Chapter 42: ‘Friendly’ Visit (End)

Chapter 42: 'Friendly' Visit (End)

The moment Lobuo saw Tataru, a flood of thoughts raced through his mind, but he acted on instinct.

Without a second thought, Lobuo raised his gun and aimed directly at Tataru, who sat in the main seat.

If something happened to Cang Cheng, he would put an end to Tataru's life.

He had had enough.

With a 'click,' he pulled the trigger.

A scorching energy beam shot toward Tataru. Tataru didn't make any evasive movements, not even blinking.

The red beam struck Tataru's head directly.

With a deafening boom, the shot hit Tataru square in the head!

However, to everyone's surprise, Tataru did not die.

His face melted into a clear, transparent liquid, followed by his neck, arms, and body. The liquid splashed and flowed for a moment, then reassembled into a water figure within seconds.

The water figure formed clothes and facial features, becoming Tataru once again.

Lobuo’s jaw dropped as he stared in disbelief.

His anxiety and anger gave way to confusion, as if his mind had turned into a giant question mark.

Water…?

A water figure?

That’s right!

This isn't Tataru.

This is Lord Cang Cheng's Spirit Runes!

Lobuo could not forget how, today at the shuttle port, he had watched Lord Cang Cheng's white-mask Guard turn into a wave of water, crashing through their defensive formation.

So… was Tataru also formed by that water-based Spirit Rune?

Just as Lobuo found the answer, a cold voice spoke up.

"Judging by your reaction, my decoy is almost indistinguishable from the real thing."

A floating chair swiveled around, and on it sat Cang Cheng, his face still wearing his usual faint smile.

"Sir, I doubt anyone in the galaxy could pull off something like this," said Mù Xīng, pushing up the glasses on his nose. His chair had also swiveled around.

Their chairs had been facing away from Lobuo, and he was so stunned upon entering the administrative hall that he didn’t even notice them.

Lord Cang Cheng is safe…

That's a relief.

The crisis averted, Lobuo wiped the cold sweat from his face, his hand almost slipping off his gun.

In the next moment, he dropped to one knee and bowed to Cang Cheng, demonstrating his loyalty.

"Report, aside from the elite squad in the administrative hall, ninety percent of Planet Sha’s military has been convinced by us, while the remaining ten percent has been suppressed by force. Lobuo didn’t fail his mission."

"Well done."

Cang Cheng didn’t hold back with his praise.

Lobuo’s success in handling so many of Planet Sha’s armed forces made Cang Cheng’s operation much smoother.

"Lord... Just now, was that Tataru?"

Cang Cheng explained, "Due to factors such as maintaining the political stability of the planet, I did not kill Tataru. Instead, I used medication to put him in a long-term coma.

The elite Guard has been mostly dealt with, and the others in the administrative hall have been locked in enclosed rooms and corridors."

Lobuo had no objections to Cang Cheng's methods.

He had already seen the results of the 'cleansing' in the administrative hall and was completely in awe of Cang Cheng's astonishing capabilities.

Lobuo: "My lord, what will you do next?"

"Space pirates You Mo and Zuo Mo have colluded with external enemies. The elite squad on Planet Sha has been infiltrated, with internal and external forces conspiring to seize control of Planet Sha and take possession of Lira Rock.

The elite squad rose up in resistance, perishing alongside the rebel forces, suffering heavy casualties. The original administrator, Tataru, traumatized by the events, has decided to take a period of rest to recover."

Cang Cheng began to calmly craft the narrative.

"This armed rebellion initiated from within the administrative hall has made Tataru fully aware of the security risks in the current administration system. He has decided to form a Central Council, consisting of former border defense captain Lobuo and seven others, to temporarily take over the governance during Tataru's recovery period.

After thorough background checks, the surviving members of the elite Guard will either be sent to work in the mines or reintegrated into the Guard to continue their duties.

What do you think of this resolution?"

Cang Cheng sent the just-drafted explanation for the rebellion to Lobuo.

Reading through the explanation, Lobuo was amazed that Cang Cheng had found such a reasonable pretext for the change in governance in such a short time, leaving no room for doubt.

Lobuo had not expected that Cang Cheng did not intend to seize control of Planet Sha, but instead, allow him and others to manage the planet as members of the Central Council.

Was he really seeing this right? Did Cang Cheng not want control of Planet Sha?

"My lord, do you not want Planet Sha?"

Cang Cheng chuckled softly.

He lowered his gaze, his black eyes calm and filled with scrutiny and the aura of a superior.

"All key officials on Planet Sha will be required to either drink the evolution mushroom potion or sign a lifelong loyalty contract with me.

So, while Planet Sha is nominally yours, in reality, it is mine."

Cang Cheng found managing Luo Ri exhausting enough; he had no intention of managing other planets.

Let the people of Planet Sha govern themselves!

"As for the other six members of the Central Council..."

Cang Cheng glanced at Lobuo. "You may elect them yourselves. My only requirement is that the person must not discriminate against non-Awakened individuals and must be absolutely loyal."

Cang Cheng knew nothing about the people of Planet Sha, so he left their internal affairs to them.

Lobuo's hand holding the data pad trembled slightly.

He never expected that the ruling officer of Luo Ri, rumored to be a useless figurehead, would be so powerful and kind.

Not only did he not interfere with Planet Sha's internal affairs, but he also granted them significant autonomy.

They would definitely not disappoint Lord Cang Cheng. They would strive to seize more planets for him and gain more influence within the Canglan Star Region!

Lobuo bowed, pressing his forehead to the ground. "We will definitely not disappoint you, my lord."

*

The matter of Planet Sha was temporarily settled.

One day later, Planet Sha elected six additional members of the Central Council. Five were Awakened of commoner origin, one was a non-Awakened of commoner origin, and one was a retired elder noble Awakened.

They all signed permanent subordinate labor contracts with Cang Cheng, making betrayal absolutely impossible.

As soon as the new team took office, they began interrogating the survivors of the elite squad.

Most of the survivors, having witnessed Cang Cheng's terrifying actions that day—countless earth spikes and giant stone golems—were filled with fear.

These people surrendered, drank the Evolutionary Mushroom potion, and started over from entry-level positions.

A small number of people still stubbornly resisted, cursing and complaining every day.

So the new team didn’t hold back. They threw these individuals, along with nobles who had previous offenses, into the mines to work in the open pit.

Within three days, the regime on Planet Sha was completely overhauled.

Under the protection of the law, the Planet Sha Central Council and the Luo Ri Star governor signed a friendly agreement.

The agreement stated:

1: Planet Sha and Luo Ri Star would forever be friendly stars during Cang Cheng's tenure. Both sides would vigorously develop bilateral trade and promote personnel exchange. During the period of friendship, neither side would engage in war.

2: Planet Sha would fully construct the star transport orbit between itself and Luo Ri, bearing all construction costs.

3: Planet Sha would deliver at least 20 million tons of Lira Rock to Luo Ri Star every month.

4: Luo Ri Star would help Planet Sha establish a pollution-free water resource.

……

The agreement was signed without objection and unanimously approved.

It was only then that the newly appointed members of Planet Sha's Central Council realized that the smiling governor of Luo Ri, the fifth prince of the Canglan Star Region, was far from the rumors.

Though he always smiled and seemed approachable, he was actually very assertive and difficult to read.

It was clear now: rumors had misled them.

Cang Cheng said, "Could you show me the lower district? I plan to start using the Water Runes there."

According to the agreement, Luo Ri would help Planet Sha establish a pollution-free water system, which required the use of Water Runes. Currently, Cang Cheng was the only one on Planet Sha who could fully utilize them.

Cang Cheng was thinking about finishing the work quickly so he could return to Luo Ri Star as soon as possible.

He missed the bread, mushroom chicken soup, tomato scrambled eggs, and sweet milk from Luo Ri Star. These past few days, surviving on nutrient solution had been a real torture.

"Alright, please follow me, sir."

Lobuo volunteered to guide Cang Cheng.

The group boarded a flying vehicle and headed to the lower district of Planet Sha.

Unlike the sleek, high-tech metal buildings of the upper district, the houses here were built from sand mixed with metal plates.

Small, semi-circular earthen houses stood in the dry yellow sand. Though simple, they effectively prevented acid rain, offering the people of the lower district a much-needed shelter in their harsh environment.

Cang Cheng asked, "Where is the most densely populated area in the lower district?"

Lobuo pointed to a spot.

"Then find an open area nearby. I'll use the Water Runes to create a small pond there."

"Yes, sir."

Lobuo selected a location using his light-brain, consulted with the other six Central Council members, and then flew to the chosen site.

It was once the lower district's Central Plaza, where people used to gather for monthly bonfire parties.

But since Tataru took office, life for the lower district residents had become unbearable. With even basic water supplies scarce, the bonfire tradition had long since faded away.

The plaza gradually fell into disuse.

As soon as Cang Cheng stepped out of the flying vehicle, the oppressive heat and interference made him uncomfortable.

The temperature under the scorching sun was around 41 degrees Celsius, with humidity below 10%. A lingering acrid smell from past acid rain hung in the air.

The lower district felt like a stifling, pollution-choked furnace.

Cang Cheng quickly activated the portable air purifier and humidifier made by Ming Bai. A cool, white mist sprayed out, making the air around him more bearable.

He walked to the edge of the former plaza and asked, "Is this the place where we’ll build the pond?"

"Yes, sir. This used to be where everyone came together to celebrate. I hope they can find joy here again soon."

Cang Cheng nodded.

He first used the "Spirit Runes of Earth."

Magic coursed through the intricate patterns on the rune plate, and the earth element transformed under his control.

With a violent shake, the flat plaza sank, quickly forming a circular pit about 100 meters in diameter.

The average depth was 1.5 meters, with a maximum of 2.5 meters at the center.

The pit was completed in an instant, but Cang Cheng wasn’t done.

Considering Planet Sha's acid rain climate, he controlled the sand to form a roof, about 5 meters high, with an inverted oval-shaped dome inside.

This structure would protect against acid rain, and as the heat caused water vapor to rise, it would condense on the roof and fall back down as droplets.

This setup would help conserve precious water resources.

Of course, this is just a basic anti-acid rain setup. Afterward, the inhabitants of Planet Sha will need to implement more complete protective measures themselves.

The people in the lower district felt the disturbance at the original Central Plaza and one by one, they peered out with their pale, gaunt faces.

"What's going on over there? Why's it so loud? Should we check it out?"

"Check it out? Are you tired of living? Didn't you hear Tataru's stepping down and resting?"

"Isn't it good that Tataru's stepping down?"

"Good? You're way too naive. Who knows what other bad scheme he might be plotting."

"But... the guy leading the group is Lobuo. He’s not one of Tataru's people, and I heard he just got promoted. I want to go take a look."

"Whatever."

...

They said "whatever," but their curiosity got the better of them.

People can't help being curious.

Curiosity got the best of them, and the lower district residents sneaked over to the old Central Plaza.

More and more people gathered, surrounding the entire former plaza.

Wait, didn’t you say you weren’t coming?

I’m just checking it out. What’s the big deal?

No problem here. Let’s check it out together.

After a brief moment of communication, the people from the lower district suddenly realized that their originally barren Central Plaza had, in just a few seconds, turned into a... large pit with a cover??

They rubbed their eyes and rubbed them again.

??

What on earth?

Was I seeing things?

Not even a powerful explosive could create a pit like this, right?

How was this done?

And just as everyone was astonished, the next moment, the sound of flowing water reached their ears.

Water...

It's water!

It's the real sound of flowing water!

Those who had been restricted from using purified water poked their heads out like moles, searching for the source of the sound.

They saw a person, clearly not dressed in Planet Sha clothing, holding a Spirit Runes plate in his hand.

And behind him, a massive flow of water had already gathered, like a tsunami, which caused fear in most people but made the inhabitants of Planet Sha's hearts race with excitement.

Sea... tsunami?

A tsunami on Sha City?

How is it possible!? Is it a holographic projection?

The people pinched their arms again and blinked frantically.

Ouch, it hurts—it’s not a dream.

Their eyes weren’t playing tricks on them either.

The huge waves were not far from the crowd, and the small water droplets dispersed through the air, causing the surrounding temperature to drop by a few degrees, while the humidity rose simultaneously.

"Beep, ambient temperature 39 degrees, humidity 16%"

The environmental monitors they carried beeped out an electronic announcement.

The temperature dropped, and the humidity increased.

The inhabitants of Sha City suddenly realized that they were not dreaming, and this was not a holographic projection.

All of this in front of them was real.

They, the lower district, were going to have water!

Cang Cheng continued to control the water, gathering it until he estimated there was enough to fill the pit, then he directed the flow into it.

The water rushed in with a deafening roar.

Within moments, the circular pit was filled with a layer of clear water.

The water gathered more and more, becoming deeper and deeper, until the entire pit was filled, and only then did Cang Cheng stop the inflow.

Most of his magic was exhausted, but it wasn’t a big problem.

These past few days, while Sha City was handling internal affairs, Cang Cheng had drawn Energy Gathering Runes on his clothes, and now the rune was slowly replenishing his magic for him.

Energy Gathering Runes, a must-have for any mage, whether for travel or daily life.

Any mage who saw it would be mesmerized.

"The small pond is built. I’ll give you a few more Spirit Runes later. You can find Spirit Rune Masters to use them, and just inject water into them. The more mental energy you consume, the more water you’ll produce."

Seeing that everything was completed, Cang Cheng turned to discuss the follow-up matters with Lobuo.

But the tall and handsome Lobuo was sobbing uncontrollably, his face streaked with tears.

"My lord... please forgive my outburst. I... I..."

Lobuo choked, unable to complete a sentence.

Water...

Clean water.

So much clean water—the lower district would finally have clean water now.

For the first time in years, they would have access to clean water. Lobuo had spent the past few months collecting bodies in the lower district every day.

They all died either from lack of water or from being corroded and could not be saved in time.

But now… thanks to Lord Cang Cheng, the suffering is finally over, and a new dawn has arrived.

Lobuo knelt down and pressed his forehead against the ground scorched by high temperatures.

He felt no heat or pain, only overwhelming gratitude in his heart.

He pledged, "If you need me for anything, my lord, I will not hesitate even if it means certain death."

Not only did Lobuo perform a great gesture of respect towards Cang Cheng, but the other inhabitants of Planet Sha who had come to watch also bowed deeply to him.

They had seen Cang Cheng create a pit seemingly out of nowhere and summon so much water, their emotions too complex to put into words.

Bringing water to the dry earth and hope to the dark times, Cang Cheng had become a noble presence in their eyes, beyond any slander.

"Lord Cang Cheng, we are willing to do things for you!"

"My lord, we are willing to give everything for you!"

...

Cang Cheng accepted their reverent gazes and gestured for them to rise.

He had only done a small, simple task, yet so many people were grateful to him, which touched Cang Cheng deeply.

Looking at the crowd, the gloom and lifelessness vanished from the faces of the darker-skinned inhabitants of Planet Sha, and hope flickered in their eyes.

That spark was their light of hope.