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On the ground, the sector garrison troops, equipped with standard Dimensional City weapons, marched in orderly fashion across the newly redesigned streets. Their helmets provided vision through the Cardinal's office, making any suspicious heat sources or sonic anomalies impossible to miss.

Real military operations have shifted more towards the exploration of unknown star systems and the precise elimination of internal "destabilizing factors." A task force composed of former Star Core Hunters has just emerged from a remote underground bunker still bearing the "Preservation" insignia, leaving behind only cold silence. Efficiency is the sole criterion.

Society: A Planned Life

Culture, under intense pressure, exhibited a peculiar "prosperity." The Universal Big Data Platform was open to all citizens with sufficient contribution points, where alchemy techniques from Immortal Ship, poetry from Azure Star, and even the wild art of the Annihilation Gang (approved version) could be found. Technical exchanges were unprecedentedly active, but every download and every browsing session was recorded and analyzed.

However, any attempt to revive the old star god worship will lead to annihilation. Temples are converted into schools or factories, and scriptures are replaced with technical manuals. Children in history class are told that it was an old era filled with chaos, waste, and pointless sacrifices, and that the Dimensional City brought order and light.

Personal joys and sorrows seem to become less important. Dimensional imprints monitor heart rate, hormone levels, and even brainwave activity. Excessive sadness, inexplicable excitement, and especially nostalgia for the old days can trigger alarms, attracting "care" from "psychological counselors" (who are also responsible to the Cardinals) or worse.

Social classes are subtly divided by contribution points. High-ranking technocrats and powerful warriors reside atop star cities with simulated natural environments, enjoying a lifestyle akin to that of old-time aristocrats; the vast majority of producers live in efficient but monotonous standardized modules; while those marked as "unstable elements" perform the most dangerous work under harsh supervision, their contribution point exchange rate pitifully low.

Technology: The Prisoner of Leap

The tide of technology is surging forward. Stargate networks bring distant lands within reach, dimensional energy revitalizes barren planets, and biotechnology makes limb regeneration possible—provided you have enough contribution points to cover the exorbitant costs.

The Black Tower's puppets, Ruan Mei, and Screw Gumu—these geniuses gained the resources they'd always dreamed of and an unrestricted research environment (within the established framework). Miracle after miracle was born in their laboratories. But unbeknownst to anyone, some of their research was being used to analyze the power of those terrifying beings within the Thousand Realms Prison, attempting to forge divine authority into weapons for the city.

This is a meticulously planned technology tree; any branch that might shake the foundations of dominance is ruthlessly pruned in its infancy. Scientists are the darlings of the new era, but also dancers in invisible shackles.

Under the shadow

The Prison of a Thousand Realms remains the deepest taboo. The orbs or cubes of light of the Star Gods lie dormant within its confinement, their power gradually extracted and studied, becoming the deepest secret of the Dimensional City's energy matrix and weapon systems. They are exhibits in museums, and also reserves in ammunition depots.

The Star Train lay silently at its designated port. Himeko gazed out the window at the orderly yet lifeless city, her coffee long since cold. Dan Heng frantically searched the database, trying to piece together the truth obscured by the new history. March Seven and Hoshi felt a strange sense of oppression.

The Star Core Hunters walk the edge of darkness, trading their survival for missions assigned by the Cardinals. Kafka's smile remains, but it carries a hint of weariness and vigilance.

Chapter 278 The Development of the Dimensional City

This is a magnificent picture, painted with steel, data, and supreme power. It brought unprecedented peace and efficiency, but also stripped away the color and warmth of life. The universe is like a highly precise, never-ending machine, roaring towards a predetermined future under the absolute will of Feng Xi.

Beneath that dazzling order, unseen undercurrents may be quietly gathering deep within the cold metal pipes, awaiting the moment of their bursting. Under the sky of this new era, triumphant songs of progress echo, but so do silent sighs.

Under the absolute will of Feng Xi and the efficient management of the Cardinal Council, the universe was gradually incorporated into the intricate system of Dimensional City. However, Dimensional City itself was not monolithic; its interior had long been divided into vast, distinctive urban districts based on their origins, technological paths, and functions. With the frenzied influx of resources from the universe and the explosive integration of technology, these core urban districts experienced unprecedented leaps in development.

Linglong City: A Forbidden Sanctuary for Life Sciences

As the core technology originating from the world of "Ling Cage", Ling Cage City has always focused on biological genes, ecological modification, and research on Devouring Beasts. The unification of the universe has brought it a massive amount of biological samples and genetic maps from different worlds.

A Leap in Ecological Control: Combining the bio-regulation technology of the Celestial Ship with Ruan Mei's theory of life creation, Linglong City 670 has achieved a new level of control over "ecology." They can not only rapidly transform the atmosphere and soil of barren planets, but also cultivate new types of "symbiotic plants" that are adapted to extreme environments and can even actively devour specific pollutants or energy. The struggle for survival has been transformed into the active design and shaping of life forms.

The Re-arming of the Devouring Beasts: Research on the Devouring Beasts is no longer limited to understanding and control, but has moved towards the in-depth development of "biological weapons." By injecting trace samples of selected imaginary energy or specific celestial power (extremely dangerous and strictly regulated), the new generation of Devouring Beasts has become more controllable and aggressive. There have even been "Phase Hunters" capable of short-distance space jumps, becoming a fearsome spearhead in the Dimensional City's ground forces.

Exploration of Life Forms: With Feng Xi's tacit approval and the Cardinal Academy's close monitoring, the Linglong City laboratory began experimenting with more radical life form fusion and creation, attempting to break the boundaries of carbon-based life and explore the possibilities of energy life, information life, and even half-dimensional life. These studies were dangerous and taboo, but they also provided the Dimensional City with unimaginable potential power.

Honkai Impact 3rd: Herrscher Core and Imaginary Technology

Originating from the world of "Honkai Impact," Honkai City has always been the core of Dimensional City's energy technology and high-end combat power. After the world submitted, its development has been progressing rapidly.

Industrial Application of Herrscher Cores: Through in-depth research on the imprisoned Herrscher cores (and similar entities within the Prison of a Thousand Worlds), Honkai City has successfully achieved the stable extraction and miniaturized application of Herrscher-level energy. New generations of energy cores, weapon systems, and even personal armor are beginning to integrate these advanced energies, resulting in a qualitative leap in the power level of Dimensional City's cutting-edge weaponry.

The advancement of imaginary technology: The exploration and utilization of imaginary space is no longer the privilege of a few powerful individuals. The Honkai City has established a large-scale "imaginary submarine" device, capable of projecting an entire fleet into imaginary space for short periods to perform high-speed maneuvers or evade attacks. Imaginary energy shields have also moved from the laboratory to become standard equipment for main fleets.

The Fusion Warrior Project has been expanded: combining genetic technologies and energy adaptation theories from multiple worlds, the new generation of fusion warriors will have a higher success rate and greater adaptability in their modification surgeries. The project, led by Kevin and Mebius (and their collaborators), has begun to explore integrating the traits of powerful beings from other worlds (such as the "immortal" physique of the Celestial Ship and the special abilities of certain races) into the modification system, creating more diverse super warriors.

Angel City: Holy Order and the Light of Purification

Angel City, originating from the angel civilization of "Super God Academy," represents order, justice (as defined by Dimensional City), and top-tier individual combat capabilities.

The expansion of the Sacred Knowledge Treasury: The Knowledge Treasury of Angel City has been connected to the Cardinal's database, resulting in an exponential increase in computing power. Its capabilities in combat calculation, battlefield deployment, and resource allocation have become unprecedentedly powerful, making it a crucial part of the Dimensional City's order maintenance system.

Optimization and mass production of angel genes: After obtaining top-tier biological resources from around the world, the genetic sequences of the new generation of angel warriors have been further optimized, resulting in faster birth rates and stronger basic attributes. Although top-tier combat power (such as the Holy Keisha level) still requires time to accumulate, the number of high-ranking angels has significantly increased, becoming the main force in carrying out high-difficulty suppression and purification missions.

The upgrade of the Skyblade series: The Skyblade series warships of the angels incorporate the space and energy technologies of the Dimensional City, greatly enhancing their firepower, defense, and mobility. Their "Skyblade Judgment" system, when empowered by Herrscher energy or fragments of specific Star God power, reaches terrifying levels of power, becoming one of the ultimate symbols of "purifying" rebellion throughout the universe.

Sun City: Stellar Drive and the Art of Destruction

Lieyang City, representing the Lieyang civilization in "Super God Academy," embodies the ideal of national peace and prosperity, but also possesses the terrifying power to drive stars and destroy celestial bodies.

Precise harnessing of stellar energy: The Lieyang civilization reached new heights in its application of stellar energy. No longer content with merely powering themselves, they began, under the planning of the Cardinal Council, to construct massive "stellar energy transfer stations," transmitting energy from distant stars to the Dimensional City's energy network via space technology, thus becoming one of the cornerstones of the global energy system.

The art of destructive weaponry: The power of "solar energy" has been amplified and refined. New types of "solar flare bombardments" can go from destroying a planet to precisely evaporating a city without harming the surrounding area; destruction has become a precisely controllable "technical skill." They have even begun researching how to extract all the energy from dying stars to create one-time "supernova bombs."

Integration of the Heavenly Path Tower: The Heavenly Path Tower system of the Blazing Sun is deeply connected with the Cardinal Academy. Its powerful computing and deduction capabilities are used for the macro-strategic planning of the Dimensional City and the simulation of large-scale engineering projects, further improving the efficiency of the entire ruling system.

Castlevania: The Paradox of Shadow and Freedom

The Demon Castle, originating from Morgana's demonic civilization, finds itself in a precarious position under the rule of Dimensional City. They champion freedom and decadence, yet are forced to submit to Fengxi's absolute order.

The pinnacle of shadow technology: Demonic wormhole sniping, genetic implantation (under strict control and modification), and dark information reading technologies have reached their zenith with the support of Dimensional City's resources. Demon warriors have become the best assassins, spies, and special operations personnel, operating in the shadows of Dimensional City, handling missions that cannot be brought to the light.

The Distortion of the Concept of Freedom: Within the framework of the Dimensional Castle, "freedom" is redefined. Demons are allowed to maintain their culture and lifestyle in specific areas (such as the Castle itself and designated "indulgence zones"), and can even "degenerate" to a limited extent, but anyone who crosses the line will be ruthlessly purged. This confined "freedom" fills the Castle with a paradoxical atmosphere of both madness and repression.

The balance between technology and danger: Many of the demon's technologies are inherently highly risky and uncontrollable (such as substandard gene implantation). Under the Cardinals' strict regulations, these technologies have had their most dangerous aspects removed, becoming more "safe" and "practical," but in doing so, they have lost some of their original wild allure.

Chapter 279 The Choice of the Golden Descendants

Demon Slayer Castle: The Pinnacle of Breathing Techniques and Soul Research

Demon Slayer Castle, originating from the world of Demon Slayer, may not be as large as other major cities, but its unique technological approach has achieved astonishing breakthroughs.

The popularization and refinement of breathing techniques: Combining global human enhancement technology and energy theory, breathing techniques are no longer merely a means of fighting demons, but have evolved into a highly efficient energy guidance and body enhancement system. After optimization and standardization, they began to be promoted in the military and law enforcement departments throughout the Dimensional City, greatly improving the combat capabilities and survivability of rank-and-file soldiers. Top-tier "Pillar" level powerhouses, with the support of new technologies and resources, have even reached a terrifying level capable of cleaving through small ships.

A Deeper Analysis of Demons and Souls: The Demon Slayer Castle's research institute gained unprecedented resources to study the nature of "demons" and the secrets of the soul. They not only fully analyzed Muzan's cells, enabling them to artificially create controllable "demon soldiers," but also began to explore forbidden areas such as soul transfer and consciousness preservation. This research provided invaluable support for the Dimensional Castle's biotechnology, medicine, and even its efforts to combat certain mental attacks.

The material revolution of Nichirin Blade technology: After absorbing a large number of top global materials science achievements, the new generation of "Nichirin Blade" uses alloys, energy crystals and even trace amounts of Star God fragments. Its lethality against "evil" attributes increases exponentially, making it the standard weapon for elite law enforcement officers to deal with certain special threats.

The six districts within Dimensional City, nourished by universal resources and guided by Feng Xi's will, each developed wildly along their unique technological paths, merging with each other to form a powerful and bizarre comprehensive strength. They are not only the six pillars of Dimensional City's rule over the universe, but also like six wildly growing organs, jointly supporting the cold and efficient behemoth of the universe planned by Feng Xi.

Prosperity and repression, leaps and taboos, are vividly embodied in these six cities. Their light illuminates the sky of a new era, while their shadows conceal all the hopes and fears of this age.

Feng Xi's figure did not linger long in the Thousand Realms Prison or amidst the clamor of cosmic affairs. His consciousness once again turned to the unique data world temporarily housed in the valley on the edge of the Dimensional City—Onfaros. He had a special interest in this world, simulated by the stellar computer "Imperial Scepter" to solve the equation of "destruction," and in the Golden Descendants within it, who were simulated as a conjugate of "Star Gods" and "Destiny Walkers."

His will easily pierced through Onfaros's data barrier, as if an invisible god had descended upon this world. The structure of the world was crystal clear to him—a flowing torrent of code, mountains and rivers built upon rules, and those most dazzling nodes, composed of special algorithms and "divine blood" data—**Yellow-Golden Descendants**.

He didn't alarm the world, but rather, like a precise surgical operation, he found those key individuals one by one.

He first appeared before Aglaia. The leader of the Golden Blood was planning the next campaign against the Lost Titans in the virtual hall. Feng Xi's arrival was without warning; he simply stood abruptly in the center of the hall, radiating an aura of absolute calm that was completely out of place in this world.

"Who?"

Aglaia instantly became alert, her elegant demeanor taking on a cold edge.

"Manager, Feng Xi."

He answered calmly, his gaze seemingly able to see through the very essence of her data, “Aglaia, the leader who bears the shadow of romantic divine authority.”

Before Aglaia could respond, he raised his hand, and the magnificent palace scenery around him peeled away like a faded oil painting, revealing an endless stream of 0s and 1s code beneath, as well as the cold, fundamental logical framework that kept this world running.

"The world you perceive, Onpharos, is not the real universe. It operates within a stellar computer called the Imperial Scepter. You, including the Titans you are fighting, are data simulations, experimental constructs existing to solve the Destruction Equation."

Aglaia's pupils contracted sharply. She tried to refute, but the stark reality of the data around her and the incomprehensible oppressive aura emanating from Feng Xi made her words catch in her throat. Her pride in her wisdom and composure trembled before the complete denial of her own existence.

Feng Xi continued, his tone completely flat, as if stating a technical solution:

“I can create real, material, cosmic bodies for you and the Golden Blood you designate. I will grant you the right to exist in the real sea of ​​stars, freeing you from this prison of data.”

Aglaia forced herself to calm down; she was the leader and had to weigh the options:

"cost?"

"Join my city, Dimensional City. Contribute your strength and wisdom to serve my planning."

Feng Xi said calmly,

"Your experience in simulated combat and your understanding of power here are valuable. In the real world, you can become stronger and witness landscapes far broader than Onphalos, and of course, you will also face real dangers."

The same scene unfolded before the other Golden Descendants.

In Tibo's whimsical yet multifaceted space, Fengxi directly points out that the essence of his "transmitting divine pronouncements" and "splitting into a thousand bodies" is the manifestation of system instructions and data redundancy.

During the martial arts competition at Xuanfeng City, Feng Xi revealed his inner fear of "the death of glory," which stemmed from his subconscious perception of the futility of his own existence.

Faced with the destined "savior" Bai E, Feng Xi directly revealed the true nature of the "Creation Vortex"—it was merely a core computing unit of the Emperor's Scepter, and her "re-creation" was just the ultimate instruction preset by the program.

Feng Xi calmly analyzes the code structure of the "death" power in relation to Xia Die, who is immersed in the tragedy of sisterly love, pointing out that her joys and sorrows are nothing more than a carefully designed narrative algorithm.

As for Sai Fei'er, who was weaving lies, Feng Xi directly exposed the futility of her "tricks" under the observation of a higher dimension.

He also found the alchemist Naksha, the healer Feng Jin, and even traced the data of the leader of the first Fire Chasing Journey, Queen Ohma **Kerudela**, and her loyal swordsman, Lord Hathein.

He revealed the cruel truth to every Golden Clan member and offered them the same choice: their lives in exchange for absolute loyalty and service.

Chapter 280 The Joining of the Golden Descendants

The Golden Descendants reacted in different ways.

Aglaia fell into a long silence, weighing the responsibilities of a leader against the temptations of transcending illusions.

Tibo showed great curiosity and seemed very interested in the "outside" world.

After the initial shock, Wan Di erupted with a strong desire to experience "real" combat.

Bai'er's beliefs suffered the heaviest blow, leaving him bewildered and helpless.

The tragic instincts of the Xia Die sisters (if data allows) are overturned, plunging them into complex emotions.

After her lie was exposed, Sai Feier felt a twisted sense of relief.

Natsume and Fumi focus more on the new research and practice fields that "reality" can bring.

Crydella's ambitions seem to have been reignited upon learning of a broader arena for conquest.

Ultimately, represented by Aglaia, most of the Golden Blood, after a painful process of cognitive reconstruction, chose to accept Fengxi's conditions. Escaping the false cage and embracing the real universe, even at the cost of losing some freedom, was too tempting for these simulated life forms, who essentially sought "meaning of existence."

Feng Xi kept his promise. Utilizing the cutting-edge biotechnology of Linglong City and Collapsed City, combined with the perfect data blueprint of the Golden Descendants extracted from the database, a series of real flesh and blood bodies containing powerful energy and identical in form to theirs in Onfaros were rapidly created.

Subsequently, their core data consciousness was carefully transferred to their new bodies by Feng Xi using his spatial and informational powers.

When Aglaia first breathed the air of Dimensional City with her real lungs, when Wan Di first felt the power of real muscles surging, when Tibo curiously touched real matter... an indescribable shock and sense of rebirth enveloped these former "data heroes".

They gathered before Feng Xi like newborn infants, yet carrying the memories and experiences of past battles.

"Welcome to the real universe." Feng Xi's voice remained calm. "Remember your promise. Dimensional City will provide you with everything you need, and you will serve me."

The Golden Blood knelt on one knee, offering their loyalty to the being who had given them real life. Their power and experience were quickly incorporated into various fields of the Dimensional City by the Cardinals—some joined elite task forces, some entered the research department to study their unique "divine authority" simulation power, and some became administrators.

The story of Onfaros did not end there; it was preserved as a vast data testing ground and talent pool. And Feng Xi's forces gained another unique and boundless power. The strength and diversity of Dimensional City were once again enhanced.

The arrival of the Golden Blood was like injecting a strange new blood into the sophisticated yet cold behemoth that was the Dimensional City. Their unique perspective from the data world, their simulated experience of the power of "Destiny," and their own unwavering will quickly demonstrated their value in various fields.

Aglaia, with her leadership skills and cool head, was evaluated by the Cardinals and appointed as one of the deputy heads of the newly established "Special Tactical Planning Department," responsible for analyzing potential threats from different worlds and developing countermeasures. Beneath her elegant demeanor lies the ruthless calculation unique to data beings, unexpectedly fitting the style of Dimensional City.

Wan Di, yearning for real combat, joined an elite task force. While the simulated divine power of "Conflict" he possessed couldn't be fully utilized in the real universe, it granted him an extraordinary intuition for combat rhythm and timing of destruction, quickly making him one of the team members with the highest mission completion rate. However, his obsession with "dying with honor" seemed to be amplified in real killing, requiring him to undergo regular psychological evaluations.

Tibo's "thousand bodies" are redundant in the data world, but become a unique information processing advantage in the real world. He was assigned to the data processing center under the Cardinals, responsible for monitoring information flow in a specific dimension. His childlike curiosity often allowed him to discover abnormal fluctuations that were difficult to detect by conventional logic.

After her initial beliefs crumbled, Bai'e chose to join the bio-environmental modification department in Linglong City. Her desire to "save the world" shifted from virtual programs to real-world planetary ecological reconstruction, attempting to create new life for worlds ravaged by war or suffering from harsh environments under the order planned by Feng Xi. Her "negative world" power exhibited unique effects in guiding life energy.

The Chacho sisters (if data allows coexistence) no longer limit their understanding of "death" to the programmed tragedy, and begin to study the life cycle and end of the real universe... They join the Demon Slayer Institute, focusing on end-of-life care and combating certain attacks based on the concept of "death," and their abilities become more constructive... or rather, more awe-inspiring.

Saifei'er's talent for "deception" was used by the intelligence and counterintelligence departments of Dimensional City. She was adept at weaving lies and setting traps to capture those who tried to hide as rebels or external spies. Lying for survival and lying for a mission seemed to make no difference to her.

At that moment, Xia and Feng Jin entered the research department and the medical department respectively. Their alchemy and medical skills burst forth with new vitality after obtaining real materials and technical support from the Dimensional City.

Even the combat experience and military talent of Cerberus and Heather, traced through data, were extracted and analyzed by the Cardinals and integrated into the dimensional city defense army's tactical database. The Empress's ambition for conquest was transformed into an efficient expansion algorithm, while the loyalty of the Sword Banner Lord became a template for analyzing the psychology of warriors.

The integration of the Golden Blood was generally smooth. They cherished this hard-won real life, worked hard to adapt to their new roles, and earned contribution points to improve their privileges and quality of life. The Dimensional City also became more diverse with their addition, and the technology tree branched out into new directions.

However, beneath this prosperity and order, the shadows of the past have not completely dissipated.

Within the Prison of a Thousand Realms, the whispers of the Star Gods and their messengers have continued unabated since version 2.8. Aha continues his quest for amusement, unimaginable rage brews within Nanuk's deathly silence, Lan's hatred for abundance remains undiminished, and Hipe's whispered fusion tempts every being that approaches…

Although their power is imprisoned, their very existence radiates their respective "ideas" outwards, like a slowly seeping poison, subtly influencing the prison guards and even further afield. Reports have already indicated that certain dimensional city areas near the Thousand Realms Prison have experienced abnormal emotional fluctuations and inexplicable energy distortions.

The gruesome deaths of the company directors, hanged to death, remain an indelible and terrifying memory for many of the former company's affiliated civilizations. Beneath the outward compliance lies suppressed fear and resentment. While the contribution point system is undoubtedly fair, it also ruthlessly widens the gap between social classes, breeding discontent.

Chapter 281 Alicia's Encounter with Xilian

The Star Train remained docked at the port, with Ji Zi, Dan Heng, and the others observing coldly. They saw the deathly silence beneath the order, the oppressive atmosphere beneath the efficiency. Dan Heng, in particular, keenly sensed that Marshal Hua, Jing Yuan, and the others on the Immortal Ship, though trying their best to adapt, always carried a heavy, unresolved weight between their brows. A silent resistance was perhaps brewing.

The Star Core Hunters carry out dangerous missions, with Kafka smiling as she completes each order. Silver Wolf occasionally discovers deliberately hidden "backdoor" information about the Dimensional City's underlying code; Blade seems to seek some kind of release in the midst of slaughter; and Firefly often gazes into the distance, seemingly sensing something. Elio's "new script" doesn't appear to be entirely compliant.

Even within Dimensional City, while the six major districts are developing rapidly, subtle competition and divisions are beginning to emerge due to differences in ideology and technology. Angel City scoffs at the "corrupted" culture of Demon City, Blazing Sun City feels that the biological modification of Spirit Cage City is too dangerous, and Collapse City focuses on its own technological breakthroughs, appearing somewhat isolated.

Feng Xi was aware of all of this. To him, these subtle noises and undercurrents were still within a controllable range, even a "stress test" that he had deliberately allowed to exist. The Cardinal's monitoring network was all-pervasive, and any anomaly exceeding the threshold would immediately trigger a response.

He stood atop the Dimensional City, his gaze seemingly able to pierce through countless spaces, seeing the Star God he had imprisoned, those surrenderers with ulterior motives, the silent majority, and beyond the distant starry sky, a wider, unexplored unknown realm.