Chapter 334: Qin Feng

Lei Dong's opening remarks, like a lit fuse, officially ignited this globally watched grand event. He stood before the podium, his voice steady and powerful, clearly articulating the original intent behind the founding of the New Era, its glorious achievements, and its grand blueprint for confronting the deep void and the unknown.

He spoke of the infinite possibilities brought by the energy revolution, of the construction progress and strategic significance of the Deep Space Mothership "Hope," of the exploration into genetic optimization and life evolution, and cautiously yet firmly mentioned the opportunities and challenges that might lie beneath that starry sky.

His speech combined rigorous scientific reasoning with passionate vision for the future, successfully stirring the emotions of everyone present—and countless viewers before their screens. Applause rose again and again, cheering the courage and wisdom displayed by human civilization.

Yet, during the intervals of listening to Lei Dong's speech, everyone's gaze inevitably drifted toward one side of the podium.

There, Qin Feng still sat quietly on the sofa, sipping Clear Tea, expression indifferent, as if everything around him had nothing to do with him. Yet precisely this extreme "indifference" formed an invisible gravitational field, making everyone unable to ignore his presence.

Xia Wan stood beside Lei Dong, posture upright, aura exceptional. She needed no words; merely standing there, the quiet power and guardian will naturally emanating from her were the most powerful embodiment of the New Era's ideals.

Lei Dong's speech entered its final phase.

"... The path ahead may be strewn with thorns, the stars may conceal dangers, but we firmly believe that with human wisdom, courage, and unity, with our ever-advancing technology and strength, we shall claim our place in this vast Star Sea for our civilization!"

"The New Era shall begin!"

The impassioned closing words, accompanied by thunderous applause, pushed the atmosphere to another peak.

According to the schedule, the next segment would feature brief speeches by several core members and special guests, along with some symbolic rituals.

Just as Lei Dong was about to announce the next speaker, the lighting in the hall suddenly changed again.

The lights, previously focused on the podium and the Holographic Screen, slowly dimmed, while a single soft yet unmistakably clear spotlight, like the focal point of a stage play, precisely landed on Qin Feng, still seated on the sofa.

Simultaneously, the grand starry panorama and the New Era emblem on the circular Holographic Screen quietly vanished, replaced by a series of ancient time units, shimmering like stars and composed of countless complex energy glyphs. They flowed and combined in an arcane pattern, finally freezing on a number incomprehensible yet seemingly imbued with the meaning of cosmic birth and cyclical decay.

A distant, ethereal sound, like bronze bells ringing from the dawn of the universe, softly arose, cleansing the hearts of all present.

This sudden change instantly silenced the previously lively hall; everyone was stunned, bewildered. This segment wasn't on the program.

Lei Dong also froze, instinctively glancing toward the backstage. The director and crew on-site looked equally clueless—clearly, this was not a prearranged segment.

Only Mo Yu, seated among the guest seats, curled his lips into a knowing smile, tinged with the satisfaction of a prank successfully executed. In his arms, Xiao Bao seemed to sense something too, clutching the Dice and gazing curiously at the spotlight.

Xia Wan's heart stirred. She looked at the ancient timekeeping digits frozen on the Holographic Screen—digits she could not fully comprehend—and then at Qin Feng, bathed in the spotlight, still expressionless. A ludicrous thought suddenly surfaced—

Could it be… today… is Mr. Qin's… birthday?

The thought made her herself feel absurd. Could such an entity as Mr. Qin even possess the mundane concept of a "birthday"?

At that moment, the ethereal bell tones gradually faded.

The entire hall sank into an unusual stillness.

Then, under the gaze of thousands of eyes, Qin Feng slowly set down his teacup.

He lifted his eyes, and for the first time, truly directed his gaze toward the sea of people below. His gaze remained calm, yet no longer as before—no longer piercing through everything, detached from the world—but carrying a… indescribable weariness, as if observing the passage of time and the succession of eras.

He did not speak.

He merely raised his right hand slightly, and with his index finger, made a light slash through the air.

No light flared. No energy erupted.

Yet along the path of his fingertip, the void seemed silently torn open by a fine fissure. Immediately, countless tiny, softly glowing specks—like fireflies summoned by an unseen call—drifted forth from the crack, scattering through the air above the entire hall.

These specks were not mere energy constructs; they seemed imbued with the breath of life, the gleam of wisdom, the imprint of civilization… They floated lightly, settling on shoulders and hair, bringing a warmth, serenity, as if blessed by the entire universe.

Everyone was stunned by this dreamlike, sacred scene, forgetting to breathe.

Even Xia Wan felt her "Tiankong Guardian" power resonate gently with the countless light specks, as if paying homage to something older, more primordial.

This silent "performance" lasted only a few seconds.

When the last glimmer merged into the air, the void fissure sealed itself quietly, as if it had never existed.

Qin Feng withdrew his finger, picked up his teacup again, as if the miraculous spectacle had nothing to do with him.

The spotlight extinguished. The Holographic Screen restored its previous starry panorama.

The hall remained utterly silent, a pin drop audible.

Everyone was still immersed in the awe brought by the incomprehensible spectacle.

After several seconds, someone—no one knew who—suddenly began clapping vigorously.

That applause, like wildfire igniting, instantly spread through the entire hall! More intense, more frenzied than any before! It brimmed with awe for the unknown, shock at the mysterious, and an inexpressible… reverence for that being!

Lei Dong stood behind the podium, watching the situation spiral beyond his control, then glanced at Qin Feng, still calmly sipping tea. In his heart, only boundless reflection remained.

So… Mr. Qin… does have a "birthday."

But his "birthday" is not a mundane anniversary. Perhaps… it is the transition of some life form? The culmination of some cosmic authority?

Regardless, to participate in this being's "birthday," in this manner, today—this is perhaps a great honor and fortune for everyone present, for all of human civilization.

The applause continued without end.

Qin Feng, amid the roaring applause and countless fervent gazes, slowly rose to his feet.

He did not look at anyone. He merely faced the void, as if speaking to some unseen presence—or perhaps to himself—and said calmly:

"Another year."

Then he did not linger. He turned and walked toward the backstage.

No cake. No candles. No birthday song.

Only the sky-full of blessing-light specks, and a single, casual phrase: "Another year."

But this, perhaps, is the birthday befitting this star-traveler, this passer-through of eras.

Xia Wan watched Qin Feng's retreating back, her heart in turmoil.

So even a being as powerful as Mr. Qin bears his own measure within the river of time.

And how fortunate are we, to witness this mark passing by.