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

Chapter 333 Who Are You Saying Is Chasing Whom? (Seeking Monthly Tickets)

The Ultimate Arena, the most renowned arena for competition within the Spirit Clan's territory, is now shrouded in a tense atmosphere, as if a storm is brewing.

The once bustling and lively spectator area is now deserted, replaced by Eldar staff members hurrying through the passageways, busy with scheduling and evacuation.

The trajectory of the dazzling energy halo surrounding the entire arena is subtly changing, gradually shifting from a gentle and smooth viewing mode to a more angular and powerful array shape, silently revealing the ferocious fangs that this magnificent creation is about to unleash.

Yongyan's lounge is located on a high floor of the contestants' family and friends reception area, offering a wide view.

The interior furnishings were simple yet possessed a technological aesthetic unique to the Eldar, but at this moment, a stagnant atmosphere permeated the air.

Yongyan stood with his back to the huge arched viewing window, outside which was the Arena Energy Dome, which was slowly deforming and reorganizing.

Several semi-transparent light screens floated in front of him, displaying real-time information streams from major mainstream media outlets of the Pan-Spirit Alliance and intelligence channels of the race.

His brow remained furrowed throughout, and he lightly tapped his fingertips in the air, glancing over routine battle reports.

The mind of an eternal god should be as calm as still water, but at this moment, a trace of barely perceptible anxiety lingered between his brows.

The target of the mission—Lin Yi—his whereabouts and safety have always been the core of his concern.

Suddenly, he stopped moving and fixed his gaze on a text message.

A supreme-level battle erupts outside the myriad secret realms, and all the geniuses of the Pan-Spirit Alliance are trapped within.

"fall."

Yongyan repeated the two words in a low voice, his voice sounding particularly clear in the quiet room.

He fell silent, and the eternal divine power that had been flowing naturally around him stagnated slightly, as if the light in the lounge had dimmed a bit as well.

Just then, the voice of the intelligent life form rang out directly in his consciousness.

"Master, we have received a mandatory regional announcement from the highest management center of the Ultimate Arena."

"Announcement: Due to the needs of the frontline battle and the resolution of the Supreme Council, the Ultimate Arena will cease all non-combat functions and activate combat mode 48 hours from standard time. All personnel remaining outside the Eldar combat sequence will be escorted back to their respective registered civilizations or designated safe zones in batches by dedicated shuttles arranged by the Arena at the same time. Please prepare for evacuation within the specified time."

Upon hearing this, Yongyan looked up and gazed out the window.

In the sky, the halos that were originally interwoven like art were now reorganizing at a significantly faster pace, and some huge bases and matrix nodes began to slowly emerge from the magnificent shell of the arena.

A powerful sense of strength is awakening from the depths of that colossal creature.

"Combat mode. A Dominator-level war fortress that requires the joint maintenance of ten Venerable Lords."

Yongyan murmured.

So many years have passed, so long that even many eternal beings have almost forgotten that this top-tier arena, renowned throughout the Pan-Spirit Alliance, is fundamentally one of the ultimate weapons built by the Spirit Race during their glorious ancient era.

When the facade of peace is torn away, the iron fist of war will reveal its sharpness.

Yongyan gazed at the distorting sky for a while, then composed himself and instructed the intelligent life form, "In my name, I invite Miss Irelia and Miss Lin Yao to come for a chat. Now."
-
At almost the same time, in another reception suite, slightly less luxurious but equally well-equipped.

Irelia stood in the center of the room. She had just received the notice of the evacuation of the Ultimate Arena, but it did not cause her much emotional fluctuation.

What truly chilled her to the bone were the pieces of information that Zhou Yuxuan had just searched and displayed on the public screen.

On the screen is a summary of information about "Myriad Secret Realms" from Starsea Media and other comments on the virtual network.

"The myriad secret realms are high-level secret realms that produce strategic resources for the race."

"Due to the rules of the secret realm, only individuals with a life level no higher than the Star Core level are allowed to enter."

"The secret realm lasts for one standard year. If you do not leave the secret realm by the deadline, you are considered trapped inside. Although you cannot be immediately confirmed as dead, there is no record of you ever reappearing."

Chen Yu stared intently at the last few lines of text, his face pale. "Isn't this almost like a plane crash? They say they're missing, waiting for a miracle, but everyone knows..."

He didn't finish his sentence, but everyone understood what he meant.

Zhou Yuxuan turned off the light screen and rubbed his temples.

Kanlia looked worriedly at Irelia's straight but slightly trembling back, then at Lin Yao beside her, who was biting her lip and had red eyes but was trying her best to hold back her tears. She wanted to say something to comfort her, but found that any words would be pale and powerless at this moment.

Could it be that Lin Yi, the leader of the Dongfeng Mercenary Group, their backbone, the one who has created miracles time and time again, is really...?
Just then, the doorbell rang softly.

Immediately afterwards, a gentle voice came: "Miss Irelia, Miss Lin Yao, I have come on the orders of my master, His Majesty Yongyan, to invite you both to a meeting."

The somber atmosphere inside was briefly broken.

Irelia took a deep breath, forcibly suppressing her turbulent emotions, and when she turned around, her face had regained its usual calm.

She told Chen Yu and the others, "Continue to collect all information that may have been overlooked, especially whether there have been any reports in history that suggest even the slightest possibility of survival. Don't overlook any clues. We'll discuss this further when I return."

She glanced at Lin Yao again, and softened her voice: "Yao Yao, let's go and hear what His Majesty Yongyan has to say."

Lin Yao nodded vigorously, quickly wiping the corner of her eye with the back of her hand, trying to make her expression appear calm.

The two left the room, guided by the intelligent life form sent by Yongyan.

After the door closed, Chen Yu slumped his shoulders and scratched his head in frustration: "His Majesty Yongyan didn't call us. I really want to know how the commander and the others are doing. What exactly happened in the fall?"

Zhou Yuxuan patted his shoulder and said somewhat helplessly, "It's normal that they didn't invite us. Everyone knows the relationship between the deputy commander and the commander. Miss Lin Yao is the commander's younger sister, a blood relative."

"His Majesty Yongyan only treats them differently and consults with them on matters because of the group leader, while the rest of us..."

He gave a wry smile. "In the eyes of the Eternal Gods, they're just a few ordinary Star Core-level juniors with some potential. Being able to witness this level with the Captain is already incredibly lucky. Stop thinking about useless things. The Vice-Captain instructed us to investigate quickly!"

Chen Yu sighed, knowing that Zhou Yuxuan was right. He rallied his spirits and, together with the others, began to try to dig out more information about the "Myriad Secret Realms" and the clues about this incident in the vast and somewhat chaotic wartime virtual network.

In the rest room of Yongyan, after Irelia and Lin Yao arrived, they were led to Yongyan by the intelligent life form.

Without any further pleasantries, Yongyan waved for them to sit down and cut straight to the point: "You've probably already seen the news about the Myriad Secret Realms."

Irelia took a deep breath and nodded.

"Yes, Your Majesty Yongyan. We have seen news of the outbreak of war, and also a brief report about the fall of all the geniuses in the Myriad Secret Realms."

She deliberately used the official term "fallen" instead of the more direct "fell".

Lin Yao nodded in agreement.

Her lips were pressed together until they turned white, and her hands were clasped tightly together on her knees, so tightly that her knuckles protruded.

Yongyan's gaze lingered on the two faces for a moment, taking in Irelia's feigned composure and Lin Yao's vulnerability and stubbornness.

He paused for a moment before speaking. "The battle at the entrance to the secret realm, which was a battle of the Overlord level, is still ongoing. However, I have confirmed it through the clan's intelligence system. One thing is certain: Lord Lin Yi and his team are currently trapped inside the secret realm."

Yongyan paused, his gaze sweeping over Irelia's instantly tense body and Lin Yao's suddenly raised eyes, brimming with tears yet stubbornly refusing to fall, before continuing:
"Based on publicly available historical data and general understanding, the chances of survival after being trapped in one of the thousands of secret realms are extremely slim."

Irelia's body swayed almost imperceptibly, but she steadied herself with her powerful willpower.

She heard her own voice sound somewhat unsteady: "Your Majesty means..."

"Although Lord Lin Yi and other prodigies are currently trapped in the myriad secret realms, their fate is unknown."

Yongyan specifically emphasized "at present" and "life or death is uncertain" rather than drawing a direct conclusion.

"However, as of now, I have not received any clear termination instructions from the clan mission system regarding my initial mission to protect Lord Lin Yi."

His gaze swept over Irelia and Lin Yao.

"Therefore, until I receive new, clear instructions, I have decided to continue with the remaining parts of the mission."

"I will travel to Lord Lin Yi's home planet, Silver Blue Star, to take charge. It is his base of operations and also the place most likely to become uncertain due to his fall. Ensuring its stability during the war is in line with the mission's spirit, and perhaps the only thing we can do right now."

He paused for a moment and looked at the two of them.

"As Lin Yi's closest partners and blood relatives, it is no longer necessary for you two to remain in the core area of ​​the Spirit Clan. Furthermore, the Ultimate Arena will soon enter a state of war, and non-combat personnel must evacuate. The journey is long, and the star sea is currently turbulent, making navigation uncertain. You should return to Silver Blue Star with me. This is the safest option."

Irelia immediately stood up and solemnly bowed to Yongyan: "Thank you for your protection, Your Majesty."

Lin Yao quickly followed suit and bowed, her voice choked with emotion: "Thank you, Your Majesty Yongyan."

"Go back and prepare. The evacuation and assembly time is limited, and we need to arrive at the designated location on time."

Yongyan waved his hand, ending the brief meeting.

Irelia helped the still somewhat weak Lin Yao up, thanked Yongyan again, and left the lounge with mixed feelings. On the way back, both of them remained silent.

Irelia stopped when she was close to her suite and looked at Lin Yao. "Yao Yao, after we return to Silverblue Star, you can stay there and focus on your cultivation."

Lin Yao was taken aback: "Sister Irelia, what about you?"

"I'm going back to the front lines, back to the Dongfeng Mercenary Group."

Irelia said slowly, "The leader entrusted the mercenary group to me for temporary management. I cannot let Dongfeng disband because of the current situation."

"During wartime, mercenary groups need stability and someone to oversee command. I can't wait for the leader to return to find Dongfeng falling apart."

When she said "waiting for the commander to come back," she didn't hesitate at all, as if it were something that was bound to happen.

Lin Yao's tears finally rolled down her cheeks, and she nodded vigorously: "I understand! I will stay on Silverblue Star, cultivate diligently, and protect my home! Sister Irelia, you must be careful."

Irelia gave her a gentle hug, then let go and pushed open the suite door.

Chen Yu, Zhou Yuxuan, and Kanlia immediately surrounded them, looking at them anxiously.

Irelia did not hide anything and briefly informed him of Everrock's decision and arrangements.

“His Majesty Yongyan will go to Silver Blue Star to oversee things, and Yaoyao will follow him back and stay on Silver Blue Star.”

Irelia looked at the three core members, "As for me, I'm preparing to return to the front lines to stabilize the East Peak Mercenary Group. The three of you can choose the relatively safe Silver Blue Star, or you can come back to the mercenary group with me. The decision is yours; I won't force you."

"Wait for the commander to come back," Chen Yu repeated subconsciously, exchanging a glance with Zhou Yuxuan.

They all saw the unwavering conviction in Irelia's eyes, even though that conviction seemed so fragile in the face of harsh reality.

The two tacitly refrained from raising any questions, and almost simultaneously said, "We'll go back to the mercenary group with the vice-captain."

Kanlia looked at Irelia's calm face, felt a pang of pain in her heart, and said softly, "I'll go back too."

Irelia's gaze swept over the three of them one by one, and she nodded, the competence and responsibility that belonged to the vice commander returning to her: "Alright. Then get ready and board the ship on time."

While Irelia and the others were making their decision, Yongyan was not idle either.

He activated the virtual network access device and summoned the core members of the family.

Soon, several figures began to gather on the ancient and solemn floating chairs in the core virtual conference hall of the Yongyan family.

These are the core members of the Yongyan family who are currently in charge of various affairs, including his son Yongfeng, daughter Yongqing, and his eldest disciple Musto.

“Father.” “Clan Chief.” The group bowed respectfully.

Yongyan's virtual figure sat in the main seat and said without any nonsense: "The war has begun, and the ultimate arena is about to be transformed. I will go to Silver Blue Star to take charge according to the original clan mission until the mission is changed or canceled. During this period, Yongfeng will temporarily take charge of all clan affairs, with Musto assisting him."

"You must fully cooperate with any war deployment and mobilization orders that the Supreme Council may issue, and there must be no mistakes. Family resources should be allocated to war missions, but you must act prudently in order to preserve the family's vitality."

The core members were all taken aback.

Silver Blue Star?
Isn't that the home planet of Lin Yi, the prodigy who has been trapped in the secret realm?
The clan leader actually wants to go?
Now that war has broken out, it is a great opportunity to earn a lot of clan merits and improve the family's status by relying on the power of the eternal gods. Why would they go to a remote emerging civilization planet to take charge instead?

Despite their utter astonishment, their long-held reverence and trust in Yongyan made them suppress all their doubts, and they all bowed: "We will obey the clan leader's command!"

Yongyan's figure slowly disappeared, exiting the virtual conference hall.

A moment of silence fell over the conference room.

Yongqing was the first to be unable to hold back. With her relatively simple personality, she spoke directly: "Father, why is this? Lin Yi has clearly already perished in the secret realm."

"Although the clan missions weren't explicitly canceled, the missions are naturally invalid now that the people are gone! We're in the midst of war, and there are countless missions with high clan honors waiting for the Eternal Gods to take on. This is a great opportunity for our clan to rise to power. Why is Father going to that Silver Blue Star to oversee things instead?"

Yongfeng glanced at his sister and sighed helplessly.

After considering his words for a moment, he explained, "You're oversimplifying things. Father just said that the tribe has not explicitly terminated its guard duties."

"This clearly means that the Supreme Council, or at least the Venerables who issued the mission, such as Venerable Xuan Yan and Venerable Tian Ge, have not yet officially acknowledged Lin Yi's death, or are unwilling to acknowledge it immediately."

He paused, lowering his voice slightly: "You know the potential Lin Yi has shown and the amount of attention he has received. The sudden downfall of such a prodigy favored by many venerable masters has left those big shots feeling a burning resentment and a frustration with nowhere to vent it."

"Theoretically, this matter cannot be blamed on Father, who was on guard duty. But if Father were to turn around at this moment and eagerly take on other tasks that could earn more clan merits, what would those disgruntled Lords think if they saw this?"

"Wouldn't I feel that my father is cold-hearted? Utilitarian? Even if I know rationally that my father is not wrong, I would still feel dislike towards him emotionally."

“Even if they don’t punish my father, just the slightest expression of dissatisfaction could be a huge obstacle to the future development of our family.”

"My father's trip to Silver Blue Star was a statement, a way of showing respect for the deceased. This reputation is more important than some clan honors, especially in the hearts of those truly important people."

Musto chimed in, "Secondly, at the very beginning of a war, the first wave of missions is often the most chaotic and dangerous, with the enemy's offensive being the fiercest and our preparations potentially insufficient. Charging ahead may bring great merit, but the probability of becoming cannon fodder is also high."

"Instead of charging ahead and taking huge risks, it's better to take this opportunity to temporarily avoid the limelight. Going to Silver Blue Star to oversee things not only fulfills our mission and preserves our reputation and honor, but also allows us to avoid the initial, most chaotic, and dangerous phase of the war and observe the situation. This is the wisdom of our family to survive in chaotic times."

After listening, Yongqing suddenly understood and murmured, "So that's how it is. I thought Father insisted on going because of old friendship and because he was a good person."

Upon hearing this, Yongfeng and Musto exchanged a glance, both seeing a hint of amusement in each other's eyes.

Yongfeng shook his head, his tone gentle yet cautionary: "Although there are some things I shouldn't say, those who can cultivate to become eternal gods in the universe and establish and maintain a large family are neither purely good nor purely bad. Father has his principles and sentiments, but more importantly, they are the weighing and choices made after experiencing many vicissitudes. There may be nostalgia, but what supports these choices is a more complex consideration. You still have a lot to learn."

"Of course, Father is not a cold-hearted person, and he does admire Lord Lin Yi, but this admiration will never be placed above the safety of the family. You will need to think more carefully when you participate in family affairs in the future."

Yongfeng pondered for a moment, then added, "In addition, there is another point that may also be very important. Although the historical record of the loss of countless secret realms is that none have been recovered, what if? The universe is vast and full of wonders. The clan's desire to preserve their father's mission is probably just a very faint glimmer of hope."

"Perhaps it will be several epochs later, after utter despair, before it is officially cancelled. Father's choice at this moment also takes into account this sliver of possibility, even though that possibility is almost impossible."

Yongqing nodded, but she still felt in her heart that her father's choice to do this was not simply a calculation, as her elder brother and senior brother thought.

However, she didn't say it again, otherwise she would be laughed at for being too naive.

Silence fell once again in the virtual conference room.

The core members digested this information and began to seriously plan how to cooperate with the council's arrangements while maintaining the family's operations in the context of war.
-
Within countless secret realms.

On a wasteland composed of dark red gravel, with several pale mountain peaks resembling giant skeletons rising in the distance, a figure slowly retracts his outstretched hand.

Before him, a thick cloud of blood mist, emitting a silent roar, was rapidly disintegrating, leaving only a blood-red crystal, which was drawn into his hand by an invisible force.

That figure was none other than Lin Yi.

Two years had passed since they were trapped in the myriad secret realms.

Compared to two years ago, his appearance has not changed much, but his aura has become more profound and restrained, like a piece of deep-sea black iron that has been tempered.

The Blood Mist Beast was one of the overlords of this area called "Bone Wasteland". It was at the mid-stage of the Star Domain level. Its core blood mist could erode the soul and distort perception, enough to make an ordinary Star Core level genius die instantly.

But in his hands, it couldn't even withstand three blows.

"Xuanji, record the current location coordinates and mark that the Skeleton Lord has been eliminated. The collected Blood Essence Crystal Cores are of medium purity and have stable energy reactions; they can be stored." Lin Yi calmly instructed.

"Coordinates have been recorded, and crystal nuclei have been stored."

Xuanji's voice rang directly in his consciousness, as clear and steady as ever.

Lin Yi nodded, his body shifting slightly as he prepared to return to the camp.

Suddenly, Xuanji's voice rang out again.

“Master, an emergency! Three minutes ago, an abnormal data stream was transmitted from the 7th concealed monitoring point (coordinates: Blood Mist Layer - Southeast - Edge - 3471) that we established when we first entered this layer.”

"The monitoring point detected a high-intensity energy burst near the entrance of the Blood Mist Channel, lasting approximately 1.7 seconds. Energy spectrum analysis has been completed, and the feature comparison database match rate is 87.3%, which is consistent with the standard attack pattern of the Abyss Clan."

"Reverse engineering of the movement trajectory shows that a high-speed moving target escaped from the direction of the channel before the energy burst, and its energy characteristics are highly consistent with those of the Eclipse Clan."

"According to calculations, there is a 92.1% chance that the Abyss Clan will hunt down the Eclipse Clan."

Lin Yi's figure suddenly froze.

"Who are you saying is hunting down whom?"

"The Abyss Clan is hunting down the Eclipse Clan?"

(End of this chapter)