Is Unlocking the Stellaris Tech Tree in Star Rail Really Okay? [296]

There were only two days left until the grand military parade.

Most civilizations neighboring the Jarilo sector had already arrived. The Xianzhou Alliance, being the civilization farthest from the sector, had departed as soon as Jing Yuan and Fu Xuan received the news. However, even though they were traveling aboard the fastest warship the Xianzhou had to offer, they were still among the last to arrive.

Xianzhou’s warships were quite fascinating—naturally, Chen Lin had received reports from the border starbase about them.

At first glance, Xianzhou warships bore a striking resemblance to a type of vessel known as a "tower ship." The hull itself was already massive, and atop it stood towering structures, resembling high-rises. Both sides of the vessel housed specialized compartments, which, in the event of danger, would open their doors to deploy smaller combat-class star chariots piloted by soldiers.

This design closely resembled Chen Lin’s carrier fleet—both relied on individual units engaging in combat while the main vessel provided long-range support to sustain firepower and operational endurance.

Observations of Luofu’s warships revealed that, besides a "carrier module," they were also equipped with an array of projectile cannons, some sections even utilizing laser-like weaponry. In terms of combat capability, they could rival Chen Lin’s fusion nuclear missiles and ultraviolet laser emitters—certainly formidable firepower.

However, in this universe, only the empire represented by Chen Lin had actively chosen to develop space warfare capabilities. The Xianzhou dabbled in it primarily out of necessity—since they had to constantly relocate their fleet-worlds based on circumstances, they frequently encountered dangers along the way, forcing them to invest resources into space combat research and development.

The Xianzhou had long understood the strategic importance of space superiority, but the construction of such warships required astronomical resources, while technological advancement in this field was another bottomless financial pit.

Until their weaponry, shields, and armor reached the necessary standards, highly skilled individual warriors remained a more cost-effective combat solution. Coupled with the scars of the Abundance War and the corporate capital encroachment, the Xianzhou ultimately decided to indefinitely delay their space dominance strategy.

Thus, the Xianzhou’s space warship development had stagnated into its current half-alive state.

Otherwise, given their exceptional spacefaring and research capabilities—both significantly above the galactic average—they would never have abandoned their true advantage.

One could say the Xianzhou sought to bide their time, but reality simply wouldn’t allow it...

Having returned from [The Shroud], Chen Lin knew that Bronya had already received the visitors. For the past several months, he had little governance that required his direct intervention. His daily routine consisted of spending some time in the [The Shroud] playing with little Shi Sha, accompanying Bronya and Seele, or simulating every possible war that might arise in the future.

And now, it seemed yet another civilization was about to be added to his war list—

Rilu-I.

Initially, Chen Lin had considered a peaceful assimilation—making Rilu a vassal and gradually absorbing it. But when Rilu’s official delegation arrived in Belobog and, as per protocol, triggered diplomatic contact, a new nation appeared in the [Communications] panel.

And the result?

Chen Lin took one look—and discovered they were xenophobic purists!

He was momentarily speechless. He had already sensed that this civilization exhibited an unusually high degree of external hostility. Initially, he had assumed it was simply an extreme case of natural isolationism. But he never expected their ideology to be full-fledged species purity fanaticism—to the extent that they wished for a universe where no other intelligent life existed besides themselves.

Generally speaking, species purity wasn’t unheard of. The real problem lay in the fact that Rilu’s national ideology permitted them to disguise their true nature when they were weak, engaging in formal diplomacy with other civilizations in an awkwardly forced manner. Since other nations couldn’t immediately detect their purist ideology, no one actively sought to wipe them out.

Xenophobic Purist Civilization, Epic Buff Activated.

"Oh, there are plenty of ways to deal with you."

Fortunately, this civilization had once torn itself apart in a civil war, severely stunting its technological progress. Otherwise, Chen Lin would have genuinely worried about them issuing a diplomatic insult—after all, exterminationist governments tended to have some rather peculiar logic.

That aside, after what felt like an eternity, Chen Lin finally got to see Jing Yuan and Fu Xuan. After giving Bronya a few brief instructions, he took Phantylia and quickly made his way to their residence.

Jing Yuan was a sharp man. Setting aside their personal relationship, the things he could offer on behalf of Luofu would tempt anyone. In response to Chen Lin’s previous hints, Jing Yuan had subtly reciprocated, expressing his interest.

If full-scale migration between Jarilo and the Xianzhou became possible—if Luofo even operated as a Special Administrative Zone of the Empire—Chen Lin wouldn’t hesitate to cover all travel expenses and living costs for any Xianzhou citizen willing to immigrate. Hell, he’d even provide free housing!

To him, these new immigrants were worth far more than any precious metal.

---

Inside one of the outer courtyards, Jing Yuan sat in a chair, listening to a nearby maid explain the functions of various unfamiliar objects.

He quickly realized something—nothing in this empire seemed to function without psionics.

Psionic energy had become deeply integrated into every aspect of this nation. Even boiling water involved psionics in some way.

But, honestly, psionics were absurdly versatile…

"My lord, if you have any further questions or require assistance, please do not hesitate to call for us. We are stationed nearby."

Jing Yuan nodded with a smile. "Thank you for your help. Without your guidance, I might have been utterly lost and overwhelmed."

"You’re too kind, my lord. If there’s nothing else, we’ll take our leave."

"Take care."

The graceful maids gave a polite bow before withdrawing with their colleagues, who had just finished tidying up.

As Jing Yuan brewed tea, his gaze briefly swept over the departing maids. He had looked into their ages—they were all between 20 and 28—and mentally made an assessment.

Each and every one of them would be an outstanding officer candidate in the Cloud Knights. They’re all top-tier talents!

Assigning such individuals to mere servant duties?

"My dear brother, what a blatant waste of potential…"

Jing Yuan could only shake his head and chuckle.

Just then, he heard movement outside—the maids appeared to be respectfully greeting someone. He didn’t even need to guess—he already knew who had arrived.

Sure enough, a highly recognizable voice called from beyond the door.

"Brother, long time no see. You must have had quite the exhausting journey. I’ve been swamped with matters and couldn’t personally welcome you—hope you won’t hold it against your younger brother."

Jing Yuan laughed, grabbing another teacup and pouring a second serving. "Since when did you start being so formal with me?"

Chen Lin pondered for a moment before replying, "Whenever I have a favor to ask of you, Brother."

The two exchanged glances, each reading the deeper meaning behind the other’s words. Jing Yuan waved a hand and chuckled, "Alright, enough with the pleasantries. Let’s—hmm? And this is… your chief guard, I presume?"

Jing Yuan narrowed his eyes at Phantylia, who stood behind Chen Lin.

This was his first time seeing Phantylia’s current form in person. Although he had already received reports from the embassy stating that one of Chen Lin’s personal guards bore a striking resemblance to Phantylia, seeing it with his own eyes nearly triggered his PTSD.

There was no helping it—aside from the psionic energy emanating from her body, which the Empire referred to as "psionics," and a gentler aura, this person merely bore a superficial resemblance to Phantylia as she had been in the Xianzhou.

It was said that Chen Lin had picked up this chief guard on his way back—she had looked pitiful, so he took her in. Furthermore, the two special envoys from the Ten Lords Commission had already conducted an investigation, confirming that this individual was not  Phantylia.

Jing Yuan trusted the perception of the Heliobus. Those imbued with the Heliobus’s power could always sense one another. If the Heliobus Fragment itself declared that this chief guard bore no trace of its influence, and if even he—who had dealt with the Heliobus multiple times—couldn’t detect anything, then it meant one thing: the similarity was purely coincidental.

Under Jing Yuan’s unreserved scrutiny, Phantylia felt no particular fear.

She had already embraced the uncertainties of fate. Let alone the Heliobus—even she herself no longer knew what kind of lifeform she had become. There was no point in worrying about being recognized.

With a charming smile, she stepped forward, bowed slightly, and spoke in a delicate voice. "This humble one is Lunatylia. I greet the General. My lord often speaks of you, and now that I’ve finally met you in person, I see that you are far more handsome and imposing than in videos and photographs."

"You flatter me, Chief Guard. I must apologize for my rudeness just now—your appearance simply reminded me of an old acquaintance, so I couldn’t help but take a few extra glances."

Jing Yuan turned back toward the others, gesturing for them to take their seats. "I’ll go call for Diviner Fu. Once she’s here, we can get down to busin—"

Before he could finish, the doors swung open.

Fu Xuan stepped inside, her expression unreadable, her sharp gaze landing directly on Jing Yuan. She let out a slow breath, her tone carrying a hint of exasperation.

"General, do you take me for a fool who needs reminders for everything? I already foresaw that my dear junior would come here in person. I had planned to join you after familiarizing myself with the Empire’s various mechanisms. But it seems… I was still a little slow."

Chen Lin, standing beside Jing Yuan, leaned in and whispered in a voice only the two of them could hear, "Big Sis looks kinda pissed. What’s going on?"

"That’s something you should be asking yourself." Jing Yuan raised an eyebrow at him.

In truth, very few people in the Xianzhou could accurately tell whether Fu Xuan was actually upset or not. After all, she always wore that same stoic expression, her tone rarely fluctuating much.

Only those who had worked with her for a long time—like Jing Yuan—had developed an ability to pick up on subtle micro-expressions and mannerisms that hinted at her true emotions.

As for why Chen Lin could tell so quickly? Well, aside from their familiarity, there was also the fact that psionic users often found themselves unintentionally picking up on the emotional states of others.

This kind of talent made them exceptionally effective in negotiations and intelligence gathering, allowing them to achieve twice the results with half the effort.

"And why would I be the one to ask?"

Chen Lin was genuinely confused. He had spent the entire day playing with little Shi Sha, completely detached from the outside world. As soon as he heard that the Luofu guests had arrived, he had hurried over. How was he supposed to know what was going on?

He felt that Bronya was always thorough and considerate when handling matters. Her temperament was practically flawless, and she had long since outgrown any naive worldviews—there was no way she could have done something to upset Fu Xuan… right?

Too bad I can’t just peek into Big Sis’s thoughts. Otherwise, I’d definitely figure out who pissed her off.

"Stand guard outside. Don’t let anyone near." Chen Lin instructed Phantylia.

She gave a slight nod, silently retreating from the main hall and leaning against the wall outside with her arms crossed.

Jing Yuan observed the tense atmosphere in the room and finally raised his hand slightly, as if to ease the stiffness in the air.

"Since we’re all here, that’s good. No need for excessive formalities—we’re all family, after all. Now then, dear brother, I only have two questions. Can you give me answers?"

Chen Lin took a sip of tea, inwardly noting that Xianzhou’s tea still suited his taste best, but outwardly nodding in agreement.

"Ask away, Brother. I promise to answer openly and honestly."

Fu Xuan sat quietly to the side, her sharp gaze fixed on the two men representing their respective civilizations. She had plenty of questions of her own for Chen Lin, but those would have to wait.

Jing Yuan, seeing Chen Lin’s willingness to cooperate, did not relax just yet. He needed clear answers before he could proceed with his own plans.

Setting down his teacup, he absentmindedly traced his fingers along its rim, occasionally tapping the table. After a long pause, he finally spoke:

"What is your vision for the future of this galaxy?"

Fu Xuan frowned slightly.

Huh? 

She had expected him to ask about the Empire’s future plans, yet instead, he had asked for Chen Lin’s personal perspective?

My dear junior is just a governor—a governor! How could he possibly dictate something as vast as the galaxy’s future?

However, she held her tongue, letting Jing Yuan take the lead.

"My vision?" Chen Lin chuckled softly. "Brother, let me tell you a little story."

"Oh? You know I always enjoy hearing my dear brother’s stories." Jing Yuan leaned forward with interest.

Chen Lin lifted his hand and traced a circle in the air. Immediately, a semi-transparent purple sphere materialized, swirling with mist. Inside, images began to form.

"One day, A was out shopping and bought an exquisitely expensive cat bed from a supermarket. But A did not own a cat. He had purchased the bed as a birthday gift for his friend, B."

"Unfortunately, A had made a mistake—it was C, not B, who owned a cat. Nonetheless, he went ahead and gifted the carefully wrapped present to B."

"The next day, B unwrapped the present and found the beautifully crafted cat bed. The problem? B did not have a cat. And it was far too expensive to simply throw away."

"So, B placed the cat bed in his living room as decoration."

"Over time, as more and more visitors came to B’s home, they all assumed he owned a cat. After all, who would display a high-end cat bed without actually having a cat?"

"B found himself repeatedly explaining that he did not have a cat."

"Eventually, he decided that leaving the bed empty was a waste. So, he went to A’s pet store and purchased a rare and precious kitten to match the extravagant bed."

"Little by little, he acquired all the necessary accessories—matching toys, premium cat food, a personalized collar engraved with the kitten’s name and his own as its owner."

"B gained a pet. A gained a profit from selling both the pet and its accompanying products."

"And so, the master of the gift… ultimately became its servant."

"Unable to part with the gift, he became bound to it, no?"

---

T/N: uhhh shit i didnt think about this but uhh i guess Lunatylia will be how Phantylia is referred to when Jing Yuan and Fu Xuan is around? idk, before they kept referring to her as Huanlong (Phantylias chinese name) even around the others Bronya, QIngque etc, but here he referred to her as Huanyue to Jing Yuan so I changed it to Lunatylia

This is a fan translation of 在星穹铁道点群星科技树真的没问题吗? by 杏雨诗韵 All rights to the original work belong to the creator. Please support them by exploring their original work or sharing it with others if you can. Thank you for reading and supporting my efforts to bring this story to a wider audience!