Cultivation: Being Immortal Chapter 793

Era: 7220th Year of the Blue Star Xia Calendar

A migration wave of one million people departed from Huaxia. After being transported via massive spatial artifacts to the distant planet Sea Corner No. 9, they were launched into the void by the planet's Space Mother Ship to embark on their journey to Jiang Star.

Sea Corner No. 9 serves as the latest hub for the Interstellar Teleportation Array, effectively shortening the traversal distance by one-sixth of a light-year and cutting travel time by nearly ten years.

Simultaneously, on Jiang Star, Liang Long was orchestrating the return of a Space Mother Ship back to Blue Star. Given that there were currently four such vessels stationed on Jiang Star—a number deemed excessive—this return journey had become a necessity.

"Liang Long, I have been reviewing reports regarding the situation below. There is considerable resistance to your proposal of taking a Space Mother Ship back. How do you respond?"

"Those who oppose it are primarily concerned about safety. The energy reserves of these four ships are quite low, hovering around thirty percent at full capacity. However, I can remedy this. I plan to modify the Mother Ship. During our transit, we will pass by several stellar bodies, and I intend to harness solar energy to reach Blue Star safely."

"That does not address my true question. I have confidence in your technical prowess. But why are you so determined to go back?"

"Deep down, it is because of my superiors. You have no idea how many directives I have received over the years demanding my return. Furthermore, I must deliver the mineral resources from Jiang Star to validate the project's profitability; only then will the old ancestor Lin Jiang continue to provide the necessary funding. Trust me, I have no desire to leave either."

Liang Long spoke with conviction, though he kept his true motivations hidden from Lin Guobin. He was desperate to return to unearth the hidden truths of Blue Star. He longed to grasp how the Way of Heaven functioned in this age of cultivation compared to previous eras.

He found himself increasingly obsessed with these mysteries. He sensed that technology had hit a significant ceiling, making further massive breakthroughs nearly impossible. Perhaps the ultimate secrets held by those of high Cultivation were the key he was seeking.

Is the zenith of technology actually theology? Just as the Way of Heaven can be defined as theology? After all, within the study of Immortal Language, the descriptions regarding the Way of Heaven remain profoundly enigmatic.

As someone who demands perfection, Liang Long could not abide the idea of remaining ignorant of Blue Star’s greatest secrets. He felt compelled to return and investigate.

"Ancestor Lin Cong, what is your stance?"

"If the mission requires a return, then we return. Liang Long does not fear death, so why should we? Besides, I am not planning on returning myself."

"And what about the rest of you?"

Lin Guobin directed the question toward the two other captains, both of whom now held the highest command authority on Jiang Star.

"Chief Liang wishes to take this risk. While we cannot prevent it, I insist that participation for the crew remains voluntary. Operating at only thirty percent energy is terrifying; the margin for error is far too slim."

"I share that concern. The path back to Blue Star spans a vast emptiness devoid of celestial bodies. Should we fail to collect sufficient solar energy within the stellar belt, we could easily meet a disaster. We carry a responsibility toward the lives of our crew."

"I hear you, and I agree. Those choosing to return with me must be volunteers who meet our strict criteria. The Space Mother Ship is capable of autonomous navigation, so the total headcount on board is secondary."

Liang Long nodded. In truth, he would have preferred to return solo, but such a thing was logistically impossible.

"Very well. It is decided. Liang Long shall dictate the logistics of the return voyage. I offer my full support, and you may submit applications for whatever supplies you require."

"My gratitude, Senior Lin. I will schedule our departure for five years from now. I ask for your help in finalizing the manifest of resources we must transport. We need to maximize our cargo so that Huaxia remains motivated to continue the Jiang Star project."

Liang Long was pleased. This justification was the most practical and advantageous for his own agenda. The others mirrored his sentiment; if Huaxia continued its investment, there would be ample profits for everyone involved.

Three days later, the four Space Mother Ships touched down on Jiang Star. Liang Long carefully transferred the energy from three vessels into Genesis III before cannibalizing the solar array from Genesis IV. Following this, he initiated significant modifications to Genesis III. Without these specialized adjustments, the remaining power would be insufficient for the journey, and Liang Long had no intention of becoming floating space debris.

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Era: 7,300th Year of the Xia Calendar, in the vast reaches of the universe.

"Beep beep..."

"Beep beep..."

Genesis III and Genesis V converged in the void, billions of kilometers away from any home. Both vessels identified each other, prompting the onboard AI to wake Liang Long and the captain of Genesis V.

"This is Genesis III, Captain Liang Long reporting."

"This is Genesis V, Captain Zhou Shen. Chief Liang, I have heard much of you. I am quite the admirer."

"Haha, an admirer you say?"

"Indeed. Five hundred years ago, you delivered a lecture at our university back in the Blue Star era. I was one of the students privileged to welcome you."

"Was it Harbor University? In that case, I remember you."

Liang Long flashed a friendly smile, despite the fact that he had long forgotten the event. Nevertheless, he had already synced with the local AI to retrieve Zhou Shen’s file, noting that the man was a relative of someone highly influential.

"Yes, sir. I never imagined our paths would cross at Kong Xiang."

"None of us could have predicted that."

"We will cross paths in about ten minutes. When we are in proximity, could we gather by the control room windows for a photograph together?"

"Certainly. This will surely be a historic moment. Once the image is processed, send it my way. I intend to provide it to Time Magazine; it will undoubtedly be their cover story."

"Thank you, Chief Liang. Once I return from Jiang Star, might I visit you? I would love to share a drink. I possess a bottle of Immortal Drunkenness from eight hundred years ago; by the time I return, it will be a millennial vintage—truly priceless."

"It is a deal! Just ensure you bring that thousand-year-old brew."

Liang Long was remarkably cordial. Throughout those ten minutes, they discussed a wide array of topics. Liang Long took the opportunity to inquire about various events on Blue Star, having been disconnected for so long. Their encrypted communication channel was too precious to waste on mundane details, yet they shared what they could.

Once the ten minutes elapsed, they stood by their respective windows, signaling each other. They had deployed probes in advance to memorialize the encounter.

As they continued to communicate, the scope of their conversation expanded until the connection eventually terminated.

"Why did you not approach to join the conversation?"

Liang Long pivoted to find Lin Liyan standing in the doorway.

"Chief Liang’s perception is sharp; you noticed me immediately."

"Not necessarily sharp, perhaps just an edge over you, though we are both at the late stage of Soul Changing."

"Chief Liang is indeed very popular."

Lin Liyan entered and took a seat near Liang Long. When the subject of their respective levels surfaced, he seemed somewhat discouraged. Had it not been for the repercussions of the Lu Xuan incident, he should have already reached the Void Achieving Stage.

"Popular? I hardly think so. I see myself merely as a technical specialist—a straightforward man who prefers his home life."

"Chief Liang, you are far too modest. For centuries now, you have been the most renowned scientist in all of Huaxia. Our textbooks even feature a segment dedicated entirely to your work. How could anyone fail to recognize you?"

"I was genuinely unaware of that fact."

Liang Long shrugged, truly indifferent to such matters.

"You have a commendable attitude. Chief Liang is a premiere scientist, a pioneer in the field. However, ensure that your research follows the correct path rather than straying into error."

"Lin Liyan, is that a friendly reminder or an explicit warning?"

"Simply a reminder. I once knew a friend—a former comrade—who possessed brilliance equal to yours. He appeared honest, yet he chose a disastrous path and ultimately forfeited his life. It was a tragic end."

"Are you referring to the Lu Xuan case?"

"You are aware of it?"

"Is it not obvious? His story is featured prominently in the safety protocols of the Spiritual Energy Research Institute."

Liang Long stated this with perfect, icy calm.

"Since you are aware, I will say no more. I only hope you do not follow in his footsteps."

"Your concerns are unfounded. Lu Xuan and I are fundamentally different. I am currently highly successful, the lead scientist at the Spiritual Energy Research Institute, provided with all the funding I could possibly require. Why would I risk everything?"

"Yes, I suppose I have been overthinking this."

Lin Liyan nodded. In reality, he wanted to admit that Liang Long and Lu Xuan shared an eerie similarity—not in their appearance, but in their intrinsic personality. Only those closest to them would have noticed.

However, contemplating Liang Long’s logic, he realized it was sound. Lu Xuan had been an outsider, never gaining membership into the prestigious Research Institute. Being unconventional meant his prospects were bleak, forcing him into dangerous paths. Liang Long, however, was a scientific icon of Huaxia with limitless upside. He had no incentive to stray; even if his research became controversial, he possessed the institutional leverage to secure funding. Huaxia was never as selfless as it claimed; there was always a darker, pragmatic underbelly to its operations.