Chapter 48: An Exquisite Sense of Happiness
When the night descended like a gentle layer of black velvet, softly draping over the surface of the Celestial Sphere, the experimental spacecraft hovered silently above, resembling a secret star. Yao Yuan, Yang Kui, Yao Ling, Zhang Yu, and Peng Wenyan had shed their identities as scientists, preparing to explore the Celestial Sphere as ordinary travelers. They carried the planet’s universal currency traded from fishermen, featuring the portrait of High Priest Shen Xing—a person unknown to them, whom they assumed was a great figure from the planet’s history. Their other equipment included smart communicators, miniature cameras, energy pistols, and medical treatments. Despite their thorough reconnaissance of the planet, the unknown and dangers on the ground kept them wary, their energy pistols ready for emergencies.
The forest at night was tranquil; occasionally, small animals darted through. After some playful moments, they switched off their cameras and never turned them on again. Thanks to advancements in genetic medicine, their physical endurance had greatly improved; after an afternoon of play, none showed the slightest sign of fatigue. They hailed a taxi in Bihai City, claiming to head for the capital—confusing the driver, who revealed just how distant their current location was from the capital. With no other option, they asked the driver to take them as far as possible, then transferred between several vehicles before finally arriving in the central district.
...
Capital of the Celestial Sphere—Celestial City
Celestial City’s silhouette was especially magnificent under the night, especially the towering Central Temple rising into the clouds at the heart of the city. The temple’s imposing presence cast a solemn shadow across the night sky, instilling a sense of insignificance in all who beheld it. Yao Yuan gazed quietly for a while, then said in a low voice, “Let’s go. We’ll enter the city.”
The five stepped into the urban district, the bustling scenes around them evoking memories of Earth in the twenty-first century. As the largest city on the planet, Celestial City showed a unique vibrancy even at night. With the coming of dusk, the city donned a splendid evening attire. Neon lights sparkled, and the warm glow from countless homes intertwined to create a dazzling, enchanting nocturnal panorama. The pedestrian streets thronged with crowds, neon signs flickering, mall and shop windows displaying a vast array of goods, street performers drawing onlookers.
Bars, restaurants, and cafés were filled with laughter and conversation, as people reveled in the pleasures of nightlife. Skyscrapers gleamed in the darkness, forming a forest of steel and concrete, their glass facades reflecting light in cascading waterfalls, embodying the city’s prosperity and vitality. In other corners of the city, night markets, snack streets, and cultural plazas were equally lively, the aromas of countless delicacies wafting through the air, making mouths water. The city buzzed with voices and traffic—a scene of busy urban life.
The street lamps of Celestial City emitted a faint, misty yellow glow, lending warmth to the night. In this environment, though their attire differed slightly from the locals, the five attracted little notice. They mingled among the crowds, breathing in the fragrant air and swallowing involuntarily. Yao Yuan steadied himself and whispered to the group, “Let’s buy some clothes first and gather information about the Celestial Sect tonight. Tomorrow, we’ll visit the Central Temple and see this so-called High Priest for ourselves!”
Everyone nodded in agreement. They entered a brightly lit clothing store, ready to blend in with the planet’s inhabitants. As soon as they stepped inside, Yao Ling looked around; racks were filled with colorful, fashionable garments. A smiling attendant greeted them warmly.
“Welcome to Illusion Apparel! How may I help you?” they said.
“Hey? Why is it called Illusion Apparel? Why not something ‘Celestial’...” Yao Ling blinked, curiosity evident as she inquired. As she asked, she watched the attendant’s micro-expressions—not out of spontaneous curiosity, but with the intention of gleaning information. As expected, the attendant’s face changed briefly, the expression showing displeasure.
“You folks must be from the countryside, right? Only major companies or the Celestial Sect can use ‘Celestial’ in their names! For example, Starlight Mall—that belongs to Leaf, one of the Six Divine Attendants! Watch your words!”
Yao Ling was momentarily stunned; she had hoped to see fear or panic on the attendant’s face, but the first emotion displayed was displeasure. She pondered: did the Celestial Sect truly leave no room for resistance?
At that moment, Peng Wenyan smoothly interjected, steering the conversation toward clothing. “Pick out an outfit for each of us, please.”
The attendant’s furrowed brow relaxed, and they proceeded to help the group select clothes.
Ten minutes later, each had chosen suitable attire and changed into the local style. The Celestial Sphere’s clothing was simple and practical, devoid of odd designs or artistic flourishes—comfortable and pleasing to the eye. Standing before the mirror, they scrutinized their new appearance, ensuring nothing betrayed their true identity. Looking at their reflections, they had become indistinguishable from the planet’s inhabitants.
At the register, Yao Yuan handed several hundred-unit bills to the attendant. The front bore the High Priest’s image, the reverse depicted the Central Temple. This was the universal currency of the Celestial Sphere, freely circulated worldwide.
Leaving the clothing store, the five blended into the street crowds. Surrounded by people who were now no different from themselves, complex feelings stirred within.
“It’s clear that the people here enjoy a high quality of life. Let us hope our arrival brings no disaster,” Zhang Yu sighed. As a sociologist, he gave a preliminary assessment of the planet’s society. Like Alibert, he was filled with concern—a rare advocate for peace in Earth’s civilization even before their landing.
The burly Yang Kui nodded at these words. “The situation here has been reported to the United Earth Government. All we can do is hope the leadership makes wise decisions, and that our actions lead to a satisfactory outcome.”
Talking quietly, the five continued strolling through the streets of Celestial City. Their hearts brimmed with both anticipation for the mysteries to be revealed and anxiety about the impact they might bring. On this planet full of unknowns, every step was cautious and significant. They knew their actions would affect not only their own destinies, but the future of both worlds.