Sky-cracking Rider

Chapter 1232 1201: Return

The second set of combination alchemical artifacts, crafted with the joint efforts of more than forty alchemists and magicians, captured the existence of "spiritual quality" more clearly but still failed to confirm the true form of the "soul," leaving one to rue.

However, proving "spiritual quality" with two human lives isn't in vain, it's even a massive gain.

In the past, to prove the hazards of radioactivity, Blue Star sacrificed countless people. For instance, radium, the buried bones still emit radiance from its half-life today.

The expression of the death row convict, who lost life signs in an instant, was peaceful. When dragged out, he hadn't reached a rigor mortis state, his whole body limp as if boneless. The cause of death was unknown, perhaps related to the explosive release of "spiritual quality" from the pineal gland as observed by the Heavenly Rank Alchemist earlier.

The released "spiritual quality" light dots diffused in all directions, dust to dust, everything just returned to nature.

The body of the death row convict was dragged away, while the blackboard in the alchemy workshop hall was immediately updated with the research progress.

"Spiritual Quality" √

"Soul" ?

"Spiritual Quality" → "Soul" ?

Although the experiment didn't proceed in one fell swoop to the end, each step was a breakthrough from zero, remarkable achievements.

But for Chen Fei, an outsider among these professionals, he didn't need to methodically prove all answers step by step. As long as he could prove the existence of "spiritual quality," then theoretically, the conversion of "soul" to spiritual quality should likely have a very high probability, thus deducing some key intelligence.

The "Sagali" civilization relied on plundering the "souls" of other civilizations' species to create various resources similar to life-extending drugs. They devour civilizations not just for sustenance or parasitic needs.

Therefore, some people should dispel the unrealistic fantasy of coexisting with the parasitic species peacefully—no one would willingly let go of food placed right in front of them, unless the food was poisonous.

"I should leave!"

Chen Fei immediately made a decision.

The upcoming research process is very likely to slow down, as calculated by Artificial Intelligence AI "Adam."

At the beginning, rushing forward, as long as the direction is correct, you'll soon make a big leap forward. Next comes repeated trial and error, winding paths, trying every possibility to make the next progress, then more gradual effort, stepping further, and multiple times to reach the end.

This is the result of having the right direction. If the direction is wrong... well, that's the normal outcome of research, a ratio of one success to ninety-nine failures, such probability is enough to make one thankful.

Chen Fei, a real outsider, won't be able to help much in the future.

"Huh?"

The noisy alchemy workshop suddenly fell silent.

This young Blue Star person, considered the lead of the project, suddenly claiming to leave—what does that mean? Doesn't he want to continue?

Everyone was so enthusiastic! Pulling such a stunt, isn't it too unkind?

The Heavenly Rank Alchemist withdrew his focus from the just-finished experimental combo alchemical artifacts and looked at Chen Fei in surprise.

"What do you mean?"

"Literal meaning! However, the research team won't disband; it will continue as is, including providing computing resources and magic array deduction services. I just can't linger here long-term. If you need other help from me..."

Chen Fei turned his head and asked the young female Metallic Dragon, Yilan, "Can I ask for your help? Assist in manufacturing some alchemical artifacts, you will be well compensated."

The Metallic Dragon is naturally gifted at an industrial-grade level of metal processing. Unlike supernatural power users, few psi skills possess industrial-grade production capabilities; even among Metal Ability Users, it's extremely rare.

"No problem, leave it to me!"

Yilan shook its tail spear.

The dealer hasn't even finished yet!

Before the true answer of the "soul" form comes out, there's no way it would leave.

If no one ever guesses the truth, then the dealer sweeps all, collecting all bets. That would be a hefty sum of Star Yuan side income. Who says dragons lack money? Looking at the dire financial situation of Sky Dragon City, there's no way the dragons can get any subsidy from it. Not helping to make up the deficit is already being thankful.

The Big Sister of Dragon Breeding Garden ruled over many little brothers not only with force but also with the temptation of small snacks, toys, and pocket money. Doing things without benefits, these young dragons are easy to fool, but who would find a boss for no reason?

"That's it, stay in touch!"

Chen Fei made a phone call gesture.

It's easy for him to come here as long as he's not busy.

Heseman Brown and Dang Wei Jun won't have any objections, the core of the small group is Chen Fei, others are supporting roles, whatever Chen Fei wants to do and wherever he wants to go, they just follow him.

"Leaving now?"

Yilan felt a bit reluctant, for among its few human friends, Chen Fei was the closest.

Being with Chen Fei was far more interesting than hanging around those boring little old buddies, and it had learned quite a few intriguing things from the alchemy workshop's experiments.

"First, inform Her Royal Highness the Princess, then leave. Yilan, I'll come here often; it's not that difficult a task."

Having successfully established the "Stargate" coordinates at Cangqiong Star, Chen Fei did not need to rely on the "Dimensional Gate" to travel here. With the spatial ability user's psi skill "Space-Time Seed" for one-time positioning, he could even skip the "Stargate" altogether.

The Blue Star sovereignty sent Heseman Brown to his side, truly a great help.

"Then be sure to come often!"

Yilan extended its tail, wrapping around Chen Fei's waist.

Fortunately, it was him; anyone else might have been cut in half by this affectionate entanglement.

"Yes, definitely!"

Chen Fei reached out to touch the fiercely big head of the juvenile female Metallic Dragon, leaving his hand dotted with fine white marks.

To befriend Metallic Dragons requires a tough and resilient nature both inside and out.

He promptly contacted Princess Lin Ziyu using his phone and briefly explained the reason for his departure. It wasn't merely because the pace of experiments would slow down; lingering too long on Cangqiong Star would also raise suspicions among the Blue Star sovereignty, easily leading to negative thoughts.

Princess Lin Ziyu did not insist on keeping him, actually reserving this mansion in the park district exclusively for Chen Fei and the "soul" research team, not hosting others anymore. As Chen Fei promised those alchemists and magicians, even if he leaves, he'll return whenever possible, and the team will not disband; they can continue their research as usual.

With the help of the "Space-Time Seed" left on Blue Star's Socotra Island, Heseman Brown activated the psi skill to take Chen Fei and Dang Wei Jun back from the mansion.

On the tatami, as Miyoshi Xuesen brewed tea pretending to be pretentious, he saw the three return before his eyes.

"Eh? You're back!"

The voice came from Mouri Misono, a fellow Dongying native with Miyoshi Monk, pulled in as a tea companion when Chen Fei's group was away.

Drinking tea and alcohol alone invariably feels dull.

Conveniently, Mouri Misono is currently acting city manager on Socotra Island, readily mingling public and private interests.

"Yes, a temporary conclusion, gained some insights."

Chen Fei didn't elaborate, as only Miyoshi Xuesen knew about the trip to Cangqiong Star, Mouri Misono was unaware, assuming he went elsewhere.

Besides Blue Star, there are two other star systems that can serve as cover destinations; even for special operations, outsiders won't suspect.

It's a period of special tension between Blue Star and Cangqiong Star, with potential for conflict hinging on the operational scope of both governing factions; a slip could ensnare someone, exemplified by the real-life case of the "Master of the Firmament" Lin Family.

Thus, Chen Fei had no intention of being the "honest man," serving as a focal point of conflict to alleviate tensions.

"You've worked hard! Please enjoy the tea!"

Mouri Misono picked up the teapot, washed the cup, placed in the tea leaves, rinsed, refilled, then respectfully handed it to Chen Fei.

Her tea ceremony skills were no less impressive than Miyoshi Monk, who was passionate about it; their learning motives differed—Mouri Misono inherited it from family, while Miyoshi pursued it to craft a unique ambiance, a.k.a. pretension.

Chen Fei sat cross-legged, took the teacup, blew on the steam, and asked, "How's the security situation here, does anyone harbor thoughts about nobility and authority?"

He entrusted the administrative power of Socotra Island, including the command of the Combat Mechs, to Mouri Misono, rather than Miyoshi Xuesen.

Due to Monk's past, former colleagues of Habulav could easily target him. Sometimes opposition is not about stance but to divert conflict or frame someone, with Miyoshi Xuesen being the island's prime scapegoat.

"There have been a few incidents, but nothing major."

Once assuming her position, Mouri Misono's proficiency visibly increased at a remarkable pace.

The Dongying inherently possesses a tradition of overthrowing authority, making quick work of Habulav's former colleagues and superiors, without fearing casualties.

With brutal efficiency on display, dissenters quieted down quickly—even reckless ones aren't foolish enough to become victims of Mouri Misono's "three fires" initiation as a new official; the worst sufferer had a broken leg, prohibited from using Healing Spells and magic potions, forced to rely on conventional treatments, needing a full hundred days to heal, with casts and pins staying on for a proper duration.

The AI "Adam" thoughtfully pulled up Mouri Misono's governance records during this period, listing them in the AR visual effect assistant interface for Chen Fei.

Who could have imagined her mere ground combat section chief and Habulav's temp job experience would transform her into a competent high-level administrative officer?