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

Chapter 301: Listed on the Human Race's Origin Star (6K)

Having made up his mind, Lin Yi withdrew his consciousness from the misty virtual space and returned to his private training room in the border legion fortress.

He slowly opened his eyes, the lingering thoughtfulness in them not yet completely gone.

Senior Sister Qianhuan's advice to conceal his talents, the unspoken rules of the Spirit Clan, and the opportunity presented by that "list" all swirled in his mind.

Lin Yi knew clearly that, setting aside these external strategies and resources, the essence of the path of cultivation ultimately lay within oneself.

"If I rely solely on my own conventional comprehension, without using any external comprehension-accelerating treasures," Lin Yi silently calculated in his mind, "it would take an estimated 380 years to fully comprehend the rules of water and successfully integrate them with the existing five realms to form a six-fold fusion realm."

This number made him frown slightly.

This is because it does not include the time required for rule fusion.

The transition from five to six layers is not a simple superposition, but rather a process of steadily introducing the rules of water into an already extremely complex and precise five-layer balance system, the difficulty of which is self-evident.

"This is only the sixth level."

Lin Yi continued his deductions, "It is estimated that it will take about 570 years to further comprehend the rules of fire and form seven domains."

"Choose one of the rules of earth or the rules of wood, comprehend and integrate them to form eight realms, which is estimated to take about 850 years."

"Finally, by integrating the remaining fundamental rule insights, I reached the theoretical limit of the Star Core level: the Great Perfection of the Ninefold Rules."

Lin Yi took a deep breath, "It's estimated to take about 1,280 years!"

If you roughly add up these periods, the total is close to three thousand years.

And this is only the time estimate required to fully comprehend all nine rules at the Star Core level.

The time required for rule integration and understanding of the laws is completely unpredictable.

Lin Yi immediately felt a heavy pressure fall on his shoulders.

"There are less than eight hundred years until the next Pan-Spirit Alliance Genius Battle begins."

He silently calculated the time window.

Without additional treasures to aid them, it would be difficult to even stably achieve the eighth level of the realm in eight hundred years.

"Time is indeed running out," Lin Yi muttered to himself.

His gaze was fixed on the void, as if it could penetrate the walls of the training room and see that mysterious and distant existence. "Hopefully, the special resources in the list can greatly shorten this process."

Clearly, without external assistance, it's almost a pipe dream to have enough confidence before the battle of geniuses.

Therefore, the special resources within the directory must be able to provide sufficiently powerful assistance.

However, Lin Yi wasn't too worried about this. After all, judging from the resources released, as long as the resources on the list were no worse than those of the Fleeting Beauty or the Eternal Abyss, there wouldn't be a big problem.

After pondering for a while, Lin Yi quickly composed himself and refocused his attention on the present moment.

"Start with the basic rules of water and try to understand them on your own, since they are just basic rules."

His figure slowly came to a stop in the cultivation room, and he began to try to comprehend the basic meaning of the water's rules of "softness, change, moistness, and transparency" according to the basic method of "Thousand Streams Guidance" given by Senior Sister Qianhuan.

Two months passed in a flash.

On this day, as he was trying to capture the subtle commonality between the "life" of life and the "nourishment" of water, Xuanji's figure suddenly appeared beside him.

"Master, I have received an invitation to access the virtual universe network from Qianhuan, with a message: There is progress on the list matter, please come and see me as soon as possible."

Lin Yi's spirits lifted, and he immediately exited his deep cultivation state, then linked his consciousness into the virtual network.

When Lin Yi returned to that seemingly real yet illusory landscape, he noticed that Senior Sister Qianhuan was already waiting in the waterside pavilion.

A simple tea set was placed in front of her, and she was pouring herself a drink.

"Sister."

Lin Yi stepped forward to greet him.

"Junior brother is here, please have a seat."

Qianhuan gestured for him to sit down opposite her, casually pushing a cup of tea towards him with a relaxed smile on her face. "It's good news. Your application to be included in the special genius training list has been officially approved by the Supreme Review Committee, and all the relevant procedures have been completed."

Although it was expected, Lin Yi still felt a great weight lifted off his shoulders upon hearing the official confirmation.

He quickly thanked her, saying, "Thank you, Senior Sister."

"No need to thank me, you earned it yourself."

Qianhuan waved his hand, took a sip of tea, and said, “According to procedure, soon, probably in the next month or two, someone will make a special trip to your garrison at the border legion to deliver the official notification to you in person and handle some necessary permission entry and identity verification procedures.”

"At that time, you will be an official member of the list."

Lin Yi nodded to indicate that he understood.

Such a high-profile list cannot simply be a virtual email; in-person confirmation, and perhaps some symbolic ceremony or admonition, are all necessary.

"By the way, there's something you can start thinking about now." Qianhuan put down her teacup, her tone becoming slightly more formal.

"Please speak, Senior Sister."

"Once included in the list, as a core member to be cultivated, you will receive an exclusive manor on Origin Star, and will automatically have permanent residency rights on Origin Star," Qianhuan said slowly.

"Origin Star?" Lin Yi was slightly taken aback upon hearing this, a look of surprise flashing in his eyes.

Of course he knew about the Origin Star.

That was the capital star of the entire human race, the location of the highest council, and the absolute core of human politics, economy, and culture.

Located in the Origin Starfield, one of only two Level 9 energy-rich regions in the human race, its energy concentration, infrastructure, and security level are unparalleled in the human race's territory, making it a sacred place that countless cultivators dream of.

According to his understanding of star systems, only those that have advanced to the star domain level are eligible to apply for temporary or long-term residency rights on the primordial star. Moreover, the review process is extremely rigorous, requiring multiple conditions such as sufficient contributions to the population, a clean background, and meeting potential assessment standards.

Most star-domain level powerhouses may never be able to set foot on the Origin Star in their entire lives, let alone obtain permanent residency.

"That's right, it's the Origin Star."

Qianhuan affirmed, "This is one of the benefits of being a member of the roster. The cultivation environment there is far superior to that of the border star regions. In addition to the extremely high concentration of source energy, there are also many cultivation facilities that are specially opened to members of the roster or those with high privileges, such as certain special law comprehension rooms, time flow adjustment meditation towers, high-level combat simulation arenas, etc. Some facilities are open to members of the roster for free or have a very high free quota."

"In addition, many sermons or special courses occasionally offered by the eternal deities or even the supreme beings, which require a high price to be heard outside, are often given priority to be listened to by members of the roster and even to ask questions."

"Moreover, one of the physical locations of the race's strategic treasury, namely the resource database, is located in the Origin Starfield. If you exchange any physical resources in the database and choose to receive them on the Origin Star, you can basically get them in a very short time, saving the long time of interstellar transportation and security handling."

Then, Qianhuan looked at Lin Yi and said in a slightly more serious tone, "In addition, there is another factor that cannot be ignored: security."

"The border legion fortress where you are currently stationed is indeed heavily fortified, enough to withstand regular star-domain level attacks, and even to contend with world-level attacks when the legion's formation is fully activated and a powerful expert is in charge."

"However, it is still as fragile as paper for gods. If a foreign god were to launch a full-scale attack at any cost, the risk would be extremely high."

"Although it is not a full-scale war now, there are constant border frictions and the Kunmo tribe is eyeing us covetously. No one can guarantee absolute peace. Placing important main bodies in a position close to the front line with a clear defensive limit for a long time is not the best choice."

“But the Primordial Star is different.”

Qianhuan said seriously, "That is the core of the human race's heartland, with layers upon layers of defenses, making it as solid as a rock. Not only are there many Venerable Lords stationed here, but even the Sovereigns are stationed here. Let alone alien gods, even if an alien Sovereign were to truly threaten Origin Star, it would be as difficult as ascending to heaven."

"With you living there, and with the dedicated guard team led by a powerful expert of the Transcendent Realm who is assigned to each member of the list according to regulations, your safety will be guaranteed to the maximum extent, enough to deter any potential malice."

"Of course, this is not mandatory."

Qianhuan smiled and said, "If you feel more comfortable at the border, or if you have other considerations, you can choose not to relocate. The guard force will be stationed near your current location in accordance with regulations. But I have explained the pros and cons. You can weigh the options yourself."

Lin Yi was deeply moved as he listened.

Each of these conditions is extremely attractive and can greatly improve the efficiency of cultivation and save precious time.

He hardly hesitated.

Origin Star's advantages are comprehensive, encompassing safety, resources, efficiency, and potential opportunities.

Having witnessed the rise and fall of civilizations in his previous life, he knew that placing the core in the safest place during times of lurking crisis was a wise and necessary choice.

While border fortresses are important, they are more of a strategic foothold and training ground than an ideal place for long-term seclusion to strive for the highest level.

Moreover, if he wants to catch up with the progress of the Spirit Race's top geniuses within eight hundred years, he must make use of all available resources.

The conditions on Origin Star can undoubtedly provide him with assistance far exceeding that of the border.

"Senior sister, I choose to go to Origin Star." Lin Yi said firmly.

"Wise choice."

Qianhuan nodded approvingly, then reminded her, "By the way, the right to reside in the Origin Star Manor is not limited to you alone. Not all the listed geniuses are solitary individuals; they are allowed to bring a small number of relatives or important attendants to live with them in order to take care of their lives or assist with their cultivation."

"However, because the geniuses admitted through special admissions are of a lower level, the number of places is limited compared to the regular list members, with a maximum of only half, five people."

"These five people can live with you in the manor and enjoy the energy environment and basic public facilities of Origin Star. However, the core benefits that are exclusive to members of the list, such as the quota of free cultivation facilities, the right to audit courses, and the special protection of the guard force, are only for your personal enjoyment."

"All other expenses of the personnel you bring, including but not limited to the additional cultivation resources they may consume on Origin Star, living costs, and advanced course fees, will be borne by you."

"Five spots. I understand." Lin Yi said knowingly.

This is both a benefit that reflects care for geniuses and a restriction and test to prevent people from using the quota for personal gain or forming an excessively large group of vassals.

It is reasonable for anyone to cover all additional expenses themselves.

"Thank you for informing me, Senior Sister. I will carefully consider the candidate." Lin Yi thanked her again. "Well, it's good that you have a plan in mind. Once the candidate is decided, they can be taken along during the official relocation." After Qian Huan finished speaking, she seemed to remember something and added, "Regarding the relocation, the person who notified you will make the specific arrangements once they arrive. It's estimated that a special spaceship will be dispatched to pick you up and ensure your safety during the journey."

After exchanging a few more words, Lin Yi took his leave and returned to reality.

Inside the cultivation room, Lin Yi opened his eyes, his sharp gaze concealed.

The Origin Star is finally about to step onto the core stage of the human race.

In his excitement, he immediately began to think about who would be the five people to accompany him.

This involves not only supporting those around you, but also taking into account various factors.

Factors to consider include: the degree of closeness to the team, the individual's potential, contributions to the team, future development prospects, and whether the potentially substantial additional expenses of investing in Origin Star are worthwhile.

His first thought was of his family.

Parents are naturally not a consideration, as they have no talent in cultivation and their advancement relies entirely on accumulating resources.

On the contrary, her younger sister Lin Yao has quite outstanding talent. After being disciplined by her father in the past, she has worked hard in her cultivation and her temperament has also improved.

Take her to Origin Star; with its superior environment, she can go further in the future.

Both for the public and for private reasons, this spot should be given to her.

Lin Xuan and Lin Yi, the younger brothers, pondered.

His talent is average. Although there has been some improvement, he is still far from being a true elite. Forcing him to compete fiercely on the Origin Star may not be a good thing. It would be better to let him stay on Blue Star and take care of his parents.

The family confirmed that it was only the younger sister.

Next up is the Dongfeng Mercenary Group, which is also the core of his current base.

Irelia, without a doubt.

Ellie is exceptionally capable and has made significant contributions to the development of the mercenary group.

More importantly, she herself is exceptionally talented, especially in the study of the rules of life.

It's just that because he has been busy with affairs in the relatively energy-poor border areas for a long time, his progress in energy cultivation has been slowed down, and his understanding of the rules also lacks a sufficiently high-concentration energy environment and systematic guidance for in-depth practice.

Taking her to the Origin Star is not only a reward for her years of dedication, but also a way to relieve her of some of her burdens so she can focus on her cultivation and perhaps become a more capable assistant in the future.

As for the management of mercenary groups
Lin Yi thought about it and decided that he could leave his clone behind to take charge of the overall situation.

The clone is more than capable of handling routine matters, and major decisions can be made in real time through the virtual network. In this way, with the clone in charge, the basic operation of the Dongfeng Mercenary Group will not be affected.

So, there are three spots left.

After thinking it over, Lin Yi decided to use these three spots as a reward mechanism for core members of the mercenary group who have made outstanding contributions and have great potential.

It can not only boost the morale of the entire group, but also cultivate higher-level core forces for the mercenary group in the future.

However, he decided to rotate this spot every hundred years, which would be fair and give more people hope.

"Xuanji, connect to Irelia and ask her to come to my training room," Lin Yi instructed.

A short while later, the door to the training room opened, and Irelia, dressed in a smart combat suit, walked in.

"Captain, are you looking for me?"

"Sit down." Lin Yi gestured for her to sit down and said directly without beating around the bush, "There's something I need to discuss with you and I'd like to hear your opinion."

Irelia sat down as instructed and listened quietly.

“I have been given an opportunity to be included in a special training program by the highest levels of the human race.” Lin Yi carefully chose his words. “As a member of the program, I will be relocated to Origin Star for long-term residence and cultivation.”

"The Primordial Star?" Irelia exclaimed softly, her eyes filled with undisguised shock.

Having spent so long in the human territory, she naturally understood what that meant.

"Congratulations, Captain!" Irelia said sincerely.

"Thank you."

Lin Yi smiled and nodded, continuing, "What I want to tell you is not just this. According to the rules, I can bring a small number of people to live with me on Origin Star, with a limit of five. I plan to take my younger sister, Lin Yao, with me; her talent needs a better environment. Also, I hope to bring you along."

Irelia was taken aback, clearly not expecting Lin Yi to specifically mention her.

A hint of joy flashed in her eyes, but she hesitated before saying, "Commander, if I leave, what will happen to the affairs of the troupe?"

"I've thought about that."

Lin Yi interrupted her directly.

“My clone will stay behind and take over most of the daily management tasks. You only need to provide remote decision-making assistance via the virtual network when necessary. You have worked hard at the border for so many years, and your cultivation progress has been delayed a lot. The environment of Origin Star is very important to you.”

"Moreover, if our mercenary group wants to reach a wider stage in the future, we also need your strength to take it a step further."

Irelia felt a warm current welling up in her heart as she listened to Lin Yi's sincere words.

She did feel that her cultivation had reached a bottleneck. The energy environment and complicated affairs at the border made it difficult for her to calm down and deeply comprehend. Going to the Origin Star was undoubtedly a dream opportunity.

Lin Yi continued, "Your matter is settled. There are three more spots, which I plan to award as a reward to the top three members in terms of merit points, with rotation every hundred years."

"This will not only motivate everyone but also cultivate future talent for the team. What do you think?"

Irelia paused for a moment, then nodded in agreement: "This is a great idea. It demonstrates fairness and incentives while ensuring resources are used effectively to cultivate truly contributing and promising core members. I think the team members will be very excited to hear this news."

"So, who are the top three in terms of merit?" Lin Yi asked.

Having devoted himself to cultivation over the years, he is indeed less familiar with the specific affairs and personnel rankings within the group than Irelia.

Without hesitation, Irelia said, "First place, Liu Yuan. Not only is his personal combat strength outstanding, and he has performed well in many key missions, but he is also responsible for assisting in the management of the entire mercenary group. His accumulated merits have always kept him at the top of the list."

Lin Yi nodded. As one of the earliest core members, Liu Yuan was steady and had the demeanor of a great general, so it was no surprise to him that Liu Yuan became number one.

"Second place is Elizabeth. She is quite talented in the rules of ice and has participated in almost all the battles. Although her strength is not as good as Liu Yuan's, her overall contribution is very high."

Elizabeth
Lin Yi also agreed with this, saying that his wisdom and skill made him a rare talent.

"Third place," Irelia paused slightly, "is Zhang Zhen."

"Zhang Zhen?" Lin Yi was slightly surprised, but then understood.

Although Zhang Zhen was unheard of in his previous life, he has shown remarkable talent and strength in this life.

“Yes, Zhang Zhen. He is very proactive in carrying out missions, completes them exceptionally well, performs outstandingly, and accumulates merits very quickly,” Irelia confirmed.

“Very good.” Lin Yi made the decision. “Then these three will be selected as the first group of reward recipients to go to Origin Star. You should inform the three of them to hand over their work as soon as possible and make preparations. At the same time, officially announce this reward mechanism within the group, explain the rules for rotating the slots, so that everyone has something to look forward to.”

"Yes, Commander," Irelia replied, then, as if remembering something, added, "What about your clone, Commander?"

"After my main body leaves, the clone will officially take over the daily management of the mercenary group. Externally, it will still operate under the identity of Lin Yi, but will reduce its public appearances and convey instructions more through you and a few core members."

He had already thought this through.

“I understand.” Irelia was completely relieved and a smile appeared on her face. “Then I’ll go and inform Liu Yuan, Elizabeth, and Zhang Zhen and make the necessary arrangements.”

"Go ahead. I'll let you know the specific time of the relocation once I receive the official notification."

After Irelia left, the training room returned to silence.

Lin Yi sat down cross-legged and began to sort out the follow-up arrangements.

The journey to the Origin Star signifies a new beginning, but also more intense competition and higher expectations. We must make full use of every resource there and improve our strength as quickly as possible.

Time slipped away quietly as we waited and prepared.

A month later.

Outside the border legion's fortress, in the vast and cold void, there was only eternal silence and the occasional streak of patrol fleets.

Suddenly, an extremely subtle ripple appeared in the void.

This ripple is not a violent jump exit, but more like a carefully controlled door that slowly opens.

Immediately afterwards, a small spaceship, no more than three hundred meters long, with a streamlined shape and no obvious markings or exposed weapons on its surface, quietly slid out from the center of the ripples like a ghost.

At the same time as it appeared, the regular monitoring network outside the fortress also detected the suddenly appearing unidentified spaceship.

However, before the alarm could sound at the monitoring station, a multi-encrypted identification signal was already being sent to the fortress's main control center.

Almost simultaneously, the spaceship's hatch opened silently.

Twenty-one figures, like silhouettes blending into the starry sky, appeared in the void outside the spaceship in an instant.

The leader was dressed in a simple dark blue battle robe, with an ordinary face and a calm demeanor.

He simply stood there, yet he exuded a chilling aura, as if he had merged with the surrounding space.

Behind him, the remaining twenty people stood in neat rows.

They were all dressed in standard battle armor, their auras were condensed and heavy, and they scanned the surrounding void with an instinctive vigilance.

(End of this chapter)