Chapter 362: Shaken Stance

The ancient temple, nestled atop a mountain peak wreathed in clouds and mist, is a relic left behind by ancient Practitioners. Lin Xuan came here to seek more clues regarding the activation of the Heaven Origin Instrument after the collapse of the defense network.

When he sensed Saide's aura approaching, Lin Xuan did not feel surprised. He had already noticed the unusual behavior of this messenger from beyond the heavens—recently, Saide had not been actively advancing the plans of the extraterrestrial civilization, but instead shuttling between various sacred cultivation sites, seemingly searching for something.

"I know you are there." Lin Xuan stood on the stone steps in front of the ancient temple, his gaze cast toward the end of the mountain path, "If you want to fight, let's go somewhere else. This is a sacred cultivation site; it should not be destroyed by battle."

Saide walked out from the clouds and mist, his expression calm: "I am not here to fight, Lin Xuan. I want to talk to you."

Lin Xuan raised an eyebrow slightly, but did not refuse. The two walked into the ancient temple and sat opposite each other in the main hall. The walls inside the temple were covered with ancient Runes, recording the wisdom of the ancient Practitioners.

After a moment of silence, Saide spoke: "The energy you call Qi Luck Power is extremely rare in the universe. I have conquered seven civilizations and have never seen such a harmonious energy system."

Lin Xuan watched Saide calmly: "That is because Qi Luck Power originates from the symbiosis of all things. The heavens, earth, mountains, rivers, flowers, plants, trees, birds, beasts, insects, and fish—all life is part of this system, nourishing each other and evolving together."

"And our civilization chose a different path." Saide gave a bitter smile, "Plunder, conquest, assimilation. Our energy comes from the extraction of other civilizations; the more powerful the civilization, the higher its value to us."

Lin Xuan keenly sensed the strangeness in Saide's tone: "You have begun to question your path?"

Saide did not answer directly, but stood up and pointed to the scenery outside the hall: "The Yi Hua Qu I created, you view as a disaster, but in the eyes of the extraterrestrial civilization, that is merely the first step of transformation. If our plan succeeds, the entire Diqiu will become like that—suitable for our survival, but for most life on Diqiu, it will be the end of the world."

He turned to Lin Xuan, a complex light flickering in his eyes: "You were told that humans who accept the extraterrestrial energy transformation will achieve evolution; in reality, they will eventually be reduced to energy containers for the extraterrestrial civilization, their souls and consciousness gradually erased, leaving only their shells as tools for energy storage and Zhuanghua."

"I had guessed as much long ago." Lin Xuan's voice was low and firm, "Any power that promises something for nothing has a terrible price behind it."

"Those people in the Mysterious Organization, they think they are standing at the forefront of the wave of evolution, not knowing that they are merely the first batch of sacrifices to be consumed." Saide continued, "When Mo Rui arrives, everything will accelerate. He brings not only greater power, but also a complete colonial fleet."

Lin Xuan's gaze became sharp: "Are you warning me?"

Saide was silent for a while before speaking slowly: "I am telling you the facts. Lin Xuan, you should know that our extraterrestrial civilization is not of one mind. Some, like Mo Rui, crave conquest and plunder; while others lean toward true civilization exchange and symbiosis."

These words left Lin Xuan thoughtful. The conversation between the two lasted nearly two hours, touching upon the history and purpose of the extraterrestrial civilization, as well as the uniqueness of the Diqiu civilization. When the conversation ended, Lin Xuan could clearly feel that the scales in Saide's heart were tipping.

"One last question." Lin Xuan asked before Saide left, "Why tell me this?"

Saide looked back, the corners of his mouth slightly raised: "Because I have begun to believe that some things are worth protecting, rather than being conquered." Having said this, his figure disappeared into the clouds and mist.

Lin Xuan stood before the ancient temple gate, pondering this unexpected meeting. He keenly realized that Saide's transformation could become a key variable in resisting the extraterrestrial civilization. Internal division is often more capable of shaking the foundation of a civilization than external attack.

Three days later, Saide stood alone in a remote cave, receiving a message from the high command of the extraterrestrial civilization. In the holographic projection, an abstract face composed of light points conveyed orders to him:

"Pioneer Saide, your actions on Diqiu have attracted the attention of the Council. According to monitoring, you have frequently contacted Diqiu Practitioners and shown hesitation at several critical moments. Star Domain Adjudicator Mo Rui will arrive in three days to take over all operations and evaluate you."

The threat implied in the message was self-evident. Saide understood that his unusual behavior had already aroused the suspicion of the high command. Once Mo Rui arrived, he would likely be recalled or even face harsher punishment.

After closing the communication, Saide fell into deep thought. His heart had already made a decision, but putting it into action meant betraying his own civilization. This would be a road of no return.

However, when he thought of those humans transformed by extraterrestrial energy, thought of their ultimate fate, and thought of that unique and beautiful Qi Luck system on Diqiu, he knew he had no other choice.

"If this is betrayal, then, for a higher purpose, I am willing to be a traitor." Saide said in a low voice.

He acted quickly. Using his special authorization, he collected the most Core intelligence of the extraterrestrial civilization: the deployment plan of the colonial fleet, the weaknesses of the extraterrestrial energy, the ability characteristics of Mo Rui, and how to interfere with the communication system of the extraterrestrial civilization.

Most importantly, he found an ancient record regarding the Heaven Origin Instrument. The extraterrestrial civilization had long known of the existence of the Heaven Origin Instrument and viewed it as the greatest threat. The record described in detail the operating principles and activation conditions of the Heaven Origin Instrument—five elemental Houxuanzhe need to simultaneously activate their respective parts at the moment the defense network completely collapses, utilizing the massive energy released by the network collapse to drive the Heaven Origin Instrument, achieving the Zhuanghua and purification of the extraterrestrial energy.

Saide organized this intelligence into a detailed document. Just on the eve of Mo Rui's arrival, he transmitted the data simultaneously to Lin Xuan, Li Yan, and Ling Bo through a special method.

After the transmission was complete, Saide looked toward the starry sky, his heart already prepared to welcome the storm. He knew that Mo Rui's arrival would completely change the face of this war, and he himself would face an unprecedented test.

"Regardless, I am no longer that unquestioning Pioneer." Saide whispered to himself, "Perhaps, true evolution is not conquest, but learning to coexist with others."

Li Yan was meditating in the inner cultivation room of the Shushan Sect, adjusting the trajectory of the Star-Extinguishing Flame, when he suddenly felt his communication talisman heat up slightly. Opening it, he saw it was an emergency request for help sent by the Shushan Sect branch stationed in the south.

"Spirit Qi in the Southern Jungle region is experiencing intensified rampages, and a large number of abnormal creatures have appeared. Please come to support immediately!"

Li Yan frowned and quickly packed his gear.