103: Civilization Guardians

This scene not only refreshed the understanding of everyone in the Empire.

For the hundreds of trillions of citizens of the Human Federation, these few minutes were the most paradigm-shifting minutes of their lives... Just minutes before, they were despairing over the Empire's forces at their gates, terrified that their homes would soon fall.

Through the interstellar network covering the entire Federation, and the giant holographic screen spanning the sky above Kunlun Star's “Xi Guang Plaza,” everyone clearly saw what happened next—

They saw that the figure in plain white robes crossed a chasm of 0.5 light-years in a single step, appearing before the Empire's menacing flagship as if strolling through a garden.

They saw her casually wave her hand, and the Empire's disgusting detectors and noise, like flies, vanished into thin air.

They saw that in the face of Empress Aisara's hysterical threat of “mutual destruction,” their Leader merely calmly and gently clenched her hand.

Then... there was no imagined energy clash, no dazzling explosions of warships.

Only a more terrifying, low hum, as if the Universe itself was enraged.

The Empire's overwhelming, star-obscuring fleet of destruction, that dark red torrent that had stifled Federation Soldiers for three months and kept countless citizens awake at night... like a scroll arbitrarily crumpled by an invisible giant hand, began to twist, fold, and compress!

The massive “abyssal roar” flagship, like a crushed egg, instantly turned into a twisted mass of scrap.

The billion Imperial warships that followed, like dust sucked into a black hole, were completely annihilated in the collapse of space without even a decent struggle!

Clean and swift.

Silent.

Three seconds!

Only three seconds!!!

The starry sky returned to clarity.

As if the Imperial expeditionary force, capable of annihilating star Systems, had never existed.

Shock!

Terror!

Petrification!

From the most bustling streets of the capital Kunlun Star to the underground mines of the most remote resource planets; from the command centers of warships to ordinary residential homes.

Everyone was as if frozen, mouths agape, eyes wide, staring blankly at the empty, seemingly washed starry sky on the screen, and at the solitary figure in plain white robes standing alone in the center of the starry sky.

Their brains completely crashed.

Their understanding was completely overturned.

This... is the Leader's power?

This... is the true form of their guardian deity?

This is no longer war!

This is a miracle!

It is the Creator's ultimate judgment on the blasphemers!

“Boom!!!!!!!!!!”

After a brief silence, came a deafening roar of jubilation, like a supernova explosion, sweeping across the entire Federation territory!!!

“Leader—!!!!” In Xi Guang Plaza, a white-haired old man suddenly knelt, tears streaming down his face, roaring with all his might.

“We won! We won!!!” A young mother tightly hugged her baby, crying and laughing, her tears wetting the child's swaddling clothes, “Baby, did you see? The Leader protected us! We are safe!”

“God! The Leader is God!!!” The students of the Military Academy went completely mad, tearing at their uniforms, waving their fists, their faces flushed, their eyes filled with almost religious fervor and adoration.

“I knew it! I knew the Leader wouldn't abandon us!” On Green Source Star, Zhang Wei, the once despairing militiaman, was now trembling with excitement, solemnly saluting the image of Yun Xi on the screen with the most standard military salute, tears streaming down his face.

On the internet, the information flow completely exploded, and servers were on the verge of crashing.

“Long live the Federation! Long live the Leader!”

“My hands are shaking as I type!”

“Who the Hell said the Leader died?! Step forward! I'll smash him to death with origin crystals!”

“Three seconds! Only three seconds! And the Imperial fleet is gone?!”

“Am I watching a holographic movie?!”

“Upstairs, I also suspect I'm seeing things! But this is real!”

“Leader is awesome!”

“Is this the power of a Star Arm Level expert?!”

“Is this our Federation's guardian deity?!”

“Wuwuwu... I suddenly feel like my life was worth it!”

“Crying, really crying... not out of fear, but out of excitement! Out of pride!”

“Where are those who were pessimistic and wanted to be collaborators? Come out and show yourselves? Did the Empire give you bones?”

“Hahaha, awesome! This is so damn awesome! We've finally been vindicated! A thousand-year blood feud, avenged in one day!”

“Wait... did the Leader just say... she was going to take over the Imperial territory?”

“Holy crap! It seems to be true! The Federation... is going to become the overlord of this Star Domain?!”

“Ten years of paid leave!!! The official announcement is out! The entire Federation gets ten years of paid leave! Universal celebration!!!”

“Ahhhhhhh! Long live the Leader! Long live the Federation! I'm going to travel! I'm going to the Empire... no, to our Federation's new territories!”

...Spamming!

All spamming!

Spamming speed comparable to light speed!

Ecstasy, excitement, pride, shock, and infinite reverence for Yun Xi's god-like power... all these emotions, like a tsunami, engulfed the hearts of every Federation citizen.

The three months of gloom and despair were completely dispelled at this moment, transforming into unprecedented cohesion and fervent faith in the Federation and in Leader Yun Xi!

...Unlike the pure revelry among the populace, the Federation's high-level officials, after a brief period of shock and ecstasy, immediately began to operate with extreme efficiency.

The main force of the Imperial expeditionary army was utterly destroyed, and the core of the Imperial family, Empress Aisara, along with over two thousand Stellar-level Experts, were captured... This was not just a victory; it was an unimaginable, unprecedented harvest!

How to deal with this batch of “spoils of war” became the top priority.

In a special conference room in the Pillar of Leaders, reinforced by Liu Qing to ensure absolute isolation.

All Stellar Level and above experts of the Federation, along with Chen Jun, the “Federation Imperial Father” with his special status, gathered together.

The atmosphere was enthusiastic with a hint of solemnity.

Yun Xi sat in the main seat, her aura still as profound as the sea.

Yue Xi, Xuan Sha, Su Yuan, and Liu Qing, the four Radiant Body attendants, stood behind her. Although they had restrained their aura, the pressure from their life-level still made the Stellar Level bigwigs present feel a tremor in their hearts.

And the most eye-catching person was Chen Jun, who sat slightly below Yun Xi on her side.

He rarely wore a formal suit today, and although it still couldn't hide his Mortal temperament, no one present dared to underestimate him in the slightest.

Everyone's gaze, after respectfully sweeping over Yun Xi and the four Radiant Body Your Highnesses, would ultimately fall uncontrollably upon Chen Jun, filled with incredibly complex emotions.

Gratitude, reverence, relief, and... fear!

Without Chen Jun, Leader Yun Xi would not have been able to Break through to Star Arm Level, and might have even passed away under the hundred-thousand-year limit.

Without Chen Jun, these super-talented little princesses would not exist!

Then, facing the Empire's all-out surprise attack this time, the Federation's outcome... would be unimaginable!

Hundreds of trillions of citizens reduced to slaves, the flame of civilization completely extinguished... what kind of Hell would that be?!

Thinking of this, everyone's gaze towards Chen Jun grew even more fervent.

This guy... is simply the Federation's savior!

He is a walking civilization dimension-raising accelerator!

“Regarding the handling of the Imperial captives,” Yun Xi's ethereal voice broke the silence of the meeting, drawing everyone's thoughts back, “What are your opinions, everyone?”

Dean Mo Heng was the first to stand up, excitedly pushing his glasses:

“Leader! Those two thousand-plus Stellar Level captives are incredibly precious 'assets'! Their Stellar Level Origin is the best source for condensing 'origin crystals'! origin crystals are worth billions of times more than Origin coins, and a Stellar Level early-stage expert can only condense one per year. They not only contain extremely pure energy but also a trace of Universe Law fragments, offering immeasurable benefits to Cultivation above Planetary Level!”

His voice trembled: “In the past, which civilization would be willing to let Stellar-level Experts act as 'miners' to condense origin crystals? That would be a waste of heavenly resources! But now... this is an unprecedented opportunity for our Federation! I suggest immediately forming a 'Origin Crystal Production Special Committee,' led by our Academy of Sciences, to get these captives 'on the job' as soon as possible! This will greatly accelerate the Cultivation process of our Federation's top experts!”

"Seconded!" Shi Yue's voice boomed like a giant bell, as he vigorously waved his fist. "These Empire scum have the blood of our compatriots on their hands! Making them condense origin crystals to atone for their sins is letting them off easy! I'll personally go supervise. If anyone dares to slack off, I'll hammer their Star Core out of them!"

Li Qingshan nodded slightly: "Make the best use of everything!"

Chu Yueyao added: "A strict System of supervision and rotation must be established to prevent riots or self-destruction once they recover. Xuntian Pavilion will be responsible for security and monitoring."

"Good." Yun Xi nodded slightly, making the final decision. "Mo Heng will be in overall charge of this matter, assisted by Shi Yue and Chu Yueyao. Implement it as soon as possible."

"Yes!" The three replied in unison.

After dealing with the issue of the captives, the atmosphere of the meeting eased slightly.

However, everyone's eyes simultaneously focused on Chen Jun.

Qin Pojun lightly coughed, stood up, and bowed deeply toward Chen Jun, his respect coming from the bottom of his heart, and his tone filled with unprecedented solemnity and gratitude:

"Worthy Son-in-Law... No, Master Chen! The Federation was able to survive this catastrophe and turn defeat into victory thanks to your immense contributions! If not for you... alas, this old man truly dares not imagine the consequences. Please accept this bow from me!"

With him taking the lead, the other Stellar-level Experts also rose one after another, bowing toward Chen Jun.

"Master Chen's great kindness! The Federation will never forget it!"

"If Master Chen has any instructions in the future, just say the word! I, Limitless Dragon, will not shrink from ten thousand deaths!"

"Master Chen, you are the Lucky Star of our Federation! You are the lighthouse of civilization!"

...For a time, all kinds of gratitude and praise surged toward Chen Jun like a tide.

Chen Jun was a little stunned by the spectacle, and while secretly delighted internally, he also felt a bit intimidated.

These old guys, their eyes were glowing green, making them even scarier than before!

He quickly waved his hand, forcing out his signature smile, which carried a hint of "weakness" and "embarrassment":

"Everyone... Seniors, you are too polite! I... I didn't do anything, it was just... just good luck, and a slightly special Physique... It's all the result of the efforts of the Leader and everyone else. It truly has little to do with me... I'm just an ordinary person..."

The more "humble" he was, the more everyone felt his character was noble!

Look!

What is true Vision?!

What is true modesty?!

Changing the destiny of civilization through his own power, yet being so indifferent to fame and fortune, pushing all the credit onto others!

What a lofty Realm is this?!

...Yun Xi watched Chen Jun acting like an "Oscar winner possessed," a trace of almost imperceptible amusement flickering deep in her eyes, but her expression remained calm.

She slowly spoke, her voice clearly reaching everyone's ears: "Chen Jun's contribution is indeed key to the Federation's survival. His status shall endure as long as the civilization itself."

Her gaze swept over the crowd: "Effective immediately, Chen Jun shall possess the unlimited right to mobilize Federation resources. His will, provided it does not endanger the survival of the civilization, shall be regarded as one of the highest directives. Furthermore, the Honorary Position of 'guardian of civilization' shall be established, to be held by Chen Jun, ranking above the Leader, immutable for countless ages!"

"guardian of civilization"!

Above the Leader!

Everyone felt awe in their hearts, but not a single person raised an objection.

This was what Chen Jun deserved!

Without him, forget this honorary position, the entire Federation would be gone!

"We respectfully obey the Leader's command!" Everyone responded in unison, their gazes toward Chen Jun becoming even more reverent.

Chen Jun was blooming with joy internally, but externally he had to maintain a look of "being overwhelmed by the favor" and "sincerely terrified," waving his hands repeatedly:

"This... this is unacceptable! Absolutely unacceptable! Leader... uh, Mother of my children! How can I possibly deserve this..."

"Daddy!"

Just then, a slightly aggrieved and discontented murmur sounded.

Yun Qinglan, who had been sitting quietly on Chen Jun's other side eating snacks, raised her small face.

This Radiant Body Little Princess, who was untouchable and like a Dominator of the starry sky in front of outsiders.

At this moment, she pouted, a hint of dissatisfaction in her emerald eyes, and tugged at Chen Jun's sleeve.

"Everyone is thanking Daddy, but... but Qinglan helped too! Many of those Empire bad guys were secretly locked down by Qinglan using Yao Radiance, which stopped them from self-destructing or escaping! Otherwise, it wouldn't have been so easy for Mommy to catch them to condense origin crystals!"

As she spoke, she demonstratively raised her small fist, and the restrained Yao Radiance around her body inadvertently flowed for a moment, causing the space in the entire conference room to subtly fluctuate.

Everyone: "!!!"

Cold sweat instantly broke out!

So... the reason the captives were secured so smoothly was also thanks to this Little Princess?!

They almost ignored this Little Ancestor!

Yue Xi quickly and gently stroked her sister's head: "Qinglan is the best, she helped Daddy and Teacher tremendously."

Xuan Sha also grinned, patting Yun Qinglan's shoulder: "Well done! Later, Ninth Sister will take you to 'spar' with those captives to help you vent!"

Su Yuan and Liu Qing also cast approving glances.

Chen Jun looked at his little daughter's "seeking praise" appearance, his heart melting. He quickly pulled her close and lovingly ruffled her hair:

"That's right! My Qinglan is the most amazing! She's Daddy's greatest hero! What reward do you want? Daddy will have your Uncle Shi Yue make you a hundred different flavors of Star Cake!"

Shi Yue immediately pounded his chest loudly: "Leave it to Old Shi! I guarantee the Little Princess will be satisfied!"

Yun Qinglan then turned her displeasure into joy, wrinkled her little nose proudly, nestled in her father's arms, and continued eating her snacks in small bites.

That demeanor of a little girl formed a stark contrast with the imposing aura that had inadvertently leaked out moments ago, causing space to tremble, making the eyes of the Stellar Level Big Shots twitch.

This Little Ancestor... is also a master not to be provoked!

Chen Jun held his little daughter, feeling the surrounding gazes that were even more "fervent" and even slightly "fearful," and sighed with emotion in his heart.

This Path of Lying Flat for Longevity is truly getting wider and wider!

His daughters are all more awesome than the last, and his status as the "Old Father" is as stable as a Star Core!

What Empire, what Stellar Level, they are all Trash in front of his own girls!

He didn't want anything now; he just wanted the meeting to end quickly so he could go back and continue enjoying his lounge chair and Mo Heng's massage... As for that honorary position of "guardian of civilization"... well, it sounds impressive... but what benefit is it to me?

I am destined for eternity!

Invincible in the starry sky!

It's just... *cough* *cough*... the time hasn't come yet... The meeting concluded in an atmosphere that was extremely "harmonious" and full of "respect" for Chen Jun.

The Big Shots stepped forward one after another, expressing their "Utter Devotion" to Chen Jun once more, before departing to dedicate themselves to consolidating the fruits of victory.

Chen Jun, holding Yun Qinglan who had fallen asleep in his arms, slowly swayed back to his Manor, surrounded by Lin Wei and his daughters.

Along the way, looking at the still dazzling celebration fireworks outside the Pillar of Leaders, and listening to the mountain-shaking cheers of hundreds of billions of citizens coming from afar, Chen Jun sighed contentedly.

"Ah, truly... a plain yet fulfilling day."

Lin Wei held his arm, smiling gently, her eyes full of happiness.

Su Xingyao was chattering excitedly about the interesting things she had just seen online.

Yue Xi and Xuan Sha were discussing how to "efficiently utilize" the two thousand Stellar Level captives.

Chen Jun squinted his eyes, enjoying this warm yet "ordinary" family time.

The Path of Lying Flat for Longevity should be walked like this!

How boring is the Path of Grinding for Longevity?

All the previous efforts seemed so clumsy... ridiculous... purely seeking suffering for no reason... Isn't it wonderful to watch your daughters dominate the Universe while you lie back and win?

As for the seemingly distant [Multiple Benefits] function... Chen Jun glanced at the lifespan figures steadily ticking on the System interface.

[Remaining Lifespan]: 2165 years... +11... +11... Hmm, no rush, truly no rush.

Enjoy the present... Time is my best friend... Chen Jun yawned and decided to go back and take a nap first.

After all, as a guardian of civilization who is "in poor health" and requires "rest," maintaining a good schedule is very important...