Amidst the puzzled gazes of the crowd, Red-Haired lifted his teacup and took a sip, recounting the story from thirteen years ago.
Thirteen years ago was also the year Lin Ta's father passed away, a year that left a deep impression on many and would become one of the most profound memories of their lives.
This year was referred to as the Year of the Deity. Many high-ranking individuals were aware that a massive explosion had occurred in the distant Dead Star Sea, shaking the Three Major Star Domains.
With the explosion, some unknown items began to circulate from the Dead Star Sea. Those who had seen them described them as divine Equipment, while others claimed they were burial goods from a divine tomb.
In any case, many rumors started to spread. Some said there was a paradise for deities in the Dead Star Sea, others claimed it was an entrance to the realm of deities, and some believed it contained the remains of deceased gods.
Rumors about deities began to circulate again, igniting a storm regarding deities across the Three Major Star Domains.
As a result, many capable adventurers began organizing teams to explore the Dead Star Sea. Iron Body, being the dominant force among adventurers at that time, naturally did not want to fall behind.
At this point, Red-Haired sighed, "Originally, this was a group mission. Our Second Squad was supposed to guard the headquarters, but... Lin's obsession was too strong. He insisted on taking this mission. He wanted nothing more than to find the deities and expose the facade of those in power."
"In Lin's view, so-called deities were merely powerful warriors pretending to be mysterious... If it weren't for our Second Squad going on that mission, it wouldn't have been Lin who went missing..."
Shaking his head with a sigh, Red-Haired felt quite downcast. After a long pause, he continued.
Since Lin Zhongxun wanted to undertake this task, no one could stop him—not even their overall commander. Although Lin Zhongxun was the Captain of Second Squad, he held immense prestige at that time and was regarded as the next potential leader of Iron Body; no one could shake his position.
Many people went to the Dead Star Sea at that time; Lin Zhongxun's team was just one among many.
"However," he added, "our Second Squad was considered the most likely team to uncover the truth because we had an external aid who was the strongest warrior in five hundred years of star sea history—Bai Han Dian!"
Upon hearing Red-Haired's words, Lin and others exclaimed in surprise: "Bai Han Dian?"
As Earth's strongest warrior, Bai Han Dian's reputation had spread throughout the Three Major Star Domains since his emergence. Countless tales surrounded him.
Such a powerful figure had actually crossed paths with Lin's father?
Lin Xin felt a mix of emotions and quickly asked, "With Bai Han Dian's help, my father still couldn't return? Was that place so dangerous?"
Red-Haired smiled bitterly and shook his head. "What do you think? You may not know what Bai Han Dian's definition of deities is..."
"The definition of a deity is a warrior who has broken through level 100 in interstellar rankings. No matter how talented someone is, once they reach level 100, they can only stop there. For thousands of years, no one has broken through level 100 because crossing that threshold leads into the realm of deities. However, methods to break through level 100 have vanished along with deities into the annals of history; no one has been able to achieve it since..."
"The definition of Supreme Civilization is also based on Seventh Level. Similarly, as long as a civilization surpasses Seventh Level, it enters the realm of divine civilizations..."
"Thousands of years ago, during the era when gods roamed freely, there were many Eighth-Level Civilizations and even Tenth-Level Civilizations in the Ancient God Star Domain. At that time, civilization had no limits, and the path of martial artists had no end. The term 'gods' represented infinite possibilities; they could break through again and again, whether in terms of personal strength or civilization level."
"Now, both the classification of civilizations and the classification of martial artists have changed. They are no longer simple measurement units but have become Chains for everyone. The upper limit of civilization is Seventh Level, and the upper limit of martial artist strength is level 100..."
With a sigh, Red-Haired's gaze appeared somewhat weary.
Lin Ta and the others were already too shocked to speak. These were things not covered in textbooks; indeed, it was a Starry Sea. What they learned from books was merely a drop in the ocean.
"And Bai Han Dian, he was said to be the strongest who was closest to becoming a god. One more step forward, and he would have reached the divine realm. Unfortunately, after searching for over a hundred years, he ultimately did not find the way..."
"Until the events of the Dead Star Sea occurred, that was the only path to seek divinity and also the hope to break through the millennia-level Chains!"
Red-Haired's expression was very excited; this matter was sacred and great for anyone.
"So, my father went, and Bai Han Dian went as well. However, even with their strongest combination, they did not return. They were comparable to the first major Adventure Group of Seventh-Level Civilization, recognized as strong for five hundred years..."
Lin interjected, his eyes gloomy.
"Huh? Lin, I didn't expect you to understand anything at all; you even know we were once the strongest Adventure Group!"
Red-Haired was quite surprised by Lin's words.
"How could I not understand? Ever since I got this badge, I've been searching for information about it."
After a pause, Lin continued to ask, "According to what Uncle Red-Haired said, are you going to explore the Dead Star Sea again?"
At this point, Red-Haired had finished his tea. He stood up and looked out at the clouds through the glass window, sighing, "Yes, we are going back into the Dead Star Sea..."
"Over the years, there has never been a shortage of adventurers heading to the Dead Star Sea, but ultimately none of those adventurers could return... Although our Iron Body hasn't gone there in over ten years, it's not that we are afraid; rather, we have been biding our time..."
"This time we go; we no longer care about what is in the Dead Star Sea. We just want to find our Captain, find our companions."
Red-Haired slowly turned his head and stared at Lin. "We must see people alive and corpses if they are dead! Don't worry; this time we go, we will definitely bring your father back!"
Hearing this made Lin Yi stunned. He stood up and said solemnly, "Take me with you!"
Red-Haired smiled and waved his hand, saying, "You should focus on your studies. Not only does your father not want you to get involved in dangerous matters, but even Master Tower wouldn't allow you to go!"
"Why not?" Lin frowned and shouted angrily.
"Because you don't have the qualifications to enter. You're just an eighth-level kid, not even a formal warrior. What would you do there? Don't go there; on the way through the Chaotic Star Domain, you'll probably be turned into minced meat. You won't even reach the Ancient God Star Domain!"
"Damn it!"
Lin clenched his fists and lowered his head, shouting in anger within himself.
Strength! It's always about strength! In this pyramid-like world, without strength, nothing can be accomplished!
"If you really have that heart, then study hard at Wuyuan Star. Once your strength is sufficient, you can organize your own Adventure Group to seek the truth. Wouldn't that be better?"
"Well, that's not entirely wrong; by then, we might have returned as well..."
Red-Haired scratched his head, unsure if he was encouraging Lin or provoking him.
The atmosphere became somewhat heavy for a moment, and Lin stood there stiffly, silent.
Fortunately, Fatty was there; he grinned and pulled Lin over, laughing, "Uncle Red-Haired, you're still my dad's friend, right? How has he been lately? Didn't he ask you to come?"
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