Chapter 18: Approaching the Celestial Dome Star

Deep in the distant reaches of the cosmos, two human starships sailed steadily toward Celestial Dome. They were the pride of the Vanguard Fleet, carrying with them humanity’s hope and dreams for a new home. As the pioneers of human civilization, the rear of these ships blazed with a ghostly blue flame from their matter-antimatter annihilation engines, carving a bright trail through the darkness like a comet’s tail.

Aboard Ship One, Commander Wei Wensu—who also served as Supreme Commander of the Vanguard Fleet—was conducting a meeting with his core officers.

“Commander Wei, we’re now only about twenty million light-years from our target planet. If all goes smoothly, continuing on this ‘trajectory’ will bring us there in roughly 150 to 300 years,” reported Alibert Wade, the fleet’s chief engineer.

Earth’s nations had long since unified into a prosperous United Earth after the nuclear crisis, forging a shared destiny for humankind. The official languages became Chinese and English, chosen for their broad applicability. After centuries, the proportion of people of mixed heritage far exceeded those of a single lineage, and the barriers of language had quietly faded away.

“What do we know in detail about the target planet?” Commander Wei’s eyes flashed with anticipation as he asked solemnly.

“Based on more refined observations from our probes, the new homeworld has an estimated lifespan of about 4.3 billion years, and there are signs suggesting possible life. However, there are no artificial satellites or other man-made objects in orbit. This means that the planet’s civilization lags far behind Earth’s—if there is any advanced intelligence there at all. The most incredible thing is that the planet’s mass, diameter, and distance from its star are almost identical to Earth’s!”

“It’s unbelievable! I never imagined two planets in the universe could be so alike. It’s the perfect new home, ideally suited for the future of human civilization,” Alibert exclaimed, waving the thoroughly verified report as he spoke.

A look of yearning appeared on Commander Wei’s face as he gazed out into the starlit void, his heart brimming with hope for the future.

“If we’re given enough time to develop a higher level of technology, we will surely be able to reclaim the Milky Way and return to our mother planet, Earth!” Wei’s voice was firm and resolute. Ever since humanity had been able to observe the galactic wars, a Damoclean sword had hung over civilization’s head.

Notably, even after more than a century of travel, Wei Wensu still appeared no older than twenty.

This was because he now inhabited his second body.

Human civilization had long ago mastered the technology of consciousness transfer, enabling the dying to have their minds flawlessly transplanted into newly grown clones. Some of these were entirely biological, while others were semi-human—biological brains to house consciousness, but mechanical organs and tissues everywhere else.

Yet these bodies had a major flaw: the cost was astronomical. Only the powerful, wealthy, and a handful of top scientists could afford such privilege. Civilian technology was much less advanced; after all, population management remained one of civilization’s greatest challenges.

Though their technology allowed for some fighting capability in outer space, it was still far from sufficient against other civilizations. As for the old concepts of morality, these had faded entirely as science advanced—a loss replaced by an almost twisted sense of civilizational honor.

No price was too high.
No sacrifice too great.
Anything was acceptable so long as civilization advanced, technology progressed, and Earth’s legacy endured.

The journey of interstellar migration was long and lonely. Aside from a handful of commanders, soldiers, and scientists, nearly all humans had entered hibernation pods, awaiting the day they’d reach their new haven. During this odyssey, they would undergo countless transfers of consciousness and bodily rebirths before finally arriving at the new world.

Meanwhile, on the distant Celestial Dome, human civilization was developing at breakneck speed. Shen Xing had little need to worry about any chance of rebellion. His sole focus was to elevate the level of human civilization and, in doing so, enhance his own abilities—a process now closely intertwined with humanity’s progress.

No one knew exactly when this link had formed; perhaps it was the result of some peculiar influence. So long as he possessed a human avatar, Shen Xing could lead all of humanity as the Child Chosen by the Gods. These avatars inherited all his abilities, enabling him to guide and protect the civilization he had created.

Shen Xing strove relentlessly to drive technological growth and productivity and to lead humanity in the exploration of the cosmos and the mysteries of science.

“Is there a path of civilizational development beyond mere technology?” he wondered. “Were the powers humans once fantasized about before their rebirth truly impossible? If my consciousness can create such a path, could I forge a new route?”

“This path doesn’t exist in my memory, at least not in a complete form. But can I devise a reasonable, sustainable new way forward?”

Shen Xing pondered constantly. He had tried many possibilities—even considering raising the intelligence of the Celestial Dome’s humans to its peak. But he failed, as his power and the laws of the universe only worked within the limits of his own cognition. In other words, his ceiling defined the ceiling for the humans of Celestial Dome. Yet these humans could break through their limits on their own; he could not simply raise them at will.

Thus, while developing technology, Shen Xing also explored new possibilities. He knew that only by relentless advancement could humanity face the threats posed by higher alien civilizations. The last visit by the metallic sphere had left him deeply wary.

Humans on Celestial Dome now had to accelerate their progress if they hoped to survive in this perilous and unknown universe.

The future of Celestial Dome brimmed with infinite possibilities. Under Shen Xing’s guidance and transformation, human civilization was advancing toward ever loftier goals. They would continue to explore, discover, and innovate—until the day they stood atop the universe, becoming the ultimate civilization.