Chapter 127
On the opposite bank of the river stood a tall and imposing man, his dark red uniform emblazoned with the number “26” on the back. The badge on his chest bore the name “Yun Zixu.”
This was the captain of the Base 26’s Operations Team. His unexpected visit had caught Base 24 off guard.
Yun Zixu’s arrival was prompted by the “garlic-scented spray” that Cen Liang had sent earlier. After conducting an investigation and receiving reports from Fan Hao, the Base 26 had learned of the mutated garlic plant and the effective weapon it had helped develop against the blood mist creatures.
Though its smell was unpleasant, it was a minor drawback compared to the potential for injury or death during combat with the creatures.
Determined to secure this resource, the upper management of Base 26 reached out to Base 24’s planting division. However, the response was slow and uncooperative, signaling a lack of interest in collaboration. Consequently, the Base 26’s planting division director decided to make a personal visit to negotiate any terms or overcome obstacles face-to-face.
Yun Zixu accompanied the director as an escort. However, shortly after their ship landed, Yun Zixu abruptly left the group to investigate the eastern area of the base.
When Yan Ping received the news, it was too late to intervene. He had no choice but to chase after Yun Zixu while also contacting Su Ci.
“Caretaker Su… are you at the riverbank?” Yan Ping asked nervously.
Based on his observations over the past few days, Yan Ping had identified a pattern: there was always some activity near the riverbank between 9 and 11 in the morning. He suspected this was Su Ci’s doing, and today’s timing seemed to align with that pattern.
“Mm,” Su Ci replied, his tone as calm as ever.
Yan Ping exhaled deeply and explained the situation, anxiously awaiting Su Ci’s reaction. He worried that the unexpected intrusion into Su Ci’s domain might upset him, even though he had made efforts to limit exploration toward the eastern boundary.
However, Su Ci’s response was as nonchalant as ever:
“It’s fine. Let him come.”
Su Ci had never assumed his activities outside the base could remain hidden indefinitely. As the land continued to transform, it was only a matter of time before others noticed. Rather than fight the inevitable, he chose to let things unfold naturally.
Yan Ping paused, then replied, “Understood. I’ll take care of it.”
Shortly after ending the call, Yan Ping accelerated his hoverboard, heading toward the riverbank. From a distance, he spotted Yun Zixu hovering over the river. As he drew closer, he was about to call out but stopped in his tracks, stunned by the scene before him.
The riverbank had undergone a breathtaking transformation.
Where once a dry, cracked riverbed stretched endlessly, clear green-tinged water now flowed. Schools of fish swam freely, weaving through water plants that had sprouted along the riverbed. The previously barren soil on the far bank now bore patches of green that spread like a gentle tide. The cracked, lifeless earth had softened and turned moist.
But most astonishing of all was the blood mist, completely blocked on the far side of the river as if by an invisible barrier. Yan Ping took a deep breath, finding the air here exceptionally fresh. The oppressive heaviness that often lingered in his chest seemed to dissipate entirely.
The scene was simply overwhelming.
Yun Zixu turned to face Yan Ping, his expression still tinged with astonishment. Upon recognizing Yan Ping, his gaze grew more complex.
Yan Ping stepped forward, his voice low but steady.
“Captain Yun, I apologize for the lack of a formal welcome. This area is under the jurisdiction of Caretaker Su. I suggest we refrain from further unnecessary actions.”
Yun Zixu’s sharp eyes narrowed, scanning the riverbank once more before speaking in a deep voice:
“This place… who created all this?”
“Captain Yan, your Base 24… has actually achieved such groundbreaking research results?” he couldn’t help but exclaim, his tone filled with awe and admiration.
The Base 24 stood out among the 36 bases on Prison Star. Unlike the others, it had no prison facilities, only two unique institutions: the Research Institute and the Nursery Facility.
The Nursery Facility needed no further explanation, but the Research Institute had long been the center of attention for the other bases. After all, research on Prison Star, whether in terms of empirical insights or technical advancements, was crucial in enhancing the defenders’ ability to combat monsters.
However, the Research Institute had not produced anything substantial in quite some time.
The scientists there, rarely venturing outside, heavily relied on the data collected by the base’s AI but were reluctant to conduct fieldwork and confront the monsters directly.
Each base faced different monsters due to their unique geographical locations. Relying on defenders to capture monsters and transport them to the Base 24 as samples was both perilous and impractical.
As a result, the data the institute obtained was often significantly outdated and far less reliable than the firsthand experiences and survival tactics gleaned by the defenders in life-or-death battles.
Of course, Yun Zixu understood that these scientists weren’t primarily focused on fighting monsters.
After all, interstellar monsters existed elsewhere; there was no need to endure the harsh environment of Prison Star. What they were truly interested in was the potential of the blood mist on Prison Star to awaken supernatural abilities in warriors.
Yet, despite years of effort, their progress was minimal. Supernatural awakenings remained largely random, which left Yun Zixu unimpressed with the Research Institute’s work.
But this time, Yun Zixu was shocked to witness such inspiring developments during his visit.
Base 24 had not only devised a method to isolate the blood mist on a large scale but had also successfully cultivated greenery on the barren land of Prison Star and even raised fish in the water!
Such advancements could only be described as revolutionary.
If the method of isolating the blood mist could be widely implemented, it would greatly weaken the monsters.
Moreover, the development of agriculture and aquaculture could significantly improve the defenders’ quality of life and reallocate financial resources from logistics to more critical areas, such as weaponry and base construction. This, in turn, would indirectly enhance the defenders’ combat capabilities.
Yun Zixu gazed at Yan Ping, his eyes ablaze with enthusiasm. Smiling, he said, “Apologies, I sensed unusual activity here and decided to investigate on my own.”
Though his words were apologetic, his expression clearly said, It was worth it.
Yan Ping could only respond with a helpless smile. Truth be told, even he was still reeling from the revelations, let alone Yun Zixu.
However…
As Yan Ping’s mental scan swept across the riverbank, he couldn’t spot the figure of Caretaker Su. Could Caretaker Su have gone to the other side? He squinted toward the opposite bank but found nothing.
What was going on? Had Su Ci already left?
While Yan Ping pondered, he saw Yun Zixu step onto a floating disc, preparing to cross the river. Yan Ping frowned and immediately stopped him.
“Captain Yun, it may not be convenient for you to go over there,” he stated bluntly.
The two were of equal rank. In fact, given the limited strength of the defense force, Yan Ping, as the captain of the Operations Team at the Base 24, held even more authority within the base. Therefore, he didn’t bother with excessive politeness toward Yun Zixu.
Yun Zixu chuckled, saying, “Ah Ping, don’t be so stingy. We’re old classmates, after all. It’s just the two of us here… cut me some slack and let me see your base’s new technology!”
Strangely, such a critical location was completely unguarded, allowing him to venture this far without resistance. Then again, considering the perpetual manpower shortage at the Base 24, he found it understandable.
Yun Zixu reached out to pat Yan Ping’s shoulder in a friendly manner, only to have his hand coldly brushed away.
“Please return with me,” Yan Ping said expressionlessly. “Everyone’s waiting for you back at the base. Don’t forget the real reason you came to Base 24.”
Yun Zixu: “…”
Alright, he did feel somewhat threatened.
Their visit to Base 24 this time was for the garlic-scented perfume and the mutated garlic plant. If things got tense right off the bat, he wouldn’t be able to explain himself to his comrades.
“Fine, fine, I’ll go back.”
Yun Zixu glanced again at the blood mist barrier across the river, reluctantly withdrawing his gaze. In hindsight, he shouldn’t have hesitated earlier—he should have charged straight over to investigate.
Of course, he hadn’t entirely given up.
“So, what’s this new technology? How far along is the research? When will it be ready for large-scale implementation? When that happens, don’t forget about Base 26—we’re brothers, after all!”
He patted Yan Ping on the shoulder again, trying hard to foster camaraderie.
This time, Yan Ping didn’t dodge. Listening to Yun Zixu’s questions, he hesitated briefly before saying, “This wasn’t developed by the Research Institute.”
Yun Zixu froze, surprised. “Not the Research Institute? Then where did this technology come from?”
“It’s classified. You don’t have clearance to know,” Yan Ping replied with a shake of his head. If he hadn’t been worried that a certain individual might take offense at the credit being misattributed to the Research Institute, he wouldn’t have even said that much.
“Anyway, let’s head back for now,” Yan Ping said calmly. “If there’s an opportunity to collaborate in the future, Base 26 won’t be forgotten.”
Of course, that would depend on whether that certain individual was willing to share the technology.
By now, Yan Ping had completely lost the ability to guess Su Ci’s true identity. But his instincts told him that maintaining respect and reverence was the safest course of action—an attitude befitting anyone in the presence of a true powerhouse.
Yun Zixu didn’t press further. Laughing heartily, he said, “As long as you say that, I’m relieved. Alright, let’s go back!”
“Everything you saw here—keep it to yourself.”
“Hahaha, no problem, no problem…”
As their figures gradually disappeared into the distance, on the opposite riverbank, Su Ci stood quietly at the edge, observing them. He had overheard their entire conversation. From start to finish, neither of these powerful figures from the human bases had noticed his presence—or that of the two young ones with him.
“Did they not see us?” Ran Lie asked hesitantly.
“Yeah, we’re hidden,” A-Yan replied.
“Is it okay that they discovered this place?” Ran Lie frowned, instinctively feeling reluctant to let the base claim or take over this area.
After all, this place had been transformed by Su Su himself!
“It’s fine,” Su Ci shook his head. “Don’t worry about it.”
His goal was to restore life to the land. Although he could achieve this without regard for time constraints, if humanity was willing to assist and speed up the process, why would he turn them away?
Of course, if anyone sought to disrupt or damage things, that would be unacceptable.
Thinking of this, Su Ci stroked his chin thoughtfully.
Base 26’s cultivation zone… seemed to have decent capabilities. Perhaps they were worth observing and considering for future collaboration.
That said, the specifics of how such cooperation might work would need further planning.
With this in mind, Su Ci withdrew his gaze and stretched lazily before heading toward the teleportation array, motioning for Ah Yan and Ran Lie to follow.
Ran Lie watched Su Ci’s retreating figure toward the array and couldn’t help recalling yesterday’s harrowing experience with the giant spider. A wave of nervousness washed over him.
However, he quickly shook his head, pushing aside those weak emotions. He strode forward and hurriedly caught up with the caretaker’s figure.
Despite the terrifying ordeal of yesterday’s training—fighting the giant spider with death constantly looming—it had been in those life-or-death moments that he tapped into his potential. Never before had he wielded the power of crimson flames so fluidly.
Looking back now, aside from the fear and terror, there was also a strange sense of exhilaration.
Ran Lie wanted to experience it again.
Moreover, yesterday’s training had yielded significant results—not only had he briefly reverted to human form, but after regaining his Crimson Flame power, he could now speak even in his fully beast-like state!
The feeling of witnessing tangible improvement in his abilities was simply exhilarating. How could he possibly refuse more of that?
Sure enough, as the teleportation array’s light faded, they arrived at Demonflower Valley.
During the teleportation, Ran Lie was filled with apprehension. However, upon actually arriving, he found himself eager to begin, convinced that today he could last even longer than yesterday.
Su Ci didn’t disappoint his expectations. Pointing at the entrance to the giant spider’s lair, he said, “Your goal today is to last ten minutes.”
The Crimson Flame Tiger’s eyes widened slightly. Double the time? Fine, challenge accepted!
Seeing Ran Lie’s fighting spirit, Su Ci nodded approvingly and added, “Go on your own this time. I won’t be standing by to protect you today.”
He raised his wrist and gestured to the timer on his communicator. “Once you start, I’ll set an alarm. When the ten-minute countdown ends, I’ll come to get you.”
“So, you have to survive for ten minutes.”
The psychological pressure on Ran Lie instantly skyrocketed. Subconsciously, he’d always known the caretaker watching nearby would ensure his safety.
But now, Su Ci was making it clear: if he didn’t make it through the ten minutes, he really might die.
The Crimson Flame Tiger swallowed nervously, his claws scraping the ground a few times. Finally, Ran Lie made up his mind.
If this was the only way to control the Crimson Flame, he had to try no matter what.
After all, he had already prepared himself for the possibility of living in the blood mist, where fighting monsters would be inevitable. The blood mist was so dangerous that he had even considered the likelihood of dying there.
If he were to die now while challenging the giant spider, at least he would die maintaining his rationality and humanity, rather than as a mindless beast devoid of thought or personality.
Determination flared in Ran Lie’s eyes. The Crimson Flame power emanating from him grew hotter and purer, exuding an intense and unyielding aura. It harmonized perfectly with the principles of the Golden Steel Palm technique.
If he were to combine his current state with the palm technique’s training, the results would undoubtedly be remarkable.
Su Ci nodded subtly to himself. Perhaps after they returned today, it would be a good idea to teach Ran Lie the Golden Steel Palm.
As he watched the Crimson Flame Tiger step toward the giant spider’s lair, A-Yan couldn’t help but glance at Su Ci and ask, “Su Su, are you really not going to watch over him?”
“No need. He won’t die,” Su Ci replied, turning his attention to the valley. He began contemplating how best to transform the Demon Flower Valley.
Meanwhile, Ran Lie had reached the lair’s entrance. Carefully observing the surroundings, he mimicked the caretaker’s actions by using his tail to pick up a rock and toss it into the lair.
Moments later, a rustling noise emerged from within the lair, and pairs of glowing red eyes appeared at the dimly lit entrance.
Ran Lie tensed, readying himself for battle. But then…
The eyes that had loomed menacingly in the darkness suddenly vanished as the giant spiders retreated faster than they had appeared—fleeing in panic.
Ran Lie: “…”
They ran away? He was dumbfounded.
What about his training mission for today?
Staring at the lair, Ran Lie decided to provoke them again. “Meow!”
The little tiger’s soft, immature growl sounded adorably fierce—like it would be easy to bully. It successfully made the retreating spiders pause in their tracks.
However, the intense, fiery aura radiating from the Crimson Flame Tiger rekindled their fear. In the end, the spiders neither returned to their lair nor resumed their escape.
Instead, they lingered cautiously at the entrance, watching him warily.
Ran Lie frowned, pursing his lips as he made a decision.
If they wouldn’t come out, then he would go in!
Without any further hesitation, the Crimson Flame Tiger charged headlong into the dark depths of the lair.
“Screech! Screech!”
The enraged shrieks of the giant spiders echoed throughout the lair. The Crimson Flame Tiger’s actions had clearly provoked them.
A fierce battle ensued within the cave.
Before the spiders could launch their attacks, Ran Lie was already spewing flames. With the experience gained from yesterday’s fight and his innate combat talent, he no longer recklessly unleashed large-scale Crimson Flames like he had in his first battle.
Admittedly, indiscriminate flame-breathing was exhilarating, but he knew he couldn’t rely on that strategy forever.
This time, he used his Crimson Flames selectively, adapting to the situation. This not only enhanced his control over the flames but also pushed him toward more precise and refined usage.
Su Ci, taking a moment to scan the scene with his spiritual sense, noticed that the little tiger was now fighting with strategy rather than brute force. A trace of satisfaction appeared on his face.
Thankfully, the legacy of Buddhist cultivation wasn’t in danger of being wasted. He believed Ran Lie could successfully walk this path.
Of course, given Buddhism’s ascetic traditions, Su Ci doubted the meat-loving little tiger could ever meet the high standards of those bald monks.
Shrugging, Su Ci calmly withdrew his spiritual sense and resumed setting up formations at the entrance to Demon Flower Valley.
It was the same combination of purification and spirit-gathering formations. The sea of flowers in Demon Flower Valley naturally attracted resentment energy. By placing a purification barrier at the entrance, the blood mist entering the valley could be transformed into spiritual energy.
The mixture of spiritual and resentment energy would gradually reduce the concentration of blood mist in the valley, allowing the demon plants to adapt to the change.
These plants had long fused with resentment energy and relied on it to survive. A sudden shift to a purely spiritual energy environment would likely cause them to wither and die—a result Su Ci wanted to avoid. The transition needed to be gradual.
With A-Yan now proficient in setting up purification and spirit-gathering formations, Su Ci’s workload had lightened considerably.
While they worked at the valley entrance, the little Crimson Flame Tiger continued his battle inside the giant spider’s lair.
A-Yan diligently etched formations, but as time passed, he began looking increasingly hesitant. Glancing toward the spider lair and then at Su Ci, he finally broke his silence.
“Su Su, are you sure we shouldn’t check on Ran Lie?”
By now…
It had been twenty minutes!
Su Ci casually activated the formation carved into the stone wall. Since the entrance to Demon Flower Valley was narrow, he didn’t need to set up as many formations as he had for the riverbank barrier.
Only then did he look back at the spider lair and nod. “Alright, it’s about time.”
Moments later, he and A-Yan entered the lair and rescued the boy, who had reverted fully to human form and was relying solely on close-combat skills to hold his ground against a swarm of spiders.
“Su Su, you’re finally here…”
The red-haired boy, covered in wounds, leaned weakly against Su Ci, murmuring faintly. Unlike yesterday, he hadn’t completely lost consciousness.
“Not bad,” Su Ci praised without hesitation. Ran Lie’s performance today was commendable. Though his injuries looked severe, they were superficial and didn’t damage his muscles or bones.
Su Ci fed the boy two sips of demon flower nectar but refrained from using soul power to heal him.
This is a process of tempering through countless trials. Su Ci couldn’t help him take shortcuts; only by enduring the pain of arduous training time and again could Ran Lie truly gain great strength.
After tending to him briefly, Su Ci returned with Ran Lie to the Nursery Facility and, as he had done the previous day, handed him over to the caretaker robot for recovery.
When Su Ci arrived at the greenery, Luo Shengfei was already there, operating machinery to remove the metallic flooring surrounding the Nursery Facility building, revealing the bare, barren soil underneath.
The younglings, seeing Su Ci’s arrival, quickly gathered around to greet him.
“Su Su, look! So many fruits!”
“And flowers! Both the Emerald Beans and Snow Jade have bloomed—so pretty!”
The children chattered excitedly, sharing their joy. Despite the noise, for some reason, Su Ci didn’t find it bothersome.
He looked up at the fruit-laden vines overhead and recalled what A-Yan had mentioned about the younglings’ greatest wish.
Lowering his gaze, Su Ci curved his lips slightly and said to the younglings, “Once Xiao Luo finishes his work, we’ll open windows in your rooms.”
Before the younglings could be overwhelmed by this unexpected surprise, the caretaker added, “Of course, I’ll first check your growth journals. Today, priority will be given to those who’ve completed theirs seriously.”
Zheng Xing, who had been looking up in excitement, froze momentarily before slowly lowering his head, clearly disheartened.
Thanks for the update! ^o^