498: The world is complete, we meet again (6k words to wish you a happy New Year!)

The truth is... it's quite a coincidence.

Your Excellency Lin Yang confirmed repeatedly that this flight was indeed bound for Qianpan Star, with no stops on other planets along the way.

It was a direct intergalactic flight.

“This…”

Your Excellency Lin Yang boarded the spaceship with a strange expression, found his cabin.

Then his expression grew even stranger.

Crowded!

Too crowded!

The public flights here, the ordinary seats on the spaceship, were far more crowded than the ordinary cabins on public flight spaceships in the Ten Thousand Universes.

It was as if they wanted to cram three people into a space originally meant for one.

“Damn capitalists…”

Your Excellency Lin Yang muttered to himself.

Although he could somewhat understand that the human survival pressure here was too great, and traveling in the Universe also carried considerable risks.

A flight needed to earn as much money as possible, but the space was simply too cramped.

Journeys lasting several months, having to sit upright, truly weren't something ordinary people could endure.

However, the humans here didn't seem to mind it much.

Years of survival pressure had given them a higher tolerance for stress and hardship.

“Sigh… Damned aliens!”

Your Excellency Lin Yang sighed, silently closed his eyes to rest, and quietly absorbed the spiritual universal substance.

Not long after, a sudden burst of noise came from beside him.

“Look, that’s the Tang Family’s fleet from Qianpan Star, they seem to be escorting us.”

“It really is. They must have taken on an escort mission. We’ll be much safer this trip.”

“It seems the Tang Family suffered considerable losses this time, otherwise they probably wouldn't have taken on such an escort mission along the way.”

“No wonder this flight departed so quickly; it must have been timed to coincide with the Tang Family.”

“…”

The passengers next to him chattered, occasionally catching sight of the escorting Tang Family warships through the porthole.

Listening to these discussions, Your Excellency Lin Yang gained a further understanding of the Tang Family.

The Tang Family was considered a large family on Qianpan Star, though not the most prominent.

But it was still a force with its own fleet.

Although the overall strength of the fleet wasn't very strong, it was already something many ordinary families struggled to achieve.

Having a fleet or not was a watershed for status.

Even a small fleet could accomplish many things.

Like the escort mission currently underway.

Because navigating space within the Ten Thousand Realms Universe was fraught with risks, the public flight operators on various planets would cooperate to some extent with large families that possessed fleets.

If there was a public intergalactic flight whose destination happened to coincide, then the fleet would generally be invited to provide an escort along the way.

Of course, it wasn't a free escort; a relatively substantial remuneration would be offered.

After all, compared to the money that would have to be paid if a flight encountered an accident, and the cost of specially dispatching a fleet for escort, the escort fee was not as painful.

Moreover, if an irresistible danger was encountered, there was no compulsion to guarantee the safety of the public flight, nor was any breach of contract penalty required.

Therefore, if it was along the way and there were no special circumstances, the fleets of various large families would generally take on such escort missions.

The Tang Family’s fleet currently was doing just that.

Several warships were flying alongside the spaceship.

If small troubles arose, the fleet would resolve them.

“In the Ten Thousand Universes, intergalactic flights don't require escorts.”

Your Excellency Lin Yang once again sighed at the hardships of survival for the people here.

Following that, a few more discussions caught Your Excellency Lin Yang’s attention.

“Speaking of which, the Tang Family is quite unlucky. Originally, the Tang Family was thriving, and Mrs. Ma gave birth to a pair of dragon-and-phoenix twins, envied by others. Unfortunately, the younger son’s brain was damaged, turning him into an idiot. Since then, Mrs. Ma, heartbroken, passed away, and the Tang Family head, Shang Changshan, lost his ambition. Otherwise, the Tang Family would probably be a top family on Qianpan Star now. At the very least, they wouldn't be gradually declining.”

“Yes, one can only say fate plays tricks. Now the Tang Family is only supported by that Miss Shang Qingluo, but she probably won't last much longer. A vast family, supported by only one woman, its assets are coveted.”

“If you ask me, that Shang Changshan is also a devoted man. After Mrs. Ma’s death, he refused to remarry. Otherwise, if he had more children to support each other, things might be much better now.”

“Everyone has their own choices. In big families, people like Shang Changshan are rare. Either they have a bunch of illegitimate children, or they keep various women outside. While the Tang Family’s situation is regrettable, Shang Changshan is also admirable.”

“Indeed, how many people are like Shang Changshan, rich and powerful, yet deeply devoted? Too rare.”

“…”

Several passengers whispered softly.

Your Excellency Lin Yang listened, somewhat astonished.

The Tang Family, it seemed, was quite tragic?

After a pause, he also felt a bit gossipy and turned his head to ask the person behind him, “Your Excellency, how was the Tang Family’s younger son beaten into an idiot?”

The other party was very enthusiastic and immediately said, “This matter was a huge sensation back then! You're not from Qianpan Star, are you?”

“No.” Your Excellency Lin Yang shook his head.

“No wonder. Listen to me tell you…”

The person behind him immediately began to recount a piece of gossip from the past to Your Excellency Lin Yang:

“Back then, the Tang Family had a sworn enemy, the Tang Family. The two families had some overlapping businesses. Because the Tang Family acted too domineeringly, many ordinary people disliked them and went to the Tang Family’s businesses to spend. ”

“The Tang Family therefore became somewhat angry, causing trouble for the Tang Family repeatedly, and the two families thus formed a grudge. Later, because the Tang Family caused trouble every now and then, the Tang Family’s business was also greatly affected. Out of helplessness, the Tang Family and the Tang Family agreed to a fair duel to divide their business territories.”

“Originally, such duels were meant to stop before serious injury, and it was also a relatively peaceful solution promoted by the Empire. But the Tang Family suddenly went for the kill, wanting to eliminate the Tang Family’s future. The Tang Family’s younger son, to save someone, took a blow for his sister, and as a result, his brain was damaged, turning him into a half-idiot.”

“After that, as we just discussed, the Tang Family’s wife, heartbroken by her son’s injury, with no access to medical help and no hope for revenge, eventually died of grief. The Tang Family head, Shang Changshan, also never recovered from then on, and the Tang Family subsequently declined year by year.”

“If not for Miss Shang being quite capable and managing to hold onto some of the family assets, the Tang Family would probably have been swallowed up and gone long ago.”

“…”

As the person recounted, Your Excellency Lin Yang couldn't help but frown: “No hope for revenge? Weren't the two families evenly matched? They even damaged their son's brain, didn't the Tang Family fight for revenge with everything they had?”

“It’s not that simple. We are already at war with aliens and need to unite against external threats. Although the Tang Family didn’t follow the unwritten rules, they ultimately didn’t kill anyone.”

The person in the back seat spoke again:

“At least, they didn’t succeed in killing someone in broad daylight.”

“Furthermore, not long after the incident, a member of the Tang Family had a stroke of luck and was noticed and taken as a student by a powerful individual from the Empire who was there on official business. The Tang Family could only be inferior, and many of their industries and resources were swallowed up, leaving them with no hope for revenge.”

Your Excellency Lin Yang was stunned: “This…”

He was speechless for a moment.

The other party sighed and said:

“That’s just how reality is; it’s not determined by personal likes or dislikes. Although many people dislike the Tang Family, they can only try their best to reduce their consumption at their businesses. The Tang Family’s matter, they can only swallow it.”

“Thank you for telling me, Your Excellency.” Your Excellency Lin Yang didn't ask anything else.

“It’s nothing, you’re welcome.” The other party smiled, then lowered his voice to remind: “Your Excellency, you are not from Qianpan Star. When you go there this time, remember to try to avoid provoking people from the Tang Family, and also reduce your consumption at their businesses. This isn't because I personally dislike them that I’m telling you this, but rather, the Tang Family is much more domineering now than before. Sometimes, it’s just spending money to make yourself uncomfortable.”

After speaking, the person seemed afraid that Your Excellency Lin Yang wouldn't believe him and added, “If Your Excellency doesn’t believe me, just go and experience it yourself!”

“Thank you for the reminder, Your Excellency. I will remember it.” Your Excellency Lin Yang said again.

“You’re welcome, Your Excellency…”

Subsequently, Your Excellency Lin Yang closed his eyes again to rest and absorb the spiritual universal substance.

In his mind, he pondered silently.

The Tang Family had saved him, and also given him considerable help.

Once he arrived at Qianpan Star, he would first observe the situation. If that Tang Family indeed acted perversely, he wouldn't mind helping the Tang Family.

It would be a repayment for the kindness of Shang Qingluo and the others in rescuing him earlier.

One of Your Excellency Lin Yang’s principles was to repay a drop of kindness with a gushing spring!

This day.

The System's voice suddenly rang in Your Excellency Lin Yang's mind.

“Host, the information module has been fully unlocked, but due to certain rules, the vast majority of information still requires payment to unlock.”

“...I knew it!” Your Excellency Lin Yang secretly curled his lip, honestly not very surprised.

Because he was already used to it.

Advanced special information modules, the information within them all required payment.

For example, the information on the Stone Statue in the Unknown Space was divided into three parts, each costing one billion national treasure value.

Simply abstract.

“Is there basic information about this Ten Thousand Realms Universe?” Your Excellency Lin Yang then asked.

“Yes, Host. This is indeed the symmetrical Universe Zone of the Ten Thousand Universes. This is not very good news.”

“What is a symmetrical Universe Zone? Can you explain it now?” Your Excellency Lin Yang asked again.

“Host, there are two concepts for a symmetrical Universe Zone. One belongs to advanced information and requires payment. The System can tell you the other one first. Do you want to know?”

“…Speak!” Your Excellency Lin Yang resisted the urge to roll his eyes.

This also requires payment?

“Okay, Host. One of the concepts is that the Ten Thousand Universes plus the Ten Thousand Realms Universe constitute a complete Universe Zone.”

“…”

“…”

“Huh? That’s it? Just this one sentence?”

Your Excellency Lin Yang waited for a while, and when he found that the System had no second sentence, he couldn't help but frown.

Unlocked for half a month, just this one sentence?

“Yes, Host.”

“…Are you kidding me?”

Your Excellency Lin Yang was speechless directly:

“Two combined make a complete Universe Zone. Is there no more detailed explanation for this sentence?”

“Apologies, Host, for the unsatisfactory experience. Regarding this question, you may refer to the following information.”

This time, the System gave an explanation that made Your Excellency Lin Yang’s heart skip a beat:

“Host, both the Ten Thousand Universes and the Ten Thousand Realms Universe are referred to as ‘Ten Thousand’ in number, but neither the Ten Thousand Universes nor the Ten Thousand Realms Universe actually has more than three thousand numbered Universes. You might be able to draw some inferences from this.”

Upon hearing this, Your Excellency Lin Yang’s pupils couldn't help but contract, and he said with suppressed shock, “System, do you mean that the ‘Ten Thousand’ in Ten Thousand Universes and Ten Thousand Realms Universe isn't an exaggeration, but represents the actual number?”

“Yes, Host.”

“This…” Lin Yang’s heart skipped a beat again, and he couldn’t help but say, “So, the universes of the Ten Thousand Universes plus the various universes of the Ten Thousand Realms Universe can form an actual ‘ten thousand’ number, and they also need to reach the number of ‘ten thousand’. The sum of the two is actually the true Ten Thousand Universes?”

“And the current Ten Thousand Universes and Ten Thousand Realms Universe are both incomplete?”

“That’s right, Host.”

“But… even if the two are combined, all the known numbered universes from both sides add up to only about seven thousand. There’s still nearly three thousand missing!”

Lin Yang’s confusion deepened:

“Could it be that there’s another area similar to the Ten Thousand Universes and Ten Thousand Realms Universe?”

“Host, there can only be two Universe Zones in the Symmetrical Universe Zone,” the System said.

Lin Yang was startled: “Then the numbers don’t match up at all!”

“Host, the ruined spaces within the Unknown Space ruins might have originally been normal universes.”

The System gave another astonishing statement.

“Oh?”

Lin Yang’s heart trembled:

“You mean, the nearly three thousand missing universes are within the ruins of the Unknown Space?”

“Host, the System can only analyze possibilities based on known information. Due to the lack of national treasure value to unlock detailed information, I cannot give you a definitive answer for now, but it should be so.”

“Oh…” Lin Yang’s eyes flickered, “If that’s the case, then it seems there are many secrets hidden within the Unknown Space.”

This work is organized and uploaded by 69shuba~~

“If those ruined spaces within the ruins were originally universes, and they were ruined to such an extent, it was most likely caused by some power that is temporarily difficult to comprehend and imagine.”

“To be able to shatter a universe and then move it into the so-called ‘ruins’…”

Lin Yang couldn’t quite imagine what kind of terrifying method that was.

“Host, large-scale universe destruction is usually caused by war. The universes within the Unknown Space must have experienced a very terrifying war, and the universes were shattered.”

The System added.

“War?”

Lin Yang frowned, also finding it hard to imagine what level of war could completely destroy nearly three thousand universes.

After a pause, he temporarily reined in his thoughts.

The power or war that could shatter universes was too far away from his current level. Overthinking it was useless.

Immediately, Lin Yang changed the subject and asked, “Were the Ten Thousand Universes and Ten Thousand Realms Universe originally a single entity? Were they later split into what they are now, or were they always separate?”

“Host, the System cannot answer this question for now. The paid information should have a detailed answer.”

“…Then let’s leave it at that for now. We’ll talk about it when I have national treasure value later.”

Lin Yang pouted, no longer asking more questions.

He was too poor right now!

He was in debt for tens of billions of national treasure value.

He also didn’t have the local currency here.

“Whether it’s getting national treasure value or getting Fengqi coins, both are imperative!”

Lin Yang sighed.

Without money, it was simply impossible to move an inch!

It was too difficult!

Afterward, he stopped chatting with the System and continued to silently absorb spiritual universal matter.

Now, the most important thing was to recover all his strength!

Only with strength could he consider the next step.

Time passed.

Several months later.

The spaceship landed on Qianpan Star.

This interstellar voyage was over.

As a normal civilized planet, Qianpan Star looked decent enough.

“Finally here.”

Lin Yang muttered as he walked out of the spaceship, stretching his limbs.

Even for him, staying still for several months was a bit uncomfortable.

Just as Lin Yang walked out of the spaceship.

On the Tang Family’s spaceship next door, Shang Qingluo and the others also exited in single file.

Zhang Bu casually glanced towards the public spaceship and then exclaimed in surprise: “Oh? Isn’t that Your Excellency Lin Yang?”

“Hmm?”

Hearing this, Shang Qingluo, Ma Bo, and the others all looked over, then frowned slightly.

“Why is he here too?” Ma Bo murmured, “Could it be that he wants to rely on us?”

Shang Qingluo’s eyes flickered twice, then she shook her head and said, “Probably not. Gu Yin Star was invaded, so he probably felt it wasn’t safe there and chose the fastest flight to leave Gu Yin Star. And this flight was the fastest. I think it must be a coincidence.”

“What do we do now?” Ma Bo asked again, “We gave him five million, he bought a ticket, and now he should be penniless.”

“This…”

While Shang Qingluo was hesitating, two voices suddenly rang out consecutively, making her temporarily unable to reply to Ma Bo’s words. She looked towards the source of the voices, then smiled.

“Qingluo.”

“Sister!”

A middle-aged man with somewhat graying hair and a boy with an innocent face were waving at Shang Qingluo.

“Father, little brother, why are you here?”

Shang Qingluo quickly walked over, gently pinching the boy’s face, and said with a smile, “Little brother, you didn’t make Father angry at home, did you?”

The boy chuckled and shook his head: “No, Sister, I’m very well-behaved.”

“Then did you miss Sister?” Shang Qingluo’s voice also softened.

“Yes!”

The boy nodded decisively, then raised his hand, took out something similar to a “sugar figurine” from behind him, handed it to Shang Qingluo, and said with a smile, “Sister, look, this is a sticky sugar painting I made for you. Sister, please eat it.”

“Chengfeng is so good!”

Shang Qingluo smiled and took the item, also taking out an exquisite battleship toy and handing it to the boy: “This is a gift Sister brought for you. Do you like it?”

“I like it! I like all the gifts Sister gives me! Thank you, Sister!” The boy’s eyes were filled with joy as he took the toy and played with it.

Seeing this, the white-haired middle-aged man beside them looked a little dim, then said, “Such a big thing happened on Gu Yin Star. Chengfeng was worried about you and knew you were arriving today, so he dragged me here early in the morning to pick you up.”

Hearing this, a hint of tenderness flashed in Shang Qingluo’s eyes. She gently stroked the boy’s head and whispered, “Father, we were quite lucky. This time, there happened to be an adult passing through Gu Yin Star who quickly resolved the invasion, so we didn’t lose too much cargo.”

“That’s good. I also heard about it. That adult must be at least a Super-Order Extraordinary Warrior to be able to resolve the alien invasion so swiftly.” Shang Changshan nodded slightly.

“Unfortunately, that adult never showed his face from beginning to end…” Shang Qingluo’s tone carried some inexplicable emotion.

Shang Changshan’s eyes immediately became stern: “Qingluo, Father knows you’ve always wanted to find an opportunity to meet various adults and try to become a student of one of them, but this kind of thing cannot be forced. Father has no other thoughts now; as long as you and Chengfeng live a peaceful life, that’s enough. You must not put too much pressure on yourself, okay?”

“Father, I understand. I will definitely take good care of my little brother.” Shang Qingluo took a deep breath, “Let’s go home first.”

“Okay, let’s go home.”

“Sister, home!”

Shang Qingluo took the boy’s hand and turned to look at Ma Bo: “Ma Bo, I’ll leave the handover here to you.”

“Don’t worry, Miss Shang!” Ma Bo smiled, also looking at the boy.

The boy immediately let go of Shang Qingluo’s hand, hugged Ma Bo, and said crisply, “Ma Bo, Chengfeng missed you too.”

“Haha, Chengfeng is so good. Ma Bo missed our little Chengfeng too. Look what delicious things Ma Bo brought for you?”

Ma Bo laughed heartily, taking out a large bag of Gu Yin Star specialty snacks, his eyes full of doting affection for the boy.

“Thank you, Ma Bo, Ma Bo is the best to Chengfeng!” The boy hugged the specialty snacks, smiling happily.

“Ma Bo, you’re just spoiling him. With so many snacks, he won’t eat dinner again today.” Shang Qingluo couldn’t help but chuckle from the side.

“Haha, Chengfeng only eats this much once every few months. Skipping a meal isn’t a big deal.” Ma Bo laughed again.

Not far away.

Lin Yang was observing this scene.

Shang Qingluo’s brother was indeed as people said; his head was injured, and his intelligence was probably stuck at the age of three or four, at most five or six.

“The technology here isn’t advanced enough to treat his brain injury. System, do you have a solution?” Lin Yang inquired.

The technological civilization of the Ten Thousand Realms Universe was far behind that of the Ten Thousand Universes.

And as for powerful individuals, the Tang Family probably couldn’t afford to hire them.

They might not even have the chance to meet them.

If he could treat the boy’s brain injury, it would be considered repaying the favor of Shang Qingluo and the others’ previous help.

“Host, the brain itself is relatively sensitive. You might need to get closer for the System to perform an initial check.”

“Oh, then I’ll find an opportunity.”

Lin Yang nodded, looking at Shang Chengfeng, Shang Qingluo’s brother, who was also grinning happily at the moment.

Suddenly, Shang Chengfeng sharply turned his head, looking in the direction of Lin Yang, who was observing them.

Then he precisely pointed at Lin Yang in the crowd and whispered to Shang Qingluo, “Sister, that person has been watching us. Is he a bad guy?”

“Hmm?”

Shang Qingluo turned her head, looked over, and then whispered, “Don’t be afraid, little brother. He shouldn’t be a bad guy. Sister knows him.”

“Ah? Then he’s Sister’s friend?” The boy immediately withdrew his finger, then suddenly walked towards Lin Yang.

“Little brother!”

“Chengfeng, come back quickly!”

Shang Qingluo and Ma Bo called out simultaneously.

Unfortunately, the boy ran like the wind and reached Lin Yang, whispering, “Hello, big brother. You’re my sister’s friend. I was very impolite pointing at you just now. Let me treat you to some snacks.”

Saying that, he handed the large gift bag of snacks in his hand to Lin Yang.

Lin Yang looked at the boy who suddenly ran over, and then at the snack bag held out to him. He was also momentarily startled for 0.1 seconds, but then he took out a small bag of snacks from it and said with a smile:

“Okay, then I won’t be polite!”

“…”

Seeing this, Shang Qingluo and Ma Bo, who were not far away, both looked astonished and solemn.

Shang Changshan looked at their expressions, then glanced at Lin Yang, who was smiling and talking to Shang Chengfeng, and seemed to understand something. He whispered, “Qingluo, is there something wrong with that Your Excellency?”

“Father, he’s someone we rescued on our way to Gu Yin Star, but the situation is a bit complicated.” Shang Qingluo sighed, quickly explaining the situation to Shang Changshan.

Just then, Shang Chengfeng pulled Lin Yang over: “Sister, big brother is here!”

“Miss Shang, Ma Bo, and Zhang Bu, hello, it’s good to see you again.”

Lin Yang greeted them with a smile.