Chapter 65: The Calm That Conceals Turmoil (Bonus Chapter)

“Are you suggesting they may have acquired certain strands of civilization’s legacy?”

“Yes, sir. This matter is of low priority according to your information protocols, so you were not notified.”

Yesru pondered for a moment. For interstellar navigation technology alone, the priority was indeed not high.

The Saivi civilization had long since mastered short-range jump technology, which, for the civilizations currently known, posed no significant drawbacks.

“In any case, after observing the development of Earth’s civilization, I cannot help but admire this intelligent cosmic race.”

“We Saivi spent a full thirty thousand years achieving similar technological progress.”

“That is why…”

“We must eradicate the Earthlings as soon as possible. If they are allowed to develop for another thousand years or so, they could quickly become a grave threat to us.”

A cold gleam flashed in Yesru’s eyes. For civilizations like this, the Saivi’s customary approach had always been to strangle them in the cradle.

The Sage Tarsash of the Saivi once said: “In the universe, there is no right or wrong, only destruction or being destroyed.”

The galactic war had dragged on for so long; the Saivi civilization had already expended far too many resources and too much effort.

Now, unifying the galaxy was within reach. Once they claimed the Milky Way, the Saivi would finally possess admission to the Galactic Community, gaining a powerful backer and the security to advance their science and technology.

“If we ignore the Earthlings, there is indeed a slim chance that they could become our adversaries in the distant future,” said Commander Saivis with a nod, agreeing this was the correct decision.

“Besides, Lord Ershkalan has also issued an order: any civilization attempting to flee the galaxy must be eliminated.”

“Saivis, you are to lead the fleet personally to annihilate the Earthlings. To prevent unforeseen circumstances, take both the Third and Fourth Expeditionary Fleets.”

“Yes, Saivi Aka!”

“Saivi Aka!”

The two Saivi simultaneously raised the small tendrils at the backs of their heads, uttering words akin to a triumphant salute.

Speaking of Aka, Yesru suddenly realized it had been a long time since he’d seen Aka.

He gazed in the direction of the Saivi homeworld. For thousands of years, he had been away, conquering other civilizations for the Saivi, and for thousands of years, he had not seen his kin.

The Saivi homeworld was called Akana; their star was named Aka.

The planet where Yesru’s kin lived was one of the ecologically integrated worlds within the Saivi home system.

Saivi Aka meant that the glory of the Saivi would burn as resplendently as their star, enduring forever.

…

The perspective shifted back to the Central Temple on Skyvault Star.

The Six Divine Attendants landed amid the adoring gazes of the people, who cheered for them, praising their power and thanking them for their protection.

In the hearts of the six, there was an unprecedented sense of accomplishment, one no previous trial had ever brought.

To protect Skyvault Star.

To uphold the glory of the Star Father.

These two ideals had always ranked foremost in their hearts, the very responsibilities and missions bestowed upon them.

As humans from Skyvault, this was also the greatest and most honorable calling.

But as the six entered the temple and reached the Hall of Stars, they found Shen Xing standing before the floor-to-ceiling window, a mass of swirling black matter floating before him.

The six’s proud expressions vanished instantly at the sight of Shen Xing, replaced by nervousness.

“Teacher, I’m sorry—I failed to keep them all here,” Su Xiaoyi stepped forward and murmured.

He felt he had failed Shen Xing’s trust, and now, with the aura of the foremost among the Divine Attendants growing about him, he chose to shoulder responsibility.

“No, Teacher, we did not do well either. I barely contributed at all…”

“I too… My grasp of the divine arts is still too shallow…” Lin Luan and Qu Shixin both bowed their heads, staring at their toes like children who had done wrong.

The group stood in silent remorse before Shen Xing finally spoke:

“You are now Starry Divine Attendants. The divine arts at your disposal are far greater than this.”

“Continue your cultivation for now—refine your mastery of the divine arts.”

With a wave of Shen Xing’s hand, the six vanished from the spot.

He had transferred them to his other avatars, each on a different star, each avatar dwelling in an environment more hostile and unforgiving than the last.

With Skyvault civilization about to step into the starry expanse, the Divine Attendants needed to adapt to ever more varied circumstances.

Still, Shen Xing’s consciousness would always watch over them. There would be no great mishaps.

At that moment, Shen Xing closed his eyes. When he opened them again, a light-filled panel appeared before him—a sight he had not seen in a long time.

[Skyvault Star System]
[Classification: Micro Star System]
[Fundamental Force: Possesses the ability to control the basic forces of reality]
[Fictional Force: Possesses the ability to manipulate the forces of fiction]
[Universal Laws: You are able to manipulate certain basic laws of the universe, fundamentally altering some physical and natural laws]

The panel had changed little, but the description of the Fictional Force was now deeply intriguing.

Just what did this so-called force of fiction represent?

By now, Shen Xing’s mastery over his consciousness had become almost second nature. The identity cards of Skyvault’s residents were created from materials conjured with this force.

Yet fictional matter was unlike antimatter—it did not annihilate upon contact with ordinary matter, but rather ignored any effect from the real world, becoming a wondrous, indestructible material.

The range and potency of his Time Force had also increased; he could now influence a much larger area at will, though the exact limits were still being tested.

Recently, he had discovered the ability to manipulate space externally—a spatial force that allowed him to transfer himself without aid, by means no science could explain.

He had been studying diligently, knowing that knowledge itself limited his use of these powers; this was also his own form of cultivation.

Yet just as he was lost in thought, he was interrupted at the perfect moment—the doors to the Hall of Stars opened and Xie Huizhi entered, bowing slightly.

“Grand Priest, they have arrived.”

“I understand, Priest Xie.”

Shen Xing watched Xie Huizhi depart. The old man should have suffered certain ailments, but Shen Xing had quietly erased them—a small compensation. In the end, Xie Huizhi would pass away peacefully, at the end of his days.

Clearing his mind, Shen Xing made his way to the conference hall.

…

Within the hall, all the leaders and representatives from the various districts stood respectfully, raising their voices in unison:

“Greetings, Grand Priest!”

Shen Xing nodded in acknowledgment, motioned for everyone to be seated, and began the meeting on the matter of extraterrestrial civilizations.