183: Space consciousness, star god emerges from the sky

Gui Xu Martial God, Su Buqi, War God of Gui Xu.

The moment he appeared, he slightly raised his head, his gaze falling upwards, looking at the black bead vortex in the sky.

The vortex fluctuated violently, and within it, various strange scenes flashed, appearing extremely mysterious.

Under Qin Jin's gaze, this supreme existence within the Federation, at this moment, raised his hand, spread his fingers, and then gently clenched them.

With a single grip.

Above the black bead vortex, everything seemed to fall completely silent. Qin Jin looked over and saw no changes, but in his spiritual perception, he seemed to witness a vast and empty world, as if everything had returned to zero, ceasing to exist.

At this moment, the black bead vortex continued to operate, but it itself began to ascend, its fluctuations becoming more intense, as if trying to struggle, but to no avail. It was as if it was being devoured by an unstoppable, terrifying force. Under Qin Jin's gaze, its upper half vanished into the void, followed by its lower half, as if it had never appeared.

The last remnant of civilization mentioned by the Seeker of the Dao was taken in by the Martial God.

After that strike, the Seeker of the Dao had not made another sound.

Now, the Martial God stood before them. After watching the black bead vortex disappear, Su Buqi, War God of Gui Xu turned his head, his gaze falling upon the azure lightning dark halberd enveloped by the golden body of wish power.

His brow slightly raised, he spoke, "Qin Jin, it seems you have quite a few fortuitous encounters."

Inside the cockpit, Qin Jin's thoughts stirred, and the golden body of wish power quickly receded. The azure lightning dark halberd returned to its normal form, the cracks left by the extreme burst of power on the mecha's body still present. Qin Jin spoke solemnly, "Thank you, Senior Su."

He had imagined what kind of methods were hidden within the Martial God's calligraphy, and that strike had given him a great surprise, but he had never expected that the Martial God's calligraphy could actually summon the Gui Xu Martial God himself.

Such importance was unimaginable.

After speaking, Qin Jin paused for a moment, then immediately explained the situation, saying earnestly, "Senior Su, the one who brought us here calls himself the Seeker of the Dao. It's possible he is a life form left behind by a prosperous ancient civilization."

"You mean... this space?"

Su Buqi, War God of Gui Xu's voice sounded.

"Space?"

Qin Jin paused slightly.

"That's right."

Su Buqi, War God of Gui Xu stood with his hands behind his back, looking in all directions. He seemed to have seen through everything: "This place is the last remnant of a civilization."

The surrounding civilization bubbles seemed to be drawn back, and Su Buqi, War God of Gui Xu's gaze swept over them: "This was originally a storage place, but it contained too many 'memories' of that ancient civilization. Over time, under its influence, the entire space began to become extraordinary, developing its own consciousness and considering itself a member of the civilization."

"When I arrived here, I had already suppressed him."

"Perhaps..."

"The stellar anomalies that originally existed in this star sea were generated precisely by the influence of this civilization graveyard."

In the distance.

Within one of the bubbles, it seemed to be a research and trial ground for this ancient civilization, and inside were unconscious pioneer soldiers and mission specialists.

Su Buqi, War God of Gui Xu's eyes flashed with light, the civilization bubble broke apart, and the personnel inside regained their freedom.

At that instant.

He took a light step, with no visible movement, but at the same time, including Qin Jin, all the Federation personnel in this civilization graveyard, their surroundings shimmered with ripples, and when they reappeared, they were back on the planet itself, high up in the sky.

The azure lightning dark halberd ascended into the sky, and Qin Jin subconsciously looked downwards. What met his eyes was a completely dried-up sea, and at its edges, the constantly surging, roaring seawater, an unusual sight that could not enter this place even an inch.

And in the depths of the seabed.

This civilization storage space had already manifested itself, and the broken area where that strike had been delivered at the very top had solidified into a portal, making it completely connected to the present world.

The Martial God's methods were terrifyingly powerful, even when done casually.

The moment he ascended to the sky, Su Buqi, War God of Gui Xu's gaze shifted, looking towards a certain direction, and he nodded slightly in acknowledgment.

That direction.

Was precisely where the Academy's restricted area was located, and within it, Candle Kite respectfully returned the gesture.

At the same time.

The Land Ark.

In the command hall, the previous scene of 'purifying the sea' had already attracted the attention of countless people. Now, the moment these figures appeared in the sky, they were immediately discovered, and gazes were cast towards them.

"It's the missing personnel!"

"That blade light just now, could it be a powerful expert from the Legion Headquarters who made a move?"

"Wait... who is that?!"

All those present were high-ranking officials of the Third Battle Group of the Pioneer Legion, usually considered to hold high positions and power.

Because of this, their knowledge was sufficient.

Someone had already recognized him, but they couldn't be entirely sure. One must know that the current Starfire Federation was already considered prosperous. Because of this, except for many major events that truly affected the Federation, otherwise... Martial Gods were hard to find!

In this era, where breakthroughs in the martial path from the eighth to the ninth realm had been long delayed, every Federation Martial God was going all out, preparing for breakthroughs to higher realms.

And now, they actually saw a Martial God here?

Eyes seeking confirmation fell on Zhou Yutang, the Battle Group Leader.

Then.

They saw that the Battle Group Leader's gaze at this moment was exceptionally calm, merely nodding slightly.

His gaze looked distantly towards the Gui Xu Martial God, showing respect. His eyes then lingered for a moment on the azure lightning dark halberd, which had many cracks above and behind the Martial God, before he issued an order to the artificial intelligence loaded in the Land Ark.

Teleportation light enveloped their bodies.

In the command hall, the true core personnel, at this moment, accompanied by the teleportation, appeared at the very top of the Land Ark, exposed to the outside.

Zhou Yutang led the way, bowing respectfully, and the others behind him quickly followed. His voice echoed, extremely serious: "Pioneer Legion of the Weiyang Star System, Third Battle Group's Zhou Yutang, greets the Gui Xu Martial God."

Su Buqi, War God of Gui Xu's gaze lowered, looking at this group of people.

His eyes were calm, showing no fluctuations. He merely glanced at them, then withdrew his gaze, looking towards the distant sky.

Seeing this.

Zhou Yutang took a deep breath and said seriously, "It was our Third Battle Group's insufficient preparation that led to this accident, even requiring your esteemed self to step in and clean up the mess."

"Once this matter concludes, I will go to the military department to take responsibility. I ask for the Gui Xu Martial God's understanding."

As the words fell.

The entire world fell silent.

Zhou Yutang's words revealed his identity. With a Martial God present, who dared to speak?

Su Buqi, War God of Gui Xu did not respond.

Behind Zhou Yutang.

The other high-ranking officials of the Third Battle Group, seeing the Battle Group Leader's attitude and seeing all the other missing personnel gathered together, with only one mecha located behind Martial God Su.

At this moment, they suddenly recalled Zhou Yutang's words from not long ago, and a look of shock appeared in their eyes.

It seemed...

Martial God Su had not come to deal with this accident.

He had come here for only one person.

This speculation was shocking. To be able to mobilize a Federation Martial God, what kind of existence would that be? Even a descendant with blood ties might not be able to achieve it.

They had all seen the missing persons list and remembered it clearly; the pilot inside that mecha clearly wasn't named Su!

All sorts of thoughts arose in their minds.

In the world, above the sea, no one spoke. Only the sound of the Land Ark hovering spread outwards.

Not far away.

Within the restricted space, Candle Kite's main body gently shook her head and said, "It seems I won't need to make a move today."

"I didn't expect Qin Jin could actually attract the Gui Xu Martial God's true body to come to his rescue."

Her tone held a hint of emotion.

This was information she had not known either.

The information that Qin Jin and Martial God Su had a private connection could not be hidden from this top artificial intelligence of Wu Yuan Academy. After all, with Qin Jin's identity as a bearer of the inheritance seed, Wu Yuan Academy would certainly conduct some investigations.

However...

To what extent their private connection went was unknown.

After all, this involved a Martial God. To investigate information related to a Martial God was a great taboo. As an excellent cradle for Martial Artists, Wu Yuan Academy would not, and would not allow Candle Kite to do such a thing.

Not far from Candle Kite's side.

The coldness on Gu Huang's face had melted somewhat.

She, however, knew the entire story. She had personally witnessed Martial God Su adding another stroke, the character 'God,' to the calligraphy on the star sea.

After briefly speaking two sentences, Candle Kite's main body seemed to be about to say something else, but then she suddenly paused, her eyes looking upwards, as if peering through the sky to the depths of the star sea.

...

Outside.

Everything fell silent like that.

Until, the other people rescued by Martial God Su slowly woke up from their coma and, after realizing the current situation, emitted various completely different sounds.

Either wary, or surprised.

The sounds only lasted for a few seconds.

Then suddenly disappeared.

This time, it was no longer a voluntary silence, but the action of a truly extraordinary power, causing everyone in this world to be [silenced].

After the [silence], came interception of vision.

At the same time, in everyone's eyes and spiritual perception, the world turned blank. They could not speak, nor could they see. Confusion appeared for a moment, but then it stopped.

This time!

It was Su Buqi, War God of Gui Xu who made a move.

His power fluctuated slightly, and within the entire space, all personnel of the Pioneer Legion truly became still.

Su Buqi, War God of Gui Xu looked forward.

Above this numbered life planet, at this moment, characters emerged, alternating and merging with each other, forming a massive portal of a distinct style.

It stood in the sky, like a Heavenly Gate.

The next instant!

The Heavenly Gate opened!

...

Weiyang Star System.

Several large starships formed a fleet, advancing at full speed.

[Ancient Civilization Exploration and Development Department]

This was a special department established by the Federation for ancient civilizations, with extremely rich experience.

At this moment, the starship communications were on the same channel, and a steady voice sounded within.

"The Third Battle Group has synchronized the information they obtained with us. Proceed with analysis immediately, and improve efficiency."

“The ancient civilization involved this time might be extraordinary. The Third Battle Group’s contingency plans were quite thorough, but an accident still occurred.”

“Understood.”

Responses echoed continuously in the communication channel.

On the central starship, a figure closed the communication channel and looked at the star map.

He wore a uniform, had handsome features, and carried a subtle air of weathered experience.

This was Lei Xianglong, the Head of the Action Department for the Ancient Civilization Exploration and Development Division.

His name was quite imposing, yet his personality was extremely meticulous. In the exploration of ancient civilizations, one had to be sufficiently meticulous to minimize the occurrence of accidents.

His gaze focused on the star map. Although the Weiyang Star System had only recently been incorporated into the Federation’s territory, its star map had already been thoroughly charted, and the information within was accurate.

On the star map,

the fleet was advancing at full speed, performing warp jumps, rapidly approaching the planet marked as the final destination.

Just then,

Lei Xianglong’s eyes narrowed.

Because, on the star map, the numbered life planet they had marked as their destination suddenly fluctuated violently, and in that fluctuation, the planet simply vanished from the star map.

His expression changed, and Lei Xianglong activated the communication channel: “What’s going on? Investigate immediately.”

“Head.”

An anxious voice sounded in the communication channel: “We are using a dynamic star map. In our real-time observation, at this very moment, an extraordinary individual with an inestimable upper limit of power has appeared on planet YX367. It is suspected that a supreme existence has descended there.”

“A contingency plan from the ancient civilization?”

“Contact the Exploration Legion immediately.”

“Synchronize this message with headquarters immediately.”

Voices resonated in the communication channel, and just as they faded, before any response could appear, a strange, gentle voice emerged within the communication.

“No need.”

As the voice spoke,

the subordinate’s anxious report sounded again: “The starship’s external communication function has been blocked by some unprecedented method.”

At this instant,

within the various starships of the Action Department, a light screen silently activated, and a figure appeared.

“Doing this is a bit out of line.”

“But it’s an emergency. To prevent the situation from escalating further, this is the only way.”

“I am Candle Kite, the artificial intelligence from Wu Yuan Academy in the Corridor Star System. Gui Xu Martial God has officially intervened in the unexpected incident on this exploration planet. Your department is to stand by. After Gui Xu Martial God departs, proceed to planet YX367 to carry out subsequent missions.”

“Candle Kite, Gui Xu Martial God?”

Lei Xianglong’s gaze was fixed on the white-dressed figure on the light screen.

… …

The Heavenly Gate hung in the sky.

Data streams flickered in Candle Kite’s eyes, and the restrictive power intensified.

At this moment,

behind Su Buqi, War God of Gui Xu, the azure lightning dark halberd floated in the air. Qin Jin, unlike others who were mute and blind, was completely unrestrained. The moment he saw the Heavenly Gate, his expression subtly changed. Without hesitation, the cockpit opened, and he exited the azure lightning dark halberd.

The Heavenly Gate opened.

From within, countless, constantly changing characters surged out, forming a vast body in the sky. Qin Jin was all too familiar with this appearance.

That was…

The divine body of Venerable Observer!

This Star God, with whom he had an extremely close relationship, had chosen to cross the starry river and descend here.

Qin Jin’s emotions were somewhat complex.

Star Gods are a unique type of existence among the Cosmic Gods. They are born from planets, and precisely because of this, their birth planet is extremely important to them. Star Gods can only unleash their full power when accompanied by their planet. If the planet is severely damaged or even destroyed, the Star God will enter a period of weakness, and may even perish as a result.

This…

is also the most important reason why the Federation can achieve the closest cooperation with various Star Gods!

Gaia Planet is incredibly important to the Federation and equally important to the Star Gods. Having the same protective goal is the deepest root of their cooperation.

Now…

Lei Yu Watcher, because of him, chose to actively leave the planet.

As the divine body formed in the sky, during its completion, Qin Jin clearly sensed a disturbance in his Spirit Ruins. Spiritual power surged within, as if the Venerable Observer’s descent had triggered an unusual ‘tide’.

The divine body formed.

Su Buqi, War God of Gui Xu looked at the divine body.

His voice was calm and deep: “Venerable Observer, thank you.”

This thank you seemed a bit abrupt.

But in reality, it was a thank you on behalf of the Third Battle Group personnel currently present.

Before the Heavenly Gate appeared, the Third Battle Group personnel were all mute and blind. This was because Lei Yu Watcher, before descending, used power to actively shield them, and also engaged in an initial ‘communication’ with Su Buqi, War God of Gui Xu.

Gods cannot be looked at directly, nor can they be spoken to excessively.

If a God descended here without any preparation, the warriors of the Third Battle Group would likely suffer immense losses. Even if Lei Yu Watcher had no such intention, due to the vast power disparity, merely witnessing a God’s true body would cause them to undergo involuntary mutations. This was unavoidable.

But…

Lei Yu Watcher chose not to descend directly, but made preparations.

This was the reason for Su Buqi, War God of Gui Xu’s thanks.

“I once said that I am a friend to you, and a friend to the Federation as well.”

Lei Yu Watcher’s gentle voice, as always, resonated.

After the words fell,

Qin Jin clearly sensed Lei Yu Watcher’s gaze fall upon him.

“Venerable Observer.”

Qin Jin exhaled a long breath and said seriously: “I’m fine. Senior Su personally came and brought me out of there.”

His tone was somewhat complex.

In this vast Star Sea, to have a truly supreme existence willing to constantly pay attention to him and act on his behalf was a form of success in some sense, and it brought him personal satisfaction, making this journey worthwhile.

“Martial God Su.”

Lei Yu Watcher did not speak to Qin Jin, but instead, a voice rang out: “Thank you.”

“No need.”

Su Buqi, War God of Gui Xu responded, then said in a deep voice: “Venerable Observer, Qin Jin is your chosen one, and also a hidden dragon of our Federation. He may encounter difficulties on his path to growth, but our ultimate goals are the same.”

Su Buqi, War God of Gui Xu turned back, looking at Qin Jin with a serious gaze: “I hope that one day, he will be able to stand on his own, and truly become a ‘Seeker of the Dao’ alongside you and me.”

Lei Yu Watcher assented.

Then…

He continued: “Qin Jin needs to return home with me for a period of time.”

This time,

His attention fell on the distant academy’s restricted area.

Within the restriction, Candle Kite, dressed in a white skirt, stepped out and nodded slightly: “Wu Yuan agrees to this.”

“However…”

“Some necessary courses cannot be missed.”

She looked at Qin Jin and smiled gently: “Qin Jin, I will have my avatar broadcast the courses to you. The Star Sea is vast, information is infinite. In the future, if you wish to roam the Star Sea, you must understand and learn these things.”

Qin Jin nodded.

His focus wasn’t on the latter part, as he chose to study at the academy precisely for these reasons.

His attention was entirely fixated on the phrase “my avatar.”

“Could it be…”

“This is Candle Kite’s true body?”

At a glance, her body was lifelike, and unlike the singular personality of the avatar, it was clearly much more complex.

As the two conversed,

Su Buqi, War God of Gui Xu reached out and grasped something in the void.

In his grasp, the Martial God Calligraphy fell into his hand. The characters ‘Martial’ and ‘God’ were both dim at this moment. Holding the calligraphy, power surged, and the two characters re-illuminated. Under Qin Jin’s gaze, the character ‘God’ faded away again.

Seeing this, Qin Jin’s heart stirred slightly.

In the past, when Senior Su wrote the character ‘God,’ it created quite a stir.

Now, it was so effortless.

Admittedly, this might be because the calligraphy was already formed, and now it was just replenishing power. But Qin Jin thought it over and over, perhaps… after transcending the tribulation, Senior Su not only gained longevity but also received some kind of enhancement.

A thought flashed through his mind.

The Martial God Calligraphy floated before him.

Qin Jin raised his hand, grasped the calligraphy, and bowed respectfully.

This was truly a heavy gift.

Ahead,

Su Buqi, War God of Gui Xu looked at him, nodded slightly, and his voice sounded.

“There have been quite a few young people for whom I left behind protective measures.”

“But…”

“Those for whom I would set up protection a second time are few and far between.”

“Qin Jin, you are very good.”

His gaze shifted, looking at the azure lightning dark halberd behind Qin Jin, his eyes briefly sweeping over the cracks on its surface.

“Since the damage occurred while performing a mission for the Exploration Legion,”

“they will give you a satisfactory answer.”

At this point,

Su Buqi, War God of Gui Xu looked at the Star God’s true body: “Venerable Observer, please return.”

“The Lei Yu Star cannot be without you for too long right now.”

Above the sky,

the divine true body stretched, and a gentle power enveloped Qin Jin and the azure lightning dark halberd, forming a barrier. In this instant, Qin Jin felt as if he had entered a wondrous place. The moment he entered, Qin Jin clearly sensed that within his Spirit Ruins, his three Grotto-Heavens simultaneously stirred.

His thoughts raced, and he looked around.

This place was extremely vast, stretching as far as the eye could see. Strange power surged within. Amidst the Grotto-Heaven’s stirrings, Qin Jin clearly sensed that on the Divine Advent Cave Heaven and the Enlightenment Grotto-Heaven, the characters ‘God’ and ‘Dao’ flickered slightly, solidifying a little more from their ethereal state.

In this instant, a bold conjecture arose in Qin Jin’s mind.

“When Venerable Observer first descended, my Spirit Ruins stirred.”

“Now, the Grotto-Heavens have changed.”

“Could it be…”

“This place is the ‘Grotto-Heaven’ established by Venerable Observer, following the Lei Ze method and the Immortal Dynasty path?”