Chapter 32: Vs Qin Yan

Chapter 32: Vs Qin Yan

Cang Cheng used another Spirit Runes plate.

The energy nullification area expanded immediately, sealing all energy within that region.

The fierce heavy cannon fire attack was silenced, decomposed, and its energy output blocked, as if a powerful punch had hit cotton.

The suffocating pressure, difficult to bear, vanished without a trace once the Spirit Runes was activated.

It was as if the previous predicament had been an illusion.

The massive bright energy ball in front of Cang Cheng exploded into beautiful fireworks, scattering stars that bathed his face in a soft glow.

The heavy cannon, the most powerful among B-grade weapons, was nullified!

The gravity rune was nullified!

Seeing this, Qin Yan was left speechless.

A look of disbelief crossed his confident face.

The heavy cannon was ineffective?

This can’t be!

Qin Yan knew well the Electromagnetic Distortion Runes. There was no way they could render the heavy cannon ineffective.

Could it be… this really wasn’t the Electromagnetic Distortion Runes?

However, wasn’t this supposed to be the silver tier?

How could there be such a formidable opponent here?

Had he entered the wrong tier?

As he analyzed, Qin Yan did not stop his assault.

On the battlefield, any hesitation could be deadly. Years of training ensured that even if he was internally surprised, his actions were not affected in any way.

Hilmeth exerted force with his legs and shortened the distance with Cang Cheng in a large stride.

He realized that the two previous failed attacks were the result of this cunning, fragile little guy using Spirit Runes.

Without the Spirit Runes, there was no way this fragile little guy could win against him with his weak body.

Since that was the case, he just needed to prevent the little guy from using the Spirit Runes.

Therefore, he would engage in close combat and take his opponent down!

Hilmeth's close combat grade was S-rank, second only to General Hilmeth in the military.

He didn't think this fragile little guy could beat him.

Hilmeth moved swiftly.

His elusive figure and nimble footwork exerted invisible pressure on Cang Cheng as he continuously closed in.

Cang Cheng, who had relatively low stamina, was indeed bothered by Hilmeth's rapid advance.

How can a Spirit Warrior from the Canglan Star Region be as quick as an assassin?

After all… assassins are known as mage killers…

Cang Cheng held a Spirit Runes board in his hand, preparing to activate it.

Hilmeth's eyes became sharp.

Now!

He darted forward and grabbed Cang Cheng's wrist, the hand that was trying to use the Spirit Runes.

With a slight pressure from his fingers, Cang Cheng reflexively let go due to the pain, and the Spirit Runes clattered to the ground with a clang.

Cang Cheng tried to use the other hand to activate the Spirit Runes, but it was also easily restrained by Hilmeth.

Both of his hands were restrained, and Cang Cheng was unable to move.

"Heh, let me see how you're going to resist now."

Hilmeth was feeling self-satisfied.

"Without the Spirit Runes, what tricks can you possibly pull off?"

"Little weakling, just surrender, and you can avoid suffering."

"No."

"You're quite stubborn, aren't you? I'll give you three seconds to think, then I'll finish you off with a single shot."

Hilmeth tutted and started the countdown.

"3, 2..."

Hilmeth hissed.

However, Cang Cheng, though restrained, breathed steadily and showed no sign of panic.

He looked up, his black pupils reflecting the other's vibrant red hair.

"Has no one taught you to never give your opponent a chance to breathe? Three seconds to think... You're truly letting your guard down."

With a smile, Cang Cheng spoke as his fingertips gathered magic and began to swiftly trace symbols in the air.

His hands were restrained, but his fingers could still move.

Three seconds was enough for him to form a dozen Wind Blade runes.

The wind began to concentrate.

"Ah?"

Slacking off? Where was I not taking it seriously?

He had been completely serious...

Hilmeth only had time to utter a sound before a wind blade instantly cut across his neck.

Blood gushed uncontrollably.

Just as Hilmeth was about to cover his neck to stop the bleeding, in the blink of an eye, another invisible gust of wind sliced off half of his wrist.

The pain from his wrist reminded Hilmeth of the time when he was brutally chopped, wrist by wrist, elbow by elbow, arm by arm, by the exotic.

His vision was filled with scarlet, and his body stiffened.

Hilmeth, who had once burned like an eternal flame, was instantly snuffed out and dulled.

No, not again…

Go away, damn exotic!

"Challenger 'Qin Huohuo No.5' has lost the will to fight."

"Winner, Spirit Rune Master ANKEN!"

The golden floating text and the sound of celebratory gunfire rang out, bringing Hilmeth back from his nightmare.

He instinctively reached for his left hand.

His hand was fine, unharmed.

He was fine.

The wounds on his body were healed the moment Cang Cheng's victory was announced.

Hilmeth wiped the cold sweat from his forehead with the back of his hand.

After composing himself, he finally focused his gaze on Cang Cheng, who was smiling faintly, confused.

Just how did the opponent attack when both hands were clearly restrained?

And that feeling just then… was it wind?

Hilmeth had been recuperating and was unaware that a certain unorthodox Spirit Rune Master ANKEN had appeared on the Star Network, and that the wind and water Spirit Runes had become highly sought after.

Had he known, Hilmeth would never have underestimated Cang Cheng's abilities.

But then again… this violent little kitten didn't use any heat-based weapons during the entire challenge, using only the Spirit Runes.

The energy fluctuations seemed to still be lingering at the opponent's fingertips, as if the battle had just ended...

Hilmeth uncertainly asked, "You are... a Spirit Rune Master?"

Cang Cheng calmly said, "Yes, I am a Spirit Rune Master."

For a moment, Hilmeth's mind couldn't wrap around the situation.

Wait, had he been matched with a lone Spirit Rune Master in the arena?

This Spirit Rune Master had cut his throat in an instant, defeating him—a top-tier combatant from the Canglan Star Region—in less than a minute?

Although his strength had been limited to Class B, this was still unbelievable!

He had been defeated by a fragile Spirit Rune Master?

Hilmeth looked the person up and down. He was less than half Hilmeth's size and still appeared as if a single punch could knock him out.

Hilmeth was incredulous.

How could this be possible?

Had he gotten weaker?

Had he truly become that weak?

"If there's nothing else, I'm leaving then."

Cang Cheng felt no emotion.

The effect of the Sealing Rune exceeded his expectations. It was not only effective against the gravity rune but also strongly countered intense energy attacks.

He felt that the Spirit Runes he crafted overnight were well worth the effort and time he invested throughout the night.

"Wait, you're not leaving. Fight me a few more rounds; I'm not convinced."

Hilmeth grabbed hold of Cang Cheng.

A General of his caliber losing to a mere Spirit Rune Master would make him a laughingstock if word got out.

"No."

Cang Cheng rejected without any hesitation.

Cang Cheng had always kept battle enthusiasts like Qin Yan at a distance.

He was, after all, a courteous and civilized mage, so how could he so easily engage in fighting?

That would be too exhausting...

"Hey, since you guessed my name, don't you know who I am..."

Qin Yan hadn't finished speaking when Cang Cheng disappeared from his sight.

Well, he was gone.

Qin Yan glanced at Cang Cheng's ID in the match records, gritting his teeth. "ANKEN, huh? I'll remember you."

*

Back in the real world, Cang Cheng opened his eyes and used his left hand to grip and rotate his right wrist.

It was a bit sore from where Qin Yan had grabbed him just now. His strength was truly great.

That being said, although he had won the earlier challenge, and the Sealing Rune had performed as expected...

However...

Cang Cheng replayed the just-concluded challenge in his mind.

If Qin Yan had known about the function of his Spirit Runes and hadn't underestimated Cang Cheng due to unfamiliarity with his previous matches, Cang Cheng might have been killed instantly the moment Qin Yan got close.

Sigh... Someone fast was truly the mage's nemesis.

Since defending was impossible, he might as well study attack runes more.

After all, the best defense was a strong offense.

Hilmeth walked up to Cang Cheng, crouched down, and examined his wrist. "Not feeling well?"

Cang Cheng's wrist was very slender, and Hilmeth could easily hold it with his index finger and thumb, with plenty of room to spare.

The tendons on the inside of Cang Cheng's slender wrist were clearly visible, making his skin appear even fairer.

"It's a bit sore."

Cang Cheng turned his wrist again.

"Would you like me to give you a rubdown?"

Hilmeth proposed.

Cang Cheng was surprised by Hilmeth's offer of a massage, as he seemed like someone who disliked being touched.

But since Hilmeth had made the offer, Cang Cheng saw no reason to refuse.

"Well, then, I'll trouble you, Mo."

Saying this, Cang Cheng spread his hands and held them out towards Hilmeth.

Hilmeth took one of Cang Cheng's hands, placing his palm against the back of it while his thumb pressed on Cang Cheng's wrist.

Hilmeth, being larger than Cang Cheng, had a thumb joint that was almost as wide as Cang Cheng's wrist.

He's too thin...

As he thought this, Hilmeth's movements involuntarily became gentler.

Hilmeth's cool touch against Cang Cheng's skin gave a refreshing sensation. Cang Cheng found the sensation very soothing.

He lowered his gaze to the fingers pressing on his wrist.

The knuckles were wide, the fingertips round and smooth, the skin fair, with black nails that were sharp and long.

Fearing that his nails might hurt Cang Cheng, Hilmeth raised his fingers slightly, appearing cautious.

"Ink... your hands are really big..."

Cang Cheng sighed.

"Your hand is definitely twice the size of mine!"

Knowing that touching hands had no other meaning among the Norman race, Cang Cheng felt emboldened in his actions.

Cang Cheng turned his right hand around, placing his palm against Hilmeth's, palm to palm, carefully comparing their sizes.

His hand was only half the size of Hilmeth's, with the tips of his fingers reaching only the second knuckle of Hilmeth's fingers.

The difference was quite striking.

Cang Cheng's slender fingers lightly brushed against Hilmeth's skin, while Hilmeth had already stopped the massage.

Cang Cheng murmured, "I wonder what you were fed growing up, how did you grow so big..."

Hilmeth's amber eyes narrowed slightly.

His gaze fell on their joined hands, his gaze dark and deep.

"It was nutrient solution."

"If growing taller means consuming nutrient solution, I'd rather stay short."

Cang Cheng muttered, then turned his hand over again.

He had already examined Hilmeth's hand once before, and after studying it for a while today, Cang Cheng lost interest again.

Cang Cheng had always been like this, easily bored with the old and fascinated by the new.

"Hilmeth, keep massaging me! It feels quite comfortable. Have you ever given a massage to anyone before?"

Hilmeth gently pressed on Cang Cheng's wrist with his soft fingertips.

"Rarely. Usually, when someone is unwell, advanced medical technology is used."

"So, I'm the first to experience your massage skills?"

Cang Cheng looked up, a warm, affectionate smile on his face.

Hilmeth's movements paused for a moment. "Mm."

The room was quiet and peaceful, with only the two of them sitting opposite each other and the soft sounds of the massage.

The gentle pressure of the massage felt pleasant, and the stillness of the room made Cang Cheng feel a bit sleepy.

He yawned, contemplating whether he should lie down and sleep for half an hour.

The next moment…

A furry tail suddenly landed on Cang Cheng's leg.

The black, densely furred tail swayed slightly, its tip gently brushing against Cang Cheng's thigh.

Cang Cheng: What?

Cang Cheng: Oh!

A tail… it's a tail!

It's Hilmeth's tail!

The tail was now within easy reach of Cang Cheng's hand. If Cang Cheng moved his hand a little, he could touch it.

But among Hilmeth's race, touching the tail was considered an invitation to mate, and he definitely didn’t want to mate with Hilmeth…

Still, the tail was really tempting.

It was furry, fluffy, and soft.

He really wanted to reach out and touch it.

In an instant, Cang Cheng was wide awake, his eyes fixed intently on the fluffy tail, eager to touch it.

Maybe… he should just touch it?

After all… Hilmeth wasn’t likely to get into bed with him; at most, he would scold him a bit.

Hilmeth had been so nice to him, he wouldn't mind if his tail was touched, right...?

With this daring thought, Cang Cheng not only thought but acted on it.

He pretended to twist his wrist and, as if by accident, lightly brushed the tip of Hilmeth's tail.

Tiny fuzz brushed against the back of his hand, feeling a bit itchy, like being touched by foxtail grass, but softer than that.

It wasn't enough, there wasn't much sensation, he really wanted to... again.

Cang Cheng's dark eyes shifted.

Just as he was about to become even bolder, Hilmeth grabbed Cang Cheng's restless hand with one hand, and with the other, he pulled his tail back and tossed it behind him.

The fluffy tail seemed a bit displeased and tried to come forward again.

Hilmeth held the tail in his palm, preventing it from moving by itself.

"Sorry, it's being a bit disobedient."

Hilmeth gently pressed his lips together, a faint blush spreading behind his ears.

Among the Norman race, if someone touches another's tail, it signifies a mating invitation. Similarly, if one voluntarily places their tail on someone else, it also signifies a mating invitation.

Hilmeth rarely used his exotic form, so his tail wasn't very controllable, and just now, when the tail touched Cang Cheng on its own, it was essentially sending that kind of invitation...

Although Cang Cheng didn't understand the Norman customs, Hilmeth couldn't just stand by and allow himself to take advantage of Cang Cheng.

"Oh... uh..."

Cang Cheng's right hand was still enveloped in Hilmeth's palm.

Hilmeth's body temperature wasn't high, but Cang Cheng still felt a bit warm.

He shifted slightly.

"Um... my hand..."

"I'm sorry."

Hilmeth suddenly let go of his hand, which now felt empty.

The two exchanged glances, then quickly looked away.

A touch of awkwardness followed.

"It's fine."

Cang Cheng turned his wrist again, and the pain was gone.

"I'll go check on Mù Xīng. He's produced so many clean products, and I haven't rewarded him yet..."

Hilmeth transformed back into his spirit form, still gripping his tail with one hand.

"Okay, I'll come with you."

*

Cang Cheng arrived at the breeding laboratory on the edge of Central Mansion.

The main part of the laboratory was a five-story high, transparent pyramid-shaped building. A circle of environmental processors around the top made the building resemble a simple crown from afar.

Cang Cheng entered the breeding laboratory unhindered.

The laboratory was divided into five main areas: soil cultivation, tree cultivation, livestock cultivation, raptor cultivation, and integrated cultivation.

"The soil cultivation area is full again? We'll make do with another space folding for now, and try to move to a bigger place next month."

"The livestock are about to hatch? Quickly prepare the incubation chamber!"

"If the raptors get out, just use the mushroom potions! With mushrooms growing on their bodies, let's see how arrogant they can still be."

……

People in white coats hurried back and forth, using lab-specific communicators, deeply busy.

For a moment, Cang Cheng's arrival went unnoticed.

Though the laboratory had only been established a month ago, it had already taken shape, with 20 staff members now available.

This forced Cang Cheng to admit: "Mù Xīng is truly reliable."

"Um… Lord Cang Cheng."

It was unknown who first noticed Cang Cheng's presence. Following the initial 'Lord Cang Cheng,' the room fell silent for a second, and then wave after wave of 'Lord Cang Cheng' echoed throughout the space.

The people in white coats stopped their work and looked at Cang Cheng. Their expressions were a mix of admiration and excitement.

This was Lord Cang Cheng, the official to whom Professor Mù Xīng was devoted.

Without Lord Cang Cheng, Professor Mù Xīng would not have been able to develop research that could revolutionize the entire interstellar.

Without Lord Cang Cheng, they would not have found employment and realized their life's purpose.

It was Lord Cang Cheng who gave them hope.

Their eyes shone.

Cang Cheng didn't quite understand why these people were looking at him with such gleaming eyes.

But since he sensed no malice, he decided to ignore it.

The group bowed uniformly towards Cang Cheng.

"Lord Cang Cheng, are you here to see Professor Mù?"

"Yes, can you lead me there, please?"

The curly-haired individual who was addressed felt honored. "Please follow me, Lord Cang Cheng."

Mù Xīng's laboratory was located on the fourth and fifth floors. The fourth floor was divided into a living rest area and an experimental area, which staff were permitted to enter.

The fifth floor was an independent laboratory, generally restricted to others.

When Cang Cheng entered the fourth floor, he heard a dispute originating from inside.

"The current production of Cang Stones is limited and should be given priority for weapon energy supply."

It was Ming Bai's voice.

"I disagree. The cultivation chamber also requires Cang Stones for energy supply."

This is the voice of Mù Xīng.

Ming Bai: "The potatoes have already overflowed, what more energy do you need?"

Mù Xīng: "As if you have the capability to modify the weapons. The tools haven't even arrived yet!"

Ming Bai: "Once the tools arrive, I can start working. As for this Cang Stone, I'm not giving it to you."

Mù Xīng: "Sigh, I just analyzed the evolutionary gene fragment of the three-headed snake. I was planning to share it with you, but now…"

Ming Bai: "Wait. I can give you a small piece to try, but you have to give me the gene fragment."

Mù Xīng: "Deal."

The two were so engrossed in their dispute that they only noticed Cang Cheng had been standing at the door for some time.

"Lord."

"Archon."

They bowed simultaneously and then, almost in sync, went to prepare sweet tea for Cang Cheng.

Thanks to the efficiency of his mechanical limbs, Ming Bai was a step faster than Mù Xīng.

So Mù Xīng could only hurry to the side and bring out a freshly made baked cake.

The sweet tea with floating ice cubes and the fragrant baked cake were placed before Cang Cheng, one after the other.

The combination of tea fragrance and milk aroma was very appetizing.

Cang Cheng first took a sip of the sweet tea, then turned to Mù Xīng and said, "Is this a cake? Mù Xīng, have you cultivated milk?"

Mù Xīng nodded: "Cultivated from the star beast Xī Xī Cow and the Milk Fruit Flower—a new variety. We just produced a small amount of milk today. The milk is a bit thin and not pure enough, but it's perfect for making baked cakes."

Cang Cheng picked up a sliced piece of the baked cake and put it in his mouth.

The flavors of eggs, wheat, and milk blended together, with a soft texture and a hint of sweetness. The taste was excellent!

Cang Cheng praised: "Very delicious. Being able to produce milk means that more delicious food can be made. Mù Xīng, the efficiency of your research is very high."

Mù Xīng pushed his glasses and said, "It's because you gave me the opportunity, my lord, to demonstrate my value. I have you to thank for that."

Ming Bai, not willing to be outdone, said, "My lord, I've repaired the No. 11 patrol robot. It is now exclusively patrolling the Cang Stone mine. If any intruders are detected, it will fire tranquilizer darts immediately.

At the same time, I've also installed optical invisibility and star beast disruption devices around the mine. Even if we encounter star beasts such as the Hydra again, they will be repelled by the disruption device and stay away from the mine."

Cang Cheng blinked in surprise.

It had only been a few days, and Ming Bai had already created so many devices?

His efficiency was remarkably high.

Ming Bai was not done speaking. "Additionally, a few Cang Stone Spirit Runes have been completed. Would you like me to deliver them to the Central Mansion later for you to try out?"

Cang Cheng was surprised. "Have they been completed so soon?"

Ming Bai nodded. "Cang Stones are excellent conductors and require minimal processing to be used directly. They are easy to fashion into Spirit Runes."

The hard-to-use Spirit Runes were about to be phased out, and Cang Cheng was very pleased about it.

"Very well, I'll test them out tonight when I return. Ming Bai, you're very capable."

Ming Bai said, "It is my honor to work for you, my lord."

After that, Mù Xīng and Ming Bai exchanged glances, their eyes meeting in mid-air for a moment before they looked away.

Cang Cheng continued to eat his small cake while chatting with the two; the atmosphere seemed quite harmonious.

Later, Ming Bai left to prepare the Cang Stone Spirit Runes for Cang Cheng, while Cang Cheng discussed the location of the breeding room with Mù Xīng.

Mù Xīng said, "I'm considering placing the breeding room on the border between the central district and the outer district. Because the activities of the creatures we'll be breeding and the experiments we'll be conducting will be considerable, it's better to be far from the central district so as not to disturb the residents."

Cang Cheng rarely intervened in his subordinates' decisions and quickly agreed. "Once Simon returns, we'll eliminate the safety hazards in the outer district, and then we can relocate."

"Very well, my lord."

Cang Cheng pulled out an Energy Gathering Rune and showed it to Mù Xīng.

"This is...?"

Mù Xīng seemed somewhat puzzled.

"This is the Energy Gathering Rune, capable of collecting, and restoring energy," Cang Cheng explained. "Your spirit core was taken away, but the energy circuits within your body remain... Would you like to try regaining control of your energy through external means?"

"Regaining... control of the energy?"

Mù Xīng's breathing suddenly became rapid.

The energy source of Awakened individuals is the spirit core, but simultaneously, the energy circuits within an Awakened's body also play a crucial supporting role.

The spirit core is the source, and the energy circuits are the tributaries—both are indispensable.

Because Mù Xīng's spirit core was removed, he could no longer access the powers he once had as an Awakened.

He had considered returning to the main planet to reclaim his spirit core, but... Mù Xīng had never considered regaining control of his energy through external means.

His heartbeat quickened, but his mind remained calm.

"My lord... I've tried before to modify a star beast's spirit core into my own, but it was unsuccessful."

Not only did it fail, but the rejection was intense, nearly costing him his life.

"My method is somewhat different. Whether it works or not, why not try it?"

Cang Cheng lifted his eyes, his gaze calm yet sharp. "Do you dare to try, Mù Xīng?"

Obediently, Mù Xīng knelt down on one knee.

"I dare."

Once, he had fallen from the clouds into the mud, experiencing hellish pain, but it was Cang Cheng that gave him hope.

Now, it was just a matter of trying out a rune. What did he have to lose?

Cang Cheng promised, "You are about to be reborn."

With that, he concentrated magic, and the Energy Gathering Rune was activated.