Chapter 63: Secluded Life: The Completion of the Crane Wind Divine Body

Spanning over three hundred years is merely a fleeting instant in the vast, boundless universe. However, for the newly born Tianyi Civilization, this period has been one of crucial precipitation and profound transformation.

Among the most dazzling and awe-inspiring achievements of this era is the ultimate blade personally conceptualized by Hefeng and meticulously forged through a thousand trials by Dema: the Tianyi Legion.

This legion is extremely compact in scale, numbering only one hundred and twenty-three members at full capacity, including Hefeng himself.

Yet, every single member of this force is a monster who has crawled out from mountains of corpses, seas of blood, and the trials of purgatory.

Every one of them has crossed the threshold of ordinary super soldiers, ascending to the rank of third-generation super soldiers.

This, however, is not their destination, but merely the baseline for their capabilities as members of the Tianyi Legion.

The legion's architecture is both concise and lethally efficient:

Marshal: Hefeng. He is the soul and supreme commander of the legion; his very existence represents the highest will of the legion and its ultimate deterrent. Although he rarely interferes in daily affairs, he holds absolute authority.

Deputy Commander and Daily Commander: Dema. This angel, as steadfast and unyielding as a mountain, is the true helmsman of the legion's day-to-day operations.

He is responsible for the legion's daily training, mission deployment, tactical formulation, and personnel management.

When Hefeng recedes into the background, Dema serves as the brain and backbone of the legion. His commands constitute the legion's operational doctrine.

Deputy Commander and Chairman of the Tianyi Military Commission: Nuoke. Nuoke occupies a somewhat unique position.

He simultaneously shoulders the responsibilities of the commander-in-chief for the entire Tianyi Civilization's massive military machinery and serves as a deputy commander within the Tianyi Legion. Unless the entire Tianyi Legion is mobilized, he generally does not participate in its routine affairs, dedicating himself wholly to his duties within the Tianyi Military Commission.

The Twelve Squad Leaders: They are the backbone of the legion, each commanding combat squads with specialized functions:

Assault Groups (Groups 1-4): Led by four squad leaders, comprising a total of twelve sub-squads (each group leader oversees three sub-squads).

Defense Group (Group 5): One squad leader commands three sub-squads.

Assassination Group (Group 6): One squad leader commands three sub-squads.

Reconnaissance Groups (Groups 7, 10-12): Four squad leaders command twelve sub-squads (Group 7 and Groups 10-12).

Guerrilla Group (Group 8): One squad leader commands three sub-squads.

Support Group (Group 9): One squad leader commands three sub-squads.

Each combat squad consists of a team leader and two members.

These three individuals form a combat unit that has achieved seamless coordination and absolute telepathic synchronization through countless trials of life and death.

Within squads, between squads, and across the entire legion, supported by the unimaginably massive and near-real-time shared battlefield information stream and tactical simulation capabilities of the Tianyi Cauldron, their cooperative combat proficiency has reached a terrifying degree.

The Tianyi Legion possesses access permissions to the Tianyi Cauldron second only to its creator, the Tianyi King Hefeng himself, ranking higher than the three major centers of power: the Senate, the Tianyi Star Government, and the Tianyi Military Commission.

This grants them the ability to invoke unimaginable computational resources on ever-changing battlefields for tactical prediction, energy regulation, spatial positioning, and equipment loading.

They are the purest and most direct embodiment of the Tianyi Civilization's will. Individually, their members are despair-inducing entities, and when operating in coordination, the power they unleash is reverently referred to within the ranks as "a mobile natural disaster."

Ever since the forging of the Tianyi Cauldron and the establishment and gradual refinement of the framework of the three major power institutions—the Senate, the Tianyi Star Government, and the Tianyi Military Commission—Hefeng has initiated a planned process of "retreating behind the scenes."

He is deeply aware that a healthy and formidable civilization must never be anchored entirely to a single individual.

In the overarching historical trajectory, Kesha's absolute rule over the City of Angels brought about brilliance, yet it also sowed the seeds of a massive hidden danger... The moment Kesha fell, the entire angelic civilization system plunged into profound chaos and decline.

This model of excessively binding a civilization's destiny to a single powerhouse carries immense risks in the perilous Super-God universe.

Hefeng has no desire to emulate such a flawed paradigm.

He possesses a profound sense of foreboding and anxiety: "The Super-God universe is fraught with danger; no one can guarantee when they might meet their end."

Whether facing threats from the known universe—such as the potential future existences of Kesha, Liangbing, Carl, or even more formidable entities—or the ultimate fear inherent within the cosmos itself, he must tread carefully. He has always preferred utilizing strategy over crude and simplistic displays of force.

The absolute maximum he could achieve was to "protect the Tianyi Civilization with his life," but... that is far from enough.

He requires a civilizational framework that can independently operate, continuously develop, and even possess the capacity for counterattack and sustained self-growth, even if he were to vanish.

Consequently, he has devolved the vast majority of routine state affairs and non-core decision-making powers to the three major institutions:

The Senate (Swerin and others): Responsible for macroeconomic policy formulation, legal revisions, legislative supervision, and the appointment and supervision of high-ranking officials. It serves as the "brain" of the civilization and acts as the "helmsman" steering its course.

The Tianyi Star Government (Suma and others): Responsible for economic livelihood, scientific research and education, infrastructure development, and specific execution. It serves as the "heart" and "lifeblood" driving the civilization's operations.

The Tianyi Military Commission (Nuoke and others): Responsible for national defense construction, military administration, equipment R&D, and mass production. It serves as the "sword" and "armor" of the civilization.

Hefeng himself remains transcendent above everyday trivialities.

He retains ultimate decision-making authority as the Tianyi King and Marshal of the Tianyi Legion, the power to steer major strategic directions, and the right to appoint, dismiss, and supervise the upper echelons of the three major institutions.

He resembles more of an observer, arbiter, and ultimate trump-card holder standing at the apex of the civilization's pyramid.

His "hands-off" approach is designed to allow the three major institutions to grow and temper themselves through practical experience, cultivating the capability to independently handle complex affairs and respond to routine challenges.

He regularly listens to core reports, monitors key indicators, and steps in only when the civilization faces major turning points, life-or-death crises, or issues touching upon core principles.

Only then will he issue explicit directives or intervene personally. This pattern of "governing by non-interference" is the essential pathway for the Tianyi Civilization to attain maturity and resilience against risks.

Approximately a hundred years ago, Hefeng's figure completely faded from the bustling center of Tianyi's core political stage.

Accompanied by his most loyal follower and partner, the angel Chuling, he arrived within the borders of the Tianyi Civilization at a planet of breathtaking natural beauty, far removed from the clamor of the mortal world: the Big Dipper Star.

Here became Hefeng's true "home" and "private sanctuary." Amidst sublime landscapes, he constructed a massive research facility named the "Happy House."

It is a super-laboratory integrating cutting-edge scientific research, the exploration of cosmic mysteries, and personal interests.

For a long time, the image of Hefeng in the eyes of the world has been that of a "god of war," a "commander," and an "iron-fisted monarch."

Yet deep within his heart, he has always harbored an unextinguished dream—to become a scientist exploring the ultimate mysteries of the universe and developing invincible technologies.

His personal positioning differs from luminaries like Carl and Hexi, who are peerless giants of brilliant scientific genius.

His positioning is perhaps closer to supreme powerhouses and order-builders like Kesha.

Or perhaps, to be precise, he is more all-encompassing; as the supreme leader of a civilization, he surpasses every living or long-deceased ruler within the Super-God universe.

Kesha will forever remain merely a diluted version of Hefeng.

Within the "Happy House" on the Big Dipper Star, Hefeng has finally temporarily shed his heavy crown and returned to his true nature.

He is no longer the monarch who must manage myriad state affairs and weigh complex pros and cons, but rather an explorer immersed in an ocean of knowledge.

Today, deep within the "Happy House" on the Big Dipper Star, inside a majestic structure known as the "Life Chamber," an energy torrent as dazzling as liquid starlight flows ceaselessly.

Hefeng sits cross-legged at the center of the chamber, stripped of all garments, undergoing the ultimate transformation of his life layer.

He is ascending to a third-generation divine body!

The thick alloy gates of the hall, inscribed with intricate energy circuits, slide open silently to both sides.

Hefeng steps out slowly from within. Draped in comfortable white robes, his bare feet tread upon the cool flooring.

Yet, his presence has undergone a heaven-shaking transformation.

At this moment, his hair appears glossier, and his eyes are as deep as the cosmos, seemingly containing the genesis and destruction of all things.

The most fundamental change is internal: an unimaginably surging force pulses ceaselessly through his body, yet responds to his will as smoothly as his own limbs.

Every cell in his body is imbued with unprecedented vitality, as if breaking free of time's shackles and maintaining a state of supreme perfection at all times.

Fatigue has vanished entirely, replaced by what feels like inexhaustible energy. More importantly, a profound sense of longevity originating from the essence of life permeates his being—eternal lifespan!

As long as he is not destroyed by external force, the passage of years will leave virtually no trace upon him.

He clearly perceives that at this moment, he is several times stronger than before his ascension! This is a qualitative leap, a sublimation of his life dimension.

Chuling, who had been respectfully keeping vigil outside the door, witnesses Hefeng successfully emerging from seclusion and perceives that divine aura imbued with endless majesty. Her eyes are filled with boundless reverence and joy.

Without a shred of hesitation, she drops to her knees, her forehead gently touching the ground, her voice pious and emotional, carrying an unperceivable tremor:

"Congratulations, Master! Hail, Master! You have successfully forged the supreme divine body!"

"From this moment forth, you have broken free of mortal shackles, gaining boundless lifespan and divine might!"

"Your aura is vast as the starry river, and your life is eternal as the cosmos!"

"This is the fortune of Tianyi, the blessing of billions! Chuling hereby respectfully welcomes Master into the realm of the gods!"

Hefeng looks down at the kneeling Chuling, a trace of gentleness passing through his eyes.

He steps forward, extends his hand, and gently, with a touch of indulgence, ruffles Chuling's smooth, flowing hair.

"Rise, Ling'er."

His voice is calm, yet it carries a unique, innate majesty. "It is merely stepping onto the path that should be walked."

Chuling stands, an irrepressible flushed excitement lingering upon her face.

Instead of immediately reporting other matters, she gazes at Hefeng with infatuation, as if seeking to deeply engrave her transcendent master, whose divine radiance is now restrained within, into her very soul.

After a long moment, she recalls the other crucial news she brought and quickly restrains her thoughts, respectfully supplementing:

"Master, there is another great occasion."

"During the period of your seclusion to breach the divine body, the Academy of Sciences, in conjunction with the Life Engineering Department, achieved a historical breakthrough supported by key algorithms and the full computational power of the Tianyi Cauldron!"

"The modified genetic sequence for male angels has been successfully developed and has passed all safety and efficacy verifications!"

Hefeng's gaze shifts slightly, signaling her to elaborate in detail.

Chuling quickens her pace, adopting a professional reporting tone: "The core of this modified gene lies in: thoroughly stripping away the deeply ingrained negative base desire codes of 'promiscuity,' 'lust,' 'tyranny,' and 'bloodlust' present in the male angel genes of the old Heavenly Palace era."

"Those ancient beastly shackles, distorted and magnified by Huaye and his order, have been precisely located, analyzed, and removed."

"In their place," Chuling's tone carries pride, "we have implanted meticulously designed and reinforced positive modules: 'calmness,' 'rationality,' 'focus,' and 'thirst for knowledge'!"

"These modules do not forcefully suppress instinct; rather, they optimize neurotransmitter balance and brain function, significantly enhancing emotional management capacity, logical thinking capability, long-term concentration, and the intrinsic drive to explore knowledge and truth."

"It will enable male angels to maintain formidable power while possessing a state of mind more fitting for individuals of a higher civilization."

"Most importantly," Chuling emphasizes, "we have perfectly preserved and further optimized the robust reproductive capacity inherent in angel genes."

"This concerns not only the reproduction and continuation of the angelic race within Tianyi, but also forms one of the core pillars of Tianyi's strength."

"The expression of the modified genes at the germ cell level is more stable and efficient, optimizing and enhancing the innate potential and health of offspring."

Hefeng listens quietly, his expression revealing few ripples, yet a complex glint flashes deep within his eyes.

He walks over to the massive floor-to-ceiling viewport, gazing out at the magnificent stellar ring of the Big Dipper Star and the brilliant starry river in the distance.

The joy of ascending to a divine body seems slightly diluted by the far-reaching implications brought by this news.

"Very well," Hefeng says slowly after a long silence, his voice deep and powerful. "The Academy of Sciences and the Life Engineering Department have done exceptionally well. This represents yet another purification and leap at the genetic level of the civilization, an accomplishment comparable to a millenary engineering marvel."

He turns around, looks at Chuling, and issues his directives: "In my name, convey an order to Suma, the Prime Minister of the Tianyi Star Government: immediately initiate the large-scale industrial production pipeline for this modified gene."

"Allocate all necessary resources to establish a civilization-wide network of genetic upgrade centers."

"The objective: conduct a planned, batch-by-batch gratuitous genetic upgrade and evolution for all male angel citizens within the borders of the Tianyi Civilization!"

"This is a project concerning the future of our race; ensure it is executed safely, efficiently, and orderly."

Chuling rapidly records the core points of the directive.

Hefeng pauses for a moment, adding a vital supplementary clause: "However, for the members of the Senate Standing Committee, the Prime Minister and Deputy Prime Ministers of the Government, the Chairman and members of the Tianyi Military Commission, all members of the Tianyi Legion, core scientists across various fields, and prominent scholars—the elites of the civilization's upper echelons—this upgrade is entirely voluntary."

"The government must explain all effects of the modified gene in detail to them (including the removed negative traits and the added positive traits), respect their individual choices, and refrain from any forced or disguised mandatory implementation."

A flicker of understanding crosses Chuling's eyes; she comprehends her master's concerns.

Hefeng's gaze casts once more toward the profound starry sky, his tone carrying an elusive quality: "As for myself... I have no current plans to undergo this genetic evolution."

He clenches his fist slightly, feeling the power and will belonging to his "primordial" self residing within his divine body. "I have a lingering sense that fundamentally altering the underlying genetic code, even when removing what is deemed 'negative,' might introduce some... unexpected changes."

"Personality? Cognition?"

"Or even a negation of the 'self'?"

"I need time to observe and ponder... At least for now, I choose to retain my most primitive form."

"As for the civilization as a whole, it requires this evolution."

His tone grows resolute: "The old shackles must be shattered, and new possibilities must be unlocked."

"Large-scale promotion is imperative. Notify the government to execute it."

"Understood, Master! Chuling shall immediately convey your will!" Chuling bows in acknowledgment, precisely transmitting the command—one that will profoundly shape the future of the entire male angelic race of Tianyi—to the headquarters of the Tianyi Star Government via the encrypted communication network.

He knows that a silent yet earth-shattering revolution is about to unfold within the Tianyi Civilization.

Hefeng gazes in the direction of the known universe.

"Calculating the time... Kesha's Just Order is about to take definitive shape and emerge, and that day will be when the Three Kings choose to unify, collectively becoming Kesha's first-generation left and right wing guards."

"And shortly after the emergence of the Just Order, Liangbing will backstab Kesha, defect to Kunsa, and establish the demon civilization."

"Kesha is about to usher in her new 'darkest hour'."

"That sensation of being betrayed by one's own sister... she, too, is destined to experience it once more."