113: Successors

Time flowed like water; seventeen years passed in the blink of an eye.

Under Chen Jun's supreme directive to “close the door and farm the land,” the Human Federation civilization...

The Star Domain, which had previously seemed somewhat empty after absorbing the Empire's territory, was now dotted with countless stars.

Countless fully terraformed Colony Planets adorned the star map like emeralds, and massive Space Cities orbited Stellar Level bodies, processing huge quantities of resources.

Thanks to the occasional guidance from Su Yuan Your Highness, the Federation's star sea navigation technology experienced explosive growth, with Warp Engine efficiency increasing by more than tenfold.

The entire Federation seemed to have become a massive, boiling cauldron, bubbling and churning.

Countless new births, newly constructed Colony Planets, and Space Cities were tossed into this boiling cauldron of civilization, like dumplings being dropped into a pot, one after another.

The Federation Supreme Council issued the “Super Act for Federation Population Promotion and Development,” historically known as the “Birth Acceleration Decree.”

The core idea of the Act was simple: the more you give birth, the more you are rewarded!

For a time, “birth competitions” flourished across the Federation.

Now, when two couples met, their greetings were typically, “Are you pregnant?” and “How many is this?”

Various “Fertility Aids,” “Eugenics Cultivation Techniques,” and “Dual Cultivation Manuals” sold out... Mo Heng's Academy of Sciences subsidiary even launched the “Cradle of Life” product series, offering everything from “One-Click Conception” assistance devices to “Fully Automatic Nursery Pods,” achieving the highest sales across the entire Federation... The Federation's population reached 280 trillion!

If it used to be “If you want to get rich, first build roads,” now it was “If you want to have a baby, first settle down!”

Emperor Shi Yue, this Stellar Level powerhouse renowned for defense and stability, completely transformed into the Federation's construction foreman... No, wait, he became the “Chief Architect of Civilization”!

“The geomancy of this land is excellent, perfect for building a new city! Lads, flatten it for me! Inject the atmosphere! Modify the ecosystem!”

Found an Asteroid Belt rich in resources?

“This pile of rocks is a waste just sitting here! Melt it down! Cast it into the skeleton of a Space City!”

Under his direction, lifeless planets were forcefully injected with vitality, transforming them into habitable Colony Planets.

Massive Space Cities rose from the star sea; their sheer scale, when viewed from afar, made it seem as if the Stellar Level bodies were wearing metal collars.

The names of these new Colony Planets and Space Cities were also full of contemporary characteristics: “Star of Hope,” “City of the Future,” “Endless Life Fortress,” and “Strength in Numbers Space Station”... Under the strategic guidance of “Active Defense” and “Internal Integration,” the Federation's demand for star sea navigation technology reached its peak.

Previously, traveling from the southernmost to the northernmost point of the Federation would take decades.

Now?

It takes just a few years!

This massive leap forward was mainly attributed to the part-time Technical Consultant—Su Yuan Your Highness.

Whenever the research and development of navigation technology hit a Bottleneck and the project leader was about to tear out all their hair...

A gentle spiritual sense, containing the Law of Life, would silently descend upon the laboratory.

There were no complex formulas, no lengthy derivations.

It was often just one sentence:

“The Spatial Folds here can be smoothed out this way, instead of being forcefully torn open.”

Or:

“Why not imitate the Gravitational Dance of a Binary Star System for the Energy Core's resonance frequency?”

The engineers would first be dumbfounded, then enlightened, and then fall into a frenzy!

The difficult problems that plagued them were solved instantly!

Su Yuan Your Highness's occasional “bit of spiritual focus” was worth more than ten years of hard work by Federation scientists!

Now, the Federation's Starships traversed the vast territory as if strolling in their own backyard.

An efficient logistics network continuously transported food from Resource Planets, people from Colony Planets, and manufactured goods from Industrial Planets to where they were needed.

The entire Federation was truly connected into a cohesive whole... Against this backdrop of mass childbirth, frantic infrastructure development, and technological explosion... Chen Jun's greatest pleasure now, besides playing with his grandson Chen Zhaojing, was having heart-to-heart talks with his son-in-Law.

The theme of these talks was eternally fixed, and there was only one—the second child!

On this day... Chen Jun once again called Li Mo into his “Room for Recalling Past Suffering and Thinking of Present Sweetness,” which was filled with various exotic treasures.

“Little Mo,” Chen Jun said, rocking leisurely in his chair, fondling two “Nirvana Star Cores” in his hand, his tone as amiable as a grandfather next door, “How are things between you and Xi'er lately?”

Li Mo shuddered, reflexively stood up straight, and plastered an extremely sincere smile on his face:

“Reporting, Father-in-law! Good! Very good! Xi'er is gentle and considerate, and this son-in-Law is eternally grateful, and will certainly...”

“Stop, stop, stop!” Chen Jun waved his hand, interrupting his standard answer. “Don't talk about those formalities.”

He sat up straight, leaned closer, lowered his voice, and wore an expression that said, “All men understand this”:

“I'm asking you, in that regard... is it harmonious? How's the frequency? Have you considered... giving Zhao Jing a little brother or sister?”

The smile on Li Mo's face instantly froze, and his mouth twitched slightly.

Here we go again!

Here we go again!

Father-in-law's concern for a second child was late, but it arrived nonetheless!

He wailed internally, but dared not show the slightest neglect verbally:

“Harmonious! Extremely harmonious! The frequency... is also normal! As for a little brother or sister... that... that depends on fate, depends on fate...”

“Fate?” Chen Jun glared, then immediately put on that profound and inscrutable expression, starting his classic analogy:

“Little Mo, your thinking still hasn't caught up!”

“I'm telling you, a daughter having children is like fishing!”

“Right now, I've already caught a top-quality big fish in one pond—that's my precious grandson, Chen Zhaojing!”

“This fish is plump and beautiful. What does that prove? It proves that this fish pond has good geomancy and abundant resources!”

Chen Jun grew more excited as he spoke, waving the Nirvana Star Core in his hand:

“What I need to do now isn't carry a fishing rod and search the world for new ponds! Or pressure my other daughters to find sons-in-Law! How tiring is that? Isn't that a waste of energy?”

“What should a smart person do?”

“In this very pond, which has proven capable of producing big fish! Continue dropping bait! Continue fishing!”

“Strive to catch a second, a third... Strive to fish out all the high-quality fry in this pond!”

“This is called ‘Precise Investment’ and ‘Resource Maximization’! Do you understand?”

Li Mo was left dizzy by this “Fish Pond Theory,” and could only nod like a chick pecking rice:

“I understand! I understand! Father-in-law's insight is profound! This son-in-Law has been enlightened!”

How could he not understand?

Over the past seventeen years, he had heard this “Fish Pond Theory” not a thousand times, but certainly eight hundred!

He could even recite it backward!

Did he dare not understand?

Once, when Chen Jun asked why there was still no news, he stammered and accidentally mumbled, “Maybe Xi'er is... too busy Cultivating...”

Just that one sentence!

Just that one unintentional remark!

That afternoon, he was invited for “tea” by various people, one after another.

First was Emperor Shi Yue, who patted his shoulder and spoke earnestly: “Little Li, you need to be proactive! Ancestor Chen bears the future of the Federation; as his son-in-Law, you must share the burden! How can you let Ancestor Chen worry about such a trivial matter?”

Then came Li Qingshan, whose Sword Qi circled him chillingly: “Hmph! As a Sword User, you must advance bravely! How can you shrink back from such a major matter concerning the Legacy of civilization as having children? Could it be a deficiency of Kidney Water? This Seat has a streak of Innate Geng Metal Sword Qi here that can help you temper your Kidney Origin. Want to try it?”

Next was Mo Heng, who pushed up his glasses and pulled out a thick stack of research reports: “Li Mo, according to our latest research... these are the ‘Dragon Vigour and Tiger Might Pill’ and the ‘Phoenix and Dragon Harmony Powder’ newly developed by the Academy of Sciences. Take them, consume them on time, and remember to report the data back.”

Finally, Chu Yueyao, whose cool gaze swept over him, issued a direct administrative order: “Li Mo, causing Ancestor Chen concern is dereliction of duty. This matter has been listed as a Priority Supervision Item by the Xuntian Pavilion. I will regularly inquire about the progress. I hope you... conduct yourself well.”

...After that series of Combined Attacks, Li Mo nearly collapsed on the spot.

Since then, whenever Chen Jun gave “instructions” regarding the second child, he would nod in agreement unconditionally, mindlessly, and with utmost sincerity.

“Father-in-law is right!”

“This son-in-Law understands!”

“This son-in-Law will work hard tonight!”

...As for the results... Chen Xi's belly has yet to show any sign of a second pregnancy.

After all, at Chen Xi's level, the leap in life essence was accompanied by a geometric increase in the difficulty of childbirth.

Chen Xi herself possessed the Innate Martial Body, yet she had also acquired massive resources and was wholeheartedly devoted to Cultivation.

Having children?

They could only let nature take its course; he couldn't make decisions for his wife.

In any case, Li Mo had accepted it: whatever his Father-in-law said was Law, and he would follow it. Whether a child was actually born... that truly depended on fate.

At least, on the surface, he was Ancestor Chen's most “obedient” and “sensible” good son-in-Law... If Li Mo's daily life was “painful yet happy,” then Chen Zhaojing's childhood and adolescence were purely “joyful education”—a moral character class personally taught by his grandfather, Chen Jun, with the philosophy of “learning through play.”

From the moment Chen Zhaojing could understand human speech, Chen Jun, without fail, set aside a fixed time each day to hold his precious grandson and instill the Family's core values, “starting from the cradle.”

The classroom location was not fixed; sometimes it was in the Room of Reflection on Past Hardships, sometimes in the garden, and sometimes even in Chen Jun's armchair.

As for textbooks... there were none. It was all based on Chen Jun's impromptu performance.

But the core idea, seventeen years as one, remained unwavering—to procreate, spread branches and leaves, and strengthen the Family!

“Zhao Jing, look at this tree.” Chen Jun pointed to a lush, evergreen “Myriad Longevity Tree” in the courtyard, laden with various rare and exotic fruits.

“Why can it grow so tall and so big? Because it has developed roots and many branches! One branch can bear ten fruits, ten branches can bear a hundred! This is the power of the Family!”

Little Zhao Jing blinked his big, dark eyes, half-understanding.

“Now look at this ant nest.” Chen Jun then pointed to a nest of “Star Core Worker Ants” in the corner, which had been specially protected.

“Why can they move food thousands of times heavier than themselves? Because there are many ants, and their strength is great! The queen ant is responsible for giving birth, and the worker ants are responsible for working. With clear division of labor, the Family can prosper!”

Little Zhao Jing looked at the busy ants and nodded vigorously.

As he grew older, Chen Jun's “lesson plans” also began to upgrade.

From analogies with plants and animals, it ascended to “Cosmic Truths” and “the Rise and Fall of Civilizations.”

“Zhao Jing, do you know why our Human Federation can become stronger and stronger?”

“Because we have many people!”

“Exactly! Population is the cornerstone of civilization! The Family is the cell of civilization!”

“Look at those ancient civilizations that disappeared into the river of history; many weren't due to external enemies, but because their own people couldn't have children and went extinct!”

“So, what is the most important responsibility of men in our Old Chen Family?”

Young Chen Zhaojing raised his head and answered in a childish but exceptionally firm voice:

“Have children! Have many children! Let the Old Chen Family spread throughout the entire Universe!”

“Hahaha! Good! As expected of my good grandson! Your Comprehension Ability is too high!”

Chen Jun was greatly comforted and rewarded his great-grandson with a “Star Honey Candy” that could sweeten the Soul.

Under this daily influence, Chen Zhaojing's values were shaped to be incredibly “upright”!

His dream at three years old was to be the “Universe Kindergarten Director”!

His dream at five years old was to “marry a hundred wives”!

By the age of ten, he could skillfully recite a million-word version of the “Chen Family Instructions for Procreation”!

At fifteen, he began to actively follow reports on the Federation's “Model Fertility Families” and diligently took notes!

...Now, Chen Zhaojing is eighteen years old.

Under the accumulation of the Federation's vast resources and his mysterious grandfather's occasional “secret instructions,” although his apparent Aptitude is still only A-grade.

His actual Physical Body strength, Soul Origin, and Comprehension Ability foundation have long surpassed ordinary Innate Martial Bodies, and his strength has reached War God Peak!

He has a tall and straight figure, a handsome face, and between his brows, there is both the gentleness of the Chen Family's eldest legitimate grandson and a hint of Chen Jun's resilience from his early days among the common people.

It can be said that, apart from his officially certified A-grade Aptitude, nothing about him resembles an A-grade!

Today is his eighteenth birthday.

His coming-of-age ceremony!

What does this mean?

It means that legally and physiologically, he is qualified to spread the branches and leaves for the Old Chen Family!

Inside the Star Prayer Hall, a warm yet grand Family banquet was being held.

Lin Wei, Chen Xi, Li Mo, Chen Yao, Chen Lu, Chen Xingyu, Chen Changxi, and other Family members were all present.

Even the “aunts”—Yue Xi, Xuan Sha, Su Yuan, Liu Qing, and even Yun Qinglan—who were usually busy with Cultivation, rarely gathered together to celebrate their little nephew's birthday.

Gifts piled up like a small mountain, shining brightly.

Chen Zhaojing, wearing a brand-new suit, his face beaming with youthful smiles, bowed and thanked his elders one by one.

The Family banquet atmosphere was harmonious, filled with laughter and joy.

However, when the birthday cake was brought out and the candles were blown out.

The atmosphere suddenly became... serious and full of anticipation.

Everyone knew the main event was coming.

Chen Jun cleared his throat, his face showing unprecedented solemnity.

His gaze swept across the room, finally settling on his energetic great-grandson's face.

“Zhao Jing.”

“Grandfather.” Chen Zhaojing immediately responded respectfully.

“Today, you have come of age.” Chen Jun's tone was profound, “This means you are no longer a child. On your shoulders, you will bear the heavy burden of population for our Old Chen Family, and even the entire Human Federation's future!”

Chen Zhaojing puffed out his chest, his eyes firm: “Grandfather, Zhao Jing understands! Always ready!”

“Good!” Chen Jun nodded in satisfaction, then revealed his true intention, making a direct decision:

“Since you're ready, then Grandfather will make the decision for you!”

“Your marriage must be put on the agenda! And quickly!”

“I announce that starting tomorrow, we will launch the ‘Student Chen Zhaojing's Concubine Selection Plan’! No, it's the ‘Spouse Selection Plan’!”

“Pfft—”

Li Mo, who was drinking juice, almost spat it out and quickly covered his mouth.

Lin Wei and Chen Xi helplessly rubbed their foreheads... The aunts had various expressions: Yue Xi smiled, Xuan Sha raised an eyebrow, Su Yuan was thoughtful, Liu Qing was expressionless, and Yun Qinglan blinked curiously.

Chen Zhaojing himself blushed slightly, with both a young man's shyness and a sense of “it's finally my turn”?... a sense of mission!

“Father-in-law... isn't this... a bit too rushed?” Li Mo bit the bullet and suggested softly.

“Rushed?” Chen Jun's eyes widened, “I've waited over two hundred years! Only to wait for my first grandson to come of age! You call this rushed?”

He waved his hand, leaving no room for doubt:

“This matter is settled!”

“The requirements are very simple!”

“First, female!”

“Second, alive!”

“Third, willing to have children! Able to have children! Wants to have many children!”

Everyone: “...”

These requirements... were truly “simple and crude” to the extreme!

“Of course!” Chen Jun added, “Aptitude, Family background, and appearance also need to be considered. But the core idea cannot change! Everything is based on ‘productivity’!”

He looked at Chu Yueyao; at such Family gatherings, Chu Yueyao, as the “Grand Steward,” was usually present:

“Yue Yao, I'm entrusting this matter to you! Under the name of the Xuntian Pavilion, conduct a mass selection across the entire Federation! No thresholds! Anyone who meets those three core requirements can sign up!”

Chu Yueyao's mouth twitched imperceptibly, but she still respectfully accepted the order: “Yes, Ancestor Chen.”

She then looked at Young Master Chen Zhaojing, her tone gentle: “Young Master Zhao Jing, do you personally... have any preferred types? For example, in terms of personality or special skills?”

Chen Zhaojing took a deep breath, recalling his grandfather's earnest teachings over the past seventeen years, his eyes becoming incredibly “pious” and “pure.” He declared loudly:

“To Pavilion Master Chu, I have no other requirements. I only hope that she... is healthy, loves life, and is willing to work hard with me to strengthen the Family and prosper the Federation's population cause, dedicating her entire life!”

Silence... a deathly silence... With this “standard answer,” even the Star Arm Level aunts, who had seen many storms, fell silent.

Yun Qinglan tilted her head and quietly asked Yue Xi next to her: “Eighth Sister, is having children... more important than comprehending the Laws of the Universe?”

Yue Xi: “...Qinglan, this, older sister... doesn't understand either.”

“Good! Well said!” Chen Jun, however, was so excited that he slapped the table and cheered, greatly comforted, “As expected of a descendant of my Old Chen Family! Such high ideological awareness!”

He stood up, walked to Chen Zhaojing, and patted his great-grandson's shoulder vigorously:

“Zhao Jing! Grandfather is proud of you!”

“Don't worry! Grandfather will definitely pick you one, no! Pick you a bunch of the best wives who can bear many children!”

“The great undertaking of our Old Chen Family spreading its branches and leaves and heading towards the Universe officially begins with you!”

Chen Zhaojing felt the heavy weight of expectation on his shoulders and nodded heavily.

In his eyes, a fire burned as if he were about to conquer the sea of stars... the fire of procreation!!!