Chapter 56: Journey to the Main Planet

Chapter 56: Journey to the Main Planet

While ANKEN was getting brutally beaten by Hilmeth on the other side, Cang Cheng was trouncing others in the arena.

After using a wind-fire composite spell that turned the entire arena into a fiery hunting ground, colorful streamers rained down from above Cang Cheng.

"Winner ANKEN!

Current Rank: Peak Rank 34 → Peak Rank 33"

Cang Cheng's account, ANKEN, had successfully advanced to Peak Rank during this time. Each time he challenged an opponent, he acted decisively and ruthlessly, like a merciless reaper.

Though just a fragile Spirit Rune Master, ANKEN had become a nightmare for many Awakened individuals.

Every day on the Awakened forums, players would cry out in despair:

"ANKEN has started matching! Everyone, run for your lives!"

"Has ANKEN been in a bad mood recently? He hits way too hard!"

"ANKEN is smiling, but his grin feels like an icy chill."

"Help! I encountered a player who used wind and fire Spirit Runes at the same time. How do I deal with it?"

"Emergency! How do I escape from the swamp created by earth and fire Spirit Runes?"

……

The arena echoed daily with tales of ANKEN's dominance, as players scrambled to find ways to counter his overwhelming power.

After advancing to Level A, Cang Cheng had drawn quite a few Level A Spirit Runes over the past few months, corresponding to high-level magic on the Siaxi Continent.

However, in the arena, he didn’t need to use Level A Spirit Runes for now. The combination of multi-element Spirit Runes was enough for him to secure victory.

At the same time, after the Gate of Truth failed to successfully summon its target that day, it bestowed upon Cang Cheng knowledge related to time and space. Now, Cang Cheng was able to perform short-distance teleportation, time stop, and time rewind.

However, magic involving time and space touched upon the realm of truth, consuming far more magic than elemental magic. Even if Cang Cheng wanted to continue his research, he would be forced to stop due to magic exhaustion.

"Last week, ANKEN opened the authorization for the Level C water prison Spirit Rune. Oh no, did any of you succeed? The water prison I drew couldn't even hold a cockroach."

"Don't even mention it, my water prison is still leaking! Such a worry…"

"All I have is water, no prison—why is this rune so difficult?"

……

The forum discussion veered towards the water prison Spirit Rune.

The water prison was the fourth Level C Spirit Rune authorization opened by Cang Cheng, following the wind set. Naturally, it sent Spirit Rune Masters into a frenzy of research.

Nature Spirit Runes began to gradually enter the sight of people in the Canglan Star Region. The Awakened no longer reacted with surprise at their appearance.

Cang Cheng was naturally pleased to see the magic from the Siaxi Continent being promoted in the Canglan Star Region through a new form.

In short, three months after the star pirates incident, both Cang Cheng and Luo Ri were in a state vastly different from three months ago.

After achieving another triple victory, Cang Cheng exited the holographic world.

Through the battles, he had gained insights into the combination of magic and firearms.

After recording his insights and sending them to Ming Bai, Cang Cheng washed up and went to bed.

Cang Cheng's bedroom was furnished with luxurious bedding; the quilt was light and soft, its fabric as smooth as silk.

His soft cheeks sank into the fluffy quilt, and his pure black eyes blinked.

He couldn't fall asleep for a long time.

Recently, Cang Cheng had been experiencing mild insomnia, but it wasn't a big issue. With the help of a peppermint-scented diffuser, he could fall asleep.

"Butler, activate the diffuser."

After the voice command was recognized by the smart system, the diffuser started working, and the cool scent of peppermint gradually spread through the air.

Cang Cheng sniffed the air, and his thoughts slowly calmed, with sleepiness following.

Just then, a 'ding' sounded as a mandatory notification appeared on his holographic device.

Unlike regular messages, this notification would not disappear unless confirmed by the holder.

This was the first time Cang Cheng had received such an alert.

He emerged from the quilt and opened his holographic device.

The message read:

"Invitation

To His Excellency, Luo Ri Star Governor and Fifth Prince Cang Cheng:

We sincerely invite you to arrive at the main planet summit before November 10th to sign in and attend the Canglan Star Region C20 Summit.

The meeting will focus on the development plans of the Canglan Star Region, determining strategic objectives for win-win cooperation.

We look forward to your timely attendance.

Canglan Star Region Political Affairs Office"

C20 Summit...?

Cang Cheng recalled that this was a summit attended by the top figures from across the entire star region.

The attendees were either leaders in various fields or individuals who had made outstanding contributions to the star region, and at the very least, they were wealthy heirs who had donated substantial amounts.

Why would someone like him, a prince with no real power or influence, receive an invitation to such a prestigious summit?

Cang Cheng closed his holographic device and pondered.

The next moment, he suddenly opened his eyes.

His pure black eyes gleamed like meteors in the eternal night, bright and captivating.

"Since I've been invited, why not attend?"

The corners of his eyes lifted, and a spark of interest flickered in his gaze.

"Many outstanding individuals from the star domain will attend this summit. Perhaps I can find a suitable collaborator."

Luo Ri Star has developed rapidly, transforming from a barren and impoverished planet to the prosperous state it is in now within the six months of Cang Cheng's governance.

The residents live and work in peace, enjoying a tranquil and fulfilling life.

The development of Luo Ri Star relies on the low-cost cultivation of pollution-free food and the spirit runes designed by Cang Cheng, along with the Cang Stone weapons still under development. These innovations have the potential to transform the star domain and will eventually catch the public's attention.

Cang Cheng has some confidence in his own strength, but... in the face of the technological military power of the Canglan Star Region, he knows that unless he advances to the level of a forbidden spell mage, possessing combat power capable of dealing with warships or even planetary-level threats, he won't have much say in the Canglan Star Region.

After all, there's strength in numbers, and even the strongest can be overwhelmed. Cang Cheng's strength might not be weak, but the other military powers in the Canglan Star Region are not to be underestimated.

He needs to find a reliable collaborator so that Luo Ri Star can face any future threats with composure and ease.

Furthermore...

——I'll be waiting for you on the main planet——

Cang Cheng still has to find that deceiver who hasn't even told him his real name.

"You'd better be waiting for me on the main planet, Mo."

Thinking of the big-tailed con artist, Cang Cheng snorted coldly.

Without hesitation, he confirmed the message.

*

The next morning, Cang Cheng boarded a camouflaged starship heading to the main planet, accompanied by Mù Xīng and six White Mask Guards.

Meanwhile, Ming Bai and Cang Ye, along with Sylvie, boarded another disguised starship heading to the secret resort planet, Isle of Mystery, with a group of modified robots.

During Cang Cheng's absence, the operations of Luo Ri Star would temporarily be managed by Philip.

"My lord, the Cang Stone weapon you ordered."

Ming Bai handed Cang Cheng the newly completed red-eyed fuzzy accessory.

Ming Bai wasn't much for aesthetics when it came to accessories; after all, he was a weapon designer, not a fashion designer.

Fortunately, the accessory's simple design kept it from looking odd. The accessory was a black plush ball with a small tail, adorned with a pair of red-gold gemstone eyes.

The plush ball was about the size of a star coin, easy for Cang Cheng to handle.

"You can activate the ball's energy with your mental power. Its eyes can shoot energy beams. Detaching the tail and throwing the ball will trigger an explosion comparable to a heavy cannon."

Ming Bai explained the function of the plush ball. "Because it uses Cang Stones for energy, the plush ball won't be detected by security devices."

Cang Cheng casually hung the plush ball on his chest. On his white and blue patterned cloak, the black tailed ball looked fluffy and cute, fitting harmoniously.

Ming Bai also gave Cang Cheng a red gemstone ring, the base of which was made from Cang Stone, with energy circuits and microchips engraved inside the ring.

"This is a personal teleportation device with a 5-kilometer range and three uses."

Cang Cheng stared at the ring, lost in thought.

Mo had expressed interest in a portable teleportation device, but now that it was complete, Mo was nowhere to be found, leaving Cang Cheng unsure of who to partner with for its promotion.

Cang Cheng put the ring on his pinky finger.

The mini snake tail-shaped black ring band added a touch of unruliness to Cang Cheng, while the gem, like a flame, made his skin appear very fair.

However, having said that, this ring could achieve a teleportation distance of 5 kilometers, much farther than the spatial displacement Cang Cheng had just learned.

Ming Bai was truly a once-in-a-lifetime genius weapon designer.

And the technology of the Canglan Star Region was not to be underestimated either.

"My lord, the summit is not safe, please be very careful," Ming Bai advised.

"Don't worry, Ming Bai," Cang Cheng said, preparing to leave with large strides.

However, he was stopped again by another voice.

"Brother Cang Cheng."

This voice was unusually hoarse, as though his throat had been damaged, making it grating to listen to.

But the tone sounded pitiful, making it hard not to be moved.

Cang Cheng stopped in his tracks. "Brother Cang Ye, what is it?"

Cang Ye looked at Cang Cheng with tearful eyes, and like Cang Cheng, his eyes, as dark as the night, revealed a sense of sorrow from parting.

"Can't I stay with you? Brother. I want to be with you."

Cang Cheng patted Cang Ye's shoulder and comforted him with a ruthless tone. "No."

Not to mention that Cang Cheng could not explain why Cang Ye, who had been declared dead, was still alive, but with Cang Ye's mental state like that of a large dog, there was no way Cang Cheng could bring him along.

Seeing Cang Cheng's firm stance with no room for negotiation, Cang Ye lowered his head. "Then please be careful, brother. Come back quickly."

Cang Cheng nodded. "I will, I'll come back unscathed."

With that, he entered the modified shuttle without looking back.

Two camouflaged starships successively activated and embarked on their respective journeys.

November 9th

Main planet of the Canglan Star Region, C20 Summit venue

*

The C20 Summit, fully known as the Canglan Star Region 20 Development Plan Leaders Summit, invites leaders from various industries across the star region to reach multiple win-win cooperation agreements.

The summit is held once every 4 years, and the venue is split into several smaller meeting rooms, with participants arranged into different meeting areas according to their fields.

The most core meetings are naturally the military conference, followed by the star region diplomatic conference, research conferences of various industries, and entertainment and urban development proposals receive the least attention.

However, no matter how little attention these meetings receive, it’s a major event for the entire Canglan Star Region.

Being invited to the summit would be a significant addition to anyone’s resume.

At the summit registration desk, Mù Jiāyuè, who had paid and pulled strings to gain entry, was live-streaming to a group chat.

The summit had strict security, and no filming was allowed inside, but the perimeter was still fair game for photos.

Mù Jiāyuè was dressed in an exquisitely tailored suit, every strand of his hair meticulously groomed.

He grinned smugly, saying, "Let me show you guys. This is the registration area of the C20 Summit. There aren’t many people around right now, so I can take a few shots."

"Bro Jia, you're a legend! You actually got into the C20 Summit."

"Bro Jia, you’ve made it big. After the summit, can you do us the honor of having a meal together?"

"No wonder it’s the summit. The state-of-the-art security gear they’re using looks brand new! I haven’t seen it on the market yet."

……

Flattering and admiring comments quickly refreshed in the group chat, making Mù Jiāyuè feel elated, so much so that he didn’t even hear the footsteps approaching.

Hmph, let anyone who underestimated me eat their words.

Sure, I might not be much, but my family? They’re the real deal!

After all, in the entire circle of rich kids who live for luxury and parties, how many could say they’d entered the C20 Summit like he, Mù Jiāyuè, had?

Until a group of people in white uniforms swept into view, and the chat content suddenly changed.

"Bro Jia, there’s someone behind you!"

"Get a shot of who's behind you! Let’s see who’s attending the summit."

"I’m curious, Bro Jia, take a look."

……

"Alright, I’ll let you guys take a peek, but I won’t film too much. I don’t dare."

Mù Jiāyuè seized the opportunity to turn his phone around, revealing a group of people in White Masks.

Their steps were uniform, their presence heavy and refined, clearly indicating they were professionally trained.

At the front of the White Mask group, one individual with a Blue Glove on their left hand stood out from the others in their attire.

The Blue Glove noticed something and glanced at Mù Jiāyuè.

The moment their gaze met, the light brown eyes behind the mask turned ice-cold, like the frost of December in the polar regions, capable of freezing anyone.

The Blue Glove turned back and whispered something to someone in a white hood.

Immediately, the White Hood turned their head slightly.

A face so stunning it left everyone breathless appeared before the eyes of those in the live stream room.

His aura was fragile and pure, his black eyes deep and profound, and a teardrop-shaped mole below his right eye added an unintentional allure.

Yet, despite having such a face, his innate presence as a person of authority made it impossible for anyone to act rashly in his presence.

The White Hood gave a faint, almost imperceptible smile, then quickly withdrew his gaze, no longer giving Mù Jiāyuè any attention.

A fleeting glimpse, yet it left people feeling like they were in a dream.

Truly… a perfect person!

Which family does this young master come from? How come we've never seen him before.

Who is he?

Why is he able to attend the C20 Summit?

The rich kids in the group chat were dying to know his identity.

And as for Mù Jiāyuè, he was also momentarily dazed when he saw the other's face.

A beauty like that? He'd be perfect for me, Mù Jiāyuè.

"Who is this little beauty?"

"Let me take another look!"

"I'm going to bed now, I'll meet him in my dreams, haha."

"Someone who can attend the summit is definitely not ordinary."

"Bro Jia, Bro Jia, go find out who he is."

……

Without waiting for anyone to push him, Mù Jiāyuè was already on his way.

*

As soon as Cang Cheng and his group arrived on the main planet, they headed straight to the summit venue.

"Sir, someone is filming us."

Mù Xīng, wearing a White Mask, spotted Mù Jiāyuè and alerted him.

Mù Xīng had acquaintances on the main planet, so he wore a White Mask to conceal his identity, blending in with the White Mask Guard.

However, Mù Xīng didn't expect that as soon as he set foot on the main planet, he would run into an acquaintance.

Talk about running into someone!

Cang Cheng glanced over, then looked away.

"Insignificant person. But I remember... filming isn't allowed at the summit."

Mù Xīng clenched his left fist, feeling the energy from the Cang Stones.

"The Mù family?"

Cang Cheng asked Mù Xīng.

Is this the same Mù family that Mù Xīng comes from?

Cang Cheng remembered Mù Xīng was convicted of plotting against his family's eldest son.

So... could that guy be one of Mù Xīng's enemies?

Mù Xīng clenched his left fist, drawing strength from the Cang Stones.

"Don't worry, sir. I'll take care of it."

Mù Xīng thought that meeting his former enemies would make him extremely excited or unable to control his emotions.

But at this moment, he felt nothing but calm.

Cang Cheng had given him the strength to face his past on his own, along with the assurance that his past sufferings wouldn't haunt him anymore.

Soon, Mù Xīng would make the Mù family fall from heaven to hell.

Cang Cheng's group consisted of 2 people… no, actually 8 when they arrived at the registration desk.

The 2 registrars and 4 officers showed slight looks of surprise when they saw Cang Cheng's group.

After all, Cang Cheng's group was too outstanding. Not to mention the 7 masked individuals who exuded a cold and stern presence—even the duty officers felt the pressure. As for Cang Cheng's appearance, it caused the staff, who had seen many important figures, to be momentarily stunned.

Strikingly handsome, with an air of mysterious depth.

The registrar recovered and said, “Please show your invitation.”

Cang Cheng displayed the digital invitation to them.

After recording the invitation, the registrar was stunned for half a second when the main system showed the name.

Is this Cang Cheng…?

The legendary useless pretty boy?

…

No wonder he looks so outstanding; the rumors were true.

Unfortunately, no matter how exceptional his appearance was, he was just an ordinary person.

A fleeting look of disappointment crossed the registrar's face before they said, “Please have you and your guard team go through the security check one by one. If you are carrying any weapons, place them in the boxes at the security entrance. If you attempt to smuggle weapons into the summit, you will face a minimum of 20 years in prison.”

Cang Cheng nodded to show he understood and then directly entered the security checkpoint.

Cang Cheng's black fur ball brooch and the red gemstone ring on his little finger showed no reaction when passing through the advanced detection equipment.

The equipment displayed Cang Cheng's data:

“Awakening Level: Not Awakened

Carrying Weapons: No

Permission to Pass: Yes”

After clearing security, Cang Cheng received his pass, and Mù Xīng and the others were issued their guest passes.

The awakening levels detected for Mù Xīng and the others were all C-level.

The displayed data had been altered by the simulator Ming Bai created, which generated false readings.

The staff handed Cang Cheng the keycard and the internal communication device, which indicated the address as Building 76, District D.

“This is where you'll be staying during the summit, and here's your communication device. If you need anything or have any questions, just use the communicator to reach our staff. You're free to come and go as you please, but you'll need to go through security each time you enter the summit venue.”

"Wishing you a pleasant stay during the conference."

Cang Cheng took the access card and communicator, then boarded the shuttle bus to his assigned residence within the summit grounds.

As soon as he left, the staff couldn't help but discuss among themselves.

"I thought he'd be someone important, but he's just another pretty face, accompanied by a group of C-Rank Awakened."

"And they all wore masks, looking like they were trying to intimidate everyone."

"You can't say that. He is still the fifth prince, after all."

"What has he even done for the Canglan Star Region? How did he even get an invitation?"

"Maybe it's because of his status as a prince! The fourth prince died ten years ago, and the second prince passed away a year ago. Only three princes are left in our star region. If something happens to the others, this fifth prince might end up next in line."

"That's impossible. It's certain that the first prince will inherit the rule, and if not, there's still the third prince. The fifth prince doesn't stand a chance, even if he looks good."

"You're right. The fifth prince only has his looks. General Hilmers would be a much better choice for the throne than him. But still, the fifth prince is really good-looking..."

"You're such a sucker for good looks."

……

The staff's conversation was overheard by Mù Jiāyuè, who was standing nearby.

Was that the fifth prince, Cang Cheng? The famous pretty boy with no real talent?

They say he was sent to a border planet after coming of age, and somehow survived.

It's said that Cang Cheng's health isn't good. He could work with Cang Cheng on this.

The Mù family specialized in medicines; it would be easy to develop something to improve his health.

Cang Cheng could exchange his remaining years for a healthy body. Wouldn't that be worth it?

At the very least, he could transplant a spirit core into Cang Cheng, turning him into an Awakened.

He believed Cang Cheng wouldn't refuse.

Thinking about Cang Cheng's face, Mù Jiāyuè couldn't help but feel excited. Besides, the other party was a prince, so noble, yet soon...

Mù Jiāyuè's expression turned greedy. He typed in the group chat.

"I've found out the identity of that little beauty from earlier. He doesn't have any backing."

"Wait, in a few days, I'll have him in my grasp."

As soon as the message was sent, a series of replies saying 'Bro Jia V5' followed.

Mù Jiāyuè felt his confidence swell as he imagined the possibilities.

Cang Cheng was as good as his.

*

The shuttle bus within the summit took about 20 minutes to reach the villa area in District D.

The summit arranged rooms according to the attendees' status, so it was no surprise that Cang Cheng was assigned to the farthest row in District D.

Villa 76 was a townhouse that could easily accommodate eight people.

Even the accompanying staff staying in zones A and B get to live in detached villas.

Cang Cheng’s accommodations are far from the best.

As Cang Cheng swiped his card to open the gate to the villa complex, a stream of curses erupted from nearby.

Cang Cheng recognized the voice immediately.

"You, an esteemed general who has earned countless battle merits for the Canglan Star Region, how dare they make you stay in Zone D? Do they think you're dead?"

Hilmeth was fuming, his face a picture of rage, and his red hair seemed even more fiery than usual.

Although Hilmeth’s participation in the summit was a last-minute decision, who would dare to assign him to the peripheral Zone D?!

Wasn’t that an insult to Hilmeth?

"It’s not realistic to change houses now. Zone D is quite nice and quiet."

Hilmeth’s voice remained calm, without a ripple.

In his hand was his room card, for Unit 75 in Zone D.

In fact, this was the accommodation he had arranged for himself using his access rights, something Qin Yan didn’t know about.

"Boss, are you thinking that someone leaked weapon intel during the last Spirit Runes battle, which is why you don’t want to stay in Zone A?

Who knows? One of those smug old-timers in Zone A might turn around and stab you in the back."

"It has nothing to do with that."

"So, what’s the real reason, boss?"

Hilmeth didn’t respond, just turning his head to stare off into the distance.