Chapter 75: The Age of the Stars

When the High Priest returned to Celestial Dome, he descended slowly onto the platform at the central temple. The crowd gathered in the temple’s plaza erupted in fervent cheers. Once again, the High Priest had protected Celestial Dome! He had protected humanity!

The people in the plaza gazed at Shen Xing—some bowed in reverence, others could not help but shed tears, but not a single voice uttered anything negative. No civilization could witness such splendor as this.

With countless cameras recording every moment, Shen Xing walked slowly to the front of the platform.

“Father of Stars above! Thank you, High Priest!”

“Father of Stars shields Celestial Dome! The High Priest shields humanity!”

A smile, unfamiliar to any enemy, graced Shen Xing’s face as he waved to the crowd. Under their expectant gaze, he spoke in a calm, resonant voice:

“Under the radiance of the Father of Stars, we have survived this crisis. And through this ordeal, we have sensed the presence of other cosmic civilizations.”

“Though we have overcome this challenge, we must clearly understand that the universe is filled with all manner of dangers.”

“Our civilization will grow ever stronger! Our territory will begin to expand into the cosmos!”

“Even I cannot protect you forever in the vastness of the universe.”

Upon hearing Shen Xing’s words, some faces among the crowd showed surprise and unease, but most people seemed thoughtful.

The Faith of the Stars was never an institution to control the people through belief; rather, it encouraged everyone to discover for themselves the meaning behind the Father of Stars’ creation.

“The Father of Stars created humanity, granting us wisdom and courage.”

“Our survival and progress should not rely solely on his protection, but must also depend on our own efforts and intelligence!”

“Let us strive together, for the tomorrow of Celestial Dome! For the future of humanity! Let us persevere and march forward with courage!”

The crowd erupted in even more passionate cheers. Even families watching on television rose enthusiastically from their sofas.

Never had the Faith of the Stars imposed strict indoctrination on newborns; instead, from youth to adulthood, everyone naturally absorbed the brilliance of belief through daily experience.

People, through Shen Xing, had perceived the power of divine arts, and through that power, glimpsed a fraction of the Father of Stars’ might. All of it occurred as if ordained by nature.

Su Xiaoyi, standing beside Shen Xing, also wore an expression of deep reverence, and his teacher’s words gradually strengthened his resolve.

The Father of Stars created humanity so that mankind could achieve greatness for itself!

Shen Xing pressed his hands downward gently, and the wave of cheers gradually subsided.

The hearts of the people brimmed with respect for the High Priest; in their eyes, he was forever the most compassionate elder, guarding and guiding them. The people of Celestial Dome would never disappoint the High Priest, nor the Father of Stars.

Seeing the crowd calm, Shen Xing continued: “The people of Earth have failed.”

“We will fully absorb all the technological advances of Earth’s civilization, integrating them into our own to propel Celestial Dome’s scientific progress forward by leaps and bounds.”

“To this end, I now call upon all volunteer scientists to help Celestial Dome obtain these precious scientific technologies!”

No sooner had he finished speaking than scientists stepped forward one after another, pledging their contributions to Celestial Dome’s advancement. Both promising young researchers and established academic authorities displayed strong enthusiasm to participate.

Shen Xing acknowledged their eager response, his gaze sweeping across every passionate face. The technological level of Celestial Dome would soar thanks to their efforts.

“We shall establish a special scientific team to travel to Azure Star and oversee the integration and research of Earth’s technology.”

“This team will be led by Divine Attendant Qu Shixin, who, along with a dozen researchers, will board an Earth vessel bound for the fourth planet in the Celestial Dome system—Azure Star.”

Upon hearing “Azure Star,” the scientists looked momentarily perplexed. An elderly scientist couldn’t help but inquire, “High Priest, we have sent probes and had astronauts return with planetary samples, but Azure Star is not suitable for human habitation.”

“If we wish to improve its ecology, our current technology is insufficient…”

Having spoken, the old man felt somewhat ashamed, thinking his words questioned the High Priest, and guilty for not advancing science further.

“There is no need to worry about this. The Father of Stars has already bestowed life upon Azure Star.”

Now, Azure Star had become a new planet of life. As you integrate technologies, you must also oversee those from Earth’s civilization as they pioneer this new planet.

Azure Star will mark our civilization’s first step into the universe!

Upon hearing Shen Xing’s words, both the scientists of Celestial Dome and the people in the temple plaza displayed a hint of fervor.

The Father of Stars had once again revealed a miracle!

“The transformation of Azure Star is both a test and an opportunity for our civilization.”

“Not only must you integrate Earth’s technologies, but you must also build Azure Star into a prosperous new world, proving the capability and resolve of the people of Celestial Dome.”

A young scholar from the Oracle Institute stepped forward, his expression zealous: “High Priest, we will do our utmost! We will not betray the Father of Stars’ blessing, nor disappoint your expectations!”

“We are willing to become pioneers for our civilization, to open new realms for mankind!”

...

The High Priest’s speech soon concluded. Qu Shixin, together with the selected scientists, embarked on their journey to Azure Star.

Shen Xing personally appeared to bid farewell, waving to the departing scientific team.

Meanwhile, Su Xiaoyi began enacting a series of policies to address the imminent interstellar era for Celestial Dome.

The government increased benefits for families with multiple children, encouraging higher birth rates to fill the population gap and provide a foundation for interstellar migration.

At the same time, a series of measures and restrictions were issued regarding contact with alien civilizations.

For instance, according to the “Celestial Dome Interstellar Law,” effective as of September 9, 5645 of the Celestial Dome calendar, only citizens born on Celestial Dome, those born elsewhere but whose ancestors are native Celestial Dome citizens, and those recognized by the High Priest are granted residence, permanent residence, and higher rights. Any other alien species (hereafter referred to as secondary species) are denied these privileges.

Besides this, civilization on Celestial Dome entered another era of rapid development, making technological leaps by inheriting the legacy of the Dir civilization through the Azure Star people (formerly Earthlings).

The interstellar age arrived quietly, before many had even realized it.