Chapter 34: Transformation Spell

Chapter 34: Transformation Spell

Simon did not back down due to Sha Builo's firm attitude. Not to mention, he was a Grade B Spirit Warrior himself, carrying numerous advanced thermal weapons and Spirit Runes crafted by Cang Cheng.

Given the importance of the Flowing Water Spirit Pattern to Planet Sha, Sha Builo would not dare to act against him.

Without him and without the Flowing Water Spirit Pattern, Planet Sha would have to exchange water resources with neighboring planets, being at their mercy in every respect.

"This is the intention of Spirit Rune Master ANKEN. To obtain the Flowing Water Spirit Pattern, you must establish a stellar transport route with Luo Ri Star.

This Flowing Water Spirit Pattern, if used properly, can form a lake. The water source is absolutely clean, and I believe you, as the assistant officer, fully comprehend its value.

If Planet Sha is unwilling, we won't force the deal. The neighboring Planet Rock has scarce water resources, and I'm certain they would be willing to trade.

Planet Rock and Planet Sha once waged a small war over water resources, causing nearly ten thousand casualties on both sides. The two planets are irreconcilable.

Even if Planet Sha may appear not to need it as much, whatever Planet Rock desires, Planet Sha will seize it.

The reverse is also true. On no account can Planet Rock obtain the Flowing Water Spirit Pattern!

Sha Builo's expression darkened. "If we are to establish a stellar transport route with Luo Ri Star, I must first conduct an on-site inspection.

As a potential cooperative star system, I need to understand the situation on Luo Ri Star."

Simon said with a smile, "Of course. After I return and discuss it with my superior, we can confirm the visit time with you.

This is the non-disclosure agreement regarding the contract intent. Please sign it."

The agreement stated that inhabitants of Planet Sha must not disclose any information about this transaction to inhabitants of other planets.

"Quite 'official,'" Sha Builo said as he firmly signed his name with a pen.

"With the agreement signed, we can all feel more at ease. It's a win-win for everyone."

After Simon put away the agreement, he asked again, "By the way, there are these five readily available Flowing Water Spirit Pattern boards. Would you require them?"

"Yes."

"The average price for Grade B runes by Spirit Rune Master ANKEN is 1.9 million star coins, so five pieces amount to 9.5 million star coins. Here is the payment code, please scan it to pay."

Sha Builo coldly scanned the code.

"Ding," a voice chimed, "StarPay received 9.5 million star coins."

Hearing the crisp sound of the coins being credited, Simon smiled even brighter.

The sound was truly pleasant.

Simon: "Then I will take my leave, looking forward to our next cooperation."

After seeing Simon off, Sha Builo infused the Spirit Runes with energy.

As a Spirit Warrior, Sha Builo's mental control was less refined than a Spirit Rune Master's. Additionally, his mental energy was weak. But even so, after using the Water Runes, a stream of water rushed out of thin air.

A small, 2-meter-high wave condensed in front of him. The water was clear and cool, glimmering in the light.

He attempted to condense more water, but his mental energy was insufficient.

When the water wave rose to 2.5 meters, it collapsed with a whoosh and fell into the prepared water storage device.

The Spirit Runes shattered as a result.

Gazing at the pristine water, Sha Builo cupped his hands and brought them to his mouth.

The transparent water moistened his lips.

Clean, sweet, and utterly pure!

In an instant, Sha Builo's eyes sharpened, and he exuded a determined look.

The water was so clean, Planet Sha needed to secure it.

However… Luo Ri?

Stellar transportation route?

"Fifth Prince of Luo Ri Cang Cheng? That useless flower vase?"

Sha Builo completely disregarded Cang Cheng.

"Although I don't know how the other party got in touch with ANKEN, since you took the initiative to come here, don't blame me for being rude."

The Water Runes will definitely belong to Sha Star.

*

A few more days passed, and Cang Cheng was overwhelmed with daily tasks such as making Spirit Runes, reviewing daily reports on planetary changes, testing the Cang Stone Spirit Runes, and teaching Mù Xīng how to use the Spirit Runes.

The Energy Gathering Rune is more gentle compared to the mental energy recovery potions of the Canglan Star Region, making it suitable for daily use.

Cang Cheng had Energy Gathering Runes installed in his study and his room, constantly replenishing his magic.

About a hundred people have gradually been hired into the administrative hall.

Most of them were ordinary people, mostly Governance Support Officers, who currently help with merchant registration in the shopping district and coordinate changes to shop stalls. Occasionally, they also help resolve minor neighborhood disputes or remove the withered vines in the central urban area.

The finance professionals are mainly responsible for calculating the revenue and expenditure of the shopping district and the daily water and electricity supply of the planet, with large transactions still overseen by Philip.

A few programmers are trying to optimize the Canglan Star Region's network and establish the planet's official website, but since they haven't found an artist yet, the programmers' aesthetic for the website is unpleasant to look at, even worse than AI's aesthetic.

A few diplomatic officers have also joined and recently been in communication with Simon and Philip to understand the diplomatic situation of Luo Ri.

As for the legal officers, they are currently training hard to relearn the interstellar laws. They were once imprisoned for offending an Awakened individual for 5 years, and after their release, they forgot most of the legal knowledge they had memorized.

In short, the once dead administrative system of Luo Ri has slowly started operating again.

Although there is still a shortage of many talents, Cang Cheng has taken the first step, and progress will only accelerate from this point.

In addition to handling all these matters, Cang Cheng also had to make time to coordinate personnel relations.

For instance, right now…

Ming Bai: "The excavators for mining the Cang Stones are urgent; please allocate some personnel to me."

Mù Xīng: "The site for the breeding room has been decided, and the soil cultivation room has reached full capacity, requiring manpower to help with the relocation."

Ming Bai: "The Cang Stones will bring, in the future, huge benefits to Luo Ri; the mining team needs more manpower."

Mù Xīng: "The cultivation chamber has already generated revenue for Luo Ri Star. Expanding this revenue is the top priority."

Ming Bai: "Mù Xīng, you already have so many people in your cultivation chamber. Can't you spare some for me?"

Mù Xīng: "My employees are all delicate researchers. Do you want them to haul bricks?"

...

Philip: "The patrol staff in the shopping street are insufficient. A minor altercation broke out yesterday. Should we detain the troublemakers?"

Philip: "Simon said that an assistant officer from Planet Sha will visit in the next few days, sir… We are short of diplomatic personnel. We risk being looked down upon."

...

Cang Cheng was feeling overwhelmed.

Luo Ri Star was in its early stages of development, and city construction was progressing steadily. However… there was a critical shortage of personnel.

Many of the newly hired staff were still undergoing training and couldn't be assigned immediately.

The number of robots was also scarce, not enough to cover all needs. Assigning them to one task resulted in neglecting another, leading to the current predicament.

Cang Cheng cleared his throat. "That's enough."

The three of them stopped and saluted Cang Cheng.

At this moment, Cang Cheng's brows were furrowed, his lips pressed together, his face etched with worry.

It was the first time Mù Xīng and the others had seen Cang Cheng looking so troubled.

The young officer looked extremely troubled, his usual smile absent.

The three of them suddenly felt a surge of panic in their hearts.

Had they caused trouble for their superior?

Their superior had already done so much for Luo Ri Star. Every day, he drew Spirit Runes to help increase the star's revenue, yet they were troubling him with such minor issues.

They weren't thinking about their superior at all, only adding to his workload.

They really should be damned...

Mù Xīng, first saluted Cang Cheng: "My lord, I might be able to have the vines assist with the relocation of the cultivation room. It’s fine to allocate manpower to me when expansion is needed."

Ming Bai was not willing to be outdone: "There is abandoned equipment in the outer district. I can dismantle some parts from them to make temporary mining robots."

Philip immediately followed: "I will handle the troublemakers according to the previous interstellar laws. I am willing to alleviate your concerns, my lord."

Cang Cheng remained silent, simply resting his head as he observed the three.

Both Mù Xīng and Ming Bai were recruited by Cang Cheng, and in a very short time, they had already generated significant value.

As for Philip, he was someone who, when Cang Cheng first arrived at Luo Ri and was being deliberately embarrassed by Simon, had the courage to stand up for him.

Cang Cheng understood them. If they weren’t truly short-handed, they wouldn’t have brought such matters to him. If they were to cause a disturbance, they would do it privately.

As for the proposed plans they suggested... they sounded feasible but were actually flawed.

Cang Cheng asked, "Are the proposed plans reliable?"

The three of them exchanged glances.

The room fell silent.

"Mù Xīng, if you have the vines assist in transporting the cultivation room instruments, can you guarantee that none of the instruments will be broken midway?"

Mù Xīng, lowered his head.

"Ming Bai, when you go to the outer district to find mechanical materials, not to mention the danger, can you gather all the necessary materials in one day?"

Ming Bai, lowered his head.

"Philip, I remember the law states that troublemakers in the city area can be detained for up to 90 days, but I don’t think the dispute between the two shopkeepers requires such a harsh punishment."

Philip, also lowered his head.

Cang Cheng tapped his index finger on the armrest. His tone was calm: "I’m glad that everyone comes to me when they encounter difficulties. I also don’t want anyone to force through unsuitable plans, resulting in greater losses."

"The construction of Luo Ri is just beginning, and so is our adjustment period. Disagreements and friction in opinions are inevitable. I don’t think your argument just now was wrong. However..."

Cang Cheng shifted his tone: "I hope everyone can keep in mind my identity. I am not only the planetary governor of Luo Ri Star, but also the fifth prince of the Canglan Star Domain, and a Spirit Rune Master.

I can do what ordinary people cannot through the means of Spirit Runes."

As he spoke, Cang Cheng raised his hand and drew several marks in the air.

Fluorescent blue magic power gathered and then dissipated, after which rotating clusters of flowing water sequentially appeared around Cang Cheng.

The clusters of water gradually elongated, transforming into youthful human figures.

The water-made bodies transformed into uniforms with white and blue patterns, and their faces were covered with pure white masks that hid their features.

A row of twelve figures neatly appeared in the space, exuding an inhuman coldness that gave off an invisible pressure.

Primary Water Magic—Transformation Spell

It can change the form of flowing water into any shape, and the creative capacity of the form depends on the amount of magic power input by the caster.

This spell isn’t particularly powerful; at least, the things created by the Transformation Spell don’t possess much destructive power.

However, it is sufficient for carrying things or intimidating those who know nothing about the Canglan Star Region.

"This is probably the strength of a C-level rune. You can consider it a free, useful, and loyal labor force. It can last approximately twelve hours."

As Cang Cheng explained, he instructed the twelve figures to split into two groups and follow Mù Xīng and Ming Bai respectively.

"By the way, if attacked, they will explode. There’s a bit of destructive power, but not much, so there’s no need for excessive concern."

Mù Xīng’s glasses slipped down his nose, but he didn’t adjust them.

Even though Mù Xīng had already seen Cang Cheng use the Wind Blade with his bare hands and knew how formidable Cang Cheng was, he couldn’t imagine that Cang Cheng had managed to create humanoid forms using Spirit Runes!

Creating a bionic robot in the Canglan Star Region required countless hours of labor, precision machinery, and numerous tests and adjustments.

But Cang Cheng’s Spirit Rune was crafted using water and mental energy… the cost and time were virtually nonexistent.

Could Spirit Runes really reach this level of capability?

Mù Xīng felt his recently reconstructed understanding of the world shatter once again.

Ming Bai's chip in his eyes flickered wildly, and his slightly parted lips betrayed his astonishment.

"Analysis of Object: Water

Structural Analysis: H2O

Analysis Conclusion: Pure Water, Non-hazardous"

You're calling this humanoid thing water?

Cang Cheng said it would explode, so how did you analyze it as harmless?

The chip assistant device he just updated—is the analysis data really accurate?

Ming Bai felt that Cang Cheng was constantly challenging his expertise as a weapon designer.

As for Philip, although he was still standing respectfully, his expression seemingly unchanged, his mind was elsewhere.

Cang Cheng's ability to create 'human figures' out of nothing successfully caused the three people and one soul to freeze.

"Tomorrow, I will give you a few Transformation Spell Runes. You can use them until you have sufficient manpower. They are very convenient."

And you won't need to pay wages.

Cang Cheng thought to himself.

Cang Cheng had no idea that what he did was groundbreaking; he simply stated it nonchalantly.

The Transformation Spell, as a basic spell, can be performed by almost any mage with an affinity for water elements. In summer, you could even see little kids on the streets casting the Transformation Spell and transforming into wolves or eagles, chasing each other for fun.

Cang Cheng even thought he should have introduced the Transformation Spell earlier to alleviate the manpower shortage on Luo Ri Star.

It was normal for a forbidden spell mage to forget a basic spell, right?

However... watching Mù Xīng and Ming Bai walk out of the executive council hall with stiff, synchronized movements, Cang Cheng had a puzzled look on his face.

Hmm...?

Could they be too stressed?

Should we go easy on them and give them two days off?

Once only Sir Cang Cheng and Philip were left in the administrative hall, Sir Cang Cheng resumed speaking, "Philip, you mentioned earlier that two shop owners started quarreling over who should handle the trash at their door. They started scuffling and disrupted the city's appearance, so according to the law, they are to be detained for 90 days."

Philip answered, "Yes, Sir."

"Did they cause any injuries?"

"No, Sir."

"Other than giving the people around a spectacle, did they cause any other harm?"

"No, Sir."

"Then I believe this matter can be resolved in a straightforward manner. After all, the detention facility... seems to be short-handed at the moment."

At present, there are only 10 patrol robots. One of these has been assigned to guard the Cang Stone mines in the outer district, and another one to patrol the outer district. The remaining 8 robots can only just maintain security patrols in the central district. No robots are available to watch over the detention facility.

A fistfight over a quarrel is not a serious matter, and Sir Cang Cheng believed the situation could be handled differently.

Philip bowed his head. "Please instruct me, Sir."

"As for the two who quarreled, make them run a food cart together for a month, with a daily revenue requirement of 500 star coins. If they fail to meet the target, they will have to extend their punishment. Let them work on improving their relationship."

Sir Cang Cheng smiled. "I believe after a month of working together, they will become much more harmonious."

In such hot weather, given that they have so much energy, they might as well put in the effort and contribute more taxes to Luo Ri.

"Yes, Sir, that is an excellent suggestion."

Imagine being forced to work with someone you dislike for at least a month; this punishment is just as severe as a 90-day detention.

Philip quietly left the administrative hall and couldn't help but ponder further.

Although Sir Cang Cheng mentioned the punishment in passing, Philip felt that Sir Cang Cheng must have had a deeper intention.

If someone were to suggest establishing an independent legal system, others would surely think he or she was being unrealistic. But if the person proposing this condition holds the inheritance rights to the Star Domain Throne, others might think he is attempting to claim power.

So... does Lord Cang Cheng still have designs on the Supreme Throne?

Philip had a realization.

He would definitely follow Lord Cang Cheng closely and work on creating a unique legal system for Luo Ri Star.

Once the room was empty, leaving only Lord Cang Cheng, he finally breathed a sigh of relief. "Mo," he said, using a shortened form of address for Hilmeth, "I didn’t expect being a governor would be this exhausting. I don’t even know if the decisions I’m making are correct."

These days, Hilmeth had seen Lord Cang Cheng working day and night, and he had witnessed all of his efforts.

Recalling their first meeting, when Lord Cang Cheng had held a gun the wrong way and said "robbery," Lord Cang Cheng now handled affairs with much more tact.

"Do as you wish. You are the ruler of this planet."

Not to mention that the Canglan Star Region is located on the border, where no one holds authority.

Given Lord Cang Cheng’s position as governor, he could do anything he desired for his planet.

Not to mention... Lord Cang Cheng’s Spirit Runes, which possessed boundless potential.

It might change the current state of the Canglan Star Region.

If that rune that could create humanoid water entities was used in the military department...

Imagine a squad of self-regenerating commando units; the military’s casualties would surely decrease significantly.

But the military department is not entirely secure at present. It would be ideal if he could wake up.

Hilmeth became silent.

Cang Cheng reached out and waved his hand in front of Hilmeth’s eyes.

"Why did you suddenly drift off? Come back to your senses."

Hilmeth returned to his senses.

"By the way, why do you trust me so much? What if I ruin this planet?"

"You won't fail, Cang Cheng."

Hilmeth's tone was firm. "Luo Ri will become better and better under your leadership. I have no doubt about that."

"Then thank you for your encouragement."

Cang Cheng fluttered his pure black eyelashes and smiled at the large-tailed exotic.

The latter remained expressionless, though the tip of his tail, wrapped around his thigh, flicked rapidly.

Cang Cheng glanced at the unusually active tail tip, then at the composed Mo.

Hmm...

Does the quick flicking of Mo's tail mean he's happy?

But Mo's expression is so calm.

Probably not that happy, he thought...

Cang Cheng pushed Mo's unusual behavior to the back of his mind. He took out the light brain that Ming Bai had just adjusted and handed it to Mo.

"By using special hacker techniques, I've bound a fake ID. Now Mo can use the light brain to go online. So... would you like to take a look in the holographic world with me?"

Mo's eyes lit up, and he accepted the light brain without hesitation. "Okay."

*

Having been chased and blocked the last time he logged into the Canglan World, Cang Cheng this time directly set the login location to the arena. There were relatively fewer people, and if he was recognized, he could immediately enter the challenge arena to hide, making it a safer option.

Cang Cheng stayed in the corner, waiting for Mo to log in. At the same time, he noticed a two-player challenge mode in the arena.

Cang Cheng was immediately interested.

Mo is a warrior, and he is a mage; their professions complement each other.

The last time they faced the three-headed snake, their coordination was quite good.

Should he go into the two-player challenge with Mo later? It's feasible since Mo consumes less energy in the Canglan World.

The more Cang Cheng thought about it, the more feasible it seemed.

"Little rune master, got you now. Come with me to the arena and let me get my revenge for defeating me last time!"

Cang Cheng's shoulder was slapped hard.

He winced in pain, then turned around to see a striking red figure in front of him.

Oh...

It's the redhead.

It's the Qin Erhuo.

The thought slipped out before he could stop himself.

"Oh, it's you, Qin Erhuo."

Qin Yan clenched his fist. "My name isn't Erhuo."

"It sounds like 'Erhuo' (which sounds like 'idiot'). Is this how you address people?"

"Whatever, the name doesn't matter. You want to challenge me?"

Cang Cheng inquired casually.

"Heh, naturally. I underestimated you last time, so I went online and looked up your name when I got back, and learned about your commonly used Spirit Runes."

Qin Yan said with confidence, "I won't lose to you this time."

For a general to lose to a fragile rune master—what a disgrace that would be.

Although... this fragile rune master is quite formidable.

"I have plans with a friend today, how about tomorrow?"

"Not today, huh?"

"Nope."

Cang Cheng asserted.

Hilmeth reached out and grabbed Cang Cheng's shoulder. "Really not possible?"

He frowned, which made him look even more intimidating, especially with his face that didn't exactly look like a good person's to begin with.

"No."

Cang Cheng reached out, wanting to shake off Qin Yan's hand. But before he could make a move, someone grabbed Qin Yan's arm first.

The person pulled back, and Qin Yan was pushed away from Cang Cheng's side.

The person had black eyes with red pupils and black hair that reached their waist.

They wore a mask with a black base and red patterns, and a dark fitted uniform that accentuated their broad shoulders and long legs, giving off an incredibly sharp and commanding presence.

Cang Cheng recognized at first glance that the person was Mo. Mo was handsome both in the Canglan World and the external world.

However...

Cang Cheng's gaze shifted behind Mo, looking left and right, then left again and right again.

Behind him, all he could see was a strong waistline.

Mo's tail was gone, which made Cang Cheng unhappy.

Cang Cheng withdrew his gaze, sulking alone.

Qin Yan hadn't noticed that Cang Cheng was already upset. He stood in front of Cang Cheng protectively, his gaze falling on Qin Yan, with his eyes slightly lowered and his voice calm. "General Qin Yan."

Qin Yan instinctively stood at attention, ramrod straight. "Yes!"

But the next second, he rubbed his hair in frustration.

It wasn't the boss arriving, so why was he standing at attention? What was he afraid of?

It was really embarrassing.

Qin Yan resumed his usual demeanor. "Hey, Black Mask, you're the friend of the Little Spirit Pattern Master?"

Hilmeth's eyes flickered. Little Spirit Pattern Master?

"The Little Spirit Pattern Master doesn't want to spar with me today, how about you instead?"

Hilmeth, also known as Black Mask·Moses, smiled lightly. "Sure."