Is Unlocking the Stellaris Tech Tree in Star Rail Really Okay? [158]

The Xianzhou’s communication lockdown capabilities were impressive, though with Jing Yuan calmly stationed at the Divine Foresight Office, the Xianzhou’s operations ran smoothly without any sign of panic.

Chen Lin understood that he was ultimately a guest of the Xianzhou. Even with his additional status as Jing Yuan’s sworn brother, there were boundaries Jing Yuan couldn’t cross to share confidential matters. That wasn’t due to mistrust but a necessity of his position.

Through his time on the Xianzhou, Chen Lin had realized that the Stellaron wasn’t the Xianzhou’s primary concern. Their main objective was to deliver a decisive blow to any external enemies eyeing the ship.

In this, the Astral Express’s assistance minimized the Xianzhou’s losses. Each favor Chen Lin offered wasn’t just a debt—it was an invaluable connection, much more significant than monetary compensation.

Performing feats beyond the Xianzhou’s understanding occasionally also deepened mutual respect, especially from Jing Yuan.

Chen Lin didn’t anticipate the Xianzhou turning on him, but when the time came to show his cards, there was no need to hold back. Let them see the card’s back—they’d never know what hand he was truly holding.

Like an intercontinental missile from his previous world, whose trajectory was erratic and unpredictable, true deterrence lay in the unknown.

As Jing Yuan’s messenger arrived, Chen Lin mulled over why March 7th and the others had last been seen at a starport under the Artisanship Commission’s jurisdiction. Were they avoiding capture by the Preceptors? Or looking for something?

It couldn’t be the Stellaron—it would have been discovered by the Cloud Knights. While Jing Yuan probably knew the Stellaron’s location, a bustling starport like that seemed far too conspicuous.

That left only a few plausible possibilities. Eliminating the least likely…

Could they be looking for a Stellaron Hunter?

Chen Lin recalled Himeko mentioning that Dan Heng had disembarked because of Blade, a dangerous Stellaron Hunter. Dan Heng had described Blade as a madman, breaking his own rules to enter the Xianzhou out of concern for the group’s safety.

Could there be other Stellaron Hunters on the Xianzhou besides Blade?

It’s probably not Silver Wolf.

Chen Lin frowned. She said this script doesn’t involve her. She’s probably hiding somewhere gaming.

If only he’d remembered the routes he hacked into Silver Wolf’s gaming console. A quick check of her online activity could have revealed her location.

There were several Stellaron Hunters, but Chen Lin had only encountered Silver Wolf and Kafka before. Now Blade had joined the mix.

When he first awakened his psionic abilities, Himeko mentioned that Kafka had contacted the Astral Express about the Stellaron, redirecting them to the Xianzhou.

Could Kafka be on the Xianzhou? Were they searching for her?

That realization clicked into place. Chen Lin couldn’t help but admire Walter’s sharp thinking.

If the group had come to the Xianzhou, nearly getting detained by the Preceptors, and if Kafka was the one who brought the train here, then finding her would achieve multiple objectives. They could uncover her motives, rebuild trust with the Xianzhou leadership, and mitigate hostility from their ambiguous arrival.

They’re not our enemies to begin with. All we need is the right opportunity to resolve the tension.

So Kafka and Blade might be at the starport?

Chen Lin had his own questions for Kafka. He vaguely remembered her mentioning two “scripts” when he first arrived in this universe.

If the Stellaron Hunters’ leader can foresee the future, could they help me find a way back home?

Even the faintest possibility was worth pursuing. Unlike friends who took a vacation abroad, Chen Lin had crossed not just light-years but potentially universes.

---

The Starskiff arrived quickly, its operations expedited by Jing Yuan’s personal orders.

At its bow stood a woman with an authoritative presence. Judging by her features, she was likely of the Ming clan, one of the Xianzhou’s three major clans.

As Chen Lin boarded, the woman introduced herself. “Lord Chen Lin, I am Qingzu, Chief Advisor to the General. I’ve been instructed to escort you. It’s an honor.”

Chen Lin smiled politely. “Thank you, Miss Qingzu. I hope my personal matters haven’t troubled you.” With a small bow, he added, “I’ve often seen you handling affairs outside the General’s office. I assumed Jing Yuan might send someone else for this.”

Qingzu’s brow lifted in surprise. “Lord Chen Lin, you know of me?”

“Every time I’ve been here, I’ve seen Miss Qingzu reviewing documents in the courtyard. Your uniform is distinct, so I asked around and learned you’re the General’s Chief Advisor,” Chen Lin explained. “While I’ve been away, has the General needed anything from me?”

Qingzu smiled and shook her head. “The General has been as steady as ever, though he did entrust me with the Merciful Medicus legacy case. I’ve heard of your exploits there, Lord Chen Lin. Not only did you outmaneuver the Merciful Medicus, but you also secured a key asset for the Divine Foresight Office. The General was so pleased he didn’t sleep all night. Truly remarkable courage.”

Chen Lin blinked. He hadn’t expected Qingzu to know so much, a testament to Jing Yuan’s high level of trust in her.

“Did he say anything else?”

“The General only mentioned that. Anything more significant likely isn’t for me to know yet. Having served the General for years, I trust he’ll share when the time is right,” Qingzu replied confidently.

What a model subordinate.

Watching Qingzu’s calm demeanor, Chen Lin couldn’t help but feel awed. Is this what peak trust and efficiency look like?

As their Starskiff altered course toward Exalting Sanctum, another Starskiff entered their path, speeding recklessly.

“Whose Starskiff is that? Aren’t they worried about the Diviner Division stopping them?” Chen Lin asked, pointing behind them.

Qingzu glanced back and immediately identified it. “That belongs to Lord Fu Xuan, the Diviner.”

“Government-issued?” Chen Lin smirked.

“‘Government-issued?’” Qingzu echoed curiously. She gestured toward the emblem on the Starskiff’s bow. “That’s the Divination Commission’s crest. The array formations covering the vessel indicate Lord Fu Xuan is aboard.”

“Oh? Miss Qingzu understands arrays?”

“Not quite. But I can sense the difference between an ordinary Starskiff and one of this caliber.”

As they spoke, the Diviner’s Starskiff approached, maintaining a safe distance of about ten meters.

Chen Lin’s sharp psionic senses allowed him to see Fu Xuan seated at a table, calmly stirring a bowl of lotus seed soup. Her serious demeanor and the small ornament swaying in her hair made her look like a painting of serene elegance.

The heat of the day, oppressive and unrelenting, seemed to vanish as Chen Lin observed her gentle stirring. Coolness radiated from her actions, as if the chill of the lotus seed soup reached him across the gap.

In an instant, Fu Xuan and her table were no longer on the other Starskiff. They were now directly in front of Chen Lin. Her stirring continued seamlessly, undisturbed by her sudden appearance.

“Why does my dear brother remain silent upon seeing me? Have you grown too important after aiding the General to acknowledge your sister?”

Chen Lin sighed inwardly. Today, Fu Xuan’s attacks are particularly aggressive.

Suppressing the faint ripple in his heart, Chen Lin leaned forward and sat beside her without warning.

Fu Xuan blinked. “?”

“Sister Fu, how elegant you are, enjoying a leisurely outing while I, your poor brother, toil under the scorching sun. Called upon for every task, worrying about my friends, braving dangers…” He sighed dramatically. “Your celestial arts are unparalleled, allowing you to travel effortlessly with soup in hand. Truly divine! I understand, though. No doubt you have burdens too heavy to bear, so you vent your frustrations on your little brother.”

His lowered head and dejected gaze, paired with his naturally alluring eyes, gave him an irresistibly pitiable appearance.

Even Qingzu, watching nearby, felt a surge of protective instinct. Had Fu Xuan not been the Diviner, she might have scolded her for mistreating him.

Fu Xuan had initially been annoyed at Chen Lin for not seeking her out after learning divination. Though he called her “sister” warmly when they met, he never followed up with her afterward.

Does he expect me to lower myself to ask if he has questions about divination? I’d sooner give up my beloved tea!

Yet seeing his aggrieved expression now, Fu Xuan panicked. She hadn’t meant to hurt him.

“Dear brother, I…” Fu Xuan stammered, fumbling for words, unaccustomed to comforting others.

Seeing her flustered, Chen Lin decided not to push further. “Sister Fu, I’m thirsty.”

“Here! Have this! It’s the soup I made myself,” Fu Xuan said, sliding the bowl toward him without hesitation.

But as she realized she’d taken a few sips from it, embarrassment surged.

What does it matter? Fu Xuan thought fiercely. No law prohibits a sister from sharing her food with her brother! If there were one, I’d propose abolishing it myself!

---

At the Divine Foresight Office’s dock, Jing Yuan prepared to greet Chen Lin and Fu Xuan.

What he saw left him frozen.

The Master Diviner of the Xianzhou, spoon in one hand and bowl in the other, was feeding sweet soup to a young man.

Jing Yuan: “?”

Did I wake up too fast from my nap, or is this a hallucination…?

---

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!