Qin Shi gazed at the Grand Star Sea Medal lying quietly in the box.

The eight-pointed star crafted from deep space metal emitted a cool, ethereal glow.

At its center, a black dragon coiled around a cylindrical monument, its lines powerful and dignified.

The base of the monument was engraved with four ancient Dongxia characters: "Civilization Everlasting."

This is the Grand Star Sea Medal, a symbol of exemplary military brilliance that is only awarded for first-class merits and the title of a first-level combat hero.

According to statistics, each millennium after the founding of the new Dongxia, fewer than a hundred thousand of these Grand Star Sea Medals have been distributed.

Considering the number of personnel in various battle groups, and the continuous recruitment for the Great Expedition.

A hundred thousand Grand Star Sea Medals over the scale of a millennium, across the vastness of the galaxy, is truly rare.

Many veterans serve a lifetime, with three golden clasps on their collars,

yet rarely come close to touching the edge of the Grand Star Sea Medal even when they burn out their lives.

Firstly, the criteria for judging a first-level combat hero is very high, requiring "noteworthy merit with significant contributions and impact."

Among them, "noteworthy merit" must far exceed the typical understanding of excellence, reaching the level of "extraordinary and outstanding."

For example, in highly intense battles, commanding with distinction, annihilating or heavily damaging large numbers of enemy troops, or independently destroying key targets, capturing high-value strategic objects, and so on.

Moreover, succeeding in completing tasks of strategic or campaign significance under extremely difficult and dangerous conditions.

Additionally, the evaluation and approval process for a first-level combat hero is very strict, requiring step-by-step reporting, with layers of scrutiny from the brigade, regiment, and division levels.

Finally, it requires the approval of a front-line unit at the main theater level, and if the impact is particularly significant, it must even be reported to the highest military department in the Imperial Capital.

"Lieutenant Qin, in this millennium of New Star Heng Province, you are the twenty-sixth soldier to be awarded the Grand Star Sea Medal."

Feng Wuyang took out the eight-pointed star medal from the box, stepped forward, and pressed it onto Qin Shi's chest.

The cold metal lay over the fabric of his uniform, right above his heart.

"If we consider your actual age, you should be the only 'combat hero' in Dongxia to receive this honor while underage."

Feng Wuyang's gaze was sharp, but his voice was low enough that only he and Qin Shi could hear it.

"To advance and forge ahead for Dongxia, so that the fire of civilization may burn eternally."

Qin Shi lowered his head in response. As he contacted the Grand Star Sea Medal, a faint yet clear sense of resonance surged through him.

Some kind of will seemed to press upon him, making the traits left by Blood River Typhon on his body retract inward as if seared by a brand.

"The Grand Star Sea Medal contains a 'seed of civilization fire,' which is its most precious value aside from the honor."

Feng Wuyang said softly.

"Countless millennia ago, the universe was chaotic, the galaxy dim. Only the fire of civilization could dispel the winter and ignite hope."

Qin Shi raised his right arm, bringing his fingers together, his fingertips touching his temple in a salute directed at Feng Wuyang.

He then turned and solemnly saluted below, toward White Poplar Barrier City and everyone watching the comprehensive battle zone broadcast.

"Time to give thanks, Boss."

Long Qiuyuan reminded through the earpiece.

Qin Shi gently nodded imperceptibly. His military boots took a step forward, his steady voice resonating through the amplifier to every corner of White Poplar Barrier City.

There was no excessive excitement, just steadfastness as strong as stone:

"All officers, fellow comrades."

"As Lord Governor has said, this Grand Star Sea Medal is not the accolade of any one individual. It doesn't embody my personal honor or individual strength.

Its glow represents the valor built by warriors fighting on the front lines, those who lie buried in scorched lands, and the unending glory of nine millennia of Dongxia's civilization."

Qin Shi's voice wasn't loud, yet it bore immense force.

His spiritual fluctuation spread like a vast net, his spiritual telekinesis extended outward like invisible threads.

The fervent emotions of White Poplar Barrier City were like logs tossed into the "Void Meditation Technique."

The collective will of countless people coalesced like a catalyst, silently enhancing Qin Shi's spiritual level, bringing that perfect holy embryo closer to perfection.

"This New Star Heng Province beneath our feet was once wasteland wrapped in chaos. Our ancestors reclaimed it inch by inch from the claws of pollution and void followers with their hands, their wisdom, their unyielding hearts.

My forebears did so, and I believe so did yours. Clearing land as home, forging swords into plowshares, this is the spirit imprinted into the very bones and blood of Dongxia people!"

Qin Shi paused slightly, his gaze brightened even more, piercing through the firmament.

He clenched his right fist, lightly thumping his chest where the Grand Star Sea Medal was pinned.

"This medal is an inspiration, a responsibility. It constantly reminds me and informs everyone present: our journey is forever the stars and the sea! Our mission is always to ignite Dongxia's civilization fire, illuminating the galaxy, expanding territories!"

"For this—"

"We must always move forward without hesitation!

"

…

…

In the East Line Command, the massive circular tactical screen was divided into dozens of sections.

The largest segment was broadcasting the medal ceremony from White Poplar Barrier City.

When Feng Wuyang pressed the Grand Star Sea Medal onto Qin Shi's chest, and the eight-pointed star brightened, the operations room fell silent.

"Which number is this for New Star Heng Province?"

Someone in the command staff asked.

"Over nine millennia of Dongxia, this is the twenty-sixth issued on New Star Heng Province."

A confidential secretary at the back responded.

In a thousand years, out of all the heroes and talents of New Star Heng Province, only twenty-six have been honored this way.

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