Chapter 22: The Blossoming Tree of Technology

Shen Xing had never paid close attention to the technological development of Sky Dome Star until the recent fervor in scientific research caught his eye.

He realized that some aspects of Sky Dome Star’s technology had remained at a late medieval level, yet their advancements in astronomy and celestial studies were progressing by leaps and bounds, soon to rival those of his previous life. Many cosmic patterns and universal mysteries that would have been impossible to discover on Earth during the same era were observable here. The inhabitants could even deduce future discoveries by projecting from the stars they had already observed; countless real and imagined cosmic scenarios were already the subject of speculation.

In the year 5605 of the Sky Dome Calendar, the first camera in the history of Sky Dome Star’s humanity was successfully invented in the southern district, witnessed by the district’s representative, Shu Wanjing, and created by a scientist named Ke Boshi. The invention of this camera signaled a rapid leap forward in all other scientific fields on the planet.

Before this, the only way to capture an image was through painting. Now, thanks to new chemical processes, they could swiftly take a picture, and these images could be preserved forever.

With profound reverence, Shu Wanjing presented this miraculous device to the High Priest, Shen Xing, and personally took the very first portrait of him.

Once the film was developed, the photograph became one of the most treasured possessions on Sky Dome Star. It captured not only the dignified presence of Shen Xing but also immortalized a legend.

Although Shen Xing was already sixty-five years old, in the photograph, he appeared as youthful as a man of twenty. His face was smooth and delicate, devoid of a single wrinkle, as if sculpted with utmost care by nature itself. His deep eyes reflected the wisdom and serenity accumulated over the years.

At Shu Wanjing’s request, Shen Xing agreed to let the southern district keep his portrait. Shu Wanjing, thrilled by this immense honor, brought the portrait back to the district council and hung it there so that everyone who entered would immediately behold the High Priest’s majesty and grace.

News of this quickly spread to every corner of Sky Dome Star. Representatives and citizens of other districts were filled with envy and admiration for the south’s glory. They clamored for copies of Shen Xing’s portrait, longing to honor and revere the great High Priest in their own halls and homes.

With Shen Xing’s consent, albeit somewhat reluctantly, the officials of the southern district distributed the photographs to other districts in accordance with his wishes.

Over time, not only officials but ordinary people also joined the ranks of those begging for Shen Xing’s portrait. The southern district’s photography studios were soon flooded; countless negatives were developed, innumerable photographs produced.

These portraits, like stars themselves, spread to every household and corner of Sky Dome Star. Under Shen Xing’s watchful gaze, people went about their lives—whether in prayer or at work, they felt his invisible strength and blessing.

His ageless visage became an eternal enigma of Sky Dome Star, a miracle that left all in awe. His very existence was not only a defiance of time, but a celebration of life itself.

That same year, a scientist named Ji Xuebo invented the high-frequency alternating current generator. Though revolutionary, the invention met resistance from many scientists who were accustomed to direct current, leading Ji Xuebo into despair and even thoughts of death.

“There’s something strangely familiar about this man’s name and experiences,” Shen Xing mused. Though he expected certain technological developments, their actual emergence never failed to stir a sense of unreality within him. Since entering Sky Dome Star in his human form, these uncanny feelings had become ever more frequent—even his consciousness, which should have been devoid of emotion, was not untouched.

Strangely, Shen Xing found himself becoming ever more human.

At Ji Xuebo’s darkest moment, Shen Xing, in his capacity as High Priest, personally ordered support for the development of alternating current, bestowing great honor and resources upon the scientist. This act not only saved him but also accelerated the adoption of alternating current.

Grateful beyond words, Ji Xuebo was like a child finally receiving a parent’s approval. “Ignorant humanity doesn’t understand science! Thank the High Priest and the Father of Stars for saving my research!”

Though some scientists were perplexed by Shen Xing’s stance, they trusted his judgment. Further experimentation revealed the superiority of alternating current: it could be transmitted over greater distances, required simpler generation equipment, allowed arcs to be more easily extinguished, and enabled easier voltage transformation.

Only then did the scientists realize with shock how wise and forward-thinking the High Priest truly was. Alternating current quickly flourished, and thanks to this, humanity entered the era of electrification at an unprecedented pace.

Soon after, the first automobile powered by an internal combustion engine was invented, propelling the mechanical industry into a period of rapid development.

When entertainment was scarce, an invention surpassing still photography emerged. Now, people could capture images of moving objects and replay them for amusement; it was only a matter of time before sound could also be recorded.

By chance, black powder—long delayed—was finally discovered, spurring advances in chemistry. Under Shen Xing’s deliberate guidance, the weapons industry advanced swiftly; soon after the appearance of the smoothbore musket, the first rifles began to take shape.

To improve daily life, countless automated machines were created. Humanity, once gazing up at birds in longing for flight, was ready at last to build its own wings and use machines to accomplish what the body could not.

With the advent of the airplane, they discovered that they had truly conquered both sky and sea—nowhere on Sky Dome Star was inaccessible.

The invention of television brought all these marvels into the homes of every inhabitant, uniting their experiences.

Simultaneously, the theories of quantum mechanics and special relativity emerged nearly together, marking the entry of scientific research into new realms both microscopic and cosmic.

The world’s first artificial satellite was launched amid great anticipation. It orbited Sky Dome Star for three weeks, providing humanity with new and unprecedented information about the planet’s atmosphere.

By Sky Dome Year 5610, scientific progress had become swifter and more impressive than in any previous era. Humanity had split the atom and unleashed a new force upon the world.

All these advancements ultimately converged onto a single, pivotal point. When the scientists split the atom, they forged a weapon beyond anything they had ever known.

The atomic bomb was born.

From that moment on, humanity possessed the power to destroy itself.