Chapter 2193: Zi Ying's Suggestion

"One last question," Huang Zhen said slowly. "This pattern... where did you get it, young friend?"

"Before I was trapped in the Dappled Zone, I was exploring the Star Abyss and stumbled upon it on a desolate planet," Lu Ye said, using his pre-prepared answer. Since such things couldn't be verified, people would have to take his word for it. "Perhaps it's a relic from some star system."

Unexpectedly, Huang Zhen slowly shook his head. "This can't be a relic from just any star system."

Lu Ye was puzzled by his certainty. "Why do you say that?"

Huang Zhen replied, "Relics from star systems don't involve this level. This pattern... it's a Dao pattern."

"A Dao pattern!" Lu Ye exclaimed in surprise. "Are you sure, Senior Huang?"

"Absolutely," Huang Zhen nodded.

Zi Ying, whose face was pale nearby, slowly spoke. "Lu Ye, you should know that cultivators, once they reach our Dao Integration level, all dabble in the art of spirit patterns. This is because, in a sense, Dao patterns are a type of spirit pattern, just a more advanced one. They can withstand the impact and condensation of Dao power, whereas spirit patterns cannot. This is the simplest way to distinguish between Dao patterns and spirit patterns."

If that's the case, then the 'Shared Breath, Shared Branches' pattern, derived from the talent tree, truly is a Dao pattern.

Immediately, Lu Ye thought of something. "Then couldn't I use this Dao pattern as a foundation to advance to Dao Integration?"

The key to advancing to Dao Integration is the Dao pattern, something every Dao Integrator must experience. Unfortunately, the difficulty of inscribing Dao patterns is precisely what holds back many cultivators at the Ninth-Order.

He had originally planned to visit the Dao Pattern Pavilion on his home planet to observe and comprehend the mysteries of Dao patterns when he needed to, but unexpectedly, he had created one himself first.

"Of course you can. With your Ninth-Order cultivation now, it's indeed time to begin your advancement," Huang Zhen said, smiling as he looked at Lu Ye. "Young friend, would you be willing to join my Huang family? If so, the benefits can be discussed."

Yan Yong quickly interjected from the side, "Senior Huang, my Yan family has already proposed this, but he hasn't agreed."

"No rush. Take your time to consider it. Whenever you make up your mind, feel free to come find me on the main planet."

"Senior Huang," Yan Yong spoke again, "you're not here representing the Huang family this time; you're representing the Military Affairs Department."

Huang Zhen's expression remained unchanged. "Indeed, I represent the Military Affairs Department on this trip, but I am also a member of the Huang family."

*That old man is truly shameless...* Yan Yong grumbled internally, then quickly looked at Lu Ye. "When you're considering, also think more about my Yan family. That kid Yan Hong has been talking about you non-stop. In the previous battle, he considered you a lifelong close friend. If he weren't in seclusion resonating with the ants this time, he would definitely have come to see you."

"Alright, let's not waste words," Huang Zhen said, holding the jade slip. "Since you were already prepared, I, on behalf of the Military Affairs Department, will accept this Dao pattern. Tell us what you want, and the Military Affairs Department will do its best to fulfill your requests."

He adopted a business-like demeanor once more.

Talking with intelligent people was easy. Since Lu Ye offered this wondrous Dao pattern, the Military Affairs Department naturally wouldn't offer nothing in return.

At the moment, Lu Ye needed nothing else but Dao bones.

He immediately said, "Then I hope the Military Affairs Department can provide me with some Dao bones every month until I advance to Dao Integration."

Huang Zhen wasn't surprised by this request at all. After a slight pause, he nodded and said, "Alright, the Military Affairs Department can provide you with one hundred Dao bones per month."

Lu Ye frowned slightly. To be honest, this amount was a bit small.

The Yan family offered two hundred pieces per month.

As if seeing through his thoughts, Huang Zhen said, "The Military Affairs Department is affiliated with the War Alliance, unlike the aristocratic families. There's a significant shortage of Dao bones. One hundred pieces per month is the maximum I can authorize. If you were to join the Huang family, I could promise you three hundred Dao bones per month on behalf of the family."

Even at this point, he didn't forget to try and win him over again.

Lu Ye remained silent, but he could see the sincerity in Huang Zhen's expression.

"A Gold Guard token, and some materials for a Dao weapon," Zi Ying, who was holding a hot cup of tea nearby, suddenly spoke. "Lu Ye led a battalion of men and made significant contributions in the battle against the Blood Cloud. He was originally a Silver Guard; although his current merits aren't enough to promote him to Gold Guard, if Senior Huang approves, his promotion shouldn't be an issue."

Huang Zhen was completely surprised that Zi Ying would help Lu Ye negotiate conditions. He turned to look at her in astonishment. "Fellow Daoist Zi Ying, are you perhaps looking to start a lineage?"

He knew Zi Ying's temperament: she was a loner, never had anyone particularly close, and certainly never tried to win anyone over.

Now that she was taking such an interest in Lu Ye, who was still at the Dao-entry level, Huang Zhen naturally had some conjectures.

Zi Ying continued holding her hot tea and said indifferently, "Why not?"

Huang Zhen studied her intently but couldn't discern much. After a long moment, he said, "A Gold Guard token is no problem, but materials for a Dao weapon..."

Zi Ying said, "He doesn't need it now. It's not too late to ask for it when Lu Ye advances to Dao Integration. Consider it stored with the Military Affairs Department. The value of this Dao pattern is considerable, Senior Huang, you should be able to see that. Could it be less valuable than a single Dao weapon?"

Huang Zhen nodded. "Very well, so be it." He looked at Lu Ye. "When you advance to Dao Integration and wish to cultivate a Dao weapon, come find me."

"Thank you, Senior Huang."

Huang Zhen smiled. "You should be thanking your Garrison Commander."

As he spoke, he stood up. "My business here is concluded, so I shall return. Young friend, give careful thought to what I just said."

Lu Ye, of course, knew he was referring to the Huang family's attempt to recruit him.

Moments later, Huang Zhen and Yan Yong soared away.

Zi Ying and Lu Ye watched them go.

After the two figures disappeared, Zi Ying spoke. "Although the Military Affairs Department holds great power, the benefits it can offer are limited. What Huang Zhen provided was already his maximum."

"Thank you, Garrison Commander," Lu Ye said, cupping his fists in gratitude.

To be honest, the two benefits Zi Ying secured for him later were actually of little use to him. The Gold Guard token was self-explanatory; at most, it would make exchanging resources cheaper in the future. And the materials for a Dao weapon, while perhaps rare and precious to others, were also something he didn't need.

His Panshield Blade had already become a Dao weapon when he first advanced to the Dao Realm. He had simply been focusing on improving his own strength and hadn't spent time cultivating it.

Therefore, the most practical benefit from this meeting with Huang Zhen was still the one hundred Dao bones per month...

Zi Ying waved her hand, signaling him not to worry, then added, "Speaking of Dao Integration, I don't recommend you use that Dao pattern as your foundation for advancement. While you could successfully advance, it wouldn't be very beneficial for your own personal development. Of course, if you intend to lead armies into battle, this Dao pattern would be an excellent choice."

"Before I advance to Dao Integration, I'll visit the Dao Pattern Pavilion on the main planet to observe."

"A wise decision!" Zi Ying nodded. "Where do you plan to go next?"

Lu Ye had come to tender his resignation a few days ago, but Zi Ying had kept him. Now that the war zone was somewhat pacified, she naturally knew Lu Ye would leave soon.

"I don't have any specific destination in mind yet," Lu Ye replied truthfully. Although he had previously consulted the star map and identified several potential war zones to visit, he hadn't actually decided on one.

"If you have no particular place to go... would you be interested in joining the Hawks?" Zi Ying asked. "With your strength, you'd qualify."

"The Hawks?" Lu Ye looked puzzled.

"It's a very special organization jointly established by our Human War Alliance and the Giant race. It operates independently of all other systems, answering only to the Military Affairs Department. The criteria for recruitment are extremely strict; only elites with twelve Dao powers or more are eligible to join. Yan Hong is one of its members."

Lu Ye raised an eyebrow, indicating he was listening intently.

Zi Ying continued, "The Hawks' main task is to travel across various war zones, hunting down enemies who possess Dao artifacts. You should know that Dao artifacts are extremely difficult to forge, making them very valuable. So, while hunting enemies, you can also confiscate Dao artifacts as spoils of war. Bringing them back can be exchanged for many good things."

"Can they be exchanged for Dao bones?" Lu Ye asked.

"Of course," Zi Ying nodded. "However, if you want to exchange them for Dao bones, you'll need to negotiate privately with the aristocratic families. They are very interested in recovering Dao artifacts. I've heard that even a low-grade Dao artifact can be exchanged for a hundred Dao bones, and a high-grade one for eight hundred."

Lu Ye's eyes lit up at this, but a pang of regret simultaneously struck him.

He recalled the Blood Clan member he had killed a few days ago and the claw-shaped Dao artifact he had severed – that item alone was worth eight hundred Dao bones!

"Yan Hong's last visit seemed to be for hunting a Blood Clan member with a Dao artifact, but he didn't succeed."

Could Yan Hong's target have been the owner of that claw?

"If I don't join, and I acquire a Dao artifact as spoils of war, can I still approach the aristocratic families to exchange it for Dao bones?" Lu Ye asked.

"Of course," Zi Ying nodded. "Aren't you familiar with Yan Hong? You can contact him then. The Yan family would certainly be happy to trade with you."

With a smile, Zi Ying added, "I know what you're thinking, but if you join the Hawks, they have a dedicated intelligence organization that collects information on Dao artifact owners. That would be much more efficient than you wandering around aimlessly trying to find them yourself."

Lu Ye understood. If that were the case, joining the Hawks would indeed be the better option.

"The Hawks themselves have no strict constraints. Initially, they were formed by a group of Dao artifact owners themselves. Later, they came to the attention of the Military Affairs Department, which then provided some support. So, you don't need to worry about any disadvantages to yourself after joining. There's nothing mandatory within the Hawks. Although it's affiliated with the Military Affairs Department, the Department generally doesn't interfere with the Hawks' internal affairs. Otherwise, Huang Zhen would have definitely mentioned it to you just now."

"How do I join?" Lu Ye had made up his mind.

"Go to the War Merit Pavilion. There's a dedicated person to receive you in the furthest corner of the pavilion."

"Understood." Lu Ye nodded, then gave Zi Ying a solemn bow. "Thank you for all your care during this time, Garrison Commander!"

Although he hadn't stayed long at Azure Water, Lu Ye was deeply grateful for Zi Ying's considerable care.

Zi Ying, holding her hot tea, didn't raise her head. "Go on, and may you advance to Dao Integration soon!"

"Please take care, Commander!"