38: dispute

After a brief moment of solemnity and oath-taking,

it was replaced by an atmosphere that was even more fervent and urgent, nearly igniting this virtual space.

The hope for the survival of civilization was right before them, yet the "Source" carrying this hope was alarmingly fragile—an F-Rank Mortal Body with less than a few decades of life remaining. Although Yun Xi had promised to personally tend to him, the depletion was real.

Every time that miracle was triggered, it was burning the very Foundation of this flame of hope!

Time had become the most luxurious resource.

Opportunity had become the most urgent struggle!

A tall old man, clad in ancient bronze-colored battle armor with a roaring dragon head emblem carved on his pauldrons, took the first step forward.

His aura was as thick and solid as a stellar core; he was one of the pillars of the Federation Military, the Dragon King of Prison Suppression, Limitless Dragon, who had guarded the frontlines of the Eastern Star Domain for ten thousand years.

His virtual figure fluctuated slightly as he bowed once more to Yun Xi. His voice was as resonant as a dragon's roar, yet it carried an imperceptible trace of urgency:

"Teacher! Since the situation is now clear, the preciousness and urgency of the 'Source' are beyond doubt! Our human civilization is at a critical juncture of survival. Every additional top-tier Aptitude adds another spark of hope for the future!"

He paused, his gaze sweeping over his colleagues before finally returning to Yun Xi, his tone decisive:

"This subordinate has a daughter named Ao Xin, two thousand seven hundred years of age, and already at the Planet-level Peak! Her husband is also a fierce general in the military, likewise at the Planetary Level! However, for the great cause of the Federation, as soon as my transfer order arrives, the couple can return from the frontlines immediately! I swear by my Dragon Soul that Xin'er and her husband are both reasonable and understand that civilization comes before Family! If they can have this Opportunity to give birth to a gifted child for the Federation, it would be the Supreme glory of the Ao Family; they would not mind in the slightest! Xin'er is a veteran of a hundred battles, and both her physique and will are top-notch. She is surely an excellent candidate to carry the 'Fuel'! I ask Teacher to give her priority consideration!"

Limitless Dragon's words were like ice water thrown into boiling oil, instantly igniting the scene!

Good heavens!

This old dragon Ao moved too fast!

And he even pushed his own daughter forward!

He even emphasized her Planet-level Peak status, her military background, and her top-tier physique and will!

He even stated that his son-in-Law wouldn't mind!

This preparation was simply too thorough!

"Dragon King Ao, wait a moment!"

Another figure flickered instantly, standing almost shoulder-to-shoulder with Limitless Dragon.

This person wore an elegant green robe and carried the phantom of an ancient longsword on his back, surrounded by Sword Qi. It was the Sword Venerable of the Nine Heavens, Li Qingshan, whose attack power was unrivaled in the Federation.

His tone was sharp, and he did not yield an inch:

"Teacher! While the Planet-level Peak is certainly good, the 'Prison Suppression Dragon Art' practiced by Niece Ao Xin is fierce and overbearing. Her energy attributes are too violent and might not be the best choice!"

He shifted his focus to Yun Xi, his tone carrying absolute confidence:

"This subordinate has a Personal Disciple named Liu Qingyin. Though only one thousand eight hundred years old, she is already an Advanced Planetary Level, just one step away from the Peak! She practices the 'Boundless Vast Ocean Art,' and her energy is extremely pure and gentle, perfect for nourishing the Origin! Her Heart-Nature is clear and ethereal, and she is exceptionally gifted in comprehending the Great Dao! If she were to unite with Mr. Chen, her pure and soft energy Foundation would not only greatly ensure a smooth process, but the Foundation and Aptitude of the offspring might be even more perfect and stable! This is but a humble opinion of mine; I ask Teacher to consider it! Qingyin has been taught by me since childhood and places the Federation above all else; she would surely be willing to sacrifice everything for the Federation!"

"Li Qingshan! What do you mean by that!"

Limitless Dragon's eyes widened, his aura surging all around him.

"Fierce and violent? My Dragon Family's Bloodline is majestic and grand, the very symbol of vitality! How can it be compared to something as weak as water?"

"Brother Ao, calm yourself. I am merely discussing the matter as it is and recommending the best option."

Li Qingshan's tone was flat, but his eyes were as sharp as sword light.

"The best option? I think you're intentionally..."

"Teacher! What both senior brothers say makes sense, but perhaps they have both overlooked one point!"

Another powerhouse interrupted. It was Dean Xuanji, Mo Heng, wearing the highest-level white robe of the Federation Academy of Sciences.

He adjusted the non-existent virtual glasses on the bridge of his nose, his eyes shining with the light of rationality:

"Whether it's Niece Ao Xin's fierce physique or Disciple Liu Qingyin's pure energy, both emphasize a single characteristic. However, the gestation of life, especially the birth of top-tier Aptitude, is an extremely complex systemic project involving deep reconciliation and optimization at the genetic level!"

He became more excited as he spoke, his virtual hands tracing countless data streams in the air:

"This subordinate believes that simply chasing energy levels or attributes might not be the optimal solution! We should conduct a more scientific screening! Though lacking in talent, I head the Biological Gene Department of the Academy of Sciences and have three top-tier female Planetary Level geneticists under my command! They specialize in energy-gene chimera, Life Origin optimization, and transcendent genetic stability research, respectively! Not only are they Advanced Planetary Level experts themselves, but more importantly, they possess unparalleled theoretical knowledge and precise control over their own genes!"

Mo Heng's voice carried the fervor of a scientific madman:

"If they were to take on this sacred mission, we might be able to actively perform some fine-tuning and optimization during the gestation process, perhaps even gaining a glimpse into the inner workings of that mysterious 'ability'! This would provide crucial data support for the Federation to utilize the 'Fuel' more efficiently and safely in the future! This is the true maximization of benefits, Teacher!"

Well then!

The scientific faction has arrived!

Not only do they want to have children, but they also want to conduct research on the side, attempting to crack the secrets of the System!

"Old man Mo! Put away that laboratory routine of yours!"

A middle-aged man with an aura as blazing as a star, wearing a marshal's uniform, spoke up. It was the Blaze Army Lord, Luo Mie, his voice booming like a great bell.

"This is about gestating the future warriors of the Federation, not your experimental samples! When it comes to firm will, decisiveness in killing, expanding our Federation's territory, and facing the Empire's powerful enemies head-on, it belongs to our military's children!"

His tiger-like eyes scanned the room:

"Under my command are three commanders of Female Interstellar Marine Corps, all Advanced Planetary Level, each a battle-hardened warrior who emerged from seas of blood and mountains of corpses! Their strength of will and toughness of physique are by no means comparable to ordinary Planetary Levels! Their Dao Companions are also reasonable people who understand what is truly important! If we are to give birth to a Supreme who can protect the Federation and sweep through the Empire, their genes are the most suitable choice!"

"Luo Mie! You're just acting recklessly!"

"Scientific screening is the Righteous Path!"

"My lineage of Sword Cultivators has the highest spirituality!"

"My Dragon Family's Bloodline is the strongest!"

The scene instantly became somewhat out of control.

These usually high-and-mighty, majestic, and unpredictable Stellar Level big shots were now, for the sake of competing for that one precious "slot," acting like vendors haggling in a wet market, or like parents trying to get their prized juniors into a top-tier class—each one red-faced and arguing incessantly.

They weren't acting out of pure selfishness; each of their reasons for recommendation was grandiosely tied to the "maximization of the Federation's interests."

But beneath these grand words, who didn't have a small bit of hope?

If their own daughter, Disciple, or subordinate could successfully gestate the next Innate Star Body or even an Innate Moon Body, it would not only be the Federation's fortune but also a massive boost to the Foundation of their respective factions, families, and powers for the next ten thousand years!

This wasn't betrayal, but rather a natural reaction of human nature and power dynamics in the face of a massive Opportunity.

Qin Pojun, who had been watching in silence, felt a complex mix of emotions as he looked at the chaotic scene before him.

He felt a sense of relief—it seemed everyone had shared his initial thought of keeping it to himself—but also immense pressure, as the competition was too fierce. At the same time, he felt a hint of superiority: his daughter was already pregnant!

And with a Moon Body!

He cleared his throat and took a step forward, his voice infused with Stellar Level power, temporarily drowning out the noise of the scene:

"Everyone! Fellow Daoists! Please hear me out!"

Everyone's gaze instantly focused on him.

With a solemn expression, Qin Pojun first bowed respectfully to Yun Xi before turning to the crowd and speaking loudly:

"I, Pojun, feel the same love for the Federation that you all do! Everyone wants to contribute to the future of the Federation; this heart is as clear as the sun and moon!"

He first acknowledged everyone's motives, then shifted his tone:

"But have you all overlooked the most critical issue? That is Mr. Chen's physical condition!"

His tone grew heavier as his gaze swept over Limitless Dragon, Li Qingshan, and the others:

"Yes, your daughters, Disciples, and subordinates are all excellent, the best among Planetary Levels! But uniting with them means Mr. Chen would have to pay another precious ten years, or even more, of his lifespan!"

He pointed to Chen Jun's face in the holographic image, which still looked weary—evidently a previous recording:

"The Master's conditioning can repair his physical damage and stabilize his lifespan limit, but it cannot compensate for the Life Origin that is directly burned away every time he triggers his ability! That is a cost at the level of Laws!"

Qin Pojun's voice carried a grave reminder:

"Mr. Chen Jun's remaining lifespan is not endless! Every choice must be made with the utmost caution!"

He paused, finally revealing his true intentions:

"And currently, shouldn't the optimal choice be to wait for a result with higher certainty?"

He straightened his back slightly, a trace of ill-concealed pride and solemnity appearing on his face:

"My daughter, Qing Xuan, has been confirmed to be carrying an Innate Moon Body! She is currently in seclusion to stabilize her Stellar Level Realm. Once she successfully gives birth, my granddaughter will be the second existence with the Innate Moon Body Aptitude in our Human Federation in a hundred thousand years, second only to the Master!"

"For her—a true, mature Innate Moon Body expert—to unite with Mr. Chen Jun again! Wouldn't the Aptitude and potential of the offspring they could produce be even more worth anticipating? Perhaps... it will be an existence that transcends the Moon Body! The significance of that to our Federation would be truly epoch-making!"

Qin Pojun's voice was full of provocation:

"This is not out of my, Qin Pojun's, selfishness, but for the maximization of the Federation's interests! We should use Mr. Chen Jun's limited and precious 'uses' where they are most needed! On the choice with the highest certainty and the greatest return! We should not act in haste!"

He looked around, his tone becoming meaningful:

"Or have my daughter reproduce with Mr. Chen again. Qing Xuan already has successful experience; the process was smooth, the Reverse-Feed effect was excellent, and she conceived an Innate Moon Body. Isn't this more secure than other unproven options? I ask the Master to judge clearly, and I ask my colleagues to think twice!"

Qin Pojun's words could be described as shrewd and calculating.

On one hand, he stood on the moral high ground, showing concern for Chen Jun's lifespan and appearing to be entirely focused on the big picture.

On the other hand, he dangled the carrot of 'transcending the Moon Body,' stimulating everyone's expectations.

Finally, he emphasized Qin Qingxuan's 'successful experience' and 'reliability.'

Instantly, many of the clamoring Stellar-level Experts fell silent, wearing thoughtful expressions.

Indeed, Chen Jun's lifespan was limited.

If Old Qin's granddaughter really could give birth to an even more powerful child next time... then giving these precious opportunities to the Planetary Level now did seem a bit like a 'waste'?

But someone reacted immediately.

"Qin Pojun! You're full of it!"

An unceremonious, angry shout rang out; it was the hot-tempered Limitless Dragon.

"Isn't your granddaughter Mr. Chen's daughter?!"

He pointed at Qin Pojun's nose and cursed:

"Do you know what you're saying?! I'm ashamed to be associated with you!"

"As for waiting until after your daughter gives birth? Wait until when? Wait for your daughter to give birth, then recuperate and recover, and then prepare for the next time? How many years will that take? Three years? Five years? The gestation period for an Innate Moon Body is four years! How many five-year periods can Mr. Chen Jun afford to wait?!"

"Exactly!"

Li Qingshan also echoed coldly,

"Who knows if the next time will definitely be successful? What if... I mean, what if the effect isn't as expected? Who will be responsible for the time wasted in between? Will the Empire give us that time? What we urgently need now is to increase the number of top-tier Aptitude experts as quickly as possible! We need reserves of Star Bodies, or even more Moon Bodies! Not to gamble on some illusory 'transcendence' and reliability!"

Mo Heng also pushed up his glasses:

"Chairman Qin, from the perspective of statistics and risk control, placing all hope on a single high-risk, high-reward option is not the optimal strategy. Diversification and multiple attempts to accumulate more 'Moon Body' samples as quickly as possible is the more pragmatic and efficient choice at this stage. We need data, more data!"

"That's right! Why should the Qin Family get all the good things? You already have one Moon Body in hand, and you want the next one too? Your greed is unsightly!"

Luo Mie also denounced him in a thick voice.

"I..."

"I what?!"

"This is for the Federation!"

"I think it's for your Qin Family!"

The hall, which had just slightly quieted down, once again turned into a noisy wet market.

This time, the brunt of the criticism seemed mostly directed at Qin Pojun for trying to monopolize everything.

The two factions—those supporting the immediate use of Planetary Levels for 'expansion' and those supporting waiting for Qin Qingxuan to 'bet on the upper limit'—argued until they were red in the face, neither side giving an inch.

Yun Xi, sitting upright at the top, listened and watched quietly throughout.

In her eyes, where clarity and the weathered look of ages coexisted, the 'undignified' dispute of the Federation's pillars was reflected, her face showing neither joy nor sorrow.

It wasn't until the argument showed signs of spiraling out of control again that she gently raised her hand.

There was no sound, no energy fluctuations.

But the moment she raised her hand, all the noise within the Starlight Hall instantly vanished without a trace.

All the Stellar-level Experts, no matter how invested they were in the argument, immediately shut their mouths and became solemn once more, bowing slightly as they awaited the leader's decision.

Yun Xi's gaze slowly swept across the crowd, and her ethereal voice finally rang out again, calm yet carrying an unquestionable authority:

"I have understood everyone's intentions."

"All are for the Federation; your sincerity is evident."

She first affirmed everyone's intentions, then her tone shifted slightly:

"However, arguing is of no benefit."

Her gaze fell upon Qin Pojun:

"What Pojun said has its merits. Qing Xuan's body is indeed one of the best vessels at present, and the potential of the offspring she conceives is worth anticipating."

A trace of joy just began to appear on Qin Pojun's face.

Yun Xi's gaze then turned to the Limitless Dragon, Li Qingshan, and the others:

"However, the concerns of General Ao, Pavilion Master Li, and the others are also not unreasonable. Time is pressing, and the threat of the Empire is increasing daily; we indeed need to increase the number of top-tier Aptitudes as quickly as possible to prepare for unforeseen needs."

She paused slightly, as if weighing her options, before finally making a decision:

"Therefore, the plan must proceed in steps and be carried out in parallel without conflict."

"After Qing Xuan gives birth, depending on her recovery and the specific Aptitude of the offspring born, we will then discuss and decide the timing of her next union with Chen Jun. This matter is temporarily on hold."

The meaning of these words was clear: Qin Qingxuan had priority, but they needed to wait for the results of this birth before deciding.

"At the same time,"

Yun Xi's voice was unquestionable,

"the selection of other suitable women shall be initiated immediately. The targets are temporarily set at the Planet-level Peak; they must have firm wills, absolute loyalty to the Federation, and both they and their Dao Companions must voluntarily and unconditionally support this matter."

"The selection standards will be led by Mo Heng, in conjunction with the Academy of Sciences' Biological Gene Department and Superpower Development Department. A detailed set of regulations must be drafted and reported to me within three days. Multiple factors such as energy attributes, physical strength, mental will, and genetic stability must be comprehensively considered to strive for the optimal result."

"The final candidates will be personally reviewed and approved by me."

Yun Xi had the final word. She neither completely rejected Qin Pojun nor adopted the opinion of those eager for expansion, keeping the final decision-making power firmly in her own hands.

"The Master is wise!"

"We respectfully obey the Master's decree!"

"We have no objections!"

All the Stellar-level Experts, including a somewhat disappointed Qin Pojun and a slightly anxious Limitless Dragon, all bowed in unison to accept the orders.

They could dispute, but once the leader made a decision, they had to obey unconditionally.

This was the ironclad Law of the Federation's highest levels for ten thousand years.

Yun Xi nodded slightly, and her figure began to slowly fade.

"Everyone, go and prepare. The 'Kindling' Plan is officially initiated. If a single word of today's matters is leaked, the entire star sea shall jointly execute the traitor."

While her cold voice still echoed in the hall, her figure had completely vanished.

Inside the Starlight Hall, one holographic projection after another flickered and vanished.

The Stellar-level Experts returned to their respective posts with various thoughts.

But without a doubt, the name 'Chen Jun' and that seemingly absurd dispute were deeply engraved in the hearts of every top-level Federation expert.

Meanwhile, at the center of the storm, Chen Jun was currently lying on a luxurious large bed in the Lakeside Manor of the Pillar of Leaders, muttering to himself at the ceiling:

"Damn, this bed is really comfortable... but why do I feel so uneasy?..."

Chen Jun turned over and hugged the already fast-asleep Lin Wei tightly. Smelling the faint fragrance of his wife's hair, he finally felt a little more at ease.

"Forget it, if the sky falls, those taller than me will hold it up... Sleep, sleep. Only by getting enough rest can I... uh, continue to contribute to the Federation..."

He muttered as he gradually drifted into a dream.