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

Chapter 376 Arrival, Homecoming

at the same time.

Zichen Star, Seventh Star Ring, Headquarters of Dongfeng Mercenary Group.

This is less a mercenary group headquarters and more a small military fortress.

The towering alloy main building has cold, hard, and smooth lines. Its surface is covered with composite armor that can absorb detection waves and some energy attacks. The Dongfeng emblem at the top reflects a cold metallic luster under the illumination of the artificial star.

It occupies the best and most energy-rich plot of land in the seventh star ring, which was one of the preferential treatments granted by the Purple Gold Star Alliance Executive Committee when Irelia returned to Purple Star to begin rebuilding East Peak.

Inside the grand auditorium on the top floor of the headquarters, a giant light screen floats, playing live footage from the official news channel of the Purple Gold Star Alliance.

The camera focused on the VIP passage of Zichen Star's First Airport, where a dense crowd had already gathered. A group of high-ranking officials, led by Star Alliance President Mingluo, stood solemnly, while media ships hovered at a safe distance like a swarm of bees, with various image capture devices aimed at the entrance.

Liu Yuan, Elizabeth, Zhou Yuxuan, and other early core members of the Dongfeng Mercenary Group were all standing in front of the light screen.

Five thousand years of war have etched the marks of time on the once youthful faces of Earth.

Liu Yuan's aura was clearly at the Star Vortex level, and specifically at the fifth level of the Star Vortex.

He crossed his arms, his eyes fixed on the serene, emerald-green figure beside Mingluo on the screen.

Elizabeth stood beside Liu Yuan, dressed in the new dark blue uniform of the Dongfeng Mercenary Group. Her posture remained upright as she watched quietly, her fingers unconsciously stroking the Dongfeng emblem on her cuff.

Zhou Yuxuan's demeanor was even more refined, his Star-level aura condensed and unwavering. He held a glass of energy drink in his hand, but did not drink it. Instead, he looked at the scrolling news subtitles on the screen and the silhouette of the "Shadow Shuttle" spaceship that was slowly approaching the airport in the distance.

Andrei scratched his head, breaking the silence: "Old Liu, tell me, just how strong is the commander now? The news keeps saying 'eternal god-level combat power' and 'fearless war god,' but we've never seen that thing in person, only some blurry battle footage."

He is now a Star Swirl-class Tier 1, and his physique is even more robust than before. He has a few light scars on his face, left from a starship boarding battle.

Like Elizabeth, he was selected for the elite legion and suppressed his cultivation to wait for the reopening of the myriad secret realms, so he had only recently broken through to the Star Swirl level.

Liu Yuan didn't turn around, and answered directly, "I don't know. How could we possibly fathom the power of a god?"

“The gap is widening,” Elizabeth said softly. “I used to think that if I worked hard, I might one day be able to barely see his back. Now…” she paused, “I can’t even see his back clearly. But that’s a good thing.”

"Of course it's a good thing." Zhou Yuxuan put down his cup. "The stronger the commander, the more renowned Dong Feng's name becomes, and the better life will be for us old brothers. We'll have more confidence and stand taller! Think back to those arrogant guys before..."

He snorted and didn't say anything more, but everyone understood.

In the early stages of the war, the Dongfeng Mercenary Group lost Lin Yi's direct leadership. Although Irelia tried her best to support them, she was ultimately just a Star Domain level officer. How could such a large Star Realm Army be harmonious?
In some people's eyes, the legacy of a deceased prodigy is naturally limited.

It wasn't until Lin Yi emerged from countless secret realms and his achievements in the "Two Realms Abyss" were reported back, and until the name of the "Fearless War God" resounded throughout the battlefield, that the situation gradually changed.

When Vice Commander Irelia returned to Zichen Star to rebuild Dongfeng, the Star Alliance granted her land and resources as she requested, giving her almost the green light.

"By the way, the principal and Old Chen," Andrei said in a deep voice.

He didn't finish his sentence, but the atmosphere suddenly became somber for a moment.

Liu Yuan's voice was a little hoarse, "When the regimental commander comes back, he will definitely ask about it. At that time, we need to explain the situation clearly. The deputy regimental commander has had a tough time these years, and we haven't let Dongfeng down."

On the screen, the news anchor's excited voice rang out: "The Shadow Shuttle has confirmed docking with the spaceport's guidance signal! The spacecraft is currently executing the final docking procedures! The hatch is expected to open in three minutes! His Majesty Lin Yi is about to set foot on the land of Zichen Star, which he has been away from for five thousand years!"

All eyes were instantly drawn to them.

Elizabeth instinctively straightened her back, her icy blue eyes unblinking. Liu Yuan's fingers, which were crossed over his arms, tightened slightly. Zhou Yuxuan held his breath, and Andrei clenched his fists.

At this moment, the reunion that had been awaited for five thousand years was finally within reach.

Outside the VIP passage of Zichen Star's First Airport.

The atmosphere was solemn and respectful.

Led by Chairman Mingluo, the executive committee of the Purple Gold Star Alliance consisted of more than ten core high-ranking members on Purple Star, plus the current legion commander of the Star Legion stationed in the Purple Gold Star Alliance, the branch elder of the Cosmic Mercenary Alliance, the regional president of the Human Star Sea Bank, and the general director of the Human Interstellar Chamber of Commerce.
These important figures, who usually tremble with a stomp of their feet, were now standing on either side of Ming Luo, all of them restraining their usual imposing manner and looking solemn.

Irelia stood half a step behind Mingluo.

She changed into a more formal Elven-style dress, predominantly emerald green with silver accents, exuding a dignified yet lively beauty.

Soon, as the hatch of the Shadow Shuttle slid open, a figure stepped out first.

Dark-colored casual clothes, simple and neat in style, without any unnecessary decorations.

With black hair and a face as young as it was five thousand years ago, his eyes were so deep they seemed to contain an entire starry sea. Calm and still, yet they exuded an invisible sense of oppression.

Lin Yi didn't deliberately release his aura, but simply standing there made him seem like the center of the entire airport. That was a fundamental change brought about by countless life-and-death battles, mastery of immense power, and a leap in his life level.

Half a step behind him, the invincible war god's avatar stood silently.

It made no move, but its powerful aura, even when deliberately concealed, made the experts at the Transcendent Realm level present feel slightly breathless.

Fearless War God!

The mechanical divine body that everyone in the Purple Gold Star Alliance knows today!
Lin Yi's gaze swept over the welcoming crowd, lingering on Ming Luo's face for a moment before a smile appeared on his lips.

He then stepped down the gangway.

"Haha, Brother Lin Yi, we've been waiting for you to come back!"

Minglu laughed loudly and stepped forward.

Lin Yi quickened his pace and came to Ming Luo, smiling slightly, "I actually made you come all this way in person."

"What kind of talk is that!"

Minglu laughed heartily, then looked Lin Yi up and down, her eyes lighting up immediately, "You must have gained quite a bit on Sacred Tree Star, right? Besides the source energy, the aura of the laws is noticeably different."

"We have indeed gained some insights."

Lin Yi smiled and nodded, his gaze then naturally turning to Irelia beside Mingluo.

Eyes facing each other.

Irelia's icy blue eyes clearly reflected Lin Yi's figure. She took a slight breath, stepped forward, and bowed slightly: "Welcome back, Captain."

In this situation, although Lin Yi had a lot to say, he ultimately just smiled and gave Irelia a look, "Irelia, thank you for your hard work. We'll talk later."

Irelia knew this wasn't the time to talk, so she gave Lin Yi a look to indicate that she understood.

After a brief exchange of pleasantries, Lin Yi turned his gaze to the high-ranking members of the Purple Gold Star Alliance behind Ming Luo.

He nodded slightly as a gesture of greeting.

However, his gaze paused deliberately for a moment when it swept over a certain spot.

She was a woman with an ethereal aura and obvious characteristics of the spirit race.

She wore a long, tasseled dress adorned with starlight, as if she were draped with a miniature starry sky. Her eyes were deep and wise, and a faint, languid smile played on her lips.

Star Ripple.

The head of the Purple Gold Star Alliance branch of the Pan-Spirit Alliance Virtual Network Company, a powerhouse at the Transcendent Realm level.

Five thousand years ago, she was the only being who personally traveled to the remote Blue Star to try to recruit Lin Yi, a being of the Derivation Realm level.

The "Spiritual Glory" treatment they offered was astonishing even at the time.

Although Lin Yi ultimately chose the path of the Cosmic Mercenary Alliance, the gift of "green privileges" greatly helped the Blue Star civilization and the Dongfeng Mercenary Group in their early development as they entered the Star Sea.

Lin Yi always remembered this favor.

Lin Yi turned slightly and took two steps toward Xingyi, greeting her, "Lord Xingyi, it's been a long time."

This greeting caused many high-ranking officials who knew the inside story of that year to exchange glances.

Clearly, this Lord Lin Yi remembers very well who he has a past relationship with or who has been kind to him.

In this situation, taking the initiative to greet Xingyi is itself a gesture of goodwill.

A hint of surprise flashed in Xingyi's eyes, which then turned into an even brighter smile.

She nodded slightly. "Your Excellency Lin Yi, it has indeed been a long time. It feels like only yesterday that we parted on Blue Star. Today, we meet again, and Your Excellency has become a legend in the galaxy. It is truly admirable."

Although Xingyi was only at the Transcendent Realm level, she represented the Virtual Network Company after all. Her words were neither humble nor arrogant, both mentioning past friendships and congratulating the present, demonstrating excellent tact.

"I have always remembered the generous gift from the Realm Lord back then," Lin Yi said politely, stopping short of commenting.

Some things don't need to be said; everyone present is shrewd and understands.

After exchanging a few more pleasantries with Xingyi, Lin Yi returned to Mingluo's side.

Mingluo saw everything and nodded inwardly.

Although Lin Yi's strength has increased dramatically, he still maintains his sense of propriety in dealing with people. He has not become arrogant or difficult to get along with because of his power, which is good.

He smiled and said, "Let's go, the shuttle is ready, let's go back to the Executive Committee headquarters first."

"Okay." Lin Yi nodded.

The group began to move towards the luxurious shuttle bearing the Starlink logo.

The media faithfully recorded the scene of Lin Yi and Ming Luo walking side by side and talking in hushed tones, the scene of Irelia following quietly half a step behind, and the various reactions of the giants of the Purple Gold Star Alliance around them.

The scenes of the airport welcoming guests are rapidly spreading throughout Zichen Star and the entire Zijin Star Alliance via live broadcasts by major media outlets of the Zijin Star Alliance.

Everyone knows that this Lord Lin Yi will inevitably bring new changes to the landscape of the Purple Gold Star Alliance.

Inside the headquarters of the Dongfeng Mercenary Group, Liu Yuan, Elizabeth, and others watched the scene of Lin Yi chatting and laughing with Chairman Mingluo on the screen, and looked at the fearless war god who silently followed them. Their excitement, pride, emotion, and expectations for the future were intertwined.

The commander has really returned.
-
The Executive Committee's luxurious shuttle sped along the highest priority exclusive route on Zichen Star, with the dazzling buildings outside the window rushing past.

In just over ten minutes, the shuttle landed smoothly on the top-floor landing pad of the Executive Committee headquarters, a magnificent building that resembled an inverted mountain peak.

Minglu led Lin Yi and Irelia into the top-floor circular conference room with a panoramic view overlooking most of the Purple Star Ring.

"Please be seated."

Minglu walked to the head seat and gestured for Lin Yi to sit in the first seat to his right.

After taking their seats, Mingluo skipped the pleasantries and got straight to the point.

He pointed his finger in the air and brought up a holographic star map covering all major star regions of the Purple Gold Star Alliance. Different colors were used to mark the progress of post-war reconstruction, resource flow, defense posture, and the early deployment areas for the exploration of "Secret Realm No. 1".

Minglu first gave Lin Yi a brief introduction to the overall situation of the Purple Gold Star Alliance, and then handed over the speaking rights to several core committee members present.

They each gave a brief introduction to their respective areas of responsibility.

Lin Yi leaned back in his large chair, listening calmly.

His gaze occasionally swept across the data stream on the holographic star map, but more often it fell on the faces of the reporters. However, he did not interrupt or offer any opinions or instructions.

He was not familiar with these specific administrative affairs, resource allocation, and military deployments.

Speaking rashly, whether agreeing or disagreeing, could disrupt the existing operational rhythm, trigger unnecessary speculation, or even internal turmoil. He was well aware of the true source of his current status and influence within the Purple Gold Star Alliance.

As long as this power exists, regardless of whether he is the vice president of the Purple Gold Star Alliance, the interests of the Silver Blue Civilization and the Dongfeng Mercenary Group within the Star Alliance will be protected at the highest level.

His very existence is the greatest source of power and deterrence.

"That's the basic situation." After the last committee member finished reporting, the meeting room fell silent again, and everyone's eyes were focused on Lin Yi, waiting for his reaction.

Lin Yi slowly sat up straight, his gaze sweeping over every senior executive present.

"President Mingluo, everyone," Lin Yi began, "I've just returned and have limited knowledge of the specific details of the Star Alliance's current affairs. From what I've heard, under your leadership, President, you've maintained the Star Alliance in an orderly manner, and all affairs are progressing steadily, which is no easy feat."

He paused for a moment, then said, “Just continue with the current pace and direction. I believe that, with the chairman’s coordination and everyone’s efforts, the Purple Gold Star Alliance will be able to recover its strength as soon as possible and gain a favorable position in the upcoming ‘Number One Secret Realm’ game.”

These words affirmed Mingluo's leadership, acknowledged the efforts of the senior executives present, and clearly stated that they would not interfere recklessly, reassuring everyone.

The atmosphere in the meeting room was noticeably more relaxed.

After saying this, Lin Yi pondered for a moment, then with a slight thought, he sent a message to the fearless war god avatar standing quietly behind him.

The invincible war god's avatar raised its right arm.

At the palm of the clone, the silver-white spatial law radiance and the silver-gray time law halo intertwined as if they were alive.

In a short while, more than a dozen semi-transparent silver runes floated in the palm of the clone.

Each one is exquisitely structured and exudes a stable yet mysterious energy.

"This is just a small token of my appreciation, a little something for you all."

Driven by his will, the dozen or so silver runes flew out gracefully and hovered precisely in front of each of the senior executives in the conference room.

Everyone's attention was instantly drawn to it, sensing the power of the laws contained within that made them all feel a faint tremor in their hearts.

"This is a 'Space-Time Escape Talisman' that I created by using the laws of space as the main element and incorporating a trace of the laws of time."

Lin Yi explained, "When faced with mortal danger, simply crush it. It can forcibly break through spatial blockades below the god level and randomly teleport the user to a safe coordinate within a standard star field."

"However, because it is made of pure divine power and its structure is temporarily solidified by the laws of time, it can only be used once and the teleportation distance is limited. It is a trivial trinket."

As soon as he finished speaking, the meeting room fell silent.

A random teleportation talisman capable of breaking through spatial barriers below the level of a god!

Although they only had one chance to use it and the distance was only one star system, it was like having an extra life for them!

Its value far exceeds that of many precious cultivation resources.

Mo Heng was the first to react. He carefully put away the talisman in front of him. "Thank you for your generous gift, Your Majesty Lin Yi. It may be just a trinket to Your Majesty, but it could be a lifesaver for us in a critical moment."

"Your Majesty is so generous!" The general in charge of defense quickly put away the talisman, his tone clearly excited.

This thing is extremely useful for military personnel like them.

Other senior executives also expressed their gratitude, their attitudes becoming even warmer and more respectful than before.

Lin Yi nodded slightly, accepting everyone's gratitude.

Sending out these talismans was not only a gesture of respect from the vice president to the core members of the Star Alliance, but also a way of demonstrating power and influence.

The escape talisman condensed from the laws of space and time is not something that ordinary eternal gods can casually produce.

After the expressions of gratitude subsided, Lin Yi looked at Ming Luo and said, "President, I have a general understanding of the situation in the Star Alliance. Everyone should perform their duties and proceed according to the established strategy. I came back this time mainly to handle some personal matters and see some old friends, so I won't stay here any longer."

Minglu nodded understandingly: "Alright. You go ahead and do your thing, and contact me anytime if you need anything."

"Okay." Lin Yi responded, then said to Irelia, who was sitting in the audience, "Irelia, let's go."

Irelia got up upon hearing the sound.

Lin Yi didn't even walk towards the conference room door.

He simply raised his hand and casually waved it at Irelia and himself.

hum!
A silver radiance suddenly appeared, instantly enveloping Lin Yi, Irelia, and the avatar of the fearless war god.

A flash of silver light.

Inside the meeting room, the three figures had vanished without a trace.

"They were teleported away directly." A high-ranking official couldn't help but exclaim in a low voice.

In such a core location as the headquarters of the Zichen Star Executive Committee, the spatial structure is extremely stable and is equipped with layers of anti-space jump and interference devices. Only Lin Yi, who has fully mastered the laws of space, can teleport so easily.

Headquarters of the Dongfeng Mercenary Group.

The live stream on the screen had long ended, but the crowd hadn't dispersed; they were gathered together, talking in hushed tones.

"The commander and the others went to headquarters. I guess they'll be talking for a while," Andrei said, stroking his chin.

"It shouldn't be too long," Zhou Yuxuan replied. "I estimate very soon."

His words came to an abrupt end.

In the center of the hall, a silver halo rippled outwards like waves.

The light was soft, yet it instantly drew everyone's attention.

The silver light quickly solidified, outlining three figures.

The man in the lead, dressed in dark casual clothes, with a calm expression, was Lin Yi.

Half a step to his side was Irelia, dressed in an emerald green gown.

Behind Lin Yi, the invincible war god avatar stood silently.

"Commander!"

"Deputy Commander!"

Almost simultaneously, everyone shouted out. They quickly surrounded him, then subconsciously stopped a few steps away, their gazes shifting between Lin Yi and the fearless war god, their excitement mixed with a hint of instinctive awe.

Lin Yi looked at these familiar faces, etched with the marks of time.

Five thousand years of war have left their mark on each and every one of them.

"Everyone," Lin Yi said with a genuinely relaxed and gentle smile, "it's been a long time."

Those four simple words were like a key that unlocked the gate.

"Commander! You're finally back!" Andrei's voice was a little choked up. "We've been waiting for you."

"Welcome back!" Liu Yuan nodded emphatically, his eyes slightly red.

Everyone else gathered around, offering their greetings, and the hall was filled with the lively chatter of a long-awaited reunion.

Irelia stood quietly behind Lin Yi, watching this scene, a hint of gentleness appearing in her icy blue eyes.

Lin Yi smiled and patiently responded to everyone's greetings, patting them on the shoulder and checking their complexion.

After a while, the greetings gradually subsided.

"Xuanji, bring up the star calendar," Lin Yi instructed in his mind.

Almost immediately, an auxiliary light screen on one side of the hall displayed a precise universal astronomical calendar and automatically marked the traditional calendar of the Silver Blue Civilization.

"Everyone, if I remember correctly," Lin Yi said slowly, looking at the star calendar, "in two standard days, according to the traditional calendar of our Silver Blue Star, it will be the New Year."

new year?

This word made the veterans present pause for a moment.

The shadow of war has lingered for five thousand years, and those traditional festivals representing reunion have long been buried deep in memory.

When it is mentioned now, a distant yet warm feeling quietly arises.

Lin Yi's voice carried a hint of emotion.

“In the past, during times of war, we were surrounded by powerful enemies and the flames of war raged on. In order to protect our homes and to ensure the continuation of civilization, many of us had to wander far from home and fight bloody battles. Let alone going home, many times even taking a breath was a luxury.”

The hall fell silent.

“But,” Lin Yi changed the subject, “now that the war has temporarily stopped, according to our Silver Blue tradition, the New Year is a time to be with family.”

"Being with family."

A murmur of discussion arose, filled with longing, helplessness, and a hint of bitterness.

Liu Yuan smiled wryly and said, "Commander, how could we not want to go back? After receiving the news that the war had ended and the mercenary group was being rebuilt, it took those of us still on the front lines five or six standard years just to apply for retirement, complete the formalities, and then return to Zichen Star from the front lines on a military transport starship. Only recently have we all gradually returned to headquarters and reunited."

He sighed, "Besides, even if we wanted to go back to Silver Blue Star now, starting from Purple Star, it would take almost a standard year to get there. I'm afraid we won't make it in time for this year's New Year, but next year might be more likely."

Liu Yuan's words resonated widely, and many veterans nodded silently in agreement.

The long duration of interstellar travel is a huge chasm on the road home.

Lin Yi listened quietly, a smile slowly appearing on his face.

"A standard year? It won't take that long."

Everyone was taken aback.

Lin Yi smiled and said, "Back then, I sent everyone away from Blue Star to explore the starry sea. Today, it's only natural that I'm bringing everyone home!"

After speaking, the fearless war god clone beside him took a step forward.

hum!
A vast and magnificent silver light suddenly erupted from the clone.

The power of spatial laws, so dense it was almost tangible, instantly filled the entire auditorium like a tidal wave.

Everyone felt a lightness in their bodies, and the familiar headquarters scenery around them began to blur.

However, they did not feel uncomfortable; on the contrary, they were protected by a powerful spatial force.

The next moment, the silver light suddenly contracted.

then.

brush!
Inside the auditorium, Lin Yi, Irelia, the avatar of the Fearless War God, and the thousands of members of the Dongfeng Mercenary Group below the stage all vanished without a trace.

Only the empty auditorium remained, along with the remaining intelligent machine servants, who began silently carrying out routine maintenance work according to Xuanji's instructions.

(End of this chapter)