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

Chapter 304 Reflections on Planning, The Importance of Team Leadership (Three-in-One, Seeking Monthly Tickets)
While an initial quota of 10,000 points is substantial, considering that we are currently only in the fifth level of the game and that obtaining subsequent quotas is quite difficult, it is clear that we cannot afford to waste any of them.

After a brief moment's thought, Lin Yi quickly abandoned the long-term type of treasures. Time was his most scarce resource at the moment, and all his resources had to be designed around the principle of "short-term, high-efficiency, and explosive breakthroughs."

His gaze was sharp as he scanned the resource list again, his mind racing with calculations. Soon, a short-term sprint plan that aimed for maximum efficiency gradually became clear.

"Xuanji, record my resource exchange plan. Add Deep Blue Chant, the Myriad Streams Return to Source Meditation Diagram, 5 portions of Pure Source Dew, and the access to the Tide Simulation Room to the exchange list. At the same time, directly apply to exchange for a Basic Water Rule Structure Model," Lin Yi said in a deep voice.

This is his proposed solution after careful consideration.

Deep Blue Aria, All Streams Return to the Source Meditation Diagram, and Pure Source Dew can be used together. Using 5 portions of Pure Source Dew can achieve a maximum increase of 50%.

The basic water rule structure model is the foundation of knowledge. With sufficient prior knowledge, the utilization rate of spiritual energy can be maximized.

As for the tide simulation room, it was the breakthrough site he planned to use.

The total cost of this plan is 1620 points.

"Xuanji, calculate the short-term efficiency improvement in comprehending the rules of water under this configuration."

Lin Yi needs to make some quantitative predictions to determine the approximate time of the breakthrough.

Xuanji was silent for a moment, then replied:
"Master, based on comprehensive calculations, the peak effective comprehension rate in the short term is expected to reach between 5.1 and 5.5 times the base rate."

Lin Yi nodded, thinking to himself, "If I were to rely solely on my own spiritual energy and that of my clone to fully comprehend the rules of water, it would take approximately 380 years."

"But if we adopt this treasure plan, the total time can be reduced to between 35 and 40 years."

35 to 40 years!
A glint flashed in Lin Yi's eyes.

This result was even better than his most optimistic prediction.

"Very good." Lin Yi suppressed his excitement. "Xuanji, first submit the application for the exchange of the basic water rule structure model. For other resources, reserve them using points."

“Yes, Master,” Xuanji replied immediately.

With the resource plan finalized, Lin Yi felt a sense of relief. He composed himself and began making simple preparations for the evening's gathering.

At the same time, Xuanji began to organize and present the most basic rule framework information to him according to the basic water rule structure model.

Before long, the sky outside the window, under the unique energy light regulation of the Origin Star, gradually turned into a soft deep blue, symbolizing "night," dotted with simulated stars.

A silver-gray shuttle silently landed on the manor's landing pad.

There were no conspicuous markings on the shuttle's exterior, only a faint, flowing light.

This is a common commuting vehicle within Xingyuan District, arranged by Lan Yuan at Lin Yi's request; it's relatively low-key.

Lin Yi is ready.

He changed into a casual outfit common in Xingyuan District. The fabric was a dark composite material that could adapt to ambient temperature and slightly adjust light refraction. The cut was good, and the style was simple, neither too casual nor too formal.

Lin Yi checked his appearance again on the mirrored display screen in the lobby, then turned and stepped into the waiting shuttle.

The shuttle has a comfortable interior and an autopilot system that connects directly to the star source, allowing it to take off smoothly and fly towards the core of the star source area.

Outside the window, the night sky of Origin Star is gentle and dazzling.

Simulated stars and pale golden energy bands flowing across the sky complement each other, while the lights scattered across the manors in the Star Source Zone below are like jewels adorning deep blue velvet, serene and mysterious.

About ten minutes later, the shuttle began to descend.

A magnificent complex of buildings came into view ahead.

The main building resembles several enormous, slightly folded silver wings, pointing towards the sky with an elegant arc. The wing surfaces are not solid, but rather composed of flowing energy and a certain crystalline structure, constantly refracting and absorbing the energy flow in the surrounding space, emitting a gentle and bright glow.

The building is surrounded by a large, meticulously designed crystal cluster garden and still water landscape, which blends harmoniously with the brilliance of the main building.

Lin Yi thought to himself, no wonder it's called "Dawn Palace".

Two minutes later, the shuttle came to a stop in the designated landing area.

The hatch opened, and Lin Yi stepped out.

Immediately, a humanoid servant with eyes that shimmered with a soft blue light stepped forward to greet them.

"Your Excellency Lin Yi, His Majesty the Star Weaver and all the guests are already here and waiting in the Hall of Radiant Glory. Please follow me."

Lin Yi nodded and followed the servant through an invisible energy gate into the Dawn Palace.

The interior space is exceptionally spacious and high-ceilinged, with bright but not glaring light, as if the building itself is radiating light.

The air was filled with a soothing energy, and one could faintly hear a pleasant hum, like the movement of light particles.

Occasionally, you can see other servants standing quietly along the way, everything is in good order.

Soon, they arrived at a tall archway with doors formed by flowing light curtains.

The servant bowed slightly: "Lord Lin Yi has arrived."

The light curtain door opened like ripples on water, revealing the interior scene.

This is an extremely spacious hall, consistent with the exterior in style, filled with the art of light.

Instead of a traditional long table in the center of the hall, there are some uniquely designed floating chairs and small communication tables scattered around, with drinks or delicate snacks emitting a soft glow on many of the tables.

Soft light falls from all directions at just the right angles, creating a comfortable and bright atmosphere for conversation.

There were already more than twenty people in the hall.

They gathered in small groups, some sitting, some standing, talking in hushed tones.

When Lin Yi stepped in, almost all eyes turned to him, some calm, some curious, some scrutinizing.

Lin Yi instantly became the focus of the entire audience.

With an unchanged expression, he calmly walked into the center of the hall and bowed slightly to the silver-haired man in the main seat, who seemed to radiate a warm glow and had the most gentle and tolerant temperament, as well as the several obviously esteemed figures beside him.

"Lin Yi, it is my first time visiting Xingyuan District. I am deeply grateful for the kindness of His Excellency Zhixing and everyone else who have hosted a banquet to welcome me." His voice was clear and resonant, neither humble nor arrogant.

The silver-haired man in the main seat was none other than Zhixing.

With a warm smile on his face, he gently raised his hand to help you up: "No need for formalities. Your exceptional inclusion in the list means you are on the same path as us. Although Xingyuan District is large, there are not many members on the list. Today's gathering is not only to welcome you, but also a rare opportunity for us to get together."

As she spoke, Zhixing briefly introduced herself, then turned her gaze to the people beside her.

"You've probably heard of these people: Shuangjin, Xinyu, Wuxi, Guiyuan, Ruifeng, and Xuyan."

Each time Zhixing uttered a code name, the corresponding eternal deity would nod slightly to Lin Yi as a greeting.

Lin Yi returned the greetings one by one.

"I won't introduce the rest one by one; you young people can get to know them yourselves later."

Zhi Xing smiled and then raised a crystal-clear drink in her hand, which seemed to contain starlight. "Come, let's drink this together and welcome Lin Yi to the list."

Everyone raised their glasses in greeting, and the atmosphere became much more relaxed.

After a simple welcoming ceremony, it was time for free interaction, and soon several members of the Evolutionary Realm level came over on their own initiative.

"Lin Yi, this is An Chen."

A burly, kind-faced man spoke first, "I heard you fought against the Kunmo tribe on the border and even killed their pride?"

His eyes held an undisguised interest, clearly indicating that he was a straightforward person.

"Yes, it was just luck," Lin Yi said modestly, briefly describing the battle.

"Okay, good kill!"

An Chen patted Lin Yi on the shoulder, "Those Kunmo bastards have been making more and more troublesome moves on the border lately, it's so annoying. It's great that you were able to wipe out their seedlings at the Star Core level!"

A woman with a slightly aloof demeanor, whose surroundings seemed to ripple with subtle spatial energy, spoke up: "I am He Mo, specializing in space. Lin Yi, the data shows that you have already integrated with the rules of spacetime. We can exchange ideas more often in the future."

"Thank you very much, Realm Master He Mo. I will definitely seek your guidance in the future if I have the opportunity," Lin Yi said earnestly.

As time went on, Lin Yi gradually began to talk to more people.

Some were curious about his experiences on the frontier, some were interested in his combination of spacetime rules, and others simply wanted to see what was so special about this young man who had been jointly recommended by the two venerable ones.

However, after exchanging initial greetings, they returned to their respective social circles.

Lin Yi knew that this was a natural state based on the difference in absolute strength and cognitive level, not a deliberate alienation, but simply a difference in circles.

At the same time, he also noticed that the profound discussion of cultivation experiences that he had previously anticipated almost did not occur.

The occasional fragmented conversations that brushed past my ears were all unrelated to cultivation.

"The regular reports from the Black Abyss Corridor Observatory No. 77 have been delayed. It's not a technical malfunction, but a deliberate silence. Things haven't been peaceful there lately."

"In the latest trade list submitted by the Yongshuang Merchant Guild, the purchase volume of star core stabilizers has surged by 300% year-on-year, citing the need to explore new star regions, but their route applications do not show any large-scale exploration plans."

"The Law Application Research Institute under the Ling Clan's Origin Court has increased the proportion of research on the stability of law structures under high-intensity energy environments by 22% in the past three years of its published documents, which is unusual."

"Someone from the military's logistics department privately revealed that the Void Whale Bone Powder quota for the next quarter has been cut by 15%, and all of it has been allocated to emergency repair projects at the front. I reckon it'll be coming soon?"

Lin Yi stood there, suddenly feeling a rare sense of unease.

It's not tension, but rather a "speechlessness" at the information level.

He could understand each word, but the meaning strung together pointed to a completely unfamiliar level for him.

What do the unusual movements in the Black Abyss Corridor signify?
Whose demand is behind the surge in purchases by the Yongshuang Trading Group?
What direction does the Eldar's shift in research indicate?
Which front is strained by the adjustment of military quotas?

He had no way of judging, let alone participating.

These topics, though seemingly scattered, are like the various corners of a giant jigsaw puzzle. Those who possess the information can vaguely glimpse the whole picture, while he, a newcomer, doesn't even have a decent piece in his hands.

He was like a spectator who had stumbled into the post-game analysis room of top chess players, watching them pontificate on the chessboard, discussing possibilities ten moves ahead and strategies a hundred moves ahead, while he himself might not even fully understand why the pieces in front of him were arranged the way they were.

He could consult Qianhuan about cultivation issues, explore on his own, or exchange resources to break through. But in this dialogue based on a vast information network, a keen political sense, and a strategic vision, he couldn't find a way to engage.

Several members of the Transcendent Realm passed by him, whispering about the relationship between resource output fluctuations and loyalty among several vassal civilizations in a certain star field. They merely nodded politely to him before continuing their discussion.

Standing amidst the flowing light and shadows and whispers, Lin Yi, for the first time on a purely informational level, felt the actual distance between himself and the core circle of Xingyuan District.

This distance is more subtle and more real than the difference in realms.

Just then, a gentle halo of light approached.

After finishing her brief conversation with a member of the Derivation Realm, Zhixing naturally walked over to Lin Yi's side.

Do you feel like you don't have much in common with everyone?

Zhixing's voice carried a knowing smile as her gaze swept over the people in the hall who were chatting in hushed tones. "When you reach our level of cultivation, unless your paths are highly overlapping or you encounter an extremely special bottleneck, you rarely discuss specific insights and experiences in public. It's more of a private exchange between master and disciple or close friends."

"Here, what everyone is more concerned about is the situation."

Lin Yi nodded frankly: "Yes, I found myself completely unable to join the conversation."

He has nothing to hide; that's the truth.

Zhi Xing smiled, not surprised: "It's normal. You're new here and don't know a lot of background information."

"However, the fact that the list review committee was able to approve your exceptional application so quickly during this sensitive period itself represents an attitude and expectation."

Then, he changed the subject, his gaze landing on Lin Yi's face, "How do you assess your chances of winning the upcoming Pan-Spirit Alliance Genius Battle?"

The topic suddenly shifted to himself, and to such a direct and core issue that Lin Yi was slightly taken aback.

But he quickly composed himself, thought carefully, and replied, "If we're only talking about rankings, I'm fairly confident I can get into the top ranks. But if we're talking about the real number one..."

He recalled Senior Sister Qianhuan's reminder about the unspoken rules of the Spirit Clan and said tactfully, "I can only say that I will do my best."

"Giving it your all is fundamental."

Zhixing's tone was calm, yet carried a serious tone, "The committee, including the two lords who nominated you, probably expect more than just a top ranking."

"It's extremely difficult for Star Core-level individuals to be included on the list. In this special period, you've been exceptionally admitted as a Star Core-level individual. Have you considered the deeper meaning behind this?"

Lin Yi's heart stirred slightly.

He certainly considered that the resources were for his own rapid growth to cope with the battle of geniuses, and he also vaguely felt that it was related to the face of the human race.

But the meaning behind Zhixing's words seems to go beyond that.

"I humbly request Your Majesty's guidance," Lin Yi asked respectfully.

Zhixing's gaze fell on the simulated starlight flowing through the dome of the hall, as if he were organizing his thoughts: "Influence, morale boosting, these obvious benefits, I won't go into details. With your mind, you should be able to figure them out."

Lin Yi nodded.

This was indeed the aspect he could think of: the human genius winning first place in the Pan-Spirit Alliance would enhance the influence of the human race and boost the morale of the frontline soldiers, especially the Star Core level, who are the absolute main fighting force in the vast energy-poor region. This was particularly important during a period of escalating friction.

"I have two points to make." Zhixing withdrew her gaze and looked at Lin Yi again.

"First, there is real reduction in battlefield casualties."

He said slowly, "No matter how the battle goes, the Star Core level will be the main force in the conflict. The appearance of a universally acknowledged number one genius who crushes his generation in our camp will have an invisible but enormous psychological deterrent effect on the enemy's geniuses of the same level."

"They will be wary, hesitant, and avoid direct confrontation with you or your forces. This subtle psychological advantage, when translated into casualty ratio and mission success rate, will accumulate into a considerable number over the long border and countless small-scale conflicts."

"It can save the lives of many outstanding soldiers who would otherwise have sacrificed their lives and preserve many precious strategic nodes. This is the most direct military value brought by the first."

Lin Yi nodded; he had also considered this point.

"Secondly, it involves higher-level game theory and is also related to the rules of the myriad secret realms."

Zhi Xing slowly said, "According to the ancient rules of the Pan-Spirit Alliance, the one who wins first place in the Genius Battle will automatically become the leader of the Pan-Spirit Alliance when exploring the myriad secret realms together to deal with the other two forces."

"This team leader has the authority to coordinate the various factions within the Pan-Spirit Alliance and formulate basic action strategies within the secret realm."

Upon hearing this, Lin Yi's gaze immediately sharpened.

Team leader?

He had never heard of this information before.

“Normally, this leadership position would undoubtedly belong to the Spirit Race,” Zhixing continued. “But this time is different. There are undercurrents on the border, the Kunmo Race is restless, and other races are also wavering.”

"If our human representative can demonstrate... well, truly the strongest ability in the Genius Battle, and thus win this team leader position..."

Zhi Xing paused, looking at Lin Yi meaningfully: "So, in order to gain your full cooperation and support as the strongest in the perilous myriad secret realms, to ensure the Spirit Race's dominance in the Pan-Spirit Alliance, and also to protect the Spirit Race's current generation of prodigies from suffering too many losses."

"In the upcoming conflict, the Eldar will have to consider giving us humans some extra benefits in exchange."

Lin Yi suddenly understood, but then a wave of doubt washed over him.

"But..." Lin Yi suppressed the turmoil in his heart and asked, "Your Majesty, given the situation, other races should also devote their efforts to cultivating geniuses and vying for this first place that may affect the Spirit Race's attitude."

"Moreover, even if I were to become the team leader by chance, the Spirit Race would have an absolute numerical advantage in the top thousand in the Genius Battle. If they were to outwardly comply but inwardly defy us, my position as team leader would probably be merely nominal, and the Spirit Race could still maintain control. Why would they give up some of their benefits in exchange?"

Upon hearing this, Zhixing smiled with a hint of appreciation, the first such smile of the night.

"first question."

He said slowly, "Enlightenment-type treasures are not omnipotent; they can only amplify existing talents."

"According to the intelligence we have, within the Pan-Spirit Alliance, apart from you, there are very few non-Spirit races whose Star Core level can reach the fourth level of rule fusion, let alone the fifth level."

"Even if they were given resources at the level of a list, the idea of ​​pushing their understanding of the rules to the eighth or ninth level within eight hundred years? That's almost hopeless. Which race would invest a lot of resources to gamble on a slim possibility? The cost-effectiveness is too low."

"So, the only real variable right now is you."

As for the second question...

Zhixing's smile faded, and her tone became serious. "You've hit the nail on the head."

"The reason why the leader can make the Spirit Clan hesitate is not only because of his name, but also because of a rule that the Spirit Clan has set up for their own convenience."

As Zhixing spoke, a cold smile appeared on his face. "The Spirit Clan believes that in order for the Pan-Spirit Alliance to have a certain unified combat capability within the secret realm, and to facilitate confrontation with the other two parties, the team leader, as the top expert, will be granted law enforcement authority."

Lin Yi was immediately startled.

Enforcement power!
this means
"Yes."

Zhixing confirmed his guess, "As long as the reason is sufficient and the process is recorded, the team leader has the right to punish, or even kill on the spot, any member of his own side who disobeys orders."

“Afterwards, the Pan-Spirit Alliance’s highest arbitration tribunal will only conduct a procedural review and will not usually investigate the team leader’s substantive decisions.”

The soft light in the hall seemed to turn somewhat cold at this moment.

The hushed conversations about resources and observations around us seemed to be separated by an invisible barrier.

Lin Yi immediately understood.

This is no empty reputation.

This is a sword hanging over everyone's head.

The Eldar might be able to use their numerical advantage to sideline a mediocre leader, but if the leader is a "true number one" with enough strength to suppress their internal geniuses, then the weight of this sword is completely different.

Not cooperating?
Yang and yin violate?

In a secret realm fraught with danger and facing two other powerful enemies, a leader with absolute power and legitimate authority has countless ways to make disobedient people pay the price, or even disappear, in a compliant manner.

The Eldar were clearly unwilling to take this risk, nor were they willing to succumb to internal conflict while fighting against a foreign enemy.

Therefore, if the human race does produce such a leader, then exchanging some other support for this leader's friendly cooperation in the secret realm would be a very worthwhile deal for the Eldar.

Lin Yi pondered to himself that perhaps the Spirit Clan would use a similar method to deal with the champions of those non-Spirit Clan geniuses who had appeared in the past.

After all, paying some price to win them over is definitely much easier than resorting to other means. If other methods go wrong and damage the reputation of the race, that would be a major blunder.

Therefore, any high-ranking member of the Spirit Clan in charge of these myriad secret realms who has a brain would know what to do.

Everything suddenly became clear.

The exceptional inclusion in the list, the allocation of resources, and the expectations of the higher-ups—all of these ultimately rested on the fulcrum of "first place in the genius battle."

This fulcrum leverages not only glory, but also tangible battlefield advantages, the lives of many soldiers of the tribe, and invaluable strategic support from the Eldar, the alliance leader, during this special period.

Lin Yi knew that even if becoming the leader of the secret realm only brought him a little extra support, it would still be invaluable when considered in the context of the entire race.

pressure.

An unprecedented amount of pressure fell squarely on Lin Yi's shoulders.

This is no longer the vague "bringing glory to the human race," but a series of cold and weighty responsibilities and expectations.

Zhixing looked at Lin Yi, who was silently pondering, and knew that he had completely understood.

He didn't say anything more, but gently patted Lin Yi's shoulder and said, "The road ahead is long. Listen more tonight; it's a learning experience."

After speaking, Zhixing turned around and rejoined the conversation of the others, as if her strategic advice, which could have influenced the fate of countless people, was just an ordinary chat.

Lin Yi stood alone in the same spot, and the surrounding light, shadows, and whispers seemed to become clear again.

He raised his head and glanced at the figures in the hall.

The night in Xingyuan District is still long.

But the direction of the road beneath his feet had never been so clear.

(End of this chapter)