Cultivation: Being Immortal Chapter 851

The year 8200 CE on the Blue Star Xia calendar, on Lingjing Star.

Lingjing Star has experienced nearly two centuries of industrial advancement, with the Second Industrial Revolution's technologies now widely implemented.

In this era, Buddhist cultivators have faded into history. Under the guidance of leaders like Zheng Yi, a strong anti-Buddhist movement emerged, effectively relegating Buddhism to a bygone era. Even the most secluded areas were thoroughly purged, ensuring no remnants of Buddhist practices remained.

Despite this, high-ranking officials such as Liang Long meticulously gathered Buddhist artifacts. Numerous Buddhist scriptures, valuable treasures, and mystical implements were preserved and transported back to Blue Star, where dedicated scholars were tasked with their study.

The demon race had successfully driven humanity from the Western Continent. The Fire Scale Demon Emperor enslaved nearly ten million humans for the higher-ranking Demon Kings, while the remaining human population relocated to the Central and Eastern Continents.

Both continents readily accepted the influx of people, recognizing that industrial growth necessitates both labor and markets, thereby fostering internal momentum. Without this, even stringent control would prove insufficient.

The demon race's domain is characterized by lush greenery and a wild, untamed landscape. While Liang Long and his associates held a low opinion of this developmental path, the demon race thrived in their environment, living lives of considerable ease and private enjoyment.

Meanwhile, the Central and Eastern Continents underwent significant transformations due to industrialization, boasting towering edifices and numerous factories. The indigenous human population of Blue Star reveled in the prosperity of this new epoch.

One day, Liang Long convened a meeting with all the sector leaders. Zheng Yi journeyed from the Eastern Continent, and the Fire Scale Demon Emperor arrived from the Western Continent. Several distinguished officials from Huaxia were also in attendance.

"Lord Liang, you summoned us so urgently. Is there a matter of great importance?"

"Indeed. Zhu Bin's team from Huaxia, responsible for the cross-border teleportation array, has advanced to a point ten light-years away and is currently constructing the final transit array. Completion is anticipated in five years. This means they will reach Lingjing Star in five years to erect the last cross-border teleportation array."

"It has finally come to this, Lord Liang. How much longer will the journey take?"

"This is excellent news, truly wonderful!"

Upon hearing this, an air of excitement spread through the assembly. Despite the comfortable existence on Lingjing Star and their elevated status, a deep longing for their homeland persisted, fueling a desire to return immediately.

"The estimated arrival time is between thirty to fifty years."

"Ah, such a long duration?"

"We can expedite the process. Given Lingjing Star's current stability, Shiyi and Fire Scale Demon, you can activate the Stargate to rendezvous with Zhu Bin's expedition."

"However, with our limited capabilities, the Stargate we can open barely spans a tenth of a light-year."

"My chief concern is missing our rendezvous point; we must avoid becoming lost wanderers among the stars."

"Lord Liang, this strategy is not feasible."

Each individual demurred, apprehensive of becoming star-lost wanderers should they fail to connect with the incoming team, a prospect they found deeply unsettling.

"If no one volunteers, so be it. However, Lingjing Star must prepare to usher in a new industrial era."

Liang Long declared that while Saints and others had played the role of benevolent figures, the time had come to embrace a more ruthless approach. Naturally, they would not bear the direct consequences, having an ample supply of sycophants ready to absorb any backlash.

This situation was entirely predictable. Over the past two centuries, the early defectors who aligned with them had flourished exceptionally. Some seized territories, others established enterprises; all amassed considerable fortunes. Simply put, these individuals benefited far more than those from Blue Star.

Now that these 'pigs' were sufficiently fattened, it was time to 'slaughter' them. They merely needed to absorb the blame one final time before the reaping.

"Lord Liang speaks wisely; we must continuously enhance our industrial capabilities. While we may not match Blue Star's advancements, we should certainly aim for Jiang Star's level."

"The paramount objective is profit. We have endured long enough. Our purpose in coming to Lingjing Star was not to be paragons of virtue, but rather plunderers. We shall now commence the accumulation of wealth, intending to return to Blue Star alongside Zhu Bin and his crew."

"Indeed, the resources of Lingjing Star must also be repatriated."

An understanding was swiftly reached among them. Though they had prospered greatly over the preceding two centuries, the majority of their gains had been squandered on personal indulgences and the cultivation of their own people. Having brought tens of thousands with them, these individuals were not ascetics; they too harbored desires. Two hundred years of proliferation had transformed their initial numbers into millions. These were all their kin, and it was imperative to invest resources in their development.

"Since no significant issues arise, I shall commence the arrangements. Within a span of six months at most, we shall usher in a new industrial epoch. Collaborative efforts from everyone will be essential."

Liang Long gave a nod of affirmation; the time was indeed nearing to conclude their endeavors on Lingjing Star.

······

In the year 8215 of the Blue Star Xia calendar, within the Central Continent of Lingjing Star, Jialan Province.

A collection of documents was presented before Lan Guang. He exerted effort to lift his writing brush and affix his signature to the papers.

Having completed the signing, Lan Guang directed his gaze toward the man before him and inquired, "Brother Chen, has it truly reached this juncture? My lineage, the Blue family, has maintained unwavering loyalty to Blue Star…"

"Brother Lan, I have no doubt of your sincerity; a suitable position awaits you."

Chen Bin responded in a measured tone, yet all he received was Lan Guang's somber smile, casting a shadow of tension over the atmosphere.

Lan Guang's mind drifted back, replaying memories from a bygone era when his father had dispatched him as a envoy to Modern City, a time he recalled as a period of delightful and joyous youth.

Upon concluding his education, Lan Guang returned to Jialan City, assuming the mantle of Director of Education. His responsibilities encompassed the administration of educational affairs and the propagation of Blue Star's language and culture, a cause that inevitably stirred resentment among the Buddhist cultivators of that period.

Throughout the initial three years, Lan Guang weathered more than thirty assassination attempts and intricate plots, two of which brought him perilously close to death, not to mention the accusations from his own kin and the skepticism from his companions. Despite these trials, he persevered in his belief in Blue Star without a second thought.

For at that time, he harbored a profound admiration for Blue Star civilization, viewing it as a true beacon, an entity of purity and flawlessness held within his heart.

Through the relentless dedication of Lan Guang and his associates, Blue Star civilization achieved widespread dissemination, promotion, and rapid expansion across Lingjing Star. Subsequently, he reaped the well-deserved rewards, attaining the position of governor for Jialan Province, while his Jialan Clan seamlessly ascended to the status of a distinguished noble lineage.

In the ensuing period, with advancements in industry and other sectors, his entire family garnered substantial benefits. After two centuries, the Lan family had firmly established itself as one of the foremost noble families within the Central Continent.

As time marched onward, the allure of Blue Star civilization began to wane in Lan Guang's perception, and he started to discern the concealed, more sinister aspects of the Blue Star populace. However, at that critical juncture, Lan Guang found himself incapable of retracing his steps; his only recourse was to continue down the established path. He harbored a hope that the Blue Star inhabitants would show leniency, taking into account his arduous efforts and significant contributions.

Alas, his self-assessment proved to be an overestimation. Presently, the Lan family was perceived as plump livestock ripe for slaughter in the eyes of the Blue Star denizens. The profound sense of anguish he experienced was entirely understandable.

A multitude of thoughts swirled within Lan Guang's consciousness, while Chen Bin's mind was likewise occupied by a range of considerations. Having collaborated with Lan Guang for over a century, a deep bond had formed between them. He personally held Lan Guang's capabilities and character in high esteem.

Yet, personal camaraderie was one matter, while the larger strategic picture presented another. Chen Bin occupied a mid-level officer position among the Blue Star personnel and lacked the authority to alter Blue Star's overarching policy toward Lingjing Star.

"The Lan family originally stemmed from the Jialan tribe of Lingjing Star and was a steadfast adherent to Buddhism. Owing to Lan Guang's insight, the Lan family basked in two hundred years of prosperity, a blessing bestowed by Blue Star. Now that Blue Star is reclaiming its boon, such an action is only fitting."

Chen Bin sought to console himself with this rationale; if it was a blessing, then there existed a possibility of its retrieval. At the very least, he might intervene later to safeguard certain members of the Lan family.

Chen Bin was the first to shatter the prevailing awkwardness, departing with the documents concerning the acquisition of land for factory construction.

These were no ordinary manufacturing facilities; they signified a novel era and advanced technology. Their establishment entailed two consequential factors. Firstly, these factories effectively severed the influence of the prominent Lan family clans, meaning they stood to gain nothing from this development. Their inevitable discontent might even manifest as sabotage, and those in higher positions were merely anticipating such a reaction.

Secondly, the inauguration of these factories would precipitate profound societal transformations and engender numerous social predicaments, such as widespread unemployment. This would mark a period of transition, during which the populace would harbor significant grievances, and Lan Guang, serving as the visible figurehead, would inevitably become the scapegoat.

In essence, it was evident that the higher authorities were orchestrating a scheme, positioning a snare for your inevitable descent. Resistance, even if desired, was futile, as their gaze was fixed upon the riches of these esteemed families, aiming for a lawful confiscation.

They found themselves utterly powerless to defy; their might fell short, and escape routes were nonexistent. The entirety of Lingjing Star was ensnared within Blue Star's dominion, their destinies irrevocably sealed.

"Sigh."

As he departed, Chen Bin cast a final glance back at Lan Guang, a heavy sigh escaping him. Their bond was one of genuine camaraderie, and Chen Bin held a deep respect for Lan Guang's noble character and compelling presence. Alas, his misfortune lay in his birth circumstances. Had fate placed him on Blue Star, even from the humblest beginnings, his potential would have been boundless, and he would never have faced this current predicament.