165: The sun is rising and the sun is not setting yet

Inside the carriage, Xi Tianqing’s voice echoed, so quiet that a pin drop could be heard.

His communication image looked at Qin Jin, and his voice contained true meaning: “The first batch of people who came to experience the planet’s divine anomaly are, for the Federation, truly meritorious individuals.

In the past, they dedicated everything to the Federation on various battlefields, but due to various reasons, they suffered problems, could not continue, and were nearing their end.”

“Now, the emergence of the planet’s divine anomaly has made it possible to resolve everything.”

“Although obtaining Lei Yu Star’s divine anomaly is not simple and carries the risk of death, they have never lacked the courage for one last gamble.”

“Qin Jin.”

Speaking of this, Xi Tianqing’s gaze lingered on him: “These meritorious individuals will come here in multiple batches, including warriors from other star systems under the Federation.”

“I hope—”

“Before the Martial Abyss opens, you, as a Star God Chosen, can receive these meritorious warriors and witness them make their final gamble.”

“Can you?”

Xi Tianqing’s tone had no fluctuations, stating it calmly.

Qin Jin’s eyes rippled.

Facing this undisputed supreme figure of the Federation, he did not overthink whether there was any deeper meaning in the other party’s words, only solemnly stated: “Good.”

His voice was resolute.

He held heartfelt respect for these meritorious individuals.

Upon hearing this,

A slight smile appeared on Xi Tianqing’s face, and he nodded slightly, “Qin Jin.”

“I very much look forward to seeing you on the Federation battlefield in a few years.”

The last sentence fell.

Under Qin Jin’s gaze, the image flickered and suddenly dissipated.

Such a figure was truly busy with countless affairs; communicating with him via real-time image was already a sign of extreme importance. As it dissipated, the shielding light screens around the carriage lowered, and the car door automatically opened.

“Mr. Qin.”

A call came from outside. The ripples on Qin Jin’s face faded, and he stepped out of the Star Shuttle, onto the ground.

After a serious farewell, the motorcade started and gradually drove away.

Qin Jin watched everything.

“Meritorious warriors of the Federation, huh—”

Thoughts flickered in his mind, and Qin Jin’s eyes lowered slightly.

That the planet’s divine anomaly would allow the Federation’s meritorious individuals to be the first to experience it was beyond his expectation.

However, this also indirectly confirmed that the current Starfire Federation was truly at its peak, capable of making the most appropriate judgments and choices in matters of great importance.

Qin Jin turned around and walked towards the villa.

Perhaps because the Mining Star had become Lei Yu Star, his status had risen.

What he himself came into contact with was the bright side of the Federation: top-tier extraordinary powerhouses who valued heritage, and the Federation’s upper echelons who did not forget those with merit.

Qin Jin was clear.

Within the vast Federation, not every place, not every aspect, was so bright; light and shadow walked hand in hand. Where there was light, there was bound to be a dark corner, just as in the Corridor Star System, there existed gray areas like Eight Extremes Star, and there would certainly be other dark places.

However, the Federation’s current performance was already sufficient.

For Qin Jin himself, being born in the Starfire Federation could also be considered a fortunate event.

Inside the villa, lights came on.

Until deep into the night, the lights dimmed, and everything fell silent.

Several days later.

Using Qin Jin’s villa as the venue, he proactively invited the young people from Lei Yu Star to a gathering.

Besides Yan Yue, Yu Sheng, and Jiang Panxia, there were also young people from the Star God Forbidden Zone who he had encountered and who had shown goodwill.

For example, Su Su’s team.

A Star God Chosen gathered the talented individuals who had appeared on the former Mining Star. In the years to come, they would also embark on completely different paths.

Balancing work and rest was not a bad thing. As his cultivation time increased, Qin Jin’s experience also continuously grew, allowing him to find the most perfect node.

After a gathering, he returned to his almost reclusive cultivation state, with the values on his panel, which changed with his own improvement, being the best driving force.

Morning.

The villa was empty.

On the table, a hidden emblem emerged, glowing.

The Judgment Emblem.

At the same time, within the emblem, ripples flickered, and Qin Jin’s figure appeared inside his portable base.

“It really works.”

Qin Jin’s eyes shone brightly.

Every time he traveled to and from the Great Wilderness, he would appear in the fixed area where he left. Now, he was trying to see if entering the Great Wilderness from within his portable base would be effective.

There were no problems with the result.

Everything was normal. This could be useful. It would allow Qin Jin to go to the Great Wilderness at times and places that were originally unsuitable, which could indirectly cause many effects.

Under mental control, Qin Jin left the portable base.

He checked the time and went to the specially arranged cultivation room in the villa, closing his eyes slightly.

Within the Spirit Ruins, spiritual power surged and churned at all times, consolidating and enhancing the Second Cave Heaven.

With a slight thought, source power surged and washed through his physique. Star points lit up, and a Breathing Method similar to, yet different from, the Star Group Breathing Method operated.

Qin Jin’s aura fluctuated around him.

Qin Jin had never stopped integrating and modifying the Breathing Method. He would set aside a fixed amount of time each day to adjust it, making it more compatible with himself, and now he had achieved some small results.

Star points flickered, and in an instant, his spiritual perception re-entered the core of the planet, as spoken of by Venerable Observer.

Within his perception, this place had clearly undergone some changes compared to its desolate appearance when he last visited. Although it was still not as fairylike as Zhi Xia Star, the surroundings were lush green and vibrant, making one feel refreshed after perceiving it.

At the same time,

Heavy pressure swept over, slamming into his physique like countless heavy hammers striking simultaneously.

Qin Jin sensed this state and suddenly raised an eyebrow slightly.

“Hmm?”

The Breathing Method primarily honed the Martial Artist’s physique, consolidating it and widening the container.

But now, as Qin Jin endured this hammering, he clearly perceived that, compared to his last attempt with the Star Group Breathing Method, the heavy pressure was somewhat weakened, and at the same time—during the tempering, the source power fluctuated, showing obvious growth, with new source power emerging from various parts of his body, but his physique showed almost no growth at all.

This effect was not like operating a Breathing Method; instead, it was like performing Visualization.

“What is this?”

A doubt arose in his mind. Qin Jin stopped the Breathing Method and carefully sensed his own state.

At the same time, he did not hesitate, picked up his terminal, and immediately edited and sent a message.

The recipient was Gu Huang.

During his usual cultivation, whenever he encountered any problems, he would directly ask Teacher Gu. A Celestial Being was fully capable of answering any questions he currently had regarding martial arts cultivation.

The message was sent, and after only ten-odd seconds, a communication request popped up.

Qin Jin answered the communication, and a light screen appeared before him, with Gu Huang’s figure in it.

It was vacation time, and the background behind Gu Huang looked a bit desolate, clearly not in the academy. At this moment, her gaze focused on Qin Jin in the communication screen, and her voice sounded: “Qin Jin, are you sure that when you operated the Breathing Method, an effect similar to the Visualization Method appeared?”

Qin Jin nodded.

“Teacher Gu, what’s going on?”

“If your description is accurate, then you have a very high probability of having touched upon the theoretical limit in Congenital transformation.”

“Theoretical limit?”

Within the light screen, Gu Huang’s expression was serious: “I once told you that in the Nine Congenital Transformations, because each person’s talent accumulation is different,

the amount of source power they can bear in each transformation, and the effect after transformation, are naturally different.”

“The more outstanding a talented extraordinary individual is, the more accumulation they have in the Congenital Realm.”

“But similarly, this accumulation also has an upper limit. The so-called physique container, after reaching a certain point, will no longer be able to increase.”

“That is what I mean by the theoretical limit.”

Speaking of this, she deeply looked at Qin Jin: “The reason it is called a theoretical limit is because it is indeed a situation inferred by martial arts-related laboratories, but as far as I know, no Martial Artist has ever truly reached the theoretical limit in their Congenital Realm transformation.”

“Because—”

“This theoretical limit does not target the human body itself, but rather the life level; it is the theoretical upper limit for countless star sea lives at the same life level!”

Her voice was steady: “The path of martial arts is the path of evolution. Every improvement is an improvement in life level, and this improvement in life level is mysterious and unpredictable. You can even view it as a constant rule within the cosmic star sea.”

“Assuming an extraordinary life’s life level is at 10, then its theoretical upper limit is a fixed number. After reaching it, it can only grow again by further raising its life level.”

“For you, the Breathing Method is just a catalyst. It’s mainly because your physique reached its theoretical limit, and when operating the Breathing Method, you desired further evolution, thus stimulating the generation of source power to compensate for deficiencies and complete the transformation as quickly as possible.”

“Qin Jin.”

“The effect of this transformation of yours will likely surpass even the Divine Martial Furnace.”

Qin Jin listened carefully.

The extra transformation Gu Huang spoke of naturally referred to the Divine Martial Furnace.

“I understand.”

Qin Jin nodded.

Just then, in the communication screen, a roar suddenly sounded in the background, and extraordinary power overflowed could still be seen behind.

Seeing this, Qin Jin said, “Teacher Gu, you continue with your work.”

“Mm.”

Gu Huang nodded, looking at Qin Jin in the screen, and finally said, “When the holiday ends and I return to the academy, we’ll talk in detail.”

The communication disconnected.

Qin Jin put down his personal terminal.

While communicating with Gu Huang, an idea had already formed in his mind, and now it was even clearer.

When he had just returned to Lei Yu Star, he had tried operating the Star Group Breathing Method to confirm the situation, and everything was normal then.

Now, however, a change had occurred.

Then, there was only one reason left.

The Divine Light of Heaven and Earth!

This was an accompanying effect of the gift from the Great Wilderness.

“The improvement in talent is a qualitative change for the entire person, and it has also caused a chain reaction in martial arts.”

“This is what you call an opportunity.”

“Next, I will raise my source power, fill my current river-wide container, and then complete the next transformation.”

“At that time, with my four transformations, coupled with an additional transformation, five Congenital transformations, I will already have the appearance of a nascent Grandmaster.”

“Grandmaster, ah—”

Ripples flickered in Qin Jin’s eyes.

When he first met the age requirement, studying martial arts with Teacher Wen on the Mining Star at that time, let alone a Grandmaster, even a Congenital Realm Martial Artist was someone he greatly envied.

But now... — ·

Grandmaster was no longer distant. Judging by the specific numerical changes in each of his transformations, even if he was a nascent Grandmaster, he would certainly be an outstanding one among them.

Looking back, everything felt somewhat dreamlike.

However, Qin Jin was not surprised.

Opportunity, talent, diligence—these created his current step. Thinking of what he had seen and heard in both realms, he did not feel satisfied, only that it was not enough.

The path ahead was clear, the upper limit unknown; only by striving forward could he progress.

Cultivating at home until the afternoon, Qin Jin stopped and pushed the door open.

Outside, a motorcade had just arrived and was waiting.

This motorcade consisted of staff specially dispatched by the Federation to Lei Yu Star due to matters related to the planet’s divine anomaly.

Seeing Qin Jin appear, greetings sounded. After boarding the Star Shuttle, the Star Shuttle ascended, changed direction, and headed straight for the central part of Lei Yu Star.

They sped along the way.

After arriving at the closest docking point to the Star God Forbidden Zone, the group disembarked. Qin Chi led the way, waiting silently.

Not long after—

A large starship landed. The hatch opened, and Federal soldiers descended first, positioning themselves around the area, imposing a strict cordon.

Immediately after, figures emerged from the gangway.

Qin Chi's gaze swept over them.

At a glance, there were nearly a hundred people. The majority were elderly, their age clearly visible, but a very few looked younger. However, Qin Chi could clearly sense a decaying aura emanating from them.

Their outward appearance was normal, but their core had severe problems.

With the Federation's current technological capabilities, ordinary injuries were not an issue at all. The problems that could stump them were few and far between.

His gaze moved on.

The visitors this time were not wearing military uniforms, but specialized combat suits. They bore no medals or military decorations, but Qin Chi knew that to have stood out in the military's selection and become the first batch, they must be extraordinary. These people were all Martial Artists.

Although they now appeared aged and on the verge of decay, in the past, they were likely like brilliant fireworks in the sky, incredibly splendid, with outstanding achievements.

Beside Qin Chi.

After the Federal staff and the soldiers from the starship completed their handover, they looked at the nearly one hundred people with respect and said, "Esteemed elders, you have traveled a long way. We have already arranged accommodation. Please rest for a day. Tomorrow, you will follow Mr. Qin to your destination."

"At that time, you will proceed with this matter."

"Rest?"

As his voice fell, an aged voice sounded from the front of the group.

"Do we still need to rest?"

Qin Chi's gaze shifted, looking over.

His eyes met the elder leading the group, whose temples were frosted with white, and whose face was resolute. He looked quite handsome in his youth, but time had corroded everything, leaving his face covered in wrinkles and dark blemishes.

However, his posture was not stooped; he remained tall and straight.

"If this mission succeeds, we will have plenty of time to rest afterward."

"If it doesn't, what's the point of resting?"

His voice was a little hoarse, and he laughed heartily: "Why sleep long before death? You'll have an eternity of slumber afterward!"

"Succeed or not, let's try quickly, so the Federation doesn't have to worry about us old bones anymore."

At this point, his gaze shifted, finally settling on Qin Chi.

"You must be Qin Chi."

He took a few steps, coming to stand not far in front of Qin Chi, and spoke slowly under the gaze of everyone present.

"On the way here, we received a communication from Marshal Xi Tianqing, who mentioned you."

"A formidable young man."

"For the Federation to have such an outstanding young person like you, even if all of us old fellows fail and die here, we can rest in peace."

As he spoke, his tone became a little heavier.

"Thank you for your trouble."

"On the way here, we have already made ample preparations. Since we have arrived at the battlefield, let us go directly and fight to our heart's content!"

His voice resonated.

Qin Chi was only a few meters away from this elder.

On one side, a Federal General in the prime of his youth, vibrant like the rising sun.

On the other, a Federal veteran on the verge of decay, faintly exuding the aura of death, like the setting sun.

Now, the morning sun was rising, and the setting sun had not yet fallen.

The two looked at each other.

Qin Chi spoke softly, "Elder, what should I call you?"

Hearing this, the elder smiled, his tone becoming more serious.

"Broken Mirror, Gao Xingwen."

Though old, his voice held a strong foundation.

"Alright."

"Seniors, I will now take you to our destination."

Qin Chi's voice fell.

Beside him.

A Federal staff member hesitated, then said, "Mr. Qin—"

Qin Chi looked at him, his expression calm, not speaking.

Seeing this, the other person said no more.

At the same time.

Under the gaze of nearly a hundred pairs of eyes, Qin Chi raised his hand. As lightning flashed in his palm, a token-like object formed, radiating light.

If it were to be named, perhaps it could be called the [Tribulation Crossing Token].

This was, of course, not Qin Chi's own method, but came from Venerable Observer. Su Buqi, War God of Gui Xu and An Ran, two supreme powerhouses, personally came to Lei Yu Star.

During the discussions with Venerable Observer, everything had already been arranged. Even the military had agreed to the first batch of slots, not only because of the military's significant power within the Federation but also because of their choice.

With the token in hand, Qin Chi's mental power spread out, guiding it.

The next instant...

Light rose from this spot. Enveloped in the light, Qin Chi, along with the nearly one hundred Federal veterans, simultaneously vanished from their original location.

Seeing them disappear.

The area remained under strict cordon.

The staff member who had wanted to speak earlier revealed a complex emotion in his eyes as he looked at the spot where the group had vanished, muttering to himself, "These old seniors, you must succeed."

As a specially appointed Federal official, he undoubtedly knew the truth of the matter.

Teleported away.

When they reappeared, Qin Chi, along with these Federal veterans, emerged together in an alternate dimension.

To be precise, it was a planetary space specially created by Venerable Observer, precisely for this moment.

The scene of a Martial God crossing tribulation was difficult to conceal. Actively concealing it might even affect the final outcome, so they chose to cordon off the starfield and conduct it away from the original inhabitants.

However, for Martial Artists of other realms, such measures were not necessary.

After the character 'Jie' ( robbery, tribulation) formed, it was hidden in the sky. Lei Yu Star's sky showed no abnormalities.

But upon entering this alternate dimension, which bordered the forbidden zone, the space was vast. The four sides were intercepted by light screens displaying ancient characters, and above, in the sky, the character 'Jie' reappeared.

The moment they appeared here, gazes lifted, looking towards the sky, towards the character 'Jie'.

A voice sounded.

"When I was young, I read about tribulation crossing in novels. I never thought at this age, I would truly get the chance to cross tribulation. It's truly incredible."

"Everyone, this is our tribulation crossing ground."

"Or it might be our burial ground."

"Dying here wouldn't be a loss. On my tombstone, I'll write 'Fell beneath the Heavenly Tribulation.' Won't that make the youngsters envious?"

"It's fate that we're gathered here. For those who succeed, don't forget to help sweep our graves during festivals."

The conversations continued.

Their tones held a sense of relief and ease.

Qin Chi listened quietly, his expression solemn.

Lei Yu Star's planetary anomaly was extraordinary in its effects, but it also carried danger.

This was not only to accelerate the generation of the planetary anomaly but also to thoroughly perfect this anomaly, avoiding many hidden dangers. Matters involving extending life could not be taken lightly.

These Federal veterans, perhaps, did not know each other before this event. Now, they were meeting for the first time. It seemed they came for longevity, but listening to their words, they already knew the relevant information.

Then—

Was this journey not also a journey to their deaths?

After all, they were no longer at their peak.

Any accident could occur during the tribulation crossing process.

In front.

Gao Xingwen's gaze withdrew from the character 'Jie' and looked at Qin Chi, asking, "How do I begin the tribulation crossing?"

"Just make mental contact with the character 'Jie'."

Qin Chi's tone was calm, pointing forward: "Elder Gao, that area is the tribulation crossing ground."

"Alright."

Responding, Gao Xingwen turned and, without hesitation, stepped towards the tribulation crossing ground.

Behind him.

Among the crowd, a voice called out.

"Let me go first."

As the voice sounded, a figure prepared to step out of the group.

"No, let me go first."

Another elder stepped out: "Captain Gao, with your strength, if you observe the situation after we've tried, and then cross, your chances of success will increase significantly."

He called him Captain Gao.

Gao Xingwen did not stop, and upon hearing this, he snorted coldly: "What did I say on the way here?"

"Since you've been formally assigned and recognize me as captain, obey orders. The old strong ones wait behind."

"Everyone has to try it here once. What's the rush?"

Qin Chi stood not far away.

He could hear the meaning in their conversation.

These Federal veterans had already formed a team on the way here.

Perhaps, in their hearts, this journey was also an execution of orders issued by the Federal military.

A thought flashed through his mind.

Gao Xingwen stepped into the tribulation crossing ground.

His posture was already upright, and as he stepped into the tribulation ground, with each step, his figure became even more erect. From a distance, his silhouette seemed to grow taller.

Finally, he stopped at the center of the tribulation crossing ground.

Taking a deep breath, an excited glint actually appeared in the elder's eyes. He reached out his hand, clenching it in the void. Light flashed, and a long spear appeared in his hand.

This long spear was clearly a transcendent weapon. Runes flickered on its surface, and after it appeared and was held by Gao Xingwen, the shaft trembled incessantly.

Within this alternate dimension, the sound of a spear humming resonated, filled with excitement and exhilaration.

"Old friend, I never thought we'd still be fighting side by side."

Gao Xingwen held the spear with one hand, stroking the shaft with the other. Within the humming sound, after the initial excitement, a mournful sound replaced it.

"Perhaps, this will be our last battle, our last dance."

Gao Xingwen whispered, his voice audible only to him and the spear in his hand: "Perhaps, after this battle, I can be reborn, and you will no longer need to be sealed away."

"No matter what."

"My life has been spectacular enough. Compared to growing old in peace, I prefer this moment."

"To perish in splendor."

"Either die, or live."

"Old friend, let us fight to our heart's content!"

The spear body danced, holding the spear vertically.

Mental power surged upward, sweeping into the sky, touching the character 'Jie'!

The Star God anomaly was triggered.

Turbulent lightning rose beside the character 'Jie'. In an extremely short time, the lightning power continuously increased and accumulated, with some lightning even transforming into runes.

At the same time.

Below.

The instant his mind made contact, Gao Xingwen moved.

His greatly weakened power was reignited. Under the influence of this power, his white hair showed a tendency to turn black. Holding the long spear, he stomped his right leg, and his entire body shot into the air like a cannonball.

Under observation, with him as the center, an domain-like boundary suddenly expanded. Looking inside, it reflected layers of exotic mirrors formed by power. On these mirrors, there were dense cracks, whether formed later or existing innately, was unknown.

Broken Mirror, Gao Xingwen!

In just a few breaths, the expanded domain suddenly contracted, but it did not disappear. Instead, it clung to his physique, and his power and aura continuously rose. Qin Chi stood nearby, carefully observing this scene.

After this Elder Gao stated his title, Qin Chi had some suspicions.

Now—

As he truly made his move, despite his weakened aura, despite no longer being at his peak, Qin Chi could already confirm.

This was a—

Heavenly Being!

An old Heavenly Being whose lifespan was nearing its end, whose body was decaying, and who had rendered countless meritorious services to the Federation!