Hilling Star, the heart of the Empire.
Hua Wei stood before the enormous arched viewing window of the grand throne room, looking down at the planet beneath his feet, which had been completely transformed into a sci-fi utopia.
In stark contrast to filthy, decrepit Terra, Hilling Star was like the brightest jewel in the universe.
Towering crystal buildings refracted dreamlike colors beneath the starlight, coexisting harmoniously with meticulously planned ecological domes and floating gardens.
Azure oceans glittered under intelligent regulation, while the pristine atmosphere was as transparent as crystal, untouched by even the slightest haze of industrial emissions.
In low orbit, colossal space fortresses, like the skeletons of titans, were gradually taking shape amid countless engineering vessels, proclaiming the Empire's vigorous ambitions of expansion.
Through the system's "God's-Eye View," he had just witnessed Luke's shock, promise, and helplessness before the Golden Throne.
The Emperor's predicament was troublesome even for him.
"Solving it directly... costs too much and carries even greater risks." Hua Wei muttered, his fingers unconsciously sliding over the cold viewing window.
He summoned the system panel, and an enormous glittering balance of Emotion Points came into view. He opened the store and searched for keywords: "restore humanity," "suppress divinity," "Emperor"...
Whoosh—!
Rows of item icons glowing temptingly appeared, but the prices listed beneath them made Hua Wei's eye twitch.
[Divinity-Anchoring Crystal (Fragment)] - Temporarily anchors divine radiance, creating a window for humanity's revival. Duration: 1 standard Terra hour. Price: 0.5E Emotion Points.
[Embers of Humanity's Fire] - Ignites the target's hidden spark of humanity to resist divine erosion. Effect varies according to the target's strength of will. Price: 3.2E Emotion Points.
[???'s Mercy (Imitation)] - Simulates a trace of mercy from an unknown higher divine existence, neutralizing part of divine indifference. Effect unknown. Price: 5.9E Emotion Points.