Pretending to be a genius starts with the civilization advancement assessment.

Chapter 224 Great Advancement in Cultivation (5.9K)

Inside the Lynx Squad's barracks.

On the screen projected from the personal terminal, the "Recruitment Order for the First Batch of Members of the Dongfeng Mercenary Group" and the popular post below it, "If we go and never return, then we will never return!" were radiating a scorching light, illuminating five faces with different expressions.

Big Bear scratched his head and sighed in a muffled voice, "Just thinking about Xinghai makes me dizzy."

Bamboo Pole's fingers flew across the data panel, analyzing the terms of the draft order and the hot topics on the forum.

The skinny monkey seemed somewhat distracted, his gaze occasionally drifting to Nightingale, who sat silently in the corner.

He noticed that Nightingale's cool gaze lingered on the words "prospective member" and "never to return," and her slender fingers unconsciously curled up slightly.

A bad feeling crept into his heart.

Old Cat took a deep drag of his e-cigarette, his gaze slowly sweeping over the team members before finally settling on Nightingale.

He noticed the subtle struggle hidden beneath the Nightingale's usual composure.

"nightingale."

The old cat slowly exhaled a puff of smoke and coughed lightly. "You broke through a few days ago and mastered the ultimate technique, Instant Shadow Thousand Kills. Are you tempted now?"

Everyone was startled upon hearing this.

"What?! Nightingale, you've mastered a special skill?!" The monkey's eyes widened, and he was the first to exclaim.

Big Bear looked bewildered: "How come I didn't know?"

Bamboo Pole stopped what he was doing and looked at the nightingale.

The nightingale raised its head, met the old cat's insightful gaze, and nodded slightly in acknowledgment.

She looked at her surprised teammates and explained, "Yes, I just mastered it recently. I was planning to give you a surprise when I was more proficient. I didn't expect things to change so quickly in the last few days."

Nightingale paused, her gaze returning to the light screen, her tone unusually hesitant and tinged with reluctance: "Star Sea... I really want to go. The Commander has opened this door, and I don't want to forever just stand at the door and watch. But..."

Her voice lowered, "I'm also reluctant to leave everyone. This departure may be a final farewell."

Silence fell over the barracks.

Everyone understands the weight of the word "farewell" after the apocalypse; it is a heavy burden that they have repeatedly snatched from the jaws of the abyss beasts and personally bid farewell to countless times.

Although the gods were later resurrected, they would never forget the heart-wrenching pain they felt.

Moreover, once you leave, there will be no resurrection of any gods. If something unforeseen happens, it may truly be a final farewell.

To Nightingale's surprise, the first to speak up and offer advice was actually Skinny Monkey, who was usually the most boisterous.

He suddenly raised his head, his face devoid of its usual playfulness, replaced by an unprecedented seriousness.

Everyone could easily hear the tremor in the skinny monkey's voice.

However, Skinny Monkey himself was completely unaware of the situation. He simply pretended to be calm and said, "Sister Nightingale, go ahead!"

Seeing the Nightingale's surprised look, he subtly clenched his fist at his side and continued, "Your talent surpasses all ours, and now you've mastered a unique skill. You shouldn't be buried here. The Starry Sea is the stage you belong on!"

The others looked at the skinny monkey with some surprise upon hearing this.

Skinny Monkey has feelings for Nightingale. Apart from the two people involved who seem unaware, everyone else knows it but just doesn't say it out loud. Everyone thought Skinny Monkey would try to dissuade her, but unexpectedly he supports her.

Skinny Monkey, oblivious to the stares of the others, said, "Don't worry, I'll train relentlessly, master the ultimate techniques, and break through to the Star Core!" He paused, a burning flame igniting in his eyes, as if speaking to Nightingale, or perhaps making a vow to himself, "I believe the Dongfeng Mercenary Group will not stop here. It will definitely expand in the future, and then we'll meet again in the Star Sea. I will definitely catch up with you!"

Old Cat glanced at Skinny Monkey with satisfaction and nodded in agreement, "Skinny Monkey is right. Nightingale, your path lies ahead, you can't stop because of us. The Lynx Squad will never be a stumbling block for each other. You go first and scout the way for us."

Big Bear patted his chest hard, making a dull sound, his honest face full of support: "Nightingale, go for it! We'll definitely be able to go sometime, and then we'll still be a team, so we'll need your help!"

Bamboo Pole calmly analyzed, "From a strategic perspective, Stardust-class individuals with unique skills are Star Core-class reserves. Entering the Star Sea early to accumulate experience is extremely beneficial to both individuals and civilizations. Nightingale, this is the right choice."

Listening to her teammates' words of support, Nightingale felt her eyes welling up with tears. She took a deep breath, suppressed her surging emotions, and her beautiful face regained its usual calm and determination.

"Okay!" she uttered only one word.

Without further hesitation, Nightingale quickly swiped her fingers across her personal terminal and submitted her application to become a prospective member.

Then, she clicked on the trending post, and after countless passionate replies, solemnly typed a line and chose to join the chain:
【Nightingale】: If I go and never return, then so be it! I have submitted my application to become a prospective member, willing to be the blade of the East, piercing the illusions of the starry sea! Until the day we meet again in the starry sea! (Continue the chain +1)
"We'll meet again someday, amidst the stars and the sea!"

The skinny monkey looked at the line of text, repeated it in a low voice, and the flames in his eyes burned even more fiercely.

He silently repeated to himself: It will happen. Nightingale, wait for me!
Meanwhile, the post's popularity surged again after Nightingale started the chain of events.

"It's Nightingale, the one from the Lynx Squad."

"She's mastered a special skill too?"

"Eighth-tier Stardust level, possessor of ultimate skills. Truly enviable."

"That's so cool! 'Willing to be the blade of Dongfeng'—I want to sign up too!"

Nightingale's relay race served as a banner, inspiring more hesitant but powerful Stardust-level experts.

Immediately afterwards, the registration process began to flood the screen at a visible speed.

This fervor quickly spread to the star core level.

Soon, a heavyweight figure appeared in this chain of posts, with the poster's ID flashing with the system-certified Star Core level powerhouse emblem.

[Chen Yu]: Hahaha, how could such a grand event be complete without me, Old Chen? The principal's number one mighty general (self-proclaimed) has arrived to report for duty! Official member application submitted! Brothers, let's go collect merits in the Star Sea! Chain reaction +10086!

Chen Yu's witty yet confident relay race instantly pushed the atmosphere to another climax.

"It's General Chen Yu!"

"A Star Core level expert is awesome."

"The number one warrior? Did you ask me, Andrei, first?" Immediately afterward, a rough-looking ID joined the chain.

[Andrei]: We will never fall behind! For Dongfeng, official member +1! Chain reaction +10087!

[Elizabeth]: Submitted.

Elizabeth's reply was as concise and aloof as ever.

[Liu Yuan]: Count me in. Now that the Abyss Beast is gone, it's time to go out and explore the Star Sea.

Soon, the names of familiar Star Core level powerhouses appeared one after another in the chain list. They were not only the high-end combat force of Blue Star, but also idols and role models in the hearts of countless people.

Their enthusiastic participation ignited the passion of martial arts practitioners worldwide.

Before the Dongfeng Mercenary Group has even officially set sail, its recruitment notice has already stirred up a passionate storm within the Blue Star.

While the outside world was in an uproar over the conscription order, in the reception room of the Blue Star Community headquarters, Lin Yi looked at the constantly changing registration information on his personal terminal and the registration data reported by Xuanji, a hint of relief on his face.

The public's enthusiasm and determination were even higher than he had anticipated.

He said to Irelia, who was sitting opposite him, "Irelia, the registration situation is very good. You'll have to work hard on the screening and initial grouping work next."

Irelia nodded slightly: "It's my duty, Captain, please rest assured."

Her icy blue eyes also held a hint of emotion. The cohesion of the Blue Star civilization, once it set its direction, had left a deep impression on her. In this respect, the Spirit Race was much more disorganized.

Irelia had been pondering this question for a while: if all her family members possessed the same level of unity as the Earth civilization when facing external enemies, would they have been forced by rival families to the point of fleeing to the very borders of humanity?
She hadn't been able to figure out the answer before, so she was very curious about how the personalities of her people would change after they joined forces with the Blue Star humans to form a mercenary group.

Lin Yi, unaware of Irelia's inner thoughts, stood up and said, "Things here are temporarily settled. I've arranged accommodation for you near the headquarters building; it's quiet and well-equipped. You've had a long journey, so go and rest. I plan to go to the cultivation room to consolidate what I've gained recently."

Upon hearing the word "cultivation," Irelia seemed to be suddenly enlightened. She quickly stood up and called out to Lin Yi, "Captain, please wait a moment."

Lin Yi stopped and looked at her with a puzzled expression.

A hint of embarrassment appeared on Irelia's face as she said softly, "There's something I almost forgot. During the assessment, I actually prepared some cultivation resources, which I originally planned to give to you at the right time, hoping they would be of some help to you. However, due to a series of events, I haven't found a suitable opportunity to give them to you."

She paused, as if making up her mind, and continued, "Also, I didn't bring the 'Clear Radiance Dew' that I invited you to taste with me. I wonder if the leader has any free time right now?"

"I would like to formally invite you to my 'Emerald Whisper Starship'. On the one hand, I will hand over those sealed resources to you, and on the other hand, I would like you to taste my Spirit Clan's unique spiritual tea, 'Clear Radiance Dew'. This tea is slightly beneficial for calming the mind and nourishing one's source energy, and may be helpful for your upcoming cultivation."

Irelia's words were full of anticipation.

Those resources were accumulated by her in her early years and were originally intended for investment.

But by a twist of fate, Lin Yi has been using only what his family gave him, while she, the first person he wanted to invest in, hasn't contributed any resources.

In particular, the "Clear Radiance Dew" is a treasure of the Transcendent Realm, originally intended for receiving Eternal Gods, but the gods didn't care. Later, when she first met Lin Yi, she invited him, but Lin Yi was worried about Blue Star at the time, and they missed the opportunity.

Today, under the guise of providing resources, she finally found another opportunity to extend an invitation.

Upon hearing this, Lin Yi pondered for a moment.

He did indeed feel that his own source energy strength was a weakness compared to his understanding of the rules, and he urgently needed to improve it. As a Star-level Perfection expert, and given the extravagance of the Spirit Race, the "cultivation resources" and "slightly beneficial" spirit tea that Irelia mentioned were probably no ordinary items.

"it is good."

Lin Yi didn't stand on ceremony and nodded in agreement, "I also feel that I am indeed lacking in source energy, so I'll take my leave then."

Seeing that Lin Yi agreed, Irelia smiled brightly. "It is my honor that the commander would do me the honor. Please follow me."

The two transformed into streaks of light, leaving the headquarters building and instantly arriving at the Emerald Whisper Starship, which was hovering near near-Earth orbit.

Upon entering the starship, Lin Yi couldn't help but marvel at the exquisite and elegant creations of the Spirit Race.

The entire space seemed to have grown naturally from living jade and crystal vines, and the air was filled with a refreshing and light fragrance of grass and trees. The energy concentration was far more abundant and gentle than that on the surface of Blue Star.

Irelia led Lin Yi to a quiet tea room.

One side of the tea room features a huge viewing window, offering a panoramic view of the azure planet and the dazzling starry sky below.

She had Lin Yi sit down at the tea table, which was carved from warm white jade, and then gently took out a set of glass teaware in the style of the Spirit Clan.

"Please sit for a moment, Commander. I will go and fetch the resources and make you some tea."

Soon, Irelia returned carrying a tray.

On the tray lay an exquisite jade box that emitted faint spatial fluctuations, and a tea set with tea leaves already prepared.

She gently placed the jade box in front of Lin Yi.

"Captain, here are some Star Frost Water, Stardust, and Lapis Lazuli Crystals that I collected in my early years. They should be of some use in increasing the total amount of source energy and purifying the understanding of the rules," Irelia introduced.

Although Irelia didn't mention the value of these items, Lin Yi knew their worth.

Star Frost Water is a commonly used cultivation resource at the Star Vortex level, while Shattered Star Sand and Azure Crystal are treasures that can enhance cultivation efficiency. For him now, they are a godsend.

"Thank you for your trouble." Lin Yi accepted it without ceremony. Of course, he didn't open it immediately, but put it into his spatial equipment.

Debts are never a burden; I'll just keep this in mind for now and repay the favors later.

Then, Irelia began to focus on making tea.

Her movements were elegant and skillful, as if she were performing an ancient ritual.

Lin Yi watched as her fair fingers picked up a few unremarkable grayish-white tea leaves and placed them into a transparent glass teapot.

Then, she took out a glass bottle and poured out a clear liquid that emitted a hazy starlight and clearly contained amazing life energy.

“This is Star Cold Water. Only by brewing it with this can the true flavor of ‘Clear Radiance Dew’ be brought out,” Irelia explained softly.

As the Starry Cold Water was poured into the pot, the moment it came into contact with the grayish-white tea leaves, the leaves seemed to be instantly activated, emitting a soft and pure white halo, and a delicate fragrance instantly spread.

The fragrance is not strong, but it carries a coolness and tranquility that penetrates the soul, as if it can wash away all dust and distracting thoughts.

The tea soup gradually took on a pale golden hue in the pot, as if it contained the glow of stars and the moon.

Irelia carefully poured a cup and handed it to Lin Yi: "Captain, please have some. This tea is only effective for the first cup. You need to savor it carefully. After that, you can only taste the flavor."

Lin Yi took the teacup, its surface warm to the touch.

He did not drink it down as instructed, but instead took a light sniff of its fragrance. He felt as if his soul had been cleansed by the fragrance and became exceptionally clear.

Then, he took a small sip.

When you first taste the tea, there is no special flavor; only an extreme coolness that flows down your throat.

But the next moment, the coolness seemed to explode inside my body.

Lin Yi felt as if billions of cells in his body were instantly rejoicing, and his Origin Sea was operating at an unprecedented speed!

That seemingly small amount of tea transformed into a vast and extremely pure torrent of primal energy, gently yet irresistibly washing over his meridians and nourishing his star core.

Even more remarkably, his consciousness was not disrupted by the raging energy; instead, it entered an unprecedented state of ethereal clarity.

All external disturbances and inner distractions vanished, my thinking speed seemed to increase several times over, and my perception of my own rules became incredibly clear.

Lin Yi subconsciously began to circulate the "Star Evolution and Essence Tempering Technique," guiding this energy to solidify his foundation.

At the same time, his second rule, which he had just touched upon and was still in the exploratory stage—the rule of life—was being stimulated by the life-rhythm-filled tea. The originally obscure and difficult-to-understand mysteries were now like the sun breaking through the clouds, with flashes of inspiration appearing in his mind.

The perception of life energy and the understanding of the creation and decay of life are accumulating and becoming clearer at an unprecedented speed.

Lin Yi seemed to see the tenacity of seeds breaking through the soil, the mystery of cell division and proliferation, the vigorous growth of all things, and the quiet beauty of autumn leaves falling. All sorts of images about life flowed through his heart.

Time seemed to have lost its meaning at this moment.

It was unclear how much time had passed before Lin Yi slowly awoke from that profound state of enlightenment.

He opened his eyes, and a fleeting glimpse of vibrant green light flashed within them.

Lin Yi carefully sensed himself, and a look of shock appeared on his face.

With just this one cup of tea, his source energy intensity actually allowed him to steadily advance to the sixth level of the Star Core level in such a short period of time.

That's not all. At the same time, his understanding of the rules of life, which was previously almost negligible, jumped to about 6%.

"This Pure Dew is truly a wonderful thing!"

Lin Yi sighed inwardly, "Not only can it drastically increase one's source energy and greatly improve one's cultivation, but it can also enhance one's comprehension of the rules of life. With such heaven-defying effects, it must be a treasure of the Star Domain level, right?"

He looked up at Irelia and was about to express his gratitude.

However, when he looked at Irelia, he found that her condition seemed even stranger.

Irelia did not disturb his cultivation, but sat opposite him, also closing her eyes and concentrating.

However, the aura around her was no longer stable, but fluctuated like the tides.

Lin Yi noticed that the diamond-shaped crystal on her forehead was flashing at an unprecedented frequency, and the emerald green light grew stronger and stronger, gradually enveloping her entire body.

At that moment, Irelia felt as if she were in a boundless ocean of life.

Images of cultivation over thousands of years, the details of protecting the blue planet, the weight of family upheavals, the resolute decision to invest in Lin Yi, and the relief after letting go of the burden in his heart—all sorts of emotions and insights flowed through his mind like a revolving lantern.

The life rules she cultivates inherently require spiritual harmony and understanding.

Previously, due to family pressure and uncertainty about the future, her heart was always clouded, making it difficult for her to reach the final door of transformation.

The alliance she formed with Lin Yi these past two days gave her a clear hope, lifted a huge weight off her shoulders, and made her mind clearer and more transparent than ever before.

In addition, the immense life essence and enlightenment-enhancing effects contained in the "Clear Radiance Dew," which was used at great expense to receive the gods, finally led to a qualitative change from a quantitative one.

"Crack."

It was as if the sound of some invisible shackles being broken echoed deep within her soul.

hum! !

Centered on Irelia, a vast life force suddenly erupted.

A vibrant green light shot into the sky, piercing through the walls of the Emerald Whisper Starship and casting a lively phantom image in the cold void of space, as if thousands of plants were growing and blooming in an instant.

The star within her, which had accumulated over countless years, began its ultimate collapse and transformation at this moment.

The purer and more powerful life energy, like rivers flowing into the sea, converges and compresses wildly towards that one central "point".

Her aura surged at a visible speed, instantly breaking through the shackles of the Star Vortex level and stepping into a much wider world.

Starfield level!
Moreover, because her foundation was incredibly solid and her mental state had reached a perfect breakthrough, her realm quickly stabilized immediately after the breakthrough, directly settling at the peak of the first level of the Star Domain level, seemingly only one step away from the second level.

After an unknown amount of time, the emerald green light slowly receded and was eventually absorbed completely into Irelia's body.

She slowly opened her eyes, her icy blue pupils becoming even deeper, as if containing endless vitality and mystery. Although she deliberately restrained the pressure emanating from her body, the sense of oppression from the life level of a star domain-level expert was completely different.

As Irelia felt the vast, surging energy within her body and gained a clearer, more profound control over the rules of life, a radiant smile appeared on her face.

She, Irelia Sheena, having let go of her obsession, and with the help of the World-Class Spirit Tea, finally broke through the barrier that had troubled her for many years and successfully advanced to the Star Domain level.

Lin Yi felt the completely renewed and vast aura emanating from Irelia, and a hint of surprise flashed in his eyes, which then turned into a sincere smile as he congratulated her, "Congratulations, Irelia, on breaking through to the next realm and achieving the Star Domain today."

Irelia snapped out of her daze and smiled modestly at Lin Yi. "Captain, please don't joke with me. Compared to you, a genius who has comprehended the rules of the Star Domain in just forty years, my breakthrough to the Star Domain with the help of the World-Derivation Level Spirit Tea is nothing."

A celestial-grade spiritual tea?
Is this all the effect I got after drinking it?

Lin Yi was dumbfounded for a moment.

(End of this chapter)