Is Unlocking the Stellaris Tech Tree in Star Rail Really Okay? [130]

"I've already arranged accommodations. Tingyun, the Sky-Faring Commission's reception envoy, will escort you. She will serve as your temporary advisor during your stay in the Xianzhou, handling expenses and other logistics."

"If you find your friend, I'll contact you as well... Chess, you say? Excellent. Once I've dealt with the work on my desk, let's have a game and exchange insights."

After exchanging contact information, Jing Yuan watched as Chen Lin departed from the Exalting Sanctum. Only then did Yanqing find a gap to approach from the main hall.

"General, this is a significant matter. A political discussion is bound to happen soon. Shouldn't you consult with the other dignitaries? This decision feels rash, and if—"

Yanqing paused, his brow furrowing unconsciously.

"If the other dignitaries disagree, what then?"

The Xianzhou Alliance was not Jing Yuan's personal dominion. As the current General of the Luofu, he wielded authority over various internal and external affairs. However, decisions involving interstellar matters to this extent were rarely made unilaterally.

"Indeed, what then?" Jing Yuan sighed, rubbing his temple. "What can I say? My affinity with this 'younger brother' is undeniable. Besides, all I did was sign a trade agreement, something well within my purview—not overstepping in the least."

"..." Yanqing was at a loss for words, black lines metaphorically streaking his face. "Well, General, you do as you see fit."

The Luofu did have extensive trade relations with numerous planets, and trade agreements were commonplace. Yet never before had they signed an accord eliminating all taxes and including bilateral armed escort provisions!

Armed escort and docking rights essentially granted both the Luofu and the so-called Jarilo-VI the mutual right to station military forces within each other's territories. This was a monumental step.

At its smallest, such an agreement meant that interstellar pirates couldn’t raid the empire’s goods without risking conflict with the Xianzhou. At its largest, it implied that if Luofu ships or personnel were involved in protecting or transporting goods, any hostile actions against those parties would obligate the Luofu to intervene militarily.

In other words, it was barely distinguishable from a mutual defense pact.

Such concessions were bound to irritate other trading partners and might even land the Luofu atop next month's alliance report headlines.

The General surely had ulterior motives he wasn't sharing.

"That's why I asked you to observe closely," Jing Yuan said, his hands clasped behind his back. "My younger brother is no ordinary individual. And the Luofu might not appear as disadvantaged in this deal as it seems."

Looking skyward, Jing Yuan continued, "Intimidating external forces is secondary. Yanqing, the Xianzhou's population dwindles day by day. The costs of growth are too great. We must swiftly resolve the issue of the Mara affliction.

"As for my younger brother, he's a cautious strategist with an exceptional grasp of the bigger picture. In exchange for a simple pact, gaining such an ally might be worth it."

If you say so…

Yanqing refrained from further comment, already envisioning a flood of future complications. Other factions seeking trade agreements with the Luofu might very well demand similar terms.

The headache this would cause for Jing Yuan—and future Generals like Fu Xuan—was none of Yanqing's concern as a mere contender for the Sword Head title.

After some thought, Yanqing nodded. "Ah, yes, of course, you're right."

"One must look beyond the surface and plan for the future—"

The moment Jing Yuan launched into another lecture, Yanqing sensed the impending doom. Taking advantage of the General's turned back, he slipped away.

Roughly ten minutes later, Jing Yuan, his throat dry from talking, turned to find the Exalting Sanctum utterly empty. His expression grew complex.

"Sigh… A man capable of discerning the Xianzhou's plight from mere scraps of information—how could he be simple?

"A nation led by such a bold and insightful leader would hardly act recklessly. The Xianzhou's crisis extends far beyond the stellaron…"

Pausing, Jing Yuan mused, "An understanding, measured, and strategic man—my younger brother is indeed likable.

"Friends are far harder to come by than foes."

---

Upon returning to the inner street via a star skiff, Chen Lin spotted Tingyun at a small pavilion near the entrance, leaning lazily against the white stone railing.

The little fox's eyes were half-closed, her chin resting on her slender arms, as her fluffy ears drooped slightly atop her head. Her voluminous tail twitched intermittently, complementing her otherwise pure yet occasionally flirtatious features. She was, undeniably, a sight to behold.

Since arriving in the Luofu, Chen Lin had inexplicably grown fond of foxes, a species he had previously disliked.

When they're not smelly, foxes are indeed quite adorable.

While debating whether to approach, a fox-girl pushing a small wooden cart passed by, calling out cheerfully:

"Fresh candied fruit skewers! Sweet and tangy! Made from just-ripened celestial fruits—"

Turning toward the voice, Chen Lin was startled. Isn't that just candied hawthorn?

The cart was topped with a pole fashioned from some unknown plant, adorned with wooden skewers of fruit.

Recalling Tingyun’s morning efforts to guide and introduce him, Chen Lin remembered that the Sky-Faring Commission allowed midday breaks. Tingyun had clearly sacrificed her rest for work.

After a moment's hesitation, Chen Lin hurried toward the vendor and asked, "How much? Do you accept credits?"

"Yes, yes! 150 credits per skewer. All priced equally, made with different fruits. My contact info is also available handsome"

The fox-girl, briefly startled by Chen Lin's good looks, quickly recovered with a practiced smile as she presented her wares.

"Just two, thanks. As for your contact info... I'll pass."

Seeing the vendor barely taller than his waist, Chen Lin mused, I’d rather not have my overprotective brother drag me to prison.

"I'm actually of age," the fox-girl quipped, winking mischievously. "Which ones would you like, handsome?"

"This one and this one."

Chen Lin selected two skewers of pastel-colored candied fruit. Paying via his phone, he grabbed the treats and ducked into a nearby convenience store before heading back to the pavilion.

Tingyun, still drowsy, suddenly noticed a hand holding a skewer in front of her face.

The abrupt motion snapped her awake. Upon seeing Chen Lin grinning, her wariness faded.

"My goodness, sir! You nearly frightened me to death."

"Isn’t this my way of apologizing?" Chen Lin replied, waving the candied skewer playfully.

Many girls had a sweet tooth, and Tingyun was no exception. Seeing Chen Lin nibble one skewer while offering the other, she easily understood his intent.

"After running around with me all morning, you must be tired. I wasn’t sure what you’d like, but I saw a vendor and thought I'd get these."

"Mm..." Tingyun pressed a slender finger to her lips, feigning hesitation. "The Sky-Faring Commission forbids accepting gifts during work hours. If Yukong finds out, poor Tingyun will be scolded...

"Then again, no one will know, right? Thank you, sir!"

With a bright smile, Tingyun accepted the treat. Unlike Chen Lin, who bit the fruits one by one, she delicately licked at the candied surface, her moon-shaped brows and radiant expression showcasing her joy.

"Do you like it? Here, have some water." Chen Lin produced two bottles from his pocket, offering her one.

"Eh...?"

Pausing mid-bite, Tingyun's wide, sparkling eyes turned toward him. "Sir, I have a question for you—may I?"

"Ask away," Chen Lin replied, puzzled.

"How many spouses do you have back home?" Tingyun inquired with a teasing smile.

"Pfft—"

Chen Lin nearly spat out his water, his face darkening. "None! At most, there’s someone I like."

"Really?! With your charm, sir, I would’ve thought you had several!"

"Do I look that old?"

“This isn’t the case at all,” Tingyun said, swallowing the sweet fruit and sugary syrup. She seemed genuinely surprised. “If someone like you, sir, were placed on the Xianzhou, I imagine you’d catch the attention of many young, beautiful ladies. You’re also so considerate—it was just a bold guess on my part. I hope you don’t take offense.”

Chen Lin shook his head lightly, his tone calm. “None taken. It’s just that seeing how much you’ve been running around—guiding me, operating the skiff, and even giving up your rest time to wait here—doing nothing on my part would feel disheartening.”

“May I ask your age, sir?” Tingyun asked with some curiosity.

“Twenty-six… no, I just turned twenty-seven last month.”

“Ah?” Tingyun blinked, momentarily stunned. Thinking it might be a difference in time systems, she gestured to explain, “I mean in system years…”

“Yes, 24 system hours per day, 365 system days per year,” Chen Lin interjected with a slight smile, answering her before she could finish. “What’s the matter, Miss Tingyun? You don’t believe me?”

“It’s just a bit surprising,” Tingyun admitted, resting her cheek on one hand and smiling slightly. “Of course, I believe you. I’m just astonished that you’re so young.”

“That’s because I’ve been blessed with certain abilities,” Chen Lin replied casually. “I’ve probably learned a fraction more than most people due to that.”

It wasn’t an exaggeration. The technologies within the Stellaris tech tree, coupled with the insights from their creators, were essentially injected into his mind. It wasn’t hard to see how he could possess a knowledge base that far exceeded the average person’s.

“Anyway, it’s not a secret. Everyone in the empire knows about it. There’s a phenomenon called the ‘Virtual Realm’—a space created by psionic development. Once one’s abilities reach a certain level, they might enter it to seek opportunities.

“Some people find nothing; others encounter divine beings and receive wisdom, only to lose their minds because they can’t bear the burden. A few gain eternal and indestructible bodies. Success is incredibly rare. I was fortunate enough to receive blessings multiple times without issue. Combined with a decent family background, I was able to secure a place in the empire’s political and military circles.”

He gave a faint smile. “Virtual Realm” isn’t a bad way to describe the UI of the Stellaris tech tree.

Tingyun listened carefully, nodding in understanding. The Xianzhou had its own divine blessings—such as those granted by the Aeons—so she wasn’t entirely unfamiliar with the concept. Jing Yuan, after all, was one of the individuals who had received such a blessing.

In her mind, however, she had started to suspect that Chen Lin might be an envoy of some star deity.

Before her speculation could run further, Chen Lin clarified, “The empire operates in an isolated star cluster we call the ‘Outer Domain Galaxy.’ It hasn’t been influenced by any Aeons. Blessings there are random, and their use is unrestricted. When I first came across this, I wondered if the divine beings in the Virtual Realm were the Aeons. But after some study, I realized that wasn’t the case.”

“You’re truly impressive, sir,” Tingyun said with a soft gasp, covering her mouth in awe. “But is it really okay to share such things with me?”

Chen Lin chuckled. “It’s just luck. If someone else had received these blessings, the empire would have supported them just as much. Besides, it’s no secret. You’d hear about it sooner or later anyway.”

Tingyun suspected there was more to Chen Lin’s role than he let on. Jing Yuan wouldn’t have assigned such an important task—managing Chen Lin’s expenses and activities—to just any envoy.

“You flatter me, sir,” Tingyun said, walking alongside him with a light smile. “Still, receiving and wielding such blessings isn’t something the average person can handle. Your composure and insight speak volumes about your uniqueness.”

Jing Yuan had already briefed Tingyun on Chen Lin’s background, leaving her deeply impressed. From the moment their agreement was reached, it was clear that Jing Yuan had been determined to secure the alliance, sparing no effort in preparation.

Such boldness and confidence—that was the General of the Luofu.

After a short skiff ride, Tingyun led Chen Lin to a well-decorated high-rise building.

“This is where you’ll be staying, sir,” she said, handing him a keycard. “Please keep it safe. I need to report back to the Sky-Faring Commission, but you’re welcome to rest here or wait for me to take you on a tour later.”

Chen Lin waved her off with a faint smile. “No need, I’ll just rest here. Go ahead and take care of your duties.”

Tingyun curtsied gracefully. As she turned to leave, she glanced back playfully. “By the way, the candied fruit you gave me was delicious. I’ll bring you some Celestial Joy Tea later. And here’s a secret—while it’s Yukong’s favorite, even the Master Diviner of the Divination Commission drinks over a dozen cups of it every day.”

“…”

Without waiting for Chen Lin’s reaction, she turned and left, leaving him standing there.

The Master Diviner?

Chen Lin hadn’t met this person yet, so he reserved judgment. But the image of Yukong—a serious, mature woman—sipping milk tea every day was… odd.

“Forget it,” he muttered, heading inside.

After finding his room, he settled in to check his messages. As expected, the ones he had sent to March 7th and the others still showed errors. Despite his attempts to troubleshoot with psionic abilities, the Xianzhou’s tight lockdown remained impenetrable.

Unable to reach Bronya or anyone else, he turned his attention to his empire’s progress. The planetary interface showed ongoing constructions in the mining and agricultural sectors, with several projects queued up. Satisfied there was nothing urgent, Chen Lin lay on the bed for a short nap.

He awoke to the buzzing of his phone. It was a message from Jing Yuan.

Jing Yuan: “Brother, the Master Diviner of the Divination Commission and the Chief Alchemist of the Alchemy Commission wish for you to examine several Cloud Knights on the verge of falling to the Mara affliction. I considered refusing on your behalf, to give you a few days’ rest.”
Jing Yuan: “However, during our discussion, they informed me that a subordinate from the Divination Commission was already sent to find you. I had no choice but to share your contact details. Apologies for the oversight on my part.”
Chen Lin: “Human lives are at stake. Even if you hadn’t mentioned it, I would have offered my help.”
Jing Yuan: “Your kindness knows no bounds, brother. I am deeply grateful. I’ve already reprimanded both the Master Diviner and Chief Alchemist for their presumptuousness, docking half a month’s salary as punishment. They’ve assured me this won’t happen again.”
Jing Yuan: “If they repeat this, I will not be so lenient!”

Playing the blackface, whiteface, and mediator all at once, are we? Chen Lin thought with a smirk. He doubted Jing Yuan would genuinely penalize such high-ranking officials.

He stood and stretched, aware that this task was part of the bargain he had struck with Jing Yuan—an exchange of help in finding his friends and securing the trade deal.

Tackling the mystery of psionics is their problem. I’ll just give them a nudge in the right direction.

Typing swiftly, he replied:

Chen Lin: “It’s a small matter, Brother Jing. No need to thank me.”

Afterward, he noticed three pending friend requests: two from the heads of the Divination and Alchemy Commissions, and one from someone named "Qingque."

That must be the Divination Commission envoy Jing Yuan mentioned.

Accepting all three, Chen Lin prepared for the next phase of his unexpected journey.

---

T/N: :3c sorry for the translation the last 5 chaps it may be a bit off

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!