Is Unlocking the Stellaris Tech Tree in Star Rail Really Okay? [195]

Chen Lin had been contemplating how to involve Fu Xuan in their plans when her abrupt statement left him utterly perplexed.

He had no time to dwell on it, though. The priority was to calm Fu Xuan’s emotions—after all, her role was pivotal to the plan, and her contributions couldn't be underestimated.

“…Big Sis, what do you mean by that? You’ve wronged me, truly!”
“You and the General have discussed this extensively, yet this seat knew nothing of it until now. Are you treating me as an outsider?”

These two brothers had been having countless discussions, initially face-to-face. Over time, they’d even transitioned to simply exchanging messages. Fu Xuan, not being a General of the Cloud Knights, naturally didn’t have the time to monitor their every move.

As a result, the two had everything planned without so much as giving her a heads-up. It left her feeling like a headless fly, worrying aimlessly about things beyond her grasp.

So, they were isolating her?

Even though she was the one with the clearest view of Luofu's current situation as the Master Diviner, they hadn’t shared anything with her!

Fu Xuan felt utterly aggrieved.

They praised her for her wisdom, but it turned out they were just placating her.

Cold sweat broke out on Chen Lin’s back as he quickly defended himself. “Big Sis, you’re mistaken…”

His tone was grave, and as he spoke, he rested a hand on Fu Xuan’s smooth, soft shoulder. The sensation made him marvel internally at how flawless the skin of Luofu’s inhabitants was.

“And what, pray tell, am I mistaken about?”

“Big Sis, consider this.” Chen Lin paused briefly before continuing, “In times of crisis, unorthodox methods are often required. Victory lies in the unexpected. But what does the word ‘unexpected’ mean in military terms?”

Fu Xuan, distracted for a moment by the warmth of the hand on her shoulder, quickly dismissed her thoughts. She wasn’t some frail, sentimental girl and soon found herself pondering his question.

“Unexpected… Unpredictable, enigmatic.”

“That’s partially correct, but it’s not complete,” Chen Lin replied swiftly, noticing her skeptical expression. He pressed on, “As the saying goes, ‘Shape yourself to be formless so that you are united, while the enemy is divided.’ A skilled commander blends the conventional with the unconventional, leaving the enemy in disarray. It’s not that I didn’t want to inform you earlier, Big Sis, but it was for the sake of the plan’s success. Premature notification could risk exposure, and besides, this was just one of many contingencies. Neither the General nor I dared to claim absolute certainty.

“Today, the General delivered the command talisman to prepare for the possibility of the Stellaron Hunters making a move. If we retreat, Big Sis can stabilize the rear to prevent internal chaos; if we advance, you’ll have formidable enemies to confront. This strategy allows for seamless transitions…”

As he spoke, Chen Lin modified the historical account of Li Jing’s night raid on Mount Yin, explaining it in detail to Fu Xuan. The strategy seemed to rely heavily on surprise tactics, but in truth, the conventional forces were the mainstay, while the unconventional troops served as diversions.

Blurring the lines between reality and illusion was essential. If they could deceive themselves, they could deceive the enemy.

This was all about information warfare.

Fu Xuan, initially stunned, gradually understood their reasoning. They feared that if she learned of the arrangements too early, she’d exert herself unnecessarily, only to see her efforts go to waste if the plans shifted.

No one knew how many internal traitors still lurked within Luofu. The fewer people who knew the details, the better. Only when the plan was fully executed could their covert arrangements truly take effect.

“My only concern was your well-being, Big Sis… Besides, learning about this now does no harm to you. You’ve already expended great effort repairing the Matrix of Prescience. Preserving your strength is key to ultimate victory…”

“I see now. I overthought things. Do not blame me, dear Brother!”

Fu Xuan chastised herself further. Her brother was only looking out for her. What ill intent could he possibly have?

Everyone is only human, driven by emotions. It’s in moments of doubt that relationships are most easily damaged.

Fu Xuan wished she could slap herself. How could she have uttered such cold, cutting words?

Not only had she thrown a tantrum, but she’d also accused her brother and the General of isolating her, when in fact, they had merely been trying to ease her burdens.

Seeing Chen Lin’s sorrowful expression, Fu Xuan’s emotions surged uncontrollably. Without thinking, she pulled him into an embrace, nearly toppling him over.

“It was my fault. I’ve realized my mistake. Don’t be sad, dear Brother. You still have important tasks ahead, so you mustn’t let this disrupt your focus…”

Nearby, Qingque’s eyes widened as she watched her Diviner mentor apologizing and hugging Chen Lin. Her jaw practically hit the floor.

Is this even the same Master Diviner? The one who’s always so aloof and untouchable?

Qingque pinched her own cheek hard. “Doesn’t seem like I’m dreaming…”

To others, this appeared to be nothing more than a touching display of sibling affection.

Welt, standing off to the side, observed the pair with a complicated expression. Internally, he sighed: Young Chen truly is considerate, always thinking of others’ feelings first. It’s no wonder even Dan Heng praised him after the Trailblaze expedition on Jarilo-VI.

And Dan Heng almost never praises anyone.

Meanwhile, Chen Lin was left speechless by Fu Xuan’s sudden hug. Her head rested against his shoulder, and he found himself helpless against her astonishing strength.

Now that he thought about it, Fu Xuan wasn’t just a Diviner skilled in augury. She was also a master of formations. Techniques that took others days to construct could be completed with a mere gesture from her.

For example, the intricate formations she left at the inn before departing the previous day had been conjured with a snap of her fingers.

Formations weren’t just for esoteric applications. When used skillfully, they could enhance physical strength or refine materials with ease.

It dawned on him that Fu Xuan likely had several such formations active within her own body.

As the faint fragrance from her nearness reached him, Chen Lin couldn’t help but think: So she’s not just soft and petite, but also smells really nice…

As they stood in the midst of curious onlookers, Chen Lin found himself in an awkward predicament. Being hugged by Fu Xuan—he couldn’t push her away, nor could he comfortably return the embrace. Instead, he bent forward slightly, half-squatting like a fool.

Chen Lin was embarrassed, but as Fu Xuan’s guilt began to dissipate, she was even more mortified.

The two remained frozen in that position for half a minute. After convincing herself internally that hugging her younger brother was entirely reasonable, Fu Xuan reluctantly released him.

“Well then, I’ll leave the arrangements to you, dear brother. Qingque! Come with me for a moment. And you, little brother—once you’re finished, come find me at the formation site.”

Her embroidered shoes lightly tapped against the stone pavement, and she moved away gracefully, like a dragonfly skimming water. Not far behind, Qingque let out an “Ah!” before being abruptly dragged away by Fu Xuan, disappearing from sight.

Watching Chen Lin straighten up again, Phantylia, also known as Tingyun, wore a knowing smile that never left her lips.

Poor Master Diviner, completely toyed with by her younger brother.

But who was she to judge? She, a Lord Ravager, had once fallen prey to someone else’s schemes, reduced to a most loyal corporate employee.

There was no other choice—disloyalty meant immediate death. At least loyalty allowed her to maneuver for survival, a subtle strategy to save herself and others.

“Miss Tingyun, you seem very amused. Perhaps you’ve enjoyed watching me make a fool of myself?”

Just as Tingyun was quietly laughing to herself, Chen Lin’s voice cut through the air, startling her into a stiff expression.

“Benefactor, surely a magnanimous figure like yourself wouldn’t stoop to quibble with a weak and helpless woman like me…”

“Oh? And I’m nothing but a frail and helpless governor myself. Why, during yesterday’s ambush, I couldn’t even muster the strength to resist. In terms of self-defense, I might be worse off than Miss Tingyun here.”

What nonsense! Tingyun thought but managed to keep her expression ingratiating. “I don’t even carry a weapon, Benefactor. When I travel, I rely solely on mercenaries hired by the trade caravans… Surely, you jest.”

After a small scare, Chen Lin turned to Welt with a slightly sheepish look. “Uncle Yang, I’m sorry to trouble you all again.”

“Nonsense,” Welt replied, shaking his head. “We’ve hardly accomplished anything since we arrived. If we don’t lend a hand now, how will I face Himeko? Just let me know what you need, Chen.”

For a moment, Chen Lin thought he saw a hint of newfound kindness in Welt’s gaze.

“I’ve reviewed the map of the Xianzhou, including its topography and military deployments. Beyond the Alchemy Commission lies the Scalegorge Waterscape, adjacent to the roots of the Ambrosial Arbor. While I’ve never been to the Scalegorge Waterscape, it’s close to the Alchemy Commission, and the source of the unrest is most likely within the commission’s domain.”

“So, Lin, does that mean we’re heading to the Alchemy Commission?” March 7th asked, poking her head out.

Chen Lin shook his head, then nodded. “Not directly. We’ll go, but we’ll take a detour through the Artisanship Commission first.”

Pointing in its direction, Chen Lin explained, “The Artisanship Commission ceased operations a few days ago. Reports claim that strange phenomena have surfaced, and many automatons have been corrupted by the Stellaron’s influence, turning hostile. I suspect the roots of the Ambrosial Arbor have deeply affected the area. Our immediate priority is to prevent the entire commission from being destroyed. So, we’ll take a detour through it and resolve its problems along the way.”

March blinked. “You’re not coming with us, Lin?”

“I can’t.”

Chen Lin glanced toward the Matrix of Prescience’s gate. “I promised the General I’d look after my big sis. Naturally, I must stay with her.”

“But we don’t know the way. Should we find a guide or something?” Welt raised the critical question, which Chen Lin had been waiting for.

Without hesitation, Chen Lin pointed at Tingyun.

“Miss Tingyun, I’d like to trouble you to guide Uncle Yang and the others. Can you do it? With your help, perhaps we might even encounter the General along the way. Besides, this would be a great merit for you. The Cloud Knights or the Sky-Faring Commission would surely reward you handsomely.”

“This is my duty, of course. I’ll gladly oblige.”

Tingyun’s eyes lit up as she caught Chen Lin’s implied warning: Jing Yuan’s whereabouts remain uncertain. If he’s near the Ambrosial Arbor, you might not be able to handle him. Follow my plan, and you’ll get everything promised to you.

Welt seemed reassured.

“Then we’ll leave it to Miss Tingyun.”

“It’s no trouble at all. Such matters are important. Even a mere Xianzhou guide like myself hopes the ship can overcome this crisis.”

“Miss Tingyun is so gentle,” March 7th praised.

“Let’s set out without delay,” Welt suggested. “The sooner we move, the better. Perhaps we can even help rescue the trapped artisans in the commission.”

Despite the commission’s suspension, basic tasks were still being managed from outside its domain. Before the Ambrosial Arbor’s revival, its dangers had been manageable under the protection of the Cloud Knights. Now, however, the growing number of corrupted creatures likely trapped many within, waiting for rescue.

After a quick farewell, the group departed under Tingyun’s guidance.

Before leaving, Tingyun glanced back at Chen Lin, a gesture of sincerity.

As Chen Lin walked by, he noticed Qingque at a stone table nearby, scribbling notes with a brush.

“Little Qing.”

“Hey, Chen, you’re done already? The Master Diviner’s waiting for you over there,” Qingque replied, setting down her brush. “By the way, how do you know my nickname?”

“Your Diviner told me.”

Chen Lin leaned in and saw a stack of old books, mostly related to the Ambrosial Arbor. “What’s all this?”

“Oh, this?” Qingque flipped through the ancient texts. “The Master Diviner asked me to compile all the records about the Ambrosial Arbor tonight. I’ve already found the books, so I just need half an hour to copy everything. Then I’m done for the night.”

“…”

The task, expected to take all night, would be finished in mere moments—Qingque’s way of slacking off.

“Are you going to join the Master Diviner in the upcoming battle?” Qingque suddenly asked. “I don’t know much about fighting, but it must be dangerous. Here, take this.”

She unhooked a charm from her uniform and tied it to Chen Lin’s belt. “This is from my family. It’s a treasure from the past. Besides granting blessings, it protects the wearer. Stay safe.”

“Don’t lose it,” she added. “I’ll be waiting for you to bring it back personally. I’ve worn it for decades, so you’d better not damage it.”

“And if I do?”

“Then you owe me a new one,” Qingque teased, both of them laughing.

“Come back so we can play cards and drink,” she said, her tone lighthearted.

“Setting up a death flag, huh?”

“Don’t jinx it! Ugh, bad luck!”

After bidding Qingque farewell, Chen Lin found Fu Xuan by the formation gate, directing the troops. When her gaze landed on the charm on his belt, her mood turned sour.

Qingque, always slacking off. Once this crisis is over, I’ll send her to Jarilo-VI for some proper discipline. With my brother traveling with the Astral Express, there’ll be no distractions. Eventually, I’ll straighten out her lazy habits.

The thought cheered Fu Xuan up.

The command talisman waved, banners fluttered in the wind.

“Move out! Head to the Central Starskiff Haven and stand by!”

---

T/N: GRAH I CAN DO THIS I CAN TRANSLATE THE CORRECT NAMES

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!