Chapter 224: Blue Star Encircler

“Tsk tsk, from the outside, this Blue Star is quite spectacular.”

Jiang Yan stood beyond the atmosphere, stroking his chin and marveling at the planet, feeling as if he were watching an old acquaintance showing off.

At this moment, the planet floated quietly in the universe, adorned in shades of blue and green, with numerous satellite warships patrolling its surface, appearing majestic and imposing.

“Brother, I saw this planet first.”

“What?”

Jiang Yan turned around. Although he had already sensed the other’s approach, he couldn’t help but feel surprised upon hearing these words.

The newcomer was clad in silver Armament, which, judging by the level of spiritual material, should be classified as Earth Rank Armament.

The Armament was strikingly bright, shimmering under the starlight. Its lightweight material prevented it from looking bulky, fitting perfectly on the wearer’s body.

His face resembled a bowling ball, and it was unclear what race he belonged to. However, he spoke the universal language, and his tone carried a hint of “city slicker” arrogance. Coupled with his Armament, he clearly came from a wealthy background.

As if sensing Jiang Yan’s gaze lingering on him, the man puffed out his chest and said proudly, “Brother, how did you know I just bought a set of Earth Rank Armament last month?”

Jiang Yan: …

I don’t recall asking.

Never mind, it’s not important.

Jiang Yan pointed at the blue planet and said, “You just said you saw this place first?”

The man laughed. “That’s right. I investigated it, and the strongest person on this planet is only at the Peak of the Eighth Rank Realm, and he’s already on his last legs. Taking over would be a piece of cake.

However, this place is currently under the protection of the Myriad Realms Ladder’s non-aggression clause. Sigh, what a headache. I’ll have to wait outside for a few more months.”

The man was clearly talkative and began rambling on his own.

“The Myriad Realms Ladder’s method of expanding its user base is so outdated. It can only enforce non-aggression clauses on backward planets.

If it were a major star like Tianyuan Star or Chihuo Star, no one would care about non-aggression clauses. They’d attack you if they wanted to.

Besides, I heard that next year, the [Non-Aggression] clause will be revoked, apparently due to opposition from some major stars. This Blue Star really got lucky, producing a Prodigy capable of breaking into the Myriad Realms Ladder in its final year.”

Jiang Yan listened to his lengthy speech, thinking to himself that this man had extensive knowledge and likely an extraordinary background.

He casually asked, “Oh, have you heard of that Blue Star Prodigy?”

“I heard about it while investigating Blue Star these past few days. They say it’s a kid who took first place on the Ladder and is now worshipped as a deity by the Blue Star People.”

The man spoke methodically, then added, “Brother, don’t you think these country bumpkins are hilarious? Just a bunch of clowns who’ve never seen the world.”

Jiang Yan also smiled and chimed in, moving closer to the man. “May I ask your name, brother?”

“Oh, I’m Lin Ba.”

“Lin Ba, what a great name. Brother Lin Ba, did you come alone, or are there others collaborating on this grand plan?”

“Heh heh heh, it’s just a small star. I can handle it alone.

After all, with my Eighth Rank Transcendent power and Earth Rank Armament, I’ll be like walking through an unguarded territory on Blue Star!”

Lin Ba proudly patted his silver Armament, clearly wanting to show off in front of this stranger.

“By the way, brother, what’s your name?”

Jiang Yan smiled. “Yan Thunder…”

“Yan Thunder? What a great name!” Lin Ba nodded in approval.

“Shattering Slash!”

Two halves of a cleanly severed corpse floated in the starry sky, fresh blood trickling down like a stream, adding a touch of tragic beauty to the dark night.

Jiang Yan held a saber transformed from the Myriad Soldier Talisman. After his Spirit Platform broke through to the Sixth Rank, he could now conjure weapons of even greater power without significant consumption.

He had instantly killed an Eighth Rank Transcendent without even deploying his Domain. It seemed that after Jiang Yan’s breakthrough to the Seventh Rank, all his attributes had been greatly enhanced.

After disposing of the body, he turned his gaze toward the azure-blue planet.

…

“Recently, suspicious individuals have been loitering around the borders of our Blue Star. They have not deliberately concealed their tracks, seemingly issuing a warning to Blue Star.”

“Citizens are advised to remain vigilant of any suspicious persons appearing suddenly around them. If discovered, please promptly call xxxxx.”

East District, old residential area.

Old Wang cracked sunflower seeds, idly watching the report on television.

“Sigh, suspicious individuals again. How many is that this month?”

“These suspicious people aren’t even bothering to hide anymore.”

“Tsk, I wonder how that kid from the Jiang family is doing. Can’t even reach him by phone.”

Old Wang sighed, leaning back on his decades-old, green-patina sofa, his large feet propped on the coffee table, muttering under his breath.

Divine Capital.

Zheng Residence.

An elderly man with snow-white hair lay on a white hospital bed.

His face was gaunt, devoid of vitality, with wrinkled, sagging skin clinging to his withered frame. A pair of turbid eyes, barely open, seemed to struggle to stay that way. Each breath felt like a gamble with death.

Beside the bed, Qin Wufeng, the principal of Divine Capital Martial University, paced anxiously back and forth, his face etched with worry and remorse, as helpless as a child.

“Elder Zheng, hold on a little longer. Cangyuan has gone to retrieve the medicine. You’ll recover soon.”

“N-no… no need.”

“Don’t talk nonsense. That’s a renowned great medicine from the nearby Star Domain, capable of reviving the dead and regenerating flesh. Once you take it, you will surely recover.”

Qin Wufeng’s tone was urgent, his stubborn insistence reminiscent of a child begging a parent for a toy, a stark contrast to his usual dignified demeanor as the principal of the top Martial Arts University.

“N-nonsense!”

The old man weakly straightened his fragile body, as if mustering his last ounce of strength to rebuke him.

“If Cangyuan takes action, the… the truce for our Blue Star will be completely voided. You… all of you… hurry and call him back, call him back…”

“Elder Zheng, that is your only chance to prolong your life. I’m sorry, but I cannot obey!”

Qin Wufeng’s expression showed struggle, yet he remained stubbornly unyielding.

“Consider this old man begging you. Hurry and call Cangyuan back. He must not act… must not…”

The old man murmured, his eyes narrowed, his heartbeat already growing faint.

“Elder Zheng, if you die, what will become of the millions of us on Blue Star? We’ll continue living like timid turtles hiding on this planet. Once the one-year deadline arrives, won’t we be at the mercy of others?”

“Rather than that, we might as well take a gamble. At least we won’t live in such humiliation!”

Qin Wufeng remained steadfast in his belief, unwilling to waver.

“Sigh, you all… why go to such lengths?”

Elder Zheng’s lips trembled, his entire body’s dead skin hanging like plastic bags over his dried-up skeleton.

“This old man’s foundation is damaged. I thought I could hold on until the day Babata arrives. Hah, it seems I overestimated myself.”

“The life of a martial artist is one of unpredictable fortune and misfortune, life and death intertwined. To act when one should and refrain when one should not—this is what it means to have a clear and unburdened mind.

To desire yet not obtain—this is what it means to harbor regret.”

“Looking back on my own wasted life, I have ultimately been a burden to you all.”

“If the mind is not clear and regrets remain unaddressed, how could I have endured living on in this world?”