Cultivation: Being Immortal Chapter 834
Previously on Cultivation: Being Immortal...
The Blue Star calendar marked the year 7880 of the Xia Dynasty. On Blue Star itself…
It took only three short days for the high-ranking officials of Blue Star to travel to Jiang Star. The sheer number of people involved meant they couldn't remain away for an extended period.
Within those three days, they successfully forged an initial connection between Ying Continent and the demon race. Ironically, although the Jiang Star project had been in progress for centuries, with resources having been transferred from Jiang Star seven or eight times already, a faction on Blue Star still clung to disbelief. They propagated the notion that Jiang Star was a fabrication, a scheme by Huaxia's leadership to misappropriate funds, and vehemently argued their case online. This skepticism even began to sow seeds of doubt among prominent figures in the Ying Continent and the demon race.
However, Jiang Star and his companions unequivocally dismantled these rumors. Their actions even broadened the horizons of Li Qing and the Demon Queen, leading them to recognize the pettiness and futility of internal strife on Blue Star. Their true aspirations, they realized, lay among the stars and across the vastness of space.
Upon their return to Blue Star, Li Qing promptly instructed Zheng Yi to implement significant policy changes across Ying Continent. The focus was shifted towards intensifying the cultivation of talent in the aerospace sector, ensuring that Ying Continent would possess its own Space Fleet and establish its own planetary colonies.
Concurrently, the Demon Queen sought out perceptive members of the demon race to impart knowledge of advanced technology. The demon race possessed virtually no technological foundation, and while the Demon Queen didn't anticipate immediate success in developing warships, she hoped to glean valuable insights. Furthermore, she requested numerous Buddhist techniques and secrets from Lin Jiang to bolster the demon race's capabilities.
For instance, the Demon Queen found her own flight speed to be inferior to that of a Space Battleship, a fact she found deeply embarrassing. She was convinced that with her inherent strength, superior techniques could significantly enhance her speed.
Within the Spiritual Energy Research Institute, Liang Long encountered the Buddha Master. Through Liang Long's perspective, the Buddha Master perceived the existence of Jiang Star. At that very moment, his gaze upon Liang Long shifted, holding a newfound depth.
"Now that you look at me in such a manner, should I perhaps thank you for revealing Blue Star's most significant secret and its vulnerability to me?"
Liang Long, observing the Buddha Master's stunned expression, responded with a smile.
"I have been aware of Jiang Star for quite some time. However, your intentions are far from pure."
"Oh? How could my intentions possibly be considered impure?"
"In fifty to sixty years' time, Blue Star will have substantially recovered. There will be no necessity for Jiang Star's intervention. Your leading me to Jiang Star is merely a ploy to safeguard Blue Star."
"I've heard whispers that you, the Buddha Master, possess profound wisdom. Is this supposed great wisdom truly so limited?"
"What is it that you imply?"
"Do you fail to grasp the immense significance of Jiang Star to Blue Star? Blue Star currently boasts the pinnacle of technological advancement, and technology is inherently reliant on resources. Certain cutting-edge industries require specialized minerals. The known reserves of these minerals on Blue Star amount to merely a few hundred thousand tons, easily depletable. Yet, Jiang Star holds reserves exceeding one hundred million tons. You are, frankly, quite shortsighted."
"······"
The Buddha Master was rendered speechless. While he possessed great wisdom, it was contextually bound to the planet he governed, a world devoid of advanced technology. Consequently, his understanding of such matters was superficial. Their paths were entirely distinct.
"In truth, I have long desired to discuss the confluence of technology and cultivation with you. I have engaged in this discourse at the Spiritual Energy Research Institute countless times, but the cultivators there are regrettably weak. You, however, are powerful. Pray tell, which holds the greater might: cultivation or technology?"
"Technology is feeble. You genuinely possess no comprehension of the scale of advanced cultivation."
"Is that so? Yet, according to technological schematics, there exists a weapon capable of planetary annihilation in its advanced stages. Can you achieve such a feat?"
"Indeed."
"Can the Dual Vector Foil annihilate an entire star system, reducing it to mere dual dimensions? Can you accomplish that?"
"I cannot perform such an act. However, I am capable of neutralizing the Dual Vector Foil. Whether by ensnaring it within a dimensional field or displacing it to another plane of existence, I can manage the situation."
"What about resetting the entire universe, returning all to a state of nothingness?"
"·····"
Once more, the Buddha Master found himself at a loss for words. Such an undertaking was utterly inconceivable.
"Haha, I was merely jesting. A complete reset is not feasible; it remains within the realm of fantasy. Nevertheless, I maintain that technology holds a superior legacy. Technology can be transmitted across generations, fostering continuous research and innovation. In contrast, with cultivation, should a supremely talented individual falter, their descendants must start anew, with no margin for error. Would you dispute this assertion?"
"What is it that you truly seek to convey?"
"Nothing much, just chatting. I am very interested in the development of civilization, as I am a scientist. To be honest, I am very curious about Ling Star. I want to understand the social dynamics of Ling Star. How about we talk about it?"
"Upon your arrival, you will naturally understand."
"Hmph, it seems you are feeling guilty. I am never afraid, so I will show you the latest technology from Blue Star and the situation on Jiang Star. Strong individuals fear nothing."
Liang Long spoke, rendering the Buddha Master speechless for the third time. He confessed his lack of understanding regarding Blue Star's technology. Despite his best efforts to catch up, the Buddha Seeds of Blue Star were of low social standing and possessed limited scientific comprehension, making it impossible for them to grasp Liang Long’s research.
Admittedly, the Buddha Master acknowledged the advanced nature of Liang Long’s research. Certain mathematical calculations, in particular, seemed to point directly towards the great Dao, offering him inspiration.
······
"The war of ’25 concluded over sixty years ago. Reflecting carefully, the second assault from the Buddhist cultivators is imminent. Where will this conflict unfold?"
"Jiang Star."
"Why are you so certain?"
"I have been planning for this for a long time. It will transpire on Jiang Star, which already boasts four Space Fleets."
Lin Jiang revealed that during his last visit to Jiang Star, he had secretly acquired numerous items, storing them within a special tool. This time, the battlefield would also be situated on Jiang Star.
"What else have you been doing behind my back?"
"Nothing."
"You did not even inform me?"
"My intention was not to conceal it from you, but this decision carries significant risk. Should our estimations prove incorrect and the Buddhist cultivator targets Blue Star instead of proceeding to Jiang Star, we would face utter defeat with no hope of recovery. Therefore, certain covert plans are necessary."
Lin Jiang shook his head. While the Buddhist cultivators suffered severe injuries during the previous engagement, they retained considerable strength, still surpassing Blue Star. Over the past sixty-five years, Blue Star has strived for recovery, but progress has been limited to surface-level restoration. The loss of skilled experts cannot be easily rectified. In terms of Dao Achievement, aside from Liang Long, who achieved a breakthrough during the battle, the others have yet to advance.
Consequently, Blue Star can no longer serve as the battlefield. Should its industries face destruction once more, certain losses would be irreparable. Thus, establishing the battlefield on Jiang Star became a necessity. This course of action, however, was fraught with peril; a minor misstep could spell total annihilation, making it prudent to limit the number of individuals privy to this plan.
"Very well, I believe you. But how shall we reach Jiang Star without a permanent Stargate in place?"
"We will find a way when the time comes; do not concern yourself."
"It seems unfair to utilize Jiang Star as a lure against Ye Chen and the others."
"We have reached an agreement on this matter, so let us not dwell on it further. In due course, the various Buddhist cultivation techniques will be organized, and we can study them together."
Lin Jiang stated calmly that this topic was not conducive to prolonged discussion and would become clear with the passage of time. He expressed a keen interest in the Buddhist cultivation methods.
"The Buddhist temple also possesses the Happy Buddha. Would you care to cultivate it?"
"Ahem, let us refrain from discussing such trivialities. I am earnestly discussing the Buddhist cultivation techniques with you."
"I am also discussing it seriously. Do men not typically enjoy such pursuits? You can both cultivate and indulge. The Happy Secret Method of the Buddhist temple is even more potent than that of the Hehuan Sect."
"Well, I have pressing matters to attend to, so I must depart."
"Come back here and enter."
"I truly have urgent matters; I am leaving now."
Lin Jiang, taken aback, swiftly employed his skills, vanishing in a blur. A battle was on the horizon, necessitating the consolidation of his strength. What was transpiring?