Chapter 376: Journey to the Pleiades

Ning Shuangshuang glanced at Hao Ren and said, “What exactly is a Dark Matter Lifeform? To us, we still can’t determine its true nature.”

“Is it that they feed on energy-rich matter? And what happens when they’re separated from it? We need more research—perhaps this is our chance,” she continued.

Yuan Minhua asked worriedly, “But it’s terrifying. If even one escapes, humanity might be doomed.”

This frantic flight of the entire Blue Star Civilization left even Yuan Minhua, usually so confident in the prowess of Dream Technology, visibly shaken.

Although the massive Dark Matter Lifeform was eventually grievously injured—even annihilated—it resurged within days.

Who knows how long it will take for it to grow back to its former colossal size?

Du Qiu remarked, “The fact that the Dark Matter Lifeform exists means that our unseen dark matter realm can give birth to intelligent life.”

He added, “If we can master or even domesticate it, we might one day unlock the mysteries of dark matter.”

After all, dark matter makes up 26.8% of the universe, dark energy 68.3%—together they form 95.1%, leaving visible matter at a mere 4.9%.

So, studying the Dark Matter Lifeform could be our golden opportunity to unravel cosmic secrets.

Hearing Du Qiu’s words, Hao Ren interjected, “I hope to have the chance to take part in researching the Dark Matter Lifeform.”

Du Qiu smiled and replied, “Sure, gather a team and get started.”

Rein Leinar asked, “Du, then we’ll secure Mars and figure out how to observe and study the Dark Matter Lifeform?”

Upon seeing Du Qiu nod, Qin Yun quickly inquired, “So, we’re not going back to the Solar System?”

Du Qiu activated a star map projection via Star Ocean and said, “For now, we’re not returning to the Solar System. I’ll send extra fleets and supplies to Longtar so he can establish a base in the asteroid belt.”

Beyond Mars, we’ll set up tight surveillance to monitor the Dark Matter Lifeform’s activities on the Martian surface.

If it tries to escape Mars, we will eliminate it. At worst, we’ll let it destroy Mars in a last-ditch scenario.

As for us, our destination is the Pleiades!

Everyone knew that the Pleiadians had once come to Earth in ancient times, altering primate genes to create humanity.

At the mention of a journey to the Pleiades, an inexplicable excitement swept through the room.

Liu Yaofeng cleared his throat and said, “Boss, if we rush into the Pleiades, what if the Pleiadians are still there? Could they end up clashing with us?”

Du Qiu shook his head and explained, “From here to the Pleiades is 345 light years. At 40 times light speed, superluminal travel would take over eight years.”

Such an extended journey beyond light speed is beyond our current capability, so we must follow this route continuously.

On the star map projection, a route meandered from the edge to the heart of a star cluster.

The route featured seven points approximately 50 light years apart, with the final point unmistakably marking the Pleiades.

Everyone understood that this star cluster was the Pleiades Cluster, home to over 3,000 stars—while the Sun is part of it, it lies on the fringe.

Rein Leinar asked, “So, does that mean we need to establish a base system every 50 light years?”

“Exactly. Not only that—but once we finish building a base, we move to the next. This journey epitomizes the evolution of our Dream Technology.”

Liu Yaofeng wore a puzzled expression and said, “Evolution?”

Rein Leinar quickly clarified, “Our time is short. Although we’ve made major breakthroughs, many related fields still need to mature. Stopping every 50 light years to establish a base allows us to steadily integrate our technological advances.”

Rein Leinar’s explanation immediately made everything clear to everyone.

Du Qiu affirmed, “Batty wasn’t wrong. By the time we reach the Pleiades, we might well have ascended to a Level 5 civilization.”

He continued, “Even if the Pleiadians are still around, we won’t be entirely powerless. At the very least, we’ll have the strength to fight or the means to escape.”

Rein Leinar shook his head, “Du, while we’ve cracked the grand unified theory, we’re only just on the cusp of a Level 4 civilization.”

He added, “Hoping to jump to Level 5 in a short time is too optimistic.”

As a technical expert, Rein Leinar had been delving into propulsion mechanics—studying materials and energy that spanned many disciplines.

He knew that the current scientific framework of Dream Technology was deeply imbalanced. Individual breakthroughs might hit Level 5, but only in isolated cases.

Achieving an overall Level 5 civilization would take several generations.

Without substantial advances in biotechnology, even our genetically enhanced forms would cap our lifespan at around 300 years—making a Level 5 leap unlikely.

Even during the technological boom of the past decade, scientists reached their creative limits.

Du Qiu furrowed his brow and said, “Don’t lose hope, everyone. Biotechnology is still developing, and perhaps human lifespans can be extended even further.”

Hao Ren remarked coolly, “Based on my current research, if successful, humans might be able to transfer their consciousness into different bodies—much like how the Dark Matter Lifeform operates—thus achieving a form of immortality.”

Yuan Minhua, covering her mouth and glaring at Hao Ren, asked, “So you mean using cloning technology to replicate our bodies and then transfer our consciousness?”

In recent years, aided by knowledge implantation technology, everyone had acquired fundamental insights not only from astronomy and physics but also from biotechnology.

Thus, the moment Hao Ren mentioned it, everyone immediately understood.

“Exactly. After genetic modulation, not only is our lifespan extended to 300 years, but our cognitive capacity is greatly enhanced—a critical foundation for successful consciousness transfer,” he explained.

Hao Ren further elaborated on his research. Although Kawanohoroharu was the leading scientist in this domain, his own progress over the past decade had placed him among the top.

Hao Ren’s words ignited a collective yearning for longevity among everyone.

Yuan Minhua asked, “But if you clone yourself, what happens if there are too many clones? How many times can you transfer your consciousness? If it’s repeated, wouldn’t that create multiple versions of yourself? That’s a recipe for chaos.”

Yuan Minhua, even as she spoke, began to dismiss the idea.

Qin Yun frowned and added, “I share that concern. Without strict controls, any lapse could lead to utter chaos.”

Imagine if multiple versions of yourself started fighting each other—the ethical and moral implications would be disastrous.

This isn’t like using cloning technology to mass-produce humans based on a template; it’s about creating an exact duplicate of oneself for flawless consciousness transfer.

Du Qiu clapped his hands and declared, “Let me be clear: only Hao Ren is allowed to pursue research into cloning for consciousness transfer. No one else is permitted.”

He continued, “Legally, perfect cloning of existing, integrated members of society is strictly forbidden, so there’s no need to worry.”

He added, “If anyone’s really concerned, just wait until Hao Ren perfects his research. Perhaps, in the quest for immortality, such body replacements might eventually be allowed when we grow old and weak.”

Now, let’s return to our immediate concerns. Any other comments about our journey to the Pleiades?

Rein Leinar paused before asking, “Are we heading to the Pleiades to find out why the Pleiadians never returned to Earth?”

By month’s end, double monthly tickets will be available—so please, cast your votes quickly!