141: Ten Questions about the Stars

Chen Jun stared fixedly at Yan Wuhuo, his gaze as if trying to dissect him thoroughly from the inside out.

Descendants of the founding emperors name? Descendants of the Dragon?

This was too much information to process!

He had undergone Transmigration to this world over two hundred years ago, struggling from the very bottom to his current state of lying back and winning at immortality; his mindset had long since been honed to be as calm as an ancient well.

Even when facing Star Arm Level Experts or civilizations at the level of Star Arm overlords, he could still happily sit back and watch the show.

But the two words "founding emperors name" directly touched the deepest roots of his Soul, belonging to Blue Star, belonging to Huaxia!

This was no longer a pleasant surprise; it was a shock!

It was a Universe-level mystery sufficient to send raging waves through his Dao Heart of immortality!

"Ahem," Chen Jun forcibly suppressed his churning Qi and blood, squeezing an extremely unnatural smile onto his face, trying to make himself look just "a little curious."

"His Majesty the Dragon Emperor, you just said... 'founding emperors name'? This title... is quite interesting, haha. I wonder if your noble ancestor, the Great Emperor 'founding emperors name', ever left behind any special... uh, quotes? Or... is there anything unique that has been passed down... like a secret code of some sort?"

He tried his best to make his tone sound casual, but his slightly leaning body and burning gaze still betrayed his inner turmoil.

"A secret code?" Yan Wuhuo was taken aback by the question. He carefully recalled the vast, sea-like historical records of the Empire and replied somewhat uncertainly:

"Does Ancestor Chen refer to... the maxims filled with supreme wisdom left by our ancestor? For example, 'A single spark can start a prairie fire'? 'No matter if it's a black cat or a white cat, if it catches mice, it's a good cat'? And 'Practice is the sole criterion for testing truth'? These maxims have always guided the Empire's development in different historical stages, containing the supreme principles for governing the country and bringing peace to the world!"

"Pfft—cough, cough, cough!!!"

Chen Jun almost spat out another mouthful of old blood!

Shi Yue's armor had really suffered today, being baptized by soup once again...

He clutched his chest, feeling as if his heart was about to jump out of his throat!

It was confirmed!

This was absolutely a Hometown fellow!

Even the quotes matched!

"Are... are there any more?" Chen Jun asked, his voice trembling, "Are there any that are more... more down-to-earth? For example... palace jade nectar wine?"

"palace jade nectar wine?" Yan Wuhuo frowned, struggling to search through a memory bank inherited over a billion years, but eventually shook his head in confusion.

"Forgive my ignorance, Wuhuo has never heard of this phrase. Historian! Quickly check the Complete Manual of the Imperial 'founding emperors name Ancestral Teachings', and see if there is any record related to 'palace jade nectar wine'!"

Behind him, a historian wearing ancient official robes with an unfathomable aura, a Stellar Level Peak of the highest order, immediately closed his eyes. His Divine Sense connected to the Empire's vast database, and after a moment, he opened his eyes and respectfully reported:

"Your Majesty, Ancestor Chen, there is indeed no record of 'palace jade nectar wine' in the 'Ancestral Teachings'. However, according to 'Unofficial History', before the ancestor, Great Emperor 'founding emperors name', stepped into a 2.8 level civilization and was about to leave the Empire to pursue a higher Realm, he broadcast the 'ten questions of the starry sky' to all civilizations in the entire territory that could receive signals, stating that if any civilization could answer them, they would obtain a portion of his Legacy. This 'ten questions of the starry sky' is bizarre, and it does indeed contain a record of palace jade nectar wine."

"The 'ten questions of the starry sky'?" Chen Jun's eyes lit up, and he urged, "Quick! Read them out!"

The historian cleared his throat and began to recite in a tone like chanting an epic:

"The 'ten questions of the starry sky', question one: Hydrogen, helium, lithium, beryllium, boron?"

Chen Jun: (⊙_⊙)???

Inner thoughts: The beginning of the periodic table?! Was this Hometown fellow a science student?

"Question two: Odd change, even remains?"

Chen Jun: (・∀・*)???

Inner thoughts: The classic mnemonic for trigonometric functions! Confirmed! This is definitely a Hometown fellow who went through nine years of compulsory education!

"Question three: Which school is the best for excavator training?"

Chen Jun: (≧▽≦)ﾉ!!!

Inner thoughts: Case closed! Case closed! Definitely a Hometown fellow from Shandong on Blue Star!!! No doubt about it!!!

"Question four: palace jade nectar wine?"

Chen Jun: (╯‵□′)╯︵┻━┻!!!

Inner thoughts: I knew it! I knew this would be there!!!

"Question five: Bright moonlight before my bed, suspected to be frost on the ground?"

Chen Jun: (￣ω￣;) ...

Inner thoughts: This... who is this kindergarten-level exam question looking down on?! Though, it really does make me miss my hometown a bit...

"Question six: I don't accept gifts during the holidays, but if I do, I only accept?"

Chen Jun: (´･_･`)??

Inner thoughts: This brainwashing commercial made it into the 'ten questions of the starry sky'?! Hometown fellow, your taste is very... down-to-earth!

"Question seven: Goose, goose, goose, singing with a curved neck toward the sky?"

Chen Jun: (¬_¬)...

Inner thoughts: Why is there a test on "Ode to the Goose"? Hometown fellow, are you afraid people won't be able to recite it?

"Question eight: The vast horizon is my love?"

Chen Jun: (・–・;)...

Inner thoughts: Even "The Most Dazzling Folk Style" is here?!

"Question nine: Loving you for walking alone in the dark alley?"

Chen Jun: (⊙x⊙;)!!!

Inner thoughts: Even "Lonely Warrior" was brought over?!

"Question ten: The final question," the historian paused, his tone becoming even more solemn, "Your energy exceeds your imagination, what is this?"

Chen Jun: "..."

Inner thoughts: Fine, this 'founding emperors name' Hometown fellow must have been an advertising planner! From excavators to Brain Gold to Red Bull, he's packaged Earth's brainwashing ad slogans into interstellar secret codes?!

Chen Jun was completely slumped on his lounge chair, his inner thoughts scrolling crazily:

This Hometown fellow is definitely a hidden tycoon in the advertising industry!

This 'ten questions of the starry sky' isn't looking for a successor to a civilization; it's clearly searching the Universe for Earth compatriots who have been deeply brainwashed by advertisements just like him!

Watching the expression on Chen Jun's face go from shock to amusement, and finally to speechless, the awe in Yan Wuhuo's heart expanded infinitely, like the expansion of the Universe!

Ancestor Chen's reaction... clearly showed that every "Heavenly Question" struck deep into his Soul!

What was contained in these ten questions was absolutely the ultimate key to connecting to some lost mother civilization!

His voice carried immense piety as he asked cautiously: "Ancestor Chen... you... could it be that you are fully aware of all these 'ten questions' from our ancestor?"

Chen Jun slowly came back to his senses from the advertising bombardment. Looking at the Dragon Emperor's eyes filled with a thirst for knowledge, he took a deep breath, and a thousand words turned into a single sentence filled with the vicissitudes of life:

"Sigh... they are all... memories of childhood."

What could he say?

He was afraid that if he said it out loud, this high-level Star Arm Level Dragon Emperor would crack on the spot...

Tell them that the so-called wisdom of their ancestor was actually just a selection of commercials and pop songs from Blue Star's television stations?

That would be a bit cruel, right?

"Your noble ancestor... um... was very good at... summarizing and spreading." Chen Jun racked his brains to give aevaluate that was as decent as possible.

Upon hearing this, Yan Wuhuo trembled violently, his eyes bursting with brilliance!

"Summarizing! Spreading!" He seemed to have an Epiphany.

"I understand! The true meaning of our ancestor was not to point to obscure Laws, but to spread this knowledge, which seems ordinary but contains great wisdom, in the most concise and powerful way! This is the true essence of civilization's Legacy! Ancestor Chen's words are worth a Star Arm! Wuhuo bows in admiration!!!"

Chen Jun: "..."

Inner thoughts: No, you are really overthinking it; he probably just watched too many commercials...

Chen Jun was completely numb, his inner thoughts left with only endless complaints:

This 'founding emperors name' Hometown fellow, how much did you miss your hometown?!

You even wanted to screen for true Huaxia Hometown fellows before you left!

Watching the ever-changing expression on Chen Jun's face—sometimes shocked, sometimes enlightened, sometimes amused—Yan Ji felt even more suspicious and uncertain.

Could it be... that this unfathomable Ancestor Chen could actually understand these "ten questions" of the ancestor that were like heavenly books?!

How is this possible?!

In the billion years of the Empire, countless brilliant and talented people, including those of them at the Star Arm Level, had been unable to fully comprehend their true meaning!

Who exactly... is this Ancestor Chen?!

Yan Wuhuo and Yan Ji's attitudes became even more respectful, even carrying a hint of inquiry: "Ancestor Chen... you seem... to have some thoughts on these 'ten questions'?"

Chen Jun took a deep breath, forcing himself to calm down.

He could not expose his identity as a Transmigrator, at least not now!

But he had to go to the Dragonborn Empire to take a look!

To go to that so-called "Yanhuang Ancestral Star" and search for the traces left by his Hometown fellow!

This concerned his roots!

"I wouldn't call it thoughts," Chen Jun waved his hand, trying hard to return his tone to normal, "I just feel that your noble ancestor's... thinking was quite unconventional and unrestrained, which is... impressive."

He changed the subject, revealing his true intention: "Listening to His Majesty the Dragon Emperor's introduction, I am very drawn to your country's 'Yanhuang Ancestral Star'. I wonder if it would be convenient for me to go and visit?"

"What? Ancestor Chen, you want to personally visit my Dragonborn Empire?!" Yan Wuhuo was both shocked and delighted!

Shocked that an existence like Ancestor Chen was actually willing to condescend to visit!

Delighted that this was undoubtedly an opportunity to bring the two countries closer!

He immediately replied excitedly: "Convenient! Of course it is convenient! For Ancestor Chen to be willing to come and provide guidance is the supreme honor of my Dragonborn Empire! Wuhuo will definitely welcome you with the highest specifications!"

"Father." The ethereal voice of Yun Qinglan, who had been listening quietly, rang out, attracting everyone's attention.

She looked at Chen Jun, Law flowing within her clear eyes, as if she were performing some kind of deduction.

"His Majesty the Dragon Emperor's cultivation is passable, but he is not a match for me in a single exchange."

Yan Wuhuo's mouth twitched slightly; although this was a fact, having it said in front of so many people was still quite damaging to his self-esteem!

Yan Ji lowered her head to look at her toes, pretending not to hear.

Yun Qinglan continued to analyze calmly: "However, the Dragonborn Empire has been established for one billion years and has a profound foundation. Its ancestral star, 'Yanhuang Ancestral Star,' is a place managed by a Galaxy Level expert, and it must have defenses that surpass the Star Arm Level. Going there rashly may carry unknown risks."

Yan Wuhuo quickly stated his position: "Her Highness Qinglan, please rest assured! We Dragonborn have absolutely no malice toward Ancestor Chen or the Human Federation! All defensive mechanisms of the ancestral star will be fully opened to Ancestor Chen at that time! There is absolutely no danger!"

Yun Qinglan ignored his display of loyalty and just looked at Chen Jun, stating her own suggestion:

"If Father wishes to go, please give Qinglan one year."

"One year?" Chen Jun looked at his daughter.

"Mm." Yun Qinglan nodded gently, her tone still calm but carrying a confidence that she controlled everything.

"In one year, I can break through my current Realm and impact the Star Arm Level Peak."

"Boom—!!!" These words were like a Universe explosion, detonating in everyone's minds!

One year?! Star Arm Level Peak?!

Yan Wuhuo's pupils shook, and he almost failed to maintain his imperial aura!

He had been stuck at the Advanced Star Arm Level for 600,000 years and knew deeply how difficult every step was!

Break through to Star Arm Level Peak in one year?

What kind of monster is this?!

Fortunately, I am wise and martial, having befriended the Human Federation in advance; otherwise, one year later, when Her Highness Qinglan breaks through to the Star Arm Level Peak...

Trying to befriend them then...

How could adding flowers to a brocade compare to providing charcoal in snowy weather?

Yun Qinglan looked at Chen Jun, her ethereal gaze carrying an absolute will to protect:

"At that time, within the Cangqiong Seat, wherever Father wishes to go, Qinglan can protect Father completely. No person, no thing, can harm Father in the slightest."

These words were spoken calmly, yet they carried a domineering aura of looking down upon the sea of stars, invincible with me here!

Chen Jun looked at his daughter's serious little face, and a warm current surged in his heart.

Look at that!

This is my daughter!

How considerate! How domineering!

He laughed loudly and patted Yun Qinglan's hand: "Good! I'll listen to my Qinglan! One year it is!"

He turned his head and smiled at Yan Wuhuo, who was shocked and hadn't recovered his senses: "His Majesty the Dragon Emperor, then it's settled. One year from now, I will bring my daughter Qinglan and personally visit your Dragonborn Empire! At that time, you must show me around 'Yanhuang Ancestral Star' properly!"

Yan Wuhuo recovered from the extreme shock and quickly bowed: "It is my greatest honor! Wuhuo will definitely be at the ancestral star, sweeping the bed and waiting for the arrival of Ancestor Chen and Her Highness Qinglan!"

His heart was already blooming with joy!

One year later, an Ancestor Chen suspected to be at the Star Arm Level Peak, or even stronger, plus a newly promoted, only... who knows how old but definitely terrifyingly young Star Arm Level Peak Her Highness Qinglan, visiting the Dragonborn Empire together!

What kind of lineup is this?!

This is enough to be recorded in the modern history books of the Empire for the last 100 million years since its decline!

No! It's enough to be recorded in the modern history books of the entire Sagittarius Arm for the last 100 million years!

This deal was worth it!!!

The subsequent talks were even more enthusiastic, mainly due to the Dragon Emperor's one-sided passion.

Yan Wuhuo was almost pouring out his heart and lungs, wishing he could move the entire imperial treasury to give to Ancestor Chen as a "down payment."

After confirming that Chen Jun would definitely visit the Dragonborn Empire in one year, Yan Wuhuo was satisfied.

He presented a large pile of gifts "wishing Ancestor Chen a pleasant journey," and only then did he thank him profusely and leave with Yan Ji, riding the "Ancestral Dragon Imperial Carriage."

He needed to return to the Empire immediately to carry out one year of the highest-level preparations!

He must ensure that Ancestor Chen's visit experience reaches the absolute top level!

After seeing off the overly enthusiastic Dragon Emperor and his daughter, the senior officials of the Federation looked at the gifts that had once again filled the space warehouse, their feelings complex and indescribable...

Not to mention that the other party begged them to go on a trip abroad, but they could also get such sky-high rewards?!

Ancestor Chen is truly Ancestor Chen! It is truly admirable and beyond reach!

...

Chen Jun didn't think so much; he dismissed the others, leaving only Yun Qinglan...

"Qinglan, what you just said, breaking through to the Star Arm Level Peak in one year, are you sure? Would it be too forced?" Chen Jun asked with concern; although he wanted to investigate the clues about his Hometown fellow as soon as possible, he cared more about his daughter's state.

Yun Qinglan shook her head gently, her eyes ethereal, as if stating a natural fact:

"Father, it is not difficult. The Innate Radiant Body should be like this. Before the Galaxy Level Peak, it is just energy accumulation and Law organization, a smooth road. Now that I am close to the Bottleneck, the Breakthrough is like water flowing into a channel. One year is already a conservative estimate."

Chen Jun touched his nose and sighed with emotion: "That's good, that's good, it was I who worried too much. Hehe, Dad will rely on you to cover him!"

Yun Qinglan looked at her father, a faint smile flashing in her eyes, and she gave a soft "Mm." To her, protecting her father was one of the meanings of her existence.

...

In the days that followed, the Federation entered a period of rapid development...

The technology and resources gifted by the Dragonborn Empire, as well as those 500,000-plus Stellar Level Mine Slaves, were like injecting the highest-grade fuel into the machine that was the Federation!

Mo Heng led the Academy of Sciences, analyzing the technology brought by the Dragonborn Empire almost without sleep or rest.

As for technologies like "Shadow Stealth" and "Divine Barrier," they had long stopped researching them.

What kind of garbage was this? Compared to the technology of the Dragonborn Empire, the gap was even greater than that between the Stone Age and the Interstellar Age!

Shi Yue and Li Qingshan were busy reorganizing and "educating" the 500,000 Stellar Level Mine Slaves, ensuring that these former "big shots" could "shine and emit heat" for the Federation's construction cause.

Chu Yueyao coordinated the overall situation, allocated resources, and pushed the Federation's overall national strength to soar at an unprecedented speed.

As for Chen Jun, he lived an even more "busy" and "fulfilling" life.

On one hand, he had to deal with the increasingly enthusiastic Dragonborn Empire.

Almost every few days, Yan Wuhuo would send greetings through the private communication left by Yan Ji, and "by the way," report on the progress of the preparations the Empire was making to welcome his visit.

For example:

"Good morning, Your Excellency Ancestor Chen! The Empire has mobilized 3.6 trillion top-tier craftsmen to begin repairing the 'Pilgrimage Heavenly Staircase' leading to the Ancestral Dragon Court, ensuring that you walk comfortably!"

"Good afternoon, Your Excellency Ancestor Chen! The imperial chef team is developing a brand-new banquet that incorporates Federation tastes; currently, 38 million dishes have been test-produced. I wonder what your thoughts are on 'Mapo Tofu' and 'buddha jumps over the wall'?"

"Good evening, Your Excellency Ancestor Chen! To ensure you are in a pleasant mood during your visit, the Imperial Ministry of Culture has rehearsed a newly adapted epic play, 'The Untold Story of the Yanhuang Ancestors and Ancestor Chen.' Please take a look at this script outline..."

Chen Jun would always reply happily: "Good, good, good, not bad, not bad. You guys just do whatever you think is best; don't spend too much." Inside, he didn't care, anyway, it wasn't his money being spent...

On the other hand, his enthusiasm for "urging" his grandson Chen Zhaojing to carry out "ideological education" work also grew higher.

"Zhao Jing! Look, this Dragonborn Empire, with 1 billion years of Legacy, has such a large population base! Every generation of Dragon Emperor is of the Yan family Bloodline. What does this explain?"

"It explains that population is the hard truth! The male royal relatives of the Dragonborn must be 'servicing three thousand women' every day to ensure that the Bloodline has so many high-Aptitude descendants! Our Chen family must not fall behind! Your burden is heavy!"

Chen Zhaojing looked at his grandfather's "earnest" gaze, then looked at the heavy, thick book in his hand, personally annotated by his grandfather, "Chen Family Precepts: Advanced Reproduction Edition." Touching his still-aching kidneys, his eyes were filled with determination and a trace of sympathy for his future son, his grandfather's great-grandson:

"Grandfather, rest assured! Grandson... Grandson will definitely implement the ideological education work! Start from the babies! Never slack off!"

As for Yun Qinglan, she entered a state of deep seclusion.

The quiet room where she was located had already turned into an ocean of Law; time and space were distorted, energy was swirling, and even a trace of aura that occasionally leaked out made the nearby Stellar-level Experts shudder.

Everyone could feel that a majestic power was brewing, about to break out of the cocoon and become a butterfly, shaking the sea of stars!