Is Unlocking the Stellaris Tech Tree in Star Rail Really Okay? [363]

The Empire's apparent outward strategy was to utilize Jarilo as a stepping stone—a secure foothold to develop comprehensive capabilities, establishing and fortifying a military stronghold against the prophesied 'Calamity.'

Chen Lin had already frankly disclosed this intention to Jing Yuan; it was genuinely one of his inner thoughts, simply put forth without reservation.

The tactical approach designed for the Jarilo Star Sector was thus to unite all civilizations that could be united, to unify all ideologies capable of unity, clenching their fists to minimize every possible risk other than the Calamity itself.

What appeared as reckless territorial expansion was, in reality, laying strategic depth for future warfare. Though temporarily displeasing to others, this strategy provided insurance, safeguarding against potential future setbacks.

The Xianzhou relied primarily on their fleet of homeland ships, drifting endlessly across the cosmos. While they once depended on a small number of tributary planets for resources, such outdated and inefficient practices had long since become relics of a bygone era.

Since the era of the Three Calamities, the Golden People rebellion, the fall of noble clans, and the rise of warlords, the Xianzhou fleet, now renamed the Xianzhou Alliance, had engaged in frequent warfare with the Disciples of Sanctus. Under these circumstances, the old model of resource extraction inevitably shifted. Defining clear roles for each Xianzhou became imperative.

Luofu transitioned from military functions to financial and trade roles, providing logistical support to frontlines through commerce. Thousands of years of distinct division of labor ensured stable governance and economic sustenance for the Xianzhou Alliance, affirming the viability of this new approach.

Now, with the Empire's dramatic emergence, the Jarilo Star Sector was developing at an astonishing speed. In merely two short years, Jarilo transformed from a civilization nearly obliterated by a stellar core catastrophe into a renowned power that shook the universe through a single military parade!

Swept up by the tides of history, the Divine Foresight General of Luofu keenly sensed a more advantageous path emerging amidst his brief neutrality—quickly aligning himself beside Jarilo.

The process was indeed convoluted. Famine, unseen for thousands of years, erupted on Luofu, the wealthiest ship in the Xianzhou Alliance.

Jing Yuan concealed certain details, even lied.

He did not inform Chen Lin that, during this period of severe social upheaval triggered by economic reforms, many had starved to death on Luofu.

Unexpectedly, despite the Ten-Lords Commission clearly knowing the Divine Foresight had ample supplies yet refused to distribute grain, they chose silence, becoming quiet bystanders.

Nor did Jing Yuan reveal to Chen Lin that when the Divine Foresight finally released vast quantities of grain and supplies virtually free of charge, the Six Chancellors coordinated to manipulate public opinion, attributing these supplies to a certain Imperial governor who once protected Luofu.

Unaware of the scheme, Chen Lin's popularity surged among Luofu's populace, completely overshadowing Jing Yuan's centuries-long prestige as a general.

Whenever Jing Yuan witnessed crowds gathering before statues in reverence, or observed Luofu's online discussions constantly elevating the Empire and its governor to the forefront, he knew clearly:

His objective had been achieved.

On the eve of establishing the Pan-Galactic Free Trade Market, Jing Yuan stayed awake all night. The following day, Chen Lin did not disappoint his trust, transferring the orders originally intended for Jarilo directly into Luofu's hands, providing a substantial down payment without hesitation as a greeting gift.

Greeting gift was merely a pretext—concern for my precarious position is the real reason, isn't it?

In the words of that advisor from Qlipoth Fort—

"The Governor wishes for you to restore public faith in Xianzhou governance first. Further discussions can then proceed."

In the past, Jing Yuan might have lamented, "Why wasn't he born a Xianzhou native?" Now, however, such sentiments were clearly unnecessary.

Though shared blood and ethnicity might simplify trust, they were never prerequisites!

He placed his life and Luofu itself into the chamber, gambling that the finger resting upon the trigger would never pull it.

Evidently, Jing Yuan had won his bet!

He won not only within the Six Lords' Council, indirectly increasing the future authority of the Divine Foresight General, since Luofu would become the true lifeline of the Xianzhou Alliance.

He had also secured leverage for Luofu's future—ancient Imperial technologies others desperately coveted. Chen Lin generously provided him with plenty, subtly informing him that the factories previously established by the Empire on Luofu served far more than simple civilian needs.

Unless...he had not made such a gamble.

Those facilities could be either critical military plants producing essential components and equipment or simple civilian factories for daily necessities. Everything hinged solely on his willingness to stake everything and stand with the right team.

Now, Luofu had emerged stable from chaos, fully capable of producing hyperdrive engines!

The Empire could clearly have gained far more, yet chose not to.

Jing Yuan smiled as he watched the two departing figures, emotions stirring in his heart. He rose from his seat and headed toward the training grounds.

Upon reaching the side entrance of the hall, he pushed open the door, his gaze landing on a figure standing along the corridor.

Jingliu stood motionless, her sword held loosely in her arms, leaning quietly against the wooden railing. Her cold visage, hidden within shadows beneath the eaves, remained inscrutable behind her blindfold. Who knows how long she'd been standing there?

“Jing Yuan... I've lingered here long enough. It's time you sent me to the Shackling Prison.”

Jing Yuan halted his steps, glancing at Jingliu with amusement. “Oh? Losing interest already?”

“No.”

Jingliu silently shook her head, replying evenly, “Before, the young man on the training ground might have piqued my interest enough to delay my departure, perhaps allowing me to impart some knowledge. However, I've encountered someone even more extraordinary. Compared to that, my interest in others' swordsmanship has waned. What I've given him is already enough to keep him occupied for quite some time.”

Jing Yuan observed the solitary figure in the corridor, falling briefly silent before chuckling softly.

“That’s truly unfortunate…”

“But I do have some questions for you.”

“Hm?”

Jingliu turned toward him, the temperature dropping perceptibly around her as she spoke coldly, “Aren't you afraid of death, doing all this? The other Xianzhou ships could easily consider your actions treacherous—provoking famine, concealing the traces of the Lord Ravager—and punish you severely!”

“...”

Jing Yuan paused momentarily, then resumed walking, brushing past Jingliu. Only as their shoulders aligned did he halt and speak slowly:

“I trust him—just as I once trusted, back in the days of our youth.”

“The tide is unstoppable. I can’t change this era; I can only influence Xianzhou itself. As 2700 years ago, Xianzhou faces another unprecedented upheaval. The Three Calamities must not repeat.”

“The Empire’s seven Celestial Bow Generals will either ride the waves ashore or drown beneath them.”

“Moreover, the Marshal remained neutral and silent throughout the meeting. That girl from the Yaoqing received tacit permission to become his disciple. And that one from Yuque… Heh. Surely, the others understand what these actions imply.”

Jingliu bowed her head slightly upon hearing this, gripping her sword tightly. After a lengthy silence, her hand relaxed.

“You… always relish disrupting others’ plans. But very well—this won't change anything significant.”

“Oh? Then what if I told you General Rong Tao of Yuque intercepted those two long ago, during the previous meeting?”

---

Under the protection of the Divination Commission’s Cloud Knights, Chen Lin sensed something odd.

This wasn't the usual atmospheric anomaly that typically interested him in piloting research vessels to investigate. Rather, it was something unusual in the gaze of the Xianzhou citizens around him.

Following the Stellarons and the Phantylia disaster, Chen Lin had visited Xianzhou several times. Although mostly on official duties, he'd made public appearances as well. Back then, citizens who recognized him greeted him with friendliness; some bold individuals even approached for autographs and photos.

This time…

Glancing sideways at the crowd, Chen Lin noticed several Xianzhou citizens suddenly kneeling, disregarding their surroundings entirely. Their respectful bows left him feeling profoundly unsettled.

Even Jariloans rarely showed this kind of reverence, right? It’s not like turning this place into a trading hub will immediately make everyone this thrilled...

While he tried deducing logical reasons for this peculiar scene, Fu Xuan, who had timidly exited the Divine Foresight headquarters, regained her stern, dignified demeanor, recalling the intelligence Chen Lin had shared earlier.

The Masked Fools had infiltrated his side, unaware that their identities were completely exposed. Chen Lin intended to turn the tables on them, leveraging this opportunity.

“The Masked Fools…”

Their star-skiff arrived at the Divination Commission's pier as planned. Currently, the Empire lacked sufficiently advanced computational equipment, requiring the Matrix of Prescience Ultima to foresee potential dangers associated with the L-Gate to maximize favorable outcomes.

Fu Xuan had readily agreed to this request. Both publicly and privately, she’d assist wholeheartedly. After all, Luofu was already deeply involved, bound by mutual interests and traditional Xianzhou values. Facing such a crisis, the Xianzhou Alliance would surely set aside grudges against the Abundance and prioritize managing the gate’s threat.

The star-skiff docked gently. Chen Lin, still pondering deeply, saw the people he’d especially come here to meet, momentarily pushing aside all other thoughts as their gazes met.

“Linlin!!”

The girl burst from the crowd the moment Chen Lin stepped onto the dock. Effortlessly lifting her onto his shoulder, he approached the group, exchanging a casual, familiar high-five with a cold-faced young man on the far right.

Chen Lin handed the struggling Stelle, nearly slipping from his grasp, to the girl standing beside the young man.

“March, hold this little troublemaker for me. I’ll buy you snacks later.”

“Roger! Mission accepted!”

Finally...

Chen Lin’s gaze settled on a serious-faced man and a smiling woman, waving lightly as he greeted them warmly: “Uncle Yang, Sister Himeko—long time no see.”

“Yes, long time indeed.”

Welt adjusted his glasses, lips curving slightly upward, nodding: “How’s everything on Jarilo?”

Before Chen Lin could reply, Himeko elbowed Welt lightly, rolling her eyes.

“Isn't it obvious how he’s doing from Luofu alone?”

“Ah, you're right. My mistake...”

Welt rubbed his temples, somewhat wearily admitting, “Perhaps I've had too much coffee recently. Sleep hasn’t come easily.”

Satisfied with his answer, Himeko nodded. “The sun’s too intense here—shall we move elsewhere to chat comfortably?”

With that, she turned toward the slowly approaching Fu Xuan. The Master Diviner momentarily froze, tension briefly flashing across her usually stern expression. Her eyes cautiously drifted toward Chen Lin.

Why look at me, dear sister? I’m not the diviner here…

Chen Lin inwardly sighed, wondering if perhaps he’d accidentally traumatized Fu Xuan with his earlier teasing, yet he nodded gently in agreement.

Seeing this, Fu Xuan cleared her throat, stepping to the head of the group and announcing with composed authority:

“Everyone, please follow me.”

The guarding Cloud Knights parted respectfully, signifying their temporary duties were complete.

Upon reaching the main hall of the Divination Commission, they found it empty, administrative staff apparently notified beforehand, leaving behind only scattered files awaiting archiving.

One girl immediately began seeking chances to tease others, another eagerly questioned Chen Lin about his experiences since returning to Jarilo, while a young man, seemingly occupied with drinking tea, actually listened intently, careful not to miss a word.

Chen Lin’s purpose here, beyond seeking Luofu’s cooperation, was to reunite with his friends from the Express Crew. There were no plots or intrigues here—simply a perfect moment for relaxation.

More importantly, he had questions for the Express Crew as well, sending them messages even before arriving on Luofu. He hadn’t expected the entire crew would show up.

Welt repressed his curiosity. The IPC’s coverage of the Empire’s war came from the Public Information Department, headed by Topaz—formerly one of the Ten Stonehearts. This newly established department, based temporarily in Belobog, served as an embassy-like organization with even greater authority.

Chen Lin’s collaboration with the company was no secret. Thus, Welt concluded information provided by the Public Information Department likely mirrored Qlipoth Fort's. The IPC’s recent reports had stirred unease within him concerning his younger colleague.

Yet after the Pan-Galactic Trade Market opened on Luofu, the ship’s rapid restoration and booming economy left Welt thoroughly confused.

Just what happened exactly?

If conditions had permitted, he’d have visited Belobog personally to speak with Chen Lin.

Chen Lin, anticipating this, had reached out proactively. Now, after his four-hour confidential meeting with Luofu’s General and Diviner, Welt felt assured his lingering questions would soon find answers.

As expected, amidst everyone’s contemplation, a formation subtly activated, enveloping the hall in a barrier woven from powerful spiritual energy, sealing this crucial meeting securely from prying eyes...

---

T/N: Stelle's back :D

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!