163: Lying down doesn't mean you'll win.

Chen Jun squinted his eyes, savoring the unique texture of the cream sandwich cookie.

Just then—

Chu Yueyao, Mo Heng, and Li Qingshan arrived as a delegation.

Chu Yueyao held a thick report that shimmered with starlight, her face displaying a complex expression mixing excitement, shock, and exasperated amusement.

Mo Heng adjusted his virtual gold-rimmed glasses, where data streams cascaded like a waterfall across the lenses. His eyes were filled with the fanaticism of a scientific madman discovering a new law.

Li Qingshan, meanwhile, clutched an ancient longsword. Though his face maintained its usual cool expression, the slight twitch at the corner of his mouth betrayed his inner turmoil.

"Ancestor Chen!" the three saluted in unison.

"Hmm? Yueyao, Mo Heng, Qingshan. What business brings the three of you here together?" Chen Jun lazily lifted his eyelids.

"Ancestor Chen." Chu Yueyao stepped forward and respectfully presented the report. "It is... it is concerning your great-granddaughters who have married out, and the... 'massive' changes they have brought about."

"Oh? Massive changes?" Chen Jun finally opened his eyes fully, took the report, and casually flipped through it.

The report began normally enough, detailing how many more Innate Martial Body descendants the male line of the Chen clan had produced, and which female descendant had married a top talent from which civilization, accompanied by a dazzlingly long list of dowry gifts. But as he continued reading, Chen Jun’s face adopted that subtle, 'I knew it was coming' expression, and the corners of his mouth began to curl up uncontrollably.

Chu Yueyao began her report at the appropriate moment, her voice carrying a trace of disbelief:

"Ancestor Chen, according to feedback from our observers stationed in various friendly civilizations, and macro monitoring by systems similar to the Eye of the Great Void—the 'Eye of the Federation'—an... an unprecedented phenomenon is occurring!!!"

"Take Miss Yuanhua, who married out earliest, as an example." Chu Yueyao brought up a light screen displaying data on a Level 2.0 civilization named the 'Light and Shadow Civilization.'

"Miss Yuanhua married Emperor Guangyin of the Light and Shadow Civilization twenty years ago, and the following year gave birth to Prince Guangyao. His Highness Prince Guangyao was born with the Innate Martial Body!"

Mo Heng couldn't help but interject, his voice trembling with excitement: "Ancestor Chen! What does an Innate Martial Body mean in a Level 2.0 civilization? Especially within the direct imperial bloodline! Even if the emperor is highly fertile, such a descendant is not guaranteed! Often, they must select an heir from the vast imperial clan. An Innate Martial Body in the direct imperial line, with massive resources poured into them, could potentially reach the Stellar Rank in the future! Emperor Guangyin was overjoyed and immediately established Prince Guangyao as the Crown Prince!"

Chu Yueyao nodded and continued: "And this is just the beginning. After Prince Guangyao matured, under the 'strong support' of the Light and Shadow Civilization's imperial family and major top clans, he widely accepted concubines. In just two short years, he has now produced offspring... one hundred and seventy-two."

Li Qingshan, clutching his sword, coldly spat out six words: "All Innate Martial Bodies."

Chu Yueyao took a deep breath: "That's right, Sword Venerable Li is correct. One hundred and seventy-two imperial grandsons and granddaughters, confirmed... all are Innate Martial Bodies!"

Mo Heng continued, his eyes beneath his glasses bursting with terrifying intensity: "One prince, in just two years, produced one hundred and seventy-two Innate Martial Body offspring! This... this has already fundamentally overturned the population quality and potential structure of a Level 2.0 civilization! And this is only the beginning! Once these imperial grandchildren mature, the Light and Shadow Civilization is about to soar!!!"

The image on Chu Yueyao's light screen switched, displaying the power structure diagram of the Light and Shadow Civilization.

"Due to the unparalleled potential and 'flourishing population' displayed by Prince Guangyao and his offspring, his influence in the imperial family and the court rapidly expanded. The old Emperor Guangyin felt assured of a successor and, three months ago... announced his abdication!"

"Now, the new emperor of the Light and Shadow Civilization is Miss Yuanhua's son, Guangyao! And Miss Yuanhua has become the Light and Shadow Civilization's... Empress Dowager!"

The screen froze on Chen Yuanhua, dressed in magnificent Empress Dowager court robes, receiving the obeisance of countless officials with graceful dignity.

Her face held a gentle and dignified smile, but deep in her eyes was a calmness that suggested everything was under control.

Mo Heng adjusted his glasses, trying hard to keep his voice level, but the trembling inflection betrayed him: 'This is not an isolated case! Ancestor Chen, this is not an isolated case!'

He rushed forward a step, his fingers quickly swiping in the air, bringing up light screens for dozens of civilizations:

'Look! In the 'Sea Song Civilization,' Miss Yuanlin's son, relying on one hundred and eighty-nine Innate Martial Body offspring, has been established as the sole heir, and the old king announced his retirement!'

'In the 'Profound Foundation Civilization,' the prince born to Miss Yuanjing, thanks to his own outstanding aptitude as an Innate Martial Body and his equally potent reproductive ability, is now being jointly requested by the cabinet—due to his dual advantage in scholarship and bloodline—to be established as the Crown Prince!'

'The 'Lava Civilization'... the 'Crystal Cluster Confederacy'... the 'Myriad Merchant League'...'

Mo Heng grew more agitated, his voice sounding as if he had discovered the ultimate truth of the universe: 'According to statistics, in every Level 2.0 or higher civilization where a female descendant of our Chen clan has married, their direct offspring, relying on the 'guaranteed Innate Martial Body' and terrifying reproductive efficiency, are rapidly becoming the civilization's undisputed heirs! Or even... taking direct control!'

'The original ruling classes of these civilizations, far from being vigilant or resisting, are instead... celebrating wildly, ecstatic!' Chu Yueyao interjected, her tone carrying a sense of absurdity:

'They view the princes possessing the Chen family bloodline as the civilization's 'saviors' and 'future,' frantically pouring resources toward them, even actively excluding other non-Chen bloodline heirs! They believe that as long as they cling to this powerful bloodline, civilization advancement is just around the corner!'

Li Qingshan, clutching his sword, summarized: 'Simply put, Ancestor Chen, your bloodline is bloodlessly... eroding—no, 'optimizing'—the high-level structure of all civilizations in the Vaulted Canopy constellation. And they are still smugly pleased that they have obtained 'Innate Aptitude offspring.''

With the report finished, the gazes of the three focused on Chen Jun, awaiting his reaction.

Mo Heng’s eyes shone with fanatical worship: 'Ancestor Chen's bloodline is not only supreme, but his planning is flawless! He long ago deployed this special constitution bloodline throughout the star sea! This subtle, fundamental strategy is truly a supreme maneuver! There is no greater feat than subduing the enemy without fighting!'

Li Qingshan’s face was filled with admiration: 'Ancestor Chen’s bloodline is terrifying! With the power of one man, he quietly rewrote the star sea's structure. I am completely convinced!'

Chu Yueyao was filled with deep reverence: 'Ancestor Chen insisted on 'free marriage' back then, surely foreseeing today's situation. Yueyao... is completely convinced.'

However, facing the excitement and flattery of the three, Chen Jun’s reaction was remarkably calm.

He didn't even change his posture, still lazily slumped in the armchair; only the 'just as expected' smile at the corner of his mouth became more obvious.

He gently 'hmm'-ed, picked up a plate of newly acquired 'Dimension Distortion Gummies' nearby, tossed one into his mouth, savoring the strange sensation of his tongue repeatedly oscillating between 'three dimensions' and 'two dimensions.' He then spoke slowly:

'Oh, that matter? I know about it.'

The three: '???'

He knew?

Just that calm?!

This was a world-shaking grand strategy that allowed them to control the future of countless civilizations without shedding a drop of blood!

Chen Jun looked at their expressions—the unspoken question being, 'Aren't you going to say something more?'—and found it rather amusing.

Was he supposed to tell them that this wasn't a deliberate scheme on his part, but merely the natural outcome of the [Great Fortune] function?

Was he supposed to tell them that when he stopped Qinglan from chasing away those suitors, he had already foreseen this result?

Was he supposed to tell them that he had long anticipated that, faced with the super buff of a 'guaranteed Innate Martial Body,' the rulers of any civilization would inevitably choose to embrace it?

Alas, the loneliness of a master... Lying flat is an attitude, but winning without effort is a kind of—

Wisdom!!!!!

He continued to maintain his profound, everything-is-under-control posture, and waved his hand dismissively, radiating subtle arrogance:

'Standard procedure. Nothing to see here.'

'Let the children and grandchildren find their own fortune. If they live well and can incidentally contribute to the 'harmony and stability' of the star sea, isn't that just fine?'

'As for us, we just need to watch. Just watch.'

Upon hearing this, Chu Yueyao, Mo Heng, and Li Qingshan were filled with solemn respect!

See!

This is what we call vision!

This is what we call composure!

This is what we call having everything under control!

Ancestor Chen had long transcended worldly concerns, viewing the authority over the star sea as inconsequential!

Every development was within his anticipation!

'Ancestor Chen’s breadth of mind is as vast as the star sea; we subordinates are far inferior!' The three saluted again, completely convinced.

Chen Jun felt thoroughly comfortable from the flattery, ate another distortion gummy, and felt his mood improve further.

He seemed to recall something and casually asked: 'Right, how are Zhaojing and Yuanhai doing? I haven't heard them complaining recently.'

Chu Yueyao showed a strange smile: 'Reporting to Ancestor Chen, His Highness Zhaojing and His Highness Yuanhai are now fully enjoying 'limited freedom.' It is said they are blissfully happy engaging in 'flirtatious gambits' with their wives, and their cultivation seems to have even improved! Especially His Highness Yuanhai... um, it is said he recently comprehended a 'Dream Clone Cultivation Method,' allowing him to... er, chat with his wives while sleeping?'

Chen Jun heard this and laughed loudly: 'That little brat Yuanhai, he’s not bad! After breaking through to the Stellar Rank, being able to use Dream Law to achieve complete freedom, he can be considered a genius! I just wonder how effective it is...'

Mo Heng analyzed earnestly: 'From the perspective of energy conservation and soul burden, although the dream clone can share part of the mental communication, it cannot replace actual contact, and long-term use may increase the risk of schizophrenia by zero point zero zero one percent...'

Chen Jun was speechless: '...Mo Heng, sometimes you really don't need to be so rigorous.'

"Yes, Ancestor Chen." Mo Heng pushed up his glasses and readily complied.

Just then, a familiar energy fluctuation, laced with flattery and urgency, came from outside the manor.

Without needing an announcement, Chen Jun knew it must be Zhou Zhenshan again, bringing him a freshly brewed cup of tribute tea.

"Alright, if there's nothing else, go back to your duties." Chen Jun waved his hand, dismissing them:

"Yueyao, continue monitoring the Star Sea situation. Mo Heng, go back to your research. Qingshan... hmm, go rest early. Zhou Zhenshan's tea has been quite good lately."

Li Qingshan replied verbally, "...Yes, Ancestor Chen." But internally, he thought:

That brat Zhou Zhenshan is stealing my job again!

Following this, Li Qingshan, Chu Yueyao, and Mo Heng respectfully withdrew.

Chen Jun narrowed his eyes again, rubbing his chin thoughtfully.

"Hmm... it seems the power of the [Great Fortune] function is slightly greater than I imagined."

"This is only the guaranteed Innate Martial Body. What if it upgrades later to guarantee Innate Star Body, Moon Body... or even Sun Body?"

Chen Jun pictured the scene:

A certain Level 2.0 civilization suddenly produces a prince who fathers hundreds of offspring with the Innate Sun Body... The sight would be so magnificent that the entire civilization would probably worship him as an ancestor, and the emperor abdicating the throne overnight would still be considered too slow!

Most importantly, these descendants from other families are naturally linked to him through the effect of [Kinship]!

Just like those five girls: Yuexi, Xuan Sha, Su Yuan, Liu Qing, and Qing Lan!

..."Heh heh..."

Lost in thought, Chen Jun couldn't help but chuckle aloud, feeling that his path to effortless victory was becoming wider and more secure with every step.

"There's no need for fighting or bloodshed. By simply and steadily having children, the entire Star Sea will unknowingly fall into my grasp!"

"This is the true pinnacle of effortless victory!"

Satisfied, he sank deeper into his seat, picked up a twisted gummy, and accurately tossed it into his mouth.

"Hmm, this candy is good. I'll have them offer more tribute next time."

While Chen Jun was leisurely sipping tea at the Pillar of Leaders, smiling as the winds of the Star Sea subtly changed color because of his bloodline... within the civilizations currently undergoing "optimization," a different kind of fervent activity was unfolding.

In the court of the new Emperor Guangyao of the Light-Shadow Civilization.

The former emperor, now the Retired Emperor Guangyin, was having tea with his sister in the imperial garden.

"Imperial Sister, don't you think I... no, your brother, was incredibly wise to decide to abdicate the throne back then?"

Guangyin watched his son, Guangyao, who was leading a group of Innate Martial Body grandchildren in practicing the royal martial arts in the distance, his face filled with relief and gratitude.

The princess smiled faintly: "Of course, Imperial Brother, you are supremely wise! Look at the present: which official in the court isn't completely devoted to the new Emperor? Who isn't full of confidence in the future of our Light-Shadow Civilization? All of this is thanks to Sister Yuanhua, and thanks to Ancestor Chen's bloodline!"

Guangyin nodded in profound agreement: "Indeed! Who could have imagined that our Light-Shadow Civilization would encounter such a magnificent opportunity! Those old fools who opposed making Yao'er the heir are now scrambling to shove their own granddaughters into Yao'er's harem! Hmph, they used to call me senile; now let's see who the truly muddled ones are!"

He grew more excited as he spoke: "With Yao'er here, and these hundreds of Innate Martial Body grandchildren, once they grow up! Our Light-Shadow Civilization's promotion to Level 2.1 is just around the corner! Even Level 2.5 isn't a dream! I... no, your brother, feels energized every day just watching these vibrant youngsters. I feel like I could live for another hundred thousand years!"

The princess laughed: "Imperial Brother, now that you've shed your heavy burden, you can enjoy your leisure and the company of your grandchildren. Rest assured, the empire is safe in Yao'er's hands!"

"Rest assured! Absolutely!" Guangyin roared with laughter, then lowered his voice:

"Imperial Sister, since you are Prince Yuanhai's eight-hundredth wife and have strong connections with the Chen family, could you... help pull some strings again? See if there are any suitable Chen family girls we can arrange for the other less promising boys in the Guang family? The bride price is not an issue! We'll sell everything we own if we have to!"

The princess replied: "...Imperial Brother, aren't you... pushing your luck a bit?"

Deep within the palace of the Sea Song Civilization.

The young prince, son of Chen Yuanlin, was receiving an audience with an elderly official.

This official was a famous conservative leader of the Sea Song Civilization who had previously strongly opposed the prince taking consorts too early, and especially opposed introducing "foreign bloodlines."

Now, however, the elderly official knelt before the Emperor and the Crown Prince, tears streaming down his face:

"Your Majesty! This old subject... I was blind in my youth and nearly ruined the future of our civilization! Thankfully, Your Majesty is wise, and the Crown Prince is a heavenly genius! This old subject implores the Crown Prince, for the millennia-long foundation of the Sea Song Civilization, you must... spread your seed widely! This old subject still has a few moderately talented granddaughters at home..."

The Crown Prince gently helped the official up, his face showing a composure that belied his age:

"Minister, please rise. Your loyalty is known to both my father and me. It is indeed my duty to propagate descendants and strengthen the Sea Song Civilization. As for your granddaughters... let them be registered first, and I will decide after consulting with my Mother Consort."

The official was overwhelmed with gratitude, repeatedly kowtowing: "Thank you, Your Highness! Thank you, Your Highness! May the Sea Song Civilization last for countless eons!"

Similar scenes were unfolding across countless civilizations... The Chen bloodline, like the gentlest yet most dominant stream, silently permeated the power cores and foundational bloodlines of these civilizations.

The old rulers of these civilizations, far from realizing the danger of being "doves occupying magpie nests," were instead immersed in the immense joy of "optimizing their bloodline" and "securing their future," actively clearing paths and adding fuel to this rising tide.

They held grand selection ceremonies, sending the most outstanding women from their families into the imperial palaces;

They exhausted their resources to create the best cultivation environments for the princes who possessed the Chen family bloodline;

They even actively suppressed other potential heirs who might threaten the status of these "Heavenly Chosen" individuals... All of this was simply to ensure the birth of a few more descendants carrying the Chen family bloodline and the guaranteed Innate Martial Body!

And the source of all this, Chen Jun, lying in his easy chair, didn't even need to issue a single command.

He merely needed to exist; his bloodline would flow forth, and the entire structure of the Star Sea was quietly destined under his languid gaze!

...The next day, in Chen Jun's manor, Chen Jun had just taken a sip of tea when Chu Yueyao returned to report, this time bringing even more sensational news.

"Ancestor Chen, seventeen Level 2.3 civilizations, including the 'Deep Space Consortium' and the 'Pearl Vortex Community,' have jointly proposed the formation of a 'Starry Sky Alliance' centered around the Human Federation."

"The core terms of the alliance include: technology sharing, resource exchange, military cooperation... and, most importantly—the priority right to intermarry with the Chen family."

As Chu Yueyao read the terms, she herself found them somewhat outrageous: "They are willing to dedicate seventy percent of their civilization's national treasury as the alliance's 'Bloodline Development Fund,' specifically for... encouraging and subsidizing marriages with the Chen family, and the subsequent upbringing of the descendants."

Upon hearing this, Chen Jun was so amused he nearly spat out his tea... Good heavens!

They've actually started "crowdfunding for wives" now?!

And they even established a dedicated foundation?!

These aliens are going to extreme lengths just to hitch onto the bloodline!

Spending your money and resources to raise my descendants?

And they're happy about it?

He waved his hand, both laughing and sighing: "Tell them that marriage is based on freedom and cannot be forced. As for the alliance... let the Ministry of Foreign Affairs handle the negotiations. If the terms are suitable, we join; if not, forget it. We don't engage in hegemony; we focus on mutual willingness..."

"Yes, Ancestor Chen." Chu Yueyao recorded the instructions carefully.

"Oh, right," Chen Jun added, remembering something:

"Find an excuse and tell Zhaojing, Yuanhai, and all the 'Yuan' generation who have met their quotas to go out more often recently..."

"I heard that princesses from tens of thousands of civilizations have grouped up and are 'staking out' the perimeter of the Pillar of Leaders, proclaiming they want to become their wives... These boys who met their quotas are too idle."

Chu Yueyao's mouth twitched slightly: "...Yes, Ancestor Chen, I will arrange it..."

Having finished her report, Chu Yueyao withdrew.

Chen Jun watched her retreating figure and shook his head.

"These princesses are truly... unbearably enthusiastic."

He checked the system interface internally.

Although he was still some distance from one trillion, given this trend, and as the "external" descendants carrying the Chen bloodline began to exert their influence, the time frame would be roughly the same as the previously estimated hundred years.

"Hmm... relying solely on the internal efforts of Zhaojing and Yuanhai was a bit slow. This 'external aid' has arrived just in time!" Chen Jun mused contentedly.

He felt one step closer to System Level 3.

He raised a glass of wine and offered a light toast to the brilliant Star Sea outside the window, which was being subtly reshaped by his bloodline.

"To the bloodline! To effortless victory! To this magnificent era that requires no effort from me!"

After finishing the wine, Chen Jun slumped back into the most comfortable position and closed his eyes.

Starlight filtered through the window lattice, gently shining upon him.

The easy chair rocked softly, utterly relaxed... Lying in the chair of contentment, he smiled as the cosmos was fixed in the unseen.

This was Chen Jun's path to effortless victory and eternal life.

Lying flat is an attitude... effortless victory is wisdom!