Interstellar travel is rather monotonous. For ordinary mortals, it’s not much of an issue, since there are entertainment and leisure areas. But for Starlight‑Tier and Stellar Palace‑Tier lifeforms, Subspace travel is an extremely grueling ordeal.
Because being in Subspace triggers a primal fear within living beings.
Mortals and Fusion‑Tier beings, due to their lower level, cannot sense this fear. Void Rift‑Tier and above possess the power to protect themselves and do not experience this instinctive dread. Only Starlight and Stellar Palace cultivators are caught in between—not high enough, not low enough—leaving them in an awkward predicament.
It must be noted.
Primal fear can be fatal! Even Hall‑standard Geniuses may fall unconscious or suffer serious injury.
In short, Starlight‑Tier and Stellar Palace‑Tier cultivators cannot move about freely; they must remain in designated areas. If the journey is too long, it feels like imprisonment. Sleeping or meditating is the most common way to cope, though some choose to stay awake and temper their minds.
——
When Finch Huang walked into the dining area, most lifeforms couldn’t help but glance at her out of curiosity.
“A Starlight‑Tier Commonline Human?”
“Looks like she’s at Third‑Stage Starlight—probably a cultivator tempering her mind.”
Many murmured quietly, some with genuine respect.
Beyond respect, there was also envy. Between Fusion‑Tier and Starlight‑Tier lies a vast gulf; only those who cross it are truly qualified to step into the starry sky.
“Sigh.”
“No hope for me in this lifetime.”
Most of them were Fusion‑Tier, with a few mortals seated here. The spacious dining hall felt tranquil but not cold.
In this dining hall, Starlight‑Tier cultivators were almost never seen; occasionally, one or two Stellar Palace‑Tier would appear, but there were no Void Rift‑Tier lifeforms at all. This Subspace Flyer belonged to a standard interstellar route, with living areas divided by cultivation realm. Each tier had its own living space, further split into standard, premium, and VIP zones.
Much like economy, business, and first class on an Earth airliner.
“Earth…” Finch Huang spaced out, staring blankly at the meat on her plate.
She lived in the premium Starlight‑Tier zone.
The higher the tier, the steeper the price—mortals paid the least.
Finch Huang picked up a diamond‑shaped biscuit, took a gentle bite, and calculated in silence.
At the average Starlight‑Tier income, it would probably take half an epoch—about fifty star‑years—to earn enough to pay for this ticket.
And as for the so‑called premium zone, it was really just a private space about seven or eight meters across—not too big, not too small. Larger Starlight‑Tier lifeforms couldn’t fit at all; they’d have to upgrade their private space, which cost a fortune.
“Hmph.”
Finch Huang scratched her cheek. “Good thing I’m not Stellar Palace‑Tier, or the price would be outrageous.”
After thinking for a while, she pursed her lips, a little embarrassed. “This idea is kind of dumb. If Master heard me, would he hit me?”
He would…
Finch Huang secretly arrived at that conclusion.
Her Master never coddled her; hoping for his pity was always just wishful thinking.
As she was pondering this, she caught a whiff of fragrance—mint and rose mingled together. Then a red-haired woman in a fitted bodysuit approached, her hair elegantly styled, and bowed slightly. The sight of her striking figure startled Finch Huang. “Hello, may I sit here?”
It was a square table with six seats.
The red-haired woman was strikingly beautiful and at peak Fusion-Tier. She asked Finch Huang softly if she could join her.
“Of course.”
Finch Huang nodded, not minding at all. The red-haired woman sat across from Finch, her tone gentle and respectful. She introduced herself, offered compliments, and soon the two were chatting amiably.
Time flew by, and the days slipped away bit by bit.
The two gradually became close.
During their idle conversation, Finch learned that the red-haired woman was named Soraya Stine, from a fallen noble family in the Yarlowe Sector.
She had just turned nineteen star-years old. Because her family had declined, Soraya Stine was preparing to move to the Mory Sector. She was decisive and independent, making the decision to leave her home sector on her own.
“A fallen noble young lady?”
Finch Huang’s eyes lit up—she loved these kinds of stories. Every fallen noble young lady usually had a poignant romance behind her.
Thinking back, Finch Huang had been traveling for over ten star-years herself, with many experiences along the way—she’d met lovesick men who only wanted money, and little girls who pretended to be cute but were actually starspace bandits.
“Ahem.”
Finch Huang studied Soraya Stine: her red hair draped over her shoulders, her pale earlobes adorned with dangling, sparkling white pendants that added a touch of elegance. The fitted dark bodysuit highlighted her graceful curves, making Finch swallow nervously.
Oh no.
Her heart was pounding.
Finch Huang let out a breath. “Are you traveling alone?”
“Mm-hmm.” Soraya Stine tucked a strand of hair behind her ear, revealing her delicate, pale earlobe. “My family wants to arrange a marriage for me. I don’t want to go, but I have to… Then, I met someone on the interstellar network, and I think that’s who I truly want. So I snuck away and headed toward the Mory Sector.”
“Wow!”
Finch Huang’s mouth fell open wider and wider, her amazement growing with every word.
“So you’re going to find that person?” Finch Huang couldn’t help but confirm again.