Chapter 1 Night

The evening breeze was especially cool.

Xu Jingming sat in the courtyard, flipping through *Guangmu* and *Guanghui*. The densely packed universal human characters and formulas of the cosmos covered the pages, but Xu Jingming was engrossed. Xu Lixing glanced at them and felt a headache. "Dad, what are you looking at? I don't understand at all."

"In layman's terms, it's the theoretical knowledge of space-time wormholes," Xu Jingming explained.

"I get that," Xu Lixing nodded. "Spaceships that travel long distances in the universe all have wormhole-traversing capabilities. Through wormholes, you can reach another distant point in space-time from one point in a very short time. But Dad, I can't understand any of these formulas you're looking at."

"These are some formulas for space-time folding," Xu Jingming explained. "This formula is actually quite simple. It's like when a wave is created at sea; the crests are of different sizes, and there are shallow..."

"Don't even start. I'm not interested." Xu Lixing immediately stopped him, and Xu Jingming was taken aback. *Sigh, there's no one I can share this with.*

"Dad, if you learn these things, will you be able to create space-time wormholes with your bare hands?" Xu Lixing was very interested in this. "I heard that Source lifeforms can manipulate Source power and are almost omnipotent."

"You have to learn it first," Xu Jingming said with a smile. "Your dad is a newbie and can't create space-time wormholes on his own yet. I have to understand every step of the formation of space-time wormholes, understand the principles behind the steps, before I can use Source power to perform them."

"Sounds difficult." Xu Lixing got up. "I won't disturb you, Dad."

Xu Jingming smiled and continued to study these theoretical knowledge.

"For a ninth-order Source lifeform to advance to a tenth-order Source lifeform, it's actually very simple—it's about using mental strength to manipulate Source power to construct the most basic Source power structure unit of a tenth-order Source lifeform. As long as you can successfully construct one unit, you can then replicate and grow it. Soon, your whole body can be replaced successfully, and you can completely enter the tenth-order Source lifeform level."

Tenth-order Source power structure unit.

Xu Jingming was very clear that seemingly just this one threshold concealed many difficulties.

"When I constructed the ninth-order Source power structure unit, I went through countless simulations in the virtual world, and even in reality, I was weakened for twelve minutes," Xu Jingming thought. "And the difficulty of the tenth order is a qualitative change. Ninth-order Source lifeforms have a lifespan of 30,000 years."

"Tenth-order Source lifeforms have a lifespan of 100,000 years! This is also the limit lifespan below high-dimensional lifeforms. You can tell the difference between tenth order and ninth order from the lifespan alone."

"A tenth-order Source lifeform is already the most perfect lifeform in the entire universe. Its Source power structure unit is, in a sense, the most perfect in the space-time of the universe." Xu Jingming also felt the pressure. This was construction on a microscopic level.

"First, mental strength must be strong enough, otherwise, the entire construction process cannot be completed continuously."

"Second, the principles behind the Source power structure unit must be fully understood to make construction easier and more confident."

"The difficulty of the tenth-order Source power structure unit is broken down into different stages according to the learning materials of the Primordial Research Institute," Xu Jingming thought. "Like the tenth-order Source lifeform of the Heavenly Python Evolution Method, you need to master six Source power models. Mastering these six Source power models means that the knowledge base for the tenth-order Source power structure unit is sufficient."

"Six Source power models, the first is the space-time wormhole model. The space-time wormhole model is already the simplest."

"Take it slow." Xu Jingming knew that he couldn't rush.

Although his knowledge accumulation was average, after becoming a Source lifeform, his brain operated extremely fast, and his learning speed was naturally much faster. He was constantly absorbing knowledge. Time passed by, minute by minute, and the night grew deeper.

In just a few hours of study and research, Xu Jingming learned more than many planetary lifeforms learned in their entire lives. But even so, completely understanding the "space-time wormhole model" was still a distant prospect.

Wormhole traversal, a seemingly common ability of spaceships, but most elementary cosmic civilizations had not mastered this knowledge, showing how difficult it was.

"Jingming," Li Miaomiao said as she walked out of the house.

Xu Jingming looked up at his wife.

"Director Zhou contacted us and said that the Black Moon civilization delegation has arrived," Li Miaomiao said.

"Black Moon civilization delegation?" Xu Jingming nodded slightly. "I know. They sent me a message in advance."

He had been monitoring their every move since the Black Moon delegation entered the solar system.

"The Blue Star civilization has already received them and arranged for them to stay and rest," Li Miaomiao said. "The Black Moon civilization hopes to visit you personally, Jingming."

"Visit me?"

Xu Jingming thought for a moment and nodded. "It's necessary to meet them. How about arranging a meeting place in Bin Hai City?"

Li Miaomiao nodded. "Okay, I'll tell Director Zhou right away. When would be a good time to meet?"

"Tomorrow afternoon at 2 p.m.," Xu Jingming said.

The next afternoon, Bin Hai City, the state guesthouse was heavily guarded.

Inside the state guesthouse's lounge, many members of the Black Moon civilization delegation were present, and some officials from the Blue Star civilization were talking to them. Everyone was talking easily and happily, only occasionally looking towards the distant main road. They were all waiting, waiting for someone!

"The person is here."

"They've arrived."

The members of the Black Moon civilization delegation and the officials of the Blue Star civilization perked up and looked into the distance. They saw that the gate was already open, and guards stood on both sides. A black-haired man walked in, accompanied by Director Zhou.

"The Thirteenth Elder of the Black Moon civilization has been waiting inside for a long time. This way, please," Director Zhou said as he led the way.

Xu Jingming nodded and walked inside, his gaze sweeping over the many people in the lounge. The officials of the Blue Star civilization all smiled, and the members of the Black Moon civilization delegation were even more respectful. Xu Jingming only glanced at them and continued to walk inside.

In the corridor inside, several people were already waiting; they were representatives from the other major countries of the Blue Star civilization. "Mr. Xu."

"Finally, we meet Mr. Xu." They greeted him enthusiastically.

Xu Jingming nodded slightly, giving these representatives some face, shaking hands with each one.

"I'll go see the Thirteenth Elder of the Black Moon civilization first," Xu Jingming said, and then the door opened, and Xu Jingming walked in.

Director Zhou and all the others remained outside because this meeting was not between two civilizations, but the Thirteenth Elder of the Black Moon civilization was visiting Xu Jingming personally.

"The Thirteenth Elder of the Black Moon civilization are the thirteen people with the highest status in the entire Starmoon civilization. I heard that there are two Source lifeforms among them, and the other eleven are either great scholars or possess enormous power."

"But they're so eager to visit Mr. Xu."

"Mr. Xu is now quite prestigious throughout the entire Wu Hook Star Alliance."

The representatives of the major countries of Blue Star civilization chatted in low voices as they walked towards a nearby lounge. They had been in the corridor earlier just to see Xu Jingming.

Inside the conference room.

The thirteen elders of the Black Moon civilization stood in an orderly manner, with two Source lifeforms at the head, welcoming Xu Jingming's arrival.

As soon as Xu Jingming entered the conference room, he saw this scene.

"Lord Wu Ming," the red-brown-haired elder said with a smile. "We've finally met Lord Wu Ming."

Li Lilun also said, Wu Ming was Xu Jingming's code name in the Primordial Research Institute! In the universe, when facing a distinguished figure, it was common to use a code name and not directly call out their real name.

"You came quite quickly," Xu Jingming said without any pretense. He walked to a chair and sat down, his gaze sweeping over the thirteen people. "Sit down, everyone." If they were guests, Xu Jingming's attitude would definitely be much better. But the Black Moon civilization? They couldn't be considered guests!

The thirteen elders all trembled slightly in their hearts, then sat down in an orderly manner.

"Hearing the news that Lord Wu Ming had broken through to become a Source lifeform, we were delighted for the Wu Hook Star Alliance. But we soon discovered that our Black Moon civilization and the Blue Star civilization had some minor conflicts." The red-brown-haired elder said, "In fact, the development of the Blue Star civilization's mineral resources was promoted by Sipola, an eighth-order Starry Sky lifeform within our Black Moon civilization. His family member, Captain Enno, was also responsible for this matter."

Xu Jingming nodded slightly and continued to listen.

With the Blue Star civilization's wealth of trillions of cosmic dollars at the time, it really didn't rise to the level of the entire Black Moon civilization being tempted; it was just one family pushing for it.

"Afterward, regarding the conflict between Lu Naduo and the Blue Star civilization, he directly contacted our Black Moon civilization," the red-brown-haired elder said. "Our Black Moon civilization is not considered strong in the entire human race, and we are still just an elementary cosmic civilization! Facing Lu Naduo and the possible threats he might bring in the future, we chose to withdraw our garrison." Our intention was simply to not offend Lu Naduo and not get involved.

"Simply not wanting to get involved?" Xu Jingming looked at him. "Withdrawing your garrison, isolating the Blue Star civilization, what would that ultimately lead to? Don't tell me you couldn't imagine it!"

The thirteen elders were silent for a moment. Yes, they couldn't argue with that.

At their level, there were no fools; everyone knew what the result of isolating the Blue Star civilization would be.

"That was our mistake," the Grand Elder said.

"We also seek Lord Wu Ming's forgiveness," Mo Lilun also said.

"Elder Du Lingshen, Elder Xing Lilun," Xu Jingming looked at the two of them. "You are both Source lifeforms like me; there's no need to call me 'Lord.'" Generally, Starry Sky lifeforms would call Source lifeforms "Lord"; this was due to the difference in life levels. Or those of lower status would call those of higher status "Lord."

"No, no, no, we are not the same," the Grand Elder said, not caring about saving face at all. "How can we compare to Lord Wu Ming?"

Xing Lilun also said, "Lord Wu Ming is very clear about the entire process. Upon learning that Lord Wu Ming had returned to Blue Star, the thirteen elders of our Black Moon civilization came here as soon as possible, just to beg for Lord Wu Ming's forgiveness. If Lord Wu Ming forgives us, our Black Moon civilization will be at ease."

The other eleven elders all had humble expressions on their faces.

They were all influential figures in the Black Moon civilization, but at this moment, they had to lower their heads.

"Because your choice to isolate us ultimately led to the arrival of star pirates," Xu Jingming said with a cold expression. "You should know what serious consequences can arise when star pirates plunder a weak civilization." During the screening in the mysterious land, Xu Jingming had experienced a hundred kinds of life difficulties, and he had encountered the terrible scene of the Blue Star civilization being plundered by star pirates.

"Yes," the thirteen elders all had headaches.

"We are willing to pay the price, hoping to obtain Lord Wu Ming's forgiveness," Grand Elder Du Lingshen said solemnly.

Xu Jingming didn't speak, just listened.

"First, the personnel who promoted the development of the Blue Star civilization will be punished, including the family of Sipola and many key figures such as Captain Enno," the Grand Elder said.

Xu Jingming listened. *Punishment? You can punish the people of your own civilization as you please.*

"We are willing to pay a price of 100 trillion cosmic dollars, hoping to obtain Lord Wu Ming's forgiveness," Grand Elder Du Lingshen said respectfully.

Xu Jingming's heart stirred slightly. 100 trillion cosmic dollars was a relatively large price even for the Black Moon civilization!

Although an undeveloped life planet was worth about 100 billion cosmic dollars, the development and construction of a life planet required a huge cost. If the entire planet was arranged with "virtual hosts," the cost would be even higher.

Under normal circumstances, a well-constructed life planet was worth about 500 billion. The price of those with particularly extravagant construction had no upper limit.

100 trillion cosmic dollars was enough to buy 200 well-constructed life planets, or even a relatively poor, relatively barren complete star system territory. A complete star system contained countless planets. Even if there were only thirty or fifty well-constructed life planets, it was still a complete star system, and its value was enough to reach 100 trillion. The Milky Way was worth much more.

In the universe, planets were easy to buy, but star systems were difficult! Because most star systems already had many civilizations.

"I understand the sincerity of the Black Moon civilization," Xu Jingming nodded. "But I don't think it's necessary." Saying that, Xu Jingming was about to get up.

"It's necessary," Grand Elder Du Lingshen immediately got up to stop him. "Our Black Moon civilization is very sincere."

Mo Lilun also looked at Xu Jingming, "Lord Wu Ming, feel free to make any requests."

Xu Jingming looked at them. The Blue Star civilization was weak at this time, so naturally, he had to take the opportunity to bite off a piece of meat.

After all, he was also bound by the laws of the Cosmic Human Alliance, and there was a limit to what he could do to the Black Moon civilization. Exchanging this for enough benefits might be the best choice for the Blue Star civilization, and it could also make the Black Moon civilization hurt enough.

"Sincerity must be heartfelt," Xu Jingming held out a finger of his left hand.

Grand Elder Du Lingshen, Li Lilun, and the other eleven all looked at Xu Jingming, staring at the finger Xu Jingming was holding out, thinking about what it meant.

Xu Jingming held out five fingers of his left hand.

Du Lingshen and Mo Lilun exchanged glances.

Grand Elder Du Lingshen immediately said, "Yes, our sincerity is not enough. 500 trillion cosmic dollars, hoping to obtain Lord Wu Ming's forgiveness."

The other elders all felt heartache. 500 trillion cosmic dollars? This was a huge amount of wealth. It would be difficult for the entire Black Moon civilization to come up with this amount of money in a short time; they would have to find a way to collect it.

But the thirteen elders still decided to give it! Giving up 500 trillion was just a bloodletting for the civilization.

But if they didn't resolve the conflict, perhaps the Black Moon civilization's territory would shrink by half in 100,000 years.

Xu Jingming looked at these thirteen elders. He wasn't that greedy! Holding out five fingers was because the entire Black Moon civilization could squeeze and scrape together this much. If he demanded more, the Black Moon civilization would have to mortgage and sell a large number of assets.

This was also the reason why Elder Du Lingshen and the others decisively agreed after Xu Jingming made his request. Although Xu Jingming had hostility, he understood that the fundamental reason behind it was Lu Naduo; the Black Moon civilization had only chosen to stand with Lu Naduo at the time.

"Alright, I see your sincerity," Xu Jingming got up. "I will also abide by my promise."

Only when the thirteen elders of the Black Moon civilization heard these words did they feel relieved.