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

Chapter 352 Precarious Situation
In the conference room, the echoes of "Greetings, Your Excellency Lin Yi" still seemed to linger.

Lin Yi's gaze swept over the familiar faces, and he could clearly feel the awe and distance that naturally arose in their eyes because of his becoming a god-level combatant.

He waved his hand and walked to the main seat. "Please sit down. The title 'Your Majesty' sounds a bit premature right now."

He smiled and said, "My god-level combat power relies on the mechanical body of the Fearless War God. My true body is still at the Star Vortex level, but I am still far from being a true eternal god."

After speaking, Lin Yi sat down first, a gesture that eased the tense atmosphere slightly.

Everyone took their seats as instructed, and all eyes were on him.

Lin Yi cut to the chase without beating around the bush: "I've gathered everyone here because there are some important things I need to tell you. First, it's about our shared experiences in the myriad secret realms."

He didn't explicitly say "Star Origin Society," but everyone present had signed the Soul Origin Seal, and they instantly understood what he meant.

"The Myriad Secret Realms have completely ended," Lin Yi said slowly. "We have reported everything that happened during that time, and there is now a lot of media coverage of our experience."

"I know, of course, some people will not believe it. Everyone may face various situations, such as well-intentioned concern, or coercion and enticement from certain people with ulterior motives."

Lin Yi's voice trailed off.

"If you encounter irresistible pressure or are coerced by extreme measures, remember to immediately seek help through our internal emergency contact system. I will try my best to get there. However, if the situation is critical and I don't have enough time, or if the other party is too powerful..."

He paused for a moment, and the conference room was so quiet you could hear a pin drop.

"Don't hesitate, end your own life immediately to eliminate any possibility of being captured and banned."

These words were like a piece of ice thrown into water, sending a chill down everyone's spine.

Self-destruction is self-destruction.

"You're dead. When I'm stronger in the future, I can try to resurrect you. You should know what to choose," Lin Yi said slowly.

The meaning couldn't be clearer.

If you get caught, just self-destruct; there's still a chance to be resurrected in the future. But if you reveal your secrets and cause a backlash from your soul's original seal, then you're truly dead.

Everyone's expressions were solemn as they silently engraved this supreme principle into their hearts.

"Secondly," Lin Yi continued, "the Myriad Secret Realms open once every five thousand years. Now that our group has come out, the intensity of the battle here will temporarily decrease significantly. According to my judgment, the high-end combat forces of the fortress and even this war zone, especially those powerful Venerable Lords and God squads, as well as many battle groups, are likely to be transferred to other more pressing fronts."

He looked at everyone and said, “This means that your respective tribes should make arrangements for your return soon, and the time for you to be escorted back to your respective territories or to your new mission locations will not be too far off.”

"I estimate that in a few months to a year or two, everyone will go their separate ways to carry out their respective tasks or return to their clans for deeper training."

This news caused many people's eyes to flicker.

After five thousand years of secluded life, it's time to get back on track.

“So, thirdly,” Lin Yi smiled, “make good use of the merits and rewards you exchange for the spoils you brought out. Seize every opportunity to improve your cultivation level and enhance your self-defense capabilities. Strength will always be the foundation for you to establish yourself in the Star Sea and cope with future uncertainties.”

He didn't spell it out explicitly, but everyone understood the underlying meaning.

"That's all I wanted to say." Lin Yi leaned back in his chair. "No matter where you are in the future, if you encounter problems you can't solve, you can contact us through internal channels. But more often than not, you'll have to rely on yourselves. Let's call it a day and get to work."

He didn't give a long farewell or offer any encouragement; he simply ended the gathering cleanly and decisively.

After everyone stood up, bowed with varying expressions, and left the conference room one after another.

Soon, only Lin Yi remained in the conference room.

After sitting quietly for a moment, he went directly to the newly booked god-level training ground, since there were still many things he needed to familiarize himself with.

at the same time.

Lin Yi, who had long since returned to the cultivation room, had just finished a round of source energy refining.

He opened his eyes, his gaze reflecting the stable energy source in the room, calm and undisturbed.

With a thought, he summoned Xuanji.

A phantom figure in palace attire quietly appeared, bowing slightly: "Master."

"Pull up my current list of all resources and categorize them in detail," Lin Yi instructed.

Xuanji waved her hand, and several light screens unfolded in the void, clearly displaying the data stream.

[Pan-Spirit Alliance Battle Merit Settlement]

Golden Battle Merit (God-level): 1300 million points
Note: Awarded after comprehensive evaluation for playing a crucial role in the battle to open the secret realm exit and eliminating a large number of Erosion and Nightmare warband units. Can be used to exchange for divine-level treasures, arcane arts, mechanical artifacts, etc.

[Clan Merit Balance]

Total: 107000 points

Component details:

Reward for submitting 500 units of source ore: 20000
Having officially acquired god-level combat power, the clan will receive a one-time reward of 50000.
Successfully leading the Pan-Spirit Alliance's prodigies to safety from the secret realm, key role on the battlefield, and positive publicity effect upon their return: Reward: 10000
[Special Genius List Points]

Balance: 5000000 points

Note: Special reward for complete mastery of the laws of time (100% comprehension).

【Cosmic Mercenary Alliance】

Contribution points: 1000000

Mercenary Rank: 6 stars (Automatic promotion, based on god-level combat power certification)

Note: 6-star mercenaries can accept god-level dangerous missions and enjoy a higher profit-sharing ratio and intelligence access.

Lin Yi's eyes quickly swept over the numbers.

1300 million golden battle merits sounds like a huge sum of money. But god-level resources often start at millions, a basic set of god-level battle armor might cost several million, and better offensive treasures are even more expensive.

This 1300 million is only enough to equip the Fearless War God clone with one or two decent accessories, or to exchange for one or two ordinary god-level secret techniques.

Clan merit points are 107,000, which seem more valuable than battle merits, since the items in the clan merit treasury are rarer.

But when he thought about how a resurrection would cost a million, and a second one would cost two million, his clan merits wouldn't even cover a fraction of the cost of a resurrection, let alone exchange for those top-tier inheritances that could truly lay the foundation for a lord. The string of zeros following the price made him dizzy.

Five million registry points is an astronomical figure for a Star-level being. For him, with his current god-level perspective and needs, it's only enough to exchange for some decent god-level enlightenment treasures, which is far from sufficient.

One million mercenary alliance contribution points have much stronger purchasing power than training camp points, and can be exchanged for many good things. However, when faced with the needs of a god-level monster like God, it's just so-so.

"You only realize how little money you have when you need it," Lin Yi rubbed his temples and sighed silently.

The pressure comes not only from resources.

The news of the Lord of Hengshi's serious injury was like a thorn stuck in his heart.

Humanity has only one ruler, and if this pillar becomes unstable, the resulting chain reaction will be catastrophic.

Now that he possesses god-level combat power, he has begun to enter the core combat power circle of his race. He must become stronger even faster, strong enough to protect Silver Blue in the possible storms, and even to provide more shelter for the human race.

Becoming stronger requires resources, massive amounts of resources.

Resources, resources, and more resources.

He's lacking so much right now.

The Fearless War God granted him god-level combat power, but the mechanical divine body itself is only a basic platform. He has offensive treasures, but not defensive ones, so he needs matching armor-type treasures to enhance his defense.

On the battlefield, you can only deal damage if you survive.

In addition, spaceships are also needed.

While most god-level missions are conducted in small teams, there are also many solo missions. These missions often cross star systems, so a private spaceship capable of faster-than-light jumps and equipped with basic defense systems is essential.

Magical restoration items are even more crucial.

The mechanical divine body consumes a huge amount of energy. If there were a treasure that could quickly replenish divine power, the combat endurance could be improved by a whole level.

As for himself, he also needs a lot of treasures to help him cultivate the laws of space. His body has just broken through to the Star Vortex and needs time to accumulate source energy. Treasures to accelerate his growth are indispensable.

There are also attack techniques. The perfected Time Law gave him the foundation, but the god-level Time Law techniques that can truly unleash their power are incredibly expensive.

The same goes for support techniques; whether for survival or for advancing, they are indispensable on the battlefield.

Finally, Xuanji must be upgraded.

Star-level intelligent life forms are no longer sufficient on god-level battlefields; their reaction speed, computing power, and battlefield data analysis cannot keep up.

Lin Yi sorted out his thoughts and then gave Xuanji instructions:

"Based on my current total resource allocation, I need to select and integrate an optimal configuration plan. I require the following essential elements; none can be omitted:"

"First, armor-type treasures suitable for my divine avatar, focusing on defense and resistance to laws."

"Second, a spaceship with god-like performance, requiring strong stealth and high maneuverability."

"Third, highly efficient divine power recovery treasures to ensure the clone's continuous combat capability."

"Fourth, treasures that help my body comprehend the laws of space."

"Fifth, it provides cultivation resources that allow my physical body to cultivate rapidly at the Star Vortex level and solidify my foundation."

"Six, at least one god-level attack technique and one god-level support or life-saving technique."

"Seven," he glanced at Xuanji, "all the core resources you need to evolve from a Star Domain level to a World-level intelligent life form."

"All exchanges must be completed within the existing total resource pool, and a global optimization and matching process will be conducted to provide feasible solutions."

"Command received. Begin cross-database retrieval, comparison, and scheme simulation." Xuanji's face lit up with joy, and she bowed in response.

Lin Yi stopped speaking, closed his eyes, and let his consciousness sink into his body.

“One step at a time.” He suppressed the restlessness in his heart. “First, make good use of what we have. Having my clone join the Star Silence Squad and gain battle merits through combat and missions is a sustainable source of resources. My main body should accelerate its cultivation and, with the resources we exchange, prioritize improving our spatial laws. Upgrading Xuanji will greatly enhance our information processing and planning capabilities, so we must do it as soon as possible.”

Just then, Xuanji's voice rang out, interrupting his thoughts.

"Master, the initial screening and scheme simulation have been completed."

"Based on your current 1300 million gold battle merits, 107200 clan merits, 500 million roster points, and 100 million mercenary alliance contribution points, the following configuration combination has been selected to ensure that all needs are met and the budget is not exceeded." Xuanji raised her hand and waved it lightly, and several solid light screens unfolded in front of Lin Yi.

"First is the god-level battle armor."

Xuanji pointed to the first light screen, where a light armor, entirely silver-gray with flowing spacetime ripples on its surface, floated silently. "【Void Light Battle Armor】, crafted by a human weapon-refining master in imitation of the Overlord's armor in his youth, can effectively weaken ordinary god-level attacks by 60%. Exchange requires: 280 million golden battle merits."

Lin Yi nodded; this figure was within his budget.

"Second, a god-level spaceship." The second light screen lit up, revealing a streamlined, jet-black small spaceship. "[Shadow Shuttle], possesses interstellar warp drive capability. In silent flight mode, its stealth performance can evade most god-level detection. Exchange requires: 480 million gold battle merits."

"Third, Divine Power Restoration Treasure." The light screen switched, revealing ten small, silver metal tubes neatly arranged. "[Fountain of Origin] Standard Quantity. Each quantity can restore approximately 50% of the divine power reserves of the Fearless War God-T714's divine body within 30 seconds. Each quantity can be used three times. It is recommended to exchange for 10 quantities, requiring a total of 100 million Golden Battle Points."

"Next is the secret technique." Xuanji's tone changed slightly. "The spacetime-based god-level attack secret technique, 'Spacetime Rift,' combines time and space and has five levels. You can currently exchange for the first level, which requires 8 clan merit points."

"The Space-Time God-level Auxiliary Secret Technique, 'Veil of Illusion,' can distort surrounding space-time information, create false law fluctuations, and conceal its own existence. The first level of exchange requires 2 Clan Merit Points."

Lin Yi frowned.

The attack magic cost 8, the support magic cost 2, totaling 10 clan merits, which were spent in an instant.

Lin Yi paused for a moment, then said, "Continue with the other configurations."

"Fifth, a treasure for comprehending the laws of space." The light screen switched, and a deep blue crystal that seemed to have countless fragments of space flowing inside appeared.

"【Void Realm Source Core (Fragment)】. After refining, you can enter the internal space of the Void Realm Source Core, directly face the manifestation of the origin of the laws of space, and increase your comprehension efficiency by 5 times for half a year."

"Redemption requires: 260 million directory points."

Lin Yi nodded slightly. The improvement and duration were both quite significant; no wonder it was so expensive.

But even if it's expensive, I still have to replace it.

He must quickly raise his understanding of the laws of space to over 50% so that he can begin to combine it with the laws of time and unleash the true power of the dual laws of space and time.

"Sixth, ultra-high-speed cultivation resources from the Star Vortex level to the Star Domain level."

A series of items appeared in the light screen: a crystal tube containing golden liquid, a crystal core emitting gentle energy fluctuations, and so on.

Xuanji explained: "This is a series of resources for rapid cultivation. After use, it is expected to complete the accumulation of source energy from Star Vortex to Star Domain level within a thousand years. Exchange requires: 140 million List Points."

"Finally, here is my upgrade plan." Xuanji's palace-clad phantom bowed slightly. "To upgrade from a Star Domain level to a World-level intelligent life form, I need one [Void Calculation Crystal (Upgraded Version)], one set of [Undying Information Source Pattern (World-level)], three sets of [Source State Perception Unit (High Sensitivity)], one [Mechanical Race 'Spiritual Wisdom' Protocol Access Key], as well as a matching energy core and substrate."

"The total budget for this plan is: 85 Mercenary Alliance contribution points, plus 15 roster points to make up for the price difference of special materials."

After all the configurations were displayed, Xuanji summarized: "Master, according to this plan, the total consumption is: 860 million gold battle merits, 10 clan merits, 415 million roster points, and 85 mercenary alliance contribution points."

Lin Yi nodded. "Let's do it this way."

He didn't feel bad about it; resources only have value when they are spent and transformed into strength.

He looked at the remaining balance on the screen again: about 550 million gold battle merits, about 350 million roster points, about 0.7 clan merits, and about 15 contribution points.

There are still things I can do.

"Xuanji, continue searching. Use the remaining battle merits and contribution points to find general-purpose cultivation resources or special intelligence that are cost-effective for my current stage. In addition, focus on monitoring the mission intelligence that the Star Silence Squad may take on, and conduct battlefield environment analysis in advance."

"Yes, Master." Xuanji's figure faded away as she continued to carry out her orders.

The meditation room returned to silence.

Lin Yi sat alone, his gaze fixed on the void, as if piercing through thick alloy walls to see the surging undercurrents deep within the starry sea.

The injuries of the Primordial Overlord, the potential decline in humanity's status, the need for rapid self-growth, the future of the Silver Blue Civilization, and the safety of the Star Origin Society members—all these complexities ultimately boil down to two words:

strength.

He hesitated for two seconds, then opened the battlefield system's communication interface and found the contact code for Lord Xuan Yan.

The reply came quickly, but not from Xuan Yan himself, but from one of his eternal deities:
"Lord Lin Yi, the Lord is not currently at the fortress. He has left behind virtual network access coordinates. If you have important business to discuss, you can meet him in the virtual network."

Virtual network?

"Okay. I'll connect right away."

Soon, Lin Yi found himself in a tranquil bamboo forest.

Perhaps influenced by Senior Sister Qianhuan, Lin Yi noticed that Lord Xuanyan had become much more enamored with Xia Guofeng.

The bamboo leaves are lush and green, the stream babbles, and sunlight filters through the leaves, casting dappled shadows.

This virtual space is exquisitely designed, and even the air is filled with the fragrance of bamboo leaves.

Deep within the bamboo forest stood a small pavilion, where the Venerable Xuan Yan sat on a stone bench, his head bowed as he brewed tea.

"You're here?" He didn't look up, his voice calm.

Lin Yi walked into the pavilion and sat down opposite him: "I apologize for disturbing you, Your Excellency."

"It's alright." Xuan Yan picked up the teapot, poured two cups, and said, "Have a taste."

Lin Yi picked up his teacup and took a sip.

The tea soup is clear and refreshing, slightly bitter at first, but with a lingering sweet aftertaste.

Even more remarkably, this virtual tea drink can simulate the feeling of cleansing the soul.

"I'm planning to return to Origin Star for seclusion." Lin Yi put down his teacup and got straight to the point. "My clone will stay here to participate in the Star Silence Squad's mission."

Xuan Yan nodded slightly: "You have just acquired a large amount of resources, and you do need time to digest them."

He paused, then looked at Lin Yi: "But you came all this way to see me, there must be more to say than just this, right?"

Lin Yi remained silent for a moment.

The pavilion was quiet, with only the rustling of bamboo leaves and the soft sound of boiling water.

"I want to ask about the Overlord," Lin Yi said in a low voice. "The Eternal Beginning Overlord is seriously injured. What is his condition?"

Xuan Yan paused in his tea-brewing.

He put down the teapot, looked up, and a complex expression flashed in his eyes.

“Logically speaking,” Xuan Yan said slowly, “with your current strength, you are not qualified to know the specific extent of the Dominator’s injuries.”

Lin Yi didn't speak, he just looked at the other person.

Xuan Yan stared at him for a few seconds, then suddenly sighed.

"This news is known only to Eternal Gods at the Venerable Lord level and above, and some who practice the Time Law. But since you also cultivate the Time Law, you'll need help sooner or later." He stood up, walked to the pavilion, and gazed into the depths of the bamboo forest. "I can tell you some things first."

Lin Yi's heart tightened.

“You know,” Xuan Yan said with his back to him, “the reason why our human race only has one ruler, yet can rank in the middle among powerful races, is because the ruler has mastered the Time Source Law—which allows him to resurrect eternal gods, has clones, and is also top-tier in combat power.”

Lin Yi nodded.

Once the laws of time are fully mastered, one can possess a third clone, which is one of the greatest advantages of time-based powerhouses.

“That’s why,” Xuan Yan turned around, his eyes serious, “in the early stages of the war, the enemy deployed a total of six Sovereigns—four from the Abyss Clan and two from the Eclipse Clan—to besiege the Eternal Beginning Sovereign.”

Six rulers besieged!

Lin Yi's breath hitched.

Even if the Eternal Ruler is incredibly powerful, he is still at a significant disadvantage against a six-on-one situation.
"The Overlord fought desperately, severely injuring one of the Overlords of the Eclipse Clan, but he himself was also seriously injured." Xuan Yan's voice was low. "But he survived and held on until the Spirit Clan's reinforcements arrived."

“However, the price is,” Xuan Yan paused, “that the Overlord has fallen into a state of temporal disorder.”

Lin Yi frowned and asked, "Time distortion?"

"They say it's a backlash from the Time Source Law," Xuan Yan explained. "Forcibly using a high-intensity time-based secret technique while severely injured and on the verge of death caused chaos in one's own timeline, but I don't really understand the specifics."

He walked back to the stone table and sat down, his fingers unconsciously tapping the surface:
"Therefore, all the Venerable Lords of our human race who cultivate the Time Source Law are now helping to stabilize the Overlord's injuries."

"The effect is limited. A time source law at the Venerable level can only barely slow down the rate at which the situation continues to deteriorate. As for a cure, it cannot be done."

Lin Yi was silent for a few seconds, then couldn't help but ask, "Since the injury was caused by the great battle, could you ask the Spirit Clan for help?"

“I have invited him.” Xuan Yan smiled bitterly. “The Spirit Clan did indeed take action. The Spirit Clan’s ruler came over, and if it weren’t for his help in stabilizing my injuries, the situation would probably be much more serious than it is now.”

He picked up his teacup, but didn't drink it; he just stared at the tea.

"But now that the war is raging, the Pan-Spirit Alliance can no longer allow a powerful force of the Time Ruler to stay here indefinitely to heal our human race ruler. So after the injury was relatively stable, the Spirit Race ruler left. Then the Supreme One came to take a look, gave a treatment plan, and left. We can only find a way to deal with the rest ourselves."

Lin Yi felt a chill run down his spine.

The supreme ruler of the Spirit Race even came to see it in person?

“With the Supreme Being’s abilities,” he couldn’t help but ask, “couldn’t he have been completely cured?”

“Of course it is possible.” Xuan Yan put down his teacup, making a slight clinking sound. “But it will require the Supreme to expend their source power. Putting aside whether the Supreme is willing or not, just considering the current situation—two Supremes of the Spirit Clan will face one Supreme each from the Abyss Clan and the Eclipse Clan, two against two. The Supreme must maintain perfect condition and be ready to deal with any possible battle at any time.”

He looked at Lin Yi and sighed.

"No one can argue that this reason is wrong."

"But the Overlord's condition is still deteriorating, and at the current rate, it can't hold out for long."

"Currently, the situation of our human race can be described as extremely precarious. If the great war is not over before the deadline, or if the Supreme Being is still unable to help with the treatment, then our human race will be in danger."

Lin Yi remained silent.

From the perspective of the Spirit Race, it is indeed a pity that the Human Race Overlord is seriously injured, but it must not affect the overall war situation of the Pan-Spirit Alliance.

The Supreme-class is the highest strategic deterrent and must be used in the most critical areas.

Silence fell over the pavilion once again.

After a long silence, Lin Yi spoke up: "What did you mean when you said, 'Sooner or later I'll need your help'?"

(End of this chapter)