Cultivation: Being Immortal Chapter 828

In the year 7820 of the Blue Star Xia calendar, Blue Star

The Buddhist cultivators' invasion and subsequent retreat occurred with startling swiftness, spanning merely a few days. Nevertheless, these brief days of conflict inflicted devastation upon Blue Star, eclipsing the combined war damage of millennia.

Within the first week following the cessation of hostilities, the calamitous events triggered by the war, such as volcanic eruptions and widespread fires across Blue Star, finally subsided.

During the second week, armed forces, cultivators, and officials from every corner of Blue Star commenced a painstaking search through the rubble for any surviving souls, though it was largely a futile gesture of damage control.

By the third week, a semblance of order began to re-emerge on Blue Star. Huaxia initiated extensive disaster relief efforts, generously distributing vast quantities of essential supplies like food, medicine, and clothing, a stark contrast to its previous focus on self-preservation.

A month after the war's end, Huaxia undertook the solemn task of tallying casualties and commenced the monumental reconstruction efforts. Regardless of the devastation, the continuation of ordinary life and the preservation of societal order were paramount.

Three months later, Lin Jiang was presented with an initial casualty report. The grim figures indicated that over four billion individuals had either perished or sustained injuries directly from the conflict, with an additional five hundred million people listed as missing. These missing individuals were likely entombed beneath the debris or obliterated by the war's lingering effects.

Among the fallen were over thirty million cultivators from Huaxia. Particularly at the war's outset on Blue Star, countless cultivators had surged onto the front lines, and the majority met their demise. The Spiritual Energy Research Institute, the Cultivation Academy, and civilian officials also suffered grievous losses. The recorded number of cultivators alone at the Golden Core level and above exceeded half a million, decimating the planet's top-tier population.

"The toll on our experts has also been tallied. A total of fifty-two individuals at the Tao Achieving (Demon Emperor) level or higher from Blue Star are gone. From the Ying Continent, only Li Qing and Zheng Yi remain. The Demon Queen’s side suffered twenty-six losses. Here, Zhou Yuan and others have fallen. Kong Yan the monk managed to salvage the remaining soldiers from the Cape III Planet's jurisdiction, and Shiyi’s contingent sustained catastrophic damage. Shiyi’s very body was obliterated…"

"After a single conflict, Blue Star’s elite combat power has been halved?"

"Slightly more than half, with many sustaining injuries and numerous individuals suffering irreparable damage to their foundations, Lin Ying included."

Cao Ying addressed Lin Jiang, her words causing his face to drain of color at the mention of Lin Ying's name. At that critical juncture, Lin Ying had been struck by a statue, and it was Lin Jiang's medicinal pill that had preserved her life. However, it proved insufficient to restore her damaged foundation, rendering her breakthrough to the Transmigration Stage virtually impossible for the remainder of her life.

"And what of the emerging generation of cultivators?"

"They endured a fifty percent loss rate. Lin Liyan of your Lin family had his physical form annihilated, with only his soul salvaged. He is presently seeking a method to reconstruct his body; his cultivation path has reached a critical juncture. Ning Li is left with only half his body, and his recovery remains uncertain…"

"Over a thousand years of accumulated strength, all extinguished?"

"Nearly all the veteran brothers who weathered the Immortal Cultivation Era are now over sixty years of age; more than a hundred have already perished."

"Little Ying, my heart aches profoundly."

Lin Jiang struggled to articulate his grief; in this brutal war, an uncountable number of familiar faces had been irrevocably lost.

"I understand; try not to be too sorrowful."

Cao Ying gently placed her hand on Lin Jiang's head, embracing him. She empathized deeply with his pain, recognizing that at this desolate moment, his greatest need was for quiet, unwavering support.

········

One year post-war, casualty figures continued to be updated from all sectors. Blue Star's total population loss surged past five billion due to the conflict. Throughout that year, many critically injured individuals succumbed to their wounds, while numerous civilians perished from illnesses, starvation, and other hardships directly attributable to the war. Even the number of suicides tragically exceeded five million; these individuals were unable to reconcile with the devastating reality, having lost loved ones and seeing no hope for the future, ultimately choosing to end their own lives.

The financial repercussions of the war were immeasurable, undoubtedly surpassing trillions in Huaxia currency. It remained uncertain how long it would take for Blue Star to revert to its pre-war state.

The ramifications of this devastating war were exceedingly grave. Nonetheless, despite Lin Jiang and the other leaders' profound sorrow, they were compelled to persevere in their duties, swallowing their pain to manage the myriad urgent matters at hand.

"This dispatch originates from the Space Battleship. The Buddha Sect has not departed; their Sea-crossing Ark has been observed navigating the cosmic expanse. The Space Battleship has sought engagement opportunities on several occasions, but the Buddha Sect has consistently refused confrontation and opted for evasion."

"I understand the reason; the Buddha Sect is anticipating the Buddha Seed's full bloom."

"Buddha Seed?"

"Indeed, in the end, Kong Yan employed a secret art to scatter numerous Buddha Seeds across Blue Star. Despite our utmost efforts to thwart this, a significant number still managed to descend."

"I'm struggling to grasp it. Blue Star suffered the loss of over a tenth of its populace; it wouldn't be an exaggeration to say that every household mourned. How is it that they anticipate the Buddha Seeds taking root and flourishing, rather than harboring animosity?"

Cao Ying voiced her confusion. Much like herself, in the recent conflict, more than thirty thousand disciples from Zhonghang Sect perished, bringing them perilously close to annihilation. Her heart was filled with nothing but insurmountable resentment towards the Buddha Sect. Why, then, would a desire to embrace Buddhism still exist?

"The human psyche is intricate. When confronted by a perpetrator, some individuals react with anger, others with fear, some muster the courage to resist, while a portion might simply capitulate. The Buddha Sect are unparalleled manipulators of human emotion; this is their inherent strength. Certain individuals may conclude that Blue Star's suffering stems from their own lack of virtue, leading them to embrace the Buddha Sect's teachings. The influence of the Buddha Sect could indeed take root and spread."

"Then, what course of action can we pursue?"

"We must be proactive and prevent issues before they fester. Firstly, we need to publicly denounce the Buddha Sect, portraying their idols as malevolent and labeling them as terrorists. We must persistently publicize this war and its commemorative events. Furthermore, we must decisively address those who exhibit a inclination towards Buddhism."

"Naturally, the paramount objective is the utter obliteration of Lingjing Star, making them comprehend that the Buddhist faith they cherish is merely a collection of putrid falsehoods…"

Lin Jiang revealed that for well over a year, Xia Qingshan had repeatedly spoken of the Buddha Seed in his ear. He had already formulated a strategy and was systematically implementing it.

"How do you perceive the future landscape of Blue Star? Significant shifts are expected in the aftermath of the war."

"I am aware; I have already mandated the provision of aid to various nations, all of which is being offered freely. The subsequent shipment of resources from Jiang Star is imminent, and we shall coordinate their distribution then. As for the future, it is imperative that we enhance the role of the Blue Star Alliance, forging an organization capable of unifying all national voices."

"Are you proposing to consolidate Blue Star into a singular, official entity?"

"That presents considerable difficulty at this juncture, but we can certainly strive for it. The conflict with the Buddhist sect is far from concluded. We must consolidate all available strength."

Lin Jiang mentioned that during this engagement, the Buddhist sect of Lingjing Star also sustained grievous losses. The number of Bodhisattvas and Arhats they lost likely surpassed that of Blue Star. While it remains uncertain if this constitutes a significant setback for them, Lingjing Star is merely a minor celestial body within the Buddhist sect's domain, and connections may exist between it and the Buddhist sects of other minor worlds. This war is demonstrably far from over.

Cao Ying inclined her head. She was privy to these circumstances but found herself momentarily at a loss for words. The trajectory of Blue Star's history had taken an exceptionally peculiar turn subsequent to the spiritual energy resurgence; its future path had become utterly unpredictable to her.

·······

At the Huaxia Spiritual Energy Research Institute, Liang Long was presiding over the routine assembly. In the recent conflict, the former director met his demise, and Cao Wang assumed the mantle of the new director. However, Cao Wang sustained severe injuries and was currently in recuperation, necessitating Liang Long's elevation to the position of vice director, where he was entrusted with the oversight of the institute's day-to-day operations.

The Spiritual Energy Research Institute also experienced substantial casualties in this war, with one-third of its core researchers lost and numerous esteemed scientists falling on the battlefield.

The laboratories and facilities belonging to the Spiritual Energy Research Institute suffered damage exceeding fifty percent, and the reconstruction of much of the specialized equipment presented immense challenges.

Moreover, critically, Blue Star's resources were predominantly diverted towards disaster relief and rebuilding efforts, resulting in an eighty percent reduction in the resources available to the institute compared to normal, thereby severely hampering recovery.

"I shall now announce several technological advancements. The first is a process for extracting starch from carbon dioxide. Currently, Blue Star has lost over fifty percent of its industrial capacity, leading to a critical food shortage. Recovery is projected to take more than two decades, making this technology exceptionally vital…"

Liang Long proceeded to elaborate on the day's agenda. Numerous technologies developed at the Spiritual Energy Research Institute had not been widely implemented due to the prior availability of superior alternatives. For instance, the technology for synthesizing starch from carbon dioxide had existed for a considerable period but had never been promoted or mass-produced. Its necessity, however, was now undeniable.

With the day's duties concluded, a weary Liang Long retreated to his office, immersing himself once more in the relentless pursuit of research.

Liang Long had consistently been an exemplar at the Spiritual Energy Research Institute, engaged in fierce competition with his peers. This dedication saw him upholding his rigorous standards even now.

"Huh?"

A sudden exclamation escaped Liang Long as he looked up from his work. He surveyed his surroundings, noting the prevailing quiet.

Subsequently, Liang Long activated the protective enchantments of his office. Once assured of absolute security, he concentrated his focus inward, his spirit manifesting within his consciousness.

Within this mental expanse, a diminutive Buddha effigy materialized, suffused with an aura of profound tranquility.

"Could this be the Buddha Seed?"

Liang Long was aware of the Buddha Seed's existence but was uncertain when he had become receptive to its influence. Rather than fear, curiosity sparked within him. The realm of Buddhist cultivation held a strong fascination for him, particularly the esoteric techniques that lay beyond the conventional Blue Star training paradigm.