Dawn!

Pioneer Era Number 269, Year 2,997,198.

The eighth year since taking office as [Sinking Iron Supervisor], and the fifth year since the last time he killed a seventh-order Evil Horned Tribe member!

"Five years, a full five years!"

Within the Star Graveyard, Li Qingshan hung alone in deep space, ignoring the brilliant high-energy streams that occasionally streaked past him. His gaze remained fixed on the desolate planet in the distance.

Five years!

Ever since confirming that the rift would open on this planet, he had kept watch in deep space, terrified of missing the next opening.

Yet a full five years had passed. Other than the First-Order Rift at the beginning, which had let in a few scouts, there had not been the slightest movement.

Even the rift invasions in the Barrier's other regions had stopped.

"Could it be that the Evil Horned Tribe simply gave up?"

"They clearly poured the strength of their entire race into this before suddenly giving up?"

"Or did I mess it up... No, that can't be right. How could I be wrong? Those evil god scum must be the ones at fault!"

The young man's gaze turned cold. Staring at the desolate planet hovering in the void, he said with exasperated disappointment:

"You don't know how to work hard at all. How are you supposed to complete Your Excellency's orders? How are you supposed to improve?"

"No wonder the Evil Horned Tribe can only be a lowly vassal race!"

After venting a few complaints, Li Qingshan shook his head helplessly and swiped a finger across his Communicator.

Over the years, he had made many preparations for the "Eighth-Order Rift," which might open at any time—or perhaps never open at all.

The most important of them was undoubtedly confirming the combat deployment and danger level