Chapter 71: Descent

Inside the Starlight Restaurant, after Su Xiaoyi had simply ordered a few dishes, he began to converse politely with Ni Shasha.

“I must once again thank Professor Ni for your attentive guidance of Xiaoxin.”

Su Xiaoyi raised his glass slightly, and Ni Shasha hurriedly picked up her own, gently clinking it before taking a modest sip and setting it back on the table.

“It’s nothing. It’s simply my duty.”

“I heard from Principal Ye that you’ve applied to the Oracle Institute and your application was successful?”

Ni Shasha was somewhat surprised at this moment; she hadn’t expected such a minor detail to be remembered by Su Xiaoyi. With a touch of gratitude in her heart, she replied, “Thank you for your concern, Governor. I did submit an application to join the Oracle Institute, and it has been approved.”

“Then, on behalf of the government of Skydome, let me thank you in advance for your contributions to Skydome’s scientific endeavors.”

“It is an honor to dedicate myself to Skydome’s research.”

After a few more drinks, the two gradually became more familiar, and the initially somewhat stiff atmosphere softened.

They then moved on to other topics, but these were dreadfully dull for Su Xiaoxin, who simply kept her head down, eating her fried rice.

Throughout the conversation, Su Xiaoyi steered the topics, and although Ni Shasha had prepared herself, she couldn’t help but feel the aura of a superior at this moment.

As the saying goes, one’s environment shapes one’s spirit, and one’s nourishment molds one's body.

These years seated as the chief governor had brought considerable growth to Su Xiaoyi.

The influence of one’s surroundings is silent, infiltrating our lives quietly, shaping our actions and habits.

Now, Su Xiaoyi had become a leader in the truest sense.

“Since the founding of Skydome’s government, you have truly worked tirelessly.”

“I have only received a little guidance from my teacher; it is he who truly devotes himself to Skydome.”

Ni Shasha’s eyes brightened at these words, as the conversation finally touched upon the mysterious High Priest. She knew she might have a chance to learn more.

“The High Priest has always worked selflessly for the people of Skydome, earning my deepest respect.”

“My teacher is a pure soul, always shining like the brightest star in the night sky. Even in the darkest moments, he guides us forward, granting hope and strength.”

While affirming Su Xiaoyi’s words, Ni Shasha found herself thinking strange thoughts.

This person seemed almost too perfect in every regard.

He was unlike any human.

---

He had never sought benefit for himself, never harbored personal motives, simply devoted himself to the worship of the Star Father—a purity rare and absolute.

The historical records of the High Priest’s use of divine arts all served to proclaim the Star Father’s majesty and to strive for the progress of Skydome.

The High Priest always placed his own interests last.

Perhaps this was the power of faith?

Only now did Ni Shasha feel she understood what faith truly meant.

A moment of disorientation passed, and Ni Shasha refocused on her mission. She continued, “It wasn’t until I came into contact with the technology of alien civilizations that I realized just how vast the gap is between us and them.”

“Those aliens have kept quiet for so long—are they secretly preparing something?”

“I often wish I could contribute to Skydome, but now I feel powerless.”

“We must rely on the High Priest and you, Governor.”

“If only ordinary people could be of more help.”

“I wonder when the High Priest will accept students again.”

Ni Shasha finished speaking and glanced at Su Xiaoyi’s expression.

Su Xiaoyi’s face remained calm as he replied, “The teacher’s thoughts are unfathomable, not to be speculated upon.”

“Moreover, divine arts are not to be taught lightly—they carry great danger, as I have personally experienced.”

With that, Su Xiaoyi gave Ni Shasha a gentle smile and quietly began to enjoy the food.

Seeing that Su Xiaoyi was unwilling to continue the topic, Ni Shasha dared not probe further and silently ate her meal.

But the vibration of the communicator on her wrist interrupted her.

She instinctively pressed accept, and a message sounded through her earpiece.

Ni Shasha was momentarily stunned, then elated.

...

Within the hyperspace corridor, after more than twenty years of travel, Earth’s main fleet began to slow, preparing to exit hyperspace.

Having received information from the vanguard fleet, the main fleet made ready for battle at once.

Upon arriving at the target star system, Earth’s main fleet would officially merge, all ships combining to manifest the colossal Titan-class warship, bringing Earth’s combat strength to its peak.

---

“Confirm the location of the target star system. All ships prepare to adjust hyperspace engines!”

With Commander Wei Hong’s order, everyone grew busy, excitement written on their faces.

The rumored new homeland was now within reach; Earth’s civilization would once again stand firm upon solid ground.

As the hyperspace engines fluctuated, the surrounding streams of light and color gradually settled, transitioning swiftly into the pitch-black starry sky.

They had arrived not far from the target star system, with only the thrusters needed to advance.

“Use the star map to locate coordinates—rendezvous with the vanguard fleet as soon as possible!”

The pilots hurriedly opened the vast star map to confirm the coordinates provided by the vanguard fleet. The star map, uploaded by the Dir civilization, spanned an immense distance; the fog of war was gone.

Once Skydome’s position was confirmed, several ships’ thrusters fired in perfect synchrony, propelling them swiftly in one direction.

After a period of travel, they reached the edge of the Skydome system.

The vanguard fleet had long received the main fleet’s contact signal and, under Wei Wensu’s command, joined up with them.

The ships approached in the cosmic deep, and when close enough, a force field drew the vanguard vessels tightly alongside the main ship.

Other starships followed suit, and when all movements ceased, a giant warship appeared at the edge of the Skydome system.

Shen Xing had tracked their movements since the main fleet entered the net.

Sensing the position of Abyss Star, Shen Xing realized he had arrived at the Skydome system almost simultaneously with the main fleet.

Seeing the ships combine into a massive main vessel, Shen Xing felt a surge of excitement.

All of this would belong to Skydome.

Earth’s civilization would become the first stepping stone for Skydome.

Once Earth’s technology was fully assimilated by Skydome, Skydome would set sail for the star sea.

The universe may be expanding,

But we shall draw ever closer to them.