Chapter 1592: I Have an Idea

“Friend Lu, you’re here!” A burst of laughter reached Lu Ye, who looked in its direction. He finally spotted another familiar face and quickly cupped his fists, “Friend Kang!”

This was none other than Kang Cheng of Wu Ding. Previously, Yaya had punched and shattered one of his arms, but he had a good disposition and acted as if it hadn't happened, later even taking the initiative to befriend Lu Ye.

“I’ve been wondering when you’d return, but I didn’t expect it to be so soon!” Kang Cheng seemed to be in high spirits.

When Lu Ye had left Wu Ding, he hadn't known exactly when he would return, but interstellar travel usually took a significant amount of time. Therefore, Wu Ding had prepared for a longer wait, so Lu Ye’s swift arrival was a surprise.

“Fortunately, everything went smoothly, with no delays,” Lu Ye replied.

Kang Cheng enthusiastically said, “Come, come, let me introduce you to a few Senior Siblings who are Sun-level cultivators.” As he spoke, he pointed to the woman Lu Ye had previously met, “This is Senior Sister Li Guan from Wu Ding. You met her last time.”

Only then did Lu Ye learn her name. Although they had met before, they hadn't engaged in any in-depth conversation; he had merely gathered some information about the insectoids from her before continuing his journey.

Lu Ye quickly bowed, and Li Guan nodded slightly.

Kang Cheng then pointed to a stern-faced man beside Li Guan, “This is Senior Brother Ning Buao from Wu Ding!”

Wu Ding had three Sun-level cultivators: Jiang Shang, Li Guan, and Ning Buao. Currently, Jiang Shang was overseeing their territory, while Li Guan and Ning Buao were present here.

Next, Lu Ye met Luo Xie from the Daluo Star System, Bai Jin from the Jingyue Star System, and Chen Zong from the Beixuan Star System.

They all respectfully bowed. Sun-level cultivators represented the pinnacle of cultivation in this part of the cosmos, deserving respect wherever they went.

Luo Xie from the Daluo Star System appeared more amiable than the other Sun-level cultivators. He smiled and exchanged a few words with Lu Ye, mentioning Luo Shenzi. Lu Ye guessed that Luo Xie's favorable view of him was likely due to something Luo Shenzi had said, though the connection to the Myriad Manifestations Sea was also a definite factor.

Currently, Lu Ye was crucial to their expedition to the Myriad Manifestations Sea. Therefore, even though his cultivation was far below theirs, the Sun-level cultivators made every effort to show him deference and respect.

Chen Zong from Beixuan indeed had an injury, likely sustained when forcing his way into the insectoid nest. His face was somewhat pale, and a faint smell of blood still clung to him.

The vital essence of Sun-level powerhouses was usually refined to its peak, allowing them to recover from ordinary injuries with ease. Chen Zong's wound, however, seemed more serious, and it was uncertain whether it would affect his combat capabilities.

Bai Jin from the Jingyue Star System also treated Lu Ye amiably. However, Lu Ye always felt a strange sensation when facing this Sun-level cultivator, though he couldn't pinpoint what exactly felt odd.

Judging by the current lineup, the Four Quadrants Star System had mobilized a total of five Sun-level cultivators. Besides the two from Wu Ding, the other three star systems each contributed one. Such a powerful formation, supplemented by a sizable fleet of warships, was more than enough to deal with a single insectoid nest.

After all, according to existing intelligence, the insectoid nest was only defended by two Sun-level insectoids. With a five-to-two advantage, defeat seemed impossible.

“Friend Lu, did you come alone this time?” Kang Cheng asked. His query stemmed from remembering Lu Ye's previous mention of returning to Nine Heavens to bring some people back; seeing only Lu Ye now naturally made him wonder.

Lu Ye replied, “A fleet from my homeland followed along. Since I wasn't sure about the situation here, I came ahead to scout. The fleet is currently concealed behind us.”

Kang Cheng understood. “In that case, have your fleet hold back for a while and observe. Once the battle here concludes, the Four Quadrants Star System will proceed with you to the Myriad Manifestations Sea.”

Lu Ye nodded, took out a sound-transmitting talisman, and sent a message to Luan Xiao'e, informing her of the situation.

Luan Xiao'e immediately agreed and led the fleet toward their location.

Lu Ye waited in the central hall. During this time, several Sun-level cultivators asked him various questions, to which Lu Ye answered everything he knew without reservation.

Under normal circumstances, a mere Star Constellation cultivator like him would not have the qualifications to communicate face-to-face with Sun-level cultivators. It was only because the Four Quadrants Star System currently needed his help that he had this opportunity.

After more than half a day, Luan Xiao'e sent a message, informing him that the fleet had arrived near the battlefield. Lu Ye concluded his conversation with the Sun-level cultivators, excused himself, and left the central hall.

Flying out of the colossal warship, Lu Ye sped towards the fleet's location.

After they rendezvoused, everyone on the fleet's side was standing by the ship's rail, gazing in awe at the immense battle raging nearby.

Never had cultivators from the Three Realms witnessed such a spectacle. Not to mention those from Kyushu, even the Yuluo cultivators had not. Feeling the intensity of the battle, each of them was deeply stirred, and the colossal warship, in particular, was an astonishing sight.

“Though both are large territories, the difference with or without Sun-level cultivators is simply immense,” Luan Xiao'e remarked with a sigh.

Lu Ye smiled, “Friend, there's no need to overthink it. This fleet of warships was jointly assembled by the Four Quadrants Star System; it doesn't belong exclusively to any single star system.”

Luan Xiao'e knew he was trying to comfort her. She slowly shook her head, “But each of them likely possesses the capability to assemble such a fleet on their own.”

That was true...

Luan Xiao'e composed herself and asked, “What's the situation here currently? The insectoid nest seems to be putting up no resistance.”

Lu Ye then detailed the information he had, explaining, “The insectoid nest is destined to be eradicated. Once its defenses are breached, the Four Quadrants Star System allied forces can achieve a decisive victory. Wu Ding wants us to proceed ahead to the Wu Ding territory and wait there. Once this battle concludes, they will join us on the journey to the Myriad Manifestations Sea.”

Luan Xiao'e paused, “Are all these warships going?”

Lu Ye shook his head, “I don't know, but since they've come to Wu Ding, they probably will go along.”

Luan Xiao'e was speechless. She recalled that when news of the Myriad Manifestations Sea reached Yuluo, the Yuluo ultimately decided to send her to lead a hundred people. Compared to the grand scale of the Four Quadrants Star System's preparations, Yuluo's decision seemed rather petty.

Looking at it now, Yuluo seemed to have missed a great opportunity. They had a more natural affinity with Lu Ye, yet outsiders had benefited more.

Regret was useless now.

After a moment's thought, Luan Xiao'e said, “Friend Lu, I have an idea.”

Lu Ye looked at her intently, “Please speak, Friend!”

“Such a grand battle is rarely encountered. Since we've come across it, it would be a great pity to miss out. You mentioned that the Myriad Manifestations Sea is rife with chaos and conflicts, and establishing ourselves there won't be smooth sailing. We might have to contend with both nature and other people. Right now, there's an opportunity for the cultivators of the Three Realms to experience interstellar warfare firsthand, and it seems there isn't much risk involved. What do you think?”

Lu Ye immediately understood her meaning. He hadn't considered this himself, as it was someone else's war, and they were merely passing guests; rashly interfering didn't seem appropriate.

Kang Cheng had previously asked him to lead his people to Wu Ding ahead of time, undoubtedly to prevent any harm to Lu Ye's group during the battle.

However, fear was sometimes useless. Luan Xiao'e was right; such an opportunity was rare. Participating in such a battle, even if just to cheer from the sidelines, would greatly broaden the horizons of the Three Realms cultivators and allow them to gain a deeper understanding of the dangers in the cosmos.

Of course, the most important point was that there wasn't much risk involved. The insectoid nest was already besieged, and breaching its defenses was only a matter of time. Once the nest's defenses were broken, what followed would be a one-sided slaughter.

“That's not a bad idea!” The more Lu Ye considered it, the more feasible Luan Xiao'e's suggestion seemed. After a brief pause, he said, “I'll go talk to them and see if they'll allow us to participate in the battle.”

If they didn't permit it, their own wishful thinking wouldn't make it happen.

However, Lu Ye estimated that the Sun-level cultivators of the Four Quadrants Star System wouldn't refuse. Every little bit helped; even though the Three Realms fleet's overall strength wasn't exceptional, it still comprised five hundred Star Constellation cultivators and one late-stage Luna-level cultivator.

Lu Ye quickly returned to the central hall of the colossal warship. He found Kang Cheng and explained the matter. He sought out Kang Cheng instead of the other Sun-level cultivators because Kang Cheng was commanding the current battle, while the Sun-level cultivators were only responsible for the decisive, final engagement.

Kang Cheng smiled, “It's a good thing that cultivators from your star system are willing to lend a hand; our Four Quadrants Star System is deeply grateful.” After a brief moment of thought, he said, “How about this: I see your star system has sixteen Star Skiffs. We can allocate your personnel according to your original Star Skiff divisions and distribute them among various warships. What do you think, Friend?”

Star Skiffs were ineffective in such battles; only warships could participate. Therefore, if Yuluo cultivators wanted to join, they would have to board the other side's warships. Their task would be simple: channel their spiritual energy into the formations to power the warships' various attacks. This would, to some extent, conserve the consumption of spirit jades. Otherwise, Wu Ding Star System alone couldn't sustain the warships' offensives solely by using spirit jades.

The power provided by five hundred Star Constellation cultivators could at least save the Four Quadrants Star System a significant amount of spirit jades, which was why Kang Cheng wouldn't refuse.

“Friend Kang, please arrange as you see fit. Since the cultivators of my Yuluo Star System have decided to participate, they are now a part of this battle. Wherever your orders lead, they will obey without question!” Lu Ye stated his position.

The Sun-level cultivators nearby all nodded slightly. They had heard about Lu Ye before and had been most concerned that he might consider himself indispensable due to his ability to lead them to the Myriad Manifestations Sea. However, it now seemed this young man was quite commendable.

“Additionally, your star system has five Tiger Shark warships. I will send someone to provide some spirit jades to them, and those five warships can provide mobile support.”

Lu Ye naturally had no objections to this arrangement.

Kang Cheng then summoned another Luna-level cultivator from Wu Ding and instructed him to take Lu Ye to organize the personnel.

A short while later, Lu Ye, accompanied by the Wu Ding Luna-level cultivator, arrived where the fleet was located.

After Lu Ye finished relaying Kang Cheng's arrangements, Luan Xiao'e confirmed that there were no issues, and the fleet proceeded to the battlefield with the Wu Ding Luna-level cultivator.

The cultivators of the Three Realms had undoubtedly been briefed by Luan Xiao'e in advance. At this moment, they all looked excited. If nothing else, they could at least enter the large warships now and broaden their horizons.