Chapter 34: Clarifying Doubts

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First, thank you for reading my humble work.
Second, I hope readers who have reached this point will take the time to read through this chapter patiently; the most important issues are addressed toward the end, and they also reflect some of my own introspection.
As a work of soft science fiction, this novel will not provide detailed descriptions of technology; instead, I will devote more attention to stream-of-consciousness elements.
It does not aim for lofty philosophy or profound explorations of human nature; my intent is simply to render the characters and civilizations within the book more three-dimensional.
I wish for every character to possess their own thoughts and lives. This, I believe, is the respect an author owes their creations.
Furthermore, the respect I offer to readers is this: I read every comment, and I reply individually to those on which I can continue the conversation.
Occasionally, I may supplement certain details within the comments.
Due to limitations in my writing and knowledge, I cannot perfectly translate my thoughts into words; instead, I must ask you to indulge my imagination. Here, I apologize.
Returning to the novel itself: why have I created a separate chapter to address previous issues?
Because we are about to enter the next phase of the story.
In the next chapter, Earth’s civilization will enter Shen Xing’s domain within the Celestial Net.
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First, I must reiterate: all settings and details in this work are entirely fictional, bearing no connection to real people, events, groups, or organizations. Any resemblance is purely coincidental.
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[Why does the development of the civilization on Skydome Star not match Earth’s development?]
Because there are no two identical leaves in the world, and the developmental path of Earth and Skydome Star cannot be exactly the same. The intervention of Shen Xing and the rise of the Celestial Sect have shaped Skydome Star’s uniquely distinct trajectory.
[Some of your technological settings seem problematic—how can suits and straw sandals exist in the same era?]
In this novel, the technological development of civilizations is intentionally distorted. My own knowledge of science is limited, so technological mixing may appear in each civilization.
For example, Earth’s civilization has nearly perfected escape technology, but war technology remains underdeveloped. These disparities are deliberate, allowing readers to clearly see which direction each civilization prefers. Understand this setting, and I thank you all deeply!
[Will you describe much marvelous technology later on?]
No. This is a soft science fiction novel, and I have no intention of flaunting limited expertise. Technological details will be mentioned only briefly, with the bulk of the narrative focusing on relationships between people, between civilizations, and between individuals and civilizations.
[Why were the transitions in earlier chapters so fast?]
Because I did not wish to pad the novel with hundreds of chapters only for the core plot to become short and insubstantial.
[Why are there so many titles for Shen Xing?]

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On Skydome Star, Shen Xing is known by many names: Chosen of the Gods, Divine Chosen, Supreme Priest, Priest Shen, High Priest, and so on. Different characters use different titles according to their habits, but they all refer to Shen Xing. As long as readers understand who is meant, that suffices!
[Why does Ye Lian have her own storyline? Is she the heroine?]
For narrative reasons, her perspective is used to summarize certain events; this does not make her special. The stories of other Divine Attendants will also be told later. This novel has no heroine.
[I keep feeling your settings are familiar—where have I seen them before?]
Indeed, I admit that my knowledge and cultural background are insufficient to create a wholly original work, so some familiar settings may appear—perhaps ones found in other literary works read by me or my readers.
For instance, as many have noticed, the "StellariS" motif is present, and other related settings may emerge later. However, the overall worldview will not simply copy any existing worldbuilding!
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[Regarding the ‘system’ setting]
Many readers like to speculate about the origins of systems in every work. I believe this novel will be no exception.
In science fiction, the most common guess is that the system is a "test artifact left by some advanced civilization." This idea is problematic.
No one wants the protagonist, who is essentially a god, to be overshadowed by some conspiracy. So let me clarify the origins of the system:
The system exists as the protagonist’s second consciousness; in other words, it is actually created by the protagonist’s own mind. After Shen Xing’s rebirth, his desire for a system was as strong as any reader’s, and the power of consciousness, as you all know, can allow individuals to influence the material world through thought.
Because Shen Xing wanted a system, the system manifested.
This is an idealist setting—a chicken-and-egg question: did the protagonist create the system with his consciousness, or did the system grant him consciousness?
My answer: there’s no need to fret over this.
After all, the greatest manipulator exists—the author!
As for the origins of the power of fiction, this will be revealed in later chapters. The setting of this power involves another question.
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[I like stories where the protagonist reigns supreme. Will others ever wield the same power?]
The answer is: although there will be others who use powers derived from the same source as the protagonist, their abilities are far weaker than Shen Xing’s.
There will never be another planetary entity like the protagonist. Shen Xing is unique. Those who wield similar powers are individuals; even if several star systems combine their strength, the difference is obvious.
In invincible narratives, others may use the same power as the protagonist, but none can surpass him. This is an immutable rule.
If readers can be more tolerant on this point, I believe it will only add enjoyment to the story!
Thank you all again!

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[Why does the protagonist not feel like a god? Why does he nurture a civilization?]
I have received many comments on the relationship between the protagonist and the civilization.
Allow me to explain my portrayal of Shen Xing.
Before his rebirth, Shen Xing was an ordinary Earthling; after being reborn, his consciousness transformed from human to planetary, thus losing certain human emotions.
But at his core, he remains a person, not a god.
Gods do not require feelings; humans do.
Just as the cosmic order or the Dao exists to maintain balance and uphold rules—even to the point of annihilating themselves for the sake of order—
But Shen Xing is simply an ordinary person, like you, me, and everyone else.
He is not a flat character; in my mind, he is vivid and multi-dimensional.
In a good work, the characters must feel real to the reader, not mere fictional constructs created for entertainment.
May I boldly ask: have any readers ever had a favorite fictional character, studied their personality, hobbies, lifestyle, and perhaps even recorded their words or written a story about them?
Words can impart life.
Shen Xing may never be adored or praised by thousands, but in my heart, he merits this sense of reality.
The universe is silent, lifeless, and boundless; his loneliness is not madness, but a forced aspect of his setting.
After creating a civilization and being worshiped as a god, he feels vanity and superiority; he wants someone to witness his display of power.
He is limited by his knowledge and imagination, and thus cannot wield his abilities with perfect mastery, instead requiring research and experimentation.
I can guarantee his strength, but not his perfection.
He may restrict the civilization’s development out of personal desire, but as he grows, he will strive to become a better guide.
So please understand: every character in the book has their own thoughts, personality, and journey of growth.
Thank you all once again!
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This is all I can think of for now! I hope these questions address some of your own. If you have suggestions, please leave them at the top of the comment section!
Once again, thank you—thank you for reading my work.