The Wulf Empire, Purple Vulture System.
"You... call this a hotel?"
Nie Yun pointed at the brilliantly illuminated cluster of celestial bodies in the distance, looking astonished.
The Purple Vulture Star before him was undoubtedly a beautiful, life-bearing planet. Azure oceans covered more than eighty percent of its surface, dotted with purple islands like violet stars scattered across a blue backdrop.
Within the planet's atmosphere, purple auroras stirred by cosmic rays could be seen everywhere, bathing the entire world in breathtaking splendor, like a paradise on earth.
Even more jaw-dropping was the sight above it. Besides Purple Vulture Star itself, which easily qualified as an "interstellar five-star tourist destination," more than a hundred satellites of varying sizes occupied its high orbits.
These satellites had not been naturally captured by the planet's gravity. Each was an artificial celestial body.
They came in all manner of shapes. Some resembled enormous metal spacecraft, brimming with futuristic technology. Others were magnificent palaces, while still others looked like colossal statues of some unknown deity.
These differently shaped artificial bodies revolved around the planet at varying orbital altitudes, like the workings of a precision clock.
"Yes, sir. This is the Starry Hotel, one of the Empire's very finest hotels..."
The merchant Antonio stood beside Nie Yun, respectfully introducing the place.
"The entire Starry Hotel has only 108 rooms and accepts only 108 guests at a time. Every satellite we see is a separate private estate. Not only does each have its own style, but each also offers a view of the entire Purple Vulture Star.
"They have every delicacy from across the Empire, casinos, private theaters, and all kinds of bespoke entertainment services. Every guest enjoys treatment fit for an emperor.
"They say the Starry Hotel is backed by over a dozen of the Empire's foremost