208: Reasonable division of labor

After seeing off the eleven beauties, Chen Jun slumped into his Supreme lounge chair, his fingertips unconsciously tapping on the armrest, creating a rhythmic soft sound.

When he scanned the System interface again, his gaze paused slightly on the number in the ‘Remaining Lifespan’ line.

“Six years…” Chen Jun sighed softly in his heart. This number was so similar to when he first arrived in this world and the System was on the verge of shutting down.

But today was different from the past; his mindset had long since changed dramatically.

Back then it was panic, but now… he looked out the window. That 'Shining World Celestial Vault' that had been confined still performed its duty as a mining facility, continuously channeling Source Energy into the Federation.

The boundless Star Sea and the information about the Human Race in the Universe reminded him that the path of 'lying down to win' was long and arduous.

“My efforts alone are ultimately limited.” Chen Jun stroked his chin, his eyes deep. “I can handle the Longevity Multiplier and Absolute Guarantee, but the accumulation of Multiple Benefits and the System's upgrade, in the end, still depend on the continuous efforts of our vast descendants…”

Thinking of the terrifying effects of the Multiple Benefits function's conceptual techniques, and then the astronomical number of descendants required for the System's upgrade.

Chen Jun felt it was time to convene an internal Family “Strategic Development Seminar.”

With a slight thought, a gentle yet undeniable will, like an invisible ripple, instantly spread throughout the Pillar of Leaders, accurately reaching the minds of specific members—

“Zhao Jing, Yuanhai, and all you little ones of the ‘Yuan’ and ‘Yan’ generations, come to the main house. Your Grandfather/Great-Grandfather/Great-Great-Grandfather has something to tell you.”

...A moment later, the courtyard outside the main house of the manor was already filled with people.

Leading them were Chen Zhaojing and Chen Yuanhai, father and son.

Chen Zhaojing had a calm demeanor, though his brows carried a hint of the vicissitudes of life, worn down by time and “limited freedom.” Beside him stood several powerful-aura wives.

Chen Yuanhai was even more capable, and the tenacity forged in the “performance purgatory” was still evident.

Behind him were his eight hundred wives, who had now been promoted to members of the “Procreation Supervision Committee,” a truly luxurious lineup.

Further back was a dense crowd of young disciples from the “Yuan” and “Yan” generations.

These descendants, starting with an Innate Martial Body, and under the massive resources of the Federation and the Family's internal “competition king” atmosphere, the weakest among them were at Planet-level Peak, with Stellar Level Cultivators being common.

Each of them possessed the demeanor of a Dragon and Phoenix, with extraordinary bearing, yet at this moment, they all held their breath, standing respectfully, awaiting the summons of the legendary “self-sealed,” “playing in the mortal world” Supreme Old Ancestor.

The atmosphere was solemn, yet tinged with an inexplicable... strangeness?

Especially Chen Zhaojing and Chen Yuanhai, father and son, exchanged glances, both seeing in the other's eyes a familiar, almost reflexive... phantom pain in their kidneys?!

“Father,” Chen Yuanhai secretly transmitted, his voice trembling slightly, “Grandfather... suddenly called all of us here, could it be... another 'new quota'?”

Chen Zhaojing's mouth twitched. He forced himself to remain calm: “Don't guess wildly! Your Grandfather is now an ancient existence overlooking the Star Sea, with a transcendent state of mind. How could he still be bound by such worldly affairs? It must be an important matter concerning the Family's future!”

Though he said this, he himself was secretly nervous.

There was no other way; the psychological trauma left from back then was simply too vast!

Just then, the main house door silently slid open... Chen Jun, still wearing his comfortable casual robe, slowly strolled out, a gentle smile on his face, as if he was just coming out to bask in the sun.

However, when his calm, unruffled eyes swept over everyone present, they all subconsciously straightened their backs, even their breathing becoming lighter.

“Everyone's here?” Chen Jun's tone was casual. He walked to the specially made jade chair in the center of the courtyard, large enough for him to slump into, but didn't sit down immediately.

“Greetings, Grandfather/Great-Grandfather/Great-Great-Grandfather!” Everyone saluted in unison, the sound wave making the exotic flowers and plants in the courtyard sway slightly.

Chen Jun waved his hand, his gaze first falling on Chen Zhaojing and Chen Yuanhai, with a hint of “benevolent” concern:

“Zhao Jing, Yuanhai, looking at your complexions, your cultivation is stable, but your spirits... hmm, have you been 'overworked' lately?”

Chen Zhaojing: “…”

Chen Yuanhai: “!!!”

The father and son simultaneously wailed in their hearts: It's here! It really is! This familiar opening remark!

“Reporting... reporting, Grandfather,” Chen Zhaojing forced himself to answer, “Your grandson... your grandson is well, and dares not be negligent.”

Chen Yuanhai also quickly followed up: “Great-Grandfather, your grandson... your grandson has recently gained much insight in Cultivation and is about to go into seclusion to break through his Bottleneck!” He tried to change the subject.

“Oh? Seclusion?” Chen Jun raised an eyebrow, his tone approving, “Ambition is good. However, bitter Cultivation in seclusion is ultimately working behind closed doors. You must know, reading ten thousand books is not as good as traveling ten thousand miles; traveling ten thousand miles is not as good as... hmm, having ten thousand children.”

Everyone: “???”

What the heck is 'having ten thousand children'?!?

This turn of events... are you a devil?!

Chen Zhaojing's vision went dark, and he almost lost his footing.

Chen Yuanhai felt a chill down his lower back, as if he could already hear his eight hundred wives eagerly rubbing their hands, updating their “Procreation KPI Assessment Forms”!

“Grandfather... you... what do you mean?” Chen Zhaojing's voice was dry.

Chen Jun sighed, clasped his hands behind his back, looked up at the starry sky, and his tone became deep and solemn as he began his carefully prepared “pre-war mobilization”:

“Children, do you know how vast and how cruel the Starry Sky we currently inhabit is?”

His gaze swept over all the descendants present, his voice seemingly echoing the Universe:

“Not long ago, we received information from the 'virtual universe of the Human Race.' The galaxy we are in is nearly a hundred billion light-years in diameter! However, this seemingly boundless galaxy is but a drop in the ocean in the true cosmic scale!”

“The Universe is filled with countless races, and powerhouses are as numerous as clouds! Some powerful races, their newborns... are born at the Star Sea Level! They share the same lifespan as the Universe and wield the Law!”

“Star Sea Level?!” A chorus of gasps immediately rose from below!

The most powerful among them were merely at the Star Arm Level!

Star Sea Level?

What an unattainable existence was that?!

Chen Jun took in everyone's shock and continued to raise the stakes, his tone heavy:

“And our Human Race, in the Universe... has always struggled to survive, so weak that we are inferior to even the ants in the eyes of some powerful races! In order to continue our Legacy, we had to adopt a cruel 'Gu' raising strategy, encouraging internal competition and unifying the galaxy, only then could true powerhouses be born and gain a shred of recognition!”

This information was even more impactful than before!

Although the Federation's high-ranking officials knew, for the vast majority of the younger generation, this was the first time they had heard such a shocking cosmic secret!

A huge sense of crisis and insignificance instantly enveloped everyone.

Seeing that the atmosphere was sufficiently set, Chen Jun changed the topic, directing the spearhead towards the core issue:

“Facing such a crisis, how should we conduct ourselves? Should we sit idly and await an unknown fate? Or should we rise up and strive, fighting for a bright future for our Human Race, for our Family?!”

His voice suddenly rose, carrying an undeniable determination:

“The answer is obvious! We must become strong! We must possess sufficient foundation and strength!”

“And where does strength come from?” Chen Jun's gaze was like a torch, looking at Chen Zhaojing and Chen Yuanhai, “Personal bravery is certainly important! But the cornerstone of civilization, the future of the race, lies in Legacy! In Bloodline! In... a thriving population!”

Chen Zhaojing, Chen Yuanhai: “!!!”

It's over! The dagger is revealed!

“Look at me!” Chen Jun pointed to himself, a tragic expression of “I, for the Human Race, poured out my heart and soul” on his face:

“Your Grandfather, for the Family, for the Federation, did not hesitate to 'self-seal' his cultivation, enduring the suffering of 'spiritual energy' depletion, 'toiling' all day long, exhausting his mind and body, all to leave you more 'guarantees' and to Cultivate more outstanding descendants!”

He looked at the younger generation with deep anguish:

“But what about you?! Honestly, are you working hard enough?!”

“Look at Zhao Jing! After you completed your two thousand quotas, did you slack off? Enjoying 'limited freedom' but forgetting the heavy responsibility on your shoulders!”

Chen Zhaojing's face turned pale, cold sweat streaming down.

“Look at Yuanhai! Surrounded by eight hundred wives, do you only feel it's a 'purgatory,' a burden? Why don't you think, what precious 'productivity' and 'combat power' this is?! Why don't you think about transforming pressure into motivation to create even greater glory?!”

Chen Yuanhai's legs went weak, wishing he could find a hole to crawl into.

“And you all!” Chen Jun's gaze swept over the young disciples of the “Yuan” and “Yan” generations, his tone filled with earnest expectation:

“You are the hope of the Family! The future of the Federation! You have a better starting point and higher Aptitude than your fathers! Do you really want to lie on the laurels of your ancestors and live a mediocre life?!”

“Think about the moment the Yaoqiong Divine Kingdom descended! Think about that despair of powerlessness! Think about how, if not for my... hmm, Awakening 'Sealing,' the Family and civilization might have already turned into cosmic dust!”

At the mention of the Yaoqiong Divine Kingdom, all the descendants who had experienced that catastrophe showed lingering fear and trepidation in their eyes.

That deeply ingrained sense of powerlessness surged in their hearts once more.

“What a disgrace, children!” Chen Jun beat his chest and stamped his feet, his tone mournful, “Powerful external forces can descend at any time! We cannot place all our hopes on this 'self-sealed' old man! I need rest! I need to recover my 'spiritual energy'!”

He took a deep breath, as if making a difficult decision, and his eyes once again became “resolute”:

“So, I called you here today to tell you—your Grandfather/Great-Grandfather/Great-Great-Grandfather, I, have pushed myself to the point of 'spiritual energy' near exhaustion!”

Saying this, he coughed twice at just the right moment, a hint of “weak” flush appearing on his face.

“What?! Grandfather/Great-Grandfather/Great-Great-Grandfather!” A sudden uproar and panic erupted below!

Chen Zhaojing and Chen Yuanhai were also stunned! They had never imagined that someone as powerful as their Grandfather/Great-Grandfather would actually... “spiritual energy exhaust”?!

“No need to panic.” Chen Jun waved his hand, adopting a magnanimous demeanor of “the wind howls and the Yi River is cold,” “We Cultivators, why fear a battle? For the Family, for civilization, I, Chen Jun, fear nothing!”

His eyes shone brightly as he looked at everyone, finally revealing his ultimate purpose:

“But! My individual efforts are limited! What I can do for you, I have almost done to the extreme!”

“And the true rise of the Family, the ultimate guarantee of civilization, lies in strength in numbers! What do you need to do?!”

His voice was like a grand bell, resounding powerfully:

“It is for you, these descendants, to branch out and multiply! It is for your descendants to spread across the Star Sea, to follow one after another, and to strengthen the Family!”

“My efforts can only guarantee the present! Your efforts can guarantee the future! Guarantee that our Chen Clan, in this cruel Universe, will be eternal and unyielding!”

“Now, tell me!” Chen Jun's gaze was like lightning, sweeping across the entire scene, “Are you ready?! For the Family! For civilization! To survive in the Universe! Can you shoulder this heavy responsibility?! Can you be... more! Hardworking! than your Grandfather?!”

His speech, passionate and inspiring, with closed-loop logic and intertwined emotion and reason, completely stunned everyone!

Especially Chen Zhaojing and Chen Yuanhai, their minds buzzing.

Grandfather/Great-Grandfather... has actually “struggled” to this extent? For the Family, not hesitating to face “spiritual energy exhaustion”?

And we... are still complaining bitterly about those “quotas” and “purgatories”?

A huge sense of guilt and mission erupted in their chests like a volcano!

Thinking again of the fear and powerlessness brought by the Yaoqiong Divine Kingdom... “Yes!!!” Chen Zhaojing suddenly raised his head, his eyes red, his voice hoarse but firm, “Grandfather! Your grandson... your grandson understands! Your grandson used to be... too ignorant! From today onwards, your grandson will do his utmost, daring not to fail your high expectations!”

Chen Yuanhai's blood surged even more. He slapped his chest and roared, “Great-Grandfather! Don't worry! Isn't it just having children?! I... no, your grandson will give it his all! I guarantee to lead your eight hundred great-granddaughters-in-Law, no, eight hundred comrades-in-arms, to overfulfill the mission! If anyone dares to slack off, I'll be the first to object!”

The wives behind them also had shining eyes, full of fighting spirit!

So, their “work” actually concerned the survival of the Family and the fate of the Universe?!

This sense of mission instantly skyrocketed!

And those young disciples of the “Yuan” and “Yan” generations were even more incited, their blood boiling!

“For the Family!”

“For Great-Great-Grandfather!”

“Work hard! Must work hard!”

“Procreate! Procreate till you drop!”

...For a time, emotions ran high, and slogans shook the heavens!

The entire manor seemed to have turned into a rally for an oath-taking ceremony!

Chen Jun looked at the scene of “united will” and “common hatred” before him, and nodded with satisfaction.

Very good, the ideological work was very successful.

He slowly sat back in his jade chair, resuming his calm and composed demeanor, and gently waved his hand:

“Since you all understand, then... disperse. Those who should work hard, work hard. Those who should strive, strive. Remember, time waits for no one, the Universe waits for no one. Especially the Family's core values, they must be passed down.”

“Yes! Grandfather/Great-Grandfather/Great-Great-Grandfather!” Everyone responded in unison, their voices filled with unprecedented determination.

Chen Zhaojing and Chen Yuanhai exchanged glances, both seeing the familiar “pain” in each other's eyes... and a hint of resigned resolve.

“Let's go, Yuanhai.” Chen Zhaojing patted his son's shoulder, his voice world-weary, “Your Grandfather... is right. We, father and son... still have to keep working hard.”

Chen Yuanhai nodded heavily, his eyes “resolute”: “Father, I'll go back now... to convene a Family meeting and re-strategize... the production plan!”

The father and son, with a tragic air of “the wind howls and the Yi River is cold,” turned and left.

Behind them, the group of wives and young disciples also quickly dispersed, each throwing themselves into the grand undertaking of “securing the future.”

Inside the courtyard, silence instantly returned.

Chen Jun comfortably slumped, picked up the nine revolutions star tea that had been refilled at some point, and took a delightful sip.

“Hmm, just moving my lips can make the descendants compete fiercely, this feeling…”

“Descendants... well, it's good for them to compete.”

“I'm responsible for providing the top-tier 'seeds' and 'guarantees,' and the descendants are responsible for branching out and accumulating heritage. This division of labor is very reasonable, isn't it?”