Chapter 228

The silver-haired elder was none other than Hengzhou's Planetary Governor, Feng Wuyang.

He used his spiritual power to levitate his body, slowly lifting himself out of the cabin.

The luxurious long robe hanging on the rack unfurled slowly, passed through his arms, and draped down.

"A Secondary Xing Qiu like the Great Universe Server is absolutely unique. With Divine Spirit Pillars establishing the framework and maintaining operation, it guarantees that all 'physical laws' infinitely approach reality."

Feng Wuyang spoke with a serious expression:

"Deep within the core of Hengzhou New Star, the 'Lord of Gluttony' slumbers. Its existence forces Hengzhou to wear two layers of shackles, unable to take the step of soaring flight.

Every successive Governor has been plagued by headaches over it, wanting a once-and-for-all solution to this major scourge."

Tai Jun closed his eyes in contemplation, as if processing data, and after a long while spoke:

"As of now, New Dongxia is powerless against Star Gods. Even the Dongxia Empire, which spread the Civilization Fire across the galaxy, failed to find a way to end them.

Why are 'Star Gods' called 'Abominations'? Because excavating the Imperial Classics, according to the partial content deciphered by the Nine Marshals, they seemingly originate from the other side of the Great Universe."

Feng Wuyang stood with hands clasped behind his back, bare feet treading on the ground.

As his spiritual power gradually converged, the towering matrix devices extinguished one by one.

"There are all sorts of speculations about Star Gods. Doctor Yan Tongxuan also proposed a hypothesis, believing Star Gods to be 'natural disasters' triggered by the Great Universe's decline.

But before his death, Doctor Yan overturned this view, leaning more toward the Imperial Think Tank's conclusion: Star Gods are the Great Universe's 'cancer cells', continuously spreading and proliferating, eroding all matter, driving everything toward the worst outcome.

Currently known information: Star Gods themselves possess partial Divine Spirit traits, making them immortal.

Yet they severely lack intellect, or rather, their growth cycle is extraordinarily long.

According to the Highest Research Institute's recorded 'Sequence Diagram', Star Gods that have appeared total three hundred and forty-seven, while those that have surfaced in adult form number less than one-tenth."

Feng Wuyang stepped out of the room; for most of his tenure, his range of activity was almost confined to the Governor's Mansion — precisely, the Half-Mountain Villa behind the Governor's Mansion.

Facing the cool night breeze, he stood at the center of the terrace, looking down at the front courtyard buildings nestled among verdant mountains.

"A Tai, as the oldest existence on Hengzhou New Star, you should know my predecessors. Sitting in this seat, they all considered solving the juvenile Lord of Gluttony, to return Hengzhou to the fast track of development.

I recall one predecessor who proposed a very bold idea, and it involved cooperation with the Qin Family."

Tai Jun frowned in recollection, swiftly retrieving the character dialogues and specific scenes of that time from the vast ocean of data.

"Yes, that Governor Lin discussed it several times with Qin Shouge. That peerless genius from the Yincheng Qin Family walked the Heart Cultivation Path, and nearly broke through to Manifest Saint, reaching the Grandmaster rank.

Governor Lin felt that if a Star God's intellectual development in its juvenile phase is extremely slow, then could an extremely powerful Spiritual Cultivator be made to act, shattering the Star God's soul, and then enter and occupy its body..."

Tai Jun's brows furrowed even tighter, as if retrieving unpleasant images, and he spoke hesitantly:

"For this, Governor Lin privately permitted Qin Shouge to form a team, conducting some non-compliant research to determine the plan's feasibility."

Feng Wuyang's expression remained calm; he did not ask further, but he roughly understood which aspects.

Research on the human soul cannot avoid ethical issues; much data cannot even be made public.

Otherwise it would certainly cause public panic and condemnation from public opinion!

"Was there a breakthrough?"

Feng Wuyang asked.

"All ended in failure."

Tai Jun answered.

Those deep eyes surged like tides; the data ocean was analyzed layer by layer, and after a dozen seconds the result emerged.

"There are two insurmountable obstacles. First, the Star God's immortal trait makes their lifespan approach immortality.

Even their juvenile growth cycle is enough to cover countless lives in the Great Universe."

Feng Wuyang sighed with emotion. He thought of his time serving in the War Corps, recalling a joke his old Leader once said —

From birth to death, a human is but a single breath of a Star God.

"Qin Shouge's envisioned plan was: the soul bodies of all living beings are innately in a chaos state.

If he used his own spirit to simulate the Star God's soul fluctuations, then blend in and become the dominant one, he could in turn assimilate the Star God."

Tai Jun explained.

"But he could not outlive the slumbering Star God; his soul would also age and wither, unable to be maintained for long — this is difficulty one.

As for difficulty two, Qin Shouge's spiritual realm had not reached Manifest Saint, so he could not achieve never-regressing; once he delved deep into the Star God's Consciousness Sea, he had no way to guarantee he could maintain that state."

Feng Wuyang laughed:

"To put it bluntly, these two obstacles are actually one problem. Qin Shouge is too weak; even at half-step Manifest Saint, before a Star God he remains insignificant."

Tai Jun remained silent.

Although Active Consciousness Entities also count as part of "life", the words "artificial" must be added.

Under the most basic logic settings, Tai Jun can only execute like a machine, responsible for execution, not thinking.

Regarding the war between Dongxia and the Star Gods, it has continued for who knows how many millennia.

The former achieved partial victories, yet was overthrown by their own kind, establishing a brand-new regime.

The latter suffered defeat, yet slumbers quietly in the planetary core, awaiting the day of awakening.

It is hard to say clearly who will ultimately be the final winner.

"On the macro scale of the Great Universe, apart from Spirits, any life appears tiny and humble. The Nine Marshals, for all their peerless brilliance and heaven-endowed talent, able to endure nine millennia and still stand tall — they are but a mere few."

Feng Wuyang steered the topic back on track, hands braced on the railing.

"Occupying a Star God's body, turning from 'human' into 'demigod' — too fanciful. You must be a Spiritual Manifest Saint, and have a long lifespan, able to complete the lengthy 'Incubation Period'.

This equals requiring you to be a Martial God plus a Spiritual Grandmaster; by the time you reach that step, why would you still need to scheme for a Star God's Body!"

Tai Jun suddenly wanted to cover his ears, because Feng Wuyang's next words were completely predictable.

"In comparison, clearly my strategy is more reasonable, with a higher probability of success."

Feng Wuyang looked smug. In the Great Universe Server he simultaneously logged into numerous accounts, cultivated each "account", then fought team battles, fought nation wars.

Expending countless efforts, he finally assembled a "Feng Family Army".

"After enduring a full four National Wars, I've locked in Hengzhou's Great Expansion direction. Mobilizing nearly four hundred thousand troops can pin things right at the critical point where the energy blockade is completely broken through."

Feng Wuyang returned to the room and had Tai Jun project the sand table model.

Then he laid out two battle lines, one heading west, one heading east.

"Based on the previous few Great Expansions, it's roughly determined that the Lord of Gluttony is wrapped in the planetary core. His juvenile body probably spans from Central City to the westernmost Wall City — a total of five hundred thirty million square kilometers.

He happens to have two hearts, one located in the High-level Pollution Zone on the Western Front, one located in the High-level Pollution Zone on the Eastern Front."

Feng Wuyang marked both locations with red warnings, then said:

"I've decided to commit one hundred fifty thousand to the Western Front, two hundred thousand to the Eastern Front, and deploy only nineteen 'War-Grade' Divine Machines responsible for clearing and advancing.

I've simulated this four full times! This is the closest to the 'offering' that would satisfy the Lord of Gluttony, making Him open His eyes!"

Tai Jun really wished he were human, and a deaf one with failed hearing at that.

Looking at this Planetary Governor renowned as the least ambitious in Hengzhou New Star's history, Tai Jun said expressionlessly:

"Governor Tai, you know if these words were made public, you'd be given a Warning by the Judgment Court, and even as a Planetary Governor you'd be placed on the 'Supervision List' for it.

Calling Dongxia citizens 'offerings,' and launching war actions to then complete a 'sacrificial ritual.'

This belongs to the Chaos Faction's methods. New Dongxia maintains zero tolerance toward this."

Feng Wuyang nodded, looking completely at ease.

"Governor Tai, do you know that as an Active Consciousness Entity cultivated by the Original Canon, I also serve as a third-party 'Supervisor' to some extent? I record in detail every order issued by each Governor."

Tai Jun continued.

"For instance, that Governor Lin — because he tacitly permitted Qin Shouge to participate in unethical illegal experiments, he carries a stain and didn't retire perfectly.

And that matter was reported by me to the Imperial Capital Center."

Feng Wuyang raised an eyebrow, but a smile still hung at the corner of his mouth.

"A Tai, you say all this — want me to take back what I just said? But as an Active Consciousness Entity governed by logic, recording the Governor's every word and deed is your duty.

If I said I take it back, would you be willing to delete this 'archive' that should be preserved?"

The high-crowned, long-robed Tai Jun with his ancient-looking face tightened his jaw — managing to push an Active Consciousness Entity whose emotional fluctuations approach zero to this state.

Just shows how 'vile' this Governor Tai is.

"All Consciousness Entities cultivated by the Original Canon are governed by the bottommost Root Logic. I'm no exception.

But you can order me to delete it, Governor Tai — you hold that Permit Authority."

After grinding his teeth, Tai Jun said helplessly.

"Did you ever warn that Governor Lin?"

Feng Wuyang kept pushing the bottom line.

"No, Governor Lin didn't care.

Also, I'm explicitly notifying you — I'll truthfully report your words and deeds to the Judgment Court."

Unable to endure the "torture" any longer, Tai Jun finally said with an iron-green face.

Feng Wuyang seemed to get a satisfactory answer and laughed heartily:

"That's right! Never try to bypass Root Logic to show lenience to humans!

Even if the two of us count as 'friends,' we shouldn't. This is my advice to you, A Tai."

He finished these words solemnly, then paused, gazing at the massive sand table meticulously arranged and repeatedly calculated.

Voice low, he said:

"I clearly know the price of growth, the pains of transformation, structural tremors... these are all achieved by sacrificing the voiceless bottom-layer interests to complete some 'great meritorious achievement.' But I truly have no choice!

New Dongxia has reached a critical juncture where a choice must be made. Go right, continue relying on the Divine Spirit Pillars, and the Civilization Fire will hardly see a brilliant day; go left, and we might return to the Imperial era, falling into endless expeditions and expansions.

The Old Era and the new generation are alternating. At this stage, Hengzhou as a Frontier Land, as the First Line of Defense — if it cannot achieve a leap in development, there are only two outcomes.

Either the Star God awakens and it becomes a 'Fallen Area,' or it's burned to scorched earth by war flames, repeating the pioneering days of the past once more."

Feng Wuyang stood in the spacious hall beneath the circular dome, his expression solemn, every word sonorous and forceful.

Rather than explaining to Tai Jun, it was more like firming his own conviction:

"I've been in Hengzhou for many years, and I've seen other Administrative Stars.

Like Haizhou, Yuezhou, Su Prefecture — these developed regions rarely have anyone who from birth doesn't know what a mobile phone, telephone, or internet is, let alone guarding an outdated video recorder watching old movies from the previous era.

Never mind Old Factory Street — even kids in the Urban Circle probably can't understand treating expensive 'Cross-Xing Qiu Travel' as a 'vacation' or 'summer camp.'"

Tai Jun kept silent.

As an Active Consciousness Entity, it's sometimes hard to truly understand that rich and delicate part of human emotion.

Like right now.

Tai Jun just didn't understand where the unwillingness and indignation in the Governor's tone came from.

The Star Sea has always been like this!

Various classes have never been eliminated.

Every civilization has 'poor' and 'rich,' 'strong' and 'weak.'

Inherent unfairness permeates every corner of the Universe Star Sea.

What's wrong with that?

Tai Jun's deep eyes rarely showed confusion.

"Dongxia shouldn't be like this — at least the New Dongxia established by those few Supreme Meritorious Subjects shouldn't be like this."

Feng Wuyang fell silent for a long time, his voice carrying some weariness.

"My grandfather was born in the early Ninth Millennium. He was from Hengzhou, while I grew up in Su Prefecture — that's the Water Marsh Star. Since childhood I could swim, catch fish, pick lotus root.

My grandfather liked to carry a small stool to the doorway and watch the sun set.

He told me, the sunset back home isn't like this — there, as far as the eye can see, it's vast plains."

The setting sun was like a bride's red makeup, carrying a seductive allure, yet revealing a chill.

I first came to Hengzhou at twenty-six, back then I was with the army.

Do you know how astonished I was then? The Ninth Millennium of New Dongxia, how could there still be shantytowns and low houses.

When I came the second time, I was already fifty-nine, assuming the post of Planetary Governor.

Hengzhou was still the same, it was as if sealed in the torrent of time, no matter how the outside world changed, it always maintained its original appearance.

Feng Wuyang lifted his eyelids, within his straight yet aged body, there seemed to be a power erupting.

It reminded Tai Jun of the coal of Hengzhou Mining Area, the crude oil of Liao Prefecture, the mountain forests of Meng Prefecture... that was a very primitive, very ancient breath.

"The Nine Marshals who established New Dongxia, they once stood before the White Jade Palace known as the 'Land of Ascension' in the Imperial Capital, and said to the thirty-two administrative districts, to the hundreds of millions of citizens.

Marshals will seek a path of free liberation for all living beings, eliminating all oppression and exploitation in New Dongxia.

I, Feng Wuyang, studied, joined the army, served, all following this belief.

If it is a Star God obstructing Hengzhou, then I will find a solution to resolve the Star God.

Qin Shuai wrote in 'On Civilization Change', caring for one's reputation at both ends, one cannot accomplish anything.

This Great Expansion, I will pierce through the 'Lord of Gluttony's' two hearts, and awaken this abomination that has slept for five millennia.

Tai Jun sighed again, today's helpless emotions were more than in the past two millennia combined.

"Without a Star God, open the blockade, and Hengzhou can revive? Governor Tai, have you ever thought, Dongxia without the Nine Marshals, may not be able to do it..."

Tai Jun's words could not finish, before being interrupted by Feng Wuyang.

He stared with bright eyes at the Lord of Gluttony coiled in slumber, it covered half of Hengzhou, emitting the terrifying influence of a demigod creature.

Like the wave fluctuations of gravity tides, continuously giving birth to followers and lower creatures.

If not for the blockade nodes dense as stars spread everywhere.

It would be hard to imagine what Hengzhou would become.

"That has nothing to do with me. Each generation has what each generation must do."

Feng Wuyang grinned, laughing:

"Me being this Governor, I'm only responsible for solving this guy.

As for Hengzhou's future, I'm about to return to the Star Sea, whatever it becomes I won't see.

Let those young sparks, go burn, go illuminate."

Tai Jun felt unprecedented helplessness.

This most unambitious Planetary Governor.

Actually went mad wanting to directly face a Star God, personally duel with Him!

(Chapter End)