261: Chapter 258 Three Months Later (5K)

"What?"

"Sky-Patrol Martial Artist traitors? A public trial? And 13 of them?" Thousands of Sky-Patrol Martial Artists inside the palace, including high-ranking figures from several major nations, revealed looks of shock.

No one expected that this Sky-Patrol meeting would kick off with such a matter.

Swish~

Small light projection screens simultaneously appeared in front of every participant; figures like Fang Yu, Zhuang Yiliu, and Ye Yungui all had a light screen before them.

Revealed within the light screen projections was a desolate land where 13 figures were bound by various chains, kneeling on the ground, their eyes filled with horror.

Behind them was a figure in green robes stepping on the void.

"It's in New Moon, probably outside the city."

"It's Xing Keji, he's a First-Class Sky-Patrol Envoy!"

"Jonathan is also a First-Class Sky-Patrol Envoy."

"Dean, he was actually captured too? Rumor has it that he already possesses the Perfection strength of a Sky-Patrol Martial Artist and is expected to become a Starry Sky Martial Artist in the future, yet he was captured too?" The thousands of Sky-Patrol Martial Artists in the palace whispered among themselves, incomparably shocked.

Fang Yu also looked at the light screen projection.

He did not recognize any of the 13 captured individuals, but Ye Yungui at the side provided explanations, allowing Fang Yu and Zhuang Yiliu to quickly understand the strength and status of these people.

Among the 13 people, five were First-Class Sky-Patrol Envoys.

First-Class Sky-Patrol Envoys were already considered big figures within the Blue Moon Civilization.

"These 13 Sky-Patrol Martial Artists were locked onto only after the Alliance secretly investigated and collected numerous pieces of evidence. After their arrest and subsequent interrogation, the chain of evidence was complete, and they were confirmed to be heinous before it was decided to make it public." Adam's voice carried a chilling intent: "Most of them secretly sold civilization's confidential intelligence. The circumstances are severe, and it is already enough to constitute the crime of 'betraying the race'."

Silence fell.

Betraying the race?

"Through the resolution of the Starry Sky Meeting and the Chief's signed consent, the 13 of them are sentenced to—death!" Adam said in a deep voice: "Execute immediately!!"

"The executioner is Starry Sky Martial Artist 'Li Jue'."

Adam's words caused the expressions of the thousands of Sky-Patrol Martial Artists in the palace to change, and disbelief appeared on many faces.

Death penalty?

Especially some younger ones who had broken through to become Sky-Patrol Martial Artists in recent years felt their hearts tremble even more.

They had never seen such a spectacle before.

"Death penalty? Several First-Class Sky-Patrol Envoys, sentenced to death just like that?" Zhuang Yiliu was surprised.

"Mm."

"It has been many years since a large batch of Sky-Patrol Martial Artists was sentenced to death like this." Ye Yungui said softly: "The last large-scale trial like this was nine years ago... Nine years is enough for many people to forget."

"To be directly sentenced to death, the crimes they committed are massive, exceeding the imagination of ordinary people."

Fang Yu and Zhuang Yiliu both nodded slightly.

As they conversed,

On the light screen projection,

Behind the 13 bound Sky-Patrol Martial Artists, that green-robed figure suddenly waved his hand, and a long sword appeared in his palm, followed by him swinging the long sword. "Whoosh!"

A sword light flashed across a hundred meters, directly cutting off 13 heads. Blood sprayed, and the heads hit the ground.

The 13 headless corpses fell to the ground one after another.

Starry Sky Martial Artist Li Jue was known as the "Sword Immortal".

This scene left the thousands of Sky-Patrol Martial Artists inside the virtual palace utterly silent, and many could not help but tremble inwardly.

Especially some Sky-Patrol Martial Artists who secretly engaged in shady dealings felt their hearts tremble even more at this moment.

You must know,

Many Sky-Patrol Martial Artists were very arrogant, wielding great power and possessing strong personal strength. They didn't regard the Alliance's laws and regulations at all, assuming the civilization's high-level figures wouldn't do anything to them.

But at this moment, 13 bloody heads made many Sky-Patrol Martial Artists wake up to reality.

If one truly committed a major crime, even a First-Class Sky-Patrol Envoy would still be executed.

"The specific charges and criminal acts of these 13 people will subsequently be updated in the civilization's database, and all council members can review them at their own discretion." Adam's voice carried a chilling intent: "As the Alliance's first Starry Sky Martial Artist and the speaker of the council... I have watched the civilization grow stronger and stronger with my own eyes, growing all the way from a few Sky-Patrol Martial Artists back then to over seven thousand Sky-Patrol Martial Artists and dozens of Starry Sky Martial Artists now."

"In the future, our Blue Moon Civilization will become even stronger."

"Yet in reality, our Blue Moon Civilization is still in danger and could be eliminated by the cruel rules of the Universe at any time."

"On the path of pursuing civilization's expansion and independence, to date, more than a thousand Sky-Patrol Martial Artists and six Starry Sky Martial Artists have died. They are the heroes worthy of reverence."

"As Sky-Patrol Martial Artists, the civilization grants you privileges and allocates various precious resources to help you... hoping that you will become the backbone of the civilization, fighting for the future of the Blue Moon Civilization, rather than blindly committing wrongdoing."

"The strong should possess privileges."

"It is understandable to make some mistakes... The civilization's tolerance toward you is actually already very high. Don't think that civilization surveillance is a joke; many things you have done are on record, and it's just that you haven't crossed the bottom line yet, which is why you haven't been directly punished." Adam said coldly: "But you should know the bottom line."

"Some things cannot be done."

"Some bottom lines cannot be touched."

"I hope this is the last major trial... The names of these 13 people will be engraved on the 'Monument of Sins' to warn the countless future generations of the civilization." Adam said.

Silence reigned.

All Sky-Patrol Martial Artists stared at the 13 headless corpses and 13 heads in the light screen projection.

Most of them had experienced life-and-death battles, so this bit of gore was not enough to move them.

Yet Adam's words possessed immense deterrent force.

Many Sky-Patrol Martial Artists only then understood that the civilization had always been conducting secret surveillance, just that it wouldn't easily move against a Sky-Patrol Martial Artist... This did not mean the higher-ups of the civilization turned a blind eye.

Besides,

Being engraved on the 'Monument of Sins' made many people feel lingering fear in their hearts.

The Monument of Heroes in the Blue Moon Civilization recorded the names and deeds of heroes who made massive contributions to the civilization after the establishment of the Blue Moon Alliance, revered by countless future generations.

The Monument of Sins recorded the deeds of sinners after the establishment of the Alliance.

Who would be willing to be reviled for thousands upon tens of thousands of years after their death?

Witnessing 13 Sky-Patrol Martial Artists executed with their own eyes provided an even greater stimulus to the younger generation of powerhouses like Fang Yu, Zhuang Yiliu, Williams, and Mo Yuan. This was also the reason why the top echelon of the Alliance required them to attend in person.

"The second matter of today's assembly."

"Is to announce that the 'Virtual Mainframe' upgrade is complete, and it is about to be rolled out comprehensively." Adam said solemnly: "Starting tomorrow, a large batch of new virtual capsules will be distributed through the Eight Great Martial Artist Groups and various official channels to ensure further penetration into every level of the Alliance."

"As long as Mental Energy reaches Level 15, one can log into the Tianlan Realm."

"All council members must ensure that supervisory work is done well to promote the further evolution of the martial arts of the entire civilization." Adam said.

"Yes." Thousands of council members said in unison.

Listening to Senior Adam's narration and looking at the detailed descriptions appearing on the light screen before him, Fang Yu couldn't help feeling deeply emotional in his heart.

Some news he had heard previously stated that the Mental Energy requirement to log into the Tianlan Realm would be lowered from Level 35 to Level 25; he never expected it to be dropped all the way to Level 15 in one go.

Level 15!

This was already a standard that almost all students in martial arts universities could reach, and many students in junior martial arts colleges could also attain it.

It also meant that the Tianlan Realm would truly achieve full popularization.

If nothing unexpected happened, over the next few years, the number of Senior Martial Artists and Earth Martial Artists in the Blue Moon Civilization would likely experience a surge. After all, the promotional effect of the Tianlan Realm on a Martial Artist's cultivation was simply too great.

"Most of the other newborn civilizations on the Primal Star don't even have a virtual mainframe; what qualification do they have to compete with my Blue Moon Civilization?" Fang Yu thought to himself: "The further it goes, the greater the gap between us will only become."

Of course, Fang Yu understood.

Slightly stronger civilizations in the Universe could all achieve allowing their entire populace to enter the Tianlan Realm.

The Blue Moon Civilization only had some advantages compared to other newborn civilizations... If it wanted to truly shake off the danger of being executed and become an independent civilization so strong that even the Tianshu Civilization could hardly shake it, the Blue Moon Civilization still had a very long way to go.

"The civilization is still fraught with crises, with not only external threats but also numerous internal conflicts." Fang Yu thought to himself: "Master, the Chief, and Senior Adam are all working hard."

"Having received so many precious resources from the civilization, I must also work hard, striving to grow up early and truly make a contribution to the civilization." Fang Yu thought to himself. "This Hundred Beasts Mountain Range is my opportunity."

Attending this Sky-Patrol meeting provided a massive stimulus to Fang Yu, making his inner resolve increasingly steadfast.

In the subsequent time,

Fang Yu cultivated even more diligently.

Aside from going every seven days to receive guidance from his Master Qin Tuo, every month he would also travel to the Secret Realm's treasured land to Cultivate.

Every two months, he would also use "Divine Descent" once.

This made his progress speed in techniques incomparably astonishing.

During the process of comprehending techniques, he also spent some energy cultivating the Star Power secret technique "Water-Fire Wings" to the second layer of Perfection, and occasionally studied the other four Star Power secret techniques within the inheritance memories of the "Void Jiao".

These four Star Power secret techniques were all combat skill-oriented secret techniques. Comprehending and cultivating them were quite helpful to Fang Yu's "water-fire Fusion"... Time unconsciously arrived in December.

Inside Fang Yu's manor.

"Yiliu, why are you here?" Fang Yu felt slightly surprised.

Over the past few months of secluded cultivation,

he and Zhuang Yiliu frequently met and sparred in the Tianlan Realm, but rarely met in reality.

"Are you participating in this High School Tournament?" Zhuang Yiliu asked directly.

"I am." Fang Yu smiled. "I'm still a fifth-year student at Huguang Martial Arts University, after all."

Yesterday, Tang Jianxin had specifically asked Fang Yu about it. She came on behalf of "President Baili Jing"... Nowadays, as the gap in their status widened, "President Baili Jing" didn't even dare to communicate with Fang Yu rashly, fearing that it might displease Fang Yu.

Although Tang Jianxin had already left Huguang Martial Arts University, she had instead become a bridge of communication between Fang Yu and Huguang Martial Arts University.

"Alright."

"Since you're participating, then I won't." Zhuang Yiliu shook her head. "The principal of Xinyue Martial Arts University only came to find me today, hoping I would represent Xinyue Martial Arts University in the competition... However, if you participate, I have no hope of winning the championship, so I won't bother joining."

Fang Yu nodded slightly.

Zhuang Yiliu's other identity was a fifth-year student at Xinyue Martial Arts University.

"Are you lacking in confidence that much?" Fang Yu smiled.

Zhuang Yiliu glanced at Fang Yu, seemingly too lazy to speak... causing Fang Yu to burst out laughing. As the two frequently sparred and competed against each other, they naturally understood each other's strength.

Over the past few months, Zhuang Yiliu's strength had also improved tremendously; her Wind Force had reached the Perfection level of the Unity of Heaven and Man, and she had even comprehended Ice Force to the Terrain Realm level.

If it were a life-and-death battle in an open area, it would be even harder for Fang Yu to catch up to her.

However,

Fang Yu's frontal combat prowess had progressed even more exaggeratedly and terrifyingly... Especially after cultivating the Water-Fire Wings to the second-layer Perfection, Fang Yu's control over the power of water and fire became even stronger, allowing him to easily suppress Zhuang Yiliu in arena duels.

Their frontal combat had already presented a one-sided situation.

It wasn't that Zhuang Yiliu's close-quarters combat wasn't strong; in fact, her current close-quarters combat had very little gap compared to Fang Yu during the Martial Arts Tournament... It was simply that Fang Yu had progressed too much over the past few months.

In Qin Tuo's words,

today's Fang Yu could truly rival a mid-level Sky-Patrol powerhouse.

Soon after, the Blue Moon High School Tournament began.

Fang Yu fought on behalf of "Huguang Martial Arts University."

This year's High School Tournament was no longer centralized in New Moon; participating students from various universities could directly enter the Tianlan Realm to compete.

When Fang Yu appeared, almost all the participants were dumbfounded.

"Fang Yu?"

"How can he participate?"

"Fang Yu is the champion of the Martial Arts Tournament, you know."

"Not just Fang Yu, Almeida is also participating. Almeida is also a top-tier expert among the top 16 of the Martial Arts Tournament." Countless people discussed in disbelief.

Less than half a year after the Martial Arts Tournament, Fang Yu's name was still as resounding as ever, and at least the students of these martial arts universities all knew of it.

"Fang Yu is still a fifth-year student now, so he is equally qualified to participate and meets the regulations."

"Heavens! Don't you guys think we're lucky? This is a chance to compete on the same stage as Fang Yu!"

"Haha, that's true too."

"There's no need to fight for the championship; who could possibly be Fang Yu's opponent? But this is an unprecedented honor."

"Right! I hope to be matched against Fang Yu."

"If I can fight a battle with Fang Yu, even if I lose, I can brag about it proudly once I get out." Over ten thousand participants discussed among themselves.

"Senior." Wei Mo was very excited.

"Wei Mo." Fang Yu wore a hint of a smile. This was none other than the junior brother "Wei Mo" from back then in the Huguang Martial Arts University Student Manor. This year, he was already a fourth-year student and was participating in the tournament representing Huguang Martial Arts University as a Level 3 Starry Sky Seed.

"Fang Yu."

"Fang Yu." The other fifth-year students of Huguang Martial Arts University were much more restrained when facing Fang Yu.

They were all Earth Contract Students and had also seen Fang Yu more than a year ago.

Times had changed.

Although their strength had improved compared to more than a year ago, they were merely Senior Martial Artists. What about Fang Yu? He was someone even their principal, "President Baili Jing", could only look up to from above.

Aside from Wei Mo, who had some friendship with Fang Yu, none of them dared to act presumptuously.

"Mhm, there's no need to be restrained. Work hard and bring glory to the school," Fang Yu said indifferently, then swept his gaze across the tens of thousands of participants in all directions, muttering to himself, "This really is bullying kids."

Although their ages were similar,

Fang Yu's strength had long since reached another level.

"Forget it, I'll learn from Williams and solve everything with a single slash," Fang Yu thought to himself.

At this moment, he finally understood a bit of Williams's mindset from last year.

The gap was simply too huge.

Unlike during the Martial Arts Tournament, where even though Fang Yu was confident of winning the championship, Williams and Zhuang Yiliu could still pose some threat and required him to fight with all his might. But the High School Tournament... was a true sense of dimensional reduction strikes.

The High School Tournament lasted for several days, and the final match unfolded without any suspense between Fang Yu and Almeida... Facing Almeida, Fang Yu didn't even use any Star Power secret arts, yet still easily defeated his opponent.

He claimed the championship.

Fang Yu winning the Blue Moon High School Tournament didn't stir up much of a ripple; everyone felt it was a matter of course.

In fact, if not for Fang Yu remembering Senior Yan Tianheng's past obsession,

and at the same time, considering it as a way to give back to Huguang Martial Arts University and let Huguang Martial Arts University's name ascend to the monument on the highest stage of all universities in Blue Moon, Fang Yu wouldn't have bothered to participate at all.

The Blue Moon High School Tournament was merely a small interlude in Fang Yu's cultivation process.

The higher-ups of the civilization didn't pay attention to it at all. As time drew closer, the highest leadership was focusing on the "Hundred Beasts Mountain Range" about to open in February of the 62nd Year of the New Calendar.

After the High School Tournament, Fang Yu rarely took the time to return home.

His father's and grandfather's physical fitness had improved further. Especially his grandfather, after taking the various tonics and potions he continuously sent back, seemed to have undergone a rejuvenation, looking at a glance as if he were in his fifties.

His younger sister Fang Siyue and younger brother Fang Long had both entered their second year of high school and were cultivating as hard as ever.

Time flowed like water, and in the blink of an eye, it was February 1st of the new year.

Secret Realm Base.

For the new student enrollment ceremony of Xinyue Martial Arts University's Graduate School for the new year, Fang Yu and Zhuang Yiliu naturally both attended as this year's graduate students.

After returning to his own manor,

"Master?" Fang Yu looked in surprise at the red-haired youth in the courtyard, who was none other than his Master, Qin Tuo.

"Mhm." Qin Tuo turned around, looked at Fang Yu returning, and smiled. "You've finally graduated from university and are officially entering graduate school today. How do you feel?"

Fang Yu's mouth twitched.

His Master really knew how to joke.

"Master, is there something you need?" Fang Yu asked directly.

"Mhm, let's talk business," Qin Tuo said, "I have already received notification from Senior Adam. Nine days later, your batch of 70 Quasi-Sky-Patrol Martial Artists will head to the No. 6 Starry Sky Base 'Deep Sea' to rendezvous with 30 Quasi-Sky-Patrol Martial Artists from the Molu Family of the Tianshu Civilization, and then jointly head to the 'Hundred Beasts Mountain Range'."

"Nine days?" Fang Yu was startled inwardly.

It was finally here.

Then Fang Yu asked in confusion, "The Molu Family?"

"According to the regulations of the Tianshu Civilization, every time the Hundred Beasts Mountain Range opens, any civilization can dispatch 100 Earth Martial Artists to enter," Qin Tuo explained. "At the same time, it is permitted to cede 30 slots to experts from other civilizations... These experts will enter as independent Martial Artists and will not count towards civilization points."

"The Molu Family is an extremely powerful and ancient Family of the Tianshu Civilization. They have three fiefdom life planets alone, and it is said that there are thousands of Starry Sky Martial Artists within the Family, as well as more than one entity surpassing the Starry Sky realm. The founder of the Family even obtained the peerage of a 'Marquis' of the Tianshu Civilization," Qin Tuo said.

Fang Yu was shocked to hear this.

"Thousands of Starry Sky Martial Artists? Master, isn't that too exaggerated!" Fang Yu couldn't help saying.

How many Starry Sky Martial Artists did the Blue Moon Civilization even have?

"Not many."

"When you become a Sky-Patrol Martial Artist and come into contact with powerful civilizations in the Universe, you will naturally understand," Qin Tuo said. "Under normal circumstances, after a life planet is fully developed, maintaining hundreds of Starry Sky Martial Artists year-round is very easy."

"Starry Sky Martial Artists have a lifespan of 800 years."

"Our Blue Moon Civilization has only been around for a hundred years, yet we already have dozens of Starry Sky Martial Artists."

"Some powerful civilizations have more martial arts legacies, and with higher-tier lifeforms guiding them, the probability of producing powerhouses is even higher. It's not difficult for a single life planet to produce one to two thousand Starry Sky Martial Artists," Qin Tuo explained.

Fang Yu nodded slightly.

Yet he still found it terrifying... It was simply that the overall strength of this so-called "Molu Family" far, far surpassed the Blue Moon Civilization. Was this the true strength of a powerful civilization in the Universe?

"This time, our Blue Moon Civilization traded with the Molu Family and ceded 30 slots to them."

"Over the next nine days, whatever else you need to do, such as receiving divine descent or cultivating in treasure lands, go do it as soon as possible," Qin Tuo said. "However, the reason I came to find you is to take you to see the Chief."

"The gift promised to you by the Chief has been prepared for you."