Cultivation: Being Immortal Chapter 852
Previously on Cultivation: Being Immortal...
In the year 8235 of the Blue Star Xia Calendar, on Lingjing Star.
Upon their arrival at Lingjing Star, Zhu Bin and his entourage were warmly welcomed by Liang Long and his team, who subsequently hosted a grand banquet in their honor.
Following the feast, Zhu Bin convened a private meeting with the high-ranking officials of Lingjing Star. Their discussions spanned a wide array of topics, encompassing both official matters and personal affairs.
When Liang Long was informed by Zhu Bin that the cover of the Huaxia textbook now featured Zhu Bin’s image, he was taken aback with amusement. This trivial detail was entirely new to him, leaving him momentarily speechless.
"Spanning over a hundred light-years, with nine transfer teleportation arrays, these nine transfer stations ought to serve as Blue Star's initial springboard for exploring the cosmos."
Liang Long expressed his conviction that this strategy was sound and would prove beneficial for outward exploration originating from these nine hubs.
"Indeed, but not nine, ten – Lingjing Star included."
"Ancestor Lin is exceptionally ambitious. Lingjing Star might inadvertently encounter other worlds during its outward expansion. The Buddha sect is formidable, and Fa Kong's might rivals that of Kong Yan in his prime."
Liang Long recalled that defeating Kong Yan had necessitated the combined might of six Transmigration Stage cultivators from Blue Star, aided by a Space Battleship. Given Fa Kong's superior strength, he was uncertain what sacrifices would be required to overcome him.
"This was Ancestor Lin's directive. I neither know nor intend to concern myself with the specifics.""Very well, if it is Ancestor Lin's wish, we shall comply."
"Are the necessary raw materials on Lingjing Star prepared?"
"Nearly so, but the refinement of certain spiritual talismans is hindered by the inadequate skill of Lingjing Star's Talisman Makers."
"That is to be expected; presently, only Ancestor Lin possesses the mastery for such refinement. However, we have reserves. Once the passage is fully operational, Blue Star will dispatch additional resources for storage."
Zhu Bin mentioned that while Lin Jiang had attempted to impart knowledge on the power of rules, no one had yet grasped it. Their current limitation meant they could only strive to support Lin Jiang. He revealed that upon his departure, he had brought all critical components for the cross-border teleportation array.
"If that is the case, we can commence construction tomorrow. Should Lingjing Star be chosen as the site, we will primarily rely on nuclear energy. While solar energy technology is available, the required space for extensive solar panel arrays is insufficient. Establishing them on the nearest uninhabited planet would allow for solar energy utilization."
"Then let us select the nearest uninhabited planet. How distant is it?"
"Quite near, approximately fifty million kilometers. Subsequently, we can establish an Interstellar Teleportation Array for direct transit, or alternatively, arrange for transport spaceships; both options can be pursued concurrently."
Liang Long cautioned that situating the cross-border teleportation array on Lingjing Star was inadvisable. Firstly, the sheer scale of the array and its supporting infrastructure would likely consume tens of thousands of square kilometers, leading to significant land wastage. Secondly, the energy demands would divert resources from Lingjing Star's own needs. Therefore, relocating the facility was the optimal solution. With their current technological prowess, a distance of tens of millions of kilometers was negligible, especially considering their long-term objective of exploring regions beyond a hundred light-years, where distances are measured in light-years.
"Proceed with the arrangement."
Zhu Bin offered no further objections and simply authorized the plan.
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The year 8250 on the Blue Star Xia calendar, Blue Star.
Shiyi, accompanied by a contingent, returned from Lingjing Star, utilizing the cross-border teleportation array. The journey, traversing well-managed transfer stations across more than a hundred light-years, took a mere three days. This achievement underscored the advanced capabilities of Immortal Language in interstellar exploration, surpassing conventional technological civilizations, as even light-speed spaceships paled in comparison to the efficiency of the cross-border teleportation array.
Shiyi personally delivered a comprehensive report to Lin Jiang and the other leaders regarding their accomplishments on Lingjing Star over the preceding two centuries. Subsequently, Lin Jiang hosted a banquet in Shiyi's honor, commending his contributions and arranging for him to deliver inspiring speeches across the globe, thereby garnering widespread admiration.
Three months later, Lin Jiang announced his intention to lead an expedition to Lingjing Star, recognizing its significance as Blue Star's second established colony.
Lin Jiang extended invitations to Li Qing and the Demon Queen, who enthusiastically accepted, each bringing a substantial retinue. Given that Lingjing Star was a joint venture among the three factions, they intended to actively participate in reaping its benefits, rather than solely contributing resources without reaping rewards.
Lin Jiang arrived with a considerable entourage, including Lin Ying and Big Shadiao. Having resided on Blue Star for a significant duration, this excursion was envisioned as a leisurely break.
Upon hearing the news, Small Shadiao made haste back from Jiang Star. He had grown weary of Jiang Star and was eager to explore a new celestial body.
"Brother…"
Small Shadiao greeted Lin Jiang with an enthusiastic embrace, his excitement palpable.
"Well done, you’ve finally reached the seventh level. All the resources I provided were certainly worth it."
Lin Jiang mentioned his private enterprises on Jiang Star, which dwarfed those on Huaxia, and hinted at numerous hidden treasures. Small Shadiao held the highest authority over these ventures on Jiang Star; essentially, Lin Jiang's actions were largely for Small Shadiao's benefit.
Throughout the years, all of Small Shadiao’s expenditures for leisure and enjoyment had been covered by Lin Jiang. While indulging himself, he was also able to cultivate, a testament to Lin Jiang’s unwavering support.
"Brother, this was merely fortune, pure luck."
"Knowing it’s luck yet still indulging, let me inform you, Big Shadiao is also on the verge of reaching the seventh level. You’d best prepare yourself for a beating."
"Ah, sister is going too?"
"Naturally."
"Hmm, brother, could I perhaps alter my appearance? Please keep my presence a secret from her."
A flicker of apprehension crossed Small Shadiao’s face. He felt unable to escape his lifelong dynamic with Big Shadiao, destined to be perpetually thrashed even after millennia. A disguise seemed necessary.
"Absolutely not. Don’t even think about evading. Furthermore, aren’t you going to extend greetings to the Demon Queen?"
"I shall not. She and I are not on the same path. She is the progenitor of the demon race; what concern is it of mine if she sees me? I am the progenitor of the demon ancestor."
"As you wish. Should you ever wish to reconcile, I can offer assistance. No rift is insurmountable."
Lin Jiang noted that Small Shadiao’s current estrangement from the Demon Queen was understandable, given the numerous past conflicts. Small Shadiao had wronged the Demon Queen, and she, in turn, had once played tricks on him.
However, this was not the crux of the matter. Just as Lin Jiang himself had engaged in fierce battles with the Demon Queen, they ultimately found common ground and cooperated. As adults, pragmatic considerations of mutual benefit often prevailed.
It mirrored the past, enduring the lashing from their 'American dad' and suffering indignity, yet now they offered obeisance. When benefits are involved, shame becomes irrelevant.
During their travels, the Demon Queen naturally noticed Small Shadiao. However, since Small Shadiao did not initiate contact, the Demon Queen saw no reason to do so either.
Previously, she had orchestrated Muse’s journey to the Yunzhong Mountain Range in Huaxia to meet Small Shadiao, an event that irrevocably fractured their bond. Her current collaboration with Lin Jiang was not motivated by any lingering feelings for Small Shadiao; his favor was insufficient cause.
By the time Lin Jiang and his party commenced their journey, Shiyi had already been back for over half a year. This period was ample for each transfer station to accumulate sufficient energy reserves, especially since prior notification had been received, ensuring the fusion power plants operated at peak capacity.
Approximately three days later, Lin Jiang and his companions arrived at Lingjing Star, disembarking in the Modern City of the Central Continent. Li Qing and the Demon Queen, after being hosted for a welcoming banquet by Liang Long, promptly departed to survey their own territories.
"Chief Liang’s abilities have seen some improvement; when do you anticipate breaking through to the Transmigration Stage?"
Lin Jiang conversed with Liang Long in private and posed this question.
"There is no rush; advancing too swiftly to the Tao Achieving stage is not ideal. I have yet to fully grasp the advantages of this current level, so I intend to continue accumulating experience for a while longer."
"That is acceptable. However, you cannot return to Blue Star for the time being; we require your presence here."
"Understood. I once harbored a dream of becoming an interstellar pirate. I wonder if Ancestor Lin might assist me in realizing this ambition."
"Theoretically, it is not feasible."
Lin Jiang’s response was met with a smile from Liang Long. The mention of theoretical impossibility implied that it might, in fact, be achievable, signaling Lin Jiang's willingness to offer support.
Liang Long felt a profound sense of gratitude. Many of his aspirations were beyond his reach on his own, and with Lin Jiang’s backing, he need not seek alternative means.
Subsequently, Liang Long and Lin Jiang engaged in an extensive discussion concerning Fa Kong. Although Fa Kong had not directly clashed with them, Liang Long harbored significant reservations, often remarking that Fa Kong’s power surpassed that of Kong Yan in his prime.
Regarding Fa Kong’s departure from Lingjing Star, Liang Long had dispatched spacecraft to attempt a pursuit, but to no avail. It was now confirmed that Fa Kong had exited Lingjing Star, heading towards its northern regions.For two centuries, the starship dispatched by Liang Long has traversed multiple light-years. It has been confirmed that within a twenty light-year radius, no planets teeming with life exist. Locating another world for the Buddhist realm presents considerable difficulty, and Liang Long advises against it. Should another conflict arise, Blue Star might not stand a chance of victory.