Chapter 23 Bada

Chapter 23 Bada

After two space jumps, the starship was just over ten minutes away from P-L79.

Mu Zhang had not contacted Lin Juangui the entire time. He knew where Lin Juangui was headed and what he planned to do. Perhaps he was waiting to reap the rewards after the exploration, a possibility Lin Juangui had already mentally prepared for.

The experts and surveyors under Rong Rui were all resting in their respective rooms, while Lin Juangui remained in the main cabin, engrossed in his light brain, appearing quite busy.

Meanwhile, Rong Rui had recovered from his initial shock. Upon realizing that Mu Zhang had not obstructed their journey to P-L79 but was instead silently following, his perspective began to shift almost unconsciously.

He stroked his chin and asked Lin Juangui, "You haven't been lying to me this whole time, have you? In reality, you and Mu Zhang have a happy marriage, and he’s doing this because he’s worried about you?"

Indeed, that was precisely what Mu Zhang wanted others to believe.

Lin Juangui looked up, deftly sidestepping Rong Rui’s question. "You and your Omega must have been very close."

Rong Rui was instantly distracted by Lin Juangui’s words.

A soft, nostalgic smile touched his face as he recalled his deceased partner, but his gaze soon dimmed. "Yes, we were inseparable on the battlefield, but he... died right in front of me."

Rong Rui was an Alpha with a very high pheromone level, but his pheromones were difficult to control. To fully utilize his combat abilities, he met his Omega in the military.

It was an unforgettable experience. The Omega’s pheromones could quickly calm Rong Rui’s out-of-control state—an incredible and wondrous feeling for Rong Rui.

Rong Rui and his Omega hunted the Zerg across the galaxy, proving almost unstoppable.

Until...

Rong Rui’s weakness was discovered.

His Omega was deliberately framed and killed on the battlefield. After that, Rong Rui left the military.

Lin Juangui watched Rong Rui’s expression shift from nostalgic joy to profound sorrow. He was all too familiar with this feeling and let out a soft sigh. "Mu Zhang and I met because my family’s company was failing. We had a very high compatibility score, and he could help save my family’s company."

Rong Rui was a loyal and righteous man, a fact Lin Juangui could clearly discern.

The previous Lin Juangui had used Rong Rui to deal with Mu Zhang in a rather passive and unsatisfying manner.

After all, Rong Rui was a high-level Alpha. Being ordered around by Lin Juangui inevitably made him somewhat reluctant.

But Lin Juangui’s pheromones were exactly the same as his deceased partner’s. His resolve was repeatedly eroded, and he could only nod in agreement to whatever Lin Juangui said.

However, no matter how rare the pheromones were, they couldn’t compel Rong Rui to sacrifice everything for Lin Juangui. Rong Rui had many brothers who had stood by him through life and death, and he couldn’t betray his friends for personal desires.

So when the previous Lin Juangui was driven out of Luochen Estate and went to Pifeng Star, hoping Rong Rui would take him in and help him take revenge on Mu Zhang, Rong Rui refused.

Previously, when Rong Rui helped the previous Lin Juangui cause trouble for Mu Yuanqing, he was discovered by Mu Zhang’s subordinates. His base was nearly completely destroyed by Mu Zhang—how could he possibly take on such a high-risk endeavor again?

Thus, in the previous Lin Juangui’s narrative, Rong Rui was a coward.

Lin Juangui had initially thought Rong Rui might be unreliable and had made many backup plans before coming. But after witnessing Rong Rui’s orderly arrangements and the morale of the star explorers on the starship, he felt much more at ease.

He was being honest with Rong Rui now because he believed in sincerity when making friends—anything built on lies is ultimately worthless.

Rong Rui was surprised by Lin Juangui’s candor. He now understood the true state of Lin Juangui and Mu Zhang’s marriage and did not bring it up again.

Lin Juangui turned off his light brain, as if overcome with grief. "My lover also died right in front of me. I couldn’t even find his body."

Rong Rui’s breath hitched. Only now did he understand what Lin Juangui had meant back at the bar when he said his Alpha would never appear before him. He said to Lin Juangui solemnly, "My condolences."

Lin Juangui quickly composed himself and gave Rong Rui a brave smile. "I’m married now. There’s nothing I can’t move on from. Besides, I also know the main reason you’re willing to help me. Your Omega is gone—don’t use anyone as his replacement."

These words were meant for Rong Rui, but at the same time, Lin Juangui was also reminding himself.

Even if that young man looked exactly like Huo Zeshen, he was ultimately not the Huo Zeshen in Lin Juangui’s heart.

Rong Rui was stunned for a moment before sighing, as if waking from a dream. When he looked at Lin Juangui again, the previous melancholy had vanished.

"I understand what you mean."

Lin Juangui was different from Rong Rui’s deceased partner.

When Rong Rui attempted to use Lin Juangui’s pheromones to reminisce about his late partner, it was a desecration and disrespect to his partner’s memory.

Lin Juangui seemed pleased that Rong Rui could realize this so quickly.

It just went to show that even a seemingly insignificant minor character had more hope than Mu Zhang. Mu Zhang was truly beyond redemption.

The pilot did not land on the planet’s surface. The well-prepared advance team members had already suited up and used shuttles to head to P-L79. They would send live updates back to the main control room to assist the surveyors in making judgments.

The holographic projection displayed the surface features of P-L79. Vines as thick as a person and blue-purple grass visible everywhere were cause for concern, but the surveyors calmly recorded the data. The scanner also identified what that blue-purple grass was.

Rotten Lingzhi Grass. After deep processing, it became a crucial material for connecting to a mecha’s core systems, greatly improving the mecha’s sensitivity.

"This planet must have experienced large-scale warfare. Rotten Lingzhi Grass is extremely difficult to cultivate. It only grows on the bodies of the deceased that haven’t been contaminated by Zerg blood. Given the current situation, the only thing worth exploring might be the extinct human civilization."

The surveyor’s words made Lin Juangui ponder. "It seems there might actually be something here."

Rong Rui smiled beside him. "Don’t get your hopes up too high. Whether there are treasures is one thing, but if there really are well-preserved cultural ruins, those archaeologists will drive you crazy."

There were many scattered civilizations in the cosmos, each with its own unique characteristics, unwilling to be observed or understood.

A planet that once hosted a civilization before going extinct—what happened here, what the people who lived here left behind—its archaeological value alone was extraordinary.

If it were just that, it probably wouldn’t be enough to warrant Mu Zhang’s personal involvement.

So Lin Juangui was certain that P-L79 must contain treasures of significant value.

Fan Meiyi had once told Lin Juangui that anything endowed with the value of time would find buyers no matter how high the price.

This was humanity’s innate reverence for time. As long as they had enough power and money, they were willing to pay for this vanity.

Once P-L79 was exposed to the public, not only would eager archaeologists be stirred into action, but collectors passionate about antiquities would also be ready to pounce, attempting to carve out a piece of P-L79 for themselves under various pretexts.

Lin Juangui had already anticipated the difficulties he might face in the future.

An hour later, the advance team finally found the planet’s entrance and sent the surface environment and underground structure they could currently scan to the main control room.

The buried entrance was very narrow. Nearby team members were called over to clear the plants around the entrance.

Since open flames couldn’t be used on P-L79, they could only resort to physical cutting methods. After a deep scan, Lin Juangui in the main control room saw the preliminary report on P-L79.

Planet P-L79: humid and stuffy climate, thin oxygen, no signs of human activity. The planet’s entrance has no special mechanisms. There is airflow operating inside, but the exact depth requires further measurement.

Lin Juangui’s light brain suddenly rang—it was a call from Mu Zhang.

"Do you need help?"

"In what capacity? Mu Zhang? Or Lin Juangui's Alpha?"

Rong Rui glanced over, seemingly surprised that Lin Juangui was this direct with Mu Zhang.

Mu Zhang gave a low laugh, his tone almost a warning: "Do you remember what we argued about last time?"

Lin Juangui sat down on the nearby sofa, unwilling to back down at this moment. "I remember my attitude was appropriate, yet you got angry over something I knew nothing about. Mu Zhang, I just need a reason—is it so hard to say?"

From their marriage until now, Lin Juangui had always accommodated Mu Zhang.

In front of outsiders, Lin Juangui had never made any mistakes, always saving face for Mu Zhang when speaking.

He didn’t ask why Mu Zhang had followed them here. Perhaps he had already guessed the reason, but he gave Mu Zhang an easy out—all Mu Zhang had to do was take it.

This feeling was uncomfortable for Mu Zhang, a frustration at having his every thought anticipated.

But so what if Lin Juangui was clever?

Mu Zhang raised an eyebrow, a faint, amused smile appearing. "At the very least, I should be the one by your side at a time like this, not some other Alpha."

Lin Juangui curled his lips, though the smile didn’t reach his eyes. "You sent people to P-L79 too, didn’t you? Any information you can share?"

"Nothing."

"Heh." Lin Juangui couldn’t help but laugh. "You’re something else, Mu Zhang."

This wasn’t coquettish or accusatory—just sheer resignation.

As everyone knew, once Mu Zhang made a move, no one could expect to get even a sliver of benefit from him. After all, he’d built his fortune as a star pirate, and that bandit nature hadn’t faded one bit. Whatever he set his eyes on, he would obtain.

Mu Zhang fell silent for a moment. The Omega’s voice made his chest tingle with a strange, itchy feeling.

Before he could dwell on it further, Lin Juangui spoke again: "In that case, I hope both sides can avoid direct conflict. I’ve spent a lot on this expedition—surely you won’t make me foot the bill for injuries too."

"You could always come to me instead of going through all this trouble." This was what Mu Zhang had always wanted to say to Lin Juangui but never found the chance.

Mu Zhang was used to being arrogant. He was skilled at granting favors, always looking for some fault in Lin Juangui to "generously" help him, just so Lin Juangui would owe him and be grateful.

When he learned that Gu Mi hadn’t managed to secure P-L79, Mu Zhang sensed something was amiss.

The price he’d offered wasn’t high, but it was the most reasonable one given that no one knew what P-L79 held.

The Lin Corporation, only cared about money, had directly sold P-L79 to the highest bidder—something Mu Zhang hadn’t anticipated.

He sent people to investigate the company that bought P-L79, and when he saw Lin Juangui’s name in the legal representative column, he couldn’t help but let out a derisive laugh.

What a clever move—Mu Zhang wasn’t sure how to respond.

The report on Lin Juangui’s company racking up significant gains in the financial market had long been displayed on Mu Zhang’s virtual screen.

Now he understood where Lin Juangui’s confidence had come from when he brought up marriage.

Lin Juangui truly had the capability to dare say he wanted nothing from Mu Zhang except the Lin Corporation.

What puzzled Mu Zhang was how Lin Juangui had gotten the information. P-L79 was seen as a worthless planet by many—what made Lin Juangui willing to invest so heavily in it?

And how exactly had Lin Juangui managed to bring Rong Rui along? Could they have met "by chance" that night he went out drinking?

Mu Zhang’s gaze darkened.

Lin Juangui didn’t take Mu Zhang’s words seriously at all. He’d dealt with many people like Mu Zhang before—arrogant, credit-stealing, egotistical individuals who prioritized their own interests above all else, disregarding others.

There was no good way to deal with such people. Without a backup plan, you’d easily fall victim to their underhanded tactics, struggling to recover.

Lin Juangui wasn’t one to relinquish control. If he truly sought Mu Zhang’s help, he’d be giving up his leverage, and every future move would be held back. Lin Juangui wouldn’t let himself be restricted because of Mu Zhang.

So when Mu Zhang suggested he come to him, Lin Juangui just smiled and said politely, "I don’t want to trouble you. This is a matter for the Lin Corporation, after all. You’re so busy—how could you have time to help me?"

"But I’m here now, aren’t I?"

"..."

To outsiders, this AO pair seemed inseparable and utterly trusting, but the look of exasperation on Lin Juangui’s face made Rong Rui bite his lip to suppress a laugh.

So this was how an Alpha and Omega could be together in appearance but not in spirit—he’d truly seen it all.

After some time, the planet’s entrance was finally cleared, and the advance team sent back photos.

Seemingly bottomless.

The entrance to P-L79 was like a black hole—even the pulverized vegetation falling into it made no sound. At the same time, oxygen gushed out from within, dispersing the nearby biogas. It seemed there was much more to it inside.

The prospectors under Rong Rui’s command widened their eyes at the sight, looking eager to explore.

This time, Lin Juangui took the initiative to call Mu Zhang. "How about I sell P-L79 to you? I’ll just pull my team out."

Rong Rui and the other prospectors present stared in shock at Lin Juangui’s words, but he waved his hand, signaling them to stay calm.

"What’s your price?" Mu Zhang didn’t know what game Lin Juangui was playing, but when he heard the number Lin Juangui quoted, he scoffed. "You certainly know how to ask for the moon."

Lin Juangui laughed along. "Don’t you know why I dare to ask for so much?"

The fact that Mu Zhang had followed them here already spoke volumes—at the very least, P-L79 had something he wanted. Otherwise, given Mu Zhang’s personality, he wouldn’t have even glanced this way.

Both sides were practically showing their cards, yet neither fully laid their cards on the table.

P-L79 now belonged to Lin Juangui, so it was perfectly reasonable for him to hire people for exploration. But what identity was Mu Zhang here under?

If he was here as Lin Juangui’s Alpha, it was only natural for him to come protect his Omega. If he was here as Mu Zhang himself, then P-L79 was just another planet he aimed to seize—why should Lin Juangui resist stubbornly?

So this was Lin Juangui’s last opportunity to Mu Zhang.

Mu Zhang still didn’t know what exactly was inside P-L79. The risks were currently shouldered by Lin Juangui, and Lin Juangui’s attempt to cut his losses wasn’t seen by Mu Zhang as pragmatism but as a strategic retreat.

He was betting that Mu Zhang wouldn’t dare gamble his hard-earned reputation on this.

On the other end of the call, Mu Zhang chuckled lowly, took a deep breath, and said, "As I said before, I’m here to protect you."

"Fine."

Lin Juangui hung up and said to Rong Rui, "Proceed with your plan."

Rong Rui nodded, while the prospectors around them stared in astonishment.

They hadn’t expected Mu Zhang to give in so quickly.

But soon enough, someone approached Rong Rui and said, "Tianguang has requested to dock with our starship—they say they want to come personally to see Mr. Lin."

Lin Juangui got to his feet. "I'll go talk to him. You all continue."

When he arrived at the docking passage of the starship, Mu Zhang walked gracefully from the white-gold vessel. Dressed in a silver-black cloak and boots, the commanding presence in his demeanor was impossible to ignore.

Lin Juangui walked up to Mu Zhang but didn’t notice the darkened expression on Mu Zhang’s face when he saw his glasses.

"How’s your eyesight?"

Lin Juangui: "?"

Was he trying to play the good-cop routine now?

Lin Juangui pushed his glasses up. "Fine, it doesn’t affect daily life."

"Do you know what’s on P-L79?" Mu Zhang was still testing him.

Lin Juangui shook his head. "No, but my intuition tells me it can’t be nothing. I’ve checked the records—no planet has absolutely no minerals or energy sources. Such a strange planet definitely deserves a closer look. After all, it’s what bankrupted the Lin family. I can’t remain completely ignorant about it. But you—"

The Omega’s probing look swept over Mu Zhang’s face a few times before he finally shook his head and fell silent.

Mu Zhang’s subordinates were careful. There was no way Lin Juangui could uncover the specific process of how Lin Qiu managed to secure P-L79. Even if Lin Juangui suspected Mu Zhang of deliberately setting a trap for the Lin family, he had no proof.

But now, Mu Zhang indeed needed to give Lin Juangui a plausible reason—as compensation for his eyes.

"I’ve sent you the relevant materials on P-L79. Once you’ve read it, you’ll understand why I followed you here. Without Tian Guang backing you up, your recklessness is just sending everyone who came with you to their deaths for nothing."

Half-skeptical, Lin Juangui opened the materials Mu Zhang had sent. After reading about P-L79’s history, his brows furrowed tightly, his expression growing solemn.

A dilapidated planet with a strong self-defense mechanism. Its entrance was easy to find, but soon after entering, people would be torn apart and spat out, becoming food for its outer shell.

For nearly a millennium, it drifted through the cosmos. Wave after wave of explorers came across P-L79, hoping for new discoveries, but without exception, they all perished. Over time, it was forgotten, only to be rediscovered, repeating the cycle.

Thus, P-L79 was now nothing but an alphanumeric code. What truly lay on that planet remained a mystery to all.

It seemed as though Mu Zhang was showing concern for Lin Juangui, but Lin Juangui knew Mu Zhang was still keeping something from him.

Pursing his lips into a faint smile, he closed his Light Brain and looked directly at Mu Zhang. "I really should thank you. But their thirst for the unknown is even stronger than I imagined. Since you’re here, you must have come fully prepared. The entrance is already open—care to join me?"

Mu Zhang frowned, as if thinking Lin Juangui had gone crazy. "You’re going in yourself?"

"Aren’t you curious?" Lin Juangui said lightly, showing no awareness of the danger ahead.

"Lin Juangui, I’m not joking with you." Mu Zhang’s handsome face was full of seriousness.

Lin Juangui met his gaze solemnly. "Call it sheer stubbornness. I just need to know what this planet holds. I investigated the cosmic merchant who auctioned P-L79—his track record is solid. How could he list a completely worthless planet? That would ruin his credibility. Because of this planet, my life was ruined. Even if it kills me, I have to find out the truth."

If Lin Qiu hadn’t secured this planet, Lin Juangui would never have been sold off like goods to Mu Zhang due to his family’s impending bankruptcy.

Of course, even without P-L79, something else would have come along. The uniqueness of Lin Juangui’s pheromones meant he’d never have a peaceful and tranquil life.

This was the first time Mu Zhang had seen hatred in Lin Juangui’s eyes.

When Lin Juangui proposed marriage, his eyes were detached and calm. Even at the wedding, his smiles held little joy. When Mu Zhang accidentally hit him with a cup, he remained unfazed, like he knew how things were.

Mu Zhang suddenly had a feeling—if Lin Juangui ever learned the whole truth, he would stop at nothing to take revenge on Mu Zhang.

To Mu Zhang, it would be like a mantis trying to stop a chariot, yet he found himself oddly anticipating it.

Lin Juangui’s fire in him was rather amusing.

Mu Zhang suddenly grabbed Lin Juangui’s hand and pulled him toward his starship. Lin Juangui widened his eyes, unsure what Mu Zhang was up to, and said irritably, "What are you dragging me for? I need to go back!"

"Do you have any exploration experience? Those people are too caught up in the excitement to care about anything. Only I, as your Alpha, will look out for you."

Lin Juangui fell silent. He forwarded the materials Mu Zhang had given him to Rong Rui, advising his team to not overestimate themselves.

Noticing Lin Juangui’s sly move, Mu Zhang’s expression turned mocking, his smile cold. "Rong Rui and his exploration team are among the best in the Federation. What did you use to convince him to help you?"

"Money," Lin Juangui replied succinctly.

Mu Zhang’s expression grew even more dangerous.

It was no secret that Rong Rui’s Omega had died many years ago.

Over the years, he had tried countless methods to recreate the scent of his Omega’s pheromones—a fact easily uncovered with a little inquiry.

So, how had Lin Juangui secured Rong Rui’s full support? The answer was practically obvious.

Mu Zhang acknowledged Lin Juangui’s resourcefulness but felt compelled to warn him, "I won’t interfere with who you befriend, but I hope there won’t be any compromising photos of you in bed with some Alpha in the future."

Lin Juangui stared at Mu Zhang in shock, his eyes seeming to say, I’ve never met someone as disgusting as you.

But he quickly retorted, "And I don’t want to know who you’re with or what you’re doing either."

Mu Zhang was amused and burst into laughter.

It had been years since Mu Zhang laughed so heartily.

When Tian Guang’s members saw Mu Zhang leading his Omega into the main cabin, they followed with their eyes, then exchanged knowing glances of "as expected."

Everyone was curious about what Lin Juangui looked like. Only a handful of people had attended Mu Zhang’s wedding, and even if they raved about how stunning the boss’s Omega was, it didn’t feel real until seeing him in person.

Though Lin Juangui didn’t look particularly pleased, judging by Mu Zhang’s demeanor, he seemed to be in a good mood.

Mu Zhang was indeed feeling pleased. He couldn’t quite explain why himself.

Lin Juangui’s genuine reactions entertained him, but what awaited them on P-L79 remained unknown. As he instructed his subordinates to prepare the aircraft and combat suits, he asked Lin Juangui once more, "Are you sure you want to go to P-L79? There’s still time to back out."

"Why would I back out? If you’re coming with me, what do I have to fear with you there?"

This inexplicable trust, out of nowhere as it was, greatly satisfied the Alpha’s vanity.

While changing into his combat suit in the room, Lin Juangui received a message from Rong Rui.

Regarding P-L79, one of his explorers actually had detailed intelligence.

This explorer’s ancestors had long pursued traces of a unique planet. A millennium ago, the planet was ruled by a certain clan who communicated with the god they worshipped through a sacred object they had venerated for years, receiving prophecies.

It was said that this sacred object could transcend space and time. The planet’s inhabitants were proud of it, but it also destroyed them.

The sacred object required maintenance, and the clan’s method of maintaining it seemed unusual.

For unknown reasons, one of the clan leaders suddenly went mad, not only destroying the sacred object but also issuing an edict, turning the planet into a dead planet.

The external description and unique entrance of this planet in the materials were identical to P-L79.

Lin Juangui finally saw P-L79’s true name.

Bada.

Perhaps Mu Zhang's purpose for this trip was the relic of Bada Star.

In the past, Lin Juangui would have scoffed at the idea of something crossing time and space, but now he was willing to believe that the relic on Bada Star possessed such power.

But didn't that tribal chief destroy the relic? If so, why were so many people still drawn to Bada Star?

When Lin Juangui came out after changing clothes, Mu Zhang handed him a pair of calibrated goggles and asked him to try them on.

"They've been adjusted to your vision prescription. See if you feel dizzy."

The goggles were not only meant to protect his vision but also functioned as a communicator and recorder.

Lin Juangui nodded and said it was fine, but Mu Zhang's gaze lingered on his slender but firm waist.

As if sensing Mu Zhang's gaze, Lin Juangui turned to look at him.

Mu Zhang averted his eyes and put on his own goggles and combat gloves.

"Remember to stay close to me," Mu Zhang emphasized again.

Lin Juangui grunted in acknowledgment and sent a message to Rong Rui: "I've headed out on my end. Any discoveries on your side?"

"Someone has gone in. There's another entrance below, with a stone statue. I've sent you the photo."

After opening the photo sent by Rong Rui, Lin Juangui's expression turned very serious.

The stone statue was seated, with long hair flowing like water, her face slightly tilted upward, and her hands resting naturally on her abdomen.

Her smile was gentle, a familiar sight to Lin Juangui.

Lin Juangui had seen this face daily for many years; he couldn't possibly mistake Fan Meiyi's appearance.

So why had Lin Juangui been pulled into a book he had never read, and why was he inexplicably tasked with helping a character who shared his name and appearance achieve their goals?

Now, he had even seen Fan Meiyi's face on this mysterious planet.

Lin Juangui's head suddenly began to ache.

If before Lin Juangui had merely been numbly completing the tasks assigned by the previous Lin Juangui, now he urgently needed answers.

Lin Juangui showed the photo to Mu Zhang, who sneered, "Just trying to be mysterious."

Having been a space pirate for so many years, Mu Zhang was highly skilled at piloting the aircraft. They broke through the turbulent airflow and arrived at the actual entrance to Bada Star.

The entrance was veiled in mist, and behind the stone statue lay a broad space, seemingly separated by water, shimmering with ripples that made it hard to see clearly.

Rong Rui's survey team were all standing ahead and automatically made way for Lin Juangui as he approached.

Only then did Lin Juangui notice a circle of preserved flowers placed beneath the stone statue, with a stone stele standing beside it.

Inscribed on the stone stele were a few lines of text—

"Stranger, if you seek treasure, you will not find what you desire here."

"If you are a fated person of our clan, the key to this place should already be clear to you."

"Choose wisely, good luck."