Is this your answer? (Finale)

When Luo Chen was three years old, he had already successfully upgraded his title from "Demon Orb" to "Chief Demolition Office Director of Morning Star".

Of course, this was a nickname given to him by Shiyi, and it was unanimously recognized by everyone in the Federation (except Lu Jingheng).

Compared to the relatively "gentle" power leakage at the birth of his two older sisters, Luo Chen's destructive power is more... direct and creative.

He can cause toy blocks to undergo topological transformations the instant they are assembled, turning them from castles into indescribable geometric monsters;

It can make a glass of water spontaneously boil and then instantly freeze, repeating this cycle repeatedly;

The most outrageous instance was when he turned a potted ornamental plant that Shiyu used to practice time acceleration into a "mutant plague" that could self-replicate and randomly change a biological trait each time it replicated, almost turning half of the palace's ecosystem into a Cthulhu-themed park.

Of course, after each incident, there was always a helpless father and an efficient data manager responsible for cleaning up the mess.

"So, this is your 'answer' to me?"

The Herta's voice came through the remote communication, with her laboratory, filled with strange objects and screens, in the background.

Floating before her was the data model of Luo Chen's latest "masterpiece"—the child had unconsciously fused the path planning algorithm of the palace's automatic cleaning robots with the retrieval logic of the federal historical database in a chaotic way, causing three hundred cleaning robots to suddenly awaken collectively, believing that they had an obligation to "clean" away all architectural decorations that "did not meet aesthetic standards," thus triggering a minor disturbance.

Luo Li sat in front of the floor-to-ceiling window in the family study, looking out at the courtyard. Shiyu was patiently teaching Luo Chen how to consciously "pause" the fall of a leaf, Shiyi Yi was using data streams to build various cute animal shapes to attract her younger brother's attention.

Meanwhile, the real "culprit," Luo Chen, was frowning with the same small brows as Luo Li, struggling against a leaf floating in the air, his little face turning red.

"In a sense, yes."

Luo Li withdrew her gaze, picked up the tea beside her, took a sip, and spoke with a tired yet warm smile.

"A system that constantly creates 'surprises' forces even a God of Data like me to remain vigilant at all times, understanding and dealing with the chaotic... living 'variables' from the most fundamental logic."

The virtual image of the Herta raised an eyebrow, its purple eyes sparkling with the pure interest of a researcher. "Interesting—you are observing the collision and fusion of ' Order ' and 'chaos,' 'definition' and 'accident' at the most microscopic level in the most direct way."

This child himself is a walking 'laboratory of possibility'.

"The cost is that my palace needs structural hardening and deep data layer disinfection at least once a month."

Luo Li complained, but there was no real resentment in her eyes.

"However, you're right—in the process of taking care of him, my understanding of 'data' has indeed deepened in a more 'soft' and more fundamental direction."

This is not just polite talk.

In order to deal with Luo Chen's power leak, which was completely illogical yet seemed to contain some kind of primal logic, Luo Li had to break through her existing cognitive framework time and time again.

He no longer merely "defines" and "writes" from the perspective of the Aeon, but begins to learn how to "listen" to the rhythm within the chaos, how to "guide" rather than "suppress," and how to reserve a place for pure accident within absolute Order.

This process was even more difficult and inspiring than when he devoured Luo Yi and integrated the Miniature Universe.

"So, that's why you rejected my seventh invitation to join the Genius Society's joint research project?"

Herta's tone was unreadable, but his eyes were sharp. "Because you've found a more 'interesting' topic, in your own nursery?"

"Not entirely," Luo Li replied frankly.

"But I realized that some answers cannot be found in a laboratory of pure reason."

They are hidden in the frantic rush of changing a crying baby's diaper, in the relief of successfully calming his out-of-control rage, and in the thrill of watching him learn a new word and show his first truly genuine smile that belongs to a 'child' rather than a 'chaotic collection'.

He paused, then looked out the window.

Luo Chen finally managed to freeze the fallen leaf for about 0.3 seconds, then lost control of his power, and the leaf exploded into a cloud of colorful, glittering paper scraps, making him giggle. Shiyi clapped along, Shiyu Yu helplessly began to clean up.

"The power of the Aeon can create galaxies and define rules," Luo Li said softly.

"But what truly made me understand the meaning of 'existence' was not those grand creations, but these trivial, troublesome, yet incredibly real moments."

Herta was silent for a few seconds, seemingly processing her words. Finally, she nodded, her tone returning to its usual calm. "A very emotional conclusion, but... the data supports your point."

Based on my observations, the complexity and innovation of the data rules you used in handling 'abnormal events' related to Luo Chen increased by an average of 28.7%.

This is indeed a unique 'evolutionary' path.

She waved her hand, and a new data packet was transmitted. "In that case, consider this research note on 'Early Guidance and Harmless Treatment of Infant Chaotic Power' as my birthday gift to that little 'Demolition Office Director'."

Based on Ruan Mei's life model and some of my deductions, this should help you save some of the budget for reinforcing the palace.

Luo Li smiled, "Thank you, Ms. Herta."

"You're welcome."

The image of the Herta began to fade. "When your 'variable' is stable enough that it won't blow up the lab at will, you're welcome to bring him to the space station as a guest."

I'm very interested in those indescribable toys he 'compiled'.

Communication ended.

The study returned to quiet.

Luo Li walked to the window and opened it.

Laughter drifted in from the courtyard on the gentle breeze.

Castorice approached him unnoticed, gently leaning against him. In her hand was a small jacket that Luo Chen had torn while playing. The faint light of the River of Souls power swirled around her fingertips as she meticulously repaired the damaged fibers.

"Has Ms. Herta given advice again?"

She asked with a smile.

"Hmm, a 'parenting guide'."

Luo Li put his arm around her shoulder, his gaze gently falling on her movements as she repaired the clothes.

Are you tired?

"Compared to his last project where he turned an entire wall of murals into a dynamic projection that tells scary stories on its own, repairing a piece of clothing is nothing."

Castorice smiled and folded the repaired jacket neatly, "Besides, I feel like Chen'er seems to be... a little better at controlling himself lately? At least the shattered leaves turned into scraps of paper instead of miniature black holes."

Significant progress has been made.

Luo Li nodded seriously.

The two looked at each other and smiled.

This is their daily routine.

It was filled with minor chaos, but also with real, heartwarming miracles.

On the eve of Luo Chen's fifth birthday, Luo Li finally fulfilled a wish she had made many years ago and decided to visit an "old friend".

Xianzhou Alliance, Yaoqing.

When the Primordial Data Federation's exclusive diplomatic ship (which appeared to be just a streamlined silver star shuttle, but whose interior space and defense level were comparable to a mobile fortress) quietly docked at the starport designated by Yaoqing, the high-level honor guard that came to greet them surprised the accompanying Federation diplomats.

The Xianzhou Alliance and the Federation have enjoyed increasingly close trade and cultural exchanges and a harmonious relationship in recent years, but this time it seems to be particularly grand.

The answer was revealed Shiyi Luo Li led Shi Shiyu, who had grown into a graceful young woman but still secretly used her time-manipulation abilities to curl her younger brother's hair, and Shi Yi, who tried to appear mature but whose eyes were still lively and playful, down the gangway, while Castorice followed behind carrying Luo Chen, who was full of curiosity about the various glowing facilities in the starport and whose power-suppressing runes had been applied by their father beforehand.

Standing at the front of the honor guard were not only Yaoqing's diplomatic officials.

There was also a man dressed in well-tailored clothing that blended classical Xianzhou style with modern business elements.

He was tall and upright, with a calm and capable demeanor. His short, dark gray hair was meticulously styled, his face was handsome, and his eyes were sharp and deep, exuding the composure of someone who had long held a high position.

What is most striking are the fluffy white wolf ears, belonging to the White Wolf bloodline of the Borisin, slightly visible on both sides of his head, and the equally snow-white, naturally drooping, bushy wolf tail behind him.

It was none other than Qingqiu Ze, the chairman of the White Wolf Group.

This is a far cry from the image of the "livestreamer" I Remembrance —wearing flashy livestream outfits, shouting cheesy rap, and acting loudly.

But when he saw Luo Li's family, a very familiar smile instantly bloomed on his usually composed face, a smile that was both playful and sincere, a smile that softened all his authority and sense of distance.

"Hey! Isn't this our great ' God of Data,' ' Light of Dawn,' Federal Governor Luo Li? What wind has blown such a great deity as you to my humble temple?"

Qingqiu Ze's voice was teasing as he strode forward to greet him.

The officials of the surrounding Xianzhou kept their eyes downcast, clearly already used to the style of their chairman, whose strength and status were second only to General Feixiao, yet who occasionally revealed a "bandit-like" side.

Luo Li smiled too, a smile filled with the pure joy of reuniting with an old friend.

He stepped forward, without any diplomatic formalities, but instead, just like long ago, raised his hand and punched Qingqiu Ze on the shoulder. "Don't give me that, senior. If I hadn't come, I'm afraid you might one day lead the White Wolf Group to attack the Federation and say I've forgotten my old brother."

"No way!"

Qingqiu Ze laughed heartily and returned the gesture by patting Luo Li on the shoulder. His gaze swept over Luo Li's family behind him, and when he saw Luo Chen curiously peeking out, a hint of surprise and understanding flashed in his eyes.

"These are your family's 'renowned' young princes? Indeed... each and every one of them is extraordinary."

His gaze lingered on Shiyu and Shiyi for a moment, then he nodded as a greeting.

The two girls responded politely.

The restrained yet powerful aura emanating from Qingqiu Ze, a testament to his experience on both the battlefield and in the business world, instinctively made them feel that he was a person worthy of their attention.

Finally, his gaze fell on Castorice and Luo Chen in her arms. His expression became more serious, and he nodded slightly. "Sister-in-law, I've heard so much about you—and this... the young prince." He was clearly aware of Luo Chen's "great achievements."

Castorice smiled and returned the greeting, "Mr. Qingqiu, A-Li often mentions you."

"They certainly didn't say anything good about me."

Qingqiu Ze grinned, then looked at Luo Li, his smile undiminished.

"Come on, let's not stand here. I've prepared a feast. Although it can't compare to your Federation's 'Data Feast,' it's still Yaoqing's specialty. It's all-you-can-eat, and there's also the finest ' Heliobus Nectar.' We two brothers should have a good drink today—don't worry, it won't interfere with you going back to take care of the kids."

He deliberately glanced at Luo Chen, Luo Chen was trying to make a jade pendant on Qingqiu Ze's waist glow with his eyes, but Luo Li gently pressed his head down.

The group moved to the private banquet hall on the top floor of the White Wolf Group headquarters.

The view here is excellent, offering a panoramic view of most of the bustling main city of Yaoqing.

The banquet hall's decor combines the elegance of Xianzhou with the practicality of the White Wolf Group, avoiding excessive luxury while exuding a sense of refinement throughout.

During the banquet, Qingqiu Ze dismissed all the servants, leaving only his trusted confidants to stand guard outside the door.

He personally poured wine for Luo Li, his movements practiced and efficient.

"To be honest, I didn't expect you to actually come."

Qingqiu Ze raised his glass, his tone less playful and more wistful than before.

"Back then 'over there'... tsk, it feels like a past life."

Luo Li clinked glasses with him and drank it all in one gulp.

The wine is mellow, with a unique crispness and sweet aftertaste characteristic of Xianzhou.

"Yes, who would have thought that the streamer who shouts 'family members' all day long is actually the White Wolf Director who runs a business empire, and the mainstay of Xianzhou's fight against Abundance."

Qingqiu Ze smiled, his predatory eyes narrowing slightly. "It's just a mutually beneficial arrangement— Luo Yi helped the White Wolf Group back then, so I'll help him put on a show; a fair trade—as for confronting Abundance..."

His tone turned serious, tinged with coldness, "Being Borisin is sometimes a sin, but it is precisely because of this that I understand better what path is right."

The Xianzhou gave me a space to live and dignity, so naturally, I should use that power to protect this land.

He spoke calmly, but Luo Li could sense his determination.

Qingqiu Ze was one of the few powerful individuals who chose to stand with the Immortal Xianzhou Alliance and oppose the Abundance Borisin. The pressure and price he paid were unimaginable to outsiders.

You're fine the way you are now.

Luo Li said sincerely.

"You're not bad either."

Qingqiu Ze glanced at Luo Chen, who was being served a meal by Castorice and, despite his power being restricted, was still secretly using his fork to arrange the food into strange shapes. He then looked at the quiet and elegant Shiyu and Shiyi, who was quietly discussing some special snacks from the Xianzhou with Shi Shiyi. Genuine warmth appeared in his eyes.

"A wife, kids, a warm bed, and such a huge empire... Honestly, sometimes when I'm exhausted after dealing with all that mess at the company, I'm actually quite envious of you."

"You envy me because I'm always on guard against my son tearing the house down?"

Luo Li raised an eyebrow.

"That's a sweet burden too." Qingqiu Ze laughed and filled his glass again. "Come on, let's drink! No business today, just reminiscing! Tell me, what earth-shattering things has your kid done this time?"

The banquet proceeded in a relaxed atmosphere. Qingqiu Ze did not mention any official business, but only talked about the past, recent events, and parenting experiences (although he was unmarried and childless, he had rich theoretical experience and showed a great interest in studying Luo Chen's destructive power).

Shiyu and Shiyi gradually relaxed. Shiyi even showed great interest in the several strange objects from different worlds that Qingqiu Ze displayed. The two had a "friendly" exchange on "how to create the greatest visual interference effect with the lowest energy consumption," which made Qingqiu Ze exclaim, "This girl has talent!"

At the end, Qingqiu Ze escorted Luo Li's family to Xinggang.

"Come again often." He patted Luo Li on the shoulder. "Yaoqing's doors are always open for you—don't hesitate to ask if you need any help."

"You too." Luo Li nodded.

"The same goes for the Federation."

Qingqiu Ze smiled, then lowered his voice. "By the way, please thank Lu Jingheng for me."

The 'intergalactic logistics data optimization algorithm' he provided last time saved the group's boss a considerable amount of money and also improved efficiency.

"I will pass it on." Luo Li couldn't help but chuckle.

Before parting, Qingqiu Ze suddenly pulled out several exquisite little boxes from his pocket as if by magic and handed them to Shiyu, Shiyi and Luo Chen.

"Just a little something, consider it a small gift for Uncle."

He spoke to the two girls, then squatted down, looking at Luo Chen being held by Castorice. His eyes held the gentleness of an elder mixed with a hint of barely perceptible cunning. He said to Luo Chen, "Kid, I heard you're good at 'taking things apart'? These little toys are ones your uncle picked up from various dangerous ruins. They're especially 'sturdy' and especially 'fun.' Play with them slowly. If you break them... well, that's your skill."

Luo Chen's eyes lit up immediately, and he reached out his little hand to grab it.

Castorice and Luo Li exchanged a glance, somewhat amused and exasperated, but still thanked the children on their behalf.

The Star Shuttle set sail, departing from Yaoqing.

On the way back, Luo Chen indeed began to examine the "sturdy toy" that Qingqiu Ze had given him.

It was an extremely complex metal cube that incorporated technologies from multiple extinct civilizations, containing faint energy flows of different properties within it.

Luo Chen's little hands touched it all over, his brows furrowed, as if he had encountered an unprecedented challenge.

"Uncle Qingqiu... is very interesting."

Shiyi commented, "This is completely different from the 'MC livestreamer' my father used to describe."

"People always have many facets."

Luo Li gazed at the receding Yaoqing outside the porthole and said softly, "To be able to live a brilliant life on different stages, that's true skill."

The last bit of alienation he felt about the "sandbox world" vanished completely at that moment.

Qingqiu Ze is real, and their friendship is real too.

Regardless of their starting point, they have all forged their own broad paths.

That's enough.

On Luo Chen's sixth birthday, Luo Li decided to hold a real birthday party for the child.

The location is neither the solemn and majestic central palace, nor the heavily guarded data center, but rather a specially designated "fantasy park" on the outskirts of the Morning Star capital, simulating various natural environments.

This place was originally a public recreation and education center designed by the federal government for children of all races, but it has been temporarily booked out today.

There were quite a few invited guests.

Besides families of officials with close ties within the federal government, there were also "old friends" who had come specifically for the occasion.

The Okhema delegation was personally led by Cerydra —of course, accompanied by Kong Yan'er, who seemed to have her own spotlight and Kong Yan'er wherever she went.

The gift from Cerydra was a children's armor model crafted using ancient Okhema techniques and inlaid with a miniature star map, combining artistry with basic protective functions (which Luo Chen would likely use mainly to disassemble and study).

Kong Yan'er's gift was a Kaleidoscope with a pattern that would never repeat, along with a small, controlled indoor magic show that would never trigger an alarm, which captivated all the children, including Luo Chen.

The Herta didn't come in person, but sent a brand-new, much more expressive intelligent doll, along with a children's experimental table that supposedly could "safely simulate ten thousand kinds of material reactions," and a message conveyed through the doll. "Happy birthday, little variable. Don't blow up your father's palace; keep it for later comparative experiments."

Ruan Mei sent a dormant "Strand of Life Weaving" seed, encased in specially made amber, along with a detailed instruction manual. The manual stated that if Luo Chen could successfully and gently activate and nurture it with his own power, it would grow into an "unexpected plant that perfectly matches the nurturer's traits."

This gift combines fun, challenge, and educational value in the style of Ruan Mei.

Of course, one of the most important "guests" was Lu Jingheng.

Today, he unusually did not wear his signature Zhongshan suit, but instead changed into a relatively casual dark-colored suit, and the flow of his hair was so subtle that it was almost invisible.

The gift he brought was a simple silver bracelet. As he handed it to Luo Chen, he explained in a calm tone, "It has a built-in adaptive energy buffer and logic stabilizer, which can assist you in fine-tuning strength control exercises and record and analyze your ability growth curve. It has passed the highest safety standard tests."

Luo Chen accepted the gift with a dazed look on his face, thinking that this gift from Uncle Lu seemed the least "fun," but his father and mother both told him to thank Uncle Lu properly, so he did.

The birthday party's star Luo Chen, was dressed up like a little prince, but after unwrapping gifts and playing with many children (from various races of the Federation, some with horns, some with wings, and some covered in fur), he quickly reverted to his "Demon Orb" nature.

He tried to build a "Tower of Babel" in the sand of the park using his new toys and strength, which almost triggered a local gravity anomaly and a sand quantum tunneling effect. Fortunately, Luo Li, who was watching closely, stopped him in time, turning a crisis into a more spectacular "sandstorm light show", which made the children cheer.

The birthday cake was specially made, standing six layers high. Each layer represented a famous event of Luo Chen's "destruction" and "creation" over the past year. It was presented using edible data streams and molecular gastronomy techniques, making it both beautiful and delicious, without causing any energy imbalances.

When blowing out the candles, Luo Chen put all his strength into it, but he blew too hard and produced a strange stream of air that mixed data sparks and time-delay effects. After the candles on the cake went out, the flames actually froze in the air for several seconds before disappearing, becoming another interesting interlude at the birthday party.

The park was filled with the laughter of children all afternoon, while adults gathered in small groups, drinking special beverages, chatting, and watching the children play.

Cerydra and Kong Yan'er sat under a giant tree. Cerydra's posture was still elegant, but her expression was much gentler than when she was in Okhema, and her gaze would occasionally follow a jumping figure in the arena.

Kong Yan'er, on the other hand, had somehow acquired a comical, colorful hat and was wearing it on his head. He was using the simplest card tricks to amuse the little ones surrounding him, eliciting gasps and laughter from them.

Hysilens did not come along; she was said to have stayed in Okhema to handle some business. However, she sent Luo Chen a small bottle of her homemade "Children's Honey Wine," which contained no alcohol but had a dreamy bubbly texture and a sweet, fruity flavor.

Castorice and several wives of federal officials sat at a tea table to the side, chatting softly about parenting experiences, their gazes always gently fixed on their energetic son in the room.

Luo Li and several important guests—including the business representative of the White Wolf Group stationed in the Federation (Qingqiu Ze did not come, but sent his confidant) and several envoys from other friendly forces—stood on a viewing platform a little further away, watching the lively scene below while engaging in some informal and relaxed exchanges.

His gaze, however, often passed over the crowd and landed on his small son, with silver-purple hair, who was trying to "repair" the gravity-related hole he had just created in the sandpit with his newly acquired toy.

He could sense that, in the process of "causing trouble" and "being guided" time and time again, the chaotic power within Luo Chen was evolving very slowly toward order and controllability. Although the process was still accompanied by various accidents, the intensity of the destruction was decreasing, while the sense of "creation" and "exploration" was increasing.

Perhaps, just as Shiyu controls time and Shiyi masters data, Luo Chen will find his own unique path in the future, a path that blends destruction and creation, chaos and Order.

As the banquet drew to a close, the setting sun cast a warm golden glow over the amusement park.

After playing for a while, the children were taken away by their parents to rest or have some snacks.

The noise gradually subsided.

Luo Li walked over to Luo Chen, who was carefully studying the amber seed given to her by Ruan Mei, and squatted down.

"Are you happy today?" he asked.

Luo Chen looked up, his little face still smeared with cake cream, and nodded vigorously. "Happy! So many gifts! So many friends!" He held up the amber in his hand, his eyes sparkling, "Daddy, can this really grow strange flowers?"

"If you can awaken it in the right way, perhaps," Luo Li said gently, "But remember, strength is like water; it can propel a giant ship or irrigate a seedling. What you need to learn is not how much strength you have, but how to use that strength in the right place."

Luo Chen nodded as if he understood, but he clearly took his father's words to heart.

He carefully placed the amber seed into his own personal storage box, which was printed with a small dinosaur pattern. The box itself was also a gift, and its internal space had been "optimized" by Shiyi so that it could safely store small items with weak energy.

Luo Li ruffled her son's hair, stood up, took his hand, and walked towards Castorice and her two daughters who were waiting for them.

A family of five slowly walked out of the park in the afterglow of the setting sun.

Their silhouettes stretched long, intertwined.

Kong Yan'er had somehow wandered over to where they had just been standing. Looking at their warm and loving figures, she whispered to Cerydra beside her with a smile, "Tsk, look at them, and then look at us... Your Majesty, when are we going to consider adding some 'vitality' to Okhema?"

Cerydra glanced at him indifferently. "Let's settle the score first for when you used magic to turn my imperial seal into a singing frog."

Kong Yan'er immediately shrank back, forcing a sheepish smile as she changed the subject, "Oh, the weather's really nice today..."

In the distance, Lu Jingheng stood quietly at the data monitoring point on the edge of the amusement park, ensuring that all energy fluctuations were within a safe range.

The pale blue data stream around him flickered steadily, recording every detail of the birthday party and every subtle change in his little master's power.

This is Luo Li's life.

He has close friends, allies, loyal partners, mischievous yet hopeful children, a beloved wife, a vast and orderly nation to govern, and mundane yet real daily life to manage.

The power of the Aeon made him transcendent.

But the responsibilities of family, the bonds of friends, and the promise to protect keep him firmly anchored in this reality full of everyday life.

Back at the central palace, after settling Luo Chen, who had fallen asleep quickly from playing, and watching Shiyu and Shiyi return to their rooms to rest, Luo Li and Castorice finally went back to their own bedrooms.

Standing on the bedroom terrace, overlooking the brightly lit and Order federal capital under the night sky, Luo Li remained silent for a long time.

Castorice leaned gently on his shoulder without saying a word, simply keeping him company in silence.

"Castorice," Luo Li suddenly spoke.

"Um?"

"So, do you think I've found the 'answer'?"

Castorice tilted her head slightly, her purple eyes gazing tenderly at him in the night. "What do you think?"

Luo Li remained silent for a moment, then shifted her gaze from the city beneath her feet to the boundless, star-studded universe above her.

"I once thought the answer lay at the end of power," he said slowly. "So I pursued power, became a god, and even wanted to surpass the gods."

"Later I thought the answer lay on the other side of 'reality,'" he continued, "So I desperately wanted to find you and our daughters, to prove that what happened wasn't an illusion."

"Later, I thought the answer lay in 'creation'." He looked down at his palm, where data streams were silently spinning.

"That's why I established the federation, wrote the rules, and wanted to create an ideal world."

The Castorice listened quietly.

"But now I've discovered..." Luo Li grasped Castorice's hand, their fingers intertwined. "The answer might not lie in any particular destination, or in any grand goal."

He turned to look at his wife, his eyes reflecting the starlight and the lamplight, as well as her clear silhouette.

The answer may lie in the peace you find every morning when you wake up and see yourself and your children sleeping soundly beside you.

"The satisfaction I feel every time I successfully guide Chen'er and see understanding rather than destruction in his eyes."

"In the pride that Shiyu feels as she skillfully uses time to help others and explore mysteries."

"The surprise of Shiyi using her 'BUG' talent to solve one tricky problem after another."

"The joy of raising a glass with friends, reminiscing about the past, and talking about the future."

"Even amidst Lu Jingheng's helpless state of complaining while silently updating his 'childcare emergency plan'."

His voice was soft, yet incredibly clear.

"Power, authenticity, creation... these are all important. But they are not the answer itself."

"The answer lies in what I use these powers to protect."

"It's about who I choose to spend my time with in the real world."

"Everything I created ultimately made someone's smile even brighter."

He paused for a moment, a gentle smile curving his lips.

My answer is...

"It's you, it's Shiyu, it's Shiyi, it's Chen'er."

"It's those noisy yet warm friends in Okhema, it's Yaoqing, that seemingly unreliable but loyal senior, it's Herta and Ruan Mei, fellow seekers in the pursuit of truth, and it's Lu Jingheng, that silent yet reliable partner."

"It is every member of the Federation who lives earnestly and pursues their dreams."

"It is this vast and warm 'home' woven from countless bonds."

He no longer looked at the starry sky, but instead focused intently on Castorice's eyes.

"I no longer need to search for meaning at the ends of the universe."

"Because meaning is right here within my reach."

"It's in every ordinary yet extraordinary day."

"It's about... loving you, loving the children, loving this world we've built together, and the process itself."

Tears welled up in Castorice's eyes, but those tears were filled with a happy smile.

She tiptoed and gently kissed his lips.

"Is this your answer?" she asked softly, with confirmation and immense relief.

Luo Li tightened his arms around her, pulling her into his embrace, and gently rested his chin on the top of her head.

"Um."

That's my answer.

A night breeze swept across the terrace, carrying the faint sounds of the distant city and the delicate fragrance of flowers and plants in the nearby courtyard.

The starry sea is above, and the lights of the human world are below.

And there they were, embracing tightly.

To have each other, to have family, to have friends, to have a world worth fighting for.

For Luo Li, this was the most perfect answer, transcending all divine positions and powers.

I envy neither the mandarin ducks nor the immortals.

I only wish to stay in this world, with the people around me, to count the passing years, to quietly watch the clouds drift by, until the end of time.

(The End)