203: There's no other reason than that there's strength in numbers.

Inside the core hall of the virtual universe Administration Bureau, a deathly silence spread... The shock, confusion, and a hint of... fear? had yet to fade from everyone's faces.

Proving that everything that had just happened was absolutely real!

The grand message from the "Human Race virtual universe," like cosmic ice water, extinguished all the pride the Federation high-ups had felt upon crossing the threshold of a Level 3 Civilization in technology.

Mo Heng muttered dejectedly, "We... we aren't even frogs in a well. We are just a speck of dust in the eyes of the frogs in a well..."

Chu Yueyao forcefully maintained the composure of the Acting Leader, but her slightly trembling fingertips betrayed the turmoil raging within her:

"Unifying the Star River... Gu breeding... Starry Sky Level is just the starting point..."

Liu Ruyan paced back and forth restlessly, her combat boots striking the ground with dull thuds:

"Damn it! Born at Starry Sky Level? How did those Monster Races achieve that?! I fought tooth and nail for tens of thousands of years, and only recently did I Breakthrough to Star Arm Level!"

Yun Xi stood quietly to the side, her pale fingers unconsciously clenching. Even her mental state, usually as cold as ten thousand years of ice, now showed slight cracks.

The civilization she guarded was actually this insignificant on the true scale of the Universe?

The visible Universe, nearly a hundred billion light-years across, was merely a single Star River?

Such a vast Star River could be annihilated by the thousands with a single slap in the eyes of powerful races?

The Human Race has constantly been struggling to survive in the Universe?

Yun Xi, as the absolute leader of the civilization for a hundred thousand years, was the person with the strongest Dao Heart besides Ancestor Chen, who inherited the memories of ten billion Reincarnations, yet even she felt lost at this moment.

Yan Ji's beautiful eyes flickered intensely. The pride of the Dragonborn Imperial Family was shattered, replaced by a trembling reverence, and an infinite yearning for, and... fear of, that "Human Race virtual universe"!

Qing Lin's small face was pale as she tightly gripped her son Chen Yu's arm, as if only this could draw out a sense of security.

Chen Yu gently squeezed his mother's hand in return, his handsome face filled with solemnity.

As for Chen Jun's four sons, their reactions were even more sharp and direct.

The second son, Chen Yan, had no fear in his eyes; instead, a near-fanatical Battle Intent burned, and his Stellar Level Elementary aura surged uncontrollably:

"Unifying the Star River? Now that sounds exciting! I don't care what Monster Races they are, one day, I will lead an army and kill my way over to see who the Gu King is!"

The third son, Chen Lan, immediately analyzed the situation calmly, like the most precise intelligent computer: "Second Brother, calm down. The priority now is to improve the Federation's overall technology and individual strength."

The fourth son, Chen Yu, gently added, with a hint of worry: "Although that 'Human Race virtual universe' is a way out, since we are merely a 'Registered Minority Race,' our status there probably won't be high. The path ahead remains difficult."

All eyes eventually focused on the person in the center of the hall—the one who had only slightly raised an eyebrow upon hearing this earth-shattering news and seemed to show no significant reaction now—

Ancestor Chen!

He had even somehow produced a steaming cup of nine revolutions star tea and was slowly blowing on it.

However, if an observer looked closely, they would notice... a faint, faint trace of emotion, named "sense of urgency," quietly gathering in the depths of Chen Jun's seemingly calm eyes.

Powerful races in the Universe, babies born at Starry Sky Level?

His eldest son, Chen Xu, possessed the Innate Venerable Body, yet was only Stellar Level Peak at birth! His fourth son, Chen Yu, was the same!

What kind of terrifying Physique was that?

Several Ranks above the Innate Venerable Body?

This gap was no longer a chasm; it was a dimensional crush!

He had originally thought that with his 1.2x Innate Venerable Body, Star River Level cultivation, the System in hand, and countless descendants, he could rest easy, comfortably lying down to win, watching his grandchildren play at his knee, and enjoying the Peaceful Blessings of Longevity... Now it seemed... "Lay low! I must lay even lower!" An incredibly clear thought exploded in Chen Jun's mind.

In his view, that incomprehensible, vast, and despair-inducing Human Race in the Universe was even more insignificant than ants compared to the Billions of Races in the Universe?

The waters of this Universe are damn deep!

If his small frame jumped out now, he wouldn't even cause a splash; he would instantly be smashed into Cosmic Fundamental Particles by the invisible giant waves!

What Yaoqiong Divine Kingdom, what Liuli System Overlords—at this scale, they were merely child's play!

A sense of crisis!

An unprecedented sense of crisis pierced through his comfortable shell of leisure and effortless victory!

But Chen Jun was Chen Jun after all. Having experienced ten billion cycles of memory Reincarnation, his mindset was already as stable as an old dog.

Panic?

Impossible!

His brain completed the analysis in one hundred-millionth of a second and arrived at the sole, optimal solution—

Have sons!

He must fiercely have many more sons!

His descendants must engage in intense competition!

The Family Core Values must continue to be popularized and strengthened!

Only with enough descendants can the System's functions be maximized, ensuring sufficient security!

Descendants are his strongest barrier against all unknown risks!

They are the only fuel for System upgrades and function enhancement!

Thinking this, Chen Jun slowly and solemnly set down the nine revolutions star tea in his hand.

This subtle action instantly made the entire hall silent enough to hear a pin drop.

Everyone held their breath, waiting for Ancestor Chen, who was "Self-Sealing," to give instructions regarding this shocking news concerning the survival of their civilization.

Chen Jun's gaze calmly swept over the face of everyone present, from the shocked Mo Heng, to the forcefully composed Chu Yueyao, the incredulous Liu Ruyan, and the complex-eyed Yun Xi and Yan Ji, finally landing on his children.

He slowly spoke, his voice still carrying that characteristic laziness, but inexplicably gaining a heavy weight:

"You all saw the message?"

Everyone nodded instinctively.

"Afraid?" Chen Jun raised an eyebrow, deliberately provoking the crowd whose Dao Hearts were unstable.

Liu Ruyan stiffened her neck and stubbornly replied, "Afraid? That word isn't in my dictionary! It's just a bit... unbelievable!"

Chen Jun nodded slightly, his tone carrying the indifference of one who had seen through the ways of the world:

"The Universe is vast and full of wonders. There is always a stronger expert among the strong; this is common sense. Our Human Federation was able to rise from insignificance not by complaining about fate, but by... striving constantly for self-improvement, and also..."

He paused, his gaze sweeping meaningfully over everyone again:

"Strength in numbers."

Everyone: "???"

This... wasn't this transition a bit too jarring?

They were just discussing Cosmic Races, Starry Sky Level Experts, and the fate of Gu breeding; how did they suddenly jump to "strength in numbers"?

Only the core members who were deeply aware of Chen Jun's "Special Physique" and "Family Core Values" vaguely understood.

Chen Jun ignored everyone's astonishment and continued in his unique, lazy yet unquestionable tone:

"The storms outside will be shouldered by the tall ones, which is to say, the Human Race in the Universe. Yun Xi, Yue Yao, Qingshan, Mo Heng... continue doing what you need to do. The Federation's development cannot stop. Technology must Breakthrough, the army must train, resources must be accumulated, and most importantly, the citizens' enthusiasm for procreation must be maintained."

He named a few people, assigning tasks in a calm tone.

"As for Unifying the Star River..." Chen Jun waved his hand, wearing an expression that implied "that's too far off" and "there's no need":

"Taking too big a step risks tearing your groin. Let's set a small goal first, like... sorting out our Federation internally, and cultivating the Family's... erm, cultivating the civilization's reserve strength."

His words were vague, but the two characters for "Family" still made the hearts of women like Lin Wei, Yun Xi, and Yan Ji skip a beat, their eyes involuntarily drifting toward their own abdomens, or looking at Chen Jun.

Chen Jun took in their reactions and felt satisfied.

Very good, the sense of urgency had been successfully conveyed.

He deliberately didn't mention that they had two Innate King Bodies currently being nurtured, and that they would nurture even higher-level descendants in the future.

Having descendants and the Federation competing fiercely was more suitable for the current unknown future.

He yawned and rubbed his eyes:

"Alright, everyone disperse. Those who should Cultivate, Cultivate; those who should work, work; those who should... erm, rest, rest."

After speaking, he ignored the crowd, who were still in shock and confusion, clasped his hands behind his back, and led the way out of the hall with steps that seemed leisurely but were actually resolute.

His four sons, Chen Xu, Chen Yan, Chen Lan, and Chen Yu, immediately followed, like the most loyal guards.

Leaving behind a group of high-ranking Federation officials staring at each other.

"Ancestor Chen... what does he mean by this?" an Academy of Sciences academician asked blankly.

Mo Heng pushed up his crooked glasses, the light of a scientific madman reigniting in his eyes: "Ancestor Chen's profound meaning, how can we fathom it? But keywords like 'more people, greater strength' and 'reserve forces' have already pointed the direction! We must intensify our efforts in life sciences, genetic engineering, and... population optimization policies!"

Chu Yueyao and Yun Xi exchanged glances, both seeing the same determination in each other's eyes.

"Issue the order," Chu Yueyao's voice returned to its usual steady and capable tone, "The Federation is entering a Special War Preparedness state. All resources will be directed towards scientific research, military, and education! Especially... fertility support and excellent birth policies, their priority will be raised to the highest!"

Liu Ruyan rubbed her fists: "I'm going back to train those little brats right now! Train them to death! There will be plenty of opportunities to fight in the future!"

Yan Ji's beautiful eyes swirled as she looked in the direction Chen Jun had left, a meaningful smile playing on her lips: "More people... greater strength, eh? It seems the Dragonborn Empire and the Federation's 'friendly exchange' needs to go deeper."

...Chen Jun Manor, main house.

Chen Jun slumped back into his lounge chair, seemingly resting with closed eyes, but in reality, his consciousness was immersed in the System interface.

[Number of Descendants]: 3168... Trillion (Number of descendants continues to grow steadily...)

[Remaining Lifespan]: 575 years...+18...+18... (Ninety-nine billion, nine hundred million... years)

[Rank]: Level 3 (Descendants required for next Rank: One Hundred Quintillion)

"3168 trillion, one hundred quintillion..." Chen Jun pondered these units.

Although the number of descendants was skyrocketing daily, this sudden "Cosmic Human Race" still brought him a sense of insecurity; the unknown often brings more fear.

"I must speed up the progress," Chen Jun mused. "Relying on the old model, the efficiency is still too low. I need to... be a little more 'proactive'?"

Just then—

"Father," his eldest son Chen Xu's steady voice sounded beside him.

Chen Jun opened his eyes and saw his four sons standing respectfully at his side, clearly having something to say.

"Hmm? What is it?" Chen Jun asked languidly.

Chen Xu, as the eldest son, spoke first, his tone carrying a hint of worry:

"Father, having heard the secrets of the Universe today, I deeply feel my own strength is meager, insufficient to share your worries or to be a shield for the Family. I humbly request Father's permission to enter the virtual universe's ten-thousand-fold consciousness amplification area for secluded cultivation. I will not emerge until I Break through to Star River Level!"

Before Chen Jun could speak, his second son Chen Yan immediately followed, his voice booming:

"Father! Big Brother is going into secluded cultivation, and I'm going too! But I can't stand sitting still! I want to go to the 'Endless Battlefield' module in the virtual universe. It's said to simulate the combat styles of billions of enemies, perfect for practice! I won't come out until I've fought through a hundred war zones!"

His third son, Chen Lan, calmly analyzed:

"Father, knowledge and wisdom are also strength. I request the highest authority to access the joint knowledge base of the Federation and the Dragonborn Empire, to learn all accessible technology, history, and strategic knowledge, and to attempt to establish a more optimal Family development model and crisis response plans."

His fourth son, Chen Yu, smiled gently:

"Father, my elder brothers are all determined to improve their strength. I will remain in reality, accompany our mothers, manage the manor's trivial matters, coordinate within the Family, and resolve any worries for my brothers. At the same time, I will also diligently Cultivate, not falling behind others."

Chen Jun looked at his four sons, who were all so 'driven,' and his heart was greatly comforted.

Look!

These are his Chen Jun's sons!

He didn't even need to push them; they were clamoring to 'inner-roll' themselves!

"Good! Ambitious!" Chen Jun nodded approvingly. "virtual universe Cultivation, approved! Highest authority for the knowledge base, approved! Endless Battlefield, go ahead and challenge it! With Yu'er handling things at home, I'm at ease."

With a grand wave of his hand, he immediately granted his sons' requests.

"Thank you, Father!" the four sons responded in unison, their eyes filled with Battle Intent.

Chen Xu, Chen Yan, and Chen Lan wasted no time, turning directly and heading decisively to the virtual universe.

Chen Yu bowed to Chen Jun and quietly retreated to the side, beginning to handle manor affairs through his personal terminal.

Chen Jun watched his sons' busy backs, contentedly stroking his non-existent beard.

His sons taking the lead in 'inner-rolling' had an immediate effect.

The first to be 'rolled' were their mothers and 'stepmothers'.

Lin Wei touched her abdomen, thinking about the cosmic secrets she had just heard, and seeing her son striving for self-improvement, the slight relaxation brought on by childbirth instantly vanished.

"Brother Jun," she looked at Chen Jun, her eyes firm, "We'll continue to 'work hard' tonight."

Chen Jun patted her hand, gently saying: "No rush, take it slow, your body is important. You just gave birth today, you should rest for a few months at least."

Yun Xi, in the Star Gazing Pavilion, sensed the aura of Chen Xu and the others heading straight for secluded Cultivation in the virtual universe, and a flicker of emotion crossed her clear eyes.

She gently stroked her abdomen, where a King Body life, thirty-two years in the making, whose nourishing power had brought her to Stellar Level Peak, was now formed. She murmured to herself:

"Even my newborn child is so diligent; how can I, as a mother, be lax?" Her aura grew more condensed, and with the nourishment from the Innate King Body, she silently launched an assault on the Star River Level.

Yan Ji, in the side room, perceived Chen Yan's furious Battle Intent as he plunged into the 'Endless Battlefield,' and her red lips curved slightly:

"It seems this empress cannot just focus on enjoying the nourishment anymore." She began to activate the Dragonborn Empire's secret Body Refining techniques, accelerating the absorption of the King Body's nourishment, and assaulting the Galaxy Level Peak.

Chu Yueyao and Liu Ruyan were even more direct.

While handling the flood of government affairs due to the "Special War Preparedness" state, Chu Yueyao transmitted a message to Liu Ruyan:

"Ruyan, the children are all working so hard; we, as elders, must not relax even more. My government affairs are busy, and Cultivation time is limited. The Family's internal safety and 'atmosphere' will largely depend on your efforts."

Liu Ruyan thumped her chest armor: "Don't worry! With me here, I guarantee not even a mosquito will dare to approach the main house! Anyone who dares to be lax, I'll be the first to throw them into the gravity abyss for reforging!"

Even the innocent and naive Qing Lin was swept up by this 'inner-rolling' trend.

She watched Chen Yu handle manor affairs, arrange postpartum care and resource allocation for the mothers, Lin Wei, Chu Yueyao, and Liu Ruyan, and a look of admiration and... urgency appeared on her small face.

"Yu'er is so amazing... I want to help too!" She clenched her small fists, trying to recall if she had any special talents, and finally realized... she only seemed to know how to eat and play?

"No! I can't let Senior and Yu'er down!" Qing Lin gritted her teeth and also ran into the virtual universe, found a scenic 'Immortal Realm' module, and began to... diligently Cultivate.

Although the efficiency was touching, the attitude was commendable... The entire Chen Jun Manor seemed to have an invisible "accelerator" pressed.

Those who cultivated, cultivated; those who handled government affairs, handled government affairs; those who stood guard, stood guard... Even the gardening robots were forcibly loaded with combat modules by Liu Ruyan, under the pretext of "always being ready for emergencies."

Chen Jun watched all of this, chuckling happily, feeling deeply gratified.

"Excellent 'inner-rolling'! This is a healthy Family atmosphere!"

He leisurely sipped his tea, but his Divine Sense quietly covered the entire Kunlun Star, and even the more distant Federation territories.

Under his "hint" and the promotion of the Federation's new policies, a vigorous "Great Production" and "Great Inner-Rolling" movement quietly arose within the Human Federation.

In the virtual universe, the ten-thousand-fold time-flow rate area was overcrowded.

The Endless Battlefield module was filled with battle cries.

Research institutions were brightly lit.

Military training intensity increased several times over.

And accompanying this was an unprecedented fertility encouragement policy!

"Ancestor Chen's instruction: For the future of the Federation, have more and better children!" The slogan echoed throughout the star sea.

Various fertility subsidies, childcare guarantees, Family honor evaluations... emerged endlessly...