Chapter 51: Intruder

Chapter 51: Intruder

Bright and flickering fireballs appeared one by one, their intense heat scorching the air.

With a couple of 'booms,' the fireballs exploded upon contact with the human body, sending rolling smoke into the air.

Hoshan instantly became a human torch.

His exposed skin was burned by the flames, and his entire face was a bloody mess, wracked with unbearable pain.

However, thanks to the interstellar high-tech combat suit, the parts of his body covered by clothing were well protected and did not suffer much damage.

"Ah...!!"

Hoshan rolled on the ground in agony.

Damn it all!

The pain was unbearable!!

The pain made Hoshan's adrenaline surge, making him move faster.

His eyes were bloodshot as he shouted, "You die, damn it!!"

He picked up the heavy cannon and aimed it at Cang Cheng.

Tracking Rune, activated!

Explosion Rune, activated!

Impact Rune, activated!

The three Spirit Runes embedded on the weapon lit up simultaneously.

These three Spirit Runes formed a very common strong attack combination in the Canglan Star Region.

The Tracking Rune and Impact Rune ensured hits on the enemy, while the Explosion Rune allowed the weapon to increase its splash damage by 30%. Even if the enemy dodged a direct hit, they couldn't avoid the splash damage.

This was a deadly rune combination designed for a one-shot kill, and when combined with large thermal weapons, it had formidable combat capabilities.

Hoshan lifted the heavy cannon, and the energy ring at the barrel lit up, indicating the charge was complete!

Blinded by the flames, he fired without hesitation. With the assistance of the Tracking Rune and Impact Rune, he could hit the target without needing to aim.

"You little punk, I'll tear you apart with this attack!"

The energy coalesced into a blinding white beam, streaking toward Cang Cheng.

Cang Cheng remained motionless, his slender fingers tracing a simple pattern in the air.

As the Spirit Rune was completed, the magic instantly transformed into another form of energy, spreading outward from Cang Cheng's center.

Sealing Rune, engaged.

The searing energy beam slowed as it entered the Sealing Rune's field, as if hitting a wall of resistance.

Simultaneously, the energy began to break down, scattering like stardust. The white light, like falling snow, faded away before Cang Cheng.

The attack had no effect!

No matter how many enhancements were added to the heavy cannon's attack, if the attack itself was canceled out, those enhancements would be useless.

Hoshan stood in place, bewildered.

He remembered pressing the attack button, but why wasn’t there any sound?

No explosion.

No aftershock rippling through the air.

It was eerily quiet.

What the hell just happened?

Panic flooded through him.

"Come out, damn it, come out!"

"Did you ambush me but don’t have the guts to show yourself?!"

Hoshan shouted, his voice trembling with anxiety.

"Looks like just the fire Spirit Runes alone aren't enough..."

Cang Cheng stood in place, his expression troubled.

Fire magic is the most destructive on the Siaxi Continent, but here in the Canglan Star Region... thanks to the high-tech combat suits, the destructive power of fire Spirit Runes was greatly reduced.

"If fire alone isn't enough... how about combining it with wind?"

As Cang Cheng spoke, his hands began to simultaneously draw Spirit Runes.

The combination of wind and fire magic was far more powerful than fire magic alone. With the wind amplifying the fire, it was worth a try!

With that thought, the dual runes were completed in an instant.

The wind on his left and the fire on his right began to gather strength.

With a single thought, Cang Cheng hurled the Blade of Wind and Fireball at Hoshan.

A deafening boom echoed. With the wind’s help, the fireball was even larger and more intense, like a rising sun, its flames fierce and unyielding.

Hoshan was engulfed by the massive red flames.

At first, he could still scream and roll on the ground, trying to put out the relentless fire.

But in the end, his cries grew weaker, until they were completely drowned out by the roar of the flames.

The combined attack of wind and fire was exponentially more powerful, and even the high-tech combat suit couldn't stop the damage.

As the flames gradually weakened, Hoshan had lost all ability to fight back.

Cang Cheng didn’t even spare him a second look. He glanced at Simon’s crashed shuttle before turning his gaze to the massive starship docked nearby.

The starship bore a black cloud emblem, marking its ownership.

The ship’s intercom crackled to life, and a commanding middle-aged male voice boomed through. "I didn’t expect the ANKEN, who’s been making waves on the Star Net, to be so young. Truly, heroes emerge from the youngest!"

Cang Cheng continuously used the non-carrier drawing method to create highly iconic Spirit Runes.

It’s not surprising that his identity was figured out.

Cang Cheng’s voice was cold: “Who are you?”

Jera spoke up: “Leader of the Black Cloud Space Pirates, Jera. I apologize for disturbing your vacation on Luo Ri Star. I didn’t know the reputed ANKEN, the Spirit Rune Master, was here. My apologies for disturbing your peace.”

Jera recognized Cang Cheng’s identity as ANKEN through his rune but didn’t associate him with the fifth prince at all.

After all, the fifth prince was widely known as a good-for-nothing, whereas ANKEN was hailed as the most promising Spirit Rune Master in the Canglan Star Region.

He simply thought ANKEN was on vacation on Luo Ri.

Cang Cheng: “Why are you here on Luo Ri?”

“Just a small business deal with Simon.”

“By robbing him?”

“Come on, ANKEN, you must be joking. I tried to communicate with Simon beforehand, but he didn’t listen. So, I had no choice.”

Jera arrogantly said: “I’m just after what I need, and you’re protecting your guy. We don’t conflict. If Simon knew you were his savior, he’d be more loyal to you, at your beck and call. You’d have a loyal follower. Isn’t that a good thing?”

Cang Cheng remained expressionless: “No.”

“You really want to meddle?”

“It’s not exactly meddling.”

“Then don’t blame me for being rude.”

Seeing that negotiations had failed, Jera didn’t want to waste any more words. He was commanding a starship, after all, while ANKEN was just one person.

There’s no way his starship would lose to a Grade B rune user like ANKEN.

Once ANKEN was defeated, he’d force him to craft runes daily to make money for their pirate group.

Wouldn’t that be an easier way to earn money?

Hehe, ANKEN walked right into this, so don’t blame me for what happens next.

Dreaming of the future, Jera ordered his crew to attack.

Over 50 space pirates grabbed their weapons and rushed out, their weapon barrels all aimed squarely at Cang Cheng.

Still in the starship’s control room, Jera said smugly: “ANKEN, if you supply us with free runes today, I’ll let you off, how about that?”

“Your Sealing Rune won’t stop starship weapons. I suggest you think carefully.”

Cang Cheng didn’t respond.

“Not speaking? Then I take it negotiations have failed. Everyone, attack! Take out his hands first—he’s a Spirit Rune Master.”

Cang Cheng didn’t take the 50 pirates seriously. Just as he was about to draw his runes, *zzzt*, a green energy beam appeared behind him and hit a pirate’s forehead.

One pirate fell.

*zzzt*, another pirate was struck down.

The space pirates were thrown into disarray.

"What's happening? Where's the attack coming from?"

"Was this done by a Spirit Rune Master?"

"There are people coming from behind him!"

……

Turning toward the sound, a row of people holding weapons appeared in the night, advancing slowly.

They had likely just woken up. Some had their clothes buttoned wrong, and some were still wearing slippers, looking disheveled but determined.

However, their aura was fierce, and their morale was high.

"Sir, are you alright? We're late."

"Don't worry, Sir; we won't let the space pirates harm you."

"Master, don't be afraid."

……

When the Planet Sha delegation learned that someone was causing trouble on Luo Ri, they all picked up their weapons, ready for a fight.

Even though Cang Cheng had ordered them to enter the central district to avoid harm, they couldn't stay away.

How could they let Cang Cheng face this danger alone?

He was the one who had performed miracles for them.

They were willing to give their all for him, even if it meant dying in his service.

Mù Xīng and Ming Bai were also among the crowd.

Mù Xīng placed the mushroom potion into a specially made gun, which allowed his potion to reach further.

Meanwhile, Ming Bai input commands on his optical brain screen, controlling the modified patrol robots to join the battle.

Mù Xīng walked behind Cang Cheng. "Sir, leave this to us."

Ming Bai followed, muttering, "The planetary defense system needs to be prioritized."

"Sir, leave it to us!"

"Sir, please step back!"

……

One by one, people gathered beside Cang Cheng, surrounding him, protecting him.

Under the flickering light of the unquenched flames, their resolve was firm, with no intention of backing down.

Seeing this, Cang Cheng couldn't help but feel moved.

Luo Ri was everyone's Luo Ri.

A smile curved on Cang Cheng’s lips, his pure black eyes reflecting the faces of those who still bore the marks of sleep.

"Then I’ll leave it to you to take care of them—no survivors."

"Yes, sir!"

The group was eager and ready, pushing against each other in anticipation.

The next moment, weapons were fired all at once.

Mushrooms grew wildly, patrol robots transformed into small mechs, and beams of energy shot out in unison.

Brilliant flames burst forth in the outer district, the intense sounds resembling ear-splitting fireworks.

The fight went on for about five minutes.

After five minutes, the flames began to fade, and the space pirates had all fallen to the attacks.

This time, even without Cang Cheng's direct involvement, the current armed strength of Luo Ri Star was more than enough to deal with the space pirates.

Ming Bai reported, "Sir, the ground threats have been eliminated. The only thing left is the starship."

At that, everyone shifted their focus to the massive starship.

A hundred people looked as small as ants in comparison to the colossal vessel.

No one backed down, despite the overwhelming firepower. They were determined to protect their leader and defend Luo Ri Star.

Ming Bai said, "Give me ten minutes, and I can hack the ship’s systems. Or do you want to go in hot, sir?"

Cang Cheng had no intention of giving the starship any time to react.

From the beginning, the starship had not made any moves, which made Cang Cheng feel uneasy.

"Breach."

"Yes, sir."

Ming Bai input the commands and began searching for the starship's weak points, preparing to concentrate their fire.

However, at that very moment, Jera, the leader of the space pirates who had been silent until then, laughed in a mocking tone. His voice came through the speakers.

"I didn't expect ANKEN to have so many followers here. How surprising! If all these people were to die, would you be willing to create Spirit Runes for us, ANKEN?"

Cang Cheng knew something was off.

"Now that I think about it, so many of my crew have died. It would be a shame if I didn't make you pay for their lives."

With a laugh, Jera hit a button.

A distorted sound wave spread outward from the starship.

The air warped, and the dust on the ground shook apart into fine particles. Flames flickered erratically.

Everyone within the range of the sound wave collapsed instantly, losing consciousness.

"Cough, cough..."

"What... what just happened?"

...

They coughed up blood, their vision blurred, and their bodies wouldn’t respond. No one could stand.

Mù Xīng collapsed, unable to move. Ming Bai, though slightly better, knelt on one knee, still able to move one hand.

Before Ming Bai could recover, Jera triggered the sonic attack again.

With a 'screech,' the attack sent Ming Bai sprawling to the ground, immobilized.

The potions they carried were shattered by the sonic attack.

Moments ago, they had the upper hand, but now they were all down, unable to rise.

They were wiped out.

"Haha, ANKEN, look at you. No matter how skilled a Spirit Rune Master you are, aren't you still defeated by me?"

Jera sneered, "This sonic attack is a real gem. So subtle, even you didn't see it coming."

"ANKEN, you'd better be prepared to work for our space pirates until the day you die!"

"Can you picture tomorrow's headlines? 'ANKEN joins the Black Cloud Space Pirates!' We'll be legends!"

Cang Cheng was no better.

His ears were ringing, his vision blurred, and the world spun. His internal organs ached.

As soon as he sensed something was off, he tried to activate the Sealing Rune. But the sudden sonic attack prevented him from concentrating.

He couldn't complete the Sealing Rune on his first attempt.

The second time, though Cang Cheng endured the discomfort and managed to draw the Sealing Rune, it wasn't effective against a starship-grade weapon. It only partially countered the sonic attack.

He admitted he had been careless.

This method of controlling sound waves was something Cang Cheng had never encountered before, let alone a starship-grade sonic attack.

He felt as fragile as snowflakes, ready to crumble at the slightest touch.

Pain...

Discomfort...

Dizziness...

But he could not fall.

He still had a trusted partner.

Cang Cheng steadied his wobbly body and stood firm.

He opened his mouth, "Mo."

In response, in his usual steady tone, "I'm here, Cang Cheng."

As soon as the words fell, the exotic in modified armor appeared in the air.

The wings composed of jet propellers on his back emitted a deep blue light, and from afar, it looked like three pairs of starry blue wings.

Hilmeth had been searching for the sonic attack vehicle ever since the first wave of attacks from the starship. By the second attack, he had located the source.

Even without Cang Cheng's command, Hilmeth would have destroyed the device that injured him at the first opportunity.

Hilmeth's expression was grave, his amber eyes blazing with fury, turning his usually calm gaze into a fiery red.

The deep blue mechanical wings behind him disassembled into segmented beam wing cannons under his mental control.

They immediately locked onto the sonic emitters and unleashed a simultaneous barrage of attacks.

A series of explosions rocked the ship, and all the sonic emitters on the ship were destroyed, now smoking ruins.

The sonic emitters were out of commission.

The beam wing cannons returned behind Hilmeth, reassembling into wings.

The alien creature, towering above, had its tail whip wildly, casting a chaotic black shadow behind it.

Its wings erupted with deep blue light, spreading outward like a torrent, mingling with the flames that still raged on the ground, forming a scene straight out of an abyssal nightmare.

Hilmeth pointed his gun at the starship's door, his tone cold: "You're dead."