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

Chapter 228 The Envoy's Goodwill, Setting Sail Across the Stars (7.4K)

Lin Yi strode to the central control screen, which clearly displayed the images and data analysis transmitted by the reconnaissance system.

A massive fleet lies silently outside the defensive perimeter, like a silent interstellar behemoth.

They did not attempt to break through, nor did they send any aggressive signals; they simply stood in neat formation, as if waiting for something.

Is it the official guiding fleet of the Purple Gold Star Alliance? Or a powerful force that came after hearing the news, or perhaps all of them?

"Finally. We've arrived."

Lin Yi took a deep breath, suppressing the surging emotions in his heart.

The seventeen-year period of calm has ended, and the real test has only just begun.

He straightened his robes, his eyes regaining their usual calm and depth.

"Xuanji, notify all senior executives to activate the 'Level A Diplomatic Reception Plan'."

"Send a general friendly identification signal to the unknown fleet to indicate our identity."

"Also," Lin Yi paused, feeling the talisman given to him by his master that he kept close to his body, "I'll take the Flashing Mist to meet them."
-
The following day, at 9:00 AM.

At a time when the sun should have been shining brightly, the sky presented an unusual sight.

It wasn't dark clouds, but a moving mountain range that blocked out some of the sunlight, casting a huge, slowly shifting shadow on the ground.

More than fifty interstellar ships, like behemoths that have broken free from myths and epics, hovered silently in near-Earth orbit.

They come in various shapes and sizes. Some have sharp edges like cold war fortresses, some have smooth lines like leaping marine creatures, and some shimmer with the faint light of source energy. At the same time, each ship is marked with its own emblem.

The nine stars of the Purple Gold Star Alliance, the cross-blades of the Human Astral Legion, and the shattered stars of the Cosmic Mercenary Alliance
Everything silently proclaimed the colossal nature of what they represented.

From official observation stations across the country to ordinary people's telescopes, in streets and alleys, in squares and at home, countless people held their breath and looked up at this scene that was destined to be recorded in history.

Blue Star Community Headquarters.

The fierce winds high above were several times stronger than those on the ground, howling across the platform and making everyone's clothes flutter.

Lin Yi stood at the very front of the welcoming team, his posture as upright as a pine tree. His simple dark combat uniform clung tightly to the wind, outlining smooth and powerful lines.

He wore no extra medals; the only distinguishing feature was the Blue Star Community badge on his left chest.

Behind him, core executives such as Li Zhenguo, Zhou Donglai, and Nie Chang stood side by side, their faces equally solemn.

Further back were the honor guard and staff, who had undergone rigorous selection.

"Energy readings are stable, with no aggressive targeting. The opposing fleet is maintaining a standard diplomatic distance." Xuanji's calm report rang in Lin Yi's ears.

"Hmm," Lin Yi responded in his mind, his gaze still fixed on the sky.

The first to take action were the three [Qiming-III] guide ships painted with the emblem of the Purple Star Alliance.

They are entirely silver-white, with elegant and efficient lines, like the lead swan, lightly and precisely breaking away from the massive mixed formation, adjusting their posture, and slowly approaching the pre-set guide route.

Its engine emits a steady and gentle blue flame, demonstrating an extremely high level of energy control.

The fleets of other factions, like guests observing a ceremony with proper etiquette, remained stationary. Only the occasional flashing navigation lights and scanning beams on their hulls indicated that they were not cold sculptures, but were closely monitoring everything around them.

The guide ship did not land completely, but hovered at a height of several hundred meters above the platform.

From the belly of the ship in the center, a soft beam of light shone down, and within the beam, an exquisitely designed landing craft slowly descended and silently landed on the designated berth on the platform.

The hatch slid open to both sides like mercury without making a sound.

A middle-aged man wearing a Purple Gold Star Union uniform with three tiny stars embedded in his epaulets stepped out first.

He had a refined appearance, a healthy wheat-colored complexion, a high nose bridge, and deep brown eyes that seemed to absorb light. A perfectly timed smile played on his lips.

Behind him were four attendants dressed similarly but with a more reserved demeanor, as well as two teams of guards in light ceremonial armor, marching in perfect unison.

As soon as this team appeared, an aura of order, authority, and a certain transcendence spread out, making the air on the platform seem to freeze.

The middle-aged man's gaze swept over the welcoming team, finally landing precisely on Lin Yi.

He stepped forward steadily, stopped at an appropriate distance, placed his right hand on his chest, and performed a simple yet standard Starlink greeting.

"Lord Lin Yi, leaders of emerging civilizations, I am Lan Si, special envoy of the Civilization Advancement Affairs Bureau under the Executive Committee of the Purple Gold Star Alliance. I have come here on the highest orders of the Star Alliance to complete the formal procedures for your civilization's advancement."

Lin Yi stepped forward and returned the greeting: "Envoy Lanster, welcome to the Blue Moon Civilization. It is our honor that you have come from afar."

His voice was steady and calm, without the slightest hint of stage fright, creating a subtle correspondence with Lans's official rhetoric.

After a brief welcoming ceremony, both sides moved to the largest circular conference hall in the headquarters.

The interior layout has been adjusted according to interstellar diplomatic standards.

Simple and bright, the huge circular viewing window brings the starry sky and part of the visiting fleet into view, silently reminding everyone of their current situation.

Lin Yi and the senior executives of Blue Star sat on one side, while Lan Si and his entourage sat on the other side.

Representatives from other factions sat on the side as guests of honor.

The ceremony officially begins.

Lans took a box made of dark metal and unknown crystals from his attendant, opened it, and took out a crystal about the size of a palm, inside which liquid light seemed to flow.

"buzz"

A soft buzzing sound rang out.

The crystal suddenly lit up, and the soft white light spread out like mercury, quickly forming a solid light curtain in front of Lans.

On the light screen, countless complex and beautiful runes flowed like living things, eventually settling down.
Lans's expression became extremely solemn.

"Based on the 'Civilization Advancement Assessment and Evaluation Law' promulgated by the Supreme Human Council, and the relevant implementation regulations of the Purple Gold Star Alliance."

He paused slightly, his gaze sweeping across the room before finally settling on Lin Yi.

"It is hereby officially announced that, under the auspices and confirmation of His Eternal Deity 'Xuchen', the intelligent civilization nurtured on planet TC-YHLHXB-ZJ-G-7392113 has successfully passed the civilization advancement assessment."

"Based on a comprehensive assessment of its potential for civilizational development, organizational capacity, adaptability, and individual qualities, it is confirmed as Level 5."

"From the moment this declaration takes effect, this civilization shall enjoy and assume all the rights and obligations of a fifth-level civilization within the territory of the human race."

"At the same time, in accordance with the application submitted yesterday by Your Majesty Lin Yi, the representative of your civilization, your civilization's official registered name is confirmed as—Silver Moon Blue."

"According to the common practice in the Star Sea, it can be simply referred to as: Silver Blue Civilization."

"The mother planet that gave birth to and carried this civilization has its interstellar registered name updated to: Silver Blue Star."

Silver Moon Blue.

Silver-Blue Civilization.

Silver Blue Star.

Lin Yi silently recited each word in his mind.

He felt a strange connection, as if invisible threads were binding his soul tightly to the two newborn names and the future of billions of lives on this planet beneath his feet.

He noticed an elderly professor from the cultural department beside him quietly wiping away the moisture from the corner of his eye with his finger.

Lans didn't give everyone much time to savor the moment. The content on the light screen switched, displaying a complex star map and engineering diagrams.

He continued:

"Based on the standard treatment of a Level 5 civilization's 'Regional Hub Star,' the Zijin Star Alliance Engineering Department will be responsible for executing the 'Silver Blue Star Overall Migration Plan.'"

Lans's tone shifted to a technical statement.

"The core project includes: installing a 'planetary-level energy vector engine array' at key nodes in the crust of Silver Blue Star, deploying a 'customized stellar-like energy source' in the Silver Blue Star's airspace, and setting up a 'planetary atmosphere and ecosystem stabilizing force field'. The entire project is expected to officially start within five years after the final agreement is signed."

These features were all expected and are considered "standard benefits" for a Level 5 civilization.

The leaders of Blue Star listened attentively, calculating in their minds the challenges and opportunities brought about by this tremendous change.

However, Lans's next words completely surprised everyone.

He manipulated the light screen, and the image changed to show a cratered planet.

"also."

Lan Si's lips curled up slightly, revealing a smile.

"After a comprehensive review of the civilization observation report of the Silver Blue Civilization"

Lans tapped his finger, and some blurry ancient murals, excerpts of poems, calendar fragments, and even sketches of early astronomical telescopes scrolled past the lunar image. "Our company confirms that the satellite you call 'the Moon' or 'the Moon' has a profound and unique bond with the cultural heritage, spiritual sustenance, and even early scientific development of the Silver Blue Civilization, which goes far beyond the relationship with ordinary celestial bodies."

He paused for a moment, seemingly considering his words, allowing the weight of his words to settle.

"In accordance with the Supplementary Regulations on the Ownership of Uninhabitable Celestial Bodies, and based on my authority as a special envoy to define civilizations, I hereby make the following additional announcement:"

"This natural satellite will be formally incorporated into the core assets of the Silver Blue Civilization, and given its official name within the civilization—Silver Moon."

"The Silver Moon will be included in this migration plan as a subordinate celestial body of the Silver Blue Star, and will move to its new home along with its mother star."

!!!

Inside the conference hall, it was as if a silent thunderclap had exploded!

A huge surprise immediately swept over every high-ranking official on Earth.

Li Zhenguo gasped, his body involuntarily leaning forward. Zhou Donglai's hands, usually so adept at gripping guns, trembled slightly. The elderly professor from the Ministry of Culture covered his mouth, his eyes instantly reddening. Even the usually composed Nie Chang's pupils contracted sharply.

Not an auditory hallucination!

Moon!

They had long since silently bid farewell to the moon that had hung in the night sky for millions of years, witnessing the origins of civilization, the rise and fall of dynasties, and the joys and sorrows of life, preparing to seal it, along with this familiar starry sky, in their memories.

Who would have thought that it could be taken away with it!
Lans took in everyone's reactions, smiled, and then added, "As for the stars in the current star system, unfortunately, the long-distance relocation of stellar-mass objects is beyond the scope of our Star Alliance's regular engineering projects, and the target star system has abundant stellar resources. After Silver Blue Star arrives at its new home, the Star Alliance will allocate a stable star with a similar spectral type and mass to serve as the new energy core and gravitational anchor point for Silver Blue Star System."

He turned to Lin Yi again and nodded slightly: "Congratulations, Silvermoon Blue Civilization. May Silvermoon and Silver Blue continue to accompany each other in the future starry sea."

Lin Yi immediately stood up to express his gratitude, while secretly feeling moved.

This "gift" touched the deepest, most tender part of the soul of civilization; this gesture of goodwill was exquisitely executed. As the official proceedings concluded, the atmosphere in the conference hall instantly transformed.

The previous solemnity receded like the tide, and the real chess game of Starry Sea officially began at this moment.

Almost the instant Lans announced the end of the ceremony, the representative of the Cosmic Mercenary Alliance stood up.

This is a lean and wiry man, dressed in combat gear that allows for easy movement, with an insignia of shattered stars surrounding a sword on his shoulder.

"Lord Lin Yi." His voice was loud and clear, without any pleasantries, he went straight to the point, "On behalf of the Cosmic Mercenary Alliance, I formally extend an invitation to you. Based on the potential you demonstrated in the assessment, the Alliance is willing to provide you with a 'Tier 4' genius training resource package."

He paused slightly, his gaze landing firmly on Lin Yi, and emphasized, "At the same time, as support, the first mercenary group established by the Silver Blue Civilization can accept missions of a level one higher than its current official rating when undertaking alliance missions. This privilege can be applied to all missions below level six."

The conditions are clear and very tempting.

The four tiers of resources are in line with Liyue's estimated standard prices, and the "accepting quests above the level" permission is undoubtedly a powerful booster for a mercenary group that urgently needs to accumulate points and reputation, which can greatly shorten the long and tedious accumulation process in the early stages.

All eyes were on Lin Yi.

The representatives of the other factions exchanged glances, awaiting the young genius's reaction.

Lin Yi slowly stood up, meeting the gaze of the mercenary alliance representative.

He didn't look at anyone else, but spoke clearly and firmly to that representative:

"Thank you for the Alliance's recognition and support. I accept your invitation and am willing to join the Cosmic Mercenary Alliance."

Without hesitation, without waiting for a higher price.

This move clearly tells all other forces that my main platform for cooperation is right here.

In an instant, Lin Yi could clearly feel that the gazes from the representatives of the Star Legion, Starsea Bank, and Interstellar Chamber of Commerce had cooled down a bit.

There was a hint of regret mixed in, but more than that, there was a calmness in quickly reassessing the situation.

After their hopes of recruiting him were dashed, these shrewd diplomats immediately adjusted their strategy, aiming to maintain their friendship with this level 7 prodigy while also striving to establish a cooperative relationship with this potential civilization.

After all, giving gifts is just a duty that anyone can do; the real achievement is how to reach a cooperation agreement.

Smiles returned to their faces, but behind those smiles was no longer the enthusiasm for attracting talent, but the shrewdness to secure the best cooperation terms.

An elderly man with a slightly plump appearance was in the representative room of the Human Interstellar Merchant Guild.

He wore a finely made long robe, and his smile was as warm as that of a friendly old man next door.

"Your Excellency Lin Yi, a young civilization needs a window to showcase itself to the outside world, and transportation is an indispensable part of that." His voice was gentle, with a persuasive tone. "Our Interstellar Commerce Guild is willing to build three fully functional, multi-functional star ring shipyards in near-Earth orbit around Silver Blue Star free of charge. They will have comprehensive functions such as ship repair, small vessel construction, and material transshipment, which will greatly accelerate your civilization's industrialization process and lay a solid foundation for your future status as a hub star."

His vision was beautiful, like that of a kind-hearted friend.

However, Lin Yi was not fooled by this performance.

He first listened attentively for a while to the synchronized suggestions from the think tank in the next conference room, which were conveyed to him in his mind by Xuanji. Then, he bowed slightly and spoke with a grateful smile:
"Thank you, Chamber of Commerce, and thank you for your generosity. This gift is far too precious for Silvermoon Blue to accept."

Lin Yi first set a humble tone, then subtly shifted the focus, saying, "In the history of our civilization, there is an ancient wisdom: 'Give a man a fish and you feed him for a day; teach a man to fish and you feed him for a lifetime.' We are extremely eager for this shipyard and are willing to do our utmost to cooperate in its construction. To express our sincerity for long-term and in-depth cooperation, may I humbly propose..."

He looked at the old man: "Could we explore a more sustainable model of cooperation?"

"For example, how about signing a strategic cooperation and ownership transition agreement for a thousand years? Initially, the shipyard can be operated under your leadership, with us paying reasonable rent and sending personnel to learn in depth. Nine hundred years later, we hope to acquire full ownership of the shipyard and related, non-core technologies for a symbolic price."

"This will not only solve our current predicament, but also give us a future expectation that is worth fighting for by all our people."

A hint of surprise flashed in the old man's eyes.

This kid—no, this civilization—is not simple when it comes to economics.
The other party clearly has a clear understanding of the future value of Silver Blue Star as a pivotal star, and is directly using "time" and "future ownership" as bargaining chips.

"His suggestion, Mr. Lin Yi, is indeed very constructive."

The old man's warm smile remained unchanged, but he became noticeably more serious. "However, the details involved are very complex. For example, the rental standards, the scope of technical training, the technical support during the transition period, and the specific definition of that 'symbolic consideration' will probably require in-depth evaluation and consultation."

Immediately afterwards, the representative of the Human Star Sea Bank took over the conversation.

"Your Excellency Lin Yi, as a future hub star, Silver Blue Star cannot do without comprehensive financial services." Her voice was clear and fast. "Our Star Sea Bank, as a symbol of the human race's financial industry, plans to establish a fourth-level branch here to provide your civilization with comprehensive financial support. However, we hope that after the branch is established, we can waive the site fees and related taxes."

duty free!

Xuanji immediately transmitted the think tank's analysis in sync.

"Commander, this is absolutely unacceptable! The core land of the Hub Star is bound to be a scarce resource, and its value will increase exponentially. The loss from tax exemption is astronomical! Our bottom line should be close to the maximum 70% reduction in the first two hundred years, and then reduce by 5% every hundred years thereafter until it returns to normal levels."

Lin Yi understood immediately and gave the bank representative a slightly embarrassed wry smile.

"Your Excellency, the establishment of Xinghai Bank is something we've long dreamed of. But please forgive my bluntness, but waiving all fees involves too many variables for a civilization in a period of rapid development, and it would be difficult for us to explain this to future generations. Could we consider a more flexible solution? For example, a dynamic tax incentive policy closely linked to the economic development stage of the Silver Blue Civilization?"

"In the initial stage, we can provide substantial support. As our own strength increases, we will gradually transition to a more mature cooperation model."

After a moment's hesitation, the representative said, "This proposal is not out of the question, but it needs further discussion."

The representative of the Terran Astral Legion then presented his proposal.

"If the Silverblue Civilization is willing, the Legion can consider permanently stationing a rapid reaction squadron on Silverblue Star, consisting of one improved 'North Wind' class command ship and three 'Guardian' class escort ships. However, according to standard procedures, the daily maintenance, energy consumption, base construction, and personnel supply costs of this squadron must be fully borne by the protected party, namely the Silverblue Civilization."

The opinion of the General Staff members in the think tank came through: "Commander-in-Chief, we believe that stationing troops is acceptable. It is a security guarantee in the early stages and also a strategic deterrent. However, the costs must be shared."

"We can provide the best garrison sites, necessary local living supplies, and some manpower support. However, the core costs of the fleet, such as energy, weapons system maintenance, and personnel salaries, must be borne by them. This is a matter of principle; otherwise, we will become their ATM."

Lin Yi agreed with this in his heart. He turned to the legion representative, his tone carrying the natural respect for soldiers, but his stance remained unchanged: "Silver Moon Blue sincerely thanks and urgently needs the protection of the legion. This is the reassurance of our civilization."

"We are willing to do everything we can to provide the best possible conditions and convenience for the troops stationed here. But as you can see, we are just getting started and there is much to be done. We simply cannot afford to independently bear the full maintenance costs of an entire starfleet."

"This isn't due to a lack of sincerity on our part, but rather the practical difficulties we face. Perhaps we could jointly explore a cost-sharing mechanism that better suits the circumstances of both parties? For example, we could be responsible for the infrastructure and local resources, while you would be responsible for the core technology maintenance and mobile deployment costs?"

Throughout the negotiation process, Lin Yi was like a piece of tough cowhide soaked in water—seemingly soft, yet extremely difficult to tear apart.

He never directly rejects any offer of kindness from either party.

Because this was indeed a well-intentioned gesture; other civilizations, such as Earth in my previous life, would never dream of having such conditions.

Therefore, he always expresses his sincere gratitude first.

Then, based on the current predicament and long-term interests of the Blue Star civilization, a well-reasoned proposal was put forward.

Lin Yi knew very well that although he didn't have many cards in his hand, each one was quite significant.

A future genius destined for at least the Transcendent Realm is worthy of long-term investment from any power. Furthermore, everyone can see that once Silver Blue Star is relocated, it will become the central hub of a star system.

If Lin Yi hadn't been unsure whether his master would mind using his reputation in such a money-driven negotiation, fearing he might lose more than he gained, he might have even brought up his status as a disciple of a deity.

Just as the various factions were arguing over the terms and getting bogged down in a tug-of-war, the mercenary alliance's envoy casually tapped the table with his finger, breaking the somewhat somber atmosphere.

He looked at Lin Yi, his tone carrying a hint of pure curiosity, as if it were just casual conversation:
"Speaking of which, there's something I'm curious about. As one of the most well-informed giants, the Pan-Spirit Alliance Virtual Network Company doesn't seem to have sent any representatives to attend the ceremony. That's rather unusual for them."

The question, though asked casually, instantly captured the attention of all the delegates.

Even the old man who was arguing with Lin Yi about the dock agreement temporarily stopped talking and turned his gaze over.

Lin Yi picked up the water glass in front of him, took a small sip of tea, and then put the glass down, as if he were recounting a trivial matter:

"Lady Xingyi visited me in person seventeen years ago."

The entire conference hall fell silent instantly.

Xingyi?!
That being who took charge of the Purple Gold Star Alliance's virtual network branch, seventeen years ago?
More than a decade earlier than all of us?!
The representatives of the various factions exchanged a glance. The ubiquitous intelligence network of the Virtual Network Company, and the fact that their branch manager had secretly visited them, suddenly shrouded Lin Yi and the entire Silver Blue Civilization in a thick fog.

Does this kid have some secret they're completely unaware of?
This sudden surge of doubt imbued Lin Yi with an aura of mystery.

In the subsequent debate over the terms, their attitude softened considerably, and they made concessions much more readily.

Soon, a series of framework agreements, filled with compromises and negotiations, were finally reached.

"Lord Lin Yi, the cooperation with Silver Moon Blue is something to look forward to." The portly old man from the Chamber of Commerce smiled and first gestured for his attendant to bring out an exquisite metal box.

"This is a small gift, containing a complete set of optimization plans and data models for the construction of a primary civilization's energy industry system, collected by our chamber of commerce. We hope it will be of some help to your civilization."

Immediately afterwards, a representative from Xinghai Bank presented a "300 Million Star Crystal Centennial Interest-Free Credit Line Agreement".

The general of the Astral Legion simply left behind a Guardian-class warship.

These gifts were of considerable value and showed great sincerity, perfectly making up for the slight "unpleasantness" at the negotiating table earlier.

As the commotion subsided, the massive visiting fleet, just as it had arrived, silently withdrew and disappeared into the deep starry sky.

The enormous circular conference hall finally fell completely silent, leaving only the unchanging starry sky outside the window and the satellite that had been officially named "Silver Moon".

Lin Yi stood alone in front of the viewing window, silently gazing into the distance.

Behind him, Li Zhenguo, Zhou Donglai, Nie Chang, and others had faces etched with exhaustion from intense concentration, but deep in their eyes burned an irrepressible excitement and high fighting spirit.

"We...we really did it?"

An official in charge of financial planning muttered to himself, as if still unable to believe it, "We're sitting at the same table as those interstellar giants, and... we're not losing out?"

"It's not just that we didn't suffer any losses."

Zhou Donglai rubbed his throbbing temples vigorously. "Commander-in-Chief, you have earned us invaluable respect and room for development! We have safeguarded our core interests!"

Lin Yi slowly turned around, his face showing little joy of victory.

"Their concessions today are simply out of respect for the Level 7 and Level 5 ratings."

Lin Yi's voice echoed in the somewhat empty hall, "In addition, because of Xingyi's arrival, they felt that they couldn't see through us, so they chose a more cautious strategy."

Then, his gaze swept over each of the core members.

"Issue the order: the entire world shall immediately enter a state of emergency preparedness for a 'civilization leap'."

"This is not war preparation, but development preparation, and learning preparation. Every day and every hour before we move to our new home on Silver Blue Star, we must acquire knowledge and cultivate our own interstellar engineers, scientists, diplomats, and soldiers, just as we would fight for survival in the apocalypse."

"The future of Silvermoon Blue must not be entrusted to the goodwill or investment of any power. Only our own wisdom and strength can determine our destiny."

"The game has already begun. We have just learned the most basic rules and even used the momentum of the spectators to make the first move."

"The next step, and countless steps ahead, will depend on us to take, to forge, and to fight for a true future for the name 'Silver Moon Blue' in the sea of ​​stars."

(End of this chapter)