Chapter 41: ‘Friendly’ Visit (Part Four)

Chapter 41: 'Friendly' Visit (Part Four)

After disassembling the mech, Cang Cheng stopped feeding magic into the stone golem.

The stone golem was enormous, and he had patched it so many times during the process. It was clear that Cang Cheng had used a significant amount of magic.

If it weren’t for the Energy Gathering Rune, Cang Cheng would have run out of magic halfway through.

Sigh... Back when he could use magic so freely, now just a few minutes of use left him hardly able to hold on.

When will my magic reserves expand...

Cang Cheng dismissed the stone golem, and it crumbled into sand, falling to the ground.

Suddenly, Cang Cheng, who had been sitting on top of the golem, felt a sudden emptiness beneath him.

Crap!

He forgot to have the golem lower him down first.

Just as Cang Cheng was about to draw a Wind Wing Rune to give himself a cushion, his magic had just begun to gather when he was enveloped by a firm embrace.

A pleasant minty cool fragrance wrapped around him.

Ah... It's you, Mo...

Still on guard, Cang Cheng relaxed his defenses when he realized it was Hilmeth who had approached him, and obediently leaned against the other.

Having been held by Hilmeth several times, Cang Cheng was already comfortable with his embrace, and allowed Hilmeth to steadily bring him to the ground.

Hilmeth only loosened his grip once Cang Cheng was steady on his feet.

However, he didn’t fully release him, keeping his hand resting lightly on Cang Cheng’s waist.

Hilmeth looked down and asked with concern, “Are you alright?”

“A little dizzy, but I’ll be fine after a while,” Cang Cheng’s eyes curved into a smile.

“But Mo, you were right there in an instant. You're always so dependable.”

Hilmeth’s tail tip, which had been swaying slightly, stiffened for a moment before he replied, “I’m glad I could help you.”

With Hilmeth by his side, Cang Cheng walked over to Mù Xīng.

Compared to Cang Cheng, who only had some dust on his clothes, Mù Xīng looked much worse for wear.

Not only were there three eagle claw hooks still stuck in his body, but his once smooth hair had turned into an afro due to multiple electric shocks.

Cang Cheng asked, “Are you alright?”

“I’m fine, sir. I’ve already drunk a healing potion. These aren’t serious, and I’ll be back on my feet in no time,” Mù Xīng replied.

Cang Cheng said, “Next time, I don’t want you to win by trading injuries for injuries. I want you to win more elegantly.”

“Yes, sir.”

Cang Cheng had intentionally brought Mù Xīng into the battle.

Mù Xīng was once just an alchemist, lacking combat skills. However, since Mù Xīng's goal was revenge, he had to improve his abilities. That's why Cang Cheng pushed Mù Xīng into facing danger directly.

Moreover, with both of us keeping an eye on things, Mù Xīng should be fine.

After resting for a moment, Cang Cheng crushed a Spirit Rune. A dozen water-formed guards with white masks appeared beside Mù Xīng.

"Mò and I will go to the top. You stay here and heal first. These people will watch over you."

Mù Xīng accepted the arrangement without hesitation.

There was no dissatisfaction in Mù Xīng regarding Cang Cheng's instructions. His injuries made it difficult for him to accompany Cang Cheng.

However…

Mù Xīng's gaze fell on the outsider standing next to Cang Cheng.

The other party was strong, cold, appeared at very strange timings, and was obviously familiar with Cang Cheng.

How did Cang Cheng come to know someone like that?

What was he doing here, and what was his relationship with Cang Cheng?

Cang Cheng noticed Mù Xīng's confusion but didn't explain much.

He and Mò turned around and left for the top floor, where Planet Sha's governor Tataru was.

After Cang Cheng and Mò left, Mù Xīng furrowed his brows, staring at the position of the outsider's hand.

A large hand rested on Cang Cheng's narrow waist, but he didn't seem uncomfortable at all. Clearly, Cang Cheng was used to such behavior.

Mù Xīng said, "Ming Bai, do you think Lord Cang and that person have that kind of relationship?"

At that moment, a floating screen displayed a small robot raising its index finger in a 'shh' gesture.

So, it's true.

*

Probably because most of the elite squads had been wiped out by Cang Cheng, Cang Cheng and Mò reached the top floor without any obstacles.

Mò transformed into his ethereal form again, visible only to Cang Cheng.

Cang Cheng chatted with Mò, "Mò, do you think my stone golem looks impressive?"

Hilmeth didn't hesitate, "Impressive. You should use the stone golem in the arena next time to rank up. The opponents in lower ranks are inconsistent."

"Then Mò, what rank do you think I should aim for?"

"The peak rank.

The peak rank is the highest in the Canglan Arena. Entering the peak rank means you're in the top 5% of combat power in the Canglan Star Region."

Cang Cheng wore a confused expression, "Ah? What rank?"

Hilmeth repeated, "Peak rank, so your Spirit Runes can be seen by more people."

Currently, Cang Cheng was in the silver rank, four major ranks and twenty minor ranks away from the peak rank. He'd need to win at least 100 matches to get there.

That sounds like a lot…

Cang Cheng blinked his pure black eyes, "Can someone else play on my behalf?"

Hilmeth chuckled softly but remained resolute: "No."

"Hmph."

Cang Cheng huffed and gave Hilmeth the silent treatment for five minutes.

*

Because of their small argument earlier, the two remained silent all the way to the sixth floor.

Cang Cheng could feel the air growing heavier with moisture, almost like standing by a lake, which meant this floor was rich in water elements.

Every day, people in the Lower District died of thirst, while the Upper District had no shortage of water. It was a cruel irony.

From the slightly ajar door in the distance, sounds of playfulness echoed:

"Come and splash me~ You can’t reach me, you can’t~"

"Ah... you’re so mean~"

Just from the sounds, Cang Cheng could easily picture what was going on inside.

Having grown up as a commoner, Cang Cheng had no patience for the nobles' extravagant behavior. With a scowl, he shoved the door open and stormed in.

"Who’s Tataru?" Cang Cheng demanded, his voice sharp.

Tataru, who had been splashing around, glared at the intruder, clearly annoyed by the interruption.

But when he saw Cang Cheng’s face, Tataru froze, completely taken aback.

He was spellbound.

Cang Cheng was slender, with fair skin, deep and pure black eyes, and slightly pale lips, exuding an almost fragile purity.

But the tear mole below his right eye transformed this fragility into an unwitting allure.

A contradictory yet irresistibly captivating presence.

Tatara was instantly entranced, losing himself completely.

The nobles around him also cast greedy glances.

"Beauty, who are you? What brings you to me?"

Tatara pushed aside the provocatively dressed person beside him.

He stood up from the water, bare-chested, and walked toward Cang Cheng, his gaze overtly lustful.

Tatara had already planned how to handle this beauty—just thinking about making the other cry uncontrollably, beg for mercy, and become addicted to him made him incredibly excited.

He intended to play with this beauty for a whole month.

In the scorching summer, someone willingly coming to him was exactly what he wanted.

"Whatever you want, I can give it to you. As long as you serve me well and obey my every word, everything you desire will be yours.

Water? Food? Shelter? Or star coins? Whatever I have, I can provide."

Tatara said arrogantly.

Being watched with greedy eyes, Cang Cheng felt extremely uncomfortable.

It had been a long time since anyone had dared to look at him so boldly.

Cang Cheng raised his head slightly, the corner of his mouth lifting in what seemed to be a smile, but the smile did not reach his eyes.

"Oh? Anything I desire is within my reach?"

Seeing the beauty smile, Tataru's breathing became heavier.

He said eagerly, "Of course. Follow me, Tataru, the governor of Planet Sha, and you will receive unimaginable rewards."

Cang Cheng's smile did not fade. "And what if I say, I want Planet Sha?"

"My beauty, do you wish to become my queen?"

Tataru burst into laughter. "Ambitious, aren't you? Very well. As long as you serve us well and make us all satisfied, the position of queen will be yours!"

A ceremonial position, after all—what could he not give?

If necessary, he could always eliminate her and find a new queen.

Cang Cheng shook his head. "Not enough."

Tataru was displeased. "Not enough? What more could you possibly want? Don't think that just because you have such a face, you can do whatever you want."

Cang Cheng tilted his head slightly, and his pure black eyes flashed with a sharp light, like a blade slicing through the darkness, sending shivers through the heavens.

He opened his mouth. "I want the entire Planet Sha!"

As he spoke, an unstable wind, sharp as a blade, surged toward Tataru.

The inept Tataru was too slow to react and was about to be cut in half by the Blade of Wind.

However, although he was useless, he was wearing a life-saving device.

A flash of white light appeared, and a high-level energy shield in the form of a necklace instantly expanded, enveloping Tataru completely.

The Blade of Wind struck the shield, and with a 'click,' the shield merely trembled, showing no cracks.

Tataru's face contorted in realization.

"You want my life."

He frantically pressed the alarm button on his hand.

The piercing alarm sounded.

However, after 10 seconds, there was no response from outside, and no one came in.

The administrative hall was like an empty shell, with nothing but silence apart from the alarm.

"Under attack! Under attack! Someone come! Where is everyone?"

"Why is no one responding? I'll throw all these salary thieves into the open-pit mines!"

"Run!"

"Ta... Taro, I'll fetch help..."

People in the water park scattered in a panic, even the young nobles who had been relatively close to Tataru abandoned him and fled on their own.

Cang Cheng didn’t pay attention to those people, only watching Tataru quietly as he continued to frantically press the alarm. His hand was shaking violently.

Cang Cheng’s tone was light: “Looking for your Guard in armor? They… were mostly subdued by me just now.”

“Impossible! You’re lying!

My Guard is equipped with the best gear in the galaxy, and they have countless experiences killing space pirates. There’s even a mech as a last resort, how could you have dealt with them?”

Even now, Tataru still couldn’t believe his well-equipped Guard had been wiped out.

Cang Cheng smiled: “Believe it or not, no one is coming to save you.”

Cang Cheng’s gentle smile was, to Tataru, a death sentence.

Tataru, who had always acted without restraint, suddenly felt a wave of terror.

“Who are you? I can give you anything you want. Just don’t kill me…

“My mother is the great noble Sylvie, she has a lot of money, she can buy you another planet. My Planet Sha can also be yours. Please don’t kill me.”

Cang Cheng nonchalantly took out a few Spirit Runes.

“I just arrived at Planet Sha and got quite the welcome from you. I’m just returning the favor, so don’t hesitate to accept it!”

Just arrived at Planet Sha?

...

This person… could they be the governor of Luo Ri, the fifth prince known as a ‘flower vase’ Cang Cheng?

How could this be possible?!

Where is the aide Sha Builo? Why didn’t Sha Builo warn him?

Damn it, they’re all traitors; he would throw them all into the mines.

Even as he faced death, Tataru still shifted the blame onto others.

Only when the spinning, dart-like wind repeatedly struck his protective shield did Tataru truly feel his own helplessness.

He was like a lamb awaiting slaughter, trembling in the face of the approaching blade, unable to resist.

“I can give you money, Stop! Don’t kill me…”

Before he could finish his words, the rampaging wind broke through the shield.

“Aaah…!”

The next moment, the Blade of Wind severed his right arm and left leg completely.

In the blink of an eye, Tataru’s chest was cut open, blood flowing everywhere.

Though he was an Awakened, Tataru, whose body had long been hollowed out, was on the verge of death, lying on the ground, his breath fading.

Cang Cheng didn’t regret his actions.

Tataru should have been prepared for the consequences when he sent people to ambush them at the starship gate.

Cang Cheng originally wanted to peacefully trade with Planet Sha, but the other party was unwilling.

Thus, the situation escalated to this point.

"As for this gift from Luo Ri, is the governor of Planet Sha satisfied?"

Cang Cheng asked.

The latter could not respond.

Even as his consciousness faded, Tataru couldn't understand how the supposedly useless fifth prince could be so formidable.

But he no longer needed to understand.

Seeing that Tataru was still breathing and not quite dead, Cang Cheng began to hesitate.

Should he kill him?

But killing a governor could complicate things.

If he spared him…

Keeping him also seemed like a hassle.

Pondering for a moment and still unable to decide, Cang Cheng asked the omnipotent Mo for advice: "Mo, do you think I should spare his life?"

Hilmeth thought for a few seconds before giving his answer.

"I suggest sparing him.

Although Tataru's actions are detestable, if something happens to him, his mother Sylvie will come looking for trouble.

Sylvie inherited her deceased husband's legacy and possesses 5,000 elite Spirit Warriors, 5 A-class warships, and 20 B-class warships. That's just her personal armed forces, not counting her family's strength.

Luo Ri currently lacks the ability to face such power."

Cang Cheng exclaimed, "That much... We can't fight that, we’ll have to find another way."

Then Cang Cheng became puzzled: "But it's strange... If Sylvie has so much military power, why is Sha's defense so weak? Wouldn't Sylvie send someone to protect Planet Sha?"

Hilmeth frowned.

"That does seem unusual. Although warship deployment requires approval, Sylvie should be able to get it. If there were warship defenses on Planet Sha, our mission wouldn’t have gone so smoothly."

Hilmeth hadn't paid attention to the situation on Planet Sha before. He only hacked into the military system using his optical brain in the middle of the night to get information after learning Cang Cheng was coming to Planet Sha.

Now thinking about it, if Sylvie had so much armed power, it was strange that she didn’t allocate any to her son Tataru.

From what I found in the military records, Sylvie dotes on Tataru to an extreme.

"Even if they learn about the situation on Planet Sha, they won’t arrive anytime soon.

For now, we’ll keep him alive."

Cang Cheng said, and then sent a message to Mù Xīng, asking him to bring healing potions, sleep potions, and an evolution mushroom potion up.

Most of Mù Xīng's injuries had already healed thanks to the custom-made potions.

He tidied up his wild hair, making it look less messy. Now, apart from his slightly pale face, Mù Xīng showed no signs of his earlier injuries.

Under Cang Cheng's orders, Mù Xīng administered sedatives and healing potions to Tataru, ensuring he wouldn't die.

After that, he gave Tataru the evolution mushroom potion, making sure he wouldn't dare harbor any rebellious thoughts against Luo Ri.

Finally, Mù Xīng shackled Tataru with handcuffs that restricted his abilities and tied him to the bed.

The sedative would keep him unconscious for a week. Another dose before he wakes up would keep him unconscious indefinitely.

With that, the temporary handling of Tataru was complete.

*

The noble second-generation friends of Tataru who had just escaped, along with a few others who were disheveled, were frantically fleeing through the administrative hall of Planet Sha.

"Help! Enemy attack!"

"Is anyone there? Guard! Where is everyone!"

"Control room! Where are you!!"

...

They screamed as they ran, but no one answered them.

The vast administrative hall of Planet Sha was now eerily empty.

As they reached the end of the corridor, preparing to descend to the next floor, the metal door slammed shut with a bang.

They immediately turned around, trying to run towards another door, and again, the metal door slammed shut.

They were now trapped in the sealed-off corridor.

"Control room, open the door! Let us out!"

"Are you trying to rebel!"

...

No matter how loudly they shouted, no one answered.

The next moment, the lights in the corridor went out, all electronic devices lost power, and they were plunged into hopeless darkness.

Despair set in.

Ming Bai, remotely controlling everything, nodded in satisfaction.

The entire administrative hall of Planet Sha and the upper district were now under his control; no one could escape.

This way, although Ming Bai couldn't accompany Cang Cheng to Planet Sha, he still managed to help Cang Cheng.

*

Lobuo, one of the first to pledge allegiance on Planet Sha, received Cang Cheng's order to 'come to the administrative hall' on his personal terminal. He hurried to the administrative hall.

Along the way, he could smell the lingering scent of blood and saw many unconscious and severely injured members of the elite squad.

However, Lobuo was unmoved.

These so-called elite squads were made up of second-generation nobles who relied on their connections to live off the system, doing many unspeakable things.

They didn't deserve sympathy.

When he reached the terrace on the 4th floor, Lobuo was shaken to his very core by the sight of a mech, torn apart and in disarray.

The once magnificent metal behemoth had lost its former glory. Its limbs were ripped off and tossed aside, with scattered parts and wires strewn across the floor, resembling a small pile of scrap metal from afar.

Isn't this, You Mo's old mech?

What happened to it?

Next to the mech, a cluster of purple mushrooms stood out starkly.

?

Mushrooms on Planet Sha? Impossible!

As Lobuo approached and examined it closely, his skin prickled with goosebumps.

These weren't mushrooms; they were human incubation chambers!

And inside the incubation chamber was none other than Zuo Mo, the notorious killer.

Could it be that Lord Cang Cheng had taken down the formidable brothers, You Mo and Zuo Mo?

How did he manage to do it?

Lobuo felt a sudden wave of fear—anyone who saw this would be haunted by it.

Yet, amidst the fear, Lobuo also felt a sense of reassurance.

He was already Cang Cheng's man.

The stronger Cang Cheng became, the stronger he would become too.

Curiosity got the better of him, and Lobuo reached out to touch the mushrooms, but a floating screen materialized in front of him.

On it, a small robot held up a sign: [Do Not Touch!]

Lobuo immediately pulled his hand back.

The message on the floating screen vanished.

Lobuo snapped back to his senses.

?

Isn't this the floating screen from the administrative hall of Planet Sha?

Why is it working for Lord Cang Cheng?

Confused, Lobuo headed to the administrative council hall on the 5th floor.

The door to the council hall opened automatically for him.

Lobuo had expected to see Cang Cheng directly, but when he looked at the person sitting in the main seat, he was frozen in shock.

Sitting in the middle of the administrative hall was not Cang Cheng, but Tataru, someone despised by the common folk of Planet Sha!

The person was sitting in a slouched and crooked manner, with dull eyes and noticeable dark gray eye bags.

Lobuo suddenly broke out in a cold sweat.

Could it be that Lord Cang Cheng... had failed?