled along the planned roads in small shuttle buses within the compound.

Along the way, you can see many figures wearing blood-red armor or gray uniforms.

Blood-armored warriors were the fewest, mostly traveling alone or in groups of two or three, moving in a hurry.

The majority of the staff were in gray uniforms; they were the type of personnel who had not been granted reserve status and were only responsible for maintenance, transportation, and other tasks.

All those in gray uniforms would stop in their tracks, lightly clench their right fist and tap their left chest, giving a standard military salute.

Following Ruida's earlier advice, Lin Yi and the other two nodded slightly in response.

Only when they occasionally encounter warriors also clad in blood-red armor will they exchange greetings.

After passing two or more standard points, Ruida pointed forward.

"We've arrived. This is our residential area."

Lin Yi noticed that it was an independent area separated by low energy fences, with courtyards of a uniform style scattered within it.

Each courtyard appears to occupy a considerable area, and some even feature simple landscaping.

According to the military region's management system, Lin Yi, Zhaoyue, and Frost Rainbow's courtyards are adjacent.

Lin Yi took a quick look.

The interior facilities are indeed complete, and you can move in immediately.

"So, are you satisfied?" Ruida asked.

"Very good," Lin Yi said with a smile.

The conditions here are much better than on the warship.

Zhaoyue and Frost Rainbow nodded in satisfaction.

"Well..." Ruida rubbed his hands together, a smile spreading across his face, "Now that we're settled, how about we go out for a stroll? There are so many fun places in Mist Sea City. Anyway, we have plenty of time to rest this time, so we can get to know the base slowly later."

He paused, then added, "Most of the other team members have families in the city, and they always go home for a while before returning."

The area around here is rather deserted right now.

Lin Yi did not answer immediately.

He quickly weighed the options in his mind.

Arriving in Mist Sea City for the first time, I was unfamiliar with the place and its people.

Although Ruida was a local and his identity as Imperial Army soldier would have some deterrent effect, Lin Yi knew very well that these two things might not be enough in front of truly important figures or on certain special occasions.

The Imperial Army's garrison was undoubtedly safe, with comprehensive protection and regulations.

However, once they leave their post and enter the vast civilian areas of Mist Sea City, many more variables arise.

To be on the safe side, it's best for the Main Body to remain at the base to cultivate.

This place is safe and secure, with abundant energy, making it the perfect place to seize the time and enhance our capabilities.

However, familiarity with Mist Sea City is also essential.

Lin Yi made up his mind after only a brief moment of thought.

The Main Body body stays here to cultivate, while the clone goes out for a stroll.

Thinking of this, Lin Yi smiled and said to Ruida, "Since you invited me, Ruida, I'll naturally go out for a walk. However, I might need to prepare a little. Please wait in my living room for a moment."

After saying that, he turned and walked into the meditation room next to the main house.

In the quiet room, Lin Yi sat down cross-legged.

Within their Divine Kingdom, these three avatars are studying ancient texts in the Star Abyss Hall.

He had previously assigned learning tasks to all three clones.

However, the meager amount of Spiritual Enlightenment Qi they generate is simply insufficient; they rely primarily on their own slow comprehension to progress, making it incredibly inefficient.

"Perfect timing, I'm going out anyway, might as well take this opportunity to update."

Lin Yi's consciousness stirred slightly.

Inside the quiet room, the three clones simultaneously transformed into streaks of light and vanished without a trace.

Then, he began to summon his clones again.

After mastering the Chaos Rules and advancing to the True Source Realm, his Soul Origin underwent a qualitative leap, and the process of summoning clones became much smoother than before.

In just over fifteen minutes, the three brand-new clones stepped out of the ripples of time and space and stood quietly in front of Lin Yi.

Lin Yi quickly assigned tasks.

"You two," he said to two of the clones, "Continue your in-depth study of <Analysis of Chaos Rules> and <Chaos Rules Application>."

The two clones nodded and each went to a corner of the quiet room to sit cross-legged.

Next, Lin Yi looked at the third clone.

With a slight thought, he transferred his primary consciousness to this clone.

The Main Body slowly closed its eyes, and deep within its soul, Spiritual Enlightenment Qi silently ignited.

He needed to seize the time and continue to improve his Rule Comprehension chaos.

The clone that carried the main consciousness then turned and left the meditation room, entering the living room.

Ruida, Zhaoyue, Frost Rainbow are waiting in the living room.

Seeing Lin Yi come out, Ruida smiled and said, "Ready? Let's go then."

Lin Yi smiled apologetically at Ruida and said frankly, "Ruida, there's something I need to mention beforehand. Since we just came out of the Cosmic Clam, our strength is low, and I want to seize every opportunity to cultivate. However, I'm also quite curious about Mist Sea City. So... I used a clone to come out, Main Body stayed in the meditation room to cultivate. I wonder if you mind?"

Upon hearing this, Ruida was taken aback at first, then suddenly realized, waved his hand and laughed, "What's there to mind! I sometimes do that too. Aren't clones used when you can't manage everything? It's just that when I chose the basic Origin Law, I didn't choose the spacetime aspect. I'm not good at using clones, summoning and maintaining them is a hassle, and those illusory bodies with little combat power are boring, so I rarely use them. I really envy you vice-captains for having such talent in this area."

He sized up Lin Yi and added, "However, Vice Captain, you'd better put on the Fierce Blood Battle Armor. In Mist Sea City, our Imperial Army holds a very high position; wearing this will save you a lot of unnecessary trouble."

This was a suggestion from a local expert, Lin Yi readily accepted, immediately saying, "Okay, I'll go back and get it right away."

After saying that, he returned to his quiet room.

The Main Body opened its eyes and handed the crimson metal ball to the clone.

The clone took the sphere, and with a thought, the crimson metal sphere transformed into a liquid that spread throughout its body, quickly forming a well-fitting dark red battle armor.

Back in the living room, Lin Yi said to Ruida, "That's enough."

"Let's go then." Ruida led the way outside with great interest.

Just as Lin Yi and the others were preparing to go out for a stroll with Ruida, in the Core Zone of the military region...

Li, clad in black armor, and the silver-armored fleet commander, Lainiadun, were walking toward a magnificent pyramid-shaped building.

This is the core command post of the Imperial Army in Mist Sea City.

After passing through layers of energy fluctuations, the two finally stepped into a spacious and simple hall.

The hall was devoid of superfluous decorations, except for a huge map of the surrounding area of Mist Sea City suspended in the center.

In front of the image, a woman dressed in dark blue armor stands silently.

"My lord." Lainiadun and Li Time Stop, clenched their right fists and lightly tapped their left chests, bowing respectfully.

The woman in dark blue armor slowly turned around.

Her gaze fell on Lainiadun, and she nodded slightly.

"Lainiadun, you said you brought back an unexpected surprise this time?"

Lainiadun stepped forward. "Yes, sir. This is my Bloodrage-class Assault Ship, captain Li. He volunteered to return to the Black Mist Sea to rescue the Cosmic Clam, a region on the verge of collapse. Within the Cosmic Clam is a recipient of a two-star mark. During the routine entry test, he displayed the Gold Chaos Universe Seal."

A flicker of surprise crossed the woman in the dark blue armor, but she quickly regained her composure.

She nodded slightly. "I remember the entry test only lasted one Epoch, less than one Epoch... That's indeed very fast. I remember when I cultivated the <Nine Seal Cosmos Art>, it took me nearly seven Epoch to condense the first Cosmic Universe Seal."

The woman in the dark blue armor spoke in a calm tone, as if recounting a past event unrelated to herself.

Having reached her level, she had seen countless geniuses, as numerous as the sands of the Ganges.

Many of her peers, who were once incredibly talented and far surpassed her in skill, have now been left far behind in terms of achievement.

Throughout her long cultivation journey, she had come to understand a principle: talent is only one aspect of the path of cultivation, and the talents of many so-called "prodigies" often only shine at a certain stage and cannot be continuously transformed into the potential for breakthroughs at a higher level.

Character, perseverance, opportunity, and even a bit of luck are all crucial.

Therefore, while she appreciated Lin Yi's performance, she was far from being shocked.

She hesitated for a moment before slowly speaking, "There's no need to disturb him for now. Just continue as usual and keep a close eye on things."

She then added, "Focus on his subsequent growth rate. If he can maintain this momentum, quickly advance to the middle stage of the True Source Realm, and... successfully master the three Cosmic Universe Seal, then bring him to see me."

"Yes, sir," Lainiadun and Li replied simultaneously.

"Go." The woman in the deep blue armor waved her hand, turning her attention back to the star map in front of her.

The two bowed again and quietly left the hall.

Walking back along the path they had come from, Commander Lainiadun glanced at Li, a smile playing on his lips, "I didn't expect that your insistence on going back this time would actually bring back a treasure."

Li chuckled, a rare hint of smugness on his face, but then, as if remembering something, his eyes suddenly sharpened as he looked at Lainiadun: "Sir, you... you wouldn't be trying to steal him from me, would you?"

Lainiadun chuckled at his sudden alertness and waved his hand dismissively. "What are you thinking? You rescued him, so he's your responsibility."

He paused, then changed the subject, his tone becoming somewhat meaningful. "But, Li, have you ever thought about this?"

What's the problem?

Lainiadun's gaze drifted to the faint light at the end of the passage, and he slowly said, "What if... I mean, what if, just in case, Lin Yi advances to the Eternal Source Realm faster than you?"

Upon hearing this, Li was stunned, and his feet instinctively paused for a moment.

He then quickly caught up, saying repeatedly, "Sir, this... it shouldn't be that bad, right? He only recently advanced to the True Source Realm. Although I haven't reached perfection yet, I've been accumulating experience in the late True Source Realm for quite some time, and I'm fairly confident in breaking through to the Eternal Source Realm. No matter how fast he is, could he possibly...?"

"You've never met a true prodigy."

Lenia interrupted him, a hint of reminiscence flashing in her eyes. Then, she looked away, turning to Li with a more serious tone. "I'm just suggesting a possibility. What if Lin Yi really did reach the Eternal Source Realm faster than you..."

"Then, you should have no problem having him take over my position, right?"

Li was stunned again; he hadn't expected the commander to bring this up so suddenly.

He opened his mouth, as if he wanted to say something.

Lainiadun smiled and continued, "I've been stuck at the early stage of the Eternal Source Realm for a long time. The master mentioned before that he could apply for a place for me to study at the Constant Domain Military Department Headquarters. It's a rare opportunity that might help me break through my bottleneck. But I haven't dared to accept it yet."

Li exclaimed in surprise, "Advanced training at the Constant Domain Military Department? Sir, that's a good thing! Why?"

His words came to an abrupt end.

He instantly understood when he saw the complex look in Lainiadun's eyes.

Just like him.

He was worried about his old comrades.

Li fell silent, a complex emotion welling up in his chest.

He understands that feeling.

After a long pause, Li sighed heavily, "If... if that day really comes, and Lin Yi reaches that point..."

"I certainly have no problem with him taking your place."

Lainiadun chuckled and patted Li on the shoulder. "That was just a casual remark, a hypothetical scenario. The best-case scenario, of course, is that you successfully advance to the Eternal Source Realm. At that time, I'll entrust the fleet to you; that's when I'll feel most at ease."

Li nodded silently, without saying anything more.

The two stopped talking and walked out of the core command area side by side, their figures disappearing into the bustling crowds and lights of the base.

On the other side, Lin Yi and his three companions left the residential area and took the shuttle bus again to the exit of the camp.

After a simple identity verification, they left the Seventy-First Garrison Fleet's base and arrived at a large anchorage not far away.

All sorts of private aircraft are parked here.

Ruida walked toward one of the ships.

It was a small, floating shuttle, entirely Silverblue in color, with elegant, subtle patterns printed on its surface.

Its design is extremely exquisite, and it is clearly very valuable.

Beside the levitation shuttle stood a middle-aged man.

Upon seeing this man, Lin Yi's gaze immediately sharpened slightly.

Because he couldn't discern the man's true strength at all.

There are only two possibilities for this to happen.

Either the other party's cultivation level is far higher than his, or they have cultivated a profound secret technique for concealing their aura.

Either way, it shows that this person is not simple.