Chapter 197: Galactic War

Duo Yun's voice was deep and resonant, echoing through the room.

"Creation Star, Creation Star..." Kelinda murmured, her gaze distant as if lost in a memory.

Duo Yun did not interrupt her, but waited silently, knowing that for any stellar‑peak strongman, the Creation Star was the goal they coveted.

After a long while, Kelinda came to herself, inhaled deeply, suppressed her excitement, and asked, "Lord Duo Yun, what exactly do you want me to do?"

Duo Yun gave a slight smile and said, "No rush. First, tell me, do you know why moving from the stellar‑peak to the Creation Star tier is like a heavenly chasm?"

Kelinda was startled, then gave a wry smile, "I, a junior, am foolish; please enlighten me."

"The universe is vast, strong ones abound like clouds, yet only a few can break through to the Creation Star tier," Duo Yun paused, then continued, "Do you know why?"

Kelinda shook her head; although she was a prodigy of the Demon race, in the cosmic scale she was but a drop in the ocean.

"Because they lack 'it'," Duo Yun said, flipping his palm, and a crystal‑clear flower appeared in his hand.

The flower was only palm‑sized, its whole body shimmering with a dreamlike rainbow light, emitting a faint fragrance that soothed the mind.

"What is this..." Kelinda's eyes widened; she could feel that within this seemingly ordinary flower lay an incomprehensible, terrifying energy.

"Creation Star Flower," Duo Yun said calmly, "Only it can help a stellar‑peak strongman break his shackles and ascend to the Creation Star tier."

"Creation Star Flower!" Kelinda exclaimed, she had never seen one, but had heard of the legendary treasure.

It is said the Creation Star Flower was born at the dawn of the universe; each blossom contains the power to split heaven and earth, a priceless treasure coveted by countless strong ones.

"Indeed, it is the Creation Star Flower," Duo Yun nodded, "However, this flower is priceless; even if you are rich, you cannot buy it."

"One hundred billion galactic coins—price without market," Duo Yun added.

Kelinda inhaled sharply; one hundred billion galactic coins could purchase hundreds of livable planets!

"Then... how can I obtain it?" Kelinda couldn't help asking.

"Galactic War." Duo Yun slowly uttered the four words.

"Galactic War?" Kelinda frowned slightly, she had never heard that name.

"The Galactic War is the oldest and largest competition in the universe," Duo Yun explained, "Every thousand years the Galactic Alliance holds it, and then strong ones from five hundred billion livable planets compete for ultimate glory."

"And the Creation Star Flower is one of the top ten rewards in this Galactic War."

Duo Yun paused, his gaze blazing at Kelinda, and said word by word, "I need you to help me enter the Galactic War."

The room fell silent.

After a while, Zhang Cheng suddenly asked, "What kind of competition is the Galactic War?"

Though his voice was soft, it rang like a stone shattering the heavens, exploding in everyone's ears.

Duo Yun turned his head toward Zhang Cheng, a mysterious smile curling his lips, and said slowly, "Young man, you are daring, fine, I'll tell you what the Galactic War is..."

Duo Yun's voice grew deeper, his gaze seeming to pierce space, seeing the distant depths of the starry sky.

"The Galactic War is a brutal slaughter feast..."

"The Galactic War is divided into seven tiers: Planetary, Stellar, Star‑system, Star‑domain, Star‑cluster, Supercluster, and finally Cosmic," Duo Yun's deep, resonant voice seemed to recount an ancient legend, "Each tier corresponds to different qualifications and rewards."

Zhang Cheng listened intently, only then realizing such a cruel competition existed in the universe.

"The terrifying arena you know is merely the lowest selection round of the Galactic War, the Planetary Terrifying Arena," Duo Yun said, glancing at Zhang Cheng, "Only those who rank in the top ten of the Planetary Terrifying Arena qualify for the Stellar Terrifying Arena, and so on; ultimately, only the strongest standing on the Cosmic Terrifying Arena can claim final victory, and..."

"Creation Star Flower!" Kelinda couldn't help interjecting.

Duo Yun nodded, "Indeed, the Creation Star Flower is the ultimate reward of the Galactic War, the priceless treasure many strong ones covet."

Zhang Cheng fell silent; he had only intended to rescue Kelinda, never expecting to be drawn into such a Cosmic‑level contest.

"What? Scared?" Duo Yun looked at Zhang Cheng, half‑smiling, half‑mocking.

Zhang Cheng lifted his head, steadfast light flashing in his eyes, and said gravely, "Scared? I, Zhang Cheng, have never even known how to write the character 'fear'! Since I've decided to save Kelinda, I will go all the way, even if the opponent is..."

"Even if the opponent is a Cosmic‑level strongman, you still want a fight?" Duo Yun cut him off, his tone tinged with amusement.

Zhang Cheng nodded without hesitation, "Indeed! For Kelinda, I would do anything!"

"Good! Courageous!" Duo Yun burst into laughter, "I truly didn't misjudge you! Then I will lend you a hand!"

As he spoke, Duo Yun waved his right hand, a golden light shooting into Zhang Cheng's brow.

Zhang Cheng felt a rumble in his mind, a massive influx of information flooding his thoughts.

"This is..." Zhang Cheng said in surprise, looking at Duo Yun.

"This is detailed information about the Galactic War, plus some cultivation insights; I hope it helps you," Duo Yun said calmly, "Alright, it's getting late; you should leave now."

Zhang Cheng and Kelinda rose, said their farewells, and left the room.

"Are you really going to join the Galactic War?" Kelinda asked, unable to hold back as they walked back.

"Of course." Zhang Cheng nodded without hesitation, "I said, for you, I would do anything."

Kelinda felt warmth in her heart; she knew Zhang Cheng was sincere.

"But the Galactic War is too dangerous, you..." Kelinda began, but Zhang Cheng cut her off.

"No need to say more, I've already decided," Zhang Cheng said firmly, "I will return alive and take you as my wife!"

Kelinda looked at Zhang Cheng's steadfast gaze, her heart filled with emotion; she realized she had fallen in love with this man.

"Alright, let's go back," Zhang Cheng took Kelinda's hand and headed toward their dwelling.

"Ha ha, Zhang Cheng, you kid's got guts, actually going to join the Galactic War—truly reckless!" A hearty laugh rang out suddenly.

Zhang Cheng and Kelinda turned their heads and saw Xiao Dian and a massive man with a bull's head approaching...

"Ha ha, Zhang Cheng, you kid's got guts, actually going to join the Galactic War—truly reckless!" Xiao Dian laughed as he walked over, grabbing Zhang Cheng's shoulder. Zhang Cheng hadn't even reacted when Xiao Dian jerked him off balance.

The towering bull‑headed man, about two meters tall, muscles bulging like an iron tower, stared blankly at Xiao Dian and asked in a deep, muffled voice, "Xiao Dian, what's this Galactic War? Is it tasty?"

Xiao Dian burst out laughing, pointing at the bull‑headed man, "I tell you, old ox, does your brain only hold food, drink, and waste? The Galactic War is the biggest competition in the universe; countless strong ones will go all out to snatch the ultimate prize!"

The bull‑headed man scratched his head, saying earnestly, "I see, then it's quite dangerous, huh? Brother Zhang Cheng, you better be careful."

Zhang Cheng smiled, "Thanks for the concern, Bull Brother; I'll be careful."

"Alright, old ox, stop fretting; this kid Zhang Cheng is a little rascal, nothing will go wrong." Xiao Dian waved his hand, then turned to Kelinda and asked, "Who might you be..."

"My name is Kelinda, I'm Zhang Cheng's friend." Kelinda smiled faintly and said.

"Friend?" Xiao Dian glanced at Zhang Cheng with meaning and teased, "In this day and age, is there still pure friendship between a man and a woman?"

Zhang Cheng's old face flushed red. Just as he was about to explain, Kelinda suddenly spoke up: "Zhang Cheng, I've decided. I want to form a master-servant contract with you!"

As soon as these words came out, everyone present was stunned.

Zhang Cheng was even more shocked and quickly waved his hands: "No, how could that be! I saved you only because I wanted to help you, not because I wanted to make you my servant!"

"But I have no way to repay you..." Kelinda bit her lip, her eyes filled with inner struggle.

"You don't have to do this, I—"

Kelinda suddenly stepped forward, grabbed Zhang Cheng's hand, and looked at him with burning eyes, saying word by word: "My mind is made up..." Zhang Cheng gently pushed Kelinda's hand away, his expression serious and firm: "Kelinda, listen to me. I saved you not because I wanted any reward, much less to make you my servant. Everyone is an independent individual with the right to choose. You don't need to bind yourself for the sake of repaying a debt of gratitude."

Kelinda was stunned. Zhang Cheng's words were like a clear spring flowing through her parched heart. Yes, why should she place herself in such a lowly position? She could choose her own life, could choose her own future.

"But..." Kelinda still wanted to say something, but was interrupted by Zhang Cheng.

"I know you want to repay me, but there's truly no need. You've already given a lot, and I've felt your sincerity—that's enough. You should pull yourself together and pursue the life you want, rather than becoming anyone's subordinate." Zhang Cheng's tone was gentle, yet carried an unquestionable strength.

Kelinda's eyes grew slightly red. She took a deep breath, tried hard to suppress the emotions within, then solemnly cupped her fists toward Zhang Cheng and said: "Thank you, Zhang Cheng. I understand."

Seeing Kelinda's relieved expression, Zhang Cheng also revealed a gratified smile. At this moment, the Mysterious Judge, who had been silent all along, suddenly spoke up.

"Zhang Cheng, the Battle of the Galaxy will begin in ten days, at the Star Gate Plaza in the center of the Milky Way." The Mysterious Judge's voice was deep and magnetic, "At that time, contestants from various star systems will gather together to compete for the ultimate prize—the Creation Star Flower."

"Ten days from now?" Zhang Cheng murmured to himself, his eyes flashing with determined light.

"Additionally, I must remind you of one thing. The Greed Star in the Milky Way is closely connected to the Blood Night Demon Family. You should be extra careful." The Mysterious Judge's voice carried a hint of warning.

"The Greed Star? Understood. Thanks for the reminder." Zhang Cheng nodded and firmly committed this information to memory.

The Mysterious Judge's figure gradually faded and finally disappeared. Zhang Cheng took a deep breath, turned to look at Kelinda, Xiao Dian, and the others behind him, his eyes flashing with determined light.

"I'm leaving." Zhang Cheng said in a calm tone.

Xiao Dian patted Zhang Cheng's shoulder and said with a smile: "Go, Zhang Cheng. I believe you will definitely succeed!"

Kelinda also stepped forward, her eyes filled with worry and encouragement: "Zhang Cheng, be careful..."

Zhang Cheng nodded, said nothing more, and turned to walk toward the door. He knew that his journey along the path of stars was about to begin.

Stepping out of the room, Zhang Cheng looked up at the sky, his heart filled with anticipation and trepidation. He knew that what awaited him would be endless challenges and unknown dangers, but he was already prepared. For the goal in his heart, to protect everything he cherished, he would embark on this thorny path of stars without hesitation.

"Elder Long, I'm ready..."