Cultivation: Being Immortal Chapter 774

In 6680 of the Xia calendar, within the immense starry expanse.

The Founder Two vessel seized the Founder One spaceship, which had run out of energy. Even though Founder Two launched over a century later, its superior speed and advanced features allowed it to catch up.

Vessels designed for deep space exploration cost a fortune, so any salvageable components must be retrieved, particularly with all the sensitive information stored aboard.

Along its path, Founder Two will deploy various signal relays to facilitate communications. Upon arriving at New Hope Planet, reports from there will travel back at light speed, requiring just seven years. This stands as the quickest communication method available today; it's uncertain if future innovations will exceed light speed.

Light speed remains the ultimate velocity known to us, yet certain theorists propose quantum velocity as a possibility. In time, quantum transfer might outpace it, but that's speculative for now—our present tech falls short.

"Ancestor Lin, this way!"

Cao Wang led Lin Jiang and Cao Ying toward the space center's control hub, the latest facility equipped with cutting-edge upgrades.

"Cao Wang, I notice plenty of unfamiliar faces in the control center."

"Indeed, time flies—it's already 6,680 years in the Xia calendar. Most folks at the space center are only at Building Foundation or Golden Core stages; generations have come and gone."

"Is this young fellow a recent addition too?"

"Yes, Ancestor Lin, allow me to present Liang Long, my trusted deputy at Mid-Nascent Soul Stage. He's exceptionally gifted and sharp-minded, excelling as a leading authority in seven disciplines. His intellect impresses me greatly."

Cao Wang gestured toward Liang Long. Within their institute, Liang Long's drive to master every aspect of societal knowledge is well-known. Cao Wang encourages it but ensures Liang Long balances study with practical work. Two decades back, he mentored Liang Long, and the results have exceeded expectations—every contribution delights him.

"Few earn your genuine respect; probably just over a dozen."

"True, more than ten prodigies exist, but Liang Long stands out as the most remarkable currently."

Cao Wang affirmed with a nod, his esteem for Liang Long evident. Liang Long proves the brightest and most erudite individual Cao Wang has encountered, all while staying modest and hungry for knowledge.

"Securing such a capable aide deserves congratulations, Cao Wang."

"Haha, he's under Ancestor Lin's lineage too. Anyway, let's discuss the ongoing space initiative."

"Proceed."

"From Founder One's scans decades prior and our recent Founder Two follow-ups, we're nearly certain New Hope Planet supports life and habitation, providing a strong base for interstellar relocation and cosmic expansion."

"Thus, preparations should begin immediately, like constructing a massive Space Mother Ship for colonists, plus advancing requisite technologies…"

Cao Wang elaborated gradually, implying that delaying full confirmation from Founder Two would squander time; proactive steps are wiser.

"Does your tech level allow this now?"

"Absolutely, simulations confirm New Hope Planet resembles Blue Star from eons ago in its primitive phase. We can accelerate its evolutionary process with our innovations."

"In what manner?"

"Geological analysis reveals the planet endured extended heavy rains over millions of years due to continents fusing into a supercontinent. Tectonic shifts triggered enormous volcanic blasts—far grander than typical eruptions—persisting for tens of thousands to millions of years, heating the world dramatically…"

"Our approach involves deploying nuclear armaments of apocalyptic potency to shatter New Hope's supercontinent, hastening its breakup. Subsequently, cultivators' arrays can balance the planet's energies, potentially establishing a worldwide formation akin to the ancient Dutian Formation, with AI substituting for the Formation Spirit…"

"Hold on, what makes you certain New Hope Planet possesses spiritual energy? Lacking it, the spirit stones needed to sustain so vast an array would be astronomical—do you intend to exhaust Blue Star's reserves?"

Lin Jiang voiced his concern promptly, "How can you confirm the presence of spiritual energy on New Hope Planet? Absent that, relying on spirit stones for upkeep is unfeasible; the drain would be immense."

"Ancestor Lin, well…"

"Let me be frank, Cao Wang. Due to the space endeavor, I've fielded cautions from specialists regarding the excessive spirit stone usage. It disrupts Blue Star's equilibrium. They've urged scaling back space project funding, and I'm nearly persuaded."

Lin Jiang continued, "The space program demands vast quantities of premium spirit stones, disrupting Blue Star's natural balance and alarming key stakeholders."

Spirit stones and spiritual energy resemble water supplies; internal use recycles naturally on Blue Star. But venturing to space alters that dynamic.

"Ancestor Lin, ignore those voices. This is an essential investment. Securing new spirit-rich worlds would yield boundless returns in spirit stones. Skip this, and we're trapped in the solar system, inching toward doom…"

Cao Wang reacted with alarm. "Who's undermining us? Without spirit stones for power, the space program collapses. What recourse remains?"

"Your argument holds weight, as do theirs, yet I must prioritize the broader welfare, no?"

"Ancestor Lin, this challenge is resolvable."

Suddenly, Liang Long spoke hesitantly, capturing all eyes instantly.

"Speak your mind."

"Yes, Ancestor. Our studies show spiritual energy as merely an advanced energy form, akin to coal, solar, nuclear, or even wood. Proper conversion lets alternative sources substitute for spiritual energy in space efforts."

"Yet, no progress has emerged in that area, to my knowledge."

Lin Jiang acknowledged; the concept dates back ages, but no one has cracked it yet.

"Ancestor Lin, I've explored this personally, and a potential advance exists. By compressing and purifying energies, we could match spiritual energy's potency, enabling other sources to fuel arrays and magical treasures."

"Liang Long, is this genuine?"

"Indeed, Lord Cao. Moreover, advancing nuclear fusion research offers promise too."

Liang Long noted their long pursuit of nuclear fusion without success; funding cuts years ago hampered further progress.

"Skip the details; simply confirm if research has yielded a breakthrough."

"My lord, we have concepts, but…"

"Concepts suffice; I'll back you fully."

Cao Wang cut in swiftly, insisting ideas alone warrant his funding—no more required.

"Ancestor Lin, see? A solution exists. Trust in our capabilities."

"Fine, I have faith. No extra funds forthcoming. Find efficiencies yourselves. Handle interstellar migration prep independently; you've my approval."

Lin Jiang agreed, eyeing Liang Long repeatedly. This man isn't without merit; talent shines through.

Exiting the control center alongside Cao Wang, they headed to his office for in-depth talks. On resources, Cao Wang remarked, "Ancestor Lin, I've long grasped the spirit stone toll. Through these years, my push for space tech serves you, me, and all humanity."

"You harbor grand aspirations."

"Naturally. Surviving from the cultivation era to today, truthfully, who wouldn't crave immortality? Yet I recognize it's an extravagant pursuit, attainable by few. This world's resources are finite. I figure three to five successes would be fortunate."

Presently, over ten have achieved the Dao, with the youth generation matured and vying for shares. Resource scarcity looms; infighting solves nothing. Hence, venturing to space and the stars offers our salvation.

"My ambitions run deep. I seek personal immortality and opportunities for kin and heirs. One Dao achiever elevates even companions to glory. Who wouldn't desire that?"

"Your words ring true. I share the view—Little Ying, sister Lin Ying, kin and allies abound. If possible, I'd aid your ascension, demanding cosmic exploration."

"Ancestor Lin, do extraterrestrials truly exist? Other realms?"

Cao Wang inquired once more, skepticism lingering without proof.

"Yes, recall Yang Luo?"

"I do; during Yang Luo's cultivation fame, I was born but young, newly entering the world and absorbing tales of her prowess. Yang Luo was a prodigy of immense skill."

"She hailed from another realm."

"Ah."

"Few are privy; keep it confidential, but it's fact."

"Cao Wang, this confirms it! Redouble efforts, ideally locating Yang Luo's origin. Yun State harbors deep enmity toward her; millennia later, vengeance awaits, striking her homeland!"

Cao Ying added, "Countless Yun State members fell to Yang Luo. Upper echelons suffered heavily then. The vendetta endures, though her death stalls reprisal temporarily."

"Understood. Knowing of extraterrestrials fuels my resolve. Ancestor Lin, trust me—we'll reach Yang Luo's world someday."

Cao Wang grew fervent. This revelation outshines all; alien discovery once seemed treacherous, but now a beacon guides, infusing purpose.

"No haste needed. That Liang Long—trustworthy? He gives me pause."

"Fully reliable. All here endure rigorous vetting. Liang Long's history faced hundreds of reviews—from birth through education, career, to present—all transparent. His lineage boasts generations of loyal service; no flaws."

Cao Wang assured, "Associates undergo similar scrutiny. Doubts lead to exclusion. Liang Long's past is impeccable; forgery's impossible."

"Reassuring. The demonic path lingers uneradicated over years, and your site is critical. Misused tech could spell disaster."

"Ancestor Lin, rest easy. We prioritize security. Our team has avoided such issues; total confidence is warranted."

"Good. If no more matters, we'll depart. Maintain regular reports. Notify me upon Founder Two's New Hope arrival—I wish to behold it."

"Incidentally, Cao Wang, New Hope Planet's name feels off. Consider renaming it."

Cao Ying chimed in, always disliking New Hope; outsiders might misinterpret. A fresh name suits better.