Chapter 102: Spirit Runes Combat (Part 1)

Chapter 102: Spirit Runes Combat (Part 1)

Resource Star for Spirit Runes Combat

In the resting area of the Canglan Star Region, the people were working tirelessly to exchange their resource points for weapons and equipment, preparing for tomorrow’s crucial stronghold defense battle.

The next day, the Canglan Star Region would be facing two other star regions: the Element Star Region, which was almost immune to physical damage, and the Sol Star Region, which specialized in soul-based attacks and was nearly immune to physical damage.

These two star regions were quite tricky for the Canglan Star Region.

Prince Cang Cheng finished the meal that Hilmeth had brought in, barely tasting it before hurrying to the command room for a meeting to discuss tomorrow's battle plan.

"The Element Star Region is immune to most physical damage, so we can only utilize 20% of our combat strength. This is very disadvantageous to us," said Feng He, projecting the compiled data onto the floating screen.

"In the last Spirit Runes combat, it was the soldiers who sacrificed themselves by self-detonating their weapons to take out the enemy, which gave us a glimmer of hope. If we have no other options, we will not hesitate to make the ultimate sacrifice."

Mentioning this, everyone present fell into silence.

The brutal battle was still vivid in their memories, but the Canglan Star Region had to risk everything to achieve victory.

The atmosphere became heavy.

Prince Cang Cheng broke the heavy silence. "Are all elemental beings from the Element Star Region participating this time?"

Feng He shook his head. "According to the list, only the fire and wind elemental beings are participating. Other elemental beings are not on the list.

There are internal tensions between the elemental factions in the Element Star Region. This time, General Frehm of the fire element is leading the team, so only the wind element beings allied with him are participating."

Prince Cang Cheng said, "So, the main attack will be from the fire element, with wind element assisting? If that's the composition, I have a way to deal with them."

The others' eyes lit up. "How so?"

"The main energy of the elemental beings comes from the elements in the air. We just need to convert the elements suitable for them into other elements; it's not too difficult.

And if I’m not mistaken, potions can influence the elemental beings to some extent."

"Using potions to deal with exotic beings? We haven't tried that before... but..."

The discussion quickly grew intense.

With Prince Cang Cheng's involvement, what was previously considered very difficult became achievable, according to him.

Everyone couldn’t help but wonder: How could someone as brilliant as Prince Cang Cheng have been overlooked for so long?

Emperor Cang Yan had clearly been blind to Prince Cang Cheng’s potential.

Not only did they have a way to deal with the elemental beings, but Prince Cang Cheng also had a strategy for the mysterious Xila Star Region people, who were seen as quite enigmatic by the Canglan Star Region people.

Prince Cang Cheng said, "Since they can assume spiritual forms, we need to force them back into their physical bodies. I have a way to attack them."

Is this true?

During the last Spirit Runes combat, the Xila Star Region severely injured a high-ranking general without anyone realizing it.

Could Prince Cang Cheng truly handle such a threat?

Ming Bai, who had been silent all this time, spoke up. "According to scientific research, certain wavelengths can destroy spiritual forms. The low-level psychics of the Xila Star Region can be left to me to handle."

"Here’s the data for your reference, everyone. Take a look."

Hilmeth and the others were stunned as Ming Bai projected the data, while listening to Cang Cheng explain the subsequent tactics.

They suddenly felt that the two star regions, which were once considered difficult to deal with, weren't as formidable as they had thought.

Having Governor Cang Cheng here for the Spirit Runes Competition is a huge advantage!

"…That’s the plan for tomorrow’s battle against the Element Star Region and Xila Star Region. If there are no questions, the meeting is adjourned. I’ll prepare to draw defensive Spirit Runes on everyone’s equipment for tomorrow."

After Cang Cheng finished speaking and saw no one had any questions, he headed to the equipment warehouse to draw defensive Spirit Runes on everyone’s gear.

The 200 resource points they won in the Resource Capture Contest were used to equip and supply 100,000 soldiers.

The remaining 50 resource points were enough for Cang Cheng to craft a full set of Spirit Runes defensive equipment.

Due to the rules of the Spirit Runes Competition, Spirit Runes-related resources cost half as much as other items, allowing Cang Cheng to fully utilize the 50 points.

With a surge of mental energy, the fluorescent blue magic rained down on the equipment, forming intricate Spirit Runes.

From a distance, the equipment looked like a masterpiece.

Those wearing the equipment would gain a 50% increase in Spirit Runes defense and mental defense.

Once the battle starts tomorrow, I’ll cast a group-wide Nature’s Guardian spell, which will make us almost immune to 70% of A-grade elemental damage.

Cang Cheng then inscribed magic defense and guardian runes on the arms of Fu Huai and the others.

As frontline personnel charging into battle, it was crucial that Fu Huai and the others remained highly effective even if their equipment was destroyed.

Meanwhile, Mù Xīng completed the antidote for the biochemical stimulant, allowing the enhanced version of the biochemical stimulant to be used anytime without fear of friendly fire.

Ming Bai was researching a frequency modulation device.

This device was specifically made to target the Xila Star Region and, in theory, could attack their spiritual forms.

Preparations for the second half of the Spirit Runes Competition were now in full swing.

Late at night, Cang Cheng returned to the tent he shared with Hilmeth, finding the silver-haired general still frowning as he made final strategic adjustments.

Tomorrow, for the first time in many years, the Canglan Star Region would be on the offensive to capture a stronghold. Any small mistake could lead to irreversible consequences.

Hilmeth needed to be responsible for the 100,000 soldiers going into battle and for the future of the Canglan Star Region.

Though he didn’t voice it, the weight of responsibility was heavy on his shoulders.

Cang Cheng hugged Hilmeth from behind, and the latter’s expression immediately relaxed.

"Back already?"

Hilmeth took Cang Cheng’s hand and kissed it gently.

"Don’t keep frowning. Make all preparations, give it your all, and leave no regrets."

As Cang Cheng spoke, he began to undo Hilmeth’s clothes.

At first, Hilmeth didn’t notice his clothes being undone.

By the time he realized, Cang Cheng had already stripped him of his clothes.

Hilmeth turned around, his eyes filled with confusion: "Cang Cheng?"

He knew Cang Cheng wouldn't do something like this at this time, so he was very puzzled by Cang Cheng's current actions.

Cang Cheng extended his index finger, which was condensed with mental energy.

He pressed it against Hilmeth's chest: "I'm just drawing some spirit runes on you. Don't get the wrong idea, okay?"

"No."

Hilmeth steadied Cang Cheng, letting him lean against him for support.

At that moment, he truly had no other thoughts, but after the spirit runes were drawn, who knew what might happen.

"I just finished drawing them for Fu Huai and the others. I'm quite skilled at it now, so I'll be done quickly."

Cang Cheng explained.

As soon as he finished speaking, his finger was tightly gripped by Hilmeth.

"You drew them for Fu Huai and the others? Really?"

Hilmeth's tone carried a dangerous edge.

"Did you draw them the same way you did for Mù Xīng when you connected his spirit core?"

Cang Cheng had once drawn an external spirit core for Mù Xīng. The situation at that time... was somewhat similar to the current state between Cang Cheng and Hilmeth—both involved removing clothing and drawing directly on the skin.

Cang Cheng chuckled softly, using his little finger to draw circles in Hilmeth's palm.

"You get jealous so easily? And you're overthinking. No way! I wouldn't do that. I've got a boyfriend, remember?"

Saying this, Cang Cheng stood on his tiptoes and kissed the corner of Hilmeth's mouth.

"I drew them on their arms, not like this."

"Good to know."

Hilmeth lowered his head and deepened the kiss.

He carried Cang Cheng to a chair and kissed him passionately, holding him close.

When he finally pulled back, a small smile tugged at the corners of Hilmeth's lips.

The burden and pressure he carried became less oppressive after being close to Cang Cheng.

Cang Cheng rested one hand on Hilmeth's abs: "Feeling better? Don't stress. We've got this."

As he spoke, his other hand continued to draw the defense spirit runes.

"After the match, I want to take you to Norman Star so you can see where I come from!"

Hilmeth endured the light, ticklish feeling of Cang Cheng's fingers, like dandelion fluff brushing against him, and tried to divert his attention.

"Are you planning to introduce me to your mom?"

"No."

Hilmeth tilted his head up: "I just want you to know me better, Cang Cheng."

After Cang Cheng completed the Spirit Runes inscriptions, he laid his head on Hilmeth's chest, listening to the steady rhythm of his heartbeat.

"Once I’m stronger, I’ll take you to my homeland."

Hilmeth tightened his grip on Cang Cheng's fingers.

"Okay."

Cang Cheng stood up and met Hilmeth's lowered gaze, the clear blue eyes reflecting only him.

The feeling of being loved so completely and wholly made Cang Cheng's entire being feel fulfilled.

Cang Cheng looked up and kissed the corner of Hilmeth's eye. "Do you want to bind our souls with a Soul Guard? Once it’s sealed, you’ll always belong to me."

To a mage, the soul is sacred and inviolable. Any magic involving the soul must be used with the utmost caution.

Cang Cheng’s decision to bind their souls with a Soul Guard wasn’t made lightly.

The Shira clan once used a soul curse that nearly killed Hilmeth, and tomorrow, they will face the Shira clan again, with Hilmeth as the primary combatant, likely engaging in a fierce battle.

After advancing to archmage, Cang Cheng possessed the Soul Guard ability.

This passive ability would be shared with Hilmeth once the Soul Guard was bound.

Cang Cheng didn’t want Hilmeth to get hurt in tomorrow’s battle.

"Okay."

Without hesitation, Hilmeth agreed, trusting Cang Cheng completely.

Cang Cheng explained his reasoning to Hilmeth.

With a gentle smile, he said, "Close your eyes and open yourself to me."

Hilmeth closed his eyes.

Cang Cheng kissed him, then pulled Hilmeth into a mysterious environment.

Vivid scenes unfolded—visions of the Canglan Star Region, the sun and moon, celestial bodies, twisting pathways, and unfamiliar landscapes Hilmeth had never imagined…

A gentle, fleeting touch sent a shiver through Hilmeth.

…Don’t reject me…

Hilmeth relaxed and accepted the soul contact with Cang Cheng, feeling warmth and joy, along with an inexplicable emotion and impulse.

It was as if ice had melted, as if flowers had bloomed, as if a barren land had suddenly grown grass and flowers, and everything within him surged toward the person waiting for him there.

Their souls intertwined, inseparable, as if nothing could ever tear them apart.

Sitting on Hilmeth, Cang Cheng trembled slightly from the intensity of the soul contact.

His hand involuntarily grabbed the other's collar.

...With the Gate of Truth as our witness, enter into a Soul Guard with Xilimusu Lazel...

The scarlet doors swung open, bathing them in a crimson glow.

The light coalesced, forming a delicate thread of red. The red thread floated down between them, connecting their souls.

Soul Guard... completed!

Cang Cheng and Xilimusu Lazel opened their eyes at the same time, their souls still resonating with the mysterious connection they had just formed.

They averted their gazes, each taking a moment to compose themselves.

But their auras lingered, reluctant to part.

Cang Cheng cleared his throat, "The Soul Guard grants us several abilities. Let's focus on the abilities that will help us in tomorrow's battle. We can explore the rest later."

The Soul Guard allowed them to sense each other's location, communicate telepathically, and perform targeted teleportation, among other functions.

When activated, we can also share and access each other's abilities.

Feeling a subtle emotional ripple from the other side of the contract, Xilimus's thoughts wandered for a moment, and his Adam's apple twitched.

"Yes."

*

The next day, 30 minutes before the second half of the Spirit Runes combat scenarios, golden text appeared above both teams' resting areas.

"Spirit Runes Capture and Defense Battle about to begin. Countdown 00:29:58

As the defending party, Canglan Star Region has the first choice.

Canglan Star Region is choosing...

Choice complete.

Offensive side: Canglan Star Region

Defensive side: Allied star regions

Both sides, prepare for battle."

As this notification appeared, in the resting area of the Allied star regions, Frehm, the fire elemental, erupted in frustration.

"The Canglan Star Region actually chose the offensive side? How is this possible?!"