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

Chapter 57 Resource Sealing
Meanwhile, in the distant outer space.

In the tranquil universe, the "Emerald Starship" floats silently in the outer orbit of the blue planet, like an elegant and solitary guardian.

Inside the main control room of the bridge, Irelia was sitting cross-legged with her eyes closed, carrying out her daily training.

Suddenly, a delicate, ice-crystal-like device on her wrist glowed slightly, and a winged sprite flew out, circling her joyfully and emitting a crisp notification sound:
“Master, Master, an abnormal high-energy reaction has been detected on the surface of Blue Star. The energy peak has been determined to be at the mid-stage of the Stardust level.”

"Although it's only at the fourth-tier threshold, it's confirmed to be of mid-stage power."

Irelia's long eyelashes trembled slightly, and the eerie blue light surrounding her slowly receded.

She opened her eyes, a hint of surprise flashing in her icy blue pupils.

"Mid-stage Stardust level?"

The first person she thought of was the one who had drawn her special attention.

Lin Yi.

Apart from him, there is currently no other native inhabitant of Earth who has mastered the power of source energy.

"Retrieve the monitoring report and energy spectrum analysis," Irelia instructed softly.

"Good host!"

The little light-winged sprite responded cheerfully, and with a wave of its little hand, a light screen immediately unfolded in front of Irelia.

Irelia watched closely, and when she saw that the attack contained a trace of extremely subtle power of rules, the surprise on her face gradually turned into true shock!

"It's really him."

"The power of rules. Although it is so weak that it can be almost ignored, rules are a field that only star cores can access."
"How can this be?!"

Her stunningly beautiful face was filled with disbelief. "How long has he been cultivating? He's not even at the Stardust level!"

"Huh? 'Meteor Strike'. So that's how it is. Because it didn't have enough source energy, it created a simplified version directly?"
"This"

Irelia quickly accessed Lin Yi's recent growth records and saw the record of his clumsy attempt on the rooftop last night.

Although Irelia knew that Lin Yi had made the simplification with references, she was still deeply impressed that he had not only made a preliminary simplification in such a short time, but also preserved the core essence.

What does it mean?
This means that Lin Yi could actually be considered to have successfully cultivated the "Meteor Strike" from the very beginning.

Only by fully understanding and mastering the material can one simplify it.

He learned a secret technique containing a trace of law after just one attempt.
At this moment, Irelia couldn't help but fall into self-doubt.

How long did it take me to even begin to grasp the rules?

ten years!

A full ten years!

When she reached the fifth level of Star Dust cultivation, she finally grasped a trace of the rules and mastered the techniques of the Star Core level.

Although Lin Yi's simplified version is far from being a star core-level technique, its essence remains the same. As long as he advances to the Stardust level, he will inevitably master it in the short term.

Irelia paused for a moment, her icy blue eyes gleaming as if she were making a decision.

Finally, she raised her head and instructed the light-winged sprite:
"From today onwards, cease using Star Frost Water for cultivation assistance. Seal it completely and store it properly."

"Also, lapis lazuli crystal... um, seal up one-fifth... no, seal up half!"

The little elf tilted its head, somewhat puzzled.

“Master? Although the effects of Star Frost Water are starting to wane, it’s still somewhat useful to you right now. Besides, you’re barely using enough Azure Crystal for your own cultivation. Reduce it further.” “I’ll do as you say.”

The Star Frost Water was indeed of little use to her, but for someone at the Star Core level, it was definitely a treasure.

As for the Azure Crystal, she wasn't originally focused on the metal element rules, so it's okay if she comprehends them slowly. Lin Yi seems to have an extremely high talent for the metal element rules, so she can make the most of it.

Irelia turned her gaze back to the image frozen on the screen—the moment Lin Yi threw his spear—and silently added to her mind:
I hope my advance preparations won't be in vain.
-
As the convoy roared back to the outer defense line of the Helu City settlement, the setting sun was painting the last rays of its rays onto the densely packed tents and makeshift fortifications.

The return journey was unexpectedly smooth, and they did not encounter any more large-scale abyssal beasts to obstruct them.

As you pass through the defense line, the familiar hustle and bustle once again envelop you.

The convoy stopped in the designated area, where staff and volunteers who had been waiting immediately stepped forward to guide the survivors of Hongfulou through registration, allocation of temporary living areas, and distribution of basic rations and drinking water for the night.

The process was somewhat slow and tedious, but orderly.

Having experienced the brutality of the apocalypse, people showed great patience and cooperation with this process, which represented "order" and "safety".

The children clung tightly to their parents' clothes, curiously and timidly looking around their huge and crowded "new home".

The adults looked tired, but they couldn't hide the relief of finally reaching the safe zone.

Lin Yi did not participate in these trivial matters.

After exchanging a few brief words with Zhou Jianjun, Chen Yu, and others, he walked towards the old department store with Ren Yinuo and Li Gang.

Li Gang needed to report on the specifics of the rescue mission, especially the final encounter with the three abyssal bears and Lin Yi's decisive blow that turned the tide of the battle.

Ren Yinuo, on the other hand, needs to formally report to the command headquarters and apply for a dedicated room for the installation of communication equipment.

They immediately reported the crucial intelligence provided by Lin Yi that "the nest can be destroyed through source energy neutralization."

Walking along the still bustling streets, but less solemn than the outer areas, Lin Yi thought for a moment, then seemingly casually brought up:
"Captain Ren, through this encounter, I've realized that we still know far too little about the lair."

"I suggest that the command center strengthen the observation and comparison of different nests? By obtaining more samples, we might be able to discover more commonalities or differences, and even predict their behavioral patterns?"

Upon hearing this, Ren Yinuo nodded seriously: "That's right, Staff Officer Lin, your suggestion is very important. I will convey it to the command headquarters in its entirety."

"Headquarters has indeed been collecting data on nests in various locations, but because the data is too limited, a systematic comparison has not yet been conducted."

Lin Yi nodded slightly and said no more.

He has already sown the seeds regarding the expansion of the lair's territory. If the higher-ups still haven't noticed in a few days, they'll devise another plan.

As they approached the old department store, Lin Yi seemed to remember something and asked Li Gang beside him with a hint of curiosity:

"Captain Li, it seems that Lieutenant Colonel Zhang Weidong is directly commanding the armed police force at the settlement. Why haven't we seen the captain in charge?"

Li Gang paused almost imperceptibly, and the lines on his face seemed to tighten slightly for a moment.

He was silent for a few seconds, his gaze fixed on the fortifications being reinforced in the distance, and his voice lowered, "Captain He has already sacrificed his life."

Lin Yi remained silent, only gently patting Li Gang on the shoulder.

In the end times, sacrifice is everywhere, and every person who sticks to their post deserves respect.

The atmosphere was somewhat somber as they entered the old department store, where they met Zhang Weidong again.

Li Gang first reported on the completion of the task.

When he recounted how Lin Yi, alone, annihilated the Giant Rock Abyss Bear and over thirty Abyss Wolves with a single shot, his tone was still filled with excitement despite his efforts to maintain objectivity in the report.

(End of this chapter)