Is Unlocking the Stellaris Tech Tree in Star Rail Really Okay? [295]

From the moment she boarded the transport shuttle descending toward the planet’s surface, Fu Xuan’s mind was filled with the two words Jing Yuan had casually uttered.

Food.

Of course…

Whether for daily life or military campaigns, food was essential to sustaining both society and the war machine. The Xianzhou Alliance had never ceased its external crusades against the Abundance-worshippers, consuming an astronomical amount of food in the process.

For months now, the ports Luofo had allocated to the Empire were constantly piled high with grain and vast quantities of essential metal ores. Chen Lin had even contacted them multiple times, asking them to set up more vacant ports so he could transport supplies more efficiently.

In response, Luofo had gone full throttle in expanding its infrastructure. Aside from its original four major cargo ports, it had built over a dozen massive new ones—though these were strictly reserved for the Empire’s supply deliveries and not open for public trade.

At the peak of activity, billions of tons of various foodstuffs and raw minerals arrived daily. The sheer volume and frequency far exceeded Luofo’s own capacity, eliminating its food crisis and ensuring it wouldn’t have to scramble for supplies for decades to come.

Fu Xuan had once suggested that Jing Yuan distribute the excess food and minerals to the other Xianzhou ships that needed them, but he had refused outright. He simply told her to wait, continuing to deliver only the pre-agreed amounts—no more, no less.

Since the goods sent to the other Xianzhou were calculated as Luofo’s own trade-tax contributions, and Luofo had only just recovered from Phantylia and the Stellaron Crisis, the resources it could spare were nowhere near what they once were.

Back then, Fu Xuan had found it baffling—Luofo was running out of space to store the Empire’s shipments, yet the General would rather let the stockpile sit idle than share it with their fellow Xianzhou.

Even more infuriating were the "righteous" reasons he gave:

"These supplies were loaned to Luofo by the Empire. They don’t count as trade earnings."

Now, hearing Jing Yuan’s latest words, Fu Xuan felt a sudden moment of clarity. She finally understood what he had been planning all along.

Not every general was a master of both strategy and diplomacy. Take Yaoqing, for example—their philosophy revolved around martial virtue above all else. If they weren’t in a battle, they were on their way to one. Abstract arguments and grand ideals were unlikely to sway a warhawk like the The Vanquishing.

So why talk when you could simply show them something real?

Jing Yuan’s plan was clear—Luofo would take the risk and blaze a trail for the others. Through actions, it would send a message:

"Luofo is breaking free from the corporation’s parasitic grasp and preparing to align itself with the Empire. Are you in or out?"

This move was nothing short of a gamble—one that placed both his political career and his life on the line. Yet, he didn’t seem the least bit concerned.

And why would he be?

Jing Yuan never made a move unless he was sure he could succeed.

As the shuttle prepared to land, Fu Xuan whispered, "Are you confident?"

"Yes—almost absolutely." Jing Yuan nodded with a smile. "This is the way things are headed. A stagnant world needs a push. And between a single feast and a lifetime of full meals, I trust they’ll know which one to choose."

The transport shuttle, guided by the control tower, descended onto the designated landing platform. The hum of the engines faded into silence.

—Hiss—

The hatch opened, and for the first time, the Xianzhou generals, diviners, and bureaucrats set foot on Imperial soil.

Jing Yuan immediately scanned the surroundings, but the familiar figure he had expected was nowhere to be seen. Instead, a squad was striding toward them at a brisk pace.

Leading the group was a young woman dressed in what appeared to be military uniform. Her silver eyes matched the color of her hair, her features exuding sharp intellect and unwavering poise. She carried herself with a dignified elegance, yet her every step was infused with the commanding presence of a seasoned officer.

She looked like a noble heiress—yet also like a soldier who had spent over a decade on the battlefield.

Jing Yuan glanced down at Fu Xuan standing beside him.

As expected, her expression had instantly turned cold.

He could only sigh in amusement.

"Welcome, esteemed guests of Xianzhou Luofo, to Belobog," the woman greeted. "I am Bronya Rand, Supreme Guardian of Jarilo. You may simply call me Bronya. The Governor is occupied with urgent matters and was unable to personally receive you, so he has entrusted me with the honor of hosting your visit.

"Your transportation has been arranged. Please, follow me."

After the brief introduction, Bronya’s gaze naturally settled on the two most prominent figures at the front of the group.

She recognized Jing Yuan immediately.

She and Seele had often been present during Chen Lin’s communications with him. They had even participated in some of those discussions, offering their own insights.

Before she could formally greet him, however, Jing Yuan had already spoken up with a cheerful laugh.

"It’s been too long, Miss Bronya. I’ve always wanted to visit this place—to witness the scenic beauty of Jarilo-VI and its grand architecture firsthand. I never imagined my wish would come true so soon. This is truly a rare delight!"

"You flatter me, Brother."

Bronya smiled. "As the Governor's sworn brother, you are always welcome in Jarilo. You could consider it your second home."

"When the Governor heard that both the General and the Master Diviner would be visiting in person, he was so overjoyed that he stayed up all night just talking about the two of you."

She turned to Fu Xuan, her voice warm.

"I already thought you were beautiful when I saw your projection during our calls, Sister Fu. But seeing you in person, I realize now—those terminal projections really don’t do you justice."

Yet Fu Xuan acted as if she hadn’t heard a word.

Her gaze remained distant, detached.

Jing Yuan, ever the mediator, gave her a light pat on the shoulder, offering her a graceful way out.

"Diviner Fu has been busy handling Luofo’s affairs even during the journey. She’s had little time to rest and may not be in the best state right now."

Fu Xuan immediately snapped back to attention.

"…Ahem! I have been feeling a bit unwell, but it’s nothing serious. Thank you for your concern."

Bronya nodded, making a lighthearted remark.

"In that case, Sister Fu should take this opportunity to get some proper rest. Otherwise, the Governor might worry when he sees you."

During past communications, Bronya had already sensed that this so-called "sworn sister" of hers seemed to harbor some… reservations toward her.

She had even suspected at the time that Fu Xuan might have feelings for the Governor.

Now, after just a few minutes of observing her in person, Bronya knew she was right.

Her only lingering question was—

Why was someone as composed as Fu Xuan so bothered by something so trivial…?

"You should really get some rest, Diviner Fu," Jing Yuan added, picking up on Bronya’s cue. "Wouldn’t want you dozing off during the ceremony—that would be quite the spectacle!"

He then casually steered the conversation toward Chen Lin, reminiscing about their first fateful encounter on the Xianzhou.

Fu Xuan, despite her mood, managed to chime in here and there. But it was clear that she was not in a good place mentally.

She still remembered the day Chen Lin had asked her to divine an auspicious date… for a wedding.

Of course she wasn’t in a good mood.

What Fu Xuan didn’t know, however, was that while the Xianzhou upheld monogamous marriage laws for the sake of population control and societal stability—

The Jarilo sector had no such restrictions.

So long as all parties were mutually devoted and passed an empathic compatibility test, they could legally register their union at the marriage bureau.

And more importantly—

In this land, Chen Lin was the law.

He and Bronya held absolute authority.

Even an emperor wouldn’t have as much power as the two of them did…

After all, an emperor could still be constrained by nobles and ministers. But the two of them? They answered to no one.

Furthermore, Bronya had grown up in the old era of Belobog. To her, polygamy was completely normal.

In the past, Belobog’s concern wasn’t how many spouses one had, but whether they could afford them—whether they could feed all the mouths they took responsibility for.

During Cocolia’s rule, some of the highest-ranking officials had at least two or three wives—sometimes even more.

And she knew for a fact that many men had multiple spouses.

Even now, things hadn’t changed. One director from the Research Institute had fourteen wives and nearly thirty children.

A harmonious family. Countless descendants. A fulfilling life.

Marriage wasn’t just a personal matter—it was rewarded. Those who married and had children received honorary medals signed by the Qlipoth Fort and were granted six months of paid leave.

The Empire, in return, gained a stable and ever-growing population to fill its insatiable demand for labor.

It was a win-win situation.

So as far as Bronya was concerned, she didn’t mind how many partners Chen Lin took.

As long as he was happy, she would support him from behind the scenes.

Take Qingque, for example—the ambassador who always came to the palace to play games with her.

She was fun to talk to, easygoing, and had a pleasant voice.

Wasn’t that great?

...

As they chatted, Bronya had already led Fu Xuan and Jing Yuan to Qlipoth Fort.

Unlike the rest of the delegation, these two were given special accommodations.

Chen Lin had personally instructed that rooms be prepared for them inside Qlipoth Fort itself. They would be staying here for the next few days—after all, he would be meeting with them quite frequently.

As for the other bureaucrats?

Bronya had arranged for them to stay at the Imperial Grand Hotel, behind the Administrative Plaza.

A privileged treatment, of course.

After all, Luofo was the first civilization to officially establish diplomatic relations with the Empire.

If the others were jealous?

Too bad. Suck it up.

---

Phantylia had happily resumed her work, while Chen Lin was playing a board game Qingque had gifted him—with little Shi Sha joining in.

With Chen Lin overseeing things, Phantylia's efficiency had skyrocketed.

She could now create an Arbor body every thirty seconds—and once enough of them were piled up, Chen Lin would trigger a psionic chain reaction to extract [Zro Dust].

...

At a stone table inside a pavilion…

Shi Sha reached out and pressed the button on the number generator.

The transparent screen flickered, and finally, the number 4 appeared.

The small game piece on the board moved forward four steps—right to the exit.

"Yay! Daddy lost again!"

"Ugh, my luck is terrible today…"

Chen Lin chuckled, leaning forward to let Shi Sha apply her "punishment"—his face already covered in four or five sticky notes.

But this time, instead of adding more, she quickly peeled them all off with two swift motions.

Then, with a delighted giggle, she pounced on him—wrapping her arms around his neck.

He caught her effortlessly, lifting her up in one smooth motion.

After spending so much time together, Chen Lin had a fairly good grasp of his adopted daughter’s personality.

She loved playing new games, had a terrifyingly strong talent for them, and—somehow—her luck was so absurdly good it felt like cheating.

She was also especially close to Bronya and Seele.

Apparently… it was because they smelled like her.

...

Yeah. No idea what that means.

Setting her down, Chen Lin ruffled her hair.

She immediately pouted in protest, glaring at him.

But that just made him laugh even harder.

Shi Sha climbed onto his recliner—it was big enough for both of them.

Lying sideways next to him, she rested her head on his arm.

She had always been tormented by an endless hunger.

But as long as she was near him—

She felt full.

Chen Lin absentmindedly ran his fingers through her hair, gazing at the transformed Shroud before them.

The misty air. The water flowing toward the mill.

He sighed softly.

"Shi Sha, I might be a bit busy in the coming days."

She turned her head, staring at his profile.

"As long as Daddy is busy, it’s fine. I’ll be good."

From the moment she was born, the first thing she saw was him.

She didn’t know why she existed.

She didn’t know why she was named Shi Sha.

She only knew one thing—

Daddy was good to her. So she would be good to Daddy.

Whatever Daddy said—

That was the truth.

Despite her innate malice, Shi Sha had never shown any of it in front of him.

She despised Phantylia—because something in her instincts told her that this "sister" had hurt Daddy before.

That hatred was so deep-rooted that even when she was still trapped inside a cocoon—unconscious and unaware—

She had already been plotting how to lure Phantylia in and devour her whole.

Yet when it came to Chen Lin—

Her thoughts were unbelievably pure.

...

To keep her entertained, he had brought in stacks of books from the outside world.

He had assumed he would have to teach her how to read.

But to his surprise—

She didn’t need any help.

One glance, and she instantly understood everything.

As for food…

Shi Sha didn’t eat normal food—because it did nothing for her.

It was like trying to feed a tiger with a single strand of meat.

So every now and then, Chen Lin would let her consume [Zro Dust] instead.

And yet, even with his permission, she refused to eat it right away.

She would simply squat next to it, staring silently—

Afraid that if she started, she wouldn’t be able to stop.

Afraid that she would devour everything and cause a disaster.

"But I’ll still come see you every day," Chen Lin reassured her.

"I’ll also try to find more things you can eat. What do you feel like eating?"

"Something delicious!"

Chen Lin deadpanned.

"And what exactly is ‘delicious’?"

Shi Sha blinked.

Then tilted her head.

"…Dunno."

A pause.

Chen Lin suddenly chuckled.

"Would you like to eat an entire civilization?"

"…Like, the people? And their planet?"

Her eyes lit up.

"Can I?!"

"Of course," Chen Lin replied smoothly.

"I’ll pick one out for you soon. Sound good?"

"YES—!"

As Shi Sha cheered, Chen Lin playfully pinched her cheek.

His gaze shifted, unfocusing—

And locked onto a newly available contact in his [Communications] panel.

A civilization that had just been revealed due to the arrival of his guests in Belobog.

[Nation Name: Rilu]
[Government Type: Blood Court (Imperial Rule)]
[Dominant Ideologies: Extreme Xenophobia, Militarism]
[National Traits:]

– Racial Purity: This society is fanatically dedicated to purging all other sentient lifeforms from the galaxy. No matter what, they will never tolerate the existence of alien species.

– Masked Politics: This government maintains a facade of diplomacy while weak. Until their ‘Racial Purity’ doctrine is exposed, other civilizations cannot declare war on them using ‘Threat Elimination’ as a justification.

[Species: Riluians]
[Homeworld: Rilu-I]

---

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!