175: Area Cleanup, Nightmare Land

Hearing Candle Kite's explanation, Qin Jin nodded slightly.

Because of the existence of Gaia Planet, he had some understanding of information related to life planets. After the Federation discovered a new life planet, they would only rate and finally name it, listing it in relevant records, after completing initial clearing.

Generally speaking, the planet level of a life planet is already determined when it is first discovered and will not change.

Life planets are divided into ten levels. So far, with the Federation's capabilities, they can optimize and adjust life planets below Level 6 to raise their level. However, this method involves a problem of input versus return, and most life planets are not worth investing excessive resources to raise their rating.

After all, changing the true natural star sea will inevitably require a great deal, and while the Starfire Federation has a vast enterprise, it must make choices.

This is also the preciousness of Gaia Planet; a planet destined to reach Level 10 is immeasurably valuable.

The Xingzhou entered the planet, descending. Outside the porthole, there was a sky full of sandstorms. Looking down, naturally formed tornado storms raged on the ground, and the environment looked rather ordinary.

For most life planets that were first discovered and had not been regulated and tidied by the Federation, this was a common sight.

In the sandstorm, faint blue phosphorescence could be seen flickering on the ground—those were super-large defensive light screens.

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That place…

It was one of the initial pioneering bases established on this numbered life planet.

The starship passed through the defensive light screen and entered the base. Qin Jin stood by the edge of the porthole, looking down. The pioneering base covered a vast area, with various facilities standing throughout. The widest area was the starship docking zone.

At this time, the docking zone itself was like a super-large encampment, with various starships landing and figures shuttling, all people coming to accept clearing missions.

This type of pioneering mission attracted many participants, possibly from various star systems.

Of course, being able to obtain mission qualifications itself meant passing the Federation's [assessment].

Accompanied by a booming sound, the starship landed.

Qin Jin was in the cockpit, lifted his personal terminal, and performed the transfer. Candle Kite's avatar entered it, leaving only basic early warning functions on the starship.

“A completely unknown new planet.”

A look of anticipation flashed in his eyes. Qin Jin stepped forward. As the hatch opened, the noisy sounds from outside alternately entered his ears, creating a cacophonous scene.

“Aside from the facilities here being much more advanced, it's somewhat similar to my hometown before it was developed, also like a survival zone.”

On the way, Candle Kite had already confirmed all the information. Qin Jin's thoughts were clear. He stood on the gangway, confirmed the direction, and walked directly towards one end of the base.

Around him, various streams of people intertwined, all Martial Artists. Some carried weapons directly, while others had solemn expressions.

Martial Dao has always been the Federation's primary extraordinary force.

There were also some figures who had undergone technological modification.

Outside the docking zone.

There were also many teams of several people gathered, pausing here, watching the Martial Artists leaving the starship encampment, and occasionally approaching to communicate.

Qin Jin walked straight ahead.

Just as he walked a few dozen meters.

Not far from his side, a call rang out.

“Little brother.”

With Qin Jin's perception ability, he immediately confirmed that the voice was calling him. His eyebrows raised slightly, and Qin Jin turned his head to look.

Within his line of sight was a six-person team, four men and two women. As Qin Jin turned back, one of the women actively approached, the one who had called out.

Her face was plain, unmade-up, her skin seemed a bit rough, and she had short hair. As she approached, a kind smile appeared on her face: “Little brother, my name is Qin Jiajia.”

“Are you also here to participate in the planet clearing mission? Do you have your own team yet? Do you want to join us?”

Her voice was incessant. She pointed behind her: “Although our team was only recently formed, our strength is good. We are all Martial Artists who have undergone multiple transformations in the Congenital Realm.”

“That's our Captain.”

She pointed to one of the men: “Our Captain is already a Martial Dao Grandmaster and is breaking through to a higher realm. Choosing us won't be wrong.”

Hearing this.

Qin Jin's expression was calm, and he shook his head: “I'm not ready to join a team yet.”

Qin Jiajia was slightly startled, but then seemed to realize something, showing a look of understanding, and quickly said: “What should I call you?”

“Qin Jin.”

“We're even from the same family!”

Qin Jiajia's eyes lit up, and she spoke his name: “Qin Jin, you must have just arrived here and aren't clear yet, right?”

“A life planet is vast, and there are many planet clearing missions. According to the pioneering base's regulations, to accept high-spec missions, one must pass relevant assessments and possess a level to participate.”

“This is being responsible for the mission, and also for us participants.”

“Joining a team allows you to participate in the assessment as a team, which will be much simpler, and then you can accept missions with better rewards.”

“Look at all these people stopping others around here; they are all temporarily formed teams, everyone cooperating with each other.”

“Do you want to reconsider?”

“No need.”

After responding, Qin Jin turned and left.

Watching his retreating figure, Qin Jiajia shook her head, a hint of disappointment appearing on her face.

Behind her.

The other few people in the team gathered around.

The man she called Captain spoke, his voice quite gruff: “Didn't you reach an agreement with him?”

“He didn't seem interested at all.”

Qin Jiajia shook her head: “What a pity.”

“What's a pity?”

Beside them, a shorter man spoke: “Team slots are limited. From now on, we are comrades, we have to act together, and everyone is very important. This person looks very young, and if he takes up a slot, it might not be a good thing.”

Saying this, he glanced at Qin Jiajia: “Although I was also pulled in by you, your judgment is really a bit poor. How could you fancy him?”

Hearing his words, Qin Jiajia turned and gave him a deep look, not speaking, but a hint of disdain subtly flowed in her gaze.

“Enough.”

To one side, the Captain's eyes darkened, stopping him from continuing to speak.

“Qin Jiajia's choice is not without reason.”

His voice was deep, and he looked into the distance, towards where Qin Jin had disappeared: “The difficulty of planet clearing missions is not low, and this mission is not directly released to the public. There aren't that many fools who would actively come to die.”

“This young man, daring to come alone, is either some genius who is confident enough in himself, or he comes from a prominent family and has enough trump cards.”

“No matter which it is, if he could join us, it would be a help.”

“Let's continue to look for other teammates.”

The short man opened his mouth, preparing to say something else, but finally quieted down.

… …

Inside the base, figures shuttled back and forth.

Qin Jin walked quickly.

He had naturally already learned about the rules of the pioneering base through Candle Kite in advance.

This time, although it was an academy mission, he had come alone, surrounded by strangers, and had no intention of joining any other team.

He had long passed the stage where he needed to cooperate with others.

Finally.

Qin Jin stopped in front of a multi-story building and entered.

There were far fewer people inside. After Qin Jin entered, a staff member in a Federation uniform came up to him and asked: “Sir, how can I help you?”

“I want to undergo a solo assessment.”

Qin Jin spoke calmly: “I have already made an appointment in advance. Corridor Star System, Qin Jin.”

“Please wait a moment.”

The staff member turned and walked towards the office area.

Qin Jin stood still.

Many people came to participate in clearing missions, and naturally, many also chose to act alone.

Inside the base, there were designated assessment areas that operated around the clock.

However…

Qin Jin had accepted the mission through the academy's mission channel, so he didn't have to queue and could come directly to this special place for assessment.

This was also due to Wuyuan's influence and standing within the Federation.

Before long, a different staff member approached from the office, saying kindly: “Mr. Qin Jin, please follow me.”

Following the other party, Qin Jin stepped into the back of the building. Here, there were more than a dozen instruments, five or six meters high, placed. In the center of the instruments was a steel surface drawn with runes, looking quite special.

“Mr. Qin Jin, please stand in the center and activate your origin power.”

The staff member raised his hand and pointed to a screen on one side: “Pioneer assessments are divided into five levels. The highest level, Level 5, allows participation in any clearing mission on the planet.”

“For other ratings, there will be significant differences in the level of clearing missions that can be participated in.”

“I know.”

Qin Jin nodded, and without hesitation, walked directly to the ground in the center of the instrument.

The instrument activated.

Accompanied by a faint sound, under Qin Jin, runes glowed. At the same time, Qin Jin clearly perceived a force rising from all sides of him, constantly converging, trying to envelop his entire body.

“Ambiguous detection.”

With Qin Jin's current understanding of the extraordinary, he immediately identified its function.

This was an extremely vague power detection. The forces gathering around should have multiple tiers of power thresholds set, corresponding to specific assessment levels.

Not everyone wanted to completely expose their progress.

This ambiguous detection made it easier for personnel participating in the assessment to accept it, and also fulfilled the original intention of the assessment.

Thoughts churned.

The external force rapidly converged.

Qin Jin's expression was calm, and he did not move.

Outside, the staff member who had led him there, seeing this, hesitated for a moment before preparing to speak a reminder.

It was at this moment that the external force converged into a human shape, enveloping Qin Jin. As it contracted further, in an instant, the assessment force was violently shattered, as if it had completely disappeared.

Domain!

Martial Dao Grandmasters, having constructed an external circulation, their domain never leaves them unless actively dispelled.

Qin Jin did not activate his origin power, but his domain was constantly operating. The moment the external force approached, the swift origin power shattered everything.

On the screen to one side, the level area was originally blank, but at this moment, numbers flickered, and in the change, they directly froze.

[5].

Highest level!

Outside, the staff member's eyes suddenly widened.

Qin Jin stood in the center of the instrument, his gaze sweeping, first at the screen, then at the other party: “Is it over?”

“It's over!”

The staff member came to his senses as if from a dream, his tone becoming even more respectful: “Mr. Qin, I will now transmit the mission program to you.”

“It will release real-time mission information and record your mission performance. When you leave here, you can exchange for relevant rewards with the pioneering department.”

“During the mission period, any gains you make within the planet can be taken directly with you.”

“This is the Federation's original reward for pioneers.”

“Understood.”

The two completed the handover. After everything was done, the staff member looked at Qin Jin: “Mr. Qin, according to base regulations, Martial Artists who achieve a top-level assessment can be provided with a standard mecha by the base for them to pilot.”

“Some missions may require the use of mechas and are not suitable for close-quarters combat.”

“No need.”

Qin Jin shook his head: “I have my own mecha.”

Having grown accustomed to piloting the azure lightning dark halberd, Qin Jin had little interest in so-called standard mechas.

Hearing the answer, the staff member nodded: “There is a mecha maintenance workshop in the base. You can use it at any time during the mission period.”

“The base will also bear the cost of mecha wear and tear during the mission period.”

Accompanied by the staff member, Qin Jin left the area.

On the street, people came and went.

Planet clearing missions were issued on a release basis. After an assessment, relevant missions would be released at regular intervals.

Qin Jin turned around and walked towards the docking area.

Within the pioneering base, there were designated accommodation areas, but the environment was rather ordinary. In such circumstances, during times without missions, it was better to choose to live inside the starship.

He returned, arriving at the docking zone.

The lively scene here remained, with personnel arriving and teams recruiting.

After a quick glance, Qin Jin withdrew his gaze, preparing to return to his starship.

Just then.

Inside the pioneering base, a broadcast sounded, repeating continuously.

[Regional Emergency Clearing Mission Issued]

[Individuals and teams with Level 3 assessment and above can participate]

As the broadcast sounded.

Qin Jin's personal terminal on his wrist vibrated slightly, and a message box popped up.

Not long ago, Qin Jin had already installed the mission program.

The message box contained little information.

[Regional Emergency Clearing Mission]

[Required Level]: ≥ Level 3

[Mission Location]: [Map (can be opened)]

[Mission Summary]: A residual area of a star sea anomaly has appeared within the planet. Please proceed to the nearest mission area to investigate and clear the anomaly.

Mission issued.

As soon as the mission was released, vehicles in the base started up, assembled, and prepared to transport personnel who wished to participate in the mission to the destination.

At the same time, some personnel also chose to depart on their own.

"A Star Sea Anomaly remaining within the planet?"

Qin Jin's eyes showed interest. He glanced at the vehicles assembling in the distance, then withdrew his gaze and murmured, "Candle Kite, help me with navigation."

"Okay."

Candle Kite's response sounded. Above the terminal, a light screen appeared, displaying a map, and at the same time... a voice broadcast came out.

At this moment, Qin Jin did not hesitate. His primal power surged, and he directly rose from the ground, his figure ascending into the air.

He was already very familiar with flying, handling it with ease.

After breaking through the limits of life, ascending to Martial Dao Grandmaster, and establishing an external circulation, flying consumed very little primal power.

In Qin Jin's judgment, as he continued to break through and his life essence strengthened, flying would even become an innate ability he possessed—a true evolution of life.

The mission was a regional release, not far from the base. Others shared similar thoughts with Qin Jin, and figures ascended into the sky, passing through the light screen and quickly departing.

On the ground, Qin Jiajia's team also received the mission.

They were now preparing to form a group and ride in a vehicle.

Just then, Qin Jiajia's voice rang out. She raised her hand and pointed to the sky, exclaiming, "Look!"

The group followed her gaze and saw one of the figures in mid-air, recognizing the somewhat familiar attire. Martial Artists have keen eyesight, and they also saw the somewhat familiar face.

"It's that young man!"

Qin Jiajia's tone fluctuated slightly as she turned to look at the others: "Who said my judgment was poor? Walking on air—that's the act of a Martial Dao Grandmaster! This young man, like the captain, is a Martial Dao Grandmaster!"

"Perhaps more than that."

Beside her, a deep voice sounded.

The captain looked up. During their brief conversation, Qin Jin's figure had already disappeared. He said in a deep voice, "A Five-Transformation Martial Dao Grandmaster can fly, but only the most excellent among them."

"This person is extraordinary."

"It's a shame indeed."

The captain shook his head: "If he were willing to join our team, our strength would advance by leaps and bounds."

"However, with such ability, it's no wonder he's unwilling to join us."

At this point, he slightly tilted his head and looked to his side.

There, a shorter figure's expression changed, and he remained silent.

"Don't think too much about it; let's go."

Qin Jin's figure sped through the air.

After leaving the defensive light screen, a sky full of sand swirled, but it could not approach Qin Jin himself. Candle Kite's navigation voice constantly sounded.

In this swirling sand, ordinary people would often lose their way, but it naturally couldn't stop Candle Kite.

Initially, other figures were alongside Qin Jin.

But as he continuously accelerated, all other figures were left behind. In the sand, the world was desolate, as if only he remained.

His figure darted forward.

As he proceeded, at a certain moment, Qin Jin's gaze narrowed slightly.

Amidst the obscuring sand, a brilliant, colorful light flickered ahead, visible through the sand and appearing quite wondrous.

He quickened his pace, advancing several hundred meters further, as if passing through a barrier. The surrounding sand completely stilled, completely out of sync with before.

Qin Jin's gaze fell on the area ahead.

As far as the eye could see, there were dazzling lights of various colors, interwoven into a dreamlike scene, forming a distinct area.

Under Qin Jin's gaze, these colorful lights transformed into various shapes. At a glance, there were scenes of Martial Artists diligently practicing martial arts, special places that seemed to exist only in dreams, and even lights forming mecha, engaged in a grand battle.

It is worth mentioning that as it constantly changed, this light area expanded synchronously. Wherever it spread, the sand stilled.

Qin Jin's gaze swept around.

At the edge of his vision, there were also temporary structures. It seemed this was a small research and development outpost where this change occurred.

With a slight thought, Qin Jin spoke, "Candle Kite."

The terminal's light flickered, and Candle Kite's voice sounded. At this time, during the mission, her tone was a bit more serious: "I'm here."

"Report that the Star Sea Anomaly appearing on the planet is expansive and can affect the natural environment."

"Yes."

In reality, it was Qin Jin's first time encountering a Star Sea Anomaly, but within the Wu Sheng Stele, it was an old friend, and he had relatively rich experience.

The Federation's method for clearing Star Sea Anomalies had always been to understand them first, then resolve them.

After all, Star Sea Anomalies are born from the Star Sea. Understanding them also deepens familiarity with the Star Sea, and some related information is extremely valuable.

The location of this anomaly was relatively close to the base where Qin Jin landed. He did not waste any time, running at full speed, and was the first mission operative to arrive here.

Now, with a glance, Qin Jin's figure descended, stepping forward into the brilliant light.

Not long after he entered, personnel from the base arrived one after another. Some were solitary figures, directly entering the radiant light. Others, organized into small teams, even carried special instruments to avoid spatial equipment restrictions within the anomaly, and all entered it.

Meanwhile, in the Great Wilderness, at a certain location, outside a site of anomaly, a team of nearly a hundred people gathered. They had set up a temporary resting place and were conducting research and experiments on the divine light.

This was a Tribe in the Great Wilderness, and this anomaly had attracted the attention of countless people.

Just then, at a position relatively far from their camp, the divine light subtly fluctuated, and a small figure emerged from it.

Shi Cang!

His youthful face showed excitement. After emerging, he heard sounds, looked into the distance, and suddenly saw the crowd far away.

Among the crowd, some also saw him, and exclamations sounded.

The two sides stared at each other from a distance, and the scene was momentarily silent.

After a brief moment, someone suddenly reacted, and a shout rang out from the crowd: "Catch him! If we find out why he can enter and exit here, we can complete Lord Sacrificial Spirit's mission!"

A single word awakened those in a dream.

Figures darted out, chasing after Shi Cang.

Seeing this, Shi Cang did not hesitate and turned to run.

Although his body was small, his speed was astonishing. With every step he took, light flashed beneath his feet, boosting his speed.

The distance between the two sides did not close; instead, it tended to widen.

Seeing this, the leader of the team, while running, reached behind him. A longbow appeared in his hand. He drew the bow and nocked an arrow. The arrow was made of bone, sharpened at the tip. On one of his arms, there were clearly Treasure Technique patterns. Now, the Treasure Technique patterns glowed, and power gathered on the arrow shaft. In the next instant, accompanied by a whooshing sound, the long arrow shot forward.

The speed was extremely fast.

Its target was Shi Cang's back, but it avoided vital points, intending to capture him alive.

The arrow reached his body.

It was at this moment, as if he had eyes in the back of his head, that Shi Cang's body shifted, dodging the bone arrow. In the instant he dodged, he even reached out and grabbed it, his palm covered in a faint glow, and illusory flames rose. He firmly grasped the bone arrow.

The power attached to the bone arrow clashed with the glowing flames, and an explosive sound rang out. As Shi Cang squeezed, the bone arrow snapped, breaking into two pieces.

Behind him, after firing that arrow, the leader's speed was affected, and he involuntarily slowed down, while the others continued the pursuit.

Shi Cang looked back. The bone arrow fell to the ground.

He glanced back, his eyes calm, and his speed increased again, quickly disappearing into the distance.

Seeing this, the leader's expression darkened: "Don't chase."

"This child is not simple."

At the same time, on the other end, with no one pursuing him from behind, Shi Cang's speed did not decrease. He murmured, "Qi Chuan was right; the relationships between the various Tribes are complex. If you encounter outsiders and a conflict arises, they won't hold back."

"After all, you emerged from this special place."

In his ear, the wudao stele's voice sounded: "Little Shi Cang, this trip has been fruitful. Now... you have achieved your goal for this journey, successfully entering what you call the Dao Foundation Realm."

"Do you want to return directly to the Tribe?"

"So many special places have appeared in the Great Wilderness; all the Tribes will be alarmed. Activities in the Great Wilderness will become more dangerous."

Upon hearing this, Shi Cang showed a thoughtful expression.

Nothing makes one grow more than traveling alone.

As he pondered, his face showed determination: "No."

"The Dao Foundation Realm is merely the beginning of the method passed down by Lord Sacrificial Spirit. There is still a very long way to go."

He looked back at the divine light connecting heaven and earth: "The appearance of these special places in the Great Wilderness is also an opportunity. I want to seize this opportunity and, when I return to the clan, give Lord Sacrificial Spirit, Qi Chuan, and the others a big surprise."

Amidst their conversation, the small figure with a package on his back walked away.

Lei Yu Star, within the Different Space.

Venerable Observer continued his research.

In the empty area at the center of the divine body, at a glance, nine Grotto-Heavens had already formed, standing in a special orientation, establishing a wondrous connection with each other, radiating a sense of completeness.

He analyzed them very meticulously, but this was, after all, only the early to mid-stage of the realm. Under the full dedication of a deity, he quickly comprehended its mysteries and imitated them.

At this moment, as the Lei Yu Watcher's thoughts arose, the nine Grotto-Heavens surged, and light was projected into the center, converging into a ball of light, seemingly brewing something.

During this process, other changes occurred above the Grotto-Heavens.

He was not analyzing a single realm step-by-step, but rather several realms simultaneously, multitasking and perfecting various aspects.

"Grotto-Heaven and Treasure Technique are fundamentally understood thoroughly."

His intrigued murmur echoed in the Different Space: "The Dao Foundation Realm seems to be missing something; it cannot be completely replicated yet, similar in form but not in spirit."

"When Qin Jin returns, I will ask him."

Amidst the murmur, the attempt continued.

As a special existence who understood this world through Qin Jin upon his emergence, he did not mind proactively asking Qin Jin.

This was a deity's reverence for unknown knowledge.

The figure entered the multi-colored light area.

The moment he stepped inside, light blurred before Qin Jin, and multi-colored light interwoven. Beside him, the environment shifted, and the clamor of human voices rose.

Looking around, he felt as if he were in a large arena, surrounded by countless spectators. In the center of the arena, within a simulated special field, volcanoes continuously erupted, and two mecha were battling in this harsh environment.

Outside the anomaly area, upon his initial arrival, Qin Jin had seen a similar, yet not quite identical, scene evolved from light.

But now, he seemed to have entered a more detailed area, as if experiencing it firsthand.

"A very special Star Sea Anomaly."

Muttering to himself, enduring the surrounding din, Qin Jin spoke, "Candle Kite, can you still send messages to the outside world?"

"Not at the moment."

Candle Kite's response sounded: "The anomaly area has a special magnetic field that affects information transmission. Give me some time, and I can establish contact with the outside world, but... that would exceed the limit of help I can provide you during a academy mission."

Qin Jin nodded slightly, his expression unchanged: "I understand."

Candle Kite's accompaniment this time was because he was undertaking an academy mission alone. Her role was that of a life assistant.

She could provide some convenient assistance for tasks involved, but she certainly couldn't be the main force; otherwise... the tempering significance of the academy mission would be lost.

At the center of the scene, the mecha battle was in full swing.

Just then, in silence, a special frequency force approached Qin Jin. Upon contact with his body, it was intercepted by his field, and the approaching force instantly shattered.

As it shattered, the environment around Qin Jin suddenly changed.

Around him, the originally lifelike [spectators] now transformed. Some had incomplete bodies, while others grew additional limbs. The passionate cheers turned into panicked screams, and countless grotesque figures began to flee.

And at the center of the arena, the two warring parties had transformed from mecha into two hideous, monstrous creatures. The volcanic land became a nightmare realm, terrifying scenes interwoven, and the two formed monsters no longer fought each other but instead rushed out of the competition area, attacking the audience.

It was as if a beautiful dream had turned into a nightmare.

Within this Star Sea Anomaly, a grand event instantly became a tragedy.