Chapter 38: “Friendly” Visit (Part One)

Chapter 38: "Friendly" Visit (Part One)

The clear water source was as enticing as honey cakes, making the inhabitants of Planet Sha unable to resist.

They showed greedy expressions, but inside, they were in great turmoil because of Cang Cheng's words.

"Do we really have to betray Planet Sha to get water?"

"You fool, ever since that bastard Tataru took office, can Planet Sha still be called Planet Sha? It should be called Planet Tataru!"

"This isn't betrayal!"

"My family of four is only given 1 liter of water per day. I can't live like this anymore!"

"The upper district celebrated the Water Splashing Festival just a few days ago... Why should we risk our lives for those people?"

...

Awakened individuals born in the lower district, even if they had entered the armed forces, still had only minimal water rations. Most of the water was transported to the upper district to benefit a small group of people.

The constant oppression, exploitation of water resources, and the increasing death toll in the lower district had begun to cause the inhabitants of Planet Sha to waver.

And now, Cang Cheng, appearing with clean water, sparked their latent discontent and anger.

Some people threw away their daggers and other weapons, kneeling with their hands outstretched on the ground, showing that they posed no threat.

As one person did it, others followed suit.

Thus, the armed forces of Planet Sha, who had come to subdue Cang Cheng, all submitted to him after just one encounter.

Although they didn't know what this seemingly aloof Awakened individual would do with them,

it couldn't be any worse than under Tataru.

Cang Cheng nodded with satisfaction.

He had thought it might take some time, overwhelming them with water, but the process had gone surprisingly smoothly.

It was evident how unpopular the governor of Planet Sha was...

"You are free to take as much water as you need from here. This is your reward."

As soon as these words were spoken, the armed forces of Planet Sha looked at each other in disbelief, ensuring they had heard correctly.

Could it really be true that such clean water was available for their use?

It wasn't until someone trembling in excitement said, "Thank you for your generosity..." and began frantically searching for containers to hold the water that they realized it was all real.

Planet Sha might have finally seen the dawn of their liberation.

At the same time, while the armed forces were attacking Cang Cheng, Yiero, heedless of his own safety, launched an attack on Mù Xīng.

*

Yiero knew that if he harbored any intent to kill Mù Xīng, he would die from the cursed potion, his body covered in mushrooms.

But it didn't matter to him.

He was a warrior fighting for Planet Sha, and now, because of a mere potion, he was being forced to act against his will.

He refused to accept it.

Death in combat is a warrior's honor.

Because of his murderous intent, Yiero's blood vessels began to swell, and strange plant tissues invaded his eyes, causing him to lose his sight.

But that didn't matter. He could still rely on his senses to lock onto the malicious alchemist.

His left hand held a sleeve gun aimed at Mù Xīng.

Closer, closer. With just a pull of the trigger, he could kill the other and complete what would be his final mission as a native of Planet Sha.

Having recovered his abilities as an Awakened individual, Mù Xīng naturally detected Yiero's movements.

He simply adjusted his glasses, and the lenses reflected a cold, white light.

Mù Xīng mobilized his mental energy.

The next moment, with a loud boom, Yiero, who was about to pull the trigger, exploded into a purple mushroom flower.

Splatters of human tissue and blood dirtied Mù Xīng's glasses and white clothes, causing the fastidious cultivator to look like a ruthless murderer.

"After drinking the evolved mushroom potions, I can control the mushrooms in your body. Did I forget to mention that? My apologies."

Mù Xīng's voice remained calm, carrying the unique coldness of a scientific researcher.

"It seems the venomous gene fragment of the Star King Snake wasn't successfully transplanted. Hmm... I still need an experimental subject."

Mù Xīng murmured to himself.

He glanced at Sha Builo, who was standing nearby, stunned. A sinister smile suddenly curled at the corner of his mouth. "An experimental subject, right here."

Sha Builo, having seen his comrade Yiero explode, was gripped by panic.

As an assistant officer of Planet Sha for many years, he had seen formidable space pirates and revenge-seekers who transformed themselves into human bombs, but he had never encountered anyone as terrifying as Mù Xīng.

Appearing scholarly and gentle, yet infinitely ruthless.

*"Don't come near me!"*

*"Not your choice."*

With that, Mù Xīng focused his mental energy in his left hand.

Amidst a horrific scream, half a mushroom flower bloomed, leaving Sha Builo immobile, turning him into a bed for mushroom cultivation.

Mù Xīng smiled in satisfaction.

Experimental subject secured.

*

Drenched in blood, Mù Xīng exited the cabin and stood beside Cang Cheng. By now, the armed forces of Planet Sha had fully defected.

Muscular and robust soldiers of Planet Sha were happily drinking the sweet, clear water under Cang Cheng's permission, or using their clothes to carry water.

They had had enough of Tataru's rule and hoped someone would overthrow the incompetent leader.

Cang Cheng, bearer of the Water Runes, had given them hope.

Cang Cheng glanced at Mù Xīng, covered in blood splatters. "You're dirty. Go wash up."

"Yes, sir."

Mù Xīng walked to the water's edge and washed off the bloodstains and fragments of human tissue with clean water.

"By the way, sir, Yiero is dead, and I have turned Sha Builo into a test subject."

After speaking, Mù Xīng quietly watched Sir Cang Cheng's expression.

He was worried that Cang Cheng might disapprove of his actions.

However, Cang Cheng simply nodded without saying much, not even furrowing his brow.

Mù Xīng felt a surge of joy. Sir Cang Cheng, as he had expected, was a ruler who appeared gentle but was actually iron-willed and resolute.

This contradictory nature of Cang Cheng also reinforced Mù Xīng's determination to create powerful biochemical weapons for him.

He was willing to be Cang Cheng's blade, removing all obstacles on his path to the pinnacle of power.

Cang Cheng was unaware of the plans Mù Xīng was making in secret. As for the handling of the two individuals from Sha Star, Cang Cheng did not find Mù Xīng's actions excessively harsh. He never showed mercy to enemies who harbored ill intentions. However, he was also willing to give those who sought repentance a chance to make a choice again.

"Who is the leader here?" Cang Cheng addressed the armed forces of Sha Star.

A man with brown curly hair and a muscular, tan-skinned physique stood up.

He walked to Cang Cheng's side respectfully, then knelt down on one knee, touching his heart with two fingers pressed together in a gesture of salute.

"Sir, I am their leader, Luo Buolo, a B-grade Spirit Warrior."

"Tell me about Sha Star's military defenses."

"Yes, sir. The Sha Star armed forces consist of 11,000 people in total, including 300 B-grade Spirit Warriors, 9,000 C-grade and D-grade Spirit Warriors, and 1,700 Spirit Rune Masters.

The administrative hall in the upper district of Sha Star has a Grade C defense system, equipped with four city gamma cannons, two anti-air laser cannons, and an outdated mecha."

Over 10,000 Awakened...

Sha Star's armed forces are indeed considerable.

Cang Cheng continued to inquire, "What about the population distribution and the mining situation?"

"Most of the non-Awakened civilians and lower-grade Awakened individuals live in the lower district, with a population of about 470,000. A smaller number of nobles live in the central district, with a population of about 19,000.

There are also those condemned by Tataru, who are imprisoned and forced to work in the mines, numbering around 8,000 people."

When mentioning the mines, Luo Buolo's expression darkened, clearly suggesting there was more behind it.

Cang Cheng asked, "The mines? Lira Rock Mines?"

"Yes. Tataru could have used robots for mining, but he insisted on making people work at least 20 hours a day. Those sent to work in the mines never survived for more than a year.

He is a tyrant who delights in tormenting others! Tataru does not deserve to be an administrative officer."

Luo Buolo once had a cousin who, because she refused to serve Tataru, was sent to the mines and died within two months.

When she died, she was emaciated, with a broken arm, a missing eye, and her body covered in scars from sharp objects and electric shocks.

Tataru deserves to die.

"I’ve got it."

Cang Cheng nodded. "How many Planet Sha soldiers can you convince not to interfere with my work?"

Luo Buolo pondered for a moment and quickly grasped what Cang Cheng meant by 'work.'

He likely realized Cang Cheng was going to take down Tataru.

Luo Buolo said firmly, "Ninety percent. I can convince ninety percent of them to turn a blind eye toward you. The remaining ten percent are the confidants of Tataru and the nobles; I cannot sway them."

"Ninety percent is enough."

Cang Cheng wasn’t confident he could handle an army of over 10,000.

However, if it were whittled down to 1,000 or 2,000, the task would become much easier.

Cang Cheng said, "Mù Xīng."

Mù Xīng understood.

He handed a box of mushroom transformation potion to Luo Buolo. "Drink this. If any of you betray Sir Cang Cheng or Luo Ri Star, you will become a breeding ground for mushrooms."

Without hesitation, Luo Buolo was the first to drink the potion.

The moment he and his armed forces submitted to Cang Cheng, there was no turning back for him.

In a desperate situation, he had no choice but to go all in.

Seeing Luo Buolo drink the potion, the others did the same.

Luo Buolo pressed his forehead to the floor, pledging his loyalty.

"I swear I will never betray Cang Cheng. May I ask your name, sir?"

Cang Cheng opened his mouth. "Cang Cheng. I am the ruling officer of Luo Ri Star, Cang Cheng."

Cang... Cheng...

The ruling officer of Luo Ri Star?

Wasn’t that the so-called useless figurehead fifth prince?

The man before him, exuding an aura of authority, was... the fifth prince?

Luo Buolo hesitated for only a moment before letting go of his doubts.

He was now Cang Cheng’s man and needed only to offer his loyalty without question.

"Thank you for sharing your name, Cang Cheng."

Cang Cheng then sent a message via his optical computer:

"Ming Bai, seize control of Planet Sha’s defense system."

Ming Bai, providing remote assistance, replied, "Understood, sir. Due to network signal issues, it will take approximately 30 minutes."

Cang Cheng and Mù Xīng boarded a patrol hovercraft of Planet Sha and navigated their way into the main city of Planet Sha.

Meanwhile, Luo Buolo sent his men with containers filled with water to communicate with the other armed forces of Planet Sha.

Luo Buolo looked at the bag of clear water in his hand and smiled until he cried.

"Finally, we have clean water."

*

Luo Buolo sped up his flying vehicle, triggering the alarm in the upper district.

He completely ignored the alarm and made several sharp S-turns before parking the floating car in front of Xie Yeluo, the commander of the Planet Sha Guard.

His expression was serious as he pointed a gun at Luo Buolo. "You were speeding in the upper district. Are you trying to start a rebellion, Luo Buolo?"

Luo Buolo threw a bag of clean water in front of Xie Yeluo. "Someone has come with Water Runes. I'm asking you to ignore whatever they do."

The Water Runes?

The Water Runes that can produce water from nothing?

But this attitude of Luo Buolo's...

Xie Yeluo thought for a moment and eventually released the safety.

"What does the other party want? Are you asking me to team up with you?"

"This isn't joining forces. This is choosing what's right."

Luo Buolo gently pushed the gun barrel away with two fingers.

"My cousin died in front of you. I didn't blame you for standing by idly at the time, Xie Yeluo. But today, I have found a way to free us from this suffering. I'm not asking you to help me, I just need you to pretend you didn't see anything. It's not difficult, Xie Yeluo, just as easy as what you did before. Just standing by and watching."

Xie Yeluo's hand trembled.

The room fell silent.

Finally, he lowered his arm. "I didn't mean to back then... I'm sorry."

Luo Buolo was unmoved by the apology. His expression was cold. "So, is that your answer?"

Xie Yeluo's next move was to remove all his weapons.

That was his response.

Seeing this, Luo Buolo prepared to get back into the flying vehicle.

Xie Yeluo jumped in. "I'll go with you."

Luo Buolo: "I will never forgive you. Not ever."

The flying vehicle turned into a streak of light, speeding toward the next destination.

At the same time, Luo Buolo's subordinates were also flying, racing against time to persuade their friends, colleagues, and those who had been oppressed by Tataru to let those with water resources pass.

In the lower district, people saw streaks of light in the sky, leaving bright trails, and came out of their stuffy houses to watch.

"Mom, a shooting star! Quick, make a wish."

The thin little girl with sunken cheeks bowed her head and pressed her hands together.

"Alright, Mom will join you in making a wish."

Those who are experiencing suffering place their final hope on something vague and insubstantial.

They have no other options, but even if the chance is one in a hundred million, they're willing to give it a try.

They make their wishes with deep sincerity.

I wish our lives might improve a bit.