Orderly tyrant

"Now, I just need to wait for the Star Orbit Council's investigation results..."

Lin Qing cultivated to pay off his debts while secretly pondering, "However, I need to be more careful recently and release my domain in advance when the Black Flame clone appears to prevent detection."

He immediately deployed the Pseudo-God Domain.

With the help of the Pseudo-God Domain's slight influence on space, he could also sense any mental power scans within the domain, unless the other party's method of detection also involved space, in which case he would be able to detect it.

At this moment, no one was probing, and even if they were, it would have to be the mental power of a Star Creature, carefully probing for a long time before being able to break through the Holy Text 'Seclusion'.

With that much time, the Black Flame would have already burned itself out.

For the Black Flame clone, living was not easy, but dying... was too simple.

"However, when the Black Flame clone killed Yan Tianquan just now, the Star Abyss Will didn't even have time to descend before the Black Flame clone died. In this situation... will there still be a reward for resurrecting?"

Lin Qing muttered to himself and immediately submerged his consciousness into the Eternal Gate in his mind, controlling the Eternal Gate to recreate the Black Flame clone's soul and body.

A ray of light flew out from between his eyebrows and transformed into the Black Flame clone again.

Just then—

"Boom!"

A vast and boundless invisible will suddenly descended and swept over the Black Flame clone.

In a daze, the Black Flame clone vaguely saw an ancient and massive altar with a strange transparent container placed on it, filled with a seven-colored glow mixed with scarlet, occupying only a thin layer at the bottom of the container.

At this moment, a seven-colored glow mixed with scarlet descended from the sky and poured down, directly filling the container.

The scarlet seven-colored glow inside the container quickly rose, and after a long while, when the scarlet seven-colored glow occupied more than half of the container's capacity, it stopped.

Then, the vast and boundless will conveyed a message, and the illusion-like scene before the Black Flame clone's eyes disappeared.

"This is..."

Lin Qing couldn't help but be slightly stunned, "The Star Abyss Will's favor? Because I sacrificed the soul of a High-level Primal Creature? Or is it because it's more than half full?"

The Black Flame clone's Divine Duty was to imitate the life-based Star Demons, receiving the Star Abyss's favor. As long as it sacrificed souls by ending lives, it could receive the Star Abyss Will's grace.

Last time, he killed a Department Head, sacrificing a soul of the same level. Although he received the Star Abyss Will's grace, it was far from enough to promote an evolution.

In simple terms, the 'experience bar' wasn't full.

"It seems... I need to fill the container on that altar?" Lin Qing pondered.

He didn't know if it was because the progress was more than halfway, or because this grace was large enough, that he saw this scene.

"It's only halfway there..." Lin Qing couldn't help but shake his head slightly.

Judging from the situation inside the container before this grace, killing a Department Head—a Basic Divine Duty-holder, and a Fifth-Order life form—only granted him a few tenths of the container's capacity.

Looking at it this way, he would need to kill dozens of Basic Divine Duty-holders of the same level, or two Basic Divine Duty-holders one level higher, to promote an evolution?

"Killing another Yan Tianquan, or dozens of the same level, would allow me to experience the most suitable evolution process for the Black Flame clone."

Lin Qing shook his head secretly, "No wonder it's so difficult to promote evolution with Divine Duty, fulfilling this Divine Duty is too troublesome..."

For the Black Flame clone, killing non-Divine Duty-holders, even those of the same level, was useless and couldn't attract the Star Abyss Will. Killing Divine Duty-holders had to be of the same level as well.

Black Flame had a life-risking fighting style. For others, the difficulty of killing enemies above their level was far too high.

"Fortunately... this metropolitan area is full of enemies."

Lin Qing revealed a trace of a smile and immediately controlled the Black Flame clone to self-combust and dissipate.

Yan Tianquan's death had definitely been discovered by the Star Orbit Council, and turmoil was about to occur. A major search would definitely be conducted within the Star Orbit Council, so now was not the time to act.

Just right, he could screen for a suitable target these few days.

"Yan Tianquan is the third most important figure in the Yan family."

Lin Qing pondered, "However, Yan Jiu, the second most important figure in the Yan family, Yan Qingqing's daughter, she has a rare Divine Duty, has multiple sets of Holy Texts, and has passed the fourth level of the Star Abyss. I don't have the confidence to kill her yet..."

Although Yan Tianquan and Yan Jiu were both High-level Primal Creatures, were both Sixth-Order life forms, and both only had Basic Divine Duties.

However, one was a conventional Divine Duty, and the other was a rare Divine Duty, so their strengths were naturally completely different.

Among those who had passed the third level of the Star Abyss, Yan Tianquan, although considered outstanding, was still quite different from those who had truly passed the fourth level of the Star Abyss.

And Yan Jiu, the second most important figure in the Yan family, was known as a genius who had the potential to surpass Yan Qingqing, and had six sets of Holy Texts. She had also passed the fourth level of the Star Abyss a few years ago, so her strength could be imagined.

Even the current Black Flame clone didn't have the confidence to pass the fourth level of the Star Abyss.

The gap between Fifth-Order life forms and Sixth-Order life forms was still very large.

The Sixth-Order already involved the power of the six major factions, and the development of genes was high enough. Even if the gene optimization index was originally less than 100% when the genes awakened, gene optimization could be greatly improved after the transformation into a High-level Primal Creature.

It was like Lin Qing developing genes with Fourth-Order energy in the beginning. The Sixth-Order's power was much stronger for gene optimization.

It was very easy to achieve gene optimization of more than 500%.

Moreover, among the High-level Primal Creatures, some could even develop Sixth-Order Domains.

Even if Black Flame had enough explosive power, it would be difficult to deal with such a person.

After all...

Which of the people who could reach this level was not a genius? It would be a joke if they were easily killed by low-level people!

"I can only change the target first..."

Lin Qing thought to himself, "When Black Flame transforms into a High-level Primal Creature, and the Holy Texts are all prepared, killing Yan Jiu won't be difficult."

Moreover, after transforming into a Sixth-Order life form, it would be easier to sense and familiarize himself with the energy of other Sixth-Orders!

With the energy gathering pool, the progress of Divine Skills would be much faster.

...

This night was destined to cause a great uproar.

Yan Tianquan, a Quasi-Star Orbiter, and even someone who was expected to become a council member in the future, died in his own residence at the headquarters of the Star Orbit Council!

This bizarre news spread in an instant.

However, after the Planetary Observers mobilized surveillance and investigated carefully, they still found nothing.

No matter how powerful the holographic projection surveillance was, it was only restoring aspects such as sound, light, energy fluctuations, and life aura.

But still, there were no discoveries.

Soon, the Planetary Observers immediately held a meeting.

"Regarding Yan Tianquan's death, there are only a few points that can be confirmed at present."

Kolo, the Three-Eyed Wisdom Star Council Chairman, said with a cold face, "There is no surveillance inside Yan Tianquan's private room, and the scene was severely damaged, with traces of mental power sweeping, making it difficult to simulate and restore what exactly happened at that time."

"But there are four things that can be determined."

Council Chairman Kolo said in a deep voice, "First, Yan Tianquan's time of death was exactly after he contacted Councilor Yan Qingqing. The content of the communication has been checked by intelligence and confirmed that there is no problem."

"Second, Yan Tianquan was about to open the door to leave the room when the murderer seized the opportunity to break into the room and kill him. From this, it can be determined that the murderer's hiding ability is extremely strong, either a Divine Duty ability similar to the Hand of Secrecy, or Holy Texts such as Dayfloat or Seclusion."

"Third, judging from the degree of damage at the scene, the murderer's strength is at least expected to pass the fourth level of the Star Abyss, and it is normal for it to be higher."

Speaking of this, Council Chairman Kolo glanced at the council chairmen and councilors, and said in a deep voice, "According to the investigation of Yan Tianquan's social relations and recent interactions, there are four suspects, and the most suspicious is the Quasi-Star Orbiter 'Lin Qing' who recently joined the council."

As soon as he said this, the surrounding chairmen and councilors were a little surprised.

However, most of those present knew that this was wrong, but it was impossible to speak for an Earthling who was hostile to them.

"Lin Qing?"

Council Chairman Yan sneered mockingly, "Council Chairman Kolo, I think you are really crazy, pouring such meaningless dirty water on Lin Qing?"

"Yes, he learned the Holy Text 'Seclusion' in the Sky Islands, but how long has he been cultivating?"

"His current strength, whether he can pass the third level of the Star Abyss is a problem. What is Yan Tianquan's strength? Even if Yan Tianquan stood still, could he kill Yan Tianquan?"

Council Chairman Yan chuckled, "I even said that you killed Yan Tianquan and framed Lin Qing. Who wouldn't be able to make wild guesses?"

Council Chairman Kolo frowned slightly and said coldly, "The Yan family has been excellent employees of my Wisdom Star Group for generations. How could I kill Yan Tianquan?"

"Lin Qing has never even met Yan Tianquan, and he became the murderer who killed Yan Tianquan?" Council Chairman Yan asked rhetorically.

"He has a motive." Council Chairman Kolo said with a calm face, "He wants to use the energy gathering pool in advance, and the biggest obstacle is Yan Tianquan. The test is about to begin, but Yan Tianquan died at this time. Shouldn't he be suspected?"

Council Chairman Yan smiled sarcastically, "If he has the strength to kill Yan Tianquan, why didn't he defeat Yan Tianquan openly in the test? Knowing that he would become the primary suspect, he still went to kill Yan Tianquan? Don't you think what you said is ridiculous?"

Council Chairman Kolo frowned, seemingly unwilling to argue anymore, and looked at the female councilor behind him, who was as beautiful and pure as a maiden, and said, "Yan Qingqing, tell us what you found."

"Yes, Council Chairman Kolo."

Yan Qingqing stood up, "Council Chairmen, Councilors, I discovered a strange thing by investigating Lin Qing's situation before he came to the metropolitan area."

With a slight tap of her finger, several pieces of picture data were projected into the air.

The data showed several dead people.

"These people are the Department Head of the Patrol Headquarters, 'Polkot', as well as the 'Boat Brothers' and 'Bichner' among the extraterrestrial prisoners."

Yan Qingqing said, "Without exception, these people had some conflicts with Lin Qing, but they are all dead."

Many councilors and chairmen looked carefully.

Council Chairman Yan glanced at it and said indifferently, "Yan Qingqing, what was Lin Qing's strength when these people died? Especially Department Head Polkot. When he died, Lin Qing didn't even have a Divine Duty. Do you think that an Awakened being without a Divine Duty has this strength?"

"Council Chairman Yan misunderstood my meaning."

Yan Qingqing shook her head slightly and said, "Lin Qing was not present when these people died. I am just suspecting that there may be other strong people behind Lin Qing helping him, perhaps more than one. The strongest is at least at the level of the fourth level of the Star Abyss."

"The fourth level of the Star Abyss?" Council Chairman Yan raised his eyebrows slightly and said, "The strength to pass the fourth level of the Star Abyss is at least a High-level Primal Creature. They are considered middle and upper class in the metropolitan area. Which Earthling with this strength hasn't signed a contract with an extraterrestrial civilization? How could they kill people without any scruples?"

He glanced at Yan Qingqing, "Or are you saying that someone can bypass the contract and use the resources of the metropolitan area to cultivate Earth civilization?"

Yan Qingqing was silent for a moment and said, "Maybe they are extraterrestrial stowaways?"

Council Chairman Yan said lightly, "The strongest White Boat among the extraterrestrial stowaways only has two sets of Holy Texts. He can't even pass the third level of the Star Abyss."

He glanced at Yan Qingqing, "Do you think there are hidden stowaways who can grow to this point?"

"It's not impossible," Yan Qingqing said.

"Is that so?"

Council Chairman Yan smiled, "Since you insist on involving these things with Lin Qing, then I will also provide you with an idea."

He glanced around and said, "This time, Lin Qing accurately obtained multiple sets of Holy Texts he needed in Sky Island. Obviously, he obtained intelligence from the Sky Islands. In theory... those who know the intelligence must abide by the confidentiality agreement. So how did he know?"

Upon hearing this, the faces of the council chairmen and councilors changed slightly at this moment.

Council Chairman Yan said slowly, "Everyone should understand that the contracts of the Second Universe Network are formulated by the high-level officials of various civilizations, and the contracts at most restrict those cosmic citizens whose status is lower than the formulators."

"The formulators of various civilizations are Star-level Divine Duty-holders. As contracts formulated by three-star cosmic citizens, they at most restrict those two-star cosmic citizens."

"If someone on Earth enters the Third Forbidden Zone, passes the trial of the Star-level Divine Duty, and becomes a three-star cosmic citizen, they will naturally regain their freedom and ignore contract restrictions."

"Moreover, high-level cosmic citizens can completely hide their own citizen level on purpose."

Speaking of this, Council Chairman Yan glanced at everyone, "Do you think... is my conjecture more credible than Councilor Yan's unfounded extraterrestrial stowaways?"

The council chairmen and councilors of extraterrestrial civilizations were silent.

If...

If there was someone on Earth who was absolutely able to pass the trial of the Star-level Divine Duty, it would definitely be the founder of the Rising Sun Martial Arts Center, 'Qi Lingxiao'!

The top nine on the Star Abyss Ranking were suspected to be Qi Lingxiao's alts!

And he was suspected of mastering some kind of powerful Divine Skill!

Such a strong person was almost invincible on Earth. The Wisdom Star Group could only rely on contracts and the moon, which had been transformed into a huge fortress, to make Qi Lingxiao wary.

If Qi Lingxiao passed the Star-level Divine Duty trial again, without contract restrictions...

"Council Chairman Yan, don't joke."

Council Chairman Kolo took a deep breath, keeping his expression calm, and said, "If Hall Master Qi is already a Star-level Divine Duty-holder, the situation on Earth has already changed. Why would he secretly help a Lin Qing like this?"

"Then Dean Chu, or Ms. Elena, which one do you think is more suitable?" Council Chairman Yan said lightly.

The councilors and members of various extraterrestrial civilizations were silent.

Any one of these three was a rare genius in their respective fields, and having grown up all the way to this point, there was simply no way to kill them on Earth. If it weren't for the backing of vast civilizations behind each of them, they would probably feel afraid.

There was no choice.

Star-level beings simply couldn't enter Earth. Eighty years ago, when the Zhixing Group descended upon Earth, their strongest member, as a high-level primitive lifeform, didn't take these weak Earth natives seriously and casually signed a batch of outstanding geniuses into indentured servitude contracts.

No one had expected that these three would be able to grow to this stage.

It was almost impossible for foreign primitive lifeforms to break through on Earth, so they could only send batches of geniuses from their home planets.

But these three had grown silently to the point where even the Zhixing Group couldn't eliminate them.

It was a legendary growth experience.

Now...

Even if they really suspected that these three had passed the Star-level divine trial, deep down, they more or less believed it.

"I think it's understandable that Lin Qing, as a genius of Earth civilization, would receive the favor and help of these three," Councilor Yan said solemnly. "The currently identified suspects are Qi Lingxiao, Chu Hongjun, and Elena Duo. I urge everyone to take immediate action to bring them back for interrogation and ensure a thorough investigation."

There was silence.

Everyone present knew that Councilor Yan was deliberately making things difficult for them, but who dared to agree?

Who dared to arrest these three?

Don't even mention mere suspicion, even with solid evidence, no one would dare to go!

"Cough."

Yan Qingqing coughed lightly and said, "Councilor Yan, you're being too serious. I think the possibility of extraterrestrial stowaways is more likely. Maybe it has nothing to do with Lin Qing? There's no need to force a connection to those three."

"Oh? It has nothing to do with Lin Qing?" Councilor Yan said blandly, "Then investigate as you please."

At this moment, the planetary surveyor, which was slowly rotating above the conference table, also spoke: "It can be confirmed that this matter is unrelated to quasi-Star Surveyor Lin Qing. Lin Qing has been in his personal room from before the incident to after the incident and has not opened the door."

Councilor Kolo frowned slightly and said, "Yan Tianquan is dead. What about Lin Qing's trial? Will it be redesigned?"

Councilor Yan's eyes turned cold.

This old fox... still wants to make things difficult for Lin Qing?

He suddenly smiled and said, "I agree with Councilor Kolo's proposal. I suggest replacing him with a challenger of the same level as Yan Tianquan, such as Yan Jiu, the genius of the Yan family? I think she's very suitable."

Councilor Kolo and Yan Qingqing and the others from the Zhixing Group's side changed their expressions upon hearing this.

Councilor Yan's words made it sound like he was waiting for the new challenger to be sent to their death!

Yan Tianquan had already been killed, and now they wanted another one to die?

"What? You're unwilling?"

Councilor Yan said calmly, "Or we can send someone from Earth to test him, I have no objections."

"No," Councilor Kolo immediately refused.

There were currently two factions of Earthlings who had signed contracts with extraterrestrial civilizations—those who were primarily aligned with the extraterrestrial civilizations, and those who yearned for freedom and independence and were willing to stand on the side of Earth civilization.

The vassal faction and the autonomous faction of Earth civilization actually originated from these two factions.

If the autonomous faction sent someone to test Lin Qing, who knew how much they would let him off the hook, hoping that Lin Qing would pass directly.

But... if the vassal faction sent someone again, might they still be killed?

The conference room fell silent.

Councilor Kolo and the others were suddenly in a difficult situation.

"There's no need to replace the test."

At this moment, the planetary surveyor made a decision: "Lin Qing only needs to surpass those currently using the energy gathering pools and those ahead of him according to the original test. Since Yan Tianquan is dead, he naturally doesn't count."

...

...

"Councilor Yan."

Inside a spacious cultivation hall, Lin Qing looked at Councilor Yan sitting opposite him and said, "So, the current test only requires me to surpass the others?"

"Not anymore," Councilor Yan shook his head slightly, "Even the strongest of this batch have already voluntarily conceded."

He gave Lin Qing a meaningful look, "After all, they don't want to die."

"Have you found out who did it?" Lin Qing asked.

"There are three suspects," Councilor Yan's lips curled into a smile, "They are Master Qi, Dean Chu, and Ms. Elena Duo. What do you think?"

Lin Qing said as if nothing had happened, "I don't know either."

Councilor Yan pondered for a moment and suddenly looked up slightly.

An invisible light domain spread out, and the surrounding energy completely condensed, enveloping the two of them.

Lin Qing felt the powerful domain and couldn't help but be secretly shocked.

He could feel that the free energy affected by this domain was definitely a powerful force beyond the sixth energy level!

"No one can spy on us."

Councilor Yan stared at Lin Qing and said softly, "Don't worry... I won't ask how you did it, I just want to tell you something."

The corners of his lips raised slightly: "Those Zhixing dogs... kill as many as you can."

Lin Qing was slightly stunned and simply said, "I can't kill them, but I think as long as they are Earthlings, as long as they have the ability, they will do it."

"Well said," Councilor Yan smiled.

He retracted his domain, "I estimate that in two days, you will be able to use an energy gathering pool. Cultivate hard."

"Thank you, Councilor Yan," Lin Qing nodded slightly.

In two days, he would begin to concentrate on seclusion.

However... before that, he still had one thing to do.

...

"Do you need something from me?"

A holographic communicator projected a young man in a white coat and wearing plain glasses.

It was none other than Chu Hongjun.

"Dean Chu, I've been in the metropolitan area for a few days now and would like to see my cousin's family," Lin Qing said, "I heard that their lives are arranged by the Liming Group?"

"See your cousin's family?"

Chu Hongjun sized up Lin Qing and said, "Do you really have feelings for your cousin's family?"

Lin Qing was slightly stunned and said, "My cousin's family has always been good to me, and my cousin has helped me so much, of course I am very grateful to them."

Although at his current level, he no longer cared about a small amount of the bloodline evolution serum, he was very weak at that time, and the bloodline evolution serum helped him too much.

How could adding flowers to the brocade compare to sending charcoal in the snow?

However, he always felt that there was something wrong with Chu Hongjun's question.

Chu Hongjun didn't say much, but simply said, "In ten minutes, wait for me at the main entrance of the Stellar Patrol Council. I'll send someone to pick you up."

"Okay," Lin Qing nodded immediately.

...

Liming Group, whose headquarters are also located inside a space fortress in the central area of the metropolitan area, is a silver-white fortress shaped like a pyramid.

However, the extraterrestrial civilization that invested in Liming Group was not any of the Yuanchen Civilization, Goddess Creek Civilization, or Black Tower Civilization, but a 'Qiyan Civilization' with a relatively strong academic atmosphere.

"Dean Chu is personally taking me?"

Inside an almost transparent elevator, Lin Qing looked at Chu Hongjun next to him in surprise.

He thought Chu Hongjun would send someone to take him.

"Since you're here, there's something I want to tell you," Chu Hongjun said calmly.

Lin Qing was a little puzzled, but didn't ask any more questions.

Before long, they arrived at a hall on the 27th floor of the Liming Group, where the pure white floor was almost devoid of any variegation.

A slightly tall, short-haired woman was sitting behind a table in the hall, wondering about something.

It was none other than Chen Yanan.

She chose to enter the Liming Group in early April 2121, and today is exactly early April 2123.

He hadn't seen her for two years, and she didn't seem to have changed much.

"Cousin," Lin Qing stepped forward.

Chen Yanan looked up slightly, stood up, and then smiled: "Xiao Qing, long time no see."

She looked at Chu Hongjun again and said respectfully, "Dean Chu."

"How are you adapting?" Chu Hongjun asked.

"It's almost done," Chen Yanan nodded immediately.

"It's really fast," Chu Hongjun nodded slightly.

Hearing this, Lin Qing couldn't help but ask, "Cousin, what do you do here?"

"Nothing special."

Chen Yanan shook her head, "I'm just trying to control and connect some mechanical instruments. I've been doing this for the past two years. How about you? How are you now?"

"I'm fine," Lin Qing sized up Chen Yanan, feeling that something was wrong, and couldn't help but say, "Cousin, have you changed in the past two years?"

"Change?" Chen Yanan shook her head, "No change."

Lin Qing was a little suspicious and scanned her with telekinesis, and found that she really had no problems and her life aura was normal.

"What's wrong?" Chen Yanan asked in confusion.

"...It's nothing."

Lin Qing shook his head and asked, "Where are my aunt and cousin?"

"They all live in the family area and come to see me from time to time," Chen Yanan smiled and said, "You can go see them later."

The two chatted for a while, and Lin Qing always felt that something was wrong, but he couldn't say what it was.

However, before they had chatted for long, Chu Hongjun said, "It's almost time, Chen Yanan, you should go back."

Chen Yanan was silent for a moment, but nodded, then turned to look at Lin Qing, walked over and hugged him, and said softly, "I'm fine, you have to be well, don't worry about me."

Lin Qing frowned slightly.

Then, Chen Yanan let go of him, gave him one last look, and then turned and left, disappearing behind a door.

"Dean Chu," Lin Qing took a deep breath and said, "What exactly happened to my cousin? I feel like she's not normal. What happened to her?"

"Oh?"

Chu Hongjun looked at him, "You can sense it?"

Lin Qing just frowned and said, "I can feel that something is wrong, but I can't say what it is."

"Your senses are very sharp."

Chu Hongjun nodded slightly, and then said, "However, Chen Yanan refused to tell you the truth. She decided to tell you in person after she succeeded... Of course, if you must know, I don't mind breaking my promise to her."

Lin Qing was silent for a while and said, "I understand, then I respect her."

"Don't worry about it."

Chu Hongjun looked at him, "It's a good thing for her and for you, but she just thinks you can't accept it, but knowing you, I don't think so."

"Dean Chu knows me very well?" Lin Qing raised his eyebrows slightly, feeling that there was something in his words.

Chu Hongjun turned to look at him and said, "We've met before, haven't we?"

Lin Qing's heart was shocked, but he maintained his composure and asked in confusion, "Before?"

"I don't know when."

Chu Hongjun looked at him, "But it should have been a long, long time ago. When you first contacted me through the communicator left by Chu Hui, when you saw me, your emotions fluctuated. Were you nostalgic at that time?"

Lin Qing smiled and said, "Dean Chu is overthinking it. I was just a little surprised to see the legendary Chu Hongjun for the first time."

"It's okay if you don't want to say it," Chu Hongjun looked at him and asked, "Do you want to go to the ruins of Earth's previous civilization?"

"Ruins?"

Lin Qing said, "Dean Chu, are you talking about the treasures left in reality by the previous civilization?"

"Yes," Chu Hongjun nodded slightly.

Lin Qing had heard that the reason why these three were able to use the Starry Sky Source Stone to test their authority was because of the ruins of that previous civilization.

"However, isn't it said that you must be a native of Earth and have lived on Earth for more than a hundred years to try?" Lin Qing asked.

"That's right," Chu Hongjun looked at Lin Qing, "However, the ruins of the previous civilization detect the age of the soul, and you... already meet the requirements."