Clad in black armor, Lin Three Favors

Upon hearing this, the atmosphere in the command room immediately froze.

Li's face, which remained unfazed even when facing the Black Silence Beast on the battlefield, was now filled with shock.

reject?

They just turned down an opportunity from Constant Island, a sacred cultivation ground that guarantees at the High Order of the Eternal Source Realm and offers the possibility of reaching the Constant Source Realm?

If the military commander and the general hadn't been there, Li Zhen would have grabbed Lin Yi and asked him if his brain had been damaged by the Black Silence Beast.

Commander Lainiadun, however, did not lose his composure as much as Li.

He merely narrowed his eyes slightly, a hint of surprise flashing across his weathered face, before falling into deep thought.

In his mind, since he dared to say the word "refuse" in front of the military commander, he must have enough reasons to support those two words.

The phantom of Commander Wen Qianfei hovered in the center, her deep blue eyes silently watching Lin Yi.

Her expression was unreadable, but the atmosphere in the command room subtly shifted.

"Tell me," Wen Qianfei began, her voice devoid of any emotion, "Your reasons."

Lin Yi bowed, his gaze calm and composed.

He had already prepared his reasons for refusing, and these were not just excuses; he genuinely had this thought.

"Reporting to the Commander, I have three debts of gratitude I have yet to repay," Lin Yi said slowly. "I cannot leave until these three debts are repaid."

Wen Qianfei raised an eyebrow slightly.

"Three Graces?" she repeated, a hint of interest in her voice. "Tell me about them."

Lin Yi looked up and met Wen Qianfei's gaze.

"First, the kindness of providing for you."

"I come from a publicly funded family. All the cultivation resources we enjoy within the Cosmic Clam are paid by the people of Mist Sea City in the form of military taxes, and properly managed by the Mist Sea City Imperial Army, which is why I am where I am today."

"With the Black Mist Sea erupting and the crisis in Mist Sea City still unresolved, to turn away upon hearing of an opportunity to become stronger is to forget one's roots."

Wen Qianfei didn't speak, but something seemed to stir slightly deep within her dark blue eyes.

Lin Yi continued.

"Secondly, the debt of saving us. Our Cosmic Clam was about to be swallowed up in the Black Mist Sea. I was prepared to perish with Cosmic Clam. It was Captain Li who led the Sixteenth Squad back into the Black Mist Sea and rescued us from the jaws of the Black Silence Beast. If I do not repay this debt of gratitude, I will never be able to get over it, no matter where I go in the future."

Li stood there blankly, his lips moved as if he wanted to say something, but he couldn't utter a single word.

Lin Yi turned to Li and nodded slightly.

Then he looked away and turned to Wen Qianfei.

"Thirdly, the kindness of their assistance. After my subordinates arrived in Mist Sea City, my people had no place to live and could only barely survive in my Divine Kingdom. It was the Rui Family who gifted us the precious Cosmic Clam, which allowed my people to settle down. I have yet to repay this kindness."

When the Rui Family sent out that Resettlement Space the Cosmic Clam, he made a mental note of it.

Rui Family to a family like the Rui family, which is at the Eternal Source Realm, the value of a mid-level Cosmic Clam is nothing, but to them, it is the foundation upon which their clansmen live and an irreplaceable debt of gratitude.

"I have yet to repay even one of these three debts of gratitude, therefore I cannot leave."

His tone was calm, without any deliberate fervor, but every word he spoke resonated deeply.

A brief silence fell over the command center after he finished speaking.

Lainiadun didn't speak, but nodded slightly, thoughtfully smoothing the edge of his armor's gauntlets.

He had served in the Imperial Army for so many Universal Epoch that he could hardly remember them all; the number of new recruits Veteran Platform he had met could fill dozens of Blackrock-class Mothership.

There are plenty of talented people, and it's not uncommon for people to be strong in combat, but I've never seen a young man who would utter the words "I haven't repaid three debts of gratitude" in the face of Constant Island temptation like Hengdao.

Wen Qianfei's expression finally changed.

On her usually calm and composed face, the indifferent scrutiny had subtly faded, replaced by a barely perceptible gentleness.

Her lips curled up slightly, a tiny movement that surprised even Lainiadun.

It's extremely rare to see such an expression on a military commander's face.

However, Lainiadun thought about it again and realized it was normal.

After all, who doesn't like someone who repays kindness?

Even bad people wish that everyone around them was a good person.

In the position of military commander, one has seen far too many people with unpredictable minds. No matter how talented one is, if one cannot cultivate a docile and trusting person, it is of no use.

Conversely, if a person is not only exceptionally talented but also knows how to be grateful, then every investment in them is worthwhile.

Wen Qianfei did not respond to Lin Yi's words immediately.

She raised her right hand, her slender fingers lightly touching the air.

A screen silently unfolded, its surface adorned with dark red encrypted patterns, and densely packed data scrolled rapidly with the movement of her fingertips.

Wen Qianfei's eyes quickly scanned the lines of data on the screen.

"Accumulated military merits... have met the retirement standards."

She murmured something under her breath, her tone tinged with surprise.

Keep in mind that Lin Yi has only been in the team for a little over a thousand Epoch. How long would a normal True Source Realm soldier need to serve to accumulate a retirement merit of up to one hundred million?

It would require at least ten Universal Epoch.

It was only because of the eruption of the Black Mist Sea that he was able to survive; otherwise, even if he wanted to fight desperately, there wouldn't have been enough Black Mist Beast for him to kill.

Wen Qianfei continued reading.

"There was a time when I was transferred as a squad leader, with the note: canceled due to my own wishes..." Her gaze lingered on this line for a moment, then she nodded slightly, clearly understanding the reason behind it.

Lin Yi's file is not complicated; every key detail is clearly recorded.

Wen Qianfei's gaze swept quickly across the files, then she slowly put away the light screen.

The text on the screen receded like the tide, turning into a last faint speck of energy that dissipated into the air of the command room.

"Lin Yi..." Wen Qianfei paused for a moment, then slowly spoke, "You're quite good."

It's still "You're very good," but the meaning is completely different from the previous "You're very good."

The previous statement was an acknowledgment of his talent.

This time, it's about acknowledging him as a person.

Wen Qianfei pondered for a moment.

"Since you don't want to leave the 16th Squad, then you won't leave, but you'll still receive the benefits you're entitled to. Now that your strength is sufficient, I'm promoting you to the rank of centurion, but your squad will remain the same, and you won't have independent command authority."

She paused for a moment, then added, "Also, I've temporarily upgraded your military merit exchange privileges to the Eternal Source Realm."

Upon hearing this, Lin Yi was immediately overjoyed.

Being promoted to the centurion level was fine, but he didn't really care.

The term "hundred-man commander" is essentially equivalent to "squad leader." Someone like Li, who commands a hundred blood-armored warrior squad leaders, is a hundred-man commander.

Because the Imperial Army doesn't only have fleets, but the centurions who can serve as captains are the elite among the centurions; they are not only good at fighting, but also capable of independent command.

Being promoted to the rank of centurion, without real power, simply means higher access privileges, higher base salary and military merit coefficient, plus a set of equipment.

But once the military merit exchange privileges are raised to the Eternal Source Realm, things are completely different!

Leaving aside other treasures in the Eternal Source Realm, the most important point is that as long as he accumulates enough military merits, he can directly exchange them for Cosmic Source Soul Crystal!

"Thank you, Commander."

Lin Yi immediately placed his right fist against his chest and bowed.

Wen Qianfei waved her hand, a faint smile appearing at the corner of her lips. "Since you don't want to leave, there is a place that would suit you quite well... Hehe, it's not only Constant Island that can produce strong individuals, so hurry up and cultivate to the Eternal Source Realm."

The moment the words fell, the deep blue phantom seemed to have all its light drained away, paused slightly, and then vanished silently.

The crimson crystal core on the dome of the command room dimmed instantly, returning to its original dark red color.

Lin Yi maintained the posture of bowing while a slight thought stirred within him.

The implication of the military commander's last words couldn't be clearer.

Upon reaching Eternal Source Realm, is there an opportunity comparable to Constant Island?

The military lord didn't say it directly, but the meaning was conveyed. He would naturally know the answer when he reached the Eternal Source Realm.

Lin Yi thought to himself, "Perhaps every cloud has a silver lining."

After the phantom completely disappeared, Li finally exhaled the breath he had been holding in all along, the sound as heavy as if he had been holding his breath underwater for a long time.

Lin Yi, you little brat...

His voice carried a hint of disappointment, yet it couldn't hide a subtle admiration.

Constant Island and Constant Source Realm —these are good opportunities right in front of them, yet they choose to turn them down, simply because they haven't repaid the debt of gratitude.

He couldn't tell whether he admired or regretted it; it was more of a mixture of the two emotions churning repeatedly in his chest.

Li reached out and patted Lin Yi's shoulder heavily.

"Although I still feel..." Li opened his mouth, wanting to say that he still felt it was a pity to give up the opportunity to Constant Island, but he swallowed the words back.

He looked into Lin Yi's calm eyes, then finally just shook his head, pressed down hard on Lin Yi's shoulder... Never mind.

99

Li turned to Lainiadun beside him and said apologetically, "I'm sorry, Commander, I didn't expect this kid to be so stubborn."

Lainiadun stood with his hands behind his back, staring at Lin Yi for a long while before speaking.

However, he did not respond to Li's words.

"Three debts unpaid." Lainiadun slowly chewed on those four words. "I've hardly ever seen anyone in any other Universal Epoch who would refuse a spot on Constant Island."

"Well, this isn't necessarily a bad thing. The military commander will naturally have her reasons."

Lainiadun chuckled, then turned to Lin Yi, "Although you don't have real power at the centurion level, your treatment and authority will be exactly the same. You can look up these basics yourself later. That's the key point."

He pointed to the badge on Lin Yi's chest.

"Equipment. The Centurion-level has its own standard configuration, much better than the Bloodthirsty armor you're currently wearing. I'll have Li take you to the supply area later to collect your Centurion badge, along with the corresponding armor and soldiers. Also..." Lainiadun paused, glancing at Li, "He has a clone; he can get two sets. I'll approve it."

Li's eyes lit up, and he immediately said, "Understood."

Lin Yi also bowed. "Thank you, Commander."

Lainiadun smiled. "Go."

When the two came out of the command room, the cold light in the mothership's corridor was as quiet and bright as ever.

Li shook his head as he walked.

"This is the centenary level." When he said this, the expression on his face could not tell whether he was happy or filled with emotion, "I have never seen a centenary level that was less than a thousand years old."

Lin Yi paused for a moment, then said, "Just an empty reputation."

"What do you mean by 'empty title'?" Li's voice suddenly rose several octaves. "Even without real power, you're still a centurion-level officer. Just that monthly increase in military merit coefficient alone can help you accumulate a lot of resources in advance. You've been in the fleet; you should understand the importance of military merit."

99

He suddenly stopped talking, as if he had remembered something.

"Forget it, you definitely know better than I do. Your military achievements in the fleet surpass those of most captains." Li shook his head helplessly. "Let's go to the supply area."

The two went to the supply area with ease. When they came out again, Lin Yi had two exquisite black-patterned badges and four fist-sized black armor spheres in his hand.

The journey back to the Bloodrage-class Assault Ship from the supply area wasn't too long, but Lin Yi and Li didn't walk very fast.

As soldiers kept stopping along the way, they saluted them with their right fists pounding their chests, and shouts of "Captain Li" and "Centurion Lin" echoed through the corridor.

Li Yi nodded in response, occasionally saying a few words to a few familiar Veteran Platform, while Lin Yi maintained a calm expression throughout, nodding back to every soldier who saluted him.

Hundred-year-old level.

This level is considered high-ranking among the Black Rock Mothership.

The Imperial Army's appointments are never delayed; the moment the commander's order is issued, it is simultaneously pushed to every sergeant's badge on every ship of the Seventy-First Fleet via the mothership's AI.

Therefore, not only the Sixteenth Squad knew, but everyone in the entire fleet received the notification at the same time.

Although he has no real command authority, a centurion is still a centurion. Even if he doesn't lead a single soldier, the military regulations will still grant him the same treatment and status as a centurion.

"Commander Lin." Another soldier in blood-armored armor saluted as he passed by, his voice booming.

Lin Yi continued walking and raised his hand to return the greeting.

He wasn't quite used to being addressed that way yet.

Not long ago, he was still "Deputy Captain Lin", but now he has surpassed the level of "Captain" and directly become a centurion.

Li walked ahead, then suddenly turned his head to look at him, a slight smile playing on his lips.

How are you feeling?

"It's alright," Lin Yi said honestly. "Nothing special about it."

Li smiled. He knew that Lin Yi wasn't just being modest; he genuinely didn't think the title of centurion was anything special.

The two stepped into the Bloodrage-class Assault Ship of the Sixteenth Squad, one after the other.

The moment the hatch closed behind him, Li stopped and turned to look at Lin Yi.

"You've reached the centurion level, we should definitely celebrate." Li's tone left no room for refusal. "Change into your armor and come to the training ground later."

Lin Yi didn't refuse out of disappointment; he simply smiled, nodded, and said, "Okay."

Li gave a satisfied hum, silently gave a few instructions through the badge, then turned and strode away.

When Lin Yi changed into his newly acquired Black Mystic Armor and stepped into the training ground, the scene before him made him slightly taken aback.

The central open space of the training ground was temporarily converted into a makeshift banquet area.

Several heavy alloy tables were put together, and the tables were filled with a wide variety of ingredients and drinks.

These items were clearly not military rations. Lin Yi was someone who frequently visited public rest areas, and he knew what they were just by glancing at the labels on the bottles on the table.

It's highly likely that Li used his own salary; this meal would probably cost him nearly ten Epoch of personal military pay.

The Blood Armor soldiers of the Sixteenth Squad had all arrived by this time. Since they were all comrades-in-arms, they didn't pay much attention to rules. When they saw Lin Yi come in, they all surrounded him.

Everyone raised their glasses and offered their congratulations in a flurry of chatter.

Lin Yi accepted all comers.

Li sat at the head of the long table, looking at Lin Yi who was surrounded by everyone, and the smile on his lips grew wider and wider.

He took a sip of his drink, then suddenly stood up and tapped the table with his knuckles.

The crisp sound of the knocking cut through the noise, and everyone's eyes turned to him.

"Quiet down, everyone." Li's voice wasn't loud, but the training ground instantly fell silent. "I have a few words to say."

Everyone turned to look at Li.

In the Sixteenth Squad, Li's prestige was beyond question.

"You all know that Lin Yi was promoted to a centurion today. But there's something you don't know yet." He looked around at everyone and slowly said, "The military commander personally summoned Lin Yi and gave him an incredible opportunity, an opportunity that could allow him to reach the Constant Source Realm."

Constant Source Realm!

Everyone was immediately taken aback.

However, before they could ponder what kind of opportunity it might be, Li continued, "And then? Then he refused."

A deathly silence.

The blood-armored soldiers looked at each other, their eyes filled with disbelief.

Ruida's glass trembled slightly, spilling a few drops of wine without him noticing.

"The commander asked him why he refused." Li smiled. "He told the commander that he had three debts of gratitude he had not yet repaid."

Li repeated Lin Yi's words from the command room, word for word.

When he finished speaking, even the sound of breathing seemed to stop for a moment in the training field.

Then, no one knows who started it, but there was a "thump" sound. At first, there were a few scattered thumps, but soon they merged into a series of dull and rhythmic thuds.

That was the sound of people striking their breastplates with their armored hands.

This sound was deep and resonant, lacking the lightness of cheers, yet carrying the weight forged on the battlefield.

At this moment, everyone looked at Lin Yi with a hint of respect that they were unwilling to express directly.

Someone whispered, "What a pity," the voice wasn't loud, but everyone heard it.

That opportunity in the Constant Source Realm, just like that, is gone without a second thought; the thought of it makes my heart bleed.

Li Ziran heard it too.

He picked up his glass, took a big gulp, then wiped the wine stains from the corner of his mouth with the back of his hand and waved it dismissively.

"Hmph," his voice carried a hint of arrogance, "With Centurion Lin's talent, the Commander-in-Chief will have his own plans; why do you need to worry about it?"

That makes sense.

Upon further reflection, everyone agreed.

With Lin Yi's talent and the military leader's favor, his future path will certainly not be narrow.

Among the crowd, there was a man whose expression appeared calm to outsiders, but whose heart was pounding wildly inside his chest—that was Ruida.

He was pondering something over and over in his mind.

The family's bet paid off.

How long has it been? Lin Yi is already a centurion.

The military commander personally summoned him, promoted him exceptionally, and even after he refused, still held him in high regard.

Moreover, of the three acts of kindness Lin Yi mentioned in public, the third was the kindness of the Rui Family in helping him.

The commander heard it with his own ears, the entire Sixteenth Squad heard it, and soon the Seventy-First Fleet will hear it.

This recognition is far more precious to the Rui Family than any direct material reward.

Ruida secretly made up his mind that when the next supply ship came, he would find his cousin who held an important position in the supply fleet and report back everything that had happened today.

The banquet continued.

After a few rounds of drinks, everyone started talking freely, and the training ground was filled with their voices once again.

The speed and scope of the news's spread far exceeded anyone's expectations.

Soon, the soldiers who attended the banquet spread the word about what had happened that night in the most authentic way possible.

The soldiers of the Imperial Army were mostly not good at flowery language, but it was precisely that rough and straightforward expression that made the news carry extra weight.

"Lin Yi was promoted to centurion, and the military lord personally summoned him. He refused an opportunity to become a Constant Source Realm expert."

"Why did he refuse? Because he has three debts of gratitude he has not repaid; if he does not repay these three debts, he will not go anywhere."

The Veteran Platform of the various detachments of the Seventy-First Fleet reacted differently to the news.

Some people were amazed by Lin Yi's courage, daring to refuse the military commander's goodwill to his face; this was not a courage that ordinary people possessed.

Some admired his perseverance, while others gave up their tickets to the Constant Source Realm to repay a debt of gratitude—it all sounded like an old story from the Imperial Era.

Some people thought he was foolish, but they said it in a low voice because his comrades often expressed their disagreement with silence.

Then, someone, I don't know who, said something during a casual conversation.

"This Lin Three Favors is not only highly talented and strong in combat, but he also knows how to repay kindness. He is truly admirable."

This nickname quickly spread throughout the Black Rock Mothership.

It started as an unintentional catchphrase, then spread to other squadrons of the Seventy-First Fleet, and then to the logistics and maintenance personnel on the mothership.

Before long, everyone on the entire Black Rock Mothership knew the name "Lin Three Favors".

The Blood Armor Warriors often used this title, their tone a mixture of admiration, teasing, and an inexplicable sense of closeness.

In the military, there are only two types of people who can be given nicknames.

One type is a good-for-nothing who is looked down upon, and the other is a hero who is recognized by everyone.

However, Lin Yi didn't react in any particular way.

He is naturally calm and reserved, and will not get carried away by a few compliments, nor will he be bothered by nicknames given to him.

He simply continued his cultivation as usual, and in his spare time, he would go to the training ground to spar with the squad leaders in black armor.

But everyone could sense that something was quietly changing within this exceptionally talented young centurion.

It's not an improvement in strength.

Rather, it was his very existence that began to exert a subtle cohesive effect on the surroundings.

Those Blood Armor Warriors who once only saw him as "that exceptionally talented Deputy Captain Lin" now look at him with something called trust when they encounter him in the corridor.

This trust wasn't based on his centenary title, but on the weight carried by the name "Lin Three Favors".

In this cruel world where one could die on the battlefield at any moment, to meet a comrade who is willing to give up the Constant Source Realm to repay a debt of gratitude is an indescribable sense of peace.

During a casual conversation, Li said something to Lin Yi in an almost sentimental tone.

"Your nickname is worth more than your centurion badge."

Lin Yi thought for a moment, then replied with a smile.

I think so too.