Chapter 1818: Urgent Need To Build A Large Star Ship

"That must be the core of the Heaven Observation Sect's inheritance, the Fate Star."

At the top floor of the Talisman Pagoda, after hearing Yuan Qiuyuan recount his recent experience cultivating the Heaven Observation Constellation Manual, Shang Xia nodded and informed him about the concept of the Fate Star.

Yuan Qiuyuan was surprised. "I never imagined the Heaven Observation Sect’s core legacy would offer such benefits. Although the Fate Star eventually became a weakness for their Sages, it has to be said that it was precisely because of the Fate Star that the sect once held overwhelming influence over the sea of stars.”

Shang Xia nodded slightly.. "You don’t need to worry about it now. Matters regarding the Fate Star are only relevant once you're preparing to ascend to the Martial Emptiness Realm."

Yuan Qiuyuan smiled wryly. "To tell you the truth, I know my own limitations. Reaching the Martial Emptiness Realm was already a stroke of luck. If not for the institution’s generous support, how could I be where I am today? Let alone dream of the Martial Emptiness Realm! You’ve now given me the Heaven Observation Constellation Manual, granting me a glimpse into the next level... How could I ask for more? Whether this inheritance has flaws or not, I don’t care."

A smile appeared on Shang Xia’s face as he responded, "Since you’ve caught a glimpse of the Martial Emptiness Realm, how can you not plan ahead? As for flaws in the inheritance... The institution's experts will work together to resolve them. If the Star Origin Lord claims to have found a way to overcome them, there’s no reason we can’t discover a similar path. You must have confidence in yourself, and in the institution."

They continued to discuss the Heaven Observation Constellation Manual for some time, with Yuan Qiuyuan doing most of the questioning. Although Shang Xia hadn’t practiced the particular art, his current insight and knowledge allowed him to offer profound guidance in just a few words, greatly enlightening Yuan Qiuyuan.

Eventually, Yuan Qiuyuan brought up a couple of odd phenomena he had encountered during his cultivation.

"You’re saying that while channeling your inner qi according to the Heaven Observation Constellation Manual, you sensed some kind of disturbance from the direction of the Three Essence Heavenly Field?" Shang Xia’s expression immediately turned serious, and his tone became more urgent.

But Yuan Qiuyuan quickly waved it off. "It wasn’t exactly interference, just a slight ripple, more like... Something or someone resonating with me from afar."

Shang Xia frowned. "Are you sure it was resonance, not competition for the Power of the Stars while drawing energy from the void?"

Yuan Qiuyuan answered confidently, "It’s definitely resonance, not competition. The Power of the Stars in the void is inexhaustible. Even if others are cultivating the Heaven Observation Constellation Manual, there would be no conflict over resources."

Shang Xia made no comment, but seeing Yuan Qiuyuan hesitate, he chuckled, "You’re not thinking that the person you’re resonating with is the Star Origin Lord, are you?"

Yuan Qiuyuan blinked, then smiled awkwardly. Clearly, Shang Xia caught on to what he was thinking.

Shang Xia waved dismissively and laughed. "It’s definitely not the Star Origin Lord! If he were cultivating this technique, the disturbance wouldn’t be so subtle. Besides, he said he had already resolved the Fate Star issue, so it’s unlikely he’s using the same technique, at the very least, his would be a heavily modified version."

"But don’t forget, if I thought a high-ranking Stargazer could uncover the secrets of the Heaven Observation Constellation Manual from the Origin Star Talisman, then remember this. In the Spirit Observation World... Or rather, the Essence Observation World, there is also a rank six Grand Stargazer!”

"If the Star Origin Lord was willing to reveal the connection between the Origin Star Talisman and the manual to me, then there’s no reason to believe that Xing Xingtian, who’s clearly pledged loyalty to him, didn’t receive something similar."

Noticing Yuan Qiuyuan’s nervous expression, Shang Xia smiled again. "This kind of resonance between high-level cultivators practicing the same art that is strong enough to cross Heavenly Fields might be one of the reasons the Heaven Observation Sect could reign supreme across the sea of stars."

"There are definitely many hidden secrets within the manual, left behind by the sect or by the Star Origin Lord himself. The patriarch and I will do everything we can to help you resolve them."

"Of course, if you’re uneasy, you can stop cultivating this Heaven Observation Sect’s legacy." Shang Xia chuckled eventually.

"Hmm?" Yuan Qiuyuan immediately shook his head. "No, no, no! I would never give up on cultivating the Heaven Observation Constellation Manual!"

He knew it well. While he was a genius in the arts of stargazing, his aptitude in martial cultivation was only above average.

In truth, had it not been for the institution’s full support and the opportunities brought by world ascension, even reaching the Martial Void Realm would have been unlikely.

Now, by cultivating this technique, he had successfully integrated his stargazing talent into his cultivation. Not only was his cultivation rapidly progressing, but the Martial Emptiness Realm was no longer out of reach. He would never give it up.

"Good." Shang Xia wasn’t surprised by his decision, but still reminded, "While cultivating, don’t forget to observe the movements of nearby Heavenly Fields, especially the Three Essence Heavenly Field. There’s a rank six Grand Stargazer like yourself there and the Star Origin Lord who possesses unfathomable depths. You must remain vigilant."

𝒻𝑟ℯℯ𝑤𝑒𝑏𝑛𝘰𝓋𝑒𝓁.𝒸𝑜𝘮

Not long after Yuan Qiuyuan left, Kou Chongxue sent word, summoning one of Shang Xia’s clones to the Essence Luxuriant Palace.

"Did the trade already conclude? Did the merchant fleet already leave?” Shang Xia’s clone asked as soon as he arrived.

Because the Essence Luxuriant Palace stood atop the heavenly screen, Shang Xia’s clone could remain perfectly synchronized with his true body, moving and reacting as if it were himself.

Kou Chongxue replied, "This round of exchange will last much longer. They hope to make this interaction a regular occurrence. They even proposed establishing a fixed route between the Azure Cheng World and their Heavenly Field, or to use our super long range Five Elements Teleportation Formation."

Shang Xia considered for a moment. "What’s your take?"

Kou Chongxue clearly had a decision in mind. "Regular exchanges are fine. But building a permanent route? It’s too risky. Our Five Elements Teleportation Formation is far safer and allows us to restrict who and what can pass through based on cultivation."

Shang Xia nodded. "True. But while the formation is safer, it’s not great for transporting large volumes of goods. A void route is more efficient for moving a lot of resources."

Kou Chongxue agreed. "Which is why I plan to turn the Azure Cheng World into a full-fledged hub for external trade. Not just with the Three Essence Heavenly Field, but also with the Essence Du Heavenly Field, Essence Xing Heavenly Field, and Essence Hong Heavenly Field. We’ll establish secure routes to all of them."

"But to do that, we can’t rely on our small and medium Star Ships anymore. They’re not suited for large-scale trade between Heavenly Fields. We’ll need to build large, even super Star Ships and form a proper merchant fleet of our own!”