Chapter 67: Departure to the Resource Planet

Chapter 67: Departure to the Resource Planet

The Peak Conference Exchange Competition is a cross-star-region team event that has been held for the past 20 years. The competition highlights the strength of the younger generation across star regions and builds excitement as the summit concludes.

All participants are randomly selected by the Peak Conference AI system. There are eight participants, all aged between 18 and 22, regardless of their status.

While the selection is supposed to be random, operators often remove individuals with awakening levels below B to ensure the Canglan Star Region’s team remains strong.

However, this time, an unawakened civilian, Cang Cheng, was unexpectedly included in the list, which clearly doesn’t make sense.

To ensure fairness, the list is immediately reported to other star systems, making it impossible to swap participants.

Unless Cang Cheng publicly withdraws, he is definitely participating in this exchange competition.

Cang Cheng’s long fingers drummed softly on the table, while his dark eyes reflected the depth of the night.

Though he had no interest in the competition, Cang Cheng didn’t want to waste the effort someone had put into getting him on the list.

"Might as well check it out."

With that in mind, Cang Cheng adjusted his schedule for the week and informed his partners that he’d be busy with personal matters.

After finishing everything, Cang Cheng went to sleep without any psychological burden.

Meanwhile, the Star Net erupted in chaos over the competition list.

The exchange competition list is as follows:

"Team Leader: Xilimusu Lazel

Deputy Leader: Cang Junting

Team Members:

Edward

Yi Moshang

Fu Congfei

Sang Ning

Mo Yu

Xing Qing

Wu Ling

Cang Cheng"

"The team leader is none other than General Xilimusu Lazel and the third prince! It seems our star region places great importance on this exchange competition."

"The Canglan Star Region is on the verge of a major civilization upgrade, so there’s no room for errors."

"Take a look at the list: General Fu’s sister, the top combat student in her first and second years at the Central Academy, and the top student in weapon manufacturing… This time, the Canglan Star Region is fully prepared for something big."

Most people were pleased with the first few names, but when they saw the last name, they exchanged puzzled glances.

Cang… Cheng?!

That name sounds familiar...

Ah, isn't that the name of that good-for-nothing Fifth Prince?

"Is the Cang Cheng at the end of the list the same Fifth Prince we're talking about?"

"Sounds like it's him, right?"

"He's just a regular guy... how did he even get picked?"

"Hold on, could it be a different person with the same name?"

Someone checked with the officials to confirm if the Cang Cheng on the list was indeed the Fifth Prince, and they confirmed it.

The crowd erupted in outrage.

This is a competition for Awakened participants from another star system—what’s a non-Awakened guy like him doing here?

He’s going to make us look bad out there!

"Favoritism! If Cang Cheng can be picked, so can I!"

"This is probably just a publicity stunt. I can’t stand rich and powerful people like him, but what can you do—he’s a prince."

"With him holding us back, we might blow a sure win in the Exchange Competition."

"The other participants are getting stuck with the Fifth Prince this year—bad luck for them."

"How does the Fifth Prince have the nerve to sneak onto the list? Why doesn't he withdraw himself? He should know his place."

...

The rhetoric against Cang Cheng on the Star Network grew increasingly fierce.

How could an unawakened commoner possibly represent the star domain in the Exchange Competition?

Even if he is a prince, so what?

The summit organizers issued a statement under their official account:

"There was an operational error in this selection process; non-awakened individuals were not excluded from the draw.

The operator has been dismissed, but the finalized list cannot be changed.

We deeply apologize for this mistake."

"Amateur hour!"

"Backroom dealings!"

"Get out, Fifth Prince!"

"To claim it was an operational error is just a face-saving excuse. You've clearly been bought off."

"The privileged class is truly disgusting."

Far away on Sunset Star, Mingbai wanted to filter the comments for Cangcheng but was stopped by him.

After all, Cangcheng was just an unpopular prince, exiled to the border star domain. How could he possibly have the ability to filter comments across the entire star domain?

When the residents of Sunset Star learned about Lord Cangcheng's situation on the Star Network, they were indignant and spontaneously rallied in support of him.

As night fell, what should have been a brightly lit Sunset Star became eerily dark and quiet, as everyone turned off their lights.

Then, following instructions, each household gradually turned their lights back on, using the deep darkness of Sunset Star as a canvas to create a dazzling tapestry of light.

In the tapestry, a figure representing Cangcheng could be seen strolling through the shopping district, then boarding a White Bird flying car to soar through the sky. After landing, Cangcheng used a spatial folding cube to transform the barren and desolate streets into towering buildings...

Every moment of Cangcheng's time on Sunset Star was vividly portrayed in the tapestry.

The planetary tapestry played for over five minutes before ending, with bright letters appearing at the end:

"Go, Lord Cangcheng in the Exchange Competition!

We will always support you.

With love,

All residents of Sunset Star"

Receiving the satellite image from Mingbai, Cangcheng's face slowly broke into a smile.

Warmth shone in his black eyes.

To be so beloved by the residents of his own planet brought joy and warmth to Cangcheng's heart.

"Thank you all, I won't let you down."

He was no longer the Cang Cheng who had arrived alone from the Siaxi Continent.

In this star region, he had finally found his place.

*

The next morning, Mù Xīng, the only one who had come with Cang Cheng to the summit, turned on the video and communicated with a few people from Luo Ri Star while helping Cang Cheng pack his luggage.

Three faces crowded into Mù Xīng's small holographic screen.

The screen looked a bit crowded.

Mù Xīng: "The fungus growth compound can't be brought; it's too signature. Switch to the standard bio-compound instead!"

Ming Bai: "Make sure to pack the capsule bombs, the portable luxury tent, and the protective suit."

Cang Ye: "Don't forget the chips, milk tea, and snacks—my brother loves to eat."

Philip: "Cang Cheng's skin is sensitive, so bring the pajamas and bedding too!"

...

They spent half an hour packing Cang Cheng's luggage.

Thanks to the Canglan Star Region's spatial compression tech, they managed to compress about 50KG of luggage into a 5L bag.

It was late November, and the crisp autumn air carried a slight chill but felt refreshing.

The main planet did not set the planet's temperature to a year-round constant, which made the seasons distinct. This allowed for distinct seasons, each with its own unique scenery.

Cang Cheng arrived at the spaceport gathering area wearing a loose, flowing cloak.

Unlike the fitted attire of others, Cang Cheng’s outfit stood out as both impractical and casual, giving the impression that he was heading off on a vacation rather than preparing for a competition.

Onlookers who noticed Cang Cheng’s arrival cast dissatisfied glances at him.

They whispered among themselves.

"Is this the guy who snagged the spot?"

"He’s quite bold, daring to play tricks at the summit."

"I look down on people like him."

"A prince? More like a parasite."

……

However, a small group of people found it hard to utter harsh words when they saw Cang Cheng’s face.

Fifth Prince was even more handsome than the rumors suggested.

Looking at his face, they just couldn’t bring themselves to scold him.

"Well, well, if it isn’t my dear brother. What a surprise to see you here, of all places," said Third Prince Cang Junting, wearing a luxurious greatcoat, as he stepped down from the hovercar escorted by twelve Guard members, adding to his imposing presence.

Still recovering from his illness, Third Prince looked noticeably weaker than he did at the summit banquet a few weeks ago. His hands were wrapped in bandages, not revealing any skin.

"I wonder if my dear brother can handle the Exchange Competition. After all, this kind of competition can be deadly if one isn't careful."

The third prince’s expression was sinister, and his tone was unfriendly.

Cang Cheng, however, maintained his innocent and harmless appearance. His black eyes blinked, and his attitude was respectful yet not submissive, which made him appear even more endearing.

"Thank you for your concern, Third Brother. But I believe that as the deputy leader, you wouldn’t abandon any team member during the Exchange Competition."

"That depends on whether the team member is worth the trouble—and if they’re even worth saving.

If you were in danger, Fifth Brother, and you begged me—well, maybe I’d think about it."

The third prince made no attempt to hide his disdain for Cang Cheng.

Since word of their disagreement at the banquet had already gotten around, he saw no reason to pretend otherwise.

"Listen up: don’t be a liability."

Beside him, Wu Ling, the third prince’s confidant, chimed in.

He looked at Cang Cheng with a disdainful expression full of malice.

"Why don’t you save us all the trouble and pull out of the competition now? You’ll only embarrass yourself—and us—once we get to the other star system."

Wu Ling, who had also been selected to participate in the Exchange Competition, had been one of those who had helped the third prince bully Cang Cheng since childhood.

"Though if you’re willing to use your face for something, we wouldn’t mind. Haha!"

Wu Ling’s words were met with raucous laughter from the group.

Cang Cheng’s memory flashed back to the other person’s arrogant sneer—

‘Pin him underwater! Hold him down long enough to show him who’s in charge here!’

‘Sorry, fifth prince, we kinda broke your nutrient solution. Want to try licking it off the floor? You might get a taste.’

‘See ya, trash. You’re spending your whole break locked up in the warehouse!’

……

"You really want to talk to me like that?"

Cang Cheng’s voice was calm and cold.

"What, you think I should talk to you any differently?"

Wu Ling was completely indifferent. "You want me to treat you well? Have you even considered if you deserve it?"

Cang Cheng sneered, his sharp, dark eyes glinting with icy disdain.

Without warning, Cang Cheng slammed an elbow into Wu Ling’s side.

With a solid thud, Wu Ling crumpled.

The pain hit him, and two warm drops of blood flowed from his nose.

Wu Ling clutched his nose, shock written all over his face.

How could Cang Cheng, the kid he used to push around, actually hit him?!

Did Cang Cheng even know who Wu Ling was working for?!

Furious, Wu Ling swung his fist to counterattack.

However, his wrist was forcefully snapped from behind with a ‘crack.’

"Ah… pain!!"

Wu Ling’s expression turned vicious. "Who… who did that?!"

His defiant words died in his throat when he saw who had acted, and Wu Ling started shaking like a leaf, all his previous bravado gone.

"G…General."

Hilmeth stood tall in his crisp, dark uniform, a row of medals gleaming on his chest, radiating both authority and intimidation.

Hilmeth’s expression was stern. "Publicly insulting a royal family member warrants at least 10 days of confinement. Considering the special circumstances, your punishment will be carried out after the Exchange Competition."

Wu Ling protested, "But he struck first!"

Hilmeth replied, "Did you not insult him?"

"I was just saying whatever..."

Wu Ling, who had always relied on the third prince to act recklessly, never expected that a few casual words would lead to punishment by the impartial general.

But Wu Ling knew better than to argue. The law was clear, and the one enforcing it was the general himself.

Hilmeth: "Apologize."

Although Wu Ling was reluctant, he apologized to Cang Cheng unwillingly. "I'm sorry, Prince Cang Cheng."

Cang Cheng waved his hand, indicating it wasn’t a big deal.

This nonchalant attitude only fueled Wu Ling’s dissatisfaction even more.

Just wait—during the Exchange Competition, I’ll show you who’s boss.

The third prince glanced at Cang Cheng and sneered sarcastically, "I didn’t expect my supposedly weak and helpless brother to be so skilled in combat."

He then turned to Hilmeth with a hostile tone, "There’s a rumor that the general favors my fifth brother. I wonder if it’s true or not."

Hilmeth’s blue eyes were filled with coldness. "That is of no concern to you, Third Prince."

With that, he turned his back and didn’t spare another glance at the third prince.

He stood at the front, his presence overwhelming, making it hard for anyone to breathe.

"All personnel, board the ship. During the Exchange Competition, you will follow my commands. Those who disobey will be dealt with according to military law."

*

The journey by starship from the main planet to the resource planet at the border of the Canglan Star Region and the Giant Rock Star Region would take about three days.

Cang Cheng’s room was arranged in the innermost section, next to the former top student of the Central Academy, Yi Moshang, who would be promoted to the second year that September.

Yi Moshang had met Cang Cheng several times in the arena before.

However, Yi Moshang only knew ANKEN, the famous figure on the Star Net, not this “ornamental” prince.

Next to Yi Moshang were the weapon designer Mo Yu, the noble commander Edward, Wu Ling, still in a cast from his broken arm, and the alchemist Xing Qing wearing a gas mask.

The two female participants, Spirit Warrior Fu Congfei and Sang Ning, were accommodated at the other end of the corridor.

Hilmeth and the third prince were housed in cabins at the other end of the starship.

During the days on the starship, Yi Moshang was engrossed in weightlifting and training, while Mo Yu focused on weapon designing. When they encountered others, they would nod in greeting, polite but lacking in warmth.

Edward, with his maxed-out social skills, had become familiar with almost everyone.

Xing Qing, on the other hand, stayed in her room all day, only communicating via her data device, clearly a bit of a recluse.

Fu Congfei and Sang Ning, who were already close friends, were practically inseparable.

As for Wu Ling, after being reprimanded by Hilmeth that day, he was too embarrassed to show his face and only left his room late at night to grab food.

Fu Congfei hesitated, tugging at Sang Ning’s sleeve. "I really want to get closer to Prince Cang Cheng. Oh, I’m such a terrible person for not stopping Wu Ling from bullying the prince that time..."

Since Cang Cheng used an ice blade to threaten her in the villa district, Fu Congfei had developed a deep admiration for him.

She now admired Cang Cheng almost as much as she did Hilmeth.

This time, participating in the Exchange Competition with Prince Cang Cheng and being led by Hilmeth made her feel like she was on top of the world.

Fu Congfei, starstruck, said, "Prince Cang Cheng looked so cool when he took down Wu Ling! Even though his physical prowess isn’t high, he managed to make Wu Ling bleed with just one hit. I love him even more now."

Sang Ning laughed and suggested, "Why don’t you suggest everyone have a late-night snack and play some cards to bond?"

Fu Congfei: "But wouldn’t that be too much trouble? It seems like most people aren’t interested in socializing."

Sang Ning: "So someone has to take the first step and try! Why don't you give it a shot, Feifei!"

Encouraged, Fu Congfei nodded: "Okay, I'll give it a shot. It's not like it costs anything to try."

Fu Congfei wasted no time and sent a message directly in the contestants' group.

Fu Congfei: "@ALL Tomorrow we'll be landing on the resource planet to start the Exchange Competition. How about we get together tonight for some food and drinks, and get to know each other?"

Within a minute, there was a reply.

Edward: "I'm in, Miss Fu!"

Yi Moshang: "1."

Mo Yu: "1."

Xing Qing: "I'll join via video."

Cang Cheng: "Okay."

Wu Ling: "PASS, recovering."

Fu Congfei bounced happily after seeing the replies: "Ningning, look, my idol agreed! Everyone else agreed too! Ningning, you're amazing! If it weren't for you, I wouldn't have had the courage to invite my idol. Thank you, Ningning."

"You're welcome."

Sang Ning smiled gently, but out of Fu Congfei's sight, her smile dimmed a little.

Half an hour later, the six of them appeared in the meeting room, while Xing Qing joined via video call on her lightbrain.

On the table were fries, fried chicken, fruit platters, and low-alcohol fruit wine, all the kinds of food that young people love.

Fu Congfei picked up the fruit wine: "Some of us already know each other, and some of us are complete strangers, but being able to gather together at this moment to participate in the competition is fate. I'll drink first, to our fate!"

She drank the whole cup.

Fu Congfei actually wanted to raise a glass to Cang Cheng, but she was a little afraid of him.

Although Cang Cheng, sitting alone on a single sofa on the side, wore a smile and looked obedient, showing no sign of aggression.

Prince Cang Cheng looks so handsome today, I wish I could get closer, but I’m too scared.

Fu Congfei had faced Cang Cheng's ice blades before, and she knew that beneath that innocent exterior was a presence as intimidating as a general’s.

Edward quickly followed: "Tomorrow we'll be a team, for the sake of the Canglan Star Region, everyone should help each other."

He also drank most of his cup.

Yi Moshang hesitated for a moment, then finally addressed Cang Cheng: "There's something... I need to apologize to Prince Cang Cheng. I had some preconceived notions about you, so when I saw Wu Ling causing trouble for you that day, I just stood by and didn't help. I'm sorry."

After saying that, Yi Moshang toasted Cang Cheng.

The rumors about the fifth prince were well-known across the galaxy, and Yi Moshang, who admired strength, naturally didn’t respect someone like Cang Cheng.

Just... thinking back, the fifth prince didn't really do anything to deserve such malice. And... with his delicate frame and well-behaved, innocent appearance, he always reminds Yi Moshang of his overly energetic younger brother.

If only his brother could be half as well-behaved as the fifth prince.

But recently, that kid had become obsessed with ANKEN, saying he wanted to become a Spirit Rune Master and even changed his ID from "Invincible Overlord" to "Invincible Spirit Rune Master."

What else could Yi Moshang do?

Of course, he just needs to be pampered.

Mo Yu also toasted to Cang Cheng. "By the way, Prince Cang Cheng, we're in the same team for the Exchange Competition. I'll protect you."

Though his gaze lingered for a moment on Cang Cheng's ruby tail ring.

Xing Qing, attending via video, also raised her cup in the screen to show her attitude.

After the ice-breaking introduction, the atmosphere became more harmonious.

"Yi Moshang, I heard you've fought ANKEN several times in the arena. Can I ask what it felt like~"

"Mo Yu, do you think there will be Spirit Rune weapons in the future?"

...

"What? Edward, you're saying your cousin's sister's uncle's brother and your cousin's sister's uncle's boyfriend got together? And that boyfriend is also involved with his married superior in the office?"

...

"Your Highness, please try this fried chicken sauce. It's a bit spicy but very delicious."

...

What kind of mischief could these 20-something college students, who are still so innocent, possibly be up to? Even those with hidden agendas would warm up to each other over a meal.

After an hour and a half of dining, everyone felt reluctant to leave.

Cang Cheng was also engrossed in Edward's stories. I never imagined the Canglan Star Region could be like this... It's fascinating.

After returning to their rooms, just as Cang Cheng was about to wash up, the smart AI in the room alerted him.

"Visitor: Mo Yu. Allow entry?"

Mo Yu?

That weapon designer who talks in formulas?

"Allow."

After entering, Mo Yu bowed to Cang Cheng and remained at the door, not intending to step into his private space.

"Your Highness."

Cang Cheng asked, "Is there something you need?"

Mo Yu's eyes fell on Cang Cheng's snake-shaped gem tail ring, hesitating for a moment.

"I find your ring somewhat familiar. May I know who the maker is?"

Cang Cheng glanced at his ruby ring. "It's made by an employee on my planet. He assists me with various tasks and, in his free time, creates small accessories."

"Can I know what his job is?"

"Yes, he is a miner."

Mo Yu frowned.

Mining?

Then it shouldn't be his mentor.

His mentor was a weapon designer, how could he possibly go mining?

Maybe his mentor had passed away long ago, and he was just holding onto false hope.

"Thank you, Your Highness."

Mo Yu then added, "The design of this snake-shaped tail ring might not be under the copyright of your employee. The design looks similar, so I recommend changing the tail ring to avoid any legal issues."

With that, Mo Yu left with a somber expression.

After Mo Yu left, Cang Cheng rested his hand on the table, thinking for a moment.

From what Mo Yu said, it seems like he and Ming Bai are acquainted.

Talk about a coincidence.

Come to think of it, the design of this ring is so elegant. The moment Cang Cheng saw it, he knew it wasn't Ming Bai's work.

Mo Yu seemed so familiar with the ring. Could it be that he designed it and sold it to Ming Bai?

10 years ago... Mo Yu was just a boy back then!

Was Ming Bai involved in child labor back then?

As Cang Cheng’s mind wandered, he started unbuttoning his shirt to get ready for a shower when the smart AI in the room chimed in again.

"Visitor: Hilmeth. Allow entry?"