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

Chapter 245 Cangming Sends a Message, Crimson Blood Undergoes a Shocking Change (5.8K, Requesting Monthly Tickets at the Beginning of the Month)

Over the next few days, the battle on Crimson Star unfolded in a peculiar way.

The Kunmo tribe forces, having lost Zagar and his core command, did not completely retreat, but they were no longer able to organize the sophisticated war of attrition they had previously waged.

They seemed to have transformed into a swarm of enraged bees that had lost their leader, still attacking the Helios base, but their offensive became chaotic and disorganized, lacking any coordination whatsoever.

Sometimes a swarm of Blade Bugs would surge up from the east, only to be easily wiped out by the well-prepared crossfire; other times, Tear Beasts would charge from the west with Acid Cannon Bugs, but due to a lack of cover and coordination, they would be quickly eliminated; and there were also Exploding Locusts launching suicide attacks from the air, but they could no longer create the oppressive feeling of covering the sky that they had before.

"It seems that although they have lost unified command, they have still received a death order from the rear to continue the offensive."

Standing atop the reinforced fortifications, Tavic gazed at the still restless and chaotic Kunmo tribe's territory in the distance and said to Lin Yi beside him, "However, this level of attack can no longer pose a substantial threat to us."

Lin Yi nodded slightly.

He hasn't completely relaxed these past few days and remains vigilant.

Occasionally, when the Kunmo tribe's forces are too numerous and may put significant pressure on a certain section of the defensive line, they will take action to clear out small areas of territory.

This precise and energy-efficient intervention further ensured the stability of the defense line and also gave the defending soldiers valuable time for rotation and rest.

The soldiers' fatigue was relieved, their spirits were restored, and a more relaxed atmosphere began to emerge both inside and outside the defensive line.

"Hey buddy, look at those swarms of bugs over there, don't they look like headless flies?" A young Astragalus soldier pointed at a small group of Bladebugs scurrying around outside and laughed at the veteran who was maintaining a defensive formation at the repair point next to him.

The old soldier raised his eyelids and glanced at them, then snorted, "Without a commander, they're just a bunch of tough insects. It's just a pity about the brothers who sacrificed themselves before."

His tone was somewhat somber, but he quickly rallied and patted the young soldier on the shoulder, "But now it's all good, reinforcements are almost here, this damned place will finally be defended."

Meanwhile, in the area where the East Peak Mercenary Group and the Star Guardian Army were jointly defending, communication became more frequent.

"Brother Lei, your Source Energy Shield is absolutely amazing. If it weren't for you last time, I probably would have been killed by those Kunmo Clan bugs." A Star Army squad leader sincerely thanked a Spirit Clan member from Dongfeng.

The Eldar member smiled faintly: "It's our duty. Your firepower coverage was also very timely."

On the other side, Andrei was hooking his arm around the neck of an Astragalus soldier, spitting as he boasted, "I just swung my axe once, and snap! That big guy's carapace was as thin as paper! You guys didn't see it!"

Although the soldier was struggling to breathe from being choked, his eyes lit up as he listened, and he nodded repeatedly.

Chen Yu and Liu Yuan were more popular with the junior officers of the Starbound Army, and were often surrounded by them asking for advice on the application of rules and team coordination techniques.

Elizabeth is attracting even more attention; it's said she's secretly received several love letters in the last couple of days.

A bond of camaraderie forged in blood and fire quietly blossomed.

Finally, on the seventh day of perseverance, the long-awaited moment arrived.

Suddenly, the sky was shrouded in huge shadows.

The first to penetrate the atmosphere were the menacing Astronautical destroyers and frigates. Their massive hulls created scorching streaks of light as they rubbed against the thin atmosphere, like descending deities, carrying unparalleled pressure.

Although these warships cannot directly intervene in the battlefield, the various star-core-class gunships and aircraft they carry can.

Soon, a dense swarm of Thunderhawk gunships and Forest Hawk atmospheric fighters surged out of the hangar of the large warship like a bee. They quickly cleared the remaining flying Zerg in the airspace around the base, and then used powerful ground-attack firepower to eliminate the Zerg strongholds exposed on the surface one by one.

Then came the scene that truly made all the defenders cheer with joy.

Countless massive "Giant Rhinoceros" class heavy transport ships slowly landed in the cleared safe area.

As the hatches opened, squads of well-equipped and high-spirited fresh troops of the Astragalus Army marched in orderly steps onto the land of Crimson Blood Star, followed closely by a massive supply of materials.

Boxed energy crystals, prefabricated fortification modules, medical supplies, and more heavy weapon platforms.

"Reinforcements! Reinforcements have arrived!"

"We held it!"

Deafening cheers erupted both inside and outside the base.

With the addition of fresh troops and the arrival of ample supplies, the Astronautical Army, centered on the "Helios" base, rapidly and steadily advanced outwards, clearing out the remaining Kunmo units and expanding its controlled territory.

Meanwhile, the engineering corps also began laying the base for the second "Deep Space Energy Condensation Unit" with astonishing efficiency.

The massive prefabricated components were slowly assembled under the operation of the engineering mechs, signifying that humanity would truly take root on this red plateau.

An atmosphere of victory permeated the air.

At that moment, the members of the Dongfeng Mercenary Group simultaneously received a personal communication notification from Xuanji.

Each person's tactical goggles or personal terminal clearly displayed a message:
[Dongfeng Mercenary Group Member: Your personal combat merits in the recent defense of the "Helios" base have been preliminarily calculated. According to the twenty-rank military merit system of the "Silver Blue Expedition Order," you have met the criteria for being granted the title of "Public Servant." A detailed list of combat merits and the title certification documents have been sent to your personal account.]

After a brief silence, gasps of surprise rose and fell.

"I'm a Gongshi now!" A young Dongfeng team member jumped up from the ground, waving his fist, his face flushed with excitement. "Hahaha, my Li family's ancestral graves are emitting auspicious smoke! I'm a man with a title now!"

"I've really achieved 1000 battle merits! Dad, Mom, your son hasn't let you down!"

Another team member murmured to himself, his eyes instantly welling up with tears. He opened his personal terminal with trembling hands, as if he wanted to immediately send this tremendous good news back to his distant hometown.

"Haha, I have over 1500 battle merits. Not only did I get the title of Gongshi, but I can also exchange it for a lot more resources."

"Me too, this was totally worth it."

Surprise swept through the small camp assigned to the East Peak Mercenary Group like a tidal wave.

Andrei grinned widely, slapping Chen Yu's back hard with a loud thud: "Old Chen! See that, Gongshi! Hehe!"

Chen Yu winced as he was slapped, but a smile remained on his face. He was more composed than Andrei and nodded: "Yes, this is just the beginning. At this rate, the title of Shangzao, or even higher, is not out of reach."

His gaze fell upon his battle merits, which far exceeded the basic requirements, and his heart was filled with anticipation for the future.

Even the usually aloof Elizabeth, looking at the title certification information displayed on her terminal, had a barely perceptible ripple in her icy blue eyes.

She lightly touched the words "Gongshi" on the screen, seemingly lost in thought.

However, this euphoria did not last long.

Because when everyone scrolled to the bottom of the communication, they quickly noticed that after the list of all the combat achievements of the Dongfeng Mercenary Group in this battle, which was released by Xuanji, there was also a list of the dead.

A young team member who had just been cheering for his new title froze on his face when he saw a familiar name on the list.

Those were his fellow townsmen; they had signed up for the Dongfeng Army together, trained together, and boarded the Beifeng together. Just a few days ago, they were bragging to each other that once they had accumulated enough merits and obtained a noble title, they would post on the forum to show off.
He suddenly lowered his head and clenched his fists tightly.

Andrei's smile vanished. He silently walked to the side, picked up a jug of water, and gulped down several mouthfuls.

He remembered the kind-hearted young man who always followed behind him, calling out "Captain, wait for me!" but who had his body torn apart by the Kunmo tribe while covering for him.

That kid, just a few days ago, secretly asked him how many battle merits he needed to exchange for a "Gongshi" rank, because he planned to confess his feelings to a girl in the fleet.
Liu Yuan stared silently at the list, his finger lingering on one name for a long time.

He was a master swordsman, his skill with the Western fencing was superb, and he had a unique understanding of the rules. The two often sparred and exchanged ideas.

He should have had a bright future, but he fell before dawn.

Joy and sorrow intertwined, bringing tears to the eyes of even the toughest men.

They achieved the glory and future they had always dreamed of, but the brothers who fought alongside them would never see them again.

Just then, Xuanji's district-wide broadcast sounded, and Lin Yi's calm voice resounded throughout the entire Dongfeng base, reaching the ears of every team member:

"All members of Dongfeng."

As soon as the sound rang out, everyone instinctively straightened up, composed themselves, and listened intently.

"In this battle, we have lived up to our mission and successfully defended the 'Helios' base. This glory is earned with your blood, sweat and loyalty."

"But the road to victory was fraught with thorns. In this battle, twenty-three comrades-in-arms lay buried on an alien planet. We will never forget their sacrifice."

"From this day forward, all fallen brothers will be compensated with three times their battle merits. Their due titles and corresponding benefits may be inherited by their designated heirs. Titles may be inherited three times, and benefits may be inherited until the title naturally expires."

"Their blood will not be shed in vain."

"Their achievements will benefit future generations."

"Their names will be engraved in the annals of Dongfeng and even Yinlan!"

Triple the merits, passed down through three generations!

This means that the families of those who sacrificed their lives will not only receive generous compensation, but will also be granted a title that can protect their families for generations.

Their blood was not shed in vain.

"Captain."

Many team members murmured to themselves, looking at the gray names on the list with a sense of comfort and a responsibility to "live on for them too."

"Bros!"

Andrei suddenly raised his head. "Did you all hear what the commander said? We who survived have received titles and enjoyed glory, but we must not forget the brothers who fell! From now on, you all better live well, and together with them, earn military merits and fight for a great future!"

"Yes!" "Including their share!"

A mixed but resolute response rang out from the camp.

Grief was transformed into strength, and in the anticipation of the future, there was an added commitment to the deceased.

The Dongfeng Mercenary Group's mission has now been successfully completed.

The moment of parting finally arrived.

Tavic found Lin Yi beside the transport ship that was about to set sail back to the near-Earth orbit fleet.

This commander, who was always known for his resolute demeanor, solemnly took out a metal wine flask that looked quite old, with minor dents and scratches on it.

"Commander Lin Yi"

Tawik said, "This is a specialty of our hometown, lava liquor. I've been saving it for a long time and haven't been able to bring myself to drink it."

He shoved the wine jug into Lin Yi's hands, saying, "If it weren't for you and Dongfeng's brothers, we would all probably be dead here. You must accept this jug of wine."

Lin Yi did not refuse and nodded: "Fighting side by side is my duty."

Tavic grinned, revealing a set of white teeth. "When I retire from the Astral Army someday and have nowhere to go, I might have to come and seek refuge with Commander Lin Yi. Don't look down on old Tavic for being so incompetent then."

Upon hearing this, Lin Yi also revealed a rare hearty smile: "Haha, a talent like Commander Tavic is exactly what Dongfeng needs. The door is always open for you!"

On the other side, Dongfeng's team members were also saying goodbye to their Star Force comrades who had fought side by side for many days.

Unlike the previous pure celebrations, this farewell carries a heavier and more sincere tone.

"Brother, take care!" An East Vanguard member hugged the Star Force veteran who had once saved his life tightly.

"Remember what I said, Dongfeng will always welcome you when you retire."

Dongfeng's squad leader held tightly the hand of a Star Force officer.

A female medic from the Astral Army, unusually shy, approached an East Vanguard member and handed him a small amulet radiating gentle life energy: "Take care."

The laughter and chatter may have lessened, but the tightly clasped hands, the firm embraces, and the sincere blessings speak volumes more than ever about the bond forged between life and death.

The transport ship slowly ascended, leaving the "Helios" base and the still expanding human-controlled area below.

Through the porthole, one can also see the rapidly forming skeleton of the second condenser in the distance, like a brand new hope standing on the red earth.

Back on the Northwind, Irelia was already waiting on the bridge.

She looked at Lin Yi and his teammates who had returned safely, a hint of relief flashing in her cool eyes.

“Welcome back,” she said softly.

Almost simultaneously, Xuanji's notification sound rang out:
[Commander, the settlement for this mercenary mission has been completed, and the military merits have been transferred to the Dongfeng Mercenary Group's account.]

[Task Assessment: Perfect.]

[Basic Military Merit Points: 500 million; Additional Bonus: 200 million points. Killing an enemy commander: 300 million points. Total Military Merit Points: 1000 million.]

[All individual combat achievements and corresponding titles have been calculated and registered in the Silver-Blue Civilization Merit Management System.]

A huge sum of military merits earned is enough to exchange for a large amount of scarce resources.

But Lin Yi didn't show much joy; he was more concerned about the losses that couldn't be measured in numbers.

"Xuanji, have you confirmed whether the triple merits and the inheritance of titles for the fallen soldiers have been properly handled?"

[Confirmed. The military merits (calculated at three times the base value) of all 23 fallen members have been separately transferred to the accounts of their designated or legal heirs. The inheritance process for their "Gongshi" title (some members' merits, after being calculated at three times the base value, have reached the "Shangzao" standard) and related benefits has been initiated, and system monitoring shows that the process is proceeding smoothly.]

Lin Yi nodded, paused for a moment, and continued to give orders: "Pass down the word that after the first batch of troops and supplies arrive, when the transport ships return, the remains and belongings of the fallen soldiers should be properly sent back to their hometowns with the highest honors."

"In addition, a regimental-wide communication is issued: Anyone who wishes to retire and return home can return with this transport ship, and the regiment will issue full retirement pay. Even if they do not wish to retire, they can apply for a rotation home leave once every five transport ship resupply cycles. This will be a regular practice."

The order was issued and transmitted throughout the entire Dongfeng Fleet via the Xuanji (a telescope/device).

However, he was met with an almost unanimous response from the captains and crew members of each ship—no one was willing to leave at this moment.

They chose to continue following Lin Yi, fighting in this sea of ​​stars, for themselves and for the brothers who could not return with them.

Just as Lin Yi finished dealing with these military affairs and was preparing to go to the training room to exercise, Xuanji reminded him again:
[Received a virtual meeting invitation from Ninth Senior Brother Cangming.]

Lin Yi's heart stirred, and he chose to accept.

Consciousness reappeared on that metal observation deck that seemed to have been ravaged by war, with shattered stars and slowly rotating nebula dust in the distance.

Cangming was still wearing a long black robe, his back to him, gazing into the distance from the railing.

Sensing Lin Yi's arrival, Cangming slowly turned around, a hint of approval on his face:

"Junior Brother, you did a great job on Crimson Blood Star this time. Especially that final decapitation strike—the timing, decisiveness, and methods were all exemplary. It seems that you not only have extraordinary talent in cultivation, but your grasp of opportunities and your keen sense of warfare are also rare."

"You flatter me, senior brother. It was just a matter of necessity," Lin Yi said modestly.

"No need to be so modest." Cangming waved his hand, then his expression became slightly more formal. "The main reason I'm here is to inform you of something. The time for our gathering of fellow disciples has been set for six months from now."

He paused, a strange look on his face: "Originally, we would discuss the time for these gatherings after everyone had naturally emerged from seclusion. But this time, as is customary, I asked Master first if he was free and if he would do me the honor of attending. In the past, Master was afraid that we would feel constrained, so he usually didn't participate."

As he spoke, Cangming glanced at Lin Yi suspiciously, "But this time, Master actually said he wants to participate."

Lin Yi was also slightly startled.

“Since Master is participating, the timing will definitely be based on Master’s convenience,” Cangming continued. “Therefore, it’s set for six months from now. I will inform the other senior brothers and sisters so that they can come out of seclusion at that time. Junior brother, you must remember the time and not miss this opportunity.”

He specifically emphasized the word "opportunity".

"Lin Yi understands, thank you for informing me, Senior Brother." Lin Yi solemnly replied.

"Yes, that's the main point. You've just been through a major battle, go back and rest well."

Cangming nodded, his figure slowly fading away and disappearing into the virtual space.

As consciousness returned, Lin Yi took a deep breath.

His master suddenly agreed to attend the gathering. Was there some deeper meaning behind this? He had no idea.

But the gathering six months later was undoubtedly an important step for him to get in touch with the core of his sect.

With everything settled, the Dongfeng Fleet began its return to the fortress where the 93778th Legion of the Astral Army was stationed. As a cooperative mercenary group, Dongfeng had obtained a fixed base at the fortress, requiring only periodic payments.

Continuous high-intensity combat requires a thorough maintenance and overhaul of both personnel and equipment.

Furthermore, the large amount of cultivation resources, technical blueprints, and weapons and equipment obtained through the military merit system also need to be digested and absorbed after being distributed by the military, and then transformed into real combat power.

A month passed quietly in relatively peaceful rest and cultivation.

Lin Yi rarely left his house, spending most of his time consolidating his cultivation and using newly acquired resources to enhance his strength.

Amidst the joy of receiving their titles and the complex emotions of missing their fallen comrades, the members of Dongfeng trained diligently, absorbing the experience from the battlefield.

Until this day, Xuanji's voice interrupted Lin Yi's meditation.

"Commander, Captain Buck, the leader of the Blood Wolf Mercenary Group, requests a visit."

Lin Yi opened his eyes.

He knew that the Blood Wolf Mercenary Group had just returned to the fortress to rest after completing a mission a few days ago.

Because Captain Buck of the Blood Wolves visited them as soon as he returned, and even brought back local specialties from their mission area.

The Blood Wolf's leader, Buck, may seem rough and tough, but he's actually quite shrewd and well-informed in the surrounding area. They've cooperated several times during previous border missions, and since their bases are close together, their relationship is pretty good.

Didn't you just come a few days ago? Why are you here again?

A hint of suspicion arose in Lin Yi's heart, and he gave instructions to Xuanji.

"Please invite him to the reception room."

A moment later, the burly Captain Buck strode into the reception room.

His face, instead of its usual carefree smile, appeared quite solemn.

After a brief exchange of pleasantries, Captain Buck, without even touching the drinks on the table, went straight to the point:

"Commander Lin Yi, I came here today because I just received some news that I felt I had to remind you of."

He paused and said word by word:

"Crimson Star, something has happened."

(End of this chapter)