Chapter 50: Teleportation Array

Chapter 50: Teleportation Array

After Level C Wind Spirit Runes were authorized, most mid-level Awakened in the Canglan Star Region were drawn to them. The forums were overwhelmed with discussions about the Wind Spirit Rune set.

Spirit Rune Masters, who usually kept a low profile, have been much more active lately. Meanwhile, quite a few of the self-proclaimed Spirit Warriors had their pride bruised during this time.

"How to create the perfect Blade of Wind Spirit Runes."

"Help, master rune masters, why is my Wall of Wind only 15cm long?"

"Why does my Wind Wing rune only show half a wing? How am I supposed to fly like this?"

……

"I’ve lost my dignity. Today in the arena, I was taken down by a Spirit Rune Master using the Wind Spirit Rune set!"

"The Wind Spirit Rune set, a nightmare for Spirit Warriors."

"When Spirit Rune Masters get serious, they're really something!"

……

Although Cang Cheng had only authorized three Level C Wind Spirit Runes, the emergence of offensive runes and the increasing number of Spirit Rune Masters defeating Spirit Warriors in the arena challenged the notion that Spirit Rune Masters were limited to support roles.

Cang Cheng was very pleased with these changes. Occasionally, he would post under the name ANKEN, sharing tips on drawing Spirit Runes.

More people started recognizing the name ANKEN.

*

Time flew by, and Simon the Traveler brought back another batch of equipment.

After receiving the new equipment, Cang Cheng headed straight to the outer district and set up four food processing plants near the breeding chambers to streamline food production.

"Good afternoon, Sir Cang Cheng."

"Sir Cang Cheng, is this a new factory? Do you need us to help set it up?"

"The breeding chamber cultivated watermelons yesterday! They’ve been sent to the administrative hall. Sir Cang Cheng, you must try them!"

……

The people passing by greeted Cang Cheng enthusiastically. Some were researchers in white lab coats, while others were darker-skinned Awakened from Planet Sha.

"Hey researcher, put that instrument down. Let me carry it."

The brown-skinned young man swiftly took the wooden box-sized instrument from the hands of the relatively thin researcher.

"Thank you... Hey? Wasn’t it you who helped us set up the greenhouse last time?"

"Yes, it was me! You still remember me～"

The brown-skinned young man smiled awkwardly.

"Of course I remember. You guys have great stamina. You can work for hours without getting tired."

The researcher’s eyes lingered enviously on the handsome curve of the young man’s arm muscles.

"Where, where. You researchers are amazing! You can cultivate so many things. Don’t laugh at me, but I’ve never seen these things much before..."

"All of this is thanks to Lord Cang Cheng! Without him, there would be no breeding lab on Luo Ri, and our lives wouldn’t have improved so much."

"You're right, Lord Cang Cheng is amazing."

On the other side, people in bloodstained combat suits limped and supported each other as they made their way to the hospital building.

They were Awakened individuals who had just safely returned from a clearance mission in the outer district.

Tall guy: "These injuries can be healed in half a day with a basic healing chamber. Luo Ri's perks are unreal—Planet Sha doesn't even have hospitals!"

Short guy: "This time, we took down three B-grade star beasts and can earn 450,000. We should save up and get a villa at the next market!"

Tall guy: "I also want to buy some weapons and equipment to make our next mission easier."

Short guy: "I want new equipment too. You know, I saw ANKEN's fire Spirit Runes in the supply room yesterday! That's a fire Spirit Rune! Only ANKEN has fire Spirit Runes like that in the entire galaxy!"

Tall guy: "Lord Cang Cheng is amazing for knowing an ANKEN Spirit Rune Master."

Short guy: "You're right, Lord Cang Cheng is something else."

...

Now, almost everyone on Luo Ri praises Cang Cheng, including the Sha delegation that arrived less than a month ago.

Simon noticed that the large empty lot in the outer district, which was vacant half a month ago, now had the beginnings of a large breeding chamber and was still being improved and expanded.

Simon couldn't resist praising, "Lord, your wisdom and leadership are second to none..."

Cang Cheng: "Shut up."

Simon went silent.

At that moment, accompanied by a spatial fluctuation, a figure suddenly appeared in the open space.

Cang Cheng was surprised: This looks like a spatial teleportation.

The figure approached Cang Cheng and bowed, "Lord, the prototype of the teleportation array is ready. Would you like to try it now?"

Cang Cheng's eyes lit up, "Alright."

With the teleportation array, the transportation network on Luo Ri would become much more convenient.

Cang Cheng followed Ming Bai to the teleportation array.

He suddenly noticed that Ming Bai, who was only slightly taller than him before, now seemed to be half a head taller with broader shoulders.

Cang Cheng tilted his head, frowning in confusion.

Wait, didn't Ming Bai used to be shorter and less muscular?

Could it be a second growth?

Ming Bai pointed to the teleportation point and explained, "Awakened individuals with physical strength above C-grade can use the teleportation array directly without auxiliary equipment. Those below C-grade need to enter the teleportation chamber.

The trial version has only produced a teleportation chamber that can accommodate 200 people."

Ming Bai continued to explain the usage of the teleportation device.

"Select the destination here, pay the star coins, and enter the teleportation point to initiate the teleportation."

The teleportation point was set up outdoors, with a black metal base placed on the ground. Energy circuits were engraved on the base.

Next to the teleportation pad stands an energy transfer unit about half a person's height. Only those with authorization can open the transmission port, ensuring the teleportation array won't be misused.

With his D-level physical strength, Cang Cheng had no choice but to enter the teleportation pod.

The teleportation pod was a fully enclosed unit, roughly a hundred square meters in size. After Ming Bai input the transmission command outside, Cang Cheng felt only a slight sense of weightlessness and experienced little discomfort.

When the pod door opened, Cang Cheng found himself in the northern part of the central district, having spanned the entire district from the transmission point.

The whole thing took just a second.

"What incredible speed."

Cang Cheng marveled, "With teleportation devices, life will become much more convenient."

The silent Hilmeth suddenly spoke. "Is it possible to create a portable teleportation device, where you can input coordinates and teleport to a designated point? If pinpoint teleportation isn't feasible, even random teleportation would be useful."

Cang Cheng was slightly surprised. "Rare for you to propose a request, Hilmeth."

Hilmeth didn't hide his intentions. "If teleportation technology could be used on the battlefield, it could prevent casualties."

The idea of a portable teleportation device had been proposed before, but research was halted due to its instability and high energy consumption.

However, the trial version of the teleportation device on Luo Ri gave Hilmeth a glimpse of the possibility of portable teleportation devices.

With the existence of the new energy source, Cang Stones, and the design expertise of the former top weapon designer, M, coupled with the mysterious Cang Cheng...

Luo Ri might have the potential to change the Canglan Star Region.

Portable teleportation devices do exist on the Siaxi Continent, where both targeted and random teleportation scrolls are always in high demand.

Since it was rare for Hilmeth to make a request, Cang Cheng naturally wanted to fulfill it.

Unfortunately, Cang Cheng, being a forbidden spell mage, wasn't skilled in spatial magic; otherwise, he wouldn't have been struck by lightning and sent to the Canglan Star Region.

Cang Cheng felt a faint sense of disappointment.

He wished he had spent a few more hours each day studying spatial magic back then.

But that would mean a 26-hour day, which wasn't possible.

Maybe he should also learn time magic to get more hours in the day.

Cang Cheng hid his disappointment and communicated telepathically.

"I'll have Ming Bai look into it, but once the research is done, who should I contact? By then, you might have already..."

Cang Cheng didn't finish his sentence, but both understood the implication.

Hilmeth materialized and reached out to touch Cang Cheng's head. "There will be someone to contact you by then. Don't worry."

Cang Cheng turned his head away, dodging Hilmeth's gesture.

Whether it was Hilmeth's action or the realization that Hilmeth would eventually leave, Cang Cheng's expression grew serious.

But he still followed Hilmeth's suggestion. "Got it. If it's important to you, Hilmeth, I'll make sure it happens."

Hilmeth lowered his hand and gazed down at Cang Cheng with a soft look. "Thank you."

Cang Cheng felt a bit irked by the sudden formal tone.

"So polite, huh..."

Hilmeth looked confused. "Are you upset? Why?"

Cang Cheng remained silent.

Apart from being good-looking, having a fluffy tail, and possessing strong combat skills and high intelligence, this exotic didn't have much else going for him.

Thankfully, I'm his partner. Otherwise, with his quiet nature, he'd drive anyone nuts.

Cang Cheng bluntly said, "I consider you a great partner, but all this formality is getting on my nerves."

Hilmeth slightly opened his mouth, clearly not having expected that Cang Cheng would be upset for this reason.

But then he chuckled, finding Cang Cheng's little outbursts oddly endearing.

"Sorry, that was my bad. Don't be mad; I'll stop being so formal with you."

Cang Cheng huffed and turned away, pretending to ignore Hilmeth.

But his aloofness only lasted a couple of seconds before a smile tugged at the corners of his mouth.

With that, Cang Cheng poked Hilmeth's chest with his finger.

Wow, he's rock solid. How does this guy have such hard muscles?

"Does that hurt? Need me to blow on it?"

"I don't need you to blow on it. I'm not a kid."

When Ming Bai arrived through the teleportation device, he found Cang Cheng and the exotic standing face to face.

They were extremely close, seemingly inseparable, with a very good relationship.

However...

Ming Bai's newly updated AI chip was showing some unexpected information.

"Race: Norman race (mixed blood)

Estimated strength: S+

Database character match: Hilmeth Razar

Position: Admiral"

?

How did my AI identify this exotic as Admiral Hilmeth?

Major bug, he needed to go back and fix it immediately.

Cang Cheng was very satisfied with the teleportation array and immediately ordered Ming Bai to improve the project, establishing teleportation points in the central district and outer district of Luo Ri.

You might also want to start considering the research on portable teleportation devices.

Ming Bai agreed to everything, but he was obviously not in the right state; his mind was elsewhere.

He was still trying to figure out why his AI chip had misidentified the exotic as General Hiramuth.

What went wrong with the code...

Maybe it was a typo.

Noticing Ming Bai’s grim expression as he left, Cang Cheng wondered if he had overloaded him with work.

After all, Ming Bai was already handling mining, setting up a weapons factory, and building a planetary defense system. Adding the portable teleportation array seemed like too much.

Maybe he should throw in some bonuses to keep morale up.

Besides, Mu Xing had been doing great, so he figured he’d reward him too.

As soon as he returned to the administrative hall, Cang Cheng instructed Philip to give bonuses ranging from 10,000 to 50,000 units of currency to the staff in the breeding chambers based on their working hours and contributions. He even handed out six-figure bonuses to Mu Xing, Ming Bai, and Philip.

That night, everyone who got a bonus was over the moon.

Who would’ve thought? I’ve only been here for three months, and at most places, I wouldn’t even be past the trial period. But our boss is so generous, handing out at least five-figure bonuses to everyone.

This is a divine job, and I absolutely will not resign.

Hail to the admin!

They started hiring for the food factory, and the weapon manufacturing room was entirely under Ming Bai’s responsibility. Climate control lights had also been installed near the hospital.

*

Three types of characteristic transportation tools on Luo Ri Star had been put into use, and every day you could see hot air balloons and flying birds in the sky, or white carriages running around.

Although there weren’t many entertainment facilities on Luo Ri Star yet, the new types of transportation had taken on part of the entertainment role. Quite a few people took hot air balloon or carriage rides for fun every day.

People who used to stay cooped up at home were now out shopping or working, breathing new life into this once-dull planet.

The planet’s construction was proceeding in an orderly manner.

In the next phase of planetary planning, Cang Cheng continued to increase investment in the breeding chambers and weapon designers, allocating an additional 100 million units of funding to Ming Bai for research on teleportation devices.

He also purchased cinemas and Awakened training facilities from Simon, aiming to add some entertainment facilities to Luo Ri Star while preparing to develop the planet’s armed forces.

Simon once again loaded up his shuttle with almost enough food to fill the entire ship, along with over 200 Spirit Runes made by Cang Cheng, and set off.

He was confident: "This time, I must also work hard to create wealth for my superior!"

However, as the shuttle representing the Lion Guild just flew out of the atmosphere, a starship hidden in optical camouflage had already locked onto it.

Jera, the leader of the space pirates, wore a malicious smile: "Is that Simon's cargo ship?"

"According to our intelligence, we have confirmed that this is Simon's cargo ship," his subordinate reported. "He should be here to sell items on Luo Ri Star, and afterward, he will head to the surrounding B-grade planets to sell food and Spirit Runes."

That Simon was an ANKEN Spirit Runes distributor was no secret among all the Awakened.

However, Simon’s activity of selling food near the borders of the Canglan Star Region was known only to a few people.

Jera had his eyes on the food in Simon's hands.

He didn’t dare to touch the Spirit Runes. Stealing ANKEN's Spirit Runes would make him an enemy of the entire star system, and he didn’t believe he had the ability to evade the relentless pursuit.

However, if it was just food... No one would say anything.

"I don’t know where Simon got all that food, but if we grab the supplies from his cargo ship and sell them, we could easily make 100 million."

Jera's eyes revealed his greed. "Catch up to him and seize his cargo."

"Yes, sir."

The starship emerged from optical invisibility and caught up to Simon's relatively unthreatening shuttle.

The cargo on that shuttle was as good as theirs, as far as the Black Cloud space pirates were concerned.

*

In the early hours of the morning on Luo Ri, when the world was still and silent, only a few White Mask Guard members were diligently helping Ming Bai draw the energy circuits for the teleportation array.

Suddenly, a bright flame tore through the darkness, and a fiery red light, like a meteor, fell from the sky.

Hilmeth stood up alertly, and as he looked out the window, his amber eyes narrowed sharply.

It was the light of a starship entering the atmosphere.

Luo Ri had no planetary defense system, leaving it vulnerable to intruders.

Hilmeth's tension rose. Danger.

He glanced at the sleeping Cang Cheng, not wanting him to face unknown dangers, even though he knew Cang Cheng was strong.

He didn’t wake Cang Cheng but prepared to go to the scene of the incident alone.

Just as he gently opened the window and placed one foot on the windowsill, Cang Cheng's neural implant emitted an alarm.

"Alert! The outer district is under invasion, coordinates (139,939,014)."

"Alert!..."

Cang Cheng jolted awake at the sound of the alarm.

Hilmeth withdrew his leg and obediently stood in front of Cang Cheng.

"There's a starship intruding into the outer district."

Cang Cheng was fully awake in an instant, reaching to undo his pajama buttons.

"Help me get my clothes, Mo," Cang Cheng said.

Hilmeth quickly averted his gaze after a brief glance at Cang Cheng's moon-white figure. He fetched a black shirt and white pants from the wardrobe, then turned around to wait while Cang Cheng changed.

"There appears to be one starship, with unknown specifications and weaponry."

"A starship..."

Cang Cheng furrowed his brow. "They won’t be running wild on my planet."

"By the way, Ming Bai took the time to prepare a weapon for you."

Cang Cheng placed a spatial storage device in Hilmeth's palm. "It's a simplified version of your M-something mobile fortress. There weren't enough materials around Ming Bai, so he could only make a simple one."

Hilmeth was surprised; he had only mentioned his preferred weapon in passing, but he didn't expect Cang Cheng to have someone make it.

He used his mental powers to scan the spatial storage device and saw the winged metal equipment lying there quietly.

The equipment wasn't even painted, and its mismatched parts looked hastily assembled.

But Hilmeth didn't mind at all.

He put away the spatial storage device and smiled. "Thank you."

"Ming Bai has arranged for patrol robots to protect the central district. Mù Xīng will lead the staff from the outer district's cultivation center to the central district. Lobuo will stop the operations of the inhabitants of Planet Sha and have them return to the central district to ensure their safety.

Without my order, no one is to leave the central district.

Philip will calm the residents of the central district. The hospital should be ready, and the armory should be opened."

Cang Cheng issued commands while getting dressed.

"Let's go, Hilmeth."

Cang Cheng jumped out of the window and lightly landed on the white bird vehicle parked below.

The white bird flapped its mechanical wings and ascended, rushing to the incident site at top speed.

*

Simon hadn't expected to be targeted by space pirates so soon after leaving Luo Ri.

The pirates' modified warship had firepower that his small cargo shuttle couldn't possibly resist. Before long, one of his engines was hit and began smoking.

The pirates threatened via public frequency, "Hand over the cargo on your ship, and I'll spare your life. Otherwise, you'll be buying a gravestone in space!"

"Go buy your own damn gravestone!" Simon cursed as he turned around and fled.

"You want to play the hard guy? Shoot the engines and force him to crash land on Luo Ri."

The shuttle had no way to fight back against the warship. Before long, both engines were over 70% damaged, sputtering and threatening to fail completely.

Simon had originally planned to head towards Planet Sha and seek help, but he couldn't even fly out.

Eventually, Simon was blocked by the space pirates and had to make a forced landing back on Luo Ri.

"This time, it really feels like I'm going to lose my head."

With a violent shake, Simon's shuttle crashed into the outer district with a thud.

Blood poured from a gash on his forehead.

"Gotta protect the Lord's cargo..."

Simon staggered to the cargo hold, stowing all the cargo into a spatial storage device. He cut open his stomach and quickly sewed the storage device inside.

After sending the location of the hidden spatial storage device and his bank card password to Cang Cheng, Simon lost consciousness.

"Lord Cang Cheng, I swear my life to you. I will never betray you."

Simon soon lost consciousness due to the head injury.

On the outskirts of Luo Ri Star, the group of space pirates who had been chasing Simon disembarked from their starship.

Vice Captain Hoshan, carrying advanced weapons and Spirit Runes, led two subordinates, preparing to forcibly rob Simon's cargo.

A subordinate asked, "Is this Luo Ri? We're hunting down merchant guild members. Won't we get in trouble?"

Hoshan waved it off. "Just a border planet. They'll piss themselves when they see us. Like they could even think about sanctioning us. We'd be doing them a favor if we didn’t."

Space pirates didn't dare act recklessly near the main planet. The armed forces there were far beyond what small-time pirates like them could handle.

But now, they were on a border planet, where the military defenses were weak. With their firepower, no one would dare challenge them.

"Vice Captain, you're awesome."

"Once we grab the cargo, let's swing by the governor's office for kicks. We're in the middle of nowhere—might as well pick up a few souvenirs."

Hoshan didn't take Luo Ri seriously at all. On a border planet like this, he could get whatever he wanted.

"Haha, that sounds great!"

A subordinate pointed upward. "Uh, Vice Captain, isn't that a white bird over there?"

"Just some animal or star beast. Don't act like you've never seen one."

"Vice Captain, the white bird seems to be coming our way."

"Stop gawking at the bird and hurry up with that door."

Hoshan wasn't worried.

"Oh, okay."

The subordinate had just hoisted a heavy cannon, preparing to blast open the shuttle's hatch.

Suddenly, the wind picked up.

Hoshan didn't pay attention, thinking it was just natural weather.

But then, a series of sharp, unnatural gusts swept through, and he realized something was terribly wrong.

Hoshan jumped back several steps, and the spot where he had been standing was now sliced open by wind blades.

With a thud, the heavy cannon clattered to the ground, followed by the subordinate's severed arms, which dripped blood onto the dirt.

A piercing scream echoed through the air. "Aaah! My hands... my hands!!!"

These were... Wind Blade runes!

On Luo Ri, someone knew how to craft Wind Blade runes?

Hoshan's eyes widened in shock, and he quickly drew his gun, ready for battle.

He looked toward the source of the wind and saw a giant white bird hovering in the air, its eyes casting a cold, judgmental gaze from above.

A figure in a white cloak leaped from the bird, landing gracefully on the ground.

His slender frame seemed fragile, almost ethereal, yet his pure black eyes, slanted at the corners, exuded a natural arrogance and commanding presence.

A gentle breeze swirled around him, delighted by his presence. The air seemed almost celebratory.

He spoke, his voice cold, with a tone that carried a unique cadence and a hint of disdain.

"Luo Ri does not welcome intruders such as yourself."

His slender fingers traced patterns in the air, and the glowing magic faded like fireflies.

As energy coalesced, the air began to warm.

In an instant, flames surged into the sky, lighting it ablaze.