Chapter 40: Preparations for the Battle
As soon as Shen Xing regained consciousness, he once again took control of the entity within the Earth fleet. Now, Shen Xing was able to resume his own thoughts.
Why had Earth’s people come here? What was the current state of Earth’s technology? Had they perhaps observed a planet identical to Earth from space and, out of curiosity, decided to investigate?
At that moment, a meeting was underway in the fleet’s conference room. Shen Xing halted his wandering thoughts and listened intently.
...
Wei Wensu sat at the head of the table, while the other two captains participated via holographic projection. Also present were several individuals in spacesuits, seemingly members of the previously mentioned reconnaissance fleet.
Commander-in-chief Wei Wensu’s voice rang clear through the communication system, echoing in every ship.
“Attention, all crew. In one hour, we will suspend navigation for a temporary rest.”
Wei Wensu issued the order, and with its transmission, the crew swiftly began preparations for the scheduled pause.
Turning to face the conference room, Wei Wensu addressed the assembled senior officers, scientific advisors, and reconnaissance pioneers.
“We have endured two centuries of arduous travel. Now, our new hope is within reach.”
“And behind us, the main fleet of Earth’s civilization will arrive at our new home in twenty years!”
There was a subtle excitement in Wei Wensu’s words, and applause surged like a tide through the room, only to subside as he raised his hand for silence.
“Victory may be close, but we must not let our guard down.” Wei Wensu’s expression suddenly grew stern, his voice cold. “The galaxy may already have fallen into alien hands. Our home, Earth, also faces the threat of occupation.”
His words weighed heavily, casting an invisible pressure upon all present.
“The target planet could become our new home—a safe haven.”
“But before that, we must conduct a comprehensive survey to ensure there are no hidden threats.”
Wei Wensu then announced an important task: Major General Lu Hongfeng and Professor Alibert would lead a team to the target planet for thorough investigation.
“Major General Lu Hongfeng, Professor Alibert, you are in charge of this reconnaissance mission.”
His gaze lingered briefly on the two, then he issued detailed instructions: “I need you to assess the environment, climate, and ecosystem of Earth Two, and report back to me.”
“Commander Wei, if there is intelligent life on the target planet, might we avoid conflict and seek the possibility of peaceful coexistence?”
Professor Alibert stood to speak, worry etched across his face.
Wei Wensu’s brows furrowed, his reply devoid of emotion:
“If they pose a threat, they must be eliminated immediately.”
“We cannot allow anything to endanger humanity’s future.”
Professor Alibert wished to say more, but was interrupted by Richard’s forceful admonition: “Alibert! What are you hesitating for? This is an order, not a discussion!”
“Major General Lu Hongfeng, prepare to depart!”
Seeing Alibert silenced, Wei Wensu turned to Lu Hongfeng.
“Yes, Commander.”
---
Major General Lu Hongfeng answered crisply and left the conference room to prepare for the mission.
Alibert sat down, helpless, his heart full of conflict and inner struggle.
Richard’s words had shattered his ideals like a hammer.
Wei Wensu, noticing Alibert’s lingering doubts about intelligent life, reiterated his point:
“Remember! Our primary mission is to ensure the survival and development of humanity.”
“Any possible threat must be eliminated.”
With the meeting adjourned, the crew busied themselves, preparing for the expedition to Earth Two.
...
Shen Xing’s consciousness quietly observed all this.
As the meeting dispersed, a tide of complex emotions surged within him, ultimately coalescing into a faint anger.
Had it been another alien race, Shen Xing might have anticipated or even accepted such actions.
But now, faced with Earth’s people—his former kin—it was particularly hard to bear.
They intended not only to seize his planet, but also to harm the people of Sky Dome, though there was no enmity between them.
“The more advanced a civilization becomes, the more its cruelty resembles that of beasts.”
“If, in this universe, civilizations have no choice, then they will all kneel before us!”
For Shen Xing, Earth had long since faded away with his own death, vanishing with that distant dream.
Now, he had only one home—
Sky Dome.
“A band of displaced refugees, dreaming of conquering my planet and my civilization?”
“How utterly delusional.”
“Since you’ve chosen to come to me, you’ve solved my urgent problem.”
Shen Xing mused that the arrival of Earth’s people could offer Sky Dome’s civilization the opportunity to upgrade.
The main fleet would arrive in twenty years—a perfect chance to capture everything at once, absorb all of Earth’s achievements, and propel Sky Dome into a technological leap.
Now Shen Xing had full knowledge of Earth’s situation.
Due to their lack of technological advancement, they hadn’t participated in the galactic war and were forced onto the path of exile.
Their target was Sky Dome—
the place they called their “new home”.
Shen Xing understood that even Earth’s reconnaissance fleet alone posed a great threat to the civilization of Sky Dome.
But Sky Dome was home not only to humanity—
---
but also to him—Shen Xing.
He acted immediately, shifting his consciousness to his human avatar, preparing for the impending war.
He was determined to ensure Sky Dome’s safety, while also seizing this opportunity to further advance its civilization.
...
Central Temple, Star Pavilion.
Within the Star Pavilion, Shen Xing stood before his six students.
The six divine attendants met his gaze with unwavering resolve, ready to heed his teaching.
“We face an unprecedented challenge—a powerful civilization is approaching.”
“They intend to conquer our planet, threatening our way of life and our faith.”
“The glory of the Star Father must not be defiled. Our home cannot be violated.”
“Today is the day you truly fight for the Star Father, for all humanity.”
The students were first stunned, then their faces grew fierce with anger and determination. Su Xiaoyi, the eldest among them, was the first to speak:
“Teacher, rest assured, we will spare no effort to defend the Star Father’s honor and protect the people of Sky Dome!”
Shen Xing nodded his approval.
“The enemy’s technology far surpasses ours. You must proceed with utmost caution.”
He then fortified the divine powers of the six, and helped Su Xiaoyi repair his injuries. The six felt as though they had been reborn.
While healing Su Xiaoyi, Shen Xing discovered some strange elements within his body, though the man himself seemed unaware. Shen Xing took an extra glance, intending to investigate further in the future.
“Thank you, Teacher, for your blessing!”
The students responded in unison, their voices filled with gratitude and reverence.
“The enemy has not yet arrived. Go and rest, and prepare for the battle to come.”
“Remember, no matter what difficulties you face, I will be your steadfast support.”
Their apprehension was dispelled, replaced by resolute faith.
“With Teacher here, we have nothing to fear!”
All six silently affirmed this in their hearts. With Shen Xing guarding Sky Dome, they believed no enemy could succeed.
In the distant reaches of space, Shen Xing’s consciousness continued to monitor the movements of Earth’s fleet.
The reconnaissance ships were speeding toward Sky Dome.
In about an hour,
the exploration fleet would reach the outer layer of Sky Dome’s atmosphere.