Soon, Baiyu received the third challenge.

That was to survive on Wood Iron Star until the Imperial reinforcements arrived. This time, the challenge did not specify any particular location, so Baiyu could leave or continue staying at the base, regardless of the choice.

As long as he remained on Wood Iron Star until the reinforcements arrived, that would suffice.

Baiyu pondered over the challenge carefully and realized there were no hidden conditions or information; he just needed to survive on Wood Iron Star.

Even if the base was captured, it wouldn't be a problem.

Of course.

Baiyu didn't immediately leave the base. Here, there was a complete supply and medical system, and a decent defense system. Although it was a focal point for attacks by the Mechanical Race, it was still worth staying here.

In the following days.

The Mechanical Race's offensive temporarily halted, and Baiyu spent time in the base's library, learning about the vast human empire that spanned the Galaxy.

This enormous nation, with three hundred billion stars and countless planets, held so much knowledge that even a lifetime wouldn't be enough to learn all of it.

Not even a billionth could be comprehended.

Baiyu only learned the very basic information.

Like the empire's territory, enemies, and so forth.

Overall.

The empire's current enemies are major species from other universes, some of which also govern galaxies.

Some exist in unique forms.

For example, the Insect Race.

Also known as the Abyssal Insect Race.

They traverse the cosmos with giant fleets, consuming everything on planets they pass.

This consumption.

Is the complete digestion of all organic material on a planet, be it creatures, vegetation, or even oceans.

Like locusts in the cosmos.

Ultimately.

The Insect Race swallows the star core of a planet, rendering it a lifeless wasteland in the Dark Cosmos, devoid of any life.

It's been said.

They are the cosmic scavengers, a headache for any species they encounter.

Besides the Insect Race.

Mechanical Race, Asura Race, Undead Race are all troublesome species in the cosmos, with no diplomatic relations existing between them, all engaged in mutual warfare over territory and resources.

This is the essence of the universe.

War.

War.

War over resources and survival grounds is the eternally unchanging theme of the universe.

Baiyu continued to learn.

Currently, the Imperial capital is on Holy Terra, at the center of the Galaxy, a miraculous continent.

Because it isn't planet-shaped.

Instead, it is a flat, extensive landmass floating in the cosmos, appearing from space as a land hanging in the Dark Cosmos, vast and expansive.

Around this landmass.

Numerous satellites orbit it.

Even stars orbit this continent, making it a cosmic spectacle.

Of course.

To the whole universe, the Galaxy is merely a small place, like a droplet in the ocean.

Thus, the cosmos having many peculiar places isn't surprising.

Of course.

Regarding the entire empire, Baiyu is more concerned about Holy Terra, i.e., the former Earth, now Canglan Star.

Only.

Information on this is scarce.

Ancient Blue Star seems rarely recorded or mentioned by scholars. After all, due to the spirit matter blockade, it's been disconnected from the Outer World for thousands of years.

Even decades or a hundred years.

Are enough to forget many things.

Let alone millennia.

Time has passed long enough that if records existed, they have vanished in the river of time.

However.

Then Baiyu soon discovered that the level classification of Imperial Cultivators is similar to that on Canglan Star.

Not just similar.

Identically the same.

Boom.

While Baiyu was engrossed in the library for an unknown amount of time, a sudden loud noise came from outside the base, causing the entire base to tremble.

Countless sands and stones fell from overhead.

Baiyu immediately closed his book and walked out of the library, coincidentally meeting Arnold rushing by.

"Something's up, the Mechanical Race has begun attacking again, but this time there are thousands of Mechanical Bugs, and the Mechanical Race's higher-level Blade Warriors."

Arnold's voice was low, but the urgency in his eyes was evident.

Baiyu quickly accompanied Arnold to the command center, and on the command center's big screen, a brand new Mechanical Race Warrior appeared.

These Mechanical Race Warriors had two huge blades as arms.

Their bodies were covered with menacing metal spikes.

Four mechanical legs grew from beneath, clattering as they moved, like a tank advancing.

Such an imposing figure.

Charged into the base, and with their nearly invulnerable bodies, instantly pushed a group of soldiers to despair.

"Completely indefensible, the current weapons at the base seem ineffective against these Blade Warriors."

Baiyu said solemnly, "Why not retreat? Staying here any longer is hopeless."

Upon hearing this from Baiyu.

Arnold shook his head, "This base is the proof of our existence. Even if I die on the battlefield, I want it to be here."

Baiyu furrowed his brows.

Frankly.

Dealing with the Blade Warriors isn't difficult, but Baiyu's concern is the endless harassment. Once the Blade Warriors are killed, the Mechanical Race may dispatch even stronger forces.

Even iron will cannot withstand such attrition warfare.

Hence, Baiyu intends to retreat.

Continuing to stay at this base is akin to a defensive war, and the city is barely fortified, allowing easy entry and exit.

But leaving the base.

Transforms it into guerrilla warfare.

Even if the Mechanical Race can detect in near orbit, finding a small human on this vast planet is challenging.

By then.

Advancing or retreating as needed.

Flexible and free.

Yet Arnold refused to leave; this base is his years of effort, and as an Imperial soldier, he would rather die on the battlefield than abandon his position.

At this moment.

Baiyu realized persuasion was futile, so he once again took action, resolving this Mechanical Race invasion.

"Though resolved for now, next time the Mechanical Race attack will surely intensify; you might struggle to fend them off."

At the base entrance.

Baiyu, carrying a large bag of food, mounted the off-road motorcycle Arnold had prepared for him, saying farewell to Arnold one last time.

"This is our fate. But it shouldn't be long before the Imperial Army arrives."

Arnold's face showed a smile.

Yet this smile was somewhat bittersweet.

Baiyu didn't say much more, got on the motorcycle, revved the throttle, and left this human base.