Chapter 122
Finally, as the flames below began to weaken and the little tiger’s defense started to falter, Su Ci snapped his fingers lightly.
The tide of giant spiders, which had been relentlessly surging toward the tiger and throwing themselves into the flames, suddenly stopped as though waking from a trance.
Feeling the lingering power of the Crimson Flame and the deathly aura of countless fallen comrades, the spiders scattered in fear, fleeing in all directions.
Every creature has a survival instinct. The only reason the spiders had recklessly charged into the flames despite the danger was that Su Ci had cast a minor illusion.
Now that the illusion was lifted, the area—recently transformed into a graveyard for the spiders—became a place they wanted to avoid at all costs.
Once the spiders had all fled, Su Ci and A-Yan jumped down from the rock and approached the charred remains of the battle. Amid the burnt spider carcasses, they uncovered a boy covered in soot.
The boy had passed out, his breathing shallow, and bore no resemblance to the fierce tiger that had just wreaked havoc moments earlier.
A-Yan pulled a blanket from his spatial button and wrapped it around Ran Lie, then said with a hint of surprise, “Lie Lie turned back into human form.”
Su Ci nodded. The Crimson Flame had been completely drained, so naturally, he reverted to human form.
However, the Crimson Flame was tied to the boy’s bloodline, an inexhaustible source. With some rest, food, and time to recover, his power would return.
Surveying the battlefield littered with spider remains, Su Ci didn’t leave immediately.
The exoskeletons of the giant spiders were already incredibly tough, and the parts tempered by the Crimson Flame were now even more durable—perfect material for crafting.
After collecting the best portions of the spider shells, Su Ci led A-Yan and the unconscious Ran Lie out of Demon Flower Valley.
They first returned to the nursery, where Su Ci handed Ran Lie over to Unit 4586 for cleaning. Then, Su Ci and A-Yan used the teleportation array to travel to spaceship 244H and infused the spider shells’ unique properties into the ship’s hull.
The spaceship, which outwardly appeared old and outdated, showed no obvious changes apart from a slightly darker and shinier surface.
Su Ci tapped the hull with his finger. Seeing that the ship showed no deformation, he nodded in satisfaction.
*
Meanwhile, four researchers, all sporting identical dark circles under their eyes, arrived at the gates of the nursery.
Zhuang Shisong looked up at the nursery building, which loomed close. It was his first time visiting the nursery since starting his job at Base 24.
He wondered if the cubs were truly as difficult to handle as rumors suggested.
Turning to Cen Liang, he asked, “Boss, did Caretaker Su really cultivate plants using penal planet soil?”
He still remembered Su Ci’s response when asked how he managed to grow plants: “Just bury them in the soil and water them.”
The answer had seemed entirely unreliable, clearly a joke.
But on second thought, who would casually reveal their own research secrets?
“It’s true,” Cen Liang replied with a serious nod.
However…
Whether Caretaker Su’s success was due to his techniques or sheer coincidence, Cen Liang wasn’t entirely certain.
Last night, he had spent hours analyzing the soil from the nursery. He discovered that the level of contaminants in the soil was remarkably low—lower even than the levels found in the air.
It made him question if the detected contaminants might have come from the testing process itself.
After all, the air on the Prison Star was heavily polluted, and avoiding contamination entirely during experiments was almost impossible.
In such “pure” soil, growing plants wouldn’t be difficult. Any researcher in the cultivation park could easily produce S-grade fruits and vegetables with soil of this quality. Add to that the two mutated green plants in the nursery, which enhanced crop growth, and success was almost guaranteed.
But why had the soil in the nursery undergone such a transformation? Was it due to natural factors or Su Ci’s “techniques”?
And what about the origin of the two mutated plants?
Even though the green plants were still small, Cen Liang had identified them as pear tree seedlings. The seeds didn’t seem to come from the cultivation park, meaning they must have been brought from off-world by Su Ci.
The cause of their mutation was another intriguing topic for research.
Without data from soil samples collected elsewhere, Cen Liang could only suppress his curiosity for now and focus on this visit with Wu Yunqin and the assistants to finalize the greenhouse relocation.
No matter what, the greenhouse relocation had to happen!
Nearby, upon hearing Cen Liang’s response, Wei Ming muttered, “Even if he did grow plants, was it necessary for the director herself to come all this way?”
Wu Yunqin smiled but didn’t explain.
After all, she had only seen the pictures. Whether the situation was as extraordinary as Cen Liang claimed remained to be seen.
“You’ll understand soon enough,” she said mysteriously.
Just then, Cen Liang verified their identities at the gate, and the four of them entered the nursery’s courtyard.
As they stepped inside, the sound of children playing grew clearer, catching the newcomers off guard.
They had imagined the nursery to be noisy and chaotic, a place where cubs frequently caused trouble. But the noise they heard now was interspersed with laughter and joy. It was… surprising.
There were no ear-piercing screams or wails, nor any alarming roars or angry shouts. The nursery was… unexpectedly calm and peaceful.
Cen Liang noticed the surprise on Wu Yunqin and the others’ faces and shrugged. Not long ago, he had reacted the same way.
“The nursery isn’t what it used to be,” Cen Liang said. “Whatever else you say, when it comes to caring for cubs, Caretaker Su is genuinely skilled. You’ll see for yourselves soon enough.”
“And…” He hesitated before adding, “If you see beastified cubs roaming freely, don’t be too startled, and don’t provoke them. They’re…”
Cen Liang paused, surprising even himself with his choice of words. “Well-behaved.”
Yes, that was the impression he had after spending an entire day at the nursery. The cubs were remarkably well-behaved. Even the Crimson Flame Tiger, which had initially intimidated him, barely moved the whole day.
And that same Crimson Flame Tiger had even joined the other cubs for lessons—something that made Cen Liang realize the beastified cub still retained human rationality despite its transformed body.
This was an incredibly rare phenomenon, and it evoked a sense of pity in him.
After all, they were just a group of unfortunate children. If not for their tragic circumstances, these exceptionally gifted cubs should have been tomorrow’s rising stars, nurtured and celebrated, not trapped on this perilous penal planet with an uncertain future.
Zhuang Shisong and Wei Ming exchanged confused looks at Cen Liang’s words, while Wu Yunqin simply nodded without further comment, signaling with her eyes for them to continue.
For her, nothing was more important than seeing the plants that had grown in this soil.
Cen Liang led them around the nursery building to the area behind it. However, when they saw the flowers blooming on the rope net, even he couldn’t help but widen his eyes.
“They’ve already bloomed?” he murmured in disbelief.
If Cen Liang was surprised, Wu Yunqin and the other two were outright shocked.
“This… How is this possible?” Wei Ming exclaimed, practically dropping his jaw, while Zhuang Shisong struggled to keep his glasses from slipping off his nose.
They had assumed that even if Su Ci had managed to grow plants in the soil, it would be just one or two at most. But they hadn’t expected to see an entire patch of greenery!
And not just a few plants, but hundreds!
What’s more, all these plants had not only sprouted but were thriving. Many had even entered the flowering stage, preparing to bear fruit.
This defied all logic!
How long had Su Ci been on the Prison Star? Less than two weeks! Even if he had started planting on his very first day and everything went smoothly, it was impossible to achieve such results in such a short time.
Wei Ming and Zhuang Shisong immediately sensed something unusual and turned to Cen Liang.
“Boss…”
Cen Liang anticipated their questions and, without hesitation, explained, “They’re mutated plants that accelerate growth. And… there are two of them.”
As they talked, the cubs put down their activities and began to approach cautiously, forming a protective circle around the visitors.
“Bad grandpa, who are these people?” Lang Ze blocked Wu Yunqin from getting closer to the two spirit seedlings, frowning as he addressed Cen Liang.
Cen Liang had no choice but to introduce the visitors and patiently explain that their visit for research had been approved by the caretaker.
Lang Ze, hands on his hips, glared at Wu Yunqin and then at Zhuang Shisong and Wei Ming. His little face scrunched into a frown. “But I don’t know them!”
Now that the star-chain fruit vines had bloomed and were about to bear fruit, Lang Ze saw the plants as a source of delicious food. Having once gone hungry, he held food in high regard and was naturally more wary of strangers.
“Grandpa Cen, maybe you should wait until Su Su comes before doing anything,” suggested Little Lu Jiao, stepping forward.
Although he trusted Grandpa Cen wasn’t lying, he agreed that no strangers should be allowed near their green space without Su Su’s explicit permission.
Wu Yunqin glanced at the two young pear tree seedlings, then at the cubs standing guard, and finally nodded in agreement.
However, she didn’t just stand idle. She stepped aside and contacted the logistics department.
Seeing was believing. Now that she had personally confirmed the state of the nursery’s greenery—far beyond her expectations—she knew she had to act immediately. For the sake of this greenery and the future of the cultivation park, decisive steps were necessary.
The nursery’s greenhouse had to be completed today. There could be no room for extreme weather to interfere!
Even the director had compromised, so Zhuang Shisong and Wei Ming, her assistants, had no choice but to stay put, far from the green space, wistfully gazing at the thriving patch of greenery.
“That caretaker Su… Is he really this amazing?” Wei Ming muttered, crouching on the ground, looking utterly lost.
Even the usually composed Zhuang Shisong wore a similarly dazed expression.
The sight of this green space was so unbelievable that any cultivator on the penal planet would likely react the same way.
“He’s created a miracle,” Zhuang Shisong finally said.
Wei Ming remained silent, still dazed, lost in thought.
*
Meanwhile, the cubs huddled together.
“That auntie looks like she’s really going to dismantle the cultivation park’s greenhouse and move it here,” Lang Ze said, twitching his ears and sharing what he’d overheard.
Lu Li spoke up, “She’s the director of the cultivation park.”
Lang Ze blinked and was about to ask more when he noticed it was Number Six who had spoken. Instantly, he huffed and turned to Little Lu Jiao.
“Youyou, what does ‘director’ mean?” he asked.
Little Lu Jiao thought for a moment and replied, “A director is like a boss.”
“Oh, so that auntie is Grandpa Cen’s boss?” Lang Ze looked at Wu Yunqin curiously. She seemed so thin and frail—how had she become the boss?
But then he thought of Su Ci, and the wolf cub quickly made peace with the idea.
Maybe this auntie was like Su Su: someone who didn’t look strong but was actually super powerful. With that thought, Lang Ze’s gaze toward Wu Yunqin turned respectful.
Wu Yunqin, just finishing her call, looked up and caught the change in the wolf cub’s expression, momentarily puzzled.
Soon, though, Lang Ze shifted his focus back to his friends, discussing among themselves again.
Watching the cubs whisper together, their various fluffy ears—each different in shape and color—wiggling atop their heads, Wu Yunqin couldn’t help but feel charmed.
Quietly, while the cubs weren’t paying attention, she used her communicator to snap a photo of the scene.
Previously, Wu Yunqin had been so focused on the cultivation park that she hadn’t paid much attention to the nursery. She had only heard rumors about the “little monsters” of the nursery.
But now, if anyone called these cubs “little monsters,” she would throw the photo in their face and scoff: “Have you ever seen little monsters this adorable?”
As for being stopped by these kids earlier…
Honestly, if she had cultivated such greenery on the Prison Star, she wouldn’t let anyone near it either—not even people she knew.
Protecting such delicate plants was completely justified.
Breathing in the fresh air and listening to the cheerful chirping of birds, Wu Yunqin felt a rare sense of joy she hadn’t experienced in a long time.
Zhuang Shisong and Wei Ming didn’t just sit idle. As Cen Liang’s assistants, they began preparing for the tasks ahead, even though they couldn’t yet approach the green space. Occasionally, they still wore expressions of disbelief.
Meanwhile, Wu Yunqin left for a while to personally oversee the dismantling of the greenhouse at the cultivation park. As she departed, Cen Liang joked with the cubs.
“Director Wu is off to dismantle the greenhouse now. Didn’t you all say you wanted to help? Now’s your chance.”
The cubs had been so well-behaved that Cen Liang didn’t realize his comment was practically inviting chaos.
Lang Ze perked up immediately, ready to go, but was swiftly held back by Rong Heng.
Rong Heng, having been taken to the research institute before, harbored a deep mistrust of places outside the nursery. This distrust extended to Cen Liang as well.
Lang Ze, who had initially been excited about the possibility of going out to play, was convinced to stay but remained sullen. His mood worsened when he noticed Lu Li somehow managing to integrate into the group.
Even Lang Ze, slow as he was, couldn’t help but sense the changes in Lu Li. Still, it didn’t change his dislike for the boy.
After all, their tensions were the result of past conflicts, built up over time rather than a sudden misunderstanding. Lang Ze was straightforward and stubborn, unafraid to show his feelings, and he wasn’t the type to endure someone he didn’t like.
No way I’d ever be friends with that stinky monkey! I’d rather jump off the building!
Feeling irritable, Lang Ze grabbed his bamboo flute and ran to the other side of the green space. He sat near the vines where Little Zheng Xing often hid and began his daily flute practice.
But today, his tune lacked its usual cheer.
Hidden beneath the leaves, Little Zheng Xing hesitantly poked his head out. After listening to the flute for a while, he softly called, “Lang… Lang Ze…”
His voice was so faint, much quieter than the flute, yet the wolf cub heard him.
“Xing Xing, am I bothering you?” Lang Ze asked.
He knew his flute-playing wasn’t great today. He had tried to adjust, but nothing seemed to work. Without Su Su around to guide him, he felt even more frustrated and dejected.
Just as his head drooped in discouragement, he felt a small hand gently pat his shoulder.
Turning his head, he saw Little Zheng Xing cautiously sticking half his body out from under the vines, reaching out to comfort him. As soon as Lang Ze looked, the boy quickly retracted his hand.
“No… you’re not bothering me…” Little Zheng Xing murmured, his soft, slow voice surprisingly soothing. Somehow, Lang Ze felt his frustration melting away.
“Hmm, Xing Xing, you’re so cute!” Lang Ze grinned, reaching out to ruffle the boy’s hair.
Once Lang Ze was done, Little Zheng Xing retreated back under the leaves, disappearing from sight again.
In the distance, Xue Wei listened to Lang Ze’s flute and noticed Lu Li, now somewhat isolated without the Crimson Flame Tiger around, lingering at the edge of the group.
Tilting her head, she debated for a moment before getting up and walking toward him.
“Liu Liu,” she called.
Lu Li, crouched in a corner and daydreaming, looked up at her and nodded. “Hmm, Xue Wei.”
Xue Wei squatted next to him. After hesitating for a moment, she finally spoke. “It seems… you and Lang Ze don’t get along very well?”
Her words were gentle, as it was her first attempt at mediating a conflict. She wasn’t sure how to approach the subject.
Listening to Lang Ze’s irritated flute-playing, Xue Wei felt she should try to do something to improve relations and make everyone get along better.
“That’s true… we don’t get along very well,” Lu Li admitted.
As the bunny-eared girl moved closer, his body stiffened slightly, as if reminded of something. Subtly, he shuffled a little to the side.
“Is there… a misunderstanding between you two?” Xue Wei asked.
She couldn’t imagine what could have caused tension between someone as approachable as Liu Liu and someone as straightforward as Lang Ze.
“It’s not really a misunderstanding,” Lu Li said.
After all, the arguments with Lang Ze in the past were the actions of another version of himself. Lang Ze’s dislike was justified.
“Then… have you ever thought about making up with Lang Ze?” Xue Wei frowned slightly, her sweet voice softening. “I think Lang Ze could be a good friend, and besides…”
“Besides what?” Lu Li asked.
The little girl’s expression turned serious as she said earnestly, “I really like the nursery. I really like everyone here. I want everyone to be happy together.”
Looking at her righteous and determined demeanor, Lu Li couldn’t help but recall how effortlessly she had picked up the jar of spider legs yesterday.
He swallowed nervously.
“Alright, I get it,” Lu Li said, standing up and striding toward Lang Ze.
Left behind, Xue Wei blinked in confusion, tilting her bunny-eared head to the side once more.
Wait… I haven’t even started persuading him yet. Why did Liu Liu agree so quickly?
Lu Li approached with determined strides.
Lang Ze, having calmed himself and ready to resume practicing his flute, perked his ears at the sound of approaching footsteps. He opened his eyes and turned toward the noise.
Seeing that it was Number Six, Lang Ze’s fur immediately bristled.
He stood up, assuming a fighting stance. Knew it! This stinky monkey was pretending. Now he can’t resist coming to pick a fight!
Taking a step forward, Lang Ze’s face was full of provocation.
He waited for the stinky monkey to throw down a challenge. Sure enough, the monkey stopped in front of him and said, “Do you want a candy?”
“Sure!” Lang Ze replied loudly. “You think I’d—”
His words stopped abruptly.
He stared, wide-eyed, the challenge and fighting spirit on his face replaced by confusion and uncertainty. “What… what did you just say?”
“Do you want a candy?” Lu Li repeated, taking a piece of candy out of his pocket and holding it out in his palm toward the wolf cub.
Lang Ze was stunned. He looked at the candy and instinctively swallowed, but his gaze remained skeptical as he glanced back at Lu Li.
“Stinky monkey, w-what are you trying to do?” His voice stuttered slightly, betraying his unease.
“Giving you candy,” Lu Li replied.
“Why are you giving me candy?”
“It’s too sweet. I don’t like it,” Lu Li explained. “You like sweet things, so I’m giving it to you.”
“I don’t want it!”
The wolf cub, who wouldn’t hesitate to charge into a fight, suddenly took two steps back, startled by the sight of the candy being offered.
“Stinky monkey, what are you up to?”
Lu Li pressed his lips together, looking at Lang Ze’s guarded and hostile expression. He couldn’t bring himself to apologize for the past.
After all, even if the other version of himself had been wrong, was Lang Ze completely in the right? Their issues were a fifty-fifty split at best.
“I just wanted to say, let’s leave the past behind,” the blond boy said, scratching his head awkwardly, unsure of what else to add. “This candy is for you.”
With that, he bent down, placed the candy on a nearby rock, and turned to leave.
Lang Ze watched his retreating figure for a long moment before edging closer to the candy. Tentatively, he poked it with his finger.
Could it be a trap?
After poking it several times and finding nothing suspicious, Lang Ze finally picked up the candy, unable to resist.
Wasting food is shameful.
Of course, he still didn’t trust Number Six.
“Xing Xing, that stinky monkey said to forget the past. Does that mean… he wants to be friends with me?” Lang Ze asked aloud, sitting cross-legged beside Little Zheng Xing, seemingly talking to himself.
“No way I’m ever going to be friends with him!” he huffed indignantly.
But after a long pause, the boy’s wide eyes darted to the candy in his hand, and he muttered under his breath, “But he did give me candy…”
