"Of course, there are changes."
Xinghai replied with a trace of excitement, "This time, after merging with the Eye of the Magus, I can do more than just gather external data through the StarNet. A new ability—Heaven's Eye—has been born. As long as I wish it, I can observe scenes and events within the Great Yi Dynasty. However, this Heaven's Eye cannot detect deliberately hidden or shielded entities. Still, it can use mediums to directly capture and investigate targets."
That medium was naturally something like the Celestial Register Cards, which are directly linked to the StarNet. During their creation, the StarNet imprints its mark on them—much like surveillance cameras from the old Internet age.
It can even appear anywhere in the void by borrowing the fortune of the Great Yi Dynasty, observing scenes and even recording complete images. The Heaven's Eye is no less than a top-tier surveillance satellite.
As Jiang Ni had once said, geomantic surveying no longer required a personal visit. A simple scan with the Heaven's Eye could generate images and maps. Every detail—trees, mountains, rivers—could be clearly understood.
For arranging Feng Shui formations, this was an irreplaceable asset.
Of course, the current Heaven's Eye still had its limitations. It couldn't detect hidden objects or living beings.
But clearly, as the StarNet continued to evolve, the Heaven's Eye could become more powerful—perhaps even capable of overseeing all of heaven and earth. Still, even if that became possible, Yi Tianxing had no intention of allowing it to constantly monitor every area or individual. That would be unrealistic and utterly inhumane. Even if such a power could be realized, strict conditions would be implemented.
Only under specific circumstances would the Heaven's Eye be permitted to monitor the realm.
Everyone has a right to privacy. Living constantly under the Heaven's Eye—no one would accept that. It's a matter of basic human nature.
The current level of surveillance was just right. Any further advancement, and it would become a strategic weapon. This had to remain a tightly held secret. The fewer people who knew, the greater its potential benefits.
"Very good. With this, Xing'er, you can directly observe the outside world. From now on, the Celestial Register Cards will be more accurate. Not only will they differentiate people by blood and aura, but also by image and appearance. The household registration system will become even more precise and transparent."
Yi Tianxing nodded, a pleased expression flickering across his face.
"There's more," Xinghai continued. "Now, the StarNet has the ability to open a virtual space. Through a medium, people can enter the StarNet, which can construct a virtual world. Communication can happen through the StarNet. Moreover, we can develop new devices, allowing communication across thousands of miles, just like the phones from Father's previous civilization. All this can be achieved through the StarNet."
"A virtual world? Is it really possible?"
Yi Tianxing, though he had already speculated, still felt his heart race uncontrollably at this confirmation. His spirit trembled.
In the previous world, the emergence of the Internet marked the modern age, while the time before it was the old era. The difference between them was massive—nearly immeasurable.
Once the StarNet was fully activated, the resulting changes would be revolutionary for the entire Great Yi Dynasty.
However, the people—who had already begun to understand and accept the cultivation-based civilization—should have little difficulty adapting. Even among cultivators, long-distance communication artifacts existed: Sound Transmission Talismans, Paper Crane Messengers, and so on. They allowed conversations across great distances. But cultivators mostly focused on strengthening themselves through cultivation. They had never considered how these seemingly minor tools could transform the entire civilization.
Yi Tianxing had once wanted to use Sound Transmission Talismans to develop a kind of magical item like a phone.
Now, with the StarNet, that vision was no longer far-fetched—in fact, it could be done even better.
"Xing'er, I want to see this virtual space."
Yi Tianxing took a deep breath and said.
A trace of anticipation bloomed in his heart. If it could be realized, the StarNet would become the strongest and most mysterious trump card of the entire Great Yi Dynasty.
"Yes, Father," Xinghai responded calmly. "Please infuse a strand of your spirit into the StarNet. You will then naturally enter the Stellar World."
"Good!!"
Yi Tianxing nodded. Following her instructions, he infused his spirit into the StarNet.
A sliver of consciousness instantly followed a dazzling path of starlight. It took but a blink—so fast that ordinary people wouldn't even notice. In the next instant, he found himself in a mysterious void.
"This is... my consciousness and aura, condensed into a Life Star within the StarNet."
Upon entering, Yi Tianxing realized he was standing upon a small star. Though it wasn't very large, it still felt vast. Countless stars glittered in the void. Instinctively, he knew—this star was his personal space, and his consciousness now resided within it.
The inner space of the star was void-like, but from inside, one could view the outside world freely. Everything was clearly visible.
The space within this star was several hundred meters across.
"Father, this is the personal virtual space every citizen or cultivator receives when entering the StarNet. Within it, they can decorate however they please—luxurious or modest, grand or simple. They can do whatever they wish. No outsider may enter without the owner's permission. The StarNet will fully respect the privacy of each individual. This is an essential part of the virtual space."
Xinghai appeared beside him.
Currently, the area was empty and formless.
But outside, countless stars sparkled and orbited one another.
At the center of this stellar void floated a giant star ring—its mystery profound. It felt like one could throw their spirit into it and instantly communicate, regardless of distance.
"Amazing. So this is what the Phantom Spirit Pearl brought forth. What is used to build virtual items within the StarNet? Do we use some kind of virtual currency? Since this is a virtual world, and countless people can enter, a proper economic system is essential for the StarNet to thrive."
Yi Tianxing was deeply satisfied with this unique space. Just this feature alone would make countless people fall in love with it. Who doesn't want their own private world—one they can mold freely?
This was the same reason why many people in his previous world became addicted to the Internet. Online, one could be free of all restrictions, all rules. As if shackles were broken, people could live as they truly wished. The more repressed someone was in reality, the more uninhibited they became online—sometimes terrifyingly so.
"It will be based on spiritual power. By entering the StarNet, every emotion—joy, anger, sorrow—releases spiritual energy. The stronger the emotion, the more intense the energy. I plan to launch a virtual Eternal Coin, forged from the user's spiritual power. Most of the spirit power will be absorbed into the StarNet, tempering and evolving it. The spiritual energy of the entire populace will refine the StarNet, enabling its constant transformation."
Xinghai spoke with a touch of longing. "Each day, simply by entering the StarNet and spending one hour, a user can earn ten virtual Eternal Coins. These coins can be used to buy decorations, materials, and other virtual items. In this way, we can get people accustomed to using the StarNet. Some of the virtual items even have special effects that can aid cultivation. Since all virtual items are made from spiritual energy, they retain its unique properties."
"Oh? Go on," Yi Tianxing encouraged, listening intently.
"For example," Xinghai continued, "there are virtual delicacies. Though made from spirit energy, consuming them restores the user's mental strength, enhances the spirit or soul, lifts their mood, and makes them more attuned to the Dao. Cultivation becomes easier and smoother."
Xinghai wasn't just an ordinary spirit. She had fused with a data chip long ago. After years of collecting information, her wisdom and processing speed were practically beyond comprehension.
In her vision, the StarNet would become a Second World for the Great Yi Dynasty.
Of course, that wasn't possible yet. But in the future—who could say?
If her plan to refine the StarNet with collective spiritual energy succeeded, then its potential would be limitless. It would only grow more perfect with time.
Yi Tianxing silently nodded. The StarNet was far more powerful than the Internet of his previous life.
It resided in the cloud of national destiny, integrated into the Great Yi's fortune. Outside of the Dynasty, there was nowhere the StarNet could reach.