Dark Moon Era

Chapter 181: The Wind Blows (2.5 in 1)

Tang Ling had a feeling that since the seed in his heart had been through many energy washes, if there were still impurities in the seed, they must be stuck in the tightest slits and seams. Therefore, it would require a powerful gush to flush them out, and it would surely be a difficult mission to complete in the next cultivation session.

Then, let’s gamble!

If he chose to take the risk, he would want to try to concentrate the energy to only wash his heart.

Tang Ling’s thoughts were always on the edge. If Yang Kong, who was outside the machine, knew what he was trying to do, he would be frightened to his core.

Human organs were relatively weaker than other sections of the human body. To divert the energy to concentrate on an organ and not just any organ but his heart? It was a suicidal act!

Tang Ling insisted on giving it a try since he had a feeling that it would work. Therefore, after he gathered energy for the next energy wash, he tried to shift the energy with his spirit.

The shift was not something a newbie could even attempt. It was like the first time cultivating Safety Sector No. 17’s Thousand Satin Skill. The goal was to contain the energy in the body to form an energy vortex. Shifting the energy flow would require at least five or more energy vortices in the body so that it would be enough to form a small energy cycle.

Therefore, even if Yang Kong was frightened by what Tang Ling was trying to do, he would never stop him from trying because it was impossible for him to achieve it.

But was it really impossible?

Tang Ling actually did it! When the energy waterfall poured over him, he successfully diverted a small portion of the flow with his spirit to concentrate on his heart.

“Ugh!” Tang Ling grunted painfully inside the gene tester as his hand unconsciously covered his chest where his heart was.

Reading a book outside, Yang Kong was shocked by the sudden action. He could not understand what kind of method or skill Su Yao had taught Tang Ling because it was very strange that he was covering his chest with his hand in pain.

His gamble was not without a result though. A small lock of impurities were expelled from his seed.

It seemed like through this cultivation session, Tang Ling had formed a faint spiritual link with the seed. He had a feeling that he could remove all the impurities in the seed with another energy wash.

Again, without knowing how much he had achieved, it was better than risking the energy wash to its limit.

While watching Tang Ling’s strange cultivation method outside the machine, Yang Kong had somewhat gotten used to the shocking scenes. All he could do was wait. He was thinking about whether he should find some excuse to keep Orston outside if he arrived so that the simple-minded kid would not interrupt Tang Ling.

Tang Ling was on the edge of exhaustion in his last energy wash session. He barely gathered enough energy strips and forced his spirit to shift the energy flow to his heart once more. Tiny bits of impurities were washed out of the seed, and at that moment, he suddenly felt very light as if his body was weightless.

Have I done it?

The thought popped in his head and he wanted to laugh, but he realized he was extra calm and peaceful at the moment. As he slowly withdrew himself from the visualized world, he seemed to have entered another strange state. He was sensitive to his surroundings. Even though he did not open his eyes, he could somehow see Yang Kong walking in circles nervously in the room. He also saw the energy with the impurities slowly scattering away.

He was much more perceptive of the world around him in this new state, and when he opened his eyes, he knew that this new state of his would continue.

Is this the benefit of achieving an esteemed body?

Yang Kong sensed that the energy in the air stopped fluctuating. He turned around and saw Tang Ling’s eyes were wide open as he gaped at his surroundings blankly.

Did something happen in his cultivation? Did he lose his mind?

Yang Kong unconsciously wandered to the gene tester and squatted down to check on Tang Ling.

It was then that exhaustion blasted Tang Ling’s body like a tidal wave, throwing him into a weakened state. His spirit was squeezed to its last drop while his head swelled and was as heavy as a rock. After concentrating his spirit to shift the energy flow, the pressure made him dizzy. The veins in his nasal cavity burst, causing two lines of blood to trickle from his nostrils.

“What happened?” Yang Kong unconsciously tightened his coat which he had unbuttoned earlier due to the nervousness. If he remembered correctly, the last time when Tang Ling completed his Genetic Chain Talent test, his nose also bled when he saw Orston’s chest.

Is this kid...? I heard that Vian likes him a lot. Can it be...? No, I’m a mentor, an instructor. I cannot become his target of fantasy...

Yang Kong quickly buttoned his coat.

Tang Ling looked at Yang Kong in surprise, barely mustering enough strength to speak, “Instructor, are you cold?”

Cold, your freaking ass! Yang Kong stood up expressionlessly. It was better for him to turn a blind eye to Tang Ling’s strange cultivation method.

“Is there anything to eat?” Tang Ling realized he did not have the strength to stand up. He did not feel the intense hunger and exhaustion while he was in the visualization state. However, it was torture for him as every earthly sensation returned to his body after the cultivation ended.

Yang Kong did not say anything and tossed a tube of nutrition paste to Tang Ling. Why does this scene feels so familiar? Is it deja vu?

Tang Ling strenuously picked the tube up and opened it, but before he consumed it, he vigilantly realized something. “Instructor, I don’t have money. Can you buy me some meat or something else? Anything within 100 credits will be fine.”

“I don’t have time to buy you meat.” Yang Kong had the urge to punch this rascal while he was still weak.

“Then, I don’t have money to pay for this. If I eat this and Su Yao has to pay for it again, he’ll mistake me for getting a prostitute again.” Tang Ling looked very innocent when he said that, but he already squeezed half the tube of nutrition paste into his mouth.

Yang Kong was breathing heavily as he told himself he must maintain his manners and bearing as an instructor.

“Instructor, what’s a prostitute? I don’t really understand. Thank you for the nutrition paste. It’s your treat, isn’t it?” Tang Ling had squeezed all the nutrition paste into his mouth.

He had to admit that the nutrition paste worth 1,000 credits might not provide a lot of energy, but after eating it, his body felt a lot better and some of his strength recovered.

Yang Kong was painfully enduring the rascal, but he ultimately failed. He slammed the transparent door with a bang, refusing to hear any other nonsense from Tang Ling.

Tang Ling was shocked as he thought he said something wrong. What? Does it mean that if I don’t pay up, he’s going to imprison me in here?

******

The footage from the Level 2 Sector Protection Machine was a high definition video, so every angle from every direction was captured in a crisp resolution.

With a glass of wine in his hand and a smile on his face that he failed to suppress, Aber held the remote control with his other hand, playing with the buttons like a toy. He fast-forwarded, paused, zoomed-in, shrunk, and continued playing the video.

Tsk tsk tsk. He clicked his tongue as if he was sighing but he was actually delighted.

If a person wanted to rise in ranks, luck was necessary. Aber thought the Goddess of Luck favored him immensely.

What was next? He ought to utilize his luck and maximize his gains.

What he discovered was a secret, one that he could not share, not even with his family members.

What about Mother? Hmm, should I reveal a little to her since I need her strength to achieve a feat such as destroying the backup of this battlefield recording?

Only then could he ensure the security of the secret so that only he and no one else would know about it. He also could maximize his credits in this undertaking, but it would need a little more effort to display an explosive effect.

“The key is to remain a low profile. Don’t startle them. The plan must be perfect.” Aber put his glass down and stood up. He leisurely walked to the corner of the room. He took out the familiar vinyl disk and put it on the phonograph.

As the familiar melody started to play, Aber hummed along with his eyes closed. For the first time, he noticed a strange emotion appear in his heart as he listened to the melody. What feeling is this?

He felt like he was closer to the person that the melody was made for.

The evidence had been revealed, and it was shocking. It might even be unbelievable to some. Safety Sector No. 17 appearing on that list as the biggest target of all? Was it a miracle in play?

Aber could no longer wait. He must contact his mother right away.

******

The night was dark. It was almost dawn, and it was always the darkest before the first light.

Both Orston and Yu had completed their cultivation.

Neither one of them were as hungry as Tang Ling or reacting as strangely, but since they had outstanding talents, the first cultivation produced obvious results.

Due to the number of New Moon Warriors accepted into the First Reserved Camp this year, Safety Sector No. 17 seemed to have welcomed their overdue hope with the potential candidates, but were they really shining beacons of hope?

With that thought in mind, Yang Kong raised his glass and drained the sweet leaf wine to its last drop.

The local specialty of Safety Sector No. 17 was really a decent beverage. It tasted like home and everyone would want their hope to be forever peaceful and harmonious.

It was just wishful thinking though.

“Even so, I was betrayed! You know Sector R of the Underground is a small sector. It’s like a small settlement or a small safety village of humans,” Fei Long voiced his grievance as he spat a cloud of smoke out before he continued, “Yet a small sector like that has ten Units and three Squadrons! And they are equipped with rank 2 Prosthetics!”

“Can you believe that, Yang Kong?” Fei Long’s face was pinkish since his face would easily get red with the slightest alcohol.

“I believe it. In fact, anyone with a bit of knowledge knows that the safety sector is going through a change. The only hope is the castellan’s stand, but he hasn’t made his opinion clear yet.” Yang Kong came over from the window and sat opposite Fei Long while filling his glass with wine.

“Not making a stand is a stand. The castellan wanted to compromise, but there are also different levels of compromising. There’s compromise with principles, compromise with pride, unconditional compromise and...utter compromise,” Fei Long was a little angry as he mumbled his view, sounding helpless. What could he do facing the tidal wave of change?

“Do you know who betrayed you?” Yang Kong did not answer Fei Long’s question and asked one of his own instead.

“Can it be more obvious? The mission was assigned by the Parliament, but only a few of them pushed the mission into formation. I bet you are familiar with who I’m talking about, but who is the one supported them from the back? It’s the Agnes family, the Monro family, and some newly risen higher-ups.”

“You know, it’s really funny. It’s like we went down to Sector R of the Underground with tracking devices, so the enemy knows every move that we make.”

“Those motherf*ckers! Are they trying to sell the sector to the Underground?” Fei Long was no idiot, and he knew who was behind this with a little thought, but what could he do?

“So, have you thought of a way to send your teammates away and stay behind as hostage?” The smile on Yang Kong’s face was obviously ridiculing Fei Long.

“Yeah, what else is more insulting than this? I highly suspect that I’m worth that much of the Universal Source Rock. However, I feel pitiful for the castellan for compromising. If he compromises, he’ll be nothing but a puppet and I’m obviously one of his few supporters.” Fei Long’s words could never be leaked to the public.

It was a fact, a cruel but solid one known only by the higher-ups. As for the commoners, they could only follow the flow and live behind the veil for the rest of their lives.

“In your opinion, if the castellan is helpless against this, will he compromise with his principle? And did you tell the castellan the details about the betrayal?” Yang Kong fired two questions at once.

“Yeah, the castellan is helpless. Maybe, just maybe, deep in his heart, he’s preserved his own ideology. You know that man is a hero, a charming one indeed, but...” Fei Long could not continue. He gripped his glass tightly and lowered his head with a sigh. “Of course, I told the castellan about my betrayal. I have a feeling that he knew about it and made a choice, but he can’t fight the tide.”

“Why Safety Sector No. 17? What is so eye-catching about this little sector?” Yang Kong sneered, but there was an indescribable weight in between his words.

“I have a feeling that the day of change is coming. What can we do? I can already picture the bloody purge.” Fei Long wiped his face heavily. If things were really that harsh, based on his and Yang Kong’s history, they would surely be listed as targets for the purge.

However, they would not have to worry because the castellan would surely protect him and Yang Kong. It was the so-called compromise with principles.

Still, it felt insulting. As time slipped by, the reality in life would always go against the initial ideal.

Yang Kong’s eyes were also hiding sorrow as he asked softly, “Did you notify Thuja?”

“He’s actually been prepared for this a long time ago. I guess he had a hunch. That’s it. Let’s just stop speculating.” Fei Long lit a cigarette. The great general captain, the leader of the Purple Moon Warriors, was being suppressed by sorrow like a feeble man.

“Tang Ling...” Yang Kong suddenly mentioned Tang Ling’s name.

“Huh?” Fei Long raised a brow. Why would Yang Kong mention the kid now? Based on how sly that rascal was, he would live a great life regardless of the circumstances.

“You don’t understand him, do you?” Yang Kong said strangely.

“Bullshit! How many times have I met the kid? How much can I understand? I just...can’t help but like the kid from the bottom of my heart. I sensed a familiarity in him since the first exam, hmm...” Fei Long was rather relaxed when speaking about Tang Ling. He poured himself a new glass of wine and took a sip while his eyes were smiling.

“He has a secret. If I am correct, he should be the most outstanding genius in the First Reserved Camp in the past decade or even more.” Yang Kong was very serious when he said that.

Pftt! Fei Long spewed his wine all over the table. “What are you talking about? Is this some kind of joke? With a three-star Genetic Chain Talent, he’s the most outstanding genius? Do you mean the most outstanding sly bastard?”

“I’m not joking.” Yang Kong stopped Fei Long. He stood up and grabbed a piece of paper from his computer, then put it in front of Fei Long.

“I thought he was holding some petty secrets, hence the hiding of his strength because of that, but he cultivated the Thousand Satin Skill right before my eyes in a totally different way. His spirit is more than outstanding. It’s a growth type of spirit.

“If he is really one, Safety Sector No. 17 isn’t equipped to raise him, but judging from how those motherf*cking senators and nobles have done things, even if they can’t raise a potential candidate properly, they wouldn’t give him away to other factions and forces.

“I was hesitant at first. I wanted to discuss it with you, but I decided to keep it a secret and persuade Tang Ling to leave the sector for a better place to grow.”

Yang Kong spilled a barrage of words that surprised Fei Long to the core, so much so that the latter was in utter awe.

His awe was slowly replaced by a grave expression. After Yang Kong finished, Fei Long frowned, recalling the limited encounters he had with Tang Ling. None left an impression on him, including the battle with the Leceister silverback bear and how he escaped from the lethal battlefield during the zombie onslaught.

In a situation like the garage battle, unless Tang Ling could have evacuated beforehand, it was almost impossible for him to have escaped alive.

After the garage battle, Fei Long read up about it and the unusual activities that happened, but he did not relate them to Tang Ling.

Tang Ling might seem ridiculous at all times, but was that his true nature? Did he cover up his actions with that frivolous attitude so that people could accept what he did? Had he tricked everyone into thinking he was...not amazing?

“Then?” Fei Long picked up the piece of paper Yang Kong had given him.

“There’s no then. I don’t know his secret either unless we can investigate Su Yao’s background, but...You’d better burn this paper after you read it. It will surely cause an impact if it leaks.” Yang Kong had never been so serious in his life before.

What was on the piece of paper in Fei Long’s hand? It was a comparison chart of the Genetic Chain.

The paper had the most comprehensive explanation of different levels of Genetic Chain Talent and their traits.

The details included the lowest one-star Genetic Chain Talent to the eight-star Genetic Chain Talent, which was the highest level that this world had discovered, and also the predicted Perfect Genetic Chain Talent, which was a nine-star talent. There was also a detailed record of how the talents were displayed.

“These...Where did you get this?” Fei Long frowned. Safety Sector No. 17 had never had such a comprehensive record of Genetic Chain Talents.

“The black market! I paid the price and got it from the black market.” Yang Kong sighed. The more he thought about that day when Tang Ling’s talent was put on display, the more uneasy he felt. After that, he used his computer and contacted the black market, paid the price, and got the information about the Genetic Chain.

It was originally useless for him to buy the information from the black market because the Genetic Chain tester in the safety sector was just an F-rank tester, so it could not produce at least a fifth of the contents on the piece of paper. That one-fifth of a chance would be the situation whereby a top genius was found.

However, no one including Yang Kong cared because no one expected a place like Safety Sector No. 17 to produce an astonishing genius.

A top genius, according to the most popular saying in the Purple Moon Era, should be educated and nourished when he or she was still inside the mother’s womb.

Was it possible for Safety Sector No. 17 to produce such a genius? It could not even provide the required resources.

What about a natural-born genius? The odds were as ridiculous as searching for a planet in the vast universe without the exact coordinates.

Therefore, no one thought of getting such a comparison chart from the black market.

“I bet you spent a lot on this.” Fei Long still had not noticed any problems with the chart. He was just surprised that the Genetic Chain had these many ways of being displayed. He read on as if he was reading some interesting news.

“Yeah, I promised that I’d provide them with a set of blueprints. Although I am just a scientist-to-be, my blueprints are still worth something,” Yang Kong spoke leisurely of the cost, but only a scientist would understand how huge the cost was.

“Is it worth that much?” Fei Long frowned. He thought of asking Yang Kong for more, but when his eyes scanned over the picture of the Perfect Genetic Chain, his hands trembled.

The picture was just an imagined illustration that was drawn according to predictions and educated guesses. Behind this picture was Tang Ling’s Genetic Chain display that Yang Kong had added. It was the result of the second exam.