Is Unlocking the Stellaris Tech Tree in Star Rail Really Okay? [172]

Born blind, they were branded with the so-called "heaven's flaw."

For such individuals, the challenges and dangers they would face in life were far greater than those of the average person. It was hard to imagine how Dan Shu managed to become the Chief Alchemist of Luofu while bearing such a disadvantage.

“You can wait for me nearby. I’ll come pick you up later,” Chen Lin said, waving briefly. “I need to talk to Dan Shu.”

“Alright.”

Returning to Synwood Pavilion, Chen Lin found Dan Shu still there, sitting at a stone table neatly arranged with drafts and letters.

Her ability to recognize people by sound was exceptional. She knew it was Chen Lin from a distance.

“Thank you for stepping in to help that child,” she said softly.

Chen Lin was slightly taken aback. “How did you know I helped her?”

“Because that’s what normally happens. For people like us—those with the 'heaven’s flaw'—we sit at the very bottom of society's chain of contempt. Suffering all kinds of humiliation is our norm. Even if we were to die in the streets one day, it would likely be dealt with hastily and without care.”

Dan Shu’s tone was light, as though she were casually chatting with a friend, yet the words carried the weight of resignation and loneliness.

A burden to their families and a punching bag in the eyes of others. Even though the patrolling Cloud Knights were willing to help those with such flaws, their help was temporary and couldn’t last a lifetime.

Dan Shu bowed her head apologetically. “Sorry, I said something that might have dampened your mood.”

“It’s fine. Didn’t you say earlier you had something to tell me?”

“It concerns an event that will happen on the Xianzhou soon,” Dan Shu said after a pause. “You should try to leave Luofu as quickly as you can. It’s going to become chaotic soon, and staying here will be dangerous.”

“What do you mean?” Chen Lin raised an eyebrow, feigning calm as he asked.

Of course, it’s not safe. There’s a damn Stellaron here—safety would be a miracle.

Anyone living on the Xianzhou would know this, let alone someone like him with ties to Jing Yuan and Fu Xuan. Dan Shu wouldn’t tell him something so obvious without reason.

Does she know more?

“That’s all I can say. Luofu alone cannot withstand the upcoming crisis. As a friend, this is the only warning I can offer you.”

Dan Shu pulled out a notebook from the stone table. “This is a detailed explanation of the Disciples of Sanctus Medicus formulas. After the Cloud Knight’s sudden inspection, I annotated the effects of the various prescriptions. It’s ready for their staff to pick up. Also...”

She took out a letter from her pocket. “This is a letter I just finished writing. Could I trouble you to give it to Xiaoyu when you have the time? Please read it to her, as she’ll need to walk her path on her own. I can’t help her much beyond this—it’s all up to her efforts.”

Chen Lin listened calmly to Dan Shu’s instructions, though he knew she was withholding more critical information.

Even if he didn’t fully understand her motivations, he hadn’t forgotten the time he almost fell into danger. Ever since, he had maintained a certain level of vigilance.

Fortunately, he didn’t sense the oppressive, beast-like gaze he’d felt before. Whatever dangerous presence had once loomed wasn’t watching him now. The true threat seemed to center on Dan Shu herself.

“I’ve lived for centuries. Apart from a now-deceased friend, you’re the only one who truly cares about me.”

Here it comes!

Chen Lin immediately focused his attention. He wanted to see what Dan Shu was playing at.

“I’m aware of your feelings and the efforts you’ve made for me. However, Chen, you might not realize it, but my condition is long beyond saving. After choosing this path, I’ve already come to terms with life and death. My only regret is not meeting you sooner.”

“So...?”

Chen Lin was baffled. What feelings? I’ve barely spoken to you, let alone done anything for you.

Besides the awkward situation from last time when he tried to slip away quickly, was there some other connection between them that he wasn’t aware of?

What kind of nonsense has she conjured up in her mind?

“If we had met earlier, perhaps I could have let go of my past obsessions. We’d still be friends—I could teach you the pharmacology I know, and you could share the stories of your travels across the stars. Just like last time at Qinting Pavilion.”

Dan Shu smiled wistfully. “It’s a shame it’s too late. I thought I had no more desires, but it turns out that was a delusion. I’ve practiced the qin for many years, but I’ll never again have the chance to play alongside my dear friends.”

“...”

She handed over a small box. It looked identical to the medicine boxes Dan Shu had sent him before, but judging by its weight, it didn’t seem to contain medicine this time.

“You may find what I’m saying strange, but open this box fifteen minutes from now, and you’ll understand. I’m a bit tired, so I’ll head back to rest. Chen, make sure you leave Luofu soon.”

With that, Dan Shu walked leisurely out of Synwood Pavilion and disappeared into the crowd.

Chen Lin stared at the direction she left, then at the box on the table.

Riddles again! Gck!

Sitting on the stone bench, Chen Lin wasn’t about to obediently wait fifteen minutes. As soon as Dan Shu’s figure vanished, he opened the box.

Inside was a peculiar jade token, with a soft, flowing energy swirling within. Most might not recognize the energy, but Chen Lin was all too familiar with it.

This is the energy that leaks when Xianzhou people fall into demonic corruption?!

Moreover, the jade token was a “Jade Order,” capable of sending messages to specific people. Upon inspecting it further, Chen Lin noticed that the contacts recorded within were all heads of different Disciples of Sanctus Medicus branches scattered across Luofu. The token itself was labeled with two words: Leader.

What the...?!

Chen Lin nearly dropped the token in shock.

Dan Shu is the Head of the Disciples of Sanctus Medicus?!

What kind of bombshell is this?

One of the heads of the Six Commissions, the renowned genius alchemist, turns out to be the leader of a cult researching forbidden techniques, even luring people into demonic corruption?!

The jade token left no room for doubt. Though crudely made, it was indeed the emblem of the chief of the Disciples of Sanctus Medicus.

Chen Lin took a deep breath and picked up the stack of papers beneath the token. It was filled with lengthy paragraphs, much of it so verbose that he almost didn’t want to read it.

However, given that Dan Shu’s true identity was the chief of the Disciples of Sanctus Medicus, he forced himself to read on.

Dan Shu wrote that she had once been a devout follower of the Hunt and spoke about a friend—her first true confidant. They had been inseparable, but during a war, her friend was caught in the devastating aftermath of a shot fired by the Aeon of the Hunt and died.

From that moment, Dan Shu began to question whether the Xianzhou’s faith in the Hunt was truly justified. Her lengthy reflections expressed her belief that the Hunt showed no concern for the lives of the Xianzhou people, coldly and ruthlessly killing countless individuals without a second thought.

In contrast, the Aeon of Abundance responded to prayers and fulfilled needs, offering blessings to everyone. The Hunt seemed cruel and absurd by comparison.

Dan Shu became fixated on restoring the Xianzhou’s original faith—becoming followers of the Aeon of Abundance once more and relying on its power to sustain life.

Her perspective was considered heretical by the Xianzhou. In her writings, she claimed that demonic corruption was not something to be feared. Instead, she saw it as an opportunity for mortals to transcend their physical limitations, a gift from the Abundance. She had even achieved methods to preserve rationality in those transformed by corruption, further convincing her that the true problem lay with the Xianzhou’s hostility toward the Aeon of Abundance.

Chen Lin’s expression grew complicated.

Did she forget that it’s precisely because of the Abundance’s power that she can’t use other prosthetic eyes to see?

Reading on, he finally understood why Dan Shu had said so much to him.

“That day, you promised me you’d do everything you could to treat my incurable illness. I was both grateful and ashamed. In truth, I have no such illness—I lied to you for other reasons. Yet you went so far as to infiltrate the Disciples of Sanctus Medicus to find a ‘divine medicine’ for me. I cannot express my gratitude in words…”

Chen Lin: “...”

He vaguely remembered making an offhand comment about helping her, but he never thought Dan Shu would take it to heart.

Not only that, but she had discovered his infiltration into the Disciples of Sanctus Medicus. However, her interpretation was way off the mark. He wasn’t there to find some divine cure for her—he was there on an errand for Jing Yuan.

“I am glad to have met you and to have had the chance to chat and become friends. I’m sorry for deceiving you. A dangerous presence has arrived in the Xianzhou, one that even the Cloud Knight cannot handle. This useless jade token is my parting gift to you—keep it as a memento. Chen, please leave Luofu quickly and stay out of this. Only then will you remain safe.”

Before Chen Lin could react, the letter self-ignited as soon as he finished reading it, leaving behind only ashes.

Well, I’ve deceived you about a lot of things too, so we’re even.

Chen Lin pocketed the jade token, planning to hand it over to the Cloud Knight for investigation. Who knows, it might prove useful.

In a way, as an undercover agent in the Disciples of Sanctus Medicus, obtaining the chief’s token could be considered a success, right?

But who was the "dangerous presence" Dan Shu mentioned?

For her to be so certain the Cloud Knight couldn’t handle it, it had to be someone extraordinarily powerful. Perhaps Jing Yuan would know…

Chen Lin drafted a summary of the situation and sent it to Jing Yuan before heading toward the plaza.

He had no intention of chasing after Dan Shu. If she was bold enough to lay everything on the table, it meant she wasn’t worried about being caught. By now, she was probably already at some meeting point. Chasing her would only waste time.

Soon after, Jing Yuan responded to his message.

Jing Yuan: “I see… I see. Brother, your actions have provided an important piece of the puzzle. Such a great contribution will not be forgotten by the Xianzhou! Leave the rest to me—I’ll handle it personally.”

Chen Lin: “Glad I could help. Unfortunately, Dan Shu got away, but she left a jade token with me. Could you send someone to retrieve it when you have time?”

Jing Yuan: “No problem. I’ll send Qingzu to pick it up. As for Dan Shu’s escape, it’s of no concern. I’ve been aware of their plans and am already prepared.”

Chen Lin: “You’re truly wise, big brother!”

Jing Yuan: “And you’re truly brave, little brother!”

By the time Chen Lin lifted his head, he had returned to the Exalting Sanctum Plaza. However, he didn’t see Qingque anywhere.

Where’d she go?

Spotting a card house nearby, Chen Lin headed straight in. Inside, he found Qingque standing by a table, arms crossed, watching a card game with great interest.

“Old Chen, done with your business already? You’re pretty quick.”

“I’m not that quick.” Chen Lin sighed, feeling exasperated.

Qingque waved goodbye to a few familiar faces before walking out with Chen Lin.

“Not playing a few rounds? You looked like you were itching to join in.”

“No need to actually play. Watching others is fun too.” Qingque shook her head, then grabbed Chen Lin’s sleeve. “Come with me. Let’s go buy some things.”

“Shopping?”

“Yeah. I want to get some jade accessories for my friends back at the inn. Welt’s interested in jadeite, so I’ll grab a set for him. And as for you, I’ll buy you a proper Xianzhou outfit. That old robe of yours looks outdated—don’t wear it anymore.”

Chen Lin blinked. “What’s wrong with it? I think it’s fine.”

“You’re sweltering in it! If you’re not hot, just looking at you makes me feel hot… Boss, I’ll take this, this, and these two. Wrap them up.”

After purchasing some jade accessories, Qingque handed Chen Lin a jade bracelet. “Here, Old Chen. I’ll put it on for you. When I have time, I’ll ask someone in the Artisanship Commission to engrave more arrays into it to enhance its functionality.”

The bracelet was slightly long and needed to be wrapped around his wrist twice. With practiced hands, Qingque quickly helped him put it on.

As their hands inevitably brushed against each other, Qingque couldn’t help but think, His skin is surprisingly smooth...

“What’s this for?” Chen Lin asked, admiring the bracelet, which was unexpectedly elegant.

“It’s primarily for blessings,” Qingque explained confidently. “But it also monitors your health. Look, it can display your heart rate, breathing, and other stats.”

Chen Lin stared at the glowing text and numbers on the jade, his mouth twitching.

This is basically the Xianzhou version of a smart fitness tracker…

“As for the jadeite, I’ll have a friend deliver it directly to the inn. Now let’s pick out some clothes for you. Don’t refuse—it’s my way of covering your lodging and food expenses for the past few days.”

Qingque tugged Chen Lin toward the clothing shop next door, paying no attention to his protests.

After nearly an hour of wandering through shops, they finally returned to the inn, where Welt and March 7th were sitting in the lounge, discussing something.

---

T/N: ooga booga makes u feel hot?

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!