"Leave, outsiders." The ancient will spoke lastly, his tone indisputable, "There is nothing here that you seek. The 'Silent Royal Court' shall continue to slumber, do not come to disturb again."

With his words, the floating dark golden energy rune structure at the center of the hall started to slowly rotate, emitting a gentle yet unyielding repelling force field.

Simultaneously, the entrance to the passage they came through silently cracked open once more.

The intention to dismiss them was quite clear.

Astra was filled with reluctance, confusion, and a hint of deeper curiosity about Bai E stirred by the ancient presence's words.

But he knew that facing a being of such level, forcefully staying or requesting would be meaningless, and could even invite destruction.

Bai E remained calm.

He obtained parts of the answers he had always wanted to know about cosmic history and high-dimensional origins, and once again confirmed that certain special "causalities" seemed to entwine him.

As for the matter of the "key"... he was deep in thought.

The two mechas slowly turned around in the gradually intensifying repelling force field, retreating towards the passage they came through.

At the very last moment when they fully entered the passage and the fissure began to close, the blue flame on the throne seemed to cast another glance, a slighter, almost inaudible whisper as if directly etched into Bai E's consciousness, audible only to him:

"The 'Creator' never truly left... the destination of the 'Fragment'... perhaps that's the key..."

The passage was completely sealed, re-isolating the grand hall and that ancient will in eternal silence.

Retracing their steps through the still dead quiet passage, once again facing possible lingering guards outside the "Star Castle", and finally meeting up with the anxiously waiting "Brilliant Destiny"... these follow-up actions seemed somewhat insignificant in comparison to the stunning secrets they had just learned.

Back on the bridge of the "Brilliant Destiny", Astra immediately convened the core team, including top scholars from the Golden Federation he brought along, and Bai E, for an urgent meeting to review and record the conversation with the ancient will of the "Star Remnant Clan" just now.

The atmosphere of the meeting was exceptionally grave.

On one hand, they confirmed that the "Silent Royal Court" could provide no direct technological assistance in the short term, and this exploration, which had cost a great deal, was a failure in terms of acquiring tangible technology.

On the other hand, the information revealed by that ancient will was invaluable in itself, enough to overturn the current understanding of cosmic history and many phenomena by the Star Alliance.

But what concerned Astra and some Golden Federation higher-ups present the most were the last few words from that ancient will about Bai E.

"With him here, what do you worry about?"

"You already possess a more direct, perhaps also more dangerous 'key'."

What do these words mean?

What's special about Bai E's "Spiritual Energy essence"?

What exactly is his "key" role in countering the Bug Race and high-dimensional threats?

Could he as an individual be more valuable than a lost ancient civilization relic?

Or could he be hiding a great secret even he isn't aware of, related to the "Creator" or "Divine Fragment", and consequently... a risk?

Astra's gaze towards Bai E became more complex.

Initially, he merely regarded him as a powerful opponent and a "tool" to possibly unlock relics, but now, this "tool" itself seemed to have become a "mystery" that requires reevaluation and might contain greater value.

Bai E could feel those eyes focused on him, exploring, assessing, and with a slight hint of caution.

He was not surprised.

The words of that ancient will would undoubtedly deepen the Golden Federation's interest in him, while also potentially inviting more suspicion.

"Mr. Bai E," Astra pondered before speaking, trying to hide the urgency in his tone, "What are your thoughts on the words of that ancient presence? Regarding your 'Spiritual Energy essence', and the so-called 'key'..."

Bai E met Astra's gaze, his expression calm: "I am merely a warrior walking the path against the Bug Race and high-dimensional threats. The words of that presence might hold profound meanings, but I am more concerned with the present. The Bug Race still rampages, the crisis on Jade Stone Star, although temporarily averted, has not eradicated the threat of the Bug Race, many places throughout the Milky Way still need to be defended. Rather than getting tangled in ancient obscure prophecies, it would be better to think about how to utilize our existing strength to fight more effectively."

His response avoided the primary issue, refocusing on current threats, while also expressing his unwillingness to delve deeply into the matter.

Astra's eyes flickered, knowing it's not the time to press further.

He nodded: "You're right, the immediate task is dealing with the Bug Race. This exploration... although we didn't achieve the expected results, the information we've gained is vital. We need to return quickly and report to the Federation higher-ups. Regarding the subsequent collaboration for exploration..."

"Share information as per the agreement." Bai E interrupted him, "I will relay what I know to my team. As for the rest, let's discuss after we've each returned and evaluated."

The meeting ended in a subtle atmosphere.

The exploration fleet withdrew from the "Silent Royal Court", embarking on the long journey back to the Golden Federation.

As the commander of the fleet and the apparent initiator of this joint exploration, Astra locked himself inside the private meditation chamber of the "Brilliant Destiny" cruiser, attempting to organize his chaotic thoughts.

He sat with eyes closed, mind repeatedly replaying the conversation with the ancient will of the "Star Remnant Clan", along with the earlier encounters with Bai E during the Star Alliance tournament in the Aisera Star System.