Chapter 37: Journey to Sand Star

Chapter 37: Journey to Sand Star

Sha Builo's aura intensified. The water droplets on his body evaporated instantly.

He looked at Cang Cheng with a contemptuous sneer, clearly not taking Cang Cheng's words seriously.

"Just a small border planet official, the unwanted and useless fifth prince, actually said, 'On Luo Ri Star, I have the final say.'"

He really doesn't know his place.

"Chief Administrator Cang Cheng, what great courage you have!"

Cang Cheng narrowed his eyes in a smile. "Thank you for the compliment."

"I don't care about your rules on Luo Ri Star. Wherever I go, I have the final say," Sha Builo declared. "Release Menoro, apologize to us, and supply us with ten Water Runes every week, or else, Sand Star will not let you off easily."

Sha Builo had originally intended to discuss the matter of the Water Runes 'amicably' with Cang Cheng, at least to maintain appearances. However, this humiliating incident enraged him.

In the Canglan Star Region, the strong ruled. What right did the useless Cang Cheng and the impoverished Luo Ri Star have to dictate terms to an Awakened individual like him from Sand Star?

Cang Cheng turned his head.

His eyes still curved upwards as if in a slight smile, and he spoke slowly, "Ah... that's troublesome. I neither want to release this gentleman nor give you the Water Runes. What should we do about that?"

"Don't blame us for being impolite!"

In an instant, Sha Builo drew his dual laser guns from his waist, and Yiero transformed into a gust of wind, attacking Cang Cheng.

Cang Cheng was widely known as the ordinary and incompetent fifth prince of Luo Ri Star. Even though he had twenty elite guards with him today, making his entourage appear impressive, Sha Builo was so close to Cang Cheng that the reaction speed of the Luo Ri Star guards couldn't keep up.

Sha Builo was confident he wouldn't fail.

With the Water Runes, Luo Ri Star's food would be his to control, and eventually, the governance of Luo Ri Star would belong to Sand Star!

Sha Builo was extremely confident.

However, the next moment, his confidence turned into surprise, and the surprise turned into excruciating pain.

Cang Cheng's smile remained unchanged, but covertly behind his back, his hands had already drawn two Spirit Runes.

As the fluorescent blue magic dissipated from his fingertips, the accumulated water on the ground rapidly began to deform.

In an instant, several transparent tentacles formed, like the oral arms of a jellyfish, wrapping around Sha Builo's hands and forcing them behind his back.

The water continued to flow upwards, forming a spherical water prison around Sha Builo, with his hands now broken.

The use of the Grade C rune "Transformation Spell" and the Grade B rune "Water Prison."

The addition of the Transformation Spell offered sufficient control to prevent the target from escaping before the Water Prison fully formed.

Both were water-based runes, and in a place with water, their formation speed doubled while their energy consumption was halved.

Earlier, Mù Xīng's use of the Water Runes was also part of Cang Cheng's plan to prepare the battlefield to their advantage, just in case.

A mage never enters battle unprepared.

At the same time, Mù Xīng threw a vial to the ground with a click, instantly staining the ground green.

Out of nowhere, mutated vines sprouted from the ground, their tendrils guided by the inducing agent to capture the fast-moving Yiero.

The water stains on Yiero's clothes also instantly turned against him, morphing into hostile forms that hindered his movement speed.

Under the interference of the vines and water, Yiero quickly lost his concentration.

The vines took advantage and wrapped around his limbs, binding and immobilizing him.

What is this thing?

Yiero panicked, but it was too late.

In just a second, he was completely wrapped in the vines, rolled up like a silkworm cocoon, only his eyes exposed, struggling to breathe.

Meanwhile, the rest of Sha Star's armed forces were knocked out and bound by patrol robots dispatched by Ming Bai.

Thus, the Sha Star delegation was easily apprehended.

With Shabuilo locked in the water prison, Menoro, who smelled of mushroom-stewed chicken, secured by the patrol machine, and Yiero restrained by the vines.

It wasn't until the three were seated together that they realized, to their surprise, that Luo Ri Star was so militarily strong.

Isn't Luo Ri Star a border planet? Isn't it rumored that the planet is full of the elderly, weak, sick, and disabled?

Isn't it rumored to be a barren planet that can't even afford basic nutrient solutions?

If Shabuilo had known Luo Ri Star was this strong, he would never have underestimated it, and he would have brought a full armed force before daring to visit Luo Ri Star.

However, hindsight is always 20/20.

Shabuilo's gaze greedily fell on Mu Xing, who was wearing gloves. His gaze was so intense it seemed he was ready to devour Mu Xing.

He didn't notice Sir Cang Cheng using the Spirit Runes and assumed it was Mu Xing.

He was filled with envy that Sir Cang Cheng had such a powerful subordinate.

How did Sir Cang Cheng find such an impressive subordinate?

If he could have such subordinates under his command, his Sha Star would undoubtedly grow stronger.

From the moment the Sha Star instigators arrived, to when Sir Cang Cheng and his team swiftly resolved the situation, only a few minutes had passed.

A storm in a teacup ended just like that.

The residents of Luo Ri Star, who had witnessed the aliens being instantly subdued, looked on in surprise and delight.

"Sir Cang Cheng is truly amazing!"

"Those aliens clearly weren't good people; it's good that the governor taught them a lesson!"

"Are those people in uniform the governor's personal guard? I've never seen them before, they're so cool!"

...

The residents watching felt a sense of safety living on Luo Ri Star. With such a capable and elegant governor, and the impressive personal guard, they were more than happy to continue living on Luo Ri Star.

Just a few months ago, the residents couldn't have imagined they would be living such comfortable lives.

All these changes were because of the newly appointed Sir Cang Cheng. He had revitalized Luo Ri Star.

The residents were even more confident in their future life on Luo Ri Star.

Cang Cheng slowly walked up to Sha Builo, who was locked in the water prison. Sha Builo glared at Cang Cheng, ready to lash out in anger.

But as soon as he opened his mouth, water poured in, nearly choking him to death.

With a mere thought, Cang Cheng caused the water prison to open a small gap, allowing Sha Builo to breathe properly.

Cang Cheng wore a gentle smile, his eyes curved like a soft crescent moon, harmless: "I think now we can have a proper discussion about the 'Star Transport Orbit,' can't we?"

Cang Cheng and his group escorted the Sha Star guests toward the administrative hall.

Due to Cang Cheng's so-called 'friendly' negotiation, Sha Builo had no choice but to temporarily accept the unequal treaty.

"For the C-level star transport orbit between Sha Star and Luo Ri Star, all costs will be borne by Sha Star for three months.

Sha Star will provide Luo Ri Star with 50 tons of Lila Rock for free every month, worth approximately 2.5 billion credits.

Sha Star needs to establish a C-level exclusive network for Luo Ri Star for free, allowing the residents of Luo Ri Star to access advanced Star Network resources.

The number of Water Runes bought by Sha Star from Luo Ri Star must not exceed 10 pieces per month.

..."

After listing all the terms, Sha Star suffered losses without any gains, and even had to build a star transport orbit worth over 10 billion.

The expressions of the Sha Star group were all grim.

"I can sign a preliminary agreement on the above conditions, but the official cooperation terms require that Administrator Cang Cheng come to Sha Star and sign the contract with Administrator Tata Luo of our planet in person."

Sha Builo gritted out his words.

In his mind, he was plotting that once Cang Cheng dared to enter Sha Star's territory, their defense systems would tear this vulnerable fifth prince to shreds.

Cang Cheng, you can only be arrogant on Luo Ri Star. Outside of Luo Ri Star, who will win or lose is still uncertain.

What Sha Builo said was true. A cooperation worth more than 10 billion between planets required both administrators to sign the agreement face-to-face for the terms to take effect.

However... Cang Cheng had just had an unpleasant encounter with the people from Sha Star, so it was obvious that inviting Cang Cheng to Sha Star at this time was not in good faith.

Cang Cheng could also ask the other party's administrator to come to Luo Ri Star, but there was no guarantee that the other party's shuttle might not carry powerful armed forces.

The vulnerable defenses of Luo Ri Star could not withstand such armed forces.

After a moment's thought, Cang Cheng made his decision: "Then I'll take a trip to Sha Star!"

It had been a while since he arrived in the Canglan Star Region, and he hadn't left the planet to explore the mysterious universe.

As for Sha Star... They had become his enemies. Even if he ignored them, they wouldn't let Luo Ri Star rest easy. It would be better for Luo Ri Star to take the initiative and attack before Sha Star had time to prepare.

At this moment, Mù Xīng stepped forward: "My lord, I've recently developed some interesting potions. If someone has intentions of betrayal, they will start growing mushrooms all over and become a breeding ground for mushrooms.

If you agree, my lord, you can have them test it."

Cang Cheng blinked his deep black eyes in surprise.

He didn't expect Mù Xīng to develop such a potion in his spare time. It seemed like an evolved version of mushroom potions. Mù Xīng was really quite capable.

Cang Cheng nodded. "Good."

With that, Mù Xīng took several vials and forced the inhabitants of Planet Sha to drink their contents.

The dark purple, bubbling liquid flowed down their esophagi, and soon after, a burning sensation filled their stomachs.

Menoro, who now smelled like chicken and mushrooms, roared, "What did you make me drink? When I can move freely again, I'll definitely—"

Before he could finish his threat, a purple mushroom suddenly sprouted from Menoro's mouth.

The mushrooms grew more and more, and at an increasingly rapid pace, breaking through the skin on the right side of Menoro's face. They fed on his flesh and blood, using his body as a nurturing bed.

The once strong and sturdy Menoro began to visibly waste away.

Yiero shouted, "Menoro, stop thinking about it!"

As Menoro closed his mind, the mushrooms stopped growing. But the damage was done—the right side of his body, now overrun with mushrooms, could no longer be restored.

In fury, Yiero shouted at Mù Xīng, "You maniac!"

Mù Xīng pushed up his glasses but did not respond to Yiero.

He picked up a pen and began recording data on the floating screen. "The first places the mushrooms grow are the mouth and ears. The growth in the internal organs and soft tissues is still unknown; we'll need to conduct a dissection to determine that. The growth rate on a Grade B Spirit Warrior's body is approximately..."

Having seen what happened to Menoro, the remaining inhabitants of Planet Sha suppressed all thoughts of revenge.

Cang Cheng commanded, "Make preparations. Mù Xīng and I will depart for Planet Sha early tomorrow morning."

Hearing his name, Mù Xīng felt a surge of joy. "Yes, my lord."

Being able to accompany Cang Cheng filled Mù Xīng with honor.

Meanwhile, Philip and Ming Bai, who were left behind on Sunset Star, did not look pleased.

Since they were not allowed to accompany Cang Cheng this time, they would need to work even harder to gain his favor in the future.

Upon returning to the Central Mansion, Cang Cheng took out a Cang Stone Spirit Rune board and began drawing new Spirit Runes.

*

A mage never goes into battle without preparation. Aware of the dangers of going to Planet Sha, Cang Cheng was determined to make thorough preparations.

"Planet Sha has a dry climate and high temperatures; most of the planet's surface is sandy soil..."

As Cang Cheng reviewed the information on Planet Sha, ideas began to take shape in his mind.

The natural environment of sandy soil—wasn't this the ideal environment for earth-based magic?

Since he hadn't had the opportunity to create earth-based Spirit Runes yet, this was the perfect chance to make a batch.

Cang Cheng took out a disguised Cang Stone Spirit Rune board.

The Cang Stone Spirit Rune board appeared no different from ordinary Spirit Rune boards, but it was coated with a layer of common material. This not only increased the hardness of the Cang Stone Spirit Rune board but also disguised it as an ordinary Spirit Rune board, preventing it from being detected.

Magic condensed in his fingertips. The newly crafted Cang Stone Spirit Rune board quickly bore fresh patterns.

The magic storage and flow capacity of the Cang Stone Spirit Rune board were 40% higher than those of ordinary Spirit Rune boards, allowing Cang Cheng to inscribe significantly more patterns. Along with his deep familiarity with the four elemental magics, he was fully prepared.

In only an hour, Cang Cheng completed nearly 30 Spirit Runes plates without any explosions.

Including 3 types of earth-based Spirit Runes.

"Did you make some new Spirit Runes plates?"

Hilmeth had been standing behind Cang Cheng, watching him draw never before seen patterns.

"Yes, preparing for tomorrow. Tomorrow will definitely be a trap."

Cang Cheng replied, nodding.

He rotated his wrist, which had become sore after drawing Spirit Runes for an extended period.

Cang Cheng had never been one to take insults lying down.

He originally proposed exchanging Water Runes for the construction of star routes with the intention of friendly cooperation, but... it appeared that Planet Sha had little interest in friendly collaboration.

Therefore, Cang Cheng would have to face the challenge head-on and suppress the danger in its infancy.

"It seems you've made earth-based Spirit Runes from the natural elements this time."

Cang Cheng smiled, "You got it, Mo. We're becoming more in sync."

"That said, Mo, you didn't stop me from going to Planet Sha today. I thought you would."

"Why would you think that?"

"Because it's risky," Cang Cheng explained, "We have few people and are relatively weak. The armed forces of Planet Sha are probably several times stronger than those of Luo Ri. Going to Planet Sha at this time, isn't it like delivering myself to their doorstep?"

If Cang Cheng still had the power of a forbidden spell mage, a few forbidden spells would be enough to teach Planet Sha a lesson.

But...

Never mind, a good forbidden spell mage shouldn't boast about past glories.

Hilmeth lowered his eyes and carefully observed Cang Cheng, who was resting after finishing the Spirit Runes plates.

"I believe you can do it, which is why I didn't stop you."

Indeed, there were very few people who could be used on Luo Ri, that was true.

But weak... not necessarily...

Moreover, Hilmeth understood Cang Cheng; Cang Cheng would never act without a plan.

"If you don't mind telling me, what are your plans for tomorrow?"

"You've guessed it."

Cang Cheng smiled with his eyes bent like crescent moons, "I heard from Simon that there are major disagreements within Luo Ri due to the water issue. Tomorrow, I think the enemies we'll face might be only this much."

Cang Cheng pinched his thumb and index finger together, indicating a small number in front of the tailed exotic.

Hilmeth understood, "Do you plan to directly persuade some to surrender?"

Cang Cheng looked up, his eyes clear and bright.

He declared authoritatively, "No persuasion, just drown them with water!"

*

The next day, Cang Cheng boarded the shuttle ship bound for Planet Sha, accompanied by Mù Xīng and 20 "White Masks Guard."

Several people from Planet Sha who had been fed an evolved version of the mushroom potions dared not act against Cang Cheng and his group, even though they were no longer restrained.

Otherwise, Menoro, whose body was sprouting mushrooms and was howling in agony, would be their fate.

“Aaah...! Aaah...!!”

The pitiful screams echoed through the empty shuttle. Yiero tried to inject Menoro with hypnotic drugs and anesthetics to alleviate his pain.

However, as soon as the drugs entered Menoro's body, they became nourishment for the mushrooms. The already cramped bio-cultivation bed sprouted several thick mushrooms that burst through his skin, causing Menoro immense suffering.

Yiero glared angrily at Mù Xīng, “What do you want to do to finally spare Menoro?”

Mù Xīng innocently shrugged, “He’ll feel better once he stops speaking ill of us behind our backs. Look how much those mushrooms have grown on him; he must have said a lot of dirty things.”

Mù Xīng had already reminded them that those who had taken the evolved mushroom potions would grow mushrooms if they harbored malice toward Luo Ri.

Why didn’t these people from Planet Sha listen?

Although the person from Planet Sha was probably delirious from pain, he had still said it.

Come to think of it... it had been a while since he had been eating the mushrooms grown from the bio-cultivation. Maybe he should pluck a couple of mushrooms later.

Mù Xīng's light-colored eyes, behind thin black-rimmed glasses, stared directly at the mushroom-covered man.

This made the person from Planet Sha shudder again.

The guy with glasses from Luo Ri was too sinister.

If you're capable of causing people to sprout mushrooms, why not engage in a proper fight?

If you're capable, then come at me!

Cang Cheng sat in the largest conference room of the shuttle, with 20 White Masks standing behind him, exuding a majestic presence.

However, only Cang Cheng’s shallow breathing was heard in the conference room.

His gaze passed out through the small transparent window, looking outside.

The universe was different from what he had imagined; there were no brilliant and dazzling stars. Most of the time, it was a vast expanse of pitch black.

Occasionally, one could see flashing lights in the distance, said to be other planets or shuttles speeding by.

The universe was like ink spilled on white paper, boundless.

Cang Cheng sighed, “The universe is so vast!”

Hilmeth, in his ethereal form, stood beside Cang Cheng.

He was somewhat puzzled by Cang Cheng’s reaction, as though he'd never seen it before, but ultimately said nothing.

Hilmeth: “From the central main planet of the Canglan Star Region to the outermost Luo Ri, without using space-folding technology, the shuttle would travel 918 light-years.”

“And the nearest foreign star region is 2235 light-years away.”

Cang Cheng sighed again, “The foreign star region seems so far away.”

Hilmeth shook his head, “It’s not far. The foreign star region has special space transmission technology that can instantly transmit to the Canglan Star Region in just one second.”

Cang Cheng: [What are the outer star regions supposed to be like?]

Hilmeth: [There are star regions that are similar to the Canglan Star Region, such as the C-class civilization 'Verdant' star region. The inhabitants there have pointed ears and scales on their bodies, love peace, and consume minerals.

There are also some unreasonable star regions, such as the B-class civilization 'Loki' star region. This star region upholds the law of the jungle, and the main planet is covered in bones.]

Cang Cheng suddenly turned his head: [What about your race, the Norman race? What kind of star region do they have?]

Cang Cheng's curious, clear black eyes met Hilmeth's amber ones, causing the latter's breath to hitch slightly.

Hilmeth: [The Norman race's planet has already been incorporated into the Canglan Star Region. If you'd like, I can take you there next time.]

As soon as he finished speaking, Hilmeth realized that he had inadvertently promised to take Cang Cheng to the Norman planet.

Not to mention when he could actually take Cang Cheng there; personally, he had once loathed the Norman race, which had given him half of his heritage, but now he could face that name with equanimity.

Cang Cheng, however, did not notice Hilmeth's change in mood, as his desire to explore the unknown stirred.

[Really? Will you really take me to the Norman planet? I need to hurry and find a shuttle to make time, or else if you go back, you won't be able to take me, right?]

At the word 'return,' Hilmeth's upturned mouth abruptly straightened.

Cang Cheng: [Do all the Norman race have tails? Are the tails black, or are they colorful? It's too bad I can only look and not touch. But just seeing a bunch of tails would make me really happy.]

The smile faded from Hilmeth's face.

The tail coiled around his leg went limp.

"Entering the jurisdiction of Planet Sha; docking in central orbit of Planet Sha in 3 minutes."

Cang Cheng put away his previously soft and limp demeanor. The corners of his eyes lifted in a faint, barely-there smile that didn't reach his eyes.

He left the resting area, surrounded by 20 individuals wearing white masks, and in the corridor, he happened to run into Sha Builo.

Sha Builo wore a fake courteous smile: "The governor of Planet Sha, Tataru, is ready to welcome you."

Yiero followed behind Sha Builo, glaring at Mù Xīng with anger.

The mushroom-like man, Menoro, was nowhere to be seen.

Cang Cheng responded with an innocent smile: "Thank you for your trouble."

"The airlock will open in 10 seconds..."

With a click, the shuttle's airlock opened upwards, revealing a neatly lined formation of individuals in Planet Sha uniforms.

Rows of black gun barrels were aimed at Cang Cheng and his group, with the safeties off.

As expected, someone had tipped off Planet Sha, prompting the deployment of armed forces.

Cang Cheng narrowed his eyes with a smile, his demeanor completely unshaken: "What a unique welcome ceremony."

Sha Builo snorted coldly: "Menoro sacrificed himself for Planet Sha. People of Luo Ri, prepare to face Planet Sha's warm welcome!"

As soon as the words left his mouth, several loud bangs sounded as groups of laser tracking guns fired in unison.

At the same time, Yiero launched a suicidal attack on Mù Xīng.

If it hadn't been for Mù Xīng, Menoro wouldn't have suffered such a painful death. He had watched helplessly as Menoro sent out a final rallying message before being torn apart by the mushrooms.

He had to avenge Menoro!

Under the blinding lasers, Cang Cheng remained expressionless.

With just a flick of his finger, twenty members of the Guard, clad in pure white masks, instantly turned into liquid. The water gathered and surged into towering waves, creating a barrier before Cang Cheng and Mù Xīng.

B-grade Water Runes!

The white laser guns, upon touching the water’s surface, sizzled before being swallowed by the waves and vanishing without a trace.

The fierce assault failed to harm Cang Cheng in the slightest.

The armed forces of Planet Sha were astonished, completely unprepared for their first wave to miss.

They quickly regained their composure and prepared to launch a second assault.

With a single thought, Cang Cheng directed the Water Runes to crash down like a relentless tsunami.

In the face of nature’s power, the armed forces were as helpless as mayflies trying to topple a tree.

The waves swept through, scattering their formation, shredding their guns, and crushing their armor into pieces of broken metal.

The water pressure was strong enough to tear apart even their exoskeletons. While it couldn’t outright kill, it was more than capable of disrupting the battlefield and demoralizing the troops.

A sudden tsunami threw the carefully selected armed forces into disarray, leaving them utterly defeated.

“Water…”

“Is this ANKEN’s Water Runes?”

“The ruling officer never told us we were attacking a holder of Water Runes…”

These words silenced the forces on Planet Sha.

Just a few days ago, ruling officer Tataru had announced a collaboration with ANKEN, the creator of the Water Runes, promising that Planet Sha would no longer suffer from water shortages.

The announcement had slightly improved the perception of his previously lavish lifestyle.

Yet today, they faced a contradiction: Tataru had directly ordered an attack on a Water Runes holder.

Regardless of whether the holder was ANKEN himself, in a water-scarce place like Planet Sha, those who hold Water Runes should be treated with respect.

Did the ruling officer not know how many people on Planet Sha died each year from lack of water or polluted water?

Yesterday alone, 594 people died…

Ha, it was quite possible that the self-absorbed Tataru was unaware of the hardships in the lower districts.

Damn Tataru.

In the armed forces, someone scooped up water from the floor and drank.

“This water… it’s so sweet.”

After he finished speaking, the others threw away their weapons and scooped up the water in their hands to drink.

Pure, sweet, and uncontaminated.

Since Tataru had taken office, they had not drunk such clean water in a long time, nor had they drunk their fill in ages.

Someone even used their clothes to make a waterproof bag, preparing to store the water to take it home so they could drink it later.

Cang Cheng stepped forward and stood firmly.

Over Planet Sha, the scorching sun baked the earth, and everything displayed a sense of lifelessness brought on by drought.

It was on this barren land that Cang Cheng, wearing an immaculate white cloak, had skin as smooth and luminous as the moon.

Under the sunlight, the fluorescent blue patterns on the white cloak appeared to shimmer.

He radiated a purity that seemed out of place, just like the water on the ground, so clear it was dazzling.

Cang Cheng declared: "If you seek water, pledge your loyalty to me."