Deep Sea Starship Apocalypse

Yu Moyan woke up in a warm ray of sunshine.

A sliver of light filtered through the gaps in the heavy velvet curtains, casting a thin golden ray on the off-white ceiling—a scene reminiscent of his past life, when he crouched on the bluestone slab at the entrance of the old alley, watching the sunset pierce through the mottled holes in the wall, shattering into dazzling stars scattered across the ground. Back then, he had just secretly run away from the orphanage, clutching half a dry, hard loaf of bread, looking at the bustling world outside the alley, feeling that all warmth was irrelevant to him.

A faint scent of cedar lingered in my nostrils, a clean smell of laundry detergent mixed with sunshine, completely different from the lingering musty smell of my rented room in my previous life. Beneath me was a soft silk mattress, cool to the touch yet comfortable, and the thin blanket covering me was made of delicate cotton, every inch exuding an unfamiliar refinement.

He slowly opened his eyes, his azure phoenix eyes initially blank, his eyelashes trembling like butterflies about to take flight. The faint light from the ceiling was still reflected in his pupils, his thoughts lingering on the last moment of his past life—the cold floor of the rented room, the tearing pain in his chest, and the darkness rapidly engulfing him. He thought that was the end, that he would disappear without a trace, like a speck of dust blown away by the wind.

But the next second, a completely emotionless, mechanical voice suddenly exploded in my mind, devoid of any warmth, yet as clear as a whisper in my ear:

"Binding requirements detected. Soul fluctuations are stable, and physical body compatibility is 100%. Bind to the Celestial Sign-in System?"

Yu Moyan's fingertips twitched slightly, his knuckles tracing the soft blanket, without the slightest hint of panic. Time travel, a system—these were tropes he'd only ever seen in online novels, and now they were actually happening to him. He'd lived for nineteen years, struggling to survive in an orphanage, and had long since developed a composure that remained unmoved even in the face of a collapsing mountain.

After a two-second silence, he parted his thin lips slightly, his voice hoarse from just waking up, yet as gentle as a mountain stream, uttering only two words: "Bound."

Without hesitation or questioning, since fate had given him a second chance, he had no reason to refuse. The loneliness of his past life was enough; in this life, no matter where he was, he was determined to live it to the fullest.

"Binding successful." The mechanical voice paused, as if loading some program, then immediately switched to a deliberately ingratiating, slightly guilty tone, becoming lively and somewhat playful. "This system is the strongest sign-in system in all realms! There's nothing the host can't sign in for!"

Yu Moyan propped himself up on his arms and slowly sat up, leaning against the soft headboard. He glanced down at his own figure. He was 180 cm tall and weighed 132 catties. His broad shoulders and narrow waist had smooth and neat lines, exactly the same as the physique he had developed through years of fitness training in his previous life. Even the faint old scar on his wrist was exactly the same.

He raised an eyebrow slightly, a hint of mockery flashing in his azure eyes. His tone was calm but tinged with skepticism: "Really? Don't try to fool me with some super low probability event. If all I get for three days of sign-in is bottled water and toilet paper, that wouldn't be fun."

The system's stammering laughter immediately echoed in his mind, tinged with obvious guilt, as if its little scheme had been exposed: "Host, you underestimate me. How could I possibly be? Right...maybe, haha? After all, it's a daily sign-in event across the heavens. Probability can be a little mischievous sometimes, but it's definitely not too unfair!"

Yu Moyan's lips curled up almost imperceptibly, as if he could see the system's guilty expression—its neck hunched and its virtual head scratching—on the virtual interface of the system panel. This system seemed even more unreliable than he had imagined, absurdly cute in a way.

He suppressed the turbulent emotions churning within him, his fingertips gently tracing the sheets as he softly asked, "Where am I now? What was the original owner's situation?"

"Host, you are in the Holy Crown Universe, Cloud City, China, Blue Star. This system will find your detailed information immediately..." The system's voice instantly became serious, but after a pause, it softened again, "Wait a moment, let me check, the database is a bit delayed..."

"Seriously?" Yu Moyan raised an eyebrow, his mockery deepening. "You're a system that spans countless worlds, and you need to check a database to answer a question? Delayed? Are you kidding me?"

This system is far less reliable and more absurd than he imagined. He has to look up even basic world information; can he really expect it to give him good stuff just by checking in?

The system was rendered speechless by the rebuttal, and after a long while, it whispered in its defense, "This was just bound, initialization takes time. Host, please be patient, it will be done soon!"

A few seconds later, the system's voice sounded again, this time with a hint of certainty: "Host, the universe you are in is called the Holy Crown Universe, which is a mid-to-high-level cultivation universe. However, despite its impressive name, this universe is actually a bit chaotic. The various star regions are constantly embroiled in conflict. Blue Water Star is a peripheral planet that harbors a cultivation system, but ordinary people are unaware of it."

Yu Moyan remained silent.

He'd seen time travel stories before in novels, but seeing it happen to him brought no excitement, only a sense of calm acceptance. In his past life, he was an orphan, raised in an orphanage. From a young age, he learned to read people's faces, studied relentlessly, got into a top university, and worked day and night after graduation, just to earn a foothold in that bustling city. But in the end, he collapsed in a cold rented room, likely waiting for his body to decompose before the landlord discovered him.

That kind of life is better off not having.

"Host, aren't you curious about how to get back to your original world?" The system noticed his silence and asked cautiously, its tone tentative.

"I'm not curious." Yu Moyan's voice was soft, yet carried a detached coldness, utterly devoid of any emotion. "I'm all alone there, with nothing to miss. No family, no friends, not even a single person who cares about me. Going back would only be repeating the same mistakes."

Rather than returning to that lonely past, it's better to live again in this unfamiliar universe.

As soon as he finished speaking, a gentle female voice came from outside the door, carrying a hint of urging. It was soft and friendly, like a warm breeze in spring: "Mo Yan, hurry up and get ready. Breakfast is ready. After you eat, you should go to school. Don't be late."

Yu Moyan abruptly turned to look at the tightly closed door, a flicker of surprise crossing her eyes. Her fingers clenched instantly, and her voice trembled almost imperceptibly: "System, what's going on? Who's outside?"

In his memory, there had never been such a gentle voice, much less such concern.

"This is the original owner's mother, Shen Ci'an," the system quickly explained. "The original owner was also named Yu Moyan. She was seventeen years old and a sophomore at Shengmian High School. She came from a wealthy family, had loving parents, and was a spoiled child. Due to an accident, the original owner's soul dissipated, which allowed the host to take over this body."

"Seriously?" Yu Moyan was utterly speechless, rubbing his forehead and sighing softly. "I just finished high school in my past life, worked my butt off to get into university, and only graduated a month ago. Now I have to go through high school all over again? And in the interstellar era no less? Isn't this plot a bit too absurd?"

The system didn't reply, which was an admission of the fact. Only its faint electrical hum remained in the air, clearly indicating that it didn't want to continue the conversation.

Yu Moyan stopped dwelling on it. What's done is done; high school is high school, after all. It's better than being alone and helpless in his previous life. He mentally spoke to the system as he got up to pack.

He threw back the thin blanket, his feet sinking into the soft cashmere carpet. The cool touch instantly sobered him. He walked to the wardrobe, opened the door, and found it filled with various exquisite clothes—casual wear, suits, school uniforms—each piece of superior quality, neatly categorized. He casually picked out a white hooded sweatshirt and black casual pants, quickly changing into them. The size was perfect, fitting his well-proportioned figure perfectly.

He turned and walked into the bathroom, where a strikingly handsome face was reflected in the mirror.

With sword-like eyebrows and bright eyes, a high and straight nose, and light-colored thin lips, his most striking feature was his pair of azure phoenix eyes, slightly upturned at the corners, exuding a sense of aloofness and allure, yet also revealing the purity and clarity of youth. His skin was fair and delicate, without a single blemish, and soft wisps of hair fell softly across his forehead. He looked cool and handsome, like a boy who had stepped out of a painting.

This is what the original body looked like. It was seven-tenths similar to his face in his previous life, but more refined and younger, with the unique vigor of a seventeen-year-old.

He picked up his toothbrush cup, filled it with warm water, squeezed on some toothpaste, and bent down to brush his teeth. The foam spread in his mouth, carrying a refreshing minty flavor, and water dripped down the corners of his mouth onto the sink. In just a few minutes, he had finished getting dressed and washing up. He looked at himself in the mirror, blinked gently, and a hint of a smile flickered in his eyes.

That's good, a new beginning.

Stepping out of the bedroom, the living room was bathed in soft, warm light. There was a beige sofa, a light gray carpet, and a heartwarming family photo hanging on the wall. In the photo, the man was refined, the woman gentle, and the boy was smiling brightly. The family of three looked happy and harmonious.

The dining table is right next to the living room. On the light wood tabletop are warm milk, golden and crispy fried eggs, and several delicate snacks—crystal shrimp dumplings, custard buns, and osmanthus cakes. Each one is small and cute, exuding an enticing aroma.

Shen Ci'an sat on the opposite dining chair, wearing a beige knitted sweater, her long hair tied up, revealing her slender, fair neck, her eyes so gentle they seemed to melt with tenderness. Seeing Yu Moyan approach, she immediately smiled and waved, her tone full of doting: "Moyan's awake? Come sit down, breakfast is freshly made, it's still warm."

Yu Moyan walked to the dining table and sat down, his fingertips gently holding the warm milk cup, the warmth spreading from his palms to his entire body. Shen Ci'an immediately picked up the serving chopsticks and kept piling food into his bowl, piling shrimp dumplings and eggs in front of him, naggingly reminding him: "Today is Monday, a new week has begun. Remember to hand in last week's homework, don't be distracted in class, listen carefully to the teacher. Come home early after school, don't run around with that kid Jiang Duyue, he's too wild, don't learn bad habits from him..."

Hearing this familiar yet unfamiliar nagging, Yu Moyan paused, the spoon handle pressed against his lower lip, and a complex emotion flickered in his eyes.

In his past life, he hated nothing more than this kind of nagging. At the orphanage, the director would occasionally nag him, and he always felt restricted and impatiently avoided her. Later, when he started working, he also felt that his colleagues' occasional concern and advice were unnecessary. But now, listening to Shen Ci'an's gentle voice and seeing the undisguised concern in her eyes, a faint warmth welled up from the softest part of his heart, flowing through his veins and throughout his body.

This was a kind of care he had never received in his previous life, a warmth he had never experienced. Even though it was only from the original owner's mother, even though this care did not originally belong to him, it was enough to make his heart tremble and his eyes slightly hot.

In his nineteen years of life, this was the first time someone had cared about him so much, giving him such meticulous instructions on eating, going to school, and being careful.

"Eat slowly, don't choke. Drink more milk to replenish your nutrition." Shen Ci'an looked at him, her eyes gentle as water. "Today, Mom will take you to school and then go to the company on the way."

Yu Moyan nodded gently, her voice soft and almost imperceptible: "Okay."

He picked up his spoon and ate the shrimp dumplings in his bowl in small bites. The outer skin was chewy and the filling was delicious—a taste he had never experienced before. The warm milk slid down his throat, warming his stomach and his heart. At that moment, he suddenly felt that going back to high school might not be such a bad thing after all.

"System, is there a newbie gift pack?" Yu Moyan suddenly asked in his mind, breaking the warmth in his heart and bringing him back to reality.

"No." The system answered crisply and decisively, without any hesitation.

"No way?" Yu Moyan exclaimed in disbelief, nearly choking on her milk. She raised an eyebrow and questioned, "You're supposed to be a multi-dimensional sign-in system, and you don't even have a newbie gift pack? Is that normal? In which system novel doesn't the host start with a newbie gift pack and reach the pinnacle of life? This is way too perfunctory!"

"Of course it's normal, why wouldn't it be?" the system retorted confidently. "This system is a sign-in system, relying on daily sign-ins, not newbie gift packs. Newbie gift packs are standard for task-based systems. We're different. The host has to rely on their own luck, sign in daily, and there will be constant surprises!"

Yu Moyan sighed helplessly, rubbing his forehead, utterly despairing of this unreliable system. No newbie gift pack, starting as a penniless nobody, and having to go back to high school—this start was practically hell mode.

After quickly finishing breakfast, Yu Moyan got up to clear the dishes, but Shen Ci'an stopped her: "Just leave them there, Mom will clean them up. Go change your shoes, we're leaving."

She took the bowl and chopsticks from Yu Moyan's hands, turned and walked into the kitchen, her back view gentle. Yu Moyan stood there, watching her figure, his heart filled with even more warmth.

Reaching the entryway, I changed into a pair of white sneakers, the perfect size. Shen Ci'an, having also changed her shoes, came over with her bag, smiling, and said, "Let's go."

The two walked out of the house together. The elevator slowly descended, and the reflection of the mother and son was shown in the mirrored elevator. Yu Moyan looked at the gentle woman beside him, and a faint smile unconsciously appeared on his lips.

Stepping out of the apartment building, a black sedan was parked in front, its sleek lines and luxurious feel clearly indicating its high value. Shen Ci'an opened the passenger door and said to Yu Moyan, "Get in quickly."

Yu Moyan sat in the passenger seat, fastened her seatbelt, and the car was filled with a faint fragrance, the same gentle and elegant scent that Shen Ci'an often used. Shen Ci'an started the car, the engine humming softly, and the car slowly drove out of the residential area.

The scenery outside the window rushed past; on the wide road, various hovercars roared by, and skyscrapers stood side by side, their glass curtain walls reflecting the sunlight. The pedestrians on the street were dressed in fashionable clothes.

This is the blue planet of the Holy Crown Universe, which is completely similar to the modern society of his previous life, yet equally prosperous.

Shen Ci'an continued rambling, from school rules to the recent weather, from academic performance to physical health. Yu Moyan didn't interrupt, but listened quietly, occasionally responding with a word, her gaze fixed on the window, her heart at peace.

This kind of life is wonderful.

The car quickly stopped at the entrance of Saint Crown High School. The magnificent school gate stood before us, with the school's name engraved on the metal frame. Teachers stood on duty at the gate, and students in school uniforms walked into the campus in twos and threes, exuding youthful energy.

"We've arrived at school, go inside quickly." Shen Ci'an smiled and waved to him, her eyes full of reluctance. "Mom will pick you up after school, be careful on the way."

Yu Moyan opened the car door, his feet sinking into the smooth stone pavement. He turned to look at Shen Ci'an in the driver's seat, the sunlight falling on her face, gentle and dazzling. He opened his mouth, wanting to say something, such as "I know," or "Please be careful," but the words caught in his throat.

A longing I never had in my past life is now taking root and sprouting in my heart.

In the end, he simply smiled, a faint yet sincere smile, like ice and snow melting: "Okay, I'm going in."

He turned and walked into the school, his back straight, the boy's figure particularly handsome in the sunlight.

As Yu Moyan walked through the school gates, the cheerful laughter of students filled the air, a vibrant atmosphere of youth emanating from them. While walking, Yu Moyan mentally conversed with the system: "System, is it really true that no one on this planet has successfully cultivated? And what exactly is this genetic modification you mentioned?"

He could sense that this universe was extraordinary, harboring the power of cultivation, and he didn't want to be just an ordinary high school student. His past life's loneliness had taught him that only by becoming strong could he control his own life and protect those around him.

"Yes, there are." The system's voice was unusually serious, devoid of its usual playful tone. "Throughout history, exceptionally talented individuals have broken through genetic limitations through their own innate abilities and fortuitous encounters, successfully embarking on the path of cultivation and becoming powerful figures. Perhaps there is such a person hidden right beside you, just very well concealed, undetectable to ordinary people."

"The cultivation system on Blue Water Star is based on genetic modification," the system continued to explain. "Human genes contain endless potential. By breaking the shackles of the genes, one can absorb the spiritual energy of the universe, strengthen the physical body, awaken supernatural abilities, and even achieve immortality. To embark on the path of cultivation, one must first unlock genetic modification. Exchanging for genetic modification potions requires one thousand Star Crowns. Star Crowns are the universal currency of this system and can be obtained through daily check-ins and completing tasks."

"One thousand?" Yu Moyan stopped in his tracks, almost bumping into the student in front of him. He frowned, his tone full of shock. "I just bound myself today, and I only got 60 Star Crowns from signing in. You want this potion for one thousand? Are you robbing me? It would take me more than half a month of signing in to afford that. That's outrageous!"

"Host, this isn't my fault. You were just unlucky; you only got 60 Star Crowns from signing in. There's nothing I can do about it." The system started joking again, shirking responsibility. "If you were lucky, you could have gotten a high-level reward and exchanged it for potions. It all depends on your own efforts!"

Yu Moyan was too lazy to argue with it, rolled her eyes, and continued walking forward. 60 Star Crowns it is; little by little, she could accumulate enough one day.

As I was walking forward, a cheerful voice suddenly called out to me. The voice was loud and clear, full of youthful energy: "Brother Mo! What are you doing standing here? Class is about to start, or you'll be late!"

Yu Moyan turned around and saw a tall young man walking quickly towards her.

The boy was a head taller than him, about 185 cm tall, with a strong build. He wore the same school uniform as him, but it gave him a more rugged look. He had bright eyes and handsome features. When he smiled, he revealed two small, pointed canine teeth. His eyes were bright and he looked exceptionally energetic, like a little sun, making people feel an instant liking for him.

"System, who is he?" Yu Moyan asked in his mind, looking at the boy in front of him with a hint of unfamiliarity in his eyes.

"The original owner's best brother, Jiang Duyue." The system immediately replied, "The two grew up together and were inseparable. They were a well-known duo at the Holy Crown Federation High School. The original owner had a cool and aloof personality, while Jiang Duyue had a lively personality, which complemented each other perfectly."

Yu Moyan withdrew his gaze, looked at Jiang Duyue who had walked up to him, and said calmly, "Nothing, I was just thinking about something."

Jiang Duyue, completely oblivious to his unusual behavior, casually placed her hand on his shoulder with a firm grip, her gesture carrying a hint of familiar intimacy. She chuckled and said, "What are you thinking about so intently? Let's go! If the nun comes, we'll get scolded again! You know how much she nags; she can wear your ears down!"

"Master?" Yu Moyan raised an eyebrow in confusion.

"That's our homeroom teacher, Ms. Li!" Jiang Duyue whispered, complaining, "She's not very old, but when she starts nagging, she's like an old nun, so everyone secretly calls her 'Master Li.' We'd better not let her hear us, or we'll be punished by having to write self-criticisms!"

Looking at his sly expression, Yu Moyan's azure phoenix eyes held a faint smile, and her tone softened: "Alright, let's go."

Along the way, Jiang Duyue chattered away, talking about everything from yesterday's gaming results to today's lessons, from funny things in class to interesting things happening outside of school, full of energy. Yu Moyan listened quietly, occasionally responding, and looking at the lively boy beside him, a warm feeling welled up in his heart.