Cultivation: Being Immortal Chapter 850
Previously on Cultivation: Being Immortal...
In the year 8,100 of the Blue Star Xia Calendar, amidst the vastness of space
On a barren planet, situated thirty light-years from Blue Star, a colossal living base was being meticulously constructed, with countless robots toiling ceaselessly, day and night.
Orbiting this celestial body, a formidable Space Fleet maintained its vigil. Within its confines, Zhu Bin, alongside numerous Formation Masters and engineers, was immersed in the intricate design of the cross-border teleportation array.
Each celestial body presents unique characteristics – variations in rotation, revolution, and gravity necessitate detailed adjustments for nearly every cross-border teleportation array. Failure to do so could easily lead to catastrophic consequences.
"Lord Zhu, thus far, we have not discovered any high-quality nuclear materials on this planet. It appears the raw components for nuclear fusion will need to be procured from our rear supply lines. What are your thoughts on this matter…?"
"For the present, utilize the stored materials within the fleet. We can replenish our reserves once the supply convoy arrives. In addition, direct the engineering teams to intensify their efforts; this teleportation array must be completed within one Blue Star year."
Zhu Bin recalled with clarity that many years prior, they had successfully erected the cross-border teleportation array connecting Blue Star to Jiang Star.
Following rigorous calculations and exhaustive experiments, the technology for the interdimensional teleportation array had been successfully stabilized. This breakthrough empowered Zhu Bin to spearhead his team in constructing a teleportation array destined for Lingjing Star.
However, this undertaking was far from straightforward. It required the mobilization of skilled personnel and the application of the Stargate Secret Technique, proceeding incrementally. The scarcity of adept individuals, with only a few dozen experts possessing Tao Achieving skills scattered across the vastness, made their recruitment a significant challenge.
According to their design specifications, an interdimensional teleportation array was capable of transmitting objects a maximum of ten light-years – the current zenith of their technological prowess. The sheer distance to Lingjing Star, spanning thirty light-years, demanded an immense allocation of time, projecting a century-long journey, a timeline far exceeding Zhu Bin's strategic projections.
Half a month later, the essential survival base was finalized, and Zhu Bin promptly led his team to occupy it, commencing the construction of the interdimensional teleportation array without delay. The majority of the foundational components for the array had already been fabricated within the advanced factories housed inside the Space Mother Ship, ensuring a swift installation process, anticipated to conclude in just another half a month.
Nevertheless, the initiation of the array demanded a substantial and protracted period of energy preparation. Their available energy sources comprised three primary options: nuclear fusion, solar energy, and spiritual energy.
Yet, for the enduring advancement of Blue Star, spiritual energy was designated for emergency use only. All routine energy consumption was mandated to be sourced from nuclear and solar power. This particular planet boasted abundant solar resources; the team merely needed adequate time to accumulate the requisite energy to activate the teleportation array.
Engineering robots diligently unloaded solar panels from the transport vessels. These were standard-sized panels, with three hundred panels collectively powering a single solar battery. Under the intense glare of the sun, a solar battery could achieve a full charge within three months.
However, this solar-derived energy was merely supplementary. The daily operational power demands of the survival base continued to rely on solar energy. The true source for rapid energy replenishment was to be derived from nuclear fusion.
At that juncture, Blue Star already housed over twenty nuclear fusion power plants, sufficiently meeting the daily energy requirements of nearly ten billion citizens of Huaxia. With the integration of auxiliary power sources, such as hydroelectric facilities, industrial energy demands could also be satisfied. Notably, spiritual energy had been formally prohibited for industrial applications within Huaxia.
"The technology is primed, the necessary raw materials are abundant, and we possess ample labor. We shall erect the fusion power plant within a year, conclude testing within eighteen months, and within three years, I will initiate the teleportation array test…"
Zhu Bin issued directives to his team, urging them to expedite their progress. His resolve was firm; he harbored no desire for prolonged stays and was eager to reach Lingjing Star at the earliest possible moment.
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Blue Star, Huaxia
"We have received word from Zhu Bin; it appears the construction timeline for the third cross-border teleportation array may extend beyond our initial projections. Both their transit duration and the construction phase are progressing at a slower pace than anticipated."
Cao Ying meticulously compiled the communiqué from Zhu Bin before relaying it to Lin Jiang.
"I understand. Please convey to Zhu Bin that safety must remain our paramount concern. We cannot afford to compromise our safety standards merely to shave off time. The significance of this cross-border teleportation array cannot be overstated."
"Zhu Bin should exercise prudence and refrain from acting rashly; he is a dependable individual."
"Indeed, Zhu Bin's reliability is unquestionable. The situation on Lingjing Star remains stable, affording us a crucial window for development."
Lin Jiang acknowledged this, recalling his own role in imparting the philosophical tenets of Mahayana and Hinayana Buddhism to Liang Long, thereby demonstrating his awareness of the unfolding events on Lingjing Star.
The cultivators who have reached the Nascent Soul stage have been replenished. One-third of those in the Soul Changing Stage have also recovered, and one-tenth of the Void Achieving Stage cultivators are back. However, there are no cultivators at the Tao Achieving Stage. Still, three individuals are currently in seclusion, preparing to break through to the Transmigration Stage.
Cao Ying mentioned these numbers casually. A century had passed since the war on Jiang Star, and the losses in the Nascent Soul stage were now compensated for. This was even considering that the Nascent Souls of the Golden Core Stage cultivators were not utilized during the conflict.
“This growth rate will only accelerate as Jiang Star continues its development,” she added.
Lin Jiang remained unconcerned. The population of Jiang Star had recently surpassed eighty million, with millions more immigrating from Blue Star after understanding the planet’s structure. Compared to before, the immigration process was far less costly. With a sufficient population base, Jiang Star’s development would undoubtedly surge, and the transport of abundant resources would further bolster Huaxia’s overall strength.
“With the increase in cultivators, we must maintain control over these exceptionally talented individuals. Our fundamental support system needs to remain robust, yet we cannot afford to be overly oppressive towards them,” Cao Ying advised.
She pondered for a moment before stating that their original foundation comprised the awakened cultivators. Over a hundred of them held prominent positions and were natural allies. However, as time and numerous battles passed, more than eighty percent of those initial hundred had been lost, leaving fewer than forty surviving. If Huaxia were to regain dozens of cultivators at the Tao Achieving Stage, their existing base would become insufficient.
Therefore, to solidify their standing, an expansion of their base was necessary. What constituted their base? Naturally, it included the Lin family, the Five Elements Sect, the Four Sages Sect, the Wangxian Sect, and the Zhonghang Sect.
“Have I ever mistreated them? As long as they do not overstep their bounds, I have never been unduly harsh,” Lin Jiang responded.
“I am merely offering a reminder. Your understanding is sufficient. Sigh, if only we could have had a child together; who knows what…” Cao Ying trailed off.
“Let us not dwell on somber matters. You have not faced any significant personal issues these past years. Take on the role of headmaster at the training academy and impart your knowledge to students. The disciples you personally train will undoubtedly be more dependable,” Lin Jiang suggested.
He waved his hand, steering the conversation away from the topic of children with Cao Ying. It was currently impossible for them to conceive a child; both were at the Transmigration Stage. Bearing a child would pose extreme risks to Cao Ying, and even conceiving was a formidable challenge, as her body would instinctively reject the pregnancy as a protective measure.
“Teaching students? Are you not concerned about encountering zealous young men who possess weak stomachs and desire an effortless existence?” Cao Ying inquired with a smile.
She recalled her early days of recovering her spiritual energy when she had indeed taught students. Many exceptionally talented elites had vied for her attention back then, but their pursuits did not end well. They were not merely turned away; some even faced physical reprimands.
“If I were to lack charm and be unable to compete with mere youths in their twenties and thirties, that would truly be a sign of failure,” Lin Jiang declared.
“Haha, you said it yourself. If I end up being deceived later, do not come crying to me!” Cao Ying teased.
“No regrets. Proceed as you see fit,” Lin Jiang replied.
“Very well, I shall find a few lovely maidens to compensate you later.”
“Ahem, could you perhaps maintain a modicum of seriousness? Can’t you perceive that I am inundated with matters to attend to? Hurry along, hurry along.”
Lin Jiang hastily dismissed Cao Ying. He suspected that if their conversation continued, it would inevitably devolve into crude jokes. Who claimed women couldn’t tell jokes? That was an outright fabrication.