Chapter 1551: The Best Opportunity

Lu Ye wasn't just considering his own passage; he was thinking about what to do if he brought cultivators from his home star system later. He could conceal his own whereabouts, and he believed that as long as he was careful, it wouldn't be a big problem.

However, when he brought people from the Jade Snail star system, an entire fleet wouldn't be easy to hide. If their presence was discovered, given the nature of the Insectoids, they would certainly not allow the fleet to pass safely. Should a conflict arise, the Jade Snail side would not be able to resist.

After a moment of thought, Lu Ye asked, "Is it feasible to take a detour?"

Locations in space are not fixed. The star map given to him by the Reincarnation Tree showed one route, but he didn't necessarily have to follow it exactly. Taking a slight detour to avoid the star systems occupied by the Insectoids and then rejoining the star map's route should be feasible.

However, this would consume significantly more time, potentially wasting several years.

Jiang Shang replied, "It might be feasible, but as long as the insect nest remains, no one knows how far the Insectoids' influence extends. If your detour happens to bring you into their reach, trouble will inevitably ensue."

This presented a challenge.

Lu Ye couldn't possibly ask Jiang Shang to use the Boundless star system's power to resolve the insect nest. The nest had drifted there decades ago, and if the Boundless star system had been capable of solving it, they wouldn't have delayed until today. Since they hadn't dealt with it, it indicated a very difficult situation.

Just as Lu Ye was feeling troubled, Jiang Shang spoke again: "Young friend, rest assured, we will definitely deal with that insect nest before your return. It will not delay our journey to the Myriad Manifestations Sea."

Lu Ye was slightly taken aback. Although he had agreed to bring people from the Boundless star system to the Myriad Manifestations Sea, it was ultimately a mutually beneficial collaboration, as the Jade Snail fleet needed to pass through their territory. Given this, he couldn't simply abandon others.

Now, Jiang Shang was proactively offering to resolve the insect nest, which was guarded by more than one Sun-level cultivator. Lu Ye wondered why, as such a conflict would hardly benefit the Boundless star system.

However, with a sudden realization, Lu Ye understood: if his hypothesis was correct, then his arrival had been a huge help to the Boundless star system!

Without further words, he raised his cup and said, "Then thank you, Realm Master!"

While he had indeed greatly helped the Boundless star system, if they could truly eliminate the insect nest, they would also be helping him. It remained a mutually beneficial arrangement.

Jiang Shang and Lu Ye toasted each other, sharing a smile that conveyed unspoken understanding.

With matters settled, Lu Ye had no intention of lingering. He rose to bid farewell, knowing the long journey ahead. He had already delayed for half a month here and wanted to start his return journey as soon as possible.

Jiang Shang naturally tried to persuade him to stay, genuinely wishing to learn more about the Myriad Manifestations Sea. However, seeing Lu Ye's firm resolve, he could only let him depart, instructing Kang Cheng to escort Lu Ye out of the Boundless star system. Kang Cheng accepted the order.

Outside the grand hall, Kang Cheng summoned his starship and stood waiting on it. Lu Ye, holding Ya Ya, bade farewell to Hua Sheng, chatting cheerfully for a good while.

It was all meaningless chatter, but after a good while, Lu Ye finally boarded the starship. Kang Cheng took the helm, and they shot out of the Boundless Realm like a streak of light.

Hua Sheng watched them go, his heart filled with deep gratitude.

Although Lu Ye had engaged him in seemingly idle talk before leaving, Hua Sheng knew it was deliberate. This way, the Boundless Realm would understand that Lu Ye had a good relationship with Chi Kong, which would improve Chi Kong's situation later on.

"What a pity!" Luo Shenzi, standing not far from Hua Sheng, watched Lu Ye's departing direction with a look of regret.

The reason he had followed his Moon-level senior here was to challenge Lu Ye to a fight. However, in the recent formal setting, he had no opportunity to speak, and Lu Ye was eager to leave, so he naturally couldn't make any impolite demands.

Although his wish wasn't granted, Luo Shenzi became even more excited about the future.

If he could truly go to the Myriad Manifestations star system, he would witness the grandeur of top-tier Constellation cultivators from various star systems. This greatly thrilled him, and he anticipated Lu Ye's return more than anyone.

"Matters here are concluded. This old man shall take his leave." Hua Sheng prepared to depart.

The female Moon-level cultivator who had spoken with Lu Ye earlier smiled faintly and said, "Sect Master Hua, there's no rush to leave. Please return to the hall first. The Realm Master has ordered a discussion."

Hua Sheng responded respectfully, "Since the Realm Master has commanded, this old man will naturally obey!"

He knew this was due to Lu Ye's recent actions; otherwise, why would he be invited back? If the Boundless side truly had important matters to discuss, it wouldn't be his place to participate.

The group of Moon-level cultivators and Luo Shenzi returned to the hall and took their previous seats.

No sooner had they sat down than Hua Sheng heard the Great Luo Moon-level cultivator say, "This Lu Yiye has arrived at an exceptionally opportune moment. With this, the plans our two realms have been devising should proceed without issues."

Jiang Shang smiled, "Indeed, I never expected such a fortunate development at this crucial juncture. It truly feels like divine assistance."

The Great Luo Moon-level cultivator continued, "In truth, those two realms are not unaware of the gravity of the situation. It's just that the calamity is at the Boundless Realm's doorstep, and they are all hoping Boundless will take the lead."

Jiang Shang said, "How could I not know their intentions? But that insect nest possesses considerable strength, and the Boundless Realm alone cannot resolve it."

His words were a bit modest. If the Boundless star system truly intended to eliminate the insect nest, they had the capability, but it would undoubtedly come at an immense cost. Such a war would very likely cripple the entire cultivation world of the star system, setting their cultivation standards back thousands or even tens of thousands of years.

If that were the case, the Boundless star system's ultimate fate would be to be devoured by the other three star systems, and it might cease to exist in the future. This was an outcome they simply could not accept.

Therefore, despite having the capability, the Boundless star system had not truly acted for decades, merely constructing defensive lines outside their territory to guard against the insect nest's invasion. The other two Sun-level powerhouses within their realm were permanently stationed at these defenses.

For these decades, the Boundless star system had been trying to connect with all four sides, hoping they would unite to confront the insect nest together.

Although the insect nest was a menace at Boundless's doorstep, if Boundless were to suffer, no one knew which star system would be next. If such a calamity as the Insectoids wasn't nipped in the bud, it would only become more troublesome due to their immense reproductive capabilities.

Among the other three star systems, only the Great Luo star system had expressed its willingness to fully assist Boundless about a decade ago, while the Serene Moon and Northern Profound star systems seemed to be watching the storm unfold and sitting back to enjoy the show.

Of course, Jiang Shang knew that the powerhouses of these two major star systems didn't truly think that way. They were well aware of the Insectoids' danger, but they were unwilling to commit too many resources, preferring to let Boundless bear the brunt of the effort.

The Great Luo Moon-level cultivator's visit to Boundless was indeed for the matter of the insect nest. The situation had been delayed for decades, and further delay would only make the Insectoids stronger. If they reached a certain level of power, even the combined forces of the four star systems might not be able to defeat them. Once Boundless fell, none of the other three star systems would be able to escape unscathed, eventually facing the fate of being consumed one by one by the Insectoids.

He intended to first persuade Jiang Shang, then connect with the powerhouses of the Serene Moon and Northern Profound star systems to prepare for a war against the Insectoids.

He had attempted this once before without much success, and this time was no different, because before Lu Ye's arrival, Jiang Shang showed no signs of budging. Boundless's stance was simple: either they all perish together, or they all contribute. In any case, Boundless would absolutely not be the first to act, otherwise, even if they won the war against the Insectoids, Boundless's future situation would not be favorable.

In such a complex situation, it could be said that all four star systems had their own agendas, and without a suitable opportunity, it would be difficult to form an alliance.

Lu Ye's arrival was the perfect opportunity!

As long as the news of the Myriad Manifestations Sea was spread, both Serene Moon and Northern Profound would undoubtedly be interested. However, to go to the Myriad Manifestations Sea, they would have to wait for Lu Ye's safe return, and for Lu Ye to return safely, the insect nest must first be dealt with!

Lu Ye had realized this possibility then, which was why he felt his arrival had greatly helped Boundless. Even though he wasn't a Boundless cultivator and wasn't fully aware of the intricacies, some things didn't require extensive knowledge to make educated guesses.

"Young friend Lu is a straightforward person. Since he's willing to take people from my Great Luo to the Myriad Manifestations Sea, I believe he'll also be willing to take those from Serene Moon and Northern Profound. It's merely a matter of more people, which won't hinder him significantly. Realm Master Jiang, I will negotiate with Serene Moon and Northern Profound. I'm confident they'll be very interested in the Myriad Manifestations Sea. If they agree to the previous proposal, then Boundless..."

Jiang Shang readily said, "As long as they truly contribute their strength, Boundless will have no problem!"

"Then it's settled!" The Great Luo Moon-level cultivator laughed heartily, stood up, and declared, "There's no time to lose. I'll depart immediately."

The Great Luo Moon-level cultivator left in a hurry, looking confident and assured.

No wonder he was so confident; no one could resist the allure of the Myriad Manifestations Sea. It was astounding that a calamity that had plagued the four star systems for so many years now held the hope of resolution, all thanks to the arrival of an outsider.

That Lu Yiye from the Nine Heavens truly was a lucky star for these four star systems.

After the Great Luo Moon-level cultivator and Luo Shenzi left, Jiang Shang pondered for a moment, lost in thought. After a long while, he turned his gaze to Hua Sheng: "Sect Master Hua, I hear young friend Lu has a good relationship with your disciple?"

Hua Sheng quickly replied, "Young friend Lu and my humble disciple met in the Primordial Realm of the Reincarnation Tree. As for their relationship… it seems quite good."

"Good, very good!" Jiang Shang praised, "As cultivators, we meet many people in our lives: villains, scoundrels, and good people… or noble benefactors. When you encounter them, you must cherish them."

Hua Sheng repeatedly assented.

"The war with the Insectoids is not far off. At that time, I will need you and your disciple to contribute greatly. Your disciple only recently advanced to Constellation, and his strength is still somewhat weak. If you are comfortable, Sect Master Hua, send him to Boundless. The Heaven's Revelation Pavilion is about to open soon!"

Hua Sheng's expression brightened at these words, and he quickly stood up, saying, "Many thanks for your guidance, Realm Master. My humble disciple will surely never forget your kindness."