Barren Star – Chapter 71
by Little PandaDevour
After the rebellion on Beast Star was quelled, even though there were still scattered warmongers in hiding, they dared not show themselves. The Beast Star was experiencing unprecedented tranquility. Though Wu Mo’s family had no bottom line when it came to making money, they knew their capabilities and maintained their stance. At least during the clan rebellions, they not only refrained from providing financial support but also distanced themselves from the rebels. This caused the mission to fall upon Wu Mo, although he himself did not desire this honor.
Online Conference Chamber.
In the silver-white metal room, four tall silhouettes were projected on the walls, with more gradually appearing. Besides the financial groups from Da Xia, space pirate leaders had also joined. Wu Mo was among them, controlling his emotions, fearful of revealing his true form with writhing tentacles reflected on the wall.
“New information, there’s movement from the Star Court. They seem to be searching for the next Chief Judge.”
“Does that mean that one won’t return?”
“How many who enter the ‘Mythical Forbidden Zone’ ever return successfully? They’re voluntarily going to their deaths, which is perfect for us.”
“Never mind whether they live or die, our target is Mountain and Sea Star. What plans do you all have?”
…
Cold voices echoed in the chamber, transformed into mechaanical sounds to conceal their identities. Wu Mo quietly listened to their discussion until they mentioned battle plans, then spoke in a deep voice: “I suggest attacking the space energy stations first. Mountain and Sea Star is a barren planet, relying entirely on space stations for energy transmission.” Indeed, this was true in the past – any planet not yet developed into a habitable city relied on space stations for energy. Mountain and Sea Star once faced this predicament, but with the awakening of Aurora City, their dependence on space stations had decreased.
After Wu Mo finished speaking, the chamber fell silent for a moment before someone finally responded: “That’s a good idea.” Their understanding of Mountain and Sea Star was somewhat superficial, carrying stereotypes about barren planets. Thus, when hearing Wu Mo’s words, they didn’t object and even thought he had pointed out something everyone had overlooked. After all, common thieves wouldn’t immediately think of space stations.
“There are four stations surrounding Mountain and Sea Star, should we split our forces or concentrate on attacking one?”
“The space resource stations have no stationed troops or defensive forces, so there’s no need to worry too much. Let’s make it quick and decisive.”
“When do we move out?”
“Meet outside Mountain and Sea Star in half a month?”
Wu Mo maintained his silence afterward, not joining in their discussion. Only after the meeting ended did he record the key information and forward it to Feng Yi.
Without news of Ning Buyi and her group’s return, Feng Yi had to keep her promise to protect Mountain and Sea Star.
On the Star Network.
The discussion about seeds continued. If those who had planted them unintentionally before were lucky, then the students pioneering on Mountain and Sea Star were even more envied by everyone. After all, from the information they shared, they didn’t just have one or two seeds, but several large bags! This showed that Mountain and Sea Star had abundant seed reserves.
——Boss, really not opening purchase channels? Even if they can’t be distributed to the public, at least let the bases try first?
——I heard Beast Star got their first batch of seeds, my classmate’s classmate’s friend has already started planting. So beast clans get priority again? Isn’t that unfair?
——@Government, stop playing dead, buy them in the empire’s name!
The Da Xia government didn’t disappoint this time.
During a livestream, they explicitly stated they were already negotiating with the Mountain and Sea Star base, and would likely obtain a batch of seeds barring any unexpected issues.
However, this response made those with ulterior motives nervous. If Da Xia reached an agreement with the Mountain and Sea Star base, their “monopoly dreams” might shatter. With the previous administration, they wouldn’t have worried so much, but now that Xia Sang had obtained supreme power and started a major purge, there was no room for negotiation.
As the pirates’ ships roamed the stellar seas preparing to fire upon Mountain and Sea Star, the starship “Pojun” made a space jump, returning to the area covered by Da Xia’s Star Network. Ning Buyi sent the characters “peace” [平安] to Feng Yi, then settled down to study the Mountain and Sea Atlas. Originally, the Mountain and Sea Atlas exchanged seeds using “Dark Pollution”, but now that the polluted land—the Mythical Forbidden Zone—was destroyed, Dark Pollution was gradually decreasing, and the remaining reserves might not sustain the Atlas’s operation. However, as the supreme creation, the Mountain and Sea Atlas naturally didn’t need Ning Buyi’s worry. After an upgrade, it gained a “Greening Value”.
Though the Mountain and Sea Atlas now allowed seed sales, it was limited to species she had previously purchased, meaning if she hadn’t bought certain seeds before their extinction, they remained extinct now. To revive those vanished species, she still needed to accumulate energy.
“Thinking about Mountain and Sea Star?” Hua Zhuoyu raised her head to gaze at Ning Buyi, her eyes unwavering.
“Sort of,” Ning Buyi responded, tinkering with her light brain while passing Feng Yi’s message to Hua Zhuoyu, then clicked her tongue, “Some die-hards won’t give up, trying to make a fortune at this time. Hmm, quite a few pirate groups have joined in.”
“Still no match for Beast Star’s power,” Hua Zhuoyu smiled slightly, unconcerned, “But so many pirate groups involved seems like a deliberate target. Planning to catch them all at once?”
“The government dealt with a batch of people, probably got a list of pirates who had contact with Da Xia?” Ning Buyi smiled. These pirates darting through space weren’t easy to deal with. If the pirate groups gathered voluntarily, it would be much easier. Ning Buyi also despised these villains.
“We might make it back in time?” Hua Zhuoyu shrugged.
“Need help?” The silent Hill suddenly spoke up, joining the conversation. After receiving the “Life Drop”, that chaotic instinct had been effectively suppressed, eliminating the last hidden danger for the Insect Race. Her people would finally gain freedom; their confusion wasn’t eternal.
“If the Insect Army appears, wouldn’t it cause more panic?” Ning Buyi glanced at Hill, shaking her head in refusal.
The frequent warfare between Da Xia and the Insect Race left hatred not easily dispelled. The Insect society’s restoration of order would at most result in a friendship treaty with Da Xia; Da Xia likely wouldn’t help with their reconstruction.
“Can I return to Mountain and Sea Star?” Kris looked up at Ning Buyi, her eyes sparkling with hope.
“My foolish little sister, I’m afraid not.” Before Ning Buyi could respond, Hill spoke gently, her gaze toward Kris showing both pity and tolerance—exactly the kind of look Kris hated most.
“Why not?” Kris challenged, ignoring Hill. Her rebellious nature hadn’t diminished—whatever Hill forbade, she would do. This time, she found herself a reason, “My citizens are on Mountain and Sea Star.” The citizens she referred to were the bee swarms bred using the “Blood Progenitor” ability. They were indeed on Mountain and Sea Star now, working diligently to generate income for the planet.
“You may,” Ning Buyi nodded after some consideration, “but under the same conditions as before.” She permitted Kris to enter Mountain and Sea Star, though whether she could actually make it wasn’t for her to decide.
Hearing this, Kris’s face lit up with joy, casting a triumphant look at Hill.
Hill muttered “fool” and couldn’t be bothered with Kris anymore.
Outside Mountain and Sea Star.
The pirate ships from different groups gathered together, unable to maintain the orderliness of military units. The communicators buzzed with chaotic noise—rather than their cruel compatriots, they preferred following their own leaders’ commands. However, with their current target being the space resource stations, they temporarily suppressed their greedy, violent nature.
The speeding ships charged toward the four massive space stations. Suddenly, beam cannons lit up, cutting through the eternal darkness like death rays sweeping across their path, leaving deep marks on the ships’ hulls.
“Oh damn! How could there be an ambush here?”
“Move quickly!”
“There are stationed troops in the space station, retreat!”
Various voices echoed through the communicators, the roars gradually being silenced amid the deadly flashes. The cunning pirates had investigated their wealthy collaborators’ backgrounds—some were old partners, all notorious criminals rejected by the government. Others were new contacts who had provided substantial funds and high-end weapons and mechas, practically staking their entire fortune, which had lowered the pirates’ guard.
While space resource stations normally had no military presence, after learning of the pirates’ plans from Wu Mo, Feng Yi obtained authorization from Da Xia to station troops there. Fearing scouts might notice movement, they transferred troops using space jump abilities. An adult’s bloodline gift far surpassed that of Little Feng Jiu, who was still developing.
Beast Star’s warships pierced through the pirate fleet like sharp needles.
The pirates had no sense of honor—upon realizing the situation had turned unfavorable, they abandoned their companions, thinking only of their own escape. One wave of ships rushed forward while another retreated, making their already chaotic formation even more disorderly. The beam cannons from the beast clan warships blazed like meteor showers. In the dense barrage, the pirate ships rolled like small boats in a storm, completely shattering after violent turbulence.
Several mecha-piloted figures escaped the bombardment, some attempting to enter Mountain and Sea Star, others charging in different directions. In the stellar sea, a massive, magnificent starship quietly anchored in the darkness, like a predator patiently waiting for its prey. Suddenly, this beast awakened from its slumber, firing countless beam cannons the moment the pirates approached. The fleeing pirates had no chance for a desperate fight, dispersing into fireballs amid the barrage.
Ning Buyi watched the lights on the screen, smiling slightly: “Our timing was quite good.”
“The battle will end soon,” said Hua Zhuoyu. They weren’t the only hunters lurking in the stellar sea. After years of dealing with pirate groups, the Civilization Alliance naturally wanted to eliminate them completely.
The battle situation needed no concern from Ning Buyi. She held Hua Zhuoyu’s hand, exchanging smiles: “We’re home.”
After drifting in the stellar sea for so long, she deeply missed the feeling of solid ground beneath her feet.
Just as Hua Zhuoyu said, by the time “Pojun” landed on Mountain and Sea Star, the battle was decided. The pirates attempted to flee, but the perimeter was already blocked by Da Xia’s civilization fleet. Just as Beast Star had planted Wu Mo among them, Da Xia had their own informants.
These pirates were already government-wanted criminals, and with new charges added, they had no path to survival. As for those financial groups, the Da Xia government had their list and sufficient evidence to fill the national treasury with their assets. However, one issue arose during the process. When Da Xia officials arrived at the He family residence in the capital, they found it already empty! And those assigned to surveillance nearby knew nothing about it.
On Mountain and Sea Star, Hua Zhuoyu received this news several days later.
In the Aurora City Incubation Chamber, Ning Buyi was extracting the “Seeds of Life” one by one from the Mountain and Sea Atlas. During her time in the Divine Court, Dark Pollution was everywhere, requiring Life Drop to sustain them, but in the incubation chamber, energy was abundant with no pollution concerns. Through the Mountain and Sea Atlas, Ning Buyi sensed an extremely strong life force. Perhaps soon, Mountain and Sea Star would gain many new species.
“What’s wrong?” After finishing her work, Ning Buyi finally had time to notice Hua Zhuoyu, who sat in her chair, her expression cold as frost.
Hua Zhuoyu pressed her brow: “One of the involved financial groups, the He family, escaped.”
The He family was a major financial group, and hearing those words, Ning Buyi couldn’t help but think of Judge He Chao. “Is it related to the Star Court?” she asked, concern in her voice.
“Yes.” Hua Zhuoyu frowned, explaining, “The Empire started watching the He family after receiving intelligence, but they vanished without a trace. During this time, besides the He family’s old friends, only Star Court judges visited. Judges typically have abilities, and among them, only one person could have helped the He family escape—Zhang Yi [張儀 | Zhāng Yí], whose ability is ‘Concealment’.”
“Will this affect you? Are you returning to the Imperial Star?” Ning Buyi asked.
“No.” Hua Zhuoyu’s response was crisp. After a pause, she said softly, “However, we need a meeting to dissolve the Star Court.”
Ning Buyi hadn’t expected this answer, frowning: “Dissolve? Wasn’t the Star Court’s creation the supreme will?”
Hua Zhuoyu’s gaze was clear and righteous as she slowly said: “This was all for Dark Pollution. The Mythical Forbidden Zone is resolved; planets no longer need to face judgment. My ability is Devour, and I now sense changes in that power. The next generation of judges won’t be born.” No more would anyone listen to planets’ agonized wails at death, or gradually lose themselves in merciless judgments.
Ning Buyi was surprised, but upon reflection, it made perfect sense. Perhaps after completing her mission, the Mountain and Sea Atlas would leave her too? After removing their shackles, they would gradually become ordinary people.
At the Star Court online meeting, He Chao and Zhang Yi were indeed absent.
The starlight flickered on the dome, brilliant and bright. Under the starlight, the six figures in their seats took on a misty, ethereal quality.
“You should already know about the ‘Mythical Forbidden Zone.’ Its demise means we can lay down our responsibilities.
“I sense the abilities draining away.”
“What do you mean? I don’t feel anything?” Zhao Qiuyu stared at Hua Zhuoyu with wide eyes.
“My ability is Devour.” Hua Zhuoyu chuckled softly, gazing at the five people in their seats, speaking leisurely, “It first devours your abilities, then finally devours itself. The Star Court will soon dissolve. Your abilities might not have dispersed by then, but I sincerely advise everyone not to use them for evil deeds.”
Si Pu: “…You’re saying this too late.” Though she didn’t specify, everyone present knew the words pointed at He Chao and Zhang Yi.
Hua Zhuoyu spoke unhurriedly: “Better late than never.”
Qingyun Star.
This was the He family’s ancestral land and one of their power bases.
With Zhang Yi’s Concealment ability, the He family could easily escape imperial pursuit at crucial checkpoints.
Though they had “escaped death,” He Chao’s mood wasn’t good. As a Judge, busy with Star Court affairs for so long, he hadn’t known about his family’s schemes until it was too late. As the He family’s only son and future head, he couldn’t abandon the entire family and had to flee with them.
“Once we get them off Qingyun Star, it’ll be fine,” He Chao consoled himself internally.
But just as the He family boarded their private ship, preparing to pass checkpoints using the Concealment ability, the patrol units suddenly surrounded them.
“What’s happening? Were we discovered?” someone muttered softly.
“Impossible, they’re just passing by,” the respondent was calm. Initially they were nervous, but after discovering Zhang Yi’s formidable ability, that anxiety vanished. They even enthusiastically commented on passersby, mocking them brazenly.
However, this time events took an unexpected turn.
Violent impact sounds rang out as the ship shook violently. The He family was shocked to discover their ship under attack!
“What’s happening?” He Chao’s eyelids twitched frantically.
Zhang Yi’s face turned ashen. He glanced at He Chao, saying bitterly: “The ability failed!” After a pause, he looked at He Chao, “Haven’t you felt it?”
The blood drained from He Chao’s face as he squeezed out through gritted teeth: “It’s… it’s the Chief Judge!”
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