Global Crossing: Empire of Stars

"Nothing, it's a good thing." He couldn't stop the smile on his face. He never expected to gain such great benefits just by casually going out for a stroll!

That Matter Reorganization ability, although currently in an unopened state, was clearly a divine skill that relied on Psionic energy. For others, it might only be a cause for regret, but in his hands, it was an unopened treasure.

Laohan? Chatting at n1149.com2064 Once he awakens his Psionic energy, Li Heng will be the most outstanding materials scientist. Coupled with the Matter Reorganization ability, one can imagine the extent of his research into materials!

The unexpected gains put Lin Zhichen in a great mood. He pulled Wei Peng to the commercial street and bought some clothes and food.

In the Old Era, the cuisine of the Eastern Continent was world-renowned, with the Eight Great Cuisines each having their own unique characteristics.

But if these were placed in the Interstellar Era, they would be insignificant. The Federation had too many colonial planets, and each region created diverse cuisines according to local conditions, almost overwhelming one's choices.

Just like Lin Zhichen and his companion, they were currently eating a type of alien crustacean. This creature was similar to Earth's crabs, but its meat was extremely delicious, and it was as large as a washbasin. One was enough for a meal.

After a satisfying meal, the two strolled around the commercial street, bought some interesting trinkets, and then leisurely walked towards their flying car.

However, in the parking lot, Lin Zhichen and his companion were stopped.

"Excuse me, are you Commander Lin?" A man who looked polite but had an undisguised arrogance blocked their path and gave Lin Zhichen a standard gentleman's bow.

Lin Zhichen didn't return the bow immediately. He scanned with interest the four bodyguards behind the man. Their tight, lightweight exoskeleton armor made them look slender and weak, but these four were all Psionicists. Although they were only apprentices, it was enough to show that the man in front of him was not simple.

It wasn't just any rich person who could hire Psionicists to serve them; one needed not only money but also power.

"Thank you for waiting for me. Get straight to the point, what is it?" he asked. His Psionic perception had already detected some trouble earlier, which was why the two had uncharacteristically wandered around the mall for two laps.

Otherwise, without girlfriends, why would two grown men wander around a commercial street?

The man's eyes flashed with a sharp glint, and he smiled, "Commander Lin is straightforward, so I will be too. My name is Converse Bogley, and I am the resident executive officer of the Angus Legion.

To be frank, the NPC you just purchased is very important to our Legion. We kindly ask for your generosity. Our Legion is willing to purchase it at three times the price."

Lin Zhichen sneered, "Sorry, he is also very important to our Legion. Please forgive my inability to help!"

With that, he was about to leave, but was blocked by the four Psionic apprentices wearing exoskeleton armor. Converse Bogley said leisurely, "Ten times!"

Lin Zhichen's eyes flashed with Psionic energy. The four Psionicists blocking his path seemed struck by lightning and immediately retreated. He snorted, "Do I look like someone who lacks money?"

With that, he and Wei Peng swaggered away, leaving behind a grim-faced Converse.

"Sir, it's a Psionic Warrior!" A Psionic apprentice cautiously approached and said, "Should we apply to headquarters? The four of us can't suppress him."

"The solar system is right there. Where can he run to?" Converse Bogley said grimly, "He took my benefits, and he'll have to spit them out sooner or later!"

Lin Zhichen was indifferent to the events behind him. Even if they had established good relations now, they would still be enemies once NZT-50 was launched. Weakness would only make people feel they could be bullied.

"Big Brother, we've found out. The Angus Legion was established two hundred years ago. It's an old Legion with thirteen legions under its command on the surface, and each legion's fleet numbers no less than 100,000!" Wei Peng reported sternly.

"The commander of this Legion, Padri Weeks, is said to be a powerful Hero. He performed exceptionally well in multiple external wars of the Federation and received commendations from the Federation military. He has great influence in both military and political circles!"

Lin Zhichen said calmly, "We just need to focus on our own affairs."

As long as they worked hard, any gap could be closed. The Meteor Mercenary Group's weakness lay in its short establishment time; it could not even be said to have any accumulation.

The flying car quickly took off and headed towards the "Qinyuan."

A day later, after passing through the stargate, the "Qinyuan" arrived at its destination, the Ouwan Galaxy.

As soon as the "Qinyuan" docked at the spaceport, a holographic communication came in.

"He really has some capabilities." Lin Zhichen looked down and a smile appeared on his face.

As soon as the "Qinyuan" entered the port, Conilia called him. This woman was more than just a businesswoman.

"Come over, I'll wait for you at the Pangbesi Grand Hotel." Conilia's figure appeared on the holographic bracelet, and then the projection turned into an icon, pointing to the location of the hotel.

The flying car started, and after a few minutes, it arrived at its destination.

"Damn, it's huge!" Wei Peng exclaimed.

Similar to Lin Zhichen's impression of elves, the architectural style of the Anlan Tribe resembled forests. The buildings were all giant trees of different shapes. Unlike the natural style within the Federation, which mostly imitated forests, the giant trees here were actual trees.

And the so-called Pangbesi Grand Hotel was a massive giant tree with a diameter of over a kilometer!

Because the canopy of the giant tree occupied too much space, to effectively utilize the land, a large number of trees of various heights and layers were planted beneath the canopy, filling the entire area and maximizing the use of space.

The natural floral and fruity scents intertwined. In this city, exotic flowers and fragrant fruits were everywhere. Tourists didn't need to spend any money; they could freely pick fruits from the roadside fruit trees to enjoy.

Conilia wore a gorgeous gown woven from special plants, with rainbow-like flowers arranged from top to bottom, transitioning from light to dark, presenting a natural beauty.

It was a living dress!

"It's truly marvelous. The civilization of the nobles is indeed different from the Federation; it possesses a unique natural beauty," Lin Zhichen praised without reservation.

"Nature encompasses all beauty in the world," Conilia said with a faint smile. Under the backdrop of the floral crown and fresh flower dress, she looked pure and elegant. She performed a light lady's curtsy, reserved and distant, "Welcome, esteemed Commander."

Lin Zhichen deliberately teased, "Look, look, she's already distant before she's even gotten me. Women really are big pig trotters!"

Conilia's expression stiffened, and she almost broke character. Rolling her eyes, she led the two into the hotel's observation deck. The environment here was beautiful, a good place to discuss matters.

Hotel attendants served fruits, wine, and dishes, and then quickly withdrew. In the vast observation deck, only the three of them were present.

"This is my family's property. If you need anything, feel free to ask," Conilia took a small plate, picked some fruits from the fruit platter, and slowly tasted them.

"These are Spirit Fruits produced by my family. They taste very good. You can try them yourselves."

This was the etiquette of the Anlan Tribe: everything was voluntary, and they tried not to make decisions for others, allowing guests to take what they wished.

Lin Zhichen didn't stand on ceremony, taking a few fruit and vegetable dishes to taste. As expected, the moment they entered his mouth, a wondrous flavor spread, almost intoxicating.

But what impressed him most was the abundant psionic energy contained within these fruits. They were easy to digest, and their effects were almost as good as the psionic potions available on the market for warriors. They were truly precious, but at this moment, they were just fruits, and he only got to taste their flavor.

Author's Note on Going Premium

I plan to go premium today, so I'll keep this brief. As my old readers know, the sister version of this book, Global Crossing: Empire of Stars, flopped. This one was written afterward.

The previous book focused mainly on development, with a slower pace. I've changed that for this one, focusing on combat. I wanted to see how it would work out. The results were very clear: the first day's premium revenue was even worse than the first book's. I was utterly disheartened at the time.

I originally considered cutting my losses, but I still have the support of some readers, and I've spent a considerable amount of time planning the plot for this book. So, I'll proceed slowly and see how it goes.

After falling down twice, I've roughly come to understand that I'm not a master who can make a mundane plot captivating.

Furthermore, sci-fi web novels are indeed niche now, with fewer readers. Compared to the visceral thrill of close-quarters combat, depicting space battles tens of thousands of kilometers apart is difficult to grasp.

I no longer harbor hopes of ascending to godhood. I plan to continue writing, even if it's just to hone my writing skills and thought process. At the very least, it will expand my areas of expertise. Of course, this is all contingent on being able to make ends meet. I hope everyone will continue to support me.

Whether you choose to tip or not is entirely up to your preference. What matters most is a full subscription. If you enjoy this book, please consider contributing generously.

Learning from the lessons of my previous book, I'll try to keep this one concise and the plot tight. I hope you all enjoy it!

Pledge of Originality and Compliance

I, Feng Ying, guarantee that this contracted work is my original creation. During the creation process, I have strictly adhered to the Feilu Writers' Convention, upholding originality and refraining from the following violations. I am willing to bear all consequences arising from any violations.

1. I guarantee that the contracted work is my original creation and does not involve plagiarism or plot plagiarism from translations.

2. I guarantee that during the creation process, I will not plagiarize any third party's work or plot.

3. I guarantee that during the creation process, I will abide by laws and regulations, including but not limited to: avoiding politics, obscenity, gambling, drugs, promoting cults, ghostwriting, submitting drafts without substance, entrusting others, or selling the work and account.

4. I guarantee that regardless of word count, this contracted work must have a complete plot and will never end prematurely or be discontinued without completion.

Global Crossing: Empire of Stars

"Today, I truly understand the extravagance of nobles. It shames us commoners!" Lin Zhichen sighed.

Conilia:

"That was just a joke, of course. After tasting the fruit wine and delicacies, we can discuss business."

"The greatest effect of NZT-50 isn't for daily study, but for breakthroughs. It significantly aids in advancing one's skills to higher tiers or transforming skills into psionic techniques." Speaking of serious matters, Conilia's expression became exceptionally solemn.

"Its greatest value isn't in improving the overall level of the lower classes; for you, with your current production capacity, that's a pipe dream.

However, it can elevate the strength of the upper echelons, allowing outstanding individuals to advance more quickly and cultivate a batch of elites in a relatively short period. That is its greatest value!"

Lin Zhichen pondered. Conilia's perspective offered him a new outlook. In that case, the value of NZT-50 was even greater than he had anticipated.

"Your thinking differs from mine, but you see further than I do," he nodded. "Based on your reasoning, what is the biggest risk if NZT-50 is exposed?"

"Rest assured, selling NZT-50 to me means the Anlan Tribe is also involved. Even if the Federation wants to seize it by force, they will have to consider our tribe's stance." As if sensing his concern, Conilia provided a reassuring answer.

"My tribe will stand behind you and deter the Federation from direct intervention. However, internal human conflicts are something you alone must bear—to be frank, your preparations are likely far from sufficient in such a short time.

Compared to those old organizations that have been developing for hundreds of years, the Meteor Mercenary Group, even with ten years of accelerated development, won't catch up. So, how can we say we are adequately prepared?" Lin Zhichen shook his head.

"If you want leapfrog development without taking risks, there's no such thing in this world.

Before the solar system crossing, the Human Federation had developed for countless years. Countless interest groups had already devoured all existing benefits.

As latecomers, the price required to break through this invisible cage is unimaginable. In the Old Era, unequal distribution of benefits and the suppression of successors by those who came first led to two world wars.

Conilia said with relief, "You have this understanding, which shows you are mentally prepared. If that's the case, there is still hope."

She paused and then mused, "I heard you acquired a materials science NPC scientist in the Dover Galaxy? He possesses the Matter Reorganization talent? And you had a conflict with the Angus Legion over him?

Lin Zhichen chuckled. "It's rare for a beauty to be so thoughtful, worrying about such a small matter. What? Are you here to be a mediator?

"Don't misunderstand. The Angus Legion is strong, but with NZT-50 involved, you will inevitably clash with them sooner or later," Conilia shook her head.

"What's important is the Matter Reorganization talent. If this NPC awakens his psionic energy, he can reorganize matter—what I mean is, he can help you reconstruct the hull of your psionic warships that have reached a certain stage of development, upgrading them to a higher-class starship.

For example, your Qin Yuan, once it meets certain conditions, can evolve into a destroyer, or even a cruiser. Do you understand the value of this NPC now?"