67: Not again?!

Deep within the Jade Washing Studio, there was a banquet hall far more grand and exquisite than the corridors outside.

There were no windows here; instead, the ceiling was a vast starry sky completely simulated by energy. The stars were not static but moved slowly along profound trajectories, with occasional meteors streaking across, trailing brilliant tails of light.

Soft and bright starlight cascaded down, illuminating the entire hall like daylight, yet it wasn't harsh at all.

The air was incredibly fresh, making one feel refreshed with every breath. A faint blend of floral, fruity, and calming sandalwood scents created an elegant and comfortable atmosphere.

A massive oval long table, carved from a single piece of "Star-Warm Jade," occupied the center of the hall, its surface naturally flowing with a warm luster.

The chairs were made of dark-gold Starwood, warm to the touch and emitting faint energy fluctuations, which were greatly beneficial to Cultivation.

At this moment, the long table was already surrounded by people.

Those able to sit here were, without exception, all Stellar-level Experts!

As the host, Qin Pojun naturally sat in the primary seat, his Face overflowing with an irrepressible, extreme radiance!

He had a burly build and a majestic countenance, but now he was grinning from ear to ear, the wrinkles at the corners of his eyes smoothing out as if he had aged backward by several thousand years!

His daughter, Qin Qingxuan, had successfully achieved a Breakthrough to the Stellar Level!

His granddaughter, Qin Wangshu, possessed an Innate Moon Body!

A double blessing!

With two Stellar-level Experts in the Qin Family and an Innate Moon Body as their future hope, this was enough to secure the Qin Family's position among the Federation's top noble families for another hundred thousand years... or even a million!

How could he not be happy?

He was so happy he could practically fly!

"Hahaha! Everyone! That all the Speakers could come today gives me, Qin Pojun, great Face! And it is an even greater blessing for my little granddaughter Goddess who drives the moon! I, Pojun, thank you all!" Qin Pojun picked up a cup of liquor shimmering with rosy light and spoke in a voice like a booming bell, standing up first to propose a toast.

"Brother Qin (Pojun), you are too polite!"

"Congratulations to the Qin Family for adding another pillar of support!"

"The birth of Little Princess Goddess who drives the moon is a blessing for our Human Race!"

The various Stellar-level Experts raised their glasses in response, all wearing sincere smiles.

At their level, personal grudges could be temporarily set aside in the Face of the civilization's greater good and future potential.

The Qin Family's growing power was a good thing for the Human Race as a whole, especially with an Innate Moon Body of limitless potential.

However, after several rounds of drinks and as delicacies were served like a flowing stream, the atmosphere of the banquet gradually reached its climax. The focus of the crowd subtly shifted from Qin Pojun in the primary seat to a female powerhouse sitting in a slightly secondary position.

The Master of the Sky-Patrol Pavilion, Chu Yueyao!

Today, she was not wearing the Xuntian Pavilion uniform that symbolized power, but a moon-white flowing immortal dress. She lacked some of her usual cold sternness and had more feminine grace, yet the majesty and shrewdness of one long in a high position remained undiminished in her expression.

At this moment, she had become the center of everyone's praise!

"Pavilion Master Yue Yao, you truly had great foresight back then!" Great Emperor of Bedrock, Shi Yue, had the loudest voice. Holding his wine cup, he spoke to Chu Yueyao with a Face flushed with excitement.

"If it hadn't been for your strong advocacy back then to let Mr. Chen live his last few years comfortably and happily, we probably wouldn't have realized the key to this! If we had let Mr. Chen harbor resentment... sigh, the consequences would be unimaginable!"

As soon as he said this, it immediately drew a chorus of agreement.

"Brother Shi Yue is absolutely right!" Nine Heavens Sword Venerable Li Qingshan chimed in, a rare occurrence, his tone carrying a hint of lingering fear and relief. "Thinking back to how we only knew how to take, we almost made a grave mistake! Thanks to Pavilion Master Yue Yao's keen insight into human nature and her proposal of a policy of appeasement!"

"Yes! Sister Yue Yao is truly the think tank of our Federation!" Madam Tianyin, Su Miaoyin, also spoke softly. She was on good terms with Chu Yueyao, and her tone carried heartfelt admiration. "If not for Sister's reminder, we would still be immersed in the euphoria of obtaining the Sun Body sparks, ignoring the feelings of the 'source' himself. If we had truly let him die in depression and left behind hidden dangers, we would all be criminals of the Federation!"

One by one, the Stellar-level Experts spoke up, praising Chu Yueyao to the heavens.

Between their words, the heartache over "wasting" resources to nourish Chen Jun back then seemed to have vanished without a trace, replaced by smugness over their "brilliant decision" and gratitude for Chu Yueyao's "foresight"!

It was as if the person who proposed the strategy of "making Chen Jun happy at any cost" was incredibly calculating and had saved the future destiny of the Federation!

Chu Yueyao sat poised in her seat, a reserved and composed smile on her Face. Regarding the crowd's flattery, she neither denied it nor was overly modest, only occasionally responding calmly, "Fellow Daoists, you overpraise me. It was all within the scope of my duty, for the sake of the Federation's future."

But the inescapable smugness at the corners of her eyes and brows was clearly visible to everyone.

She truly had reason to be smug!

Back in the Jingsi Hall, facing a group of colleagues who were red-faced from arguing over "breeding rights," she was the first to calm down, think of the key issue of Chen Jun's limited Lifespan, and propose the "emotional appeasement" strategy.

Looking back now, how correct that move had been!

Not only did it avoid potential hatred, but more importantly, it eliminated the possible hidden dangers that the four Innate Sun Bodies might have for the Federation!

A single Innate Moon Body could elevate the Federation, let alone four Innate Sun Bodies?!

This contribution was enough to raise her status in the history of the Federation by another level!

Qin Pojun looked at Chu Yueyao, who was being surrounded like a star by moons. Although he was the host of the banquet, he wasn't the least bit unhappy. Instead, he laughed loudly and raised his glass again: "Pavilion Master Yue Yao deserves the top credit! This glass, I, Qin Pojun, toast to you! And to everyone present, for working your hearts out for the future of our Federation!"

"To Pavilion Master Yue Yao!"

"To the future of the Federation!"

Everyone raised their glasses again, and the atmosphere was enthusiastic.

And the center of their conversation unknowingly returned to Chen Jun.

"Speaking of which, Mr. Chen... is truly the lucky star of our Federation!" Dean Xuanji, Mo Heng, pushed up his glasses.

His tone was full of praise, "Though he has a Mortal Body envied by the heavens and not much Lifespan left, he was able to leave such a profound blessing for our Human Race in his final moments! Four Sun Bodies! One Moon Body! Such an achievement is unprecedented and will shine through the ages!"

He cleverly attributed Chen Jun's "short life" to "heavenly envy," avoiding the embarrassment of mentioning their excessive consumption.

"Yes, it's just a pity... that time is not on his side." Another Stellar Level Expert sighed, his tone filled with "sincere" regret. "I heard Mr. Chen only has a little over three years of Lifespan left? Sigh... every time I think of it, it makes me wring my hands in grief! Our Human Race owes him too much! Our Federation owes him too much!"

"Three-plus years..." Chu Yueyao took over the conversation at the right moment, her voice carrying a perfectly measured weight and guidance. "Time flies, passing in the blink of an eye. Mr. Chen has given everything for our Federation. We should all the more make him feel the warmth and gratitude of the Federation in these final moments, letting him... depart without regrets."

Her words immediately resonated with all the Stellar-level Experts and... their imaginations!

"Pavilion Master Yue Yao is right!"

"We must make Mr. Chen's final moments full of happiness!"

"We absolutely cannot let him leave with even a hint of depression!"

"The happier he is, the more beneficial it is for our Federation's future!"

Everyone expressed their stance, and with an exchange of glances, they had reached a consensus!

Give gifts!

They had to increase the intensity of gift-giving!

Not only did they have to give, but they had to give thoughtfully, giving things that would make Mr. Chen "happy"!

Thus, a unique "treasure-offering assembly" quietly unfolded at this highest-level banquet of the Federation...

"Mr. Chen has a Mortal Body. Although he has received nourishment from rare treasures, he ultimately cannot Cultivate, and the limit of his Lifespan is difficult to overcome. I recently obtained a 'Ten-Thousand-Year Soul-Warming Jade.' Wearing it can nourish the Divine Soul and calm the spirit, which is beneficial for sleep. I shall gift it to Mr. Chen, wishing him peaceful sleep every night!" An old Stellar Level Expert spoke first, taking out a simple jade box. When opened, a jade pendant emitting a soft, warm light lay quietly inside; one could tell at a glance it was no ordinary item!

"Excellent! This item is perfect for Mr. Chen's use!" Everyone praised.

"Under my Xuntian Pavilion, we recently discovered an ancient leisure and vacation planet with stunning scenery and a pleasant climate. There is also a unique 'Carefree Fruit' on it, which makes one feel joyful when eaten. I have ordered the best area of that planet to be designated as Mr. Chen's private sanatorium. Here are the land deed and the access key." Chu Yueyao also spoke calmly.

She threw out the control rights to a significant part of a planet!

Doing it as casually as giving away a piece of fruit?!

"Pavilion Master Yue Yao is so generous!"

"Such a fairyland is perfect for Mr. Chen to relax his mind and body!"

...

"I have a collection of a whole set of out-of-print comic books and game consoles from the Ancient Earth era, which are said to be very stress-relieving and interesting. Mr. Chen has always liked Ancient Earth playthings; perhaps he will like them..."

"My 'Starsea Entertainment' has recently launched a holographic sensory immersive movie with realistic effects and an excellent experience. This is a highest-authority membership card, all content can be streamed for free..."

"I have a pair of Starlight Unicorn cubs from the 'Elf Star.' They are gentle, cute, and understand human nature. They are perfect as pets for Mr. Chen's children..."

"I have an orchestra that specializes in playing peaceful and Soul-soothing music..."

...

All sorts of rare treasures, planetary property rights, entertainment, and even live pets... a dizzying variety...

There was nothing these Stellar Level big shots couldn't give, only things you couldn't imagine!

Their reasons were all high-sounding: to let Mr. Chen live happily, comfortably, and without regrets in his final three-plus years!

In reality, everyone was making their own little calculations in their hearts:

"I must make this 'hero' finish his final journey happily! I absolutely cannot give him the chance to leave any 'last words' that would be unfavorable to me!"

"A daughter with an Innate Moon Body already has such high affinity with the Universe's Origin! Especially those four daughters with Sun Bodies! If they find out in the future that we once treated their father like that... hiss!"

"If I'm a bit nicer to him now, when his daughters think back on old times in the future, maybe they'll even look after my descendants..."

"Anyway, these things don't mean much to us. To be able to buy peace of mind is too worth it!"

...

Qin Pojun looked at this lively scene and laughed even more happily.

Giving gifts?

A good thing!

The more the better! The more expensive the better!

What did this show?

It showed his Qin Family's status! It showed his granddaughter's potential!

Even Mr. Chen's status as a "tool person" had risen along with it!

He waved his hand: "Fellow Daoists, for your generous gifts, I, Pojun, on behalf of Mr. Chen and my daughter Goddess who drives the moon, thank you in advance! Allow me to register each of your gifts one by one, and I will personally deliver them to Mr. Chen's residence later!"

...

While the "treasure-offering assembly" was in full swing in the banquet hall, Chen Jun, Yun Xi, Su Wan, Qin Qingxuan holding little Goddess who drives the moon, and Su Xingyao being led by Su Wan, arrived at the side door of the banquet hall.

Before they even entered, the noise from inside and the "heartfelt" gift-giving declarations of those Stellar Level big shots could be clearly heard.

Su Wan and Qin Qingxuan were a bit stunned as they listened, subconsciously glancing at the calm-faced Chen Jun beside them.

A flash of understanding crossed Yun Xi's eyes, and she shook her head slightly, appearing both understanding and somewhat helpless toward this behavior.

The corners of Chen Jun's mouth twitched slightly, and he almost couldn't hold back a laugh.

Here it comes again!

Here it comes again!

These old guys, their ability to over-imagine things truly breaks through the sky!

I only have a little over three years of Lifespan left?!

And I'm still depressed?!

Do I need you to use these sugar-coated bullets to soothe my fragile Soul?!

He suppressed his laughter, adjusted his expression, and tried to make himself look with a hint of the indifference of someone "whose life is not long" and the calmness of "accepting reality," then stepped inside.

As soon as he appeared, the originally noisy banquet hall instantly fell silent for a moment.

The gazes of all the Stellar Level big shots focused on him in unison.

Those gazes were incredibly complex!

There was admiration, gratitude, and awe, but more than that... it was a mixture of pity, relief, and an earnest expectation of "you must be happy"!

"Mr. Chen is here!"

"Please, take a seat!"

"Mr. Chen's complexion... well, it looks very peaceful, so we can rest easy!"

Everyone stood up and greeted him warmly, their tones incredibly kind and amiable.

Chen Jun felt secretly pleased, but on the surface, he only gave a faint nod and sat down in an empty seat below Yun Xi—this seat was clearly reserved specifically for him, giving him a transcendent status...

Qin Qingxuan sat in another empty seat below Yun Xi, holding Qin Wangshu, while Su Wan sat nearby with Su Xingyao in a slightly more distant position.

Little Xingyao curiously looked at the table full of food emitting tempting aromas and energy, her big eyes sparkling.

A waiter immediately offered him exquisite tableware and a glass of liquor also shimmering with rosy light.

"Mr. Chen," Chu Yueyao, as the proposer of the "appeasement policy," spoke first, her tone incredibly gentle, "We were just discussing and felt that Mr. Chen has contributed much to our Federation. In these final... well, in this period of time, you deserve the best care and enjoyment. These small gifts are a token of our respect. We hope Mr. Chen will accept them. Please take care of your health and stay happy."

She pointed to the small mountain of various gift boxes, keys, and even special cages containing live young animals nearby.

Looking at that pile of "sugar-coated bullets," a hint of "surprise" and "being moved" appropriately appeared on Chen Jun's Face, and he hurriedly waved his hands: "Seniors... this... how can this be? It's too valuable! What have I, Chen, done to deserve..."

"Hey! Mr. Chen, do not decline!" Shi Yue waved his big hand, his voice like a booming bell. "This is all our heartfelt intention! If you don't accept it, you're looking down on us!"

"Yes, Mr. Chen! Accept it! Seeing you happy makes us happy too!"

"The Federation will not forget your contribution!"

Everyone chimed in with a "tough" attitude, as if it would be a huge crime if Chen Jun didn't accept.

Chen Jun sighed "helplessly," a complex expression of "it's hard to refuse such kindness" appearing on his Face, and finally nodded "with difficulty": "In that case... I... gratefully accept. Thank you all, Seniors, for your kind love."

Seeing Chen Jun "accept" the gifts, all the Stellar Level big shots secretly breathed a sigh of relief, with gratified smiles of "mission accomplished" appearing on their Faces.

Very good!

The sugar-coating has been delivered!

The danger of the bullet has been neutralized!

Chen Jun was inwardly jubilant, but on the surface, he maintained an appearance of being unruffled by favor or humiliation and having a detached view of life and death.

The Stellar Level Old Ancestors all felt they had done something incredibly correct and beneficial for the future of the Federation.

While dealing with everyone's enthusiasm, Chen Jun sampled the exquisitely luxurious delicacies on the table.

There were "chicken wings" roasted with the core fire of a star, "Dark Spirit Mushrooms" cultivated in the gravitational field of a black hole, and "Hundred-Herb Nectar" that took a hundred years to condense a single drop...

Every dish was not only so delicious it made the Soul tremble, but it also contained vast and gentle energy, making it a supreme supplement for cultivators.

Although it didn't have much of a Cultivate effect on Chen Jun's Mortal Body, the satisfaction of his appetite was very real.

He ate very happily.

Watching the room full of the Human Race's top powerhouses being so solicitous and trying to please him in every way because of their over-imagination.

Feeling the Lifespan digits steadily ticking in the depths of his consciousness...

Chen Jun felt that his current life was truly getting more and more interesting.

"Tearfully" accepting the sugar-coating, discarding the bullets, acting along with this group of self-moved old guys, and still being able to enjoy top-tier delicacies and family happiness...

Such days...

Please, bring on some more!

The banquet continued for a long, long time in an atmosphere where all parties were happy...

Until the simulated galaxy on the starry ceiling slowly dimmed, signaling the arrival of "night."