89: Chapter 89 A resounding victory, the unification of the Yan Kingdom

The third morning after the battle at the Meteorite Plain.

In the quiet room on the top floor of the main hall of the Chaos Valley.

Lin Ye sat cross-legged in the center of the Spirit Gathering Formation, faint streams of Chaos Qi swirling around him. After three days of recuperation, the weakened state caused by [Chaos Heaven Opening] had been lifted, and all his attributes had returned to normal levels. However, the negative effect of [Blood Fiend Entanglement] still remained. Although the 5% reduction to all attributes was not fatal, it acted like a maggot on the bone, constantly reminding him of the threat of the forbidden artifact's backlash.

The door of the quiet room was gently pushed open, and Qin Ruoxue walked in with a pot of Spirit Tea.

"Leader, how do you feel?" She placed the tea on the coffee table and asked softly.

Lin Ye opened his eyes, chaotic halos flowing within them: "The weakened state is gone, but the Blood Fiend Entanglement remains. Any progress on Lu Ming's side?"

Qin Ruoxue nodded: "Lu Ming studied the remains of the Blood Demon Banner and found a way to clear the Blood Fiend. But he needs three things: First, at least ten drops of 'Pure Yao Beast Essence Blood' (Four Extremities Realm or above); second, a stalk of 'Cleansing Heart Lotus' (Grade 5 Spirit Medicine); third, a Great Master-level Formation Master who is proficient in purification-type Formations."

"The first two are manageable," Lin Ye frowned, "but a Great Master-level Formation Master... I'm afraid you won't find one in the entire Yan State."

"There isn't one in the Yan State, but there is one in the Eastern Wilderness," Qin Ruoxue said. "The Heavenly Secret Pavilion found that the Yaoguang Holy Land has a 'Jingchen Elder' who is proficient in purification Formations and is a Great Master-level Formation Master. If we can persuade him to take action, clearing the Blood Fiend shouldn't be difficult."

Yaoguang Holy Land...

Lin Ye's eyes narrowed slightly. The Yaoguang Holy Land again. From the information in the Imperial Dynasty Jade Slip fragments to the phantom of the elderly star figure that appeared on the star guiding altar, and now this Jingchen Elder, this Holy Land seemed to be drawing ever closer to the trajectory of the Heavenly Court.

"What's the cost?" Lin Ye asked, "It won't be cheap to ask an Elder of a Holy Land to take action, right?"

"The cost is unknown," Qin Ruoxue shook her head, "but the Heavenly Secret Pavilion will continue to investigate. Additionally, Zhao Wuji has proposed an alternative plan—through the channels of the Chamber of Commerce, we could purchase 'Purification Holy Water' (Legendary-grade item) from other regions, which can also clear the Blood Fiend. It's just that the price... is likely an astronomical figure."

Lin Ye pondered for a moment: "Prepare both paths. Try to contact the Yaoguang Holy Land first; if the cost is too high, we'll consider the Purification Holy Water."

"Understood." Qin Ruoxue nodded, then handed over a Jade Slip, "This is a summary of the situation over the past three days. Please take a look."

Lin Ye took the Jade Slip and extended his Divine Sense into it.

The Jade Slip recorded the various developments after the battle at the Meteorite Plain:

[Post-War Settlement (As of Game Time Day 3)]

[I. Fulfillment of Agreement by the Three Major Guilds]

1. Imperial Dynasty: 137 remaining members (including the heavily injured Son of Heaven, Golden Halberd, etc.), have all withdrawn from the Yan State. The three mineral veins (Copper Mine x2, Silver Mine x1), seven shops, two restaurants, and one auction house under their name have all been received by the Heavenly Court.

2. All Under Heaven Society: 203 remaining members (including the heavily injured Sword Thirteen), also withdrew from the Yan State. Five medicinal gardens (planting rare herbs), three Sword Pavilions (teaching sword techniques), and one Sword Concealment Villa (equipment depot) under their name have been received by the Heavenly Court.

3. Misty Rain Tower: 322 remaining members (least losses), withdrew last. Twelve shops (spread across various cities of Yan State), two intelligence strongholds, and one Formation workshop under their name have been received by the Heavenly Court.

[II. Statistics of Seized Supplies]

4. Battlefield Spoils: Equipment (Fine grade and above) x 842, Medicinal Pill x 12,000 bottles, Talisman x 25,000, Formation Materials x 3,500 units, Spirit Stone (Low Grade) x 280,000.

5. Valuation of Received Industries: Annual output of mineral veins is about 500,000 Spirit Stones, annual output of medicinal gardens is about 400,000 Spirit Stones, annual rental income of shops is about 200,000 Spirit Stones, and the valuation of other industries is about 300,000 Spirit Stones.

6. Special Items: Blood Demon Banner remains (Quasi-Sacred Artifact material, value inestimable), Star Fragment x 18 (collected from around the star guiding altar), various Cultivation Technique volumes x 237.

[Total Value of Seized Supplies: Approximately 820,000 Spirit Stones (excluding special items and industrial valuation)]

[III. Changes in Heavenly Court Forces]

1. Member Count: 2,000 before the battle, 47 killed after the battle (permanently exited the game, need to recreate character), 89 heavily injured (need 7-30 days of recuperation), light injuries basically recovered. Currently, actual combat-ready personnel: 1,864.

2. Sphere of Influence: Officially control the entire Yan State (seven cities and thirty-six towns), becoming the only player force in the Yan State.

3. Reputation Changes: Reputation within the Yan State reached "Worship" (100,000/100,000), Eastern Wilderness reputation reached "Respect" (65,000/100,000), server-wide reputation reached "Renowned" (32,000/100,000).

[IV. Follow-up Processing]

1. Treatment of the Wounded: All heavily injured personnel have received proper treatment. It is expected that 62 people will be able to restore their combat effectiveness within seven days, while the remaining 27 will need more time.

2. Distribution of Spoils: According to the contribution System, all participating members have received corresponding rewards (Experience Points, Spirit Stones, Equipment, etc.). Core members received an additional "Meteorite Battle Commemorative Medal" (All attributes +1%).

3. Industrial Integration: Zhao Wuji is leading the Chamber of Commerce team to integrate and reorganize the industries received from the three major guilds, expected to be completed within ten days.

Lin Ye finished reading and nodded slightly.

The harvest from this battle far exceeded expectations.

Not only did they completely crush the three major guilds and drive them out of the Yan State, but they also received all their industries. Most importantly, the Heavenly Court became the only player force in the Yan State, truly unifying the entire territory.

Since the launch of "covering the heavens era," this was the first time a player force had completely controlled a main city region.

"The System announcement should be coming soon." No sooner had Qin Ruoxue finished speaking—

[Server-wide Announcement: Congratulations to the player force "Heavenly Court" for successfully unifying the entire Yan State, becoming the first player organization in the server to fully control a main city region! Hereby announced for encouragement!]

The announcement flashed three times, golden text appearing in the line of sight of every online player.

The world channel exploded instantly.

"Holy crap! Heavenly Court really unified the Yan State?!"

"Five hundred against one thousand five, not only did they win, but they drove all three major guilds out? This is a myth, right!"

"Night Emperor is awesome! Heavenly Court is awesome!"

"Is it too late to join the Heavenly Court now? Please take me in!"

"Forget it, upstairs. I just looked at the Heavenly Court's recruitment requirements: minimum level 40, and you have to pass three assessments. It's much stricter than the three major guilds."

"This is what you call a true hegemon! Yan State is unified, are they going to expand next?"

"Waiting for the Heavenly Court to march into other main cities!"

Following the announcement, another System prompt followed:

[The force "Heavenly Court" has achieved the achievement "Unification of Yan State"!]

[Obtained exclusive title: Yan State Hegemon (Gold)]

[Title Effect: All attributes +10%, when within the Yan State, tax revenue +20%, force member cultivation speed +5%]

[Obtained special permissions: Can set teleportation points in any city within the Yan State (Limit: 7); Can levy player transaction tax within the Yan State (Tax rate: 1%-5%, adjustable); Can issue tasks within the Yan State.]

[Force Ranking Updated: Heavenly Court's current server-wide ranking — 32nd!]

32nd!

From being outside the top hundred before, leaping into the top fifty of the entire server, and specifically 32nd!

This meant that the Heavenly Court had officially ranked among the top forces in "covering the heavens era."

The title's attribute bonuses were also quite considerable. A 10% increase in all attributes, for a Chaos Body like Lin Ye whose attributes were already exaggerated, was equivalent to leveling up another three or four levels. The tax bonus was an even more tangible benefit—as one of the seven major main city regions of the Eastern Wilderness, the Yan State had over five million players, and the daily transaction volume was an astronomical figure. Even levying the minimum 1% transaction tax, daily income could easily exceed ten thousand Spirit Stones.

Not to mention the implicit benefits such as cultivation speed bonuses, teleportation point permissions, and task issuance rights.

"Finally..." Lin Ye exhaled a long breath.

In his previous life, he struggled for three years and still couldn't lead his small guild to gain a foothold in the Yan State. In this life, in just three months, he had achieved what he couldn't do in three years in his previous life.

This was the advantage of a reincarnator, and the power of the Chaos Heavenly Emperor Body.

"Leader, there is one more thing." Qin Ruoxue handed over another Jade Slip, "This is a 'visiting card' received by the Heavenly Secret Pavilion."

"Visiting card?" Lin Ye took the Jade Slip and scanned it with his Divine Sense.

The Jade Slip contained dozens of letters in various formats, coming from various forces inside and outside the Yan State. There were NPC families, player guilds, Chamber of Commerce Alliances, and even greetings from several small Holy Land branches.

The content was much the same, all congratulating the Heavenly Court on unifying the Yan State, expressing friendly intentions, and hoping to establish cooperative relationships.

Several were particularly noteworthy:

[Yan State Royal Family (NPC): Congratulating the Heavenly Court on unifying the Yan State, willing to establish a "strategic partnership" with the Heavenly Court. The Royal Family will recognize the Heavenly Court's actual control over the Yan State and grant Lin Ye the title of "Duke of Yan" (honorary title, no real power but enjoys certain privileges). In exchange, the Heavenly Court needs to assist the Royal Family in maintaining order within the Yan State and pay a symbolic "tribute" (100,000 Spirit Stones) annually.]

[Eastern Wilderness Chamber of Commerce Alliance: Congratulating the Heavenly Court on becoming the Hegemon of the Yan State. The Chamber of Commerce Alliance hopes to reach an "exclusive cooperation agreement" with the Heavenly Court—all commercial activities of the Heavenly Court will be conducted through the Chamber of Commerce Alliance, and the Alliance will provide the best prices and the most comprehensive services. In return, the Alliance will grant the Heavenly Court "Diamond-level Membership" status, enjoying the highest level of discounts and priority.]

[Seven Star Sect (Small cultivation Sect, NPC): Congratulating the Heavenly Court on achieving hegemony. The Seven Star Sect is willing to form a "friendly Sect" with the Heavenly Court, where Disciples of both sides can communicate and learn from each other, and share resources. Additionally, the Sect Master intends to accept Lin Ye as a "Named Disciple" to teach the Seven Star Sect's unique skill "Seven Star Sword Canon" (Earth Rank High Grade Cultivation Technique).]

Lin Ye read through them one by one, understanding in his heart.

This was the treatment of a winner.

When you are strong enough, the whole world will smile at you.

"We can agree to the Royal Family." Lin Ye made the decision, "Although the title of 'Duke of Yan' is empty, it has a certain symbolic meaning in NPC society, which is good for our future dealings with NPC forces. The 100,000 Spirit Stone tribute is not much, and it is acceptable."

"The cooperation with the Chamber of Commerce Alliance can also be discussed, but it must be equal cooperation, not exclusive. The commercial lifeline of the Heavenly Court must be kept in our own hands."

"As for the Seven Star Sect..." Lin Ye paused, "Politely decline. An Earth Rank Cultivation Technique is not worth me becoming a Disciple."

"Understood." Qin Ruoxue noted it down, "What about the visiting cards from other forces?"

"Filter them. Those with sincerity and strength can be contacted. For those who are purely trying to get close, politely decline."

Qin Ruoxue nodded and was about to leave, but was stopped by Lin Ye.

"By the way, what's happening with Shi Potian?"

"Shi Potian and his Hegemon Body Camp have officially been incorporated into the Heavenly Court." Qin Ruoxue said, "According to your instructions, they have retained a high degree of autonomy but have accepted the unified command of the Heavenly Court. Shi Potian himself has also contributed the 'Hegemon Blood Legacy · I', which has already been stored in the Scripture Pavilion."

"In addition, Shi Potian mentioned that he wants to take some brothers to look for clues about the 'Hegemon Body Holy Land'. I suggested he wait until his injuries are fully recovered before going, and he agreed."

Lin Ye nodded: "That's fine. If the Hegemon Body Holy Land can be found, it will be a great thing for the Heavenly Court. The Heavenly Secret Pavilion must fully cooperate and provide intelligence support."

"Yes."

After Qin Ruoxue left, Lin Ye stood up and walked to the window.

Looking from the top floor of the main hall, the entire Chaos Valley was in full view.

After these three days of construction, the Chaos Valley had undergone new changes.

The city walls were raised to ten zhang, and the surface was engraved with complex defensive runes. The twelve defensive towers were upgraded to "Elemental Chain Towers," which could simultaneously release fire, ice, and lightning Spells, with power sufficient to threaten the Peak of the Four Extremities Realm.

On the ninth floor of the Cultivation Tower, the concentration of Spiritual Qi had reached ten times the base value. It was now Lin Ye's exclusive cultivation room and the core of the entire Chaos Valley.

The Spirit Medicine field was expanded to twenty mu, and the number of rare herbs planted increased to thirty-seven types. In the Spirit Beast Garden, the newly captured "Iron Wing Eagle" (Level 45) and "Earth-Walking Dragon Cub" (Level 50) were being tamed.

More noticeably, a new camp area had been built on the west side of the valley. That was the station of the Hegemon Body Camp, with a rough and bold style, forming a sharp contrast with the uniformity of the four major legions.

The entire Chaos Valley, like a precision machine, was running at high speed, inspired by the victory.

"Leader."

Zhao Wuji's voice came from outside the door.

"Enter."

Zhao Wuji pushed the door and entered, his face glowing with excitement: "Boss, good news! The industrial integration of the three major guilds is initially completed! Guess how much our total assets reached this time?"

"How much?"

"Not counting fixed assets, just liquid funds and quickly realizable supplies reached—" Zhao Wuji took a deep breath, "Five million Spirit Stones!"

Five million!

This number shocked even Lin Ye.

"So much?"

"The three major guilds entrenched themselves in the Yan State for three months and accumulated a rich foundation." Zhao Wuji explained, "The Imperial Dynasty controlled the mineral veins, the All Under Heaven Society monopolized the high-end equipment and Cultivation Technique market, and the Misty Rain Tower controlled the medicinal Materials and intelligence trade. Receiving their industries is equivalent to grasping over 70% of the economic lifeline of the Yan State at once."

He handed over an account book: "This is the detailed list. I suggest taking three million Spirit Stones as a development fund for the further construction of the Chaos Valley and the cultivation of members. The remaining one million as liquid funds, and one million as emergency reserves."

Lin Ye took the account book, flipped through it, and nodded in agreement: "Do as you say. In addition, allocate 500,000 from the development fund specifically for the construction of the intelligence network. The scale of the Heavenly Secret Pavilion needs to be expanded, and the coverage must be extended from the Yan State to the entire Eastern Wilderness."

"Understood!" Zhao Wuji was full of energy.

"Also," Lin Ye thought for a moment, "set up a 'Contribution Point Exchange System'. Members can earn contribution points by completing force tasks, participating in battles, making contributions, etc., and then use contribution points to exchange for cultivation resources, Cultivation Techniques, equipment, etc. You and Qin Ruoxue can discuss and formulate the specific details."

"This is great!" Zhao Wuji's eyes lit up, "It can both motivate members and use resources on the cutting edge. I'll do it right away!"

Zhao Wuji left in a hurry.

Lin Ye continued to stand by the window, thinking about the next plan.

Unifying the Yan State was just the first step.

Next, the Heavenly Court had a lot to do:

First, digest the fruits of victory and turn the Yan State into an impregnable fortress.

Second, improve overall strength. The 500 elites are strong, but the numbers are too small. The Heavenly Court needs to expand its army, reaching at least 5,000 to face future challenges.

Third, resolve the issue of being plagued by Blood Evil and make a Breakthrough to the Four Extremities Realm.

Fourth, explore the secrets of the Star Ruins. The 'Great Tribulation' and 'Star Origin' mentioned by the astral Elder's phantom are very concerning.

Fifth, deal with the possible reaction from the Yaoguang Holy Land. Judging by various signs, this behemoth seems to have noticed the Heavenly Court.

"One step at a time," Lin Ye muttered to himself.

In the next seven days, the entire Yan State was in a state of drastic change.

The Heavenly Court officially took over the entire Yan State.

Seven main cities (Yan Capital, Cloud City, Wind City, Thunder City, Fire City, Water City, Earth City), thirty-six towns, and all industries originally belonging to the three major guilds were replaced with the Heavenly Court's flags.

The Chamber of Commerce team led by Zhao Wuji showed amazing efficiency, completing the handover and integration of all industries in just seven days. The new 'Heavenly Court Chamber of Commerce' was officially established, with its headquarters located on the most prosperous Vermilion Bird Street in the Yan Capital and branches all over the seven cities.

The first batch of products launched by the Chamber of Commerce triggered a buying spree: elite-grade standard equipment (15% lower than market price), Intermediate Medicinal Pills (stable quality), and a small amount of rare items found in the warehouses of the three major guilds.

What made players even more excited was that the Heavenly Court opened up some Cultivation Techniques for exchange. Although they were only Yellow Rank and Profound Rank techniques, for most casual players, this was already a rare Opportunity.

Meanwhile, the Heavenly Court started a new round of recruitment.

This time, the conditions were relaxed compared to before: the Rank requirement was lowered from level 40 to 38, and the assessment was reduced from three tests to two (Heart-Nature assessment and combat power assessment).

But even so, the screening was still strict.

On the day the recruitment announcement was released, the registration points in all cities of Yan State were crowded. More than 30,000 players submitted applications, including many who rushed from other main cities to try their luck.

After seven days of screening, 3,000 people finally passed the assessment and officially joined the Heavenly Court.

Adding the original 1,864 people (the wounded gradually recovered), the total number of the Heavenly Court reached 4,864, approaching the 5,000 mark.

The four major legions also expanded:

The Azure Dragon Legion expanded from 125 to 500 people, divided into five squads of one hundred, with Wang Iron Pillar as the Legion Commander.

The White Tiger Legion expanded from 125 to 400 people, with Shadow Blade as the Legion Commander, specializing in reconnaissance and assassination.

The Vermilion Bird Legion expanded from 125 to 400 people, with Fire Dance as the Legion Commander, serving as the core of long-range firepower.

The Black Tortoise Legion expanded from 125 to 400 people, with Iron Wall as the Legion Commander, serving as the backbone of defense and healing.

Shi Potian's Hegemon Body Camp maintained an independent establishment, with 270 current members (30 were lost in battle), all of whom possessed Hegemon Blood or related variant Bloodlines, making them the sharpest blade of the Heavenly Court.

In addition, functional departments such as the 'Logistics Department' (led by Zhao Wuji), 'Intelligence Department' (led by Qin Ruoxue), 'R&D Department' (led by Lu Ming), and 'Education Department' (responsible for new member training and teaching Cultivation Techniques) were newly established.

The entire Heavenly Court, like a precise political machine, began to operate fully.

On the evening of the seventh day, in the Yan Capital, the former Imperial Dynasty headquarters (now the Heavenly Court Yan Capital branch).

Lin Ye stood in the study that once belonged to the Emperor, looking at the map of the entire Yan State hanging on the wall. On the map, blue flags representing the Heavenly Court were stuck in every corner.

Su Qingyue walked in gently, holding a cup of hot tea.

"Still thinking about things?" she placed the tea on the table and asked softly.

Lin Ye turned around and took the teacup: "Yes. Although the Yan State is unified, the trouble has just begun."

"You mean... the Yaoguang Holy Land?"

"Not just that." Lin Ye shook his head, "There are seven main city areas in the Eastern Wilderness, and the Yan State is just one of them. What will the player forces of the other six states (Chu, Qi, Han, Zhao, Wei, Qin) think when they see the Heavenly Court unify the Yan State?"

"They will feel threatened," Su Qingyue said, "And then they might unite to deal with us."

"Exactly." Lin Ye nodded, "Moreover, I suspect that after the three major guilds withdrew from the Yan State, they did not truly give up. They likely defected to forces in other main cities, preparing to make a comeback."

"Then we need to prepare in advance," Su Qingyue said seriously, "The Heavenly Court now has nearly 5,000 people, but only about 3,000 are truly capable of fighting. If we have to deal with multi-line warfare, our troops are still not enough."

"That's why we need time," Lin Ye said, "At least three months to let us digest the resources of the Yan State and Cultivate enough elites. At the same time, we must also look for allies."

"Allies?" Su Qingyue was thoughtful, "You mean... forces in other main cities?"

"Not necessarily player forces." Lin Ye looked out the window, "NPC forces are also possible. The Yan State royal Family, the Seven Star Sect, or even... the Yaoguang Holy Land."

"The Yaoguang Holy Land?" Su Qingyue frowned, "Will they be friendly to us?"

"I don't know." Lin Ye said frankly, "But judging by the attitude of the astral Elder at the star guiding altar, at least the identity of the Chaos Body has value in the eyes of the Holy Land. We can try to make contact and see if we can reach some kind of cooperation."

He paused: "Of course, the premise is that we have enough bargaining chips."

"Bargaining chips... do we have them?"

"We will soon." A gleam of light flashed in Lin Ye's eyes, "Wait until I break through to the Four Extremities Realm, wait until we find the Hegemon Body Holy Land, wait until the Star Ruins open... By then, the Heavenly Court's bargaining chips will increase more and more."

Su Qingyue looked at him, her eyes full of trust: "I believe in you."

As the two were talking, Qin Ruoxue walked in hurriedly, her face solemn.

"Leader, just received the news." She handed over a Jade Slip, "An envoy from the Yaoguang Holy Land has arrived in the Yan Capital."

Lin Ye and Su Qingyue looked at each other.

Came really fast.

"How many people? What is the purpose?" Lin Ye asked.

"One envoy, claiming to be 'Star Dust Child', an outer Sect deacon of the Yaoguang Holy Land." Qin Ruoxue said, "He said that on the orders of the Holy Land, he came to congratulate the Heavenly Court on unifying the Yan State and invited you... to visit the Yaoguang Holy Land for a chat."

Invitation?

Lin Ye narrowed his eyes.

Is it a trap, or an olive branch?

"Where is he?"

"Waiting at the 'Star Gazing Tower' in the Yan Capital. He said if you are willing, you can go see him now. If not, he will personally visit the Chaos Valley tomorrow."

The posture was very low, but the meaning in the words was very clear—meeting is mandatory.

Lin Ye pondered for a moment and said: "Tell him, I'll go tonight."

"I'll go with you." Su Qingyue said immediately.

Lin Ye shook his head: "No need. He is alone, and he is an official envoy, so he shouldn't mess around. You and Pavilion Master Qin stay in the Yan Capital and pay attention to other trends."

"But..."

"Don't worry." Lin Ye smiled, "If the Yaoguang Holy Land really wanted to harm me, they wouldn't use this method. They sent an envoy, at least it shows a willingness to negotiate."

He looked at the darkening sky outside the window.

"Let me go and see what one of the seven great Holy Lands of the Eastern Wilderness really wants to do."

Night fell, and the Yan Capital was lit up.

Lin Ye walked alone towards the Star Gazing Tower in the north of the city.

It is the tallest building in the Yan Capital, with nine floors, said to have been built by an astronomer in ancient times. Standing on the top of the building, you can overlook the entire Yan Capital and observe the starry sky more clearly.

At this moment, the ninth floor of the Star Gazing Tower was brightly lit.

Lin Ye stepped on the last step and pushed open the half-hidden wooden door.

The furnishing in the building was simple, with only a wooden table, two chairs, and an incense burner. Faint sandalwood was burning in the incense burner, and the smoke was curling.

By the window stood a middle-aged Taoist wearing star robes.

The Taoist heard the footsteps and turned around.

He looked to be about forty, with a refined face, three long beards, a Seven Star crown on his head, and a white jade whisk in his hand. The most striking thing was his eyes—stars seemed to be rotating in the depths of his pupils, so deep that one dared not look directly at them.

[NPC: Star Dust Child (Yaoguang Holy Land Outer Sect Deacon)]

[Rank: ??? (At least Peak Four Extremities Realm)]

[Cultivation: Suspected Dragon Transformation Realm]

[Favorability: Neutral (0/100)]

"Fellow Daoist Night Emperor, long admired." Star Dust Child smiled and saluted, his demeanor calm and composed, completely like an immortal.

Lin Ye returned the salute: "Senior Star Dust Child is too polite. I wonder what advice you have for coming from afar?"

"I dare not give advice." Star Dust Child signaled Lin Ye to take a seat, "I am here on the orders of the Holy Land to congratulate the Heavenly Court on unifying the Yan State and to congratulate Fellow Daoist Night Emperor on achieving hegemony."

He paused and continued: "In addition, I also brought a gift."

Star Dust Child took a jade box from his sleeve and placed it on the table.

The jade box opened, and inside were three items:

The first was a fist-sized Star Stone, crystal clear, with starlight flowing inside.

[Star Stone (Top Grade)]

[Type: Cultivation Resource / Formation Materials]

[Effect: Absorbing it directly can increase star attribute affinity (limit +5%), and as a Formation core, it can significantly increase the power of star-type Formations.]

[Value: About 500,000 Spirit Stones]

The second was a roll of ancient bamboo slips, with the words 'Jingchen' engraved on the surface.

[Detailed Explanation of Jingchen Formation (Master Grade)]

[Type: Formation Classics]

[Effect: After learning, you can master Master-grade purification Formations, including 'Jingchen Formation', 'Clear Heart Formation', 'Evil Dispelling Formation', etc.]

[Value: Immeasurable (Not for sale)]

The third was a token, shaped like a star, with the word 'Yaoguang' engraved on the front and a star map on the back.

[Yaoguang Token (Outer Sect)]

[Type: Identity Proof / Communication Tool]

[Effect: Holders of this token can freely enter and exit the outer Sect area of the Yaoguang Holy Land, communicate with specific personnel in the Holy Land, and accept some tasks issued by the Holy Land.]

[Special: The token is sealed with a 'Protective Starlight', which can withstand a full blow from a Peak Four Extremities Realm (one-time use).]

Three gifts, each of which is worth a lot.

Especially the 'Detailed Explanation of Jingchen Formation', which just happens to solve Lin Ye's problem of being plagued by Blood Evil—as long as Lu Ming learns the Formation inside, he can set up a purification Formation to clear the Blood Evil for him.

"Holy Land's generous gift, Lin Ye is unworthy of it." Lin Ye did not accept it immediately, "I just don't know what the Holy Land needs me to do?"

There is no free lunch in the world. The Yaoguang Holy Land sent such a heavy gift, there must be a request.

Star Dust Child smiled: "Fellow Daoist Night Emperor is indeed straightforward. In that case, I will not beat around the bush."

He put away his smile and said seriously: "The Holy Land has three expectations for you."

"First, I hope the Heavenly Court will become the 'spokesperson' for the Yaoguang Holy Land in the Yan State. The Holy Land will not interfere in the internal affairs of the Heavenly Court, but in matters involving the overall situation of the Eastern Wilderness, the Heavenly Court needs to remain consistent with the Holy Land."

"Second, I hope Fellow Daoist Night Emperor will go to the Yaoguang Holy Land at an appropriate time. The Holy Master wants to see you."

"Third—" Star Dust Child looked at Lin Ye deeply, "I hope you can keep the secret of the 'Star Ruins' and do not explore it without the permission of the Holy Land."

Three requirements, each more profound than the last.

The first is a political Alliance, the second is a personal invitation, and the third... points directly to the Star Ruins.

Lin Ye was shocked, but his face remained calm: "How does the Senior know about the Star Ruins?"

"The star guiding altar was built by the ancient Seniors of the Holy Land, so the Holy Land naturally knows the secret of the Star Ruins." Star Dust Child said, "In fact, the Holy Land has been looking for the 'key' to open the Star Ruins. And you, Fellow Daoist, are likely that key."

"So the Holy Land's gift is an investment?" Lin Ye asked.

"You can understand it that way." Star Dust Child said frankly, "The Holy Land is optimistic about your future and is willing to provide help on the road to your growth. Of course, the premise is that you are willing to cooperate with the Holy Land."

Lin Ye was silent.

The olive branch of the Yaoguang Holy Land has been extended. Should he accept it or not?

Accepting means that he can get the support and resources of the Holy Land in the short term, and the development of the Heavenly Court will be greatly accelerated.

But what if he doesn't accept it? What will the Holy Land do? Continue to wait and see, or... take other means?

"What if I refuse?" Lin Ye tested.

Star Dust Child's expression remained unchanged: "The Holy Land respects your choice. The gift is still offered, just as a good bond. It's just that regarding the Star Ruins, I hope you think twice. It... is very dangerous. Without the guidance of the Holy Land, rushing in may result in no return."

The words were polite, but the subtext was very clear—the Star Ruins are the exclusive domain of the Yaoguang Holy Land, and outsiders had better not touch them.

Lin Ye sneered in his heart.

What cooperation, what investment, in the end, it's just wanting control.

Control the Heavenly Court, control him, control the Star Ruins.

But his wings are not yet full, and refusing directly is not a wise move.

"I need time to consider." Lin Ye finally said, "One month. After one month, I will give the Holy Land an answer."

Star Dust Child nodded: "Okay. Within this month, you can accept the gift first. Regardless of the final decision, these gifts will not be taken back."

He stood up: "Then, I will take my leave. After one month, I hope to hear good news from you."

Star Dust Child turned into a starlight and disappeared in front of the window.

Lin Ye sat alone in the Star Gazing Tower, looking at the three gifts on the table, his eyes deep.

Yaoguang Holy Land...

It really came.

And it came with both soft and hard tactics.

Gifts are candy, requirements are whips.

Accept, and become a vassal of the Holy Land. Refuse, and you may become an enemy of the Holy Land.

"One month..." Lin Ye muttered to himself.

In one month, he must break through to the Four Extremities Realm, and he must let the strength of the Heavenly Court go to the next level.

Only when he is strong enough can he be qualified to talk to the Holy Land on an equal footing.

He put away the three gifts and turned to go downstairs.

In the night, the Yan Capital was brilliant.

In the distance, in the direction of the Chaos Valley, starlight was faintly rising.

That is the star guiding altar running, accumulating strength, waiting for the moment to open the Star Ruins.

"Star Ruins... Yaoguang Holy Land... Looks like I have to speed up."

Lin Ye stepped into the night, his figure gradually disappearing at the end of the long street.

And on the top of the Star Gazing Tower, Star Dust Child's phantom reappeared.

He looked at the direction Lin Ye left, his eyes spinning with stars.

"Chaos Body... Star Ruins key... This life, it's really different."

"Holy Master, is your choice... correct?"

No one answered.

Only the night wind blew, bringing the noise from afar.

A new page is about to be turned.