Chapter 466: Decision

In Miracle Star's Divine Dragon City.

This place was the Divine Dragon Empire's capital.

Despite being the capital, Divine Dragon City couldn't compare to Xuanzhong City in terms of prosperity.

The overall design of this city prioritized comfort.

Every mountain, river, forest, and plain was meticulously sculpted and maintained by dedicated teams, striving to present breathtaking natural beauty. Even the attire and demeanor of the city's inhabitants adhere closely to the Homo Sapien Alliance's aesthetic standards.

At this moment, in an estate designated for hosting esteemed dignitaries, the Homo Sapien Alliance's envoy—level-four executive Chi Fenglei—was conversing casually with Yan Zun, the Divine Dragon Empire's stabilizing pillar and former emperor.

Chi Fenglei wore a smile. He said, "Astral God Yin Luo chose this star system as his place of return. This is an unparalleled opportunity for every lifeform in this star system. His Majesty had informed the Homo Sapien Alliance in advance, allowing them to preemptively secure control over this star system and preventing opportunistic meddling from other factions.

"Otherwise, all sorts of Demigod factions, Divine Being factions, and even descendants of Astral God factions would already have infiltrated every civilization here."

Yan Zun smiled in agreement. "You're absolutely right, Captain. Astral God Yin Luo, also known as the Light of the Ark, has battled across the Astral Worlds for countless years, with more than millions of alien races falling under his might.

"Even the Astral World Fragment prices in our region are stabilized largely thanks to his unparalleled efforts. For a figure of his stature to have his legacy contested through fair competition, it's evident that the Homo Sapien Alliance is shouldering tremendous pressure."

"The pressure is immense, but such things must be done," said Chi Fenglei, his words carrying a subtle admonishment. "Without rules, if everyone acted purely on personal desires, wouldn't the vast domains of humanity fall into chaos?"

Yan Zun quickly caught on and replied, "Without rules, there's no order. We've always adhered to the guidelines set by the Homo Sapien Alliance. However, with the first phase drawing to a close and numerous fledgling civilizations emerging, there has indeed been some disorder. But I believe that once the truth becomes evident to them, they'll naturally fall in line even before the second phase begins."

"That's good to hear," remarked Chi Fenglei. "Otherwise, for those of us handling these matters, it'd indeed be a challenging situation."

Yan Zun nodded and was about to respond when the communicating ring he carried on him suddenly vibrated intensely.

This unexpected interruption caused his expression to subtly shift.

120 years ago, Yan Zun had joined Chi Fenglei's squad during a trial, exploring a secret realm together. It was then that they forged a meaningful camaraderie.

Yet, over the century, Chi Fenglei had stepped into the pivotal Tier Three Legend realm, while Yan Zun remained stagnant at Tier Two Legend. Their statuses now stood worlds apart.

Even with their shared past, Yan Zun no longer dared to act as casually as before in Chi Fenglei's presence. Especially since Chi Fenglei now held the prestigious position of the Homo Sapien Alliance's level-four executive, overseeing the integration of new civilizations in the Candle Light Star Ring. Whenever Yan Zun met him, he was careful not to allow interruptions that might dampen Chi Fenglei's mood.

Yet, despite these precautions, a message from the royal family still came through....

Chi Fenglei smiled faintly and said, "If you've got urgent matters to attend to, go ahead. We're just gathering data on the number of emerging civilizations. There's no need for you to stay by my side constantly."

"Sorry, Captain. I have a big family relying on me. Sometimes, I really wish I could be like you—letting go of all concerns, living freely, and focusing solely on entering the Astral World and working hard on becoming an Astral God."

"Heh, this choice has its pros and cons. Having a backing does provide great advantages in the early stages of growth. However, at our current level, where we've reached the peak of what our factions can offer, it's only natural that we begin to give back."

𝘧𝘳𝘦ℯ𝓌𝘦𝒷𝘯𝑜𝑣𝘦𝓁.𝒸𝘰𝓂

Yan Zun nodded, exchanged a few polite but slightly awkward remarks, then found an excuse to leave in a hurry.

Chi Fenglei watched his departing figure disappear, a thoughtful look flashing in his eyes. He then softly called out, "Wu Jie."

A man dressed in the uniform of a level-two executive from the Homo Sapien Alliance quickly stepped forward and respectfully responded. "What are your orders, Sir?"

Chi Fenglei remarked, "Yan Zun's Divine Dragon Empire is, after all, the dominant power of the Dragon Swamp Nebula. For him to leave in such haste, it must be something significant. Look into the details, especially whether it might impact the smooth commencement of the second stage."

He hadn't asked Yan Zun directly because some matters weren't convenient to be shared with him. Moreover, their statuses were vastly different, and it was best to avoid Yan Zun taking undue actions to save face for the Divine Dragon Empire.

Soon, the man named Wu Jie had already sent over an electronic intelligence report.

He shared, "Not long ago, the Divine Dragon Empire made a move against a newly emerging civilization called Gaia. However, because they put on a good facade, offering the Cosmic True Dragon Secret Art to assist Gaia's development, we turned a blind eye. But this time, it seems they've run into trouble.

"In the Gaia civilization, there's a man named Li Pin, who not only defeated the early tier Legend sent by the Divine Dragon Empire but also openly challenged Yan Zun through the public network...."

"He challenged who? Yan Zun?" Chi Fenglei was a bit surprised. "Yan Zun actually allowed someone to grow strong enough to confront him? His control is inadequate. "

Wu Jie nodded. "Yes. According to this Li Pin, he has completed a breakthrough and become a Tier Three Legend. It's just that his battle prowess hasn't caught up yet, still remaining that of a Tier Two Legend."

He paused. "Considering that the second stage is about to start, he likely plans to defeat Yan Zun openly in a year and then seize the Divine Dragon Empire in one fell swoop."

"An offensive campaign against a newly emerging civilization turning into a defensive war for the Divine Dragon Empire? Now that’s interesting."

Chi Fenglei couldn't resist smiling. "Gather information on this Li Pin for me. Although it's too early to say if he could become a candidate to become Astral God Yin Luo's successor, if he shows enough potential, forming ties with him early and giving him some support wouldn't be a bad move. Who knows, he might end up as the ultimate winner. Such small favors could yield immense returns in the future."

"We already have information on this Li Pin, Sir," said Wu Jie. "He likely has no hope of becoming Astral God Yin Luo's successor."

Chi Fenglei was taken aback. "You have it?"

He then seemed to recall something. "Gaia? Li Pin? Is Gaia the civilization suspected of producing a Destiny's Child?

"

Wu Jie explained, "That's right. Moreover, at the time, the Divine Dragon Empire suspected he was that Destiny's Child. Later, Captain Si Xing secretly went to meet him. Although he's highly talented, he turned out to be just a Celestial Martial Artist who received the celestial martial legacy through sheer coincidence."

"A Celestial Martial Artist, huh...." mumbled Chi Fenglei.

His interest quickly diminished.

Celestial Martial Artists did grow faster than Astral Cultivators, but their path was much tougher.

The primary reason was lifespan.

Even Legendary Celestial Martial Artists who proclaimed to be able to regenerate from a single drop of blood struggle to surpass their biological limits. While most Legends could live two or three hundred—or even three to four hundred stellar years—Celestial Martial Artists rarely made it past a hundred stellar years.

Of course, it'd be a different story if they could ascend to the path of Demigods.

However, while Demigods had long lifespans, without obtaining an Astral World Fragment, their potential would remain capped for life.

The issue was that Astral World Fragments were more expensive than divine equipment.

"We've stayed in the Dragon Swamp Nebula long enough," said Chi Fenglei. "Get ready to head to another nebula."

Wu Jie was a little surprised. "I thought you'd stay and watch the spectacle before leaving, my lord."

"Amusement from a small place is just that—nothing much. Sure, a battle between two peak Tier Two Legends could pass the time, but if Yan Zun loses, he'll inevitably come to me for help. Since the Homo Sapien Alliance has strict rules against interference, wouldn't that be forcing me to make a mistake?"

Chi Fenglei casually remarked, "It's better to leave early and avoid turning him down entirely, saving him the embarrassment."

"You're truly kind, my lord," Wu Jie sincerely said.

Chi Fenglei could completely disregard Yan Zun's dignity and directly refuse him if he dared to ask for help. Yet now, he chose to leave early in this tactful manner, sparing Yan Zun the public embarrassment. If this wasn't kindness, then what was?

***

Somewhere else, Yan Zun returned to the palace in a hurry.

Emperor Yan Hui, who presided over the capital, and numerous Heavenly Realm princes were already waiting.

When they saw Yan Zun enter, everyone stood up.

"The Grand Patriarch has arrived."

"With the Grand Patriarch here, who would dare flaunt their power before us? It seems the descent of Astral God Yin Luo has emboldened more fools, and they've forgotten the fate of the Fire Dragon God thirty years ago when he challenged the Grand Patriarch."

"Grand Patriarch, please issue the command. We will mobilize our forces to suppress Gaia and exterminate these rebels completely!"

One by one, the officials of the Divine Dragon Empire voiced their indignation.

But their boastful words provoked an angry rebuke from Yan Zun.

"Silence!" he ordered.

Yan Zun had already learned the situation on his way back. As he entered the meeting room, he declared bluntly, "Capturing Yan Zhong alive without giving him a chance to escape is something that no Tier One Legend could achieve. Li Pin is definitely a Tier Two Legend!

"For a nascent civilization to produce a Tier Two Legend so quickly, there's no doubt they've obtained extraordinary inheritance! If you dare treat him like a primitive, let Yan Zhong serve as your example!"

The senior officials quieted down at those words.

After a long silence, Yan Hui spoke. "Grand Patriarch, Li Pin has declared war on you through the public network. If we don't respond—"

"Declared war? If he challenges me a year from now, does that mean I have to fight him then?" Yan Zun said coldly. "Besides, Li Pin claims to have attained a breakthrough in his cultivation realm and will possess true Tier Three combat power in a few years. Whether it is true or not, we absolutely cannot allow him to grow further."

"Grand Patriarch... could your intention be...?"

"We've come this far, why speak of honor now? Go all out to activate the Astral Gate!"

Yan Zun said icily, "Gather all our allies. Each must send at least one Legend. Mobilize all forces—assemble a dozen or more Legends! I will lead the charge! Leave him no chance to catch his breath and crush him!"

He swept a stern gaze across the crowd. "The faster we suppress this crisis, the faster the Divine Dragon Empire can maintain its rule over the Dragon Swamp Nebula!"