Is Unlocking the Stellaris Tech Tree in Star Rail Really Okay? [170]

Qingque mentioned she needed to head home. After seeing her off at the inn’s entrance, Chen Lin returned to his room for some rest.

The experience of leadership teleportation had left him with some intriguing insights. Experimenting with these newfound ideas, he began modifying his phone using psionic energy.

Rather than relying on the signal networks established by the Interastral Peace Corporation, he attempted to simulate a rudimentary communication channel using psionics.

At first, he only hoped to replicate the network’s basic functionality. To his surprise, not only was he able to successfully establish a psionic channel, but it also bypassed the Xianzhou’s local restrictions, allowing his phone to reconnect with the universe outside the Xianzhou.

The drawback? This connection severed his ability to contact anyone within the Xianzhou. After all, the line he’d rigged connected directly to the Macrocosmic Spirit Gate.

Better to keep it off unless absolutely necessary, he thought.

The moment he reconnected, a message from Bronya, sent earlier, popped up on his screen.

She reported that Seele had somehow defied convention and entered an unprecedented second awakening.

Chen Lin felt a wave of mixed emotions. He was elated that another strong ally had emerged, but his expression soon grew complicated.

“This ridiculous thing actually worked…”

After pondering for a moment, he pushed aside his thoughts and climbed into bed.

With his augmented physique and psionic enhancements, Chen Lin now required only three or four hours of sleep per week. Still, whenever the opportunity arose, he retained his habit of sleeping.

Just because I can, doesn’t mean I won’t.

This nap stretched well into the afternoon. He only woke when his phone buzzed with an incoming message.

Rubbing his bleary eyes, Chen Lin reached for his phone and glanced at the screen.

Dan Shu: "Chen Lin, do you have some free time? If possible, could you come to Synwood Pavilion? There’s something I’d like to discuss with you."

“Pfft!”

Chen Lin was instantly wide awake, the fog in his brain clearing in an instant. Sitting up straight, his brows furrowed.

He recalled that Jing Yuan was currently investigating the traitors within the Alchemy Commission based on clues collected earlier. So far, there had been no updates.

How many hidden spies lurked within the Alchemy Commission? Who had provided them with the dan prescriptions, and what were those prescriptions capable of? These were still mysteries.

The last time Dan Shu had asked to meet him, his Auspicious Avoidance trait had warned him of nearby danger. Now, only days later, she was seeking him out again.

This woman is anything but simple.

Thinking back to their previous encounter, Chen Lin remembered the eerie sensation of being constantly watched in her presence. It was as if an unseen force was scrutinizing him the entire time.

Despite his suspicions, he began typing his reply.

Chen Lin: "What is it you need from me, Dan Shu?"
Dan Shu: "I require assistance with something. Unfortunately, my blindness leaves me powerless to act. Among my few reliable friends, only you remain. I hope you can understand."

Chen Lin knew of her condition. Though her eyes appeared lively at a glance, closer inspection revealed her pupils were pale and unfocused, betraying her blindness.

The Xianzhou referred to those born with such disabilities as Heaven’s Flaws. Their bodies' unique regenerative abilities made treating such defects exceedingly difficult.

For instance, if someone’s arm were paralyzed, amputating it and replacing it with a prosthetic might provide temporary relief. But the severed limb would eventually regenerate, bringing back the same issues along with excruciating pain.

Dan Shu’s eyes were no different. She had once tried prosthetic eyes linked to her optic nerves, but after a few days, her body rejected them, forcing her back into darkness.

The peculiar regenerative abilities of the Xianzhou were closely tied to the Stellaron corruption that caused Mara-stricken conditions. Chen Lin had been working with the research division in Belobog to develop psionics-based instruments. Once completed, he intended to bring them to the Xianzhou to investigate whether any traces of the Aeon of Abundance’s influence lingered within their cells.

If it was merely a genetic anomaly, he might one day be able to help the Xianzhou by editing out the problematic genes. But if the power of Abundance still resided within their cellular structure, psionics might be the only hope for purging it.

With Welt and the others still away and no response from Jing Yuan about his investigation, Chen Lin deliberated for a moment before composing his reply.

Chen Lin: "Synwood Pavilion, correct? I’ll head over now."
Dan Shu: "Thank you for agreeing to help. I’ll remember this favor."
Dan Shu: "Take care on your way. I’ll be waiting for you."

After getting dressed, Chen Lin stepped out of the inn, his thoughts heavy. A series of text-like messages flashed before his eyes:

[Hexagram 65: Auspicious Sign, No Regrets]

"A friend seeks your help, and your mind is full of hesitation."
"You’ve been asked by a leading Dan master of the Alchemy Commission for assistance."

Interpretation: Moderately Auspicious.
"Proceed with the straightforward path of a gentleman. Offer assistance where you can, and fortune will follow."

The flowing words imprinted themselves into his memory.

Like a gentle but firm hand, the message eased his doubts, giving his steps newfound confidence. Each stride felt steadier, each decision clearer.

If I’m going to step into the tiger’s den of the Alchemy Commission, I can’t afford to hesitate.

Uncertainty wasn’t part of Chen Lin’s nature, nor did it align with his approach to challenges. The trait’s guidance acted as a tonic, strengthening his resolve.

Let’s see what Dan Shu has planned.

And with that thought, Chen Lin pressed on toward the appointed meeting place.

After about half an hour, Chen Lin arrived at the designated meeting place. It was near the northern dock of the Exalting Sanctum, a critical hub leading to the Alchemy Commission and the Divine Strategy Manor, accessible only by connecting to their respective flight routes.

With the Alchemy Commission embroiled in turmoil and its domain sealed off, the makeshift meeting point had been set up in their public clinic area.

The place was bustling. Patients filled the yard, seeking diagnoses from the medics, while rows of cauldrons inside the clinic’s walls blazed non-stop. The steady sizzle of flames could be heard even through the thick walls, accompanied by the loud voices of apothecaries calling out prescriptions, the sounds of patients expressing gratitude after treatment, and the rhythmic clang of medicinal tools.

Navigating through the throng of medics and patients, Chen Lin found the spot Dan Shu had mentioned. She stood at the center of Synwood Pavilion, facing the boundless sea of clouds.

“You’ve arrived… faster than I expected.”

Her tone carried a mix of surprise and resignation, but it was unmistakable that she recognized Chen Lin even before he stepped into the pavilion.

“Since I promised, I naturally came as soon as I could.” Chen Lin stepped in, tilting his head curiously. “How did you know it was me and not someone else?”

Dan Shu smiled faintly. “I’ve honed the skill of recognizing people by sound alone. Everyone’s posture, gait, and even the scent they carry are different. These are survival skills I was forced to develop, not worth mentioning.”

Sweeping his gaze across the bustling clinic, Chen Lin asked, “The Alchemy Commission is in such chaos, and yet work continues? I heard the Artisanship Commission has already ceased operations.”

Rumor had it that the Stellaron’s energy had caused significant damage to the Artisanship Commission’s equipment, triggering explosions and even bizarre root-like structures sprouting from the ground. Worse, some of the mechanical constructs—products of the commission—had gone berserk, injuring many staff members and forcing operations to shut down entirely.

Dan Shu picked up a prescription from the table and handed it to an apothecary for preparation. Then, with a calm smile, she explained, “The problems we face are numerous, and I could indeed allow everyone here to rest. But with the recent surge in patients, the medical halls across Luofu are already at capacity. If the Alchemy Commission were to stop, illnesses wouldn’t take a break. This is the duty of a healer. As long as the body remains confined to its mortal shell, disease will remain a nightmare for every Xianzhou native.”

Her meaning was clear: if doctors rested, patients would be left to fend for themselves. And despite their enhanced longevity, Xianzhou natives were far from invulnerable—severe illnesses and injuries could still claim lives indiscriminately.

Though Chen Lin remained wary of Dan Shu, he couldn’t help but respect this philosophy.

“You called me here for something specific?”

Dan Shu gestured to the apothecary, who returned with a bag of medicine. She handed it to Chen Lin and said, “There’s a child who frequently comes to the Alchemy Commission for treatment. Today was her scheduled visit, but I waited all morning, and she never showed up. As you can see, I’m unable to leave here with so many patients to attend to.”

“Is her condition serious?”

“The girl, like me, is a ‘Heaven’s Flaw’—blind, and her movements are often fraught with difficulty. I’ve been personally treating her for years. Initially, she came with her guardians, but eventually, she began coming alone. When I asked about it, she only said her uncle and aunt were busy with work. I felt sorry for her, so I stopped charging her fees and even refunded her previous payments, hoping her guardians might treat her better.”

With a tinge of regret, Dan Shu continued, “I want to ensure she gets her medicine today. For someone with her condition, every day of growth is accompanied by unspeakable pain.”

Chen Lin considered suggesting she deliver the medicine tomorrow but swallowed his words.

“If she’s blind, isn’t traveling alone dangerous?”

Dan Shu anticipated his concern and shook her head. “For people like us, such challenges are just one of countless hurdles to overcome. Do you know, Chen Lin? Every time that child arrives, her body is covered in bruises and scrapes. Most of the medicine I prepare for her is to treat these injuries, with only a small portion for pain relief.”

“So… you’re asking me to find her?”

Chen Lin blinked, struggling to process the simplicity of her request.

Dan Shu nodded. “Yes. That child is punctual and mindful of time. For her to be this late worries me greatly. Also…” She hesitated briefly. “There’s something I wish to discuss with you afterward, but only once this matter is resolved.”

Spurred by a mix of curiosity and empathy, Chen Lin asked for details about the girl—where she usually traveled from, and any other information Dan Shu might know after years of treating her.

As expected, Dan Shu had gleaned enough from their conversations to provide him with a general direction. While she couldn’t describe the girl’s appearance, she could detail her hairstyle and the general style of her clothing, such as the collar and sleeves.

The girl’s neglected state meant her wardrobe was limited to just two outfits, making the search easier.

To maximize his chances, Chen Lin left psionic beacons at every turn, creating a wide field of awareness.

Within minutes, he spotted someone who matched Dan Shu’s description near a plaza just a few hundred meters away.

“I’ve found her. She’s near the plaza, just a short distance from here. No immediate danger, but she seems to have run into some trouble.”

“Really?” Dan Shu’s voice carried genuine relief. “You truly exceed my expectations, Governor Chen Lin. I’ll await your return with peace of mind.”

Carrying the medicine, Chen Lin bid her farewell and hurried toward the Exalting Sanctum’s plaza. Observing the situation from above through his psionic field, he sighed deeply and quickened his pace.

I’m going to teach those brats a lesson—no matter if they’re kids or decades older than me.

Near a pool, three young boys surrounded a crying girl, taking turns taunting her. When she tried to escape, they shoved her back into their circle.

“Where do you think you’re going, blindy? We’re talking to you!”

One of the boys sneered, “What, you deaf too? All you do is cry. Let’s see you run now!”

He shoved her to the ground. The girl scrambled to her feet, trembling with fear.

“I-I’m sorry… I really didn’t mean to…”

“Sorry, huh?” The boy, apparently the leader, grabbed her hair. “You didn’t sound so apologetic when you bumped into us. I think you need a dunk in the pool to learn some manners.”

Nearby, a fox-eared boy tugged at her sleeve. Already frail and unable to see, she lost her balance and fell again, scraping her knees.

Her voice trembled as tears streamed down her face. “I-I apologized already… back then…”

“Did I say you apologized? No? Then you didn’t! Acting all high and mighty while blind—you need a wake-up call.”

The leader dragged her toward the pool, ignoring the murmurs of bystanders unwilling to intervene.

Not far away, a girl with a bag had just left an inn. Seeing the scene, she reached for her Diyuan Qiongyu, a tool often used for self-defense. Just as she prepared to step in, the leader suddenly lost control of his body and plunged headfirst into the pool, swallowing mouthfuls of water to the astonishment of onlookers.

The girl froze, unsure of what had just happened.

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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!