novelraw Chapter 64 : White Sand Sky Pillar Sea Domain
Chapter 64 : White Sand Sky Pillar Sea Domain
Zhao Jingzhi's lips twitched as he quietly complained in the team channel: "Is this what Zhu Jing Fu's style is like? Seems a bit abnormal."
Zhang Yingjie ignored him, his gaze passing over several people to the black mecha that arrived a step behind.
Xie Chunshi was using a personalized mecha modified by Chen Sui, not the Black Execution.
But Zhu Jing Fu's mechas had very distinctive styles. Excluding the others, it was clear that this pure black mecha, with no patterns except for the Zhu Jing Fu totem, was driven by the Commander.
Zhang Yingjie felt a vague sense of wariness inside.
Different from the StarNet rumors, he had learned that Xie Chunshi had broken out of the SSS-level energy field [God-Abandoned Domain] and had commanded the God-Abandoned Domain rescue operation.
This person was definitely not as harmless as he appeared.
Nor was he as weak as the StarNet claimed.
All five people from Ink Hills tensed up, weapons at the ready, spiritual body energy flowing slowly. With just a thought, they could summon and converge it.
The approaching Zhu Jing Fu school team, however, appeared very relaxed.
Walking leisurely, they approached with enthusiasm.
Team Leader Xie Chunshi greeted Zhang Yingjie in a friendly manner: "Captain Zhang."
Chen Sui was surrounded by others and glimpsed the opposite side through the gap revealed by Xie Chunshi's mecha.
Ink Hills' mechas and school badge totems were all ink blue, just as Zhu Jing Fu's black and gold color scheme, both very distinct markers.
Moreover, their school team seemed somewhat restrained, with no modifications made to the mecha surfaces.
Chen Sui could distinguish identities from different energy fluctuations. The mecha behind and to the side of Zhang Yingjie, with wood-attribute fluctuations, should be strong attacker Xin Ming. Next to Xin Ming was analyst Jiang Zhongyu; Chen Sui heard several suppressed coughs coming from his mecha.
While observing Ink Hills, the two Commanders met in a friendly manner, and the Ink Hills team was likewise sizing them up.
Chen Sui's green mecha was particularly conspicuous among Zhu Jing Fu's uniform style, making it obvious at a glance that she was the analyst.
Sensing the gaze from the opposite side, Chen Sui didn't hold back, scanning Ink Hills more brazenly, also noticing their sailing vessel being folded and put away.
Zhou Chen also noticed this point and immediately exclaimed in surprise over the team channel: "Wow, they have a boat!"
Chen Sui recognized the sailing vessel model and, mimicking his tone, exaggerated with genuine feeling: "Wow, and this boat is energy-propelled."
Gu Qinxue, attracted by their comments, also looked over, her fine eyebrows furrowing slightly in confusion: "They have so much energy? Enough to burn on a sailing vessel? Then why come to the supply point?"
The Competition Committee had modified the mechas before the competition, setting the energy devices to full status, enough for the mecha to run steadily for three days, with the rear storage device able to hold six energy pipes.
That meant that with full charge and full storage, the mecha could operate steadily for six days total. But if using propulsion devices or energy-intensive programs like artillery charging, the energy would have to be calculated separately.
This kind of sailing vessel would burn six energy pipes to operate for one day, equivalent to three days' usage for a mecha.
Chen Sui thought about it, her eyes rolling, and guessed: "They don't have water-repellent materials, do they?"
Xie Chunshi smiled during the exchange, then turned to look toward the supply point direction and said to Zhang Yingjie: "We've taken all the supply point resources."
The Ink Hills school team's minds all froze for a second. Zhao Jingzhi made an "ah" sound, then exclaimed in surprise: "Wait, they're so arrogant? Taking the supply point resources and coming here to show off?"
"Leader, are you sure Zhu Jing Fu doesn't want to fight?"
Zhang Yingjie was also shocked by Xie Chunshi's sudden revelation.
He had thought the two Commanders would at least beat around the bush, playing tai chi, before finally getting to this point.
But the other side went straight to the main topic.
Xie Chunshi didn't see any problem and continued: "There's no energy in there, just water-repellent materials."
The Ink Hills members paused in their movements.
Zhao Jingzhi drew in a breath, his voice full of envy as he gritted his teeth: "F*ck, my hands are itching. Why do we only get energy, not even a shadow of water-repellent materials?"
Zhang Yingjie glanced at him from the corner of his eye, pretending to be nonchalant as he replied to Xie Chunshi: "Is that so? That's certainly bad news."
Seeing him still putting up a front, Xie Chunshi couldn't help but smile.
Ink Hills was willing to burn energy on a sailing vessel, giving up the excellent concealment position underwater, wandering on the sea surface as a live target—wasn't it because they lacked water-repellent materials?
He decided to speak frankly: "Zhu Jing Fu is short on energy, Ink Hills is short on water-repellent materials. Exchange resources?"
Zhang Yingjie raised an eyebrow, not expecting him to be so direct, not even testing the bottom line a few times before proposing it. Wasn't he afraid of being low-balled?
In the Zhu Jing Fu team channel, Chen Sui approved of the leader's approach: "Sincerity is indeed the ultimate killer move."
Zhou Chen silently responded: "Always being sincere makes you an idiot?"
"How dare you insult people," Chen Sui clicked her tongue, observing Ink Hills' movements.
Zhou Chen had blurted it out and hurriedly laughed it off, changing the subject.
The Ink Hills members looked at each other, and Zhang Yingjie asked: "How do we exchange?"
Zhou Chen snickered, "Well well, I thought the seven schools had a life-or-death relationship, ready to fight on sight, but it turns out to be so harmonious?"
This dialogue was also asked by agile attacker Jipuna in the Ink Hills channel.
Jipuna wore an exaggerated metal necklace around his neck, with circular rings as big as fists hanging from his thin earlobes, his appearance very flamboyant.
He also sized up the opposing agile attacker, thinking of the rolling thunder clouds seen on the sea surface, feeling somewhat restless: "I still want to spar with Zhou Chen. That guy puts on a good show."
Zhao Jingzhi also chimed in: "Zhu Jing Fu has no energy, we should have the upper hand if we fight."
Xin Ming had a gentle temperament and, hearing this, smiled softly, her gaze resting on Chen Sui. Seeing the green mecha popping its head in and out behind the Team Leader, she was amused by her mental image of Chen Sui and couldn't help but speak: "The competition has only been going on for four days, with so many teams still in. Seven schools fighting internally now brings no benefit. Avoid battle if possible."
Zhang Yingjie and Xie Chunshi shared this view.
Zhang Yingjie: "One set of water-repellent material for one energy pipe?"
Xie Chunshi narrowed his eyes without showing much emotion, his tone calm: "Captain Zhang, you can't take advantage like this. I haven't even suggested one set of water-repellent material for a day's worth of energy pipes for the sailing vessel."
A day's worth of energy pipes for the sailing vessel meant six pipes.
Zhang Yingjie cleared his throat. "Then one for two?"
Chen Sui observed the deterioration level of Ink Hills' mechas and urged Xie Chunshi in the team channel: "One for three! They definitely have plenty of energy pipes."
Ink Hills' mecha deterioration level was similar to Zhu Jing Fu's, but their artillery was well preserved, without the black marks caused by insufficient energy.
Xie Chunshi quoted this ratio, followed by: "The supply point has enough water-repellent material for a full team for three days."
Zhang Yingjie was somewhat tempted. With water-repellent material for a full team, Ink Hills could rush to the next supply point during this period, and the exchanged energy could all be replenished.
Thinking of this, he wanted to push Zhu Jing Fu's bottom line a bit more. "One day's water-repellent material for one day's energy pipes, isn't that good?"
One day's energy pipes meant two pipes.
Chen Sui calculated their reserves. "We can let them have the repair device. Their deterioration isn't low either."
"One for three, plus a repair device for you."
Xie Chunshi nodded, and Chen Sui spoke.
The Ink Hills members made a "wow" sound, some enviously saying: "They even have a repair device, I'm jealous!"
Zhang Yingjie knew when to take a good deal and nodded: "Alright."
The two teams exchanged, with Zhu Jing Fu using five sets of water-repellent material and one repair device in exchange for fifteen energy pipes.
Seeing Zhang Yingjie take out so many energy pipes, Zhou Chen's eyes reddened with envy: "They gave us this many and still have so many left. Did they rob the Competition Committee? So many energy pipes!"
Chen Sui also nodded along, solemnly declaring: "Next time we eliminate a mecha, I'll definitely remember to strip the energy pipes."
"Puluo, remind me."
The foot soldier nodded, his righteous face very serious as he said: "Alright, remember to make the mecha fall face up. It's easier to strip that way."
Zhou Chen laughed dryly, listening to the foot soldier and analyst plotting, suddenly feeling the energy pipe in his hand burning hot.
He feared that if Chen Sui slammed someone face down, would he be invited to a real fight after the competition?
But, thinking about Chen Sui's combat skills.
Who would beat whom in a real fight... that required further thought.
The two Commanders quickly completed this proper transaction.
Seeing the two teams, peaceful and even subtly helping each other, exchanging resources, the barrage was full of regret.
[They didn't fight after all. Who chickened out?]
[Laughing, both chickened out. Zhu Jing Fu is exchanging resources with Ink Hills here, while Na Luo River has already picked through the supply point]
[Wait, Na Luo River and Saint Laurent met too, but didn't fight either. Why only mock Zhu Jing Fu?]
[Wake up, how could the seven schools fight in the first elimination round? With so many advancement spots, it's not worth internal fighting among the seven schools. You can look forward to the next round, 50 to 5, where teams will definitely be assigned to the same track]
[Zhu Jing Fu... I think their elimination matches are boring, always so lucky, with the weakest grouped together]
[In the 50 to 5, Zhu Jing Fu hasn't encountered the seven schools in recent years, so they've advanced to the regular matches smoothly]
[Their good luck is well-deserved]
[Seriously, this year, Zhu Jing Fu is lucky?]
[Previous years' good luck is real, but this year... honestly, I think they've been excessively brave, their style still unpredictable]
Zhu Jing Fu's route was off the island, while Ink Hills was heading onto the island, even knowing the supply point had nothing.
After separating at the island's edge, Zhu Jing Fu entered the water, propelling their mechas toward the marked point.
When Chen Sui looked back, she caught a glimpse of Ink Hills going up the island along their route. She spoke on the team channel: "What are they going on the island for?"
Xie Chunshi was calculating the route and answered: "To observe the battlefield. Zhang Yingjie is very deep-thinking, wanting to figure out our bottom line."
Chen Sui said with relief: "Oh, that's fine then. Big Head burned all the battlefield traces."
Big Head was the nickname she gave her summoning body, because the big head on its chest was truly shocking.
After speaking, she pondered, "Xin Ming is wood-attribute and might discover something unusual, but I've contained the energy fluctuations very well. The analyst probably won't notice anything."
Zhou Chen didn't know she could think of this layer after finishing the battle and immediately exclaimed: "How do you have so many tricks up your sleeve?"
Chen Sui had already sensed the team approaching and instinctively contained her energy fluctuations, not letting the analyst detect anything unusual.
She snorted somewhat proudly, and Gu Qinxue curled her lips, routinely jabbing at Zhou Chen: "Only one person in the school team lacks intelligence. I won't name names."
Zhou Chen choked, quickly changing the subject: "Did you see? They have a boat. Why didn't we find a boat? I'm feeling unbalanced. The Competition Committee's resource design is problematic."
Chen Sui shook her head: "Having a boat isn't necessarily good. Sailing vessels not only consume energy but also make very obvious targets on the sea surface. Ink Hills' deterioration level shows they've been ambushed plenty on the way."
The agile attacker's deterioration exceeded 50%. Zhang Yingjie must have been concerned about this too, otherwise he wouldn't have immediately agreed when Zhu Jing Fu brought out a repair device.
"But we gave them a repair device," Zhou Chen thought about Jipuna's mecha deterioration. "If you'd told me earlier, I would have given him one cannon shot, blasting him right out."
Chen Sui showed her big white teeth in a smile, stopping her propulsion to turn and look at him: "Guess why it's not the analyst standing behind the foot soldier, but the agile attacker?"
If Zhou Chen dared to set up his cannon, Xin Ming would rush up to engage.
Zhou Chen hadn't thought of this point. Hearing her question, he instinctively applied Zhu Jing Fu's situation: "Their analyst can fight too?"
Chen Sui clenched her fist, not expecting his train of thought to veer in this direction. She held back and patted his mecha: "Never mind, with your brain, just following commands is good enough."
Chatting with Zhou Chen was somewhat tiring. Chen Sui returned to the topic, thinking about the Sky Pillar: "I wonder if Ink Hills, using a sailing vessel, knows about the Sky Pillar. But having been to the supply point and seeing the Competition Committee's totem, they should know the Sky Pillar is a setting modified by the Committee."
Xie Chunshi nodded, drawing the route on the map. "Regardless of them, calculating the Sky Pillar's trajectory requires observation data for over a day. Now that we know in advance, we'll go directly to ride the Sky Pillar. This route is expected to go near the North Sea Domain base station."
There were no resource settings near the base station, but the advantage was energy shielding, which could block damage from energy factors. Chen Sui sighed in relief, "We can get down to repair the mechas. The repair device can't substantially restore deterioration."
The repair device could only repair above 30%, with a maximum repair degree of reducing deterioration by 20%.
Chen Sui was willing to offer a repair device in exchange because she could complete mecha repairs herself, and the disassembled repair device provided ready-made tools.
Xie Chunshi had this idea, but more importantly was another point: "The base station can provide North Sea Domain maps. Combining them with Mu Chan's team's maps, we can calculate the upcoming trajectory. Ink Hills found random treasure boxes with resources along the route. The Competition Committee wouldn't place them without reason; it must be based on map distribution density."
Finding the map would allow them to predict the approximate location of resource placement points.
In the main control room, observing the Zhu Jing Fu page and hearing Xie Chunshi's analysis, Zhao Loulan couldn't help but look up.
His tone and cadence were too familiar, easily reminding Zhao Loulan of thirty years ago, when Xie Liuyun also led his team like this, finding the rules of the competition layout.
It must be said, the Xie family genes were truly strong.
Even a child born to someone like Song Baining resembled the Xie family more. No wonder she had chosen Song Yuan early on.
Thoughts flashed quickly through Zhao Loulan's mind, her face as calm as it was cold.
This Military Committee Director, since taking office ten years ago, had never shown a smile again.
In stark contrast was Jian Run on the other side of Ji Qing, who, seeing Xie Chunshi setting his sights on the Sky Pillar, whistled and looked at Ji Qing with some provocation.
"Master Ji, the Competition Committee's design has been discovered!"
"Zhu Jing Fu discovered the Sky Pillar as soon as they entered, then observed for three days. They have both timing and positioning, and now Ink Hills is delivering energy."
"Truly fortunate."
Ji Qing smiled: "Luck alone isn't enough. Both the Commander and analyst are very smart. Just from seeing the Competition Committee mark at the supply point, without even confirming the Sky Pillar, they had the idea to observe it and attract other teams for fishing law enforcement. Their thinking is very flexible."
Jian Run smiled, "Zhang Yingjie is also very shrewd, suspecting the Sky Pillar's anomaly from the start. Let's see when Ink Hills discovers it. They should get rid of that boat sooner."
Saying this, Jian Run somewhat doubted himself.
The sailing vessel was actually placed at his designated point, with the purpose of bringing it out later when water-repellent material competition was most intense, to annoy people!
But Ink Hills found it right at the start!
He bit his teeth, enlarging the Ink Hills interface.
He wanted to see just how far Zhao Jingzhi's luck could go.
Meanwhile, in the scene that flashed by, the Zhu Jing Fu members clarified their route and arrived at the sea water range marked by the Team Leader.
Chen Sui's solidified energy stretched out, wrapping around her teammates.
Zhou Chen nervously hugged Puluo's arm. Puluo, like lifting a chick, raised his arm, lifting him up entirely, his tone threatening: "Are you getting down or not?"
Zhou Chen shook his head vigorously: "No, I get sick on the Sky Pillar!"
Puluo felt like hitting his teammate: "You clinging to me won't help with that! What's the use!"
Zhou Chen reasoned: "Your center of gravity is stable!"
Puluo had a high muscle proportion, strong weight, and stable core.
Seeing Zhou Chen's face turning pale, Chen Sui moved her fingertip, adding another circle of energy, earning a grateful: "Thanks, Sister Sui!"
Xie Chunshi, seeing her noticeably more skillful actions, lowered his eyes and asked imperceptibly: "Stronger resonance?"
Chen Sui was stunned for a moment, her smile dropping a few degrees: "Ah, yes."
No, just merged with the core crystal.
But saying the resonance had strengthened wasn't wrong either, Chen Sui thought.
When Zhou Chen stood firm on the reef, he was still saying: "Just thinking about spinning like a roller coaster again makes my legs weak."
Chen Sui rarely saw him so unimpressive and couldn't help but provoke: "Are you this weak? It just spins a little harder?"
Zhou Chen shook his head frantically: "A little? My head was about to split open."
Gu Qinxue glanced at him and said calmly: "You didn't have such a big reaction when we went to the amusement park and rode the roller coaster."
The interstellar amusement park was very different from what Chen Sui had seen. The roller coaster Gu Qinxue mentioned spanned several kilometers of valley, with tracks twisting a thousand times, plus holographic experiences, dodging surrounding monsters and environmental interference, with a shaking level more intense than the Sky Pillar.
"How can that be the same," Zhou Chen quietly objected. "The Sky Pillar really does make me feel terrible."
Chen Sui looked at him, thinking of the forum post about Zhou Chen's core crystal damage that she'd seen, and suddenly reached out her hand toward him.
Zhou Chen thought she had finally had enough of him and was going to strike him dead in public.
He instinctively leaned back, stretching his voice somewhat fearfully: "Wh-what are you doing?!"
Chen Sui's palm lit up with energy light: "Checking your core crystal damage situation."
Zhou Chen frowned somewhat resistantly, immediately no longer concerned about the discomfort of the Sky Pillar, instinctively refusing: "My core crystal has no significant damage, about 12%, still far from the red line."
Chen Sui saw his evasive movement intensify and retracted her energy. "Is that so?"
Seeing his rejection, she didn't force it. Noticing Xie Chunshi and Gu Qinxue looking over, she nonchalantly withdrew her hand, letting the matter pass.
"If you feel uncomfortable from core crystal damage, remember to tell me promptly. I've studied spiritual healing."
Zhou Chen's furrowed brow slowly relaxed as he nodded uncomfortably: "Oh, I know."
Turning her head, Chen Sui nodded slightly to the other two, indicating there was no major problem.
Gu Qinxue contacted her privately on the team channel: "Is he reacting so strongly because of core crystal damage?"
Chen Sui was only guessing: "Possibly. The high pressure energy in the Sky Pillar is very strong. With his core crystal damage, energy control isn't good, which would cause spillover and be crushed by the high pressure. Head dizziness and pain are very normal."
"Also, our core crystals have been nurtured, with damage within 10%, but Zhou Chen still has 12%, which is probably also a factor of the Sky Pillar."
She told the same to Xie Chunshi. The Team Leader's gaze flickered as he asked back: "Is there a way to control his condition?"
This wasn't a small issue, especially since Zhou Chen's core crystal was inherently unstable, easily triggering core crystal backlash and causing energy turbulence.
"Yes," Chen Sui paused, looking at Zhou Chen, feeling somewhat reluctant, "desensitization therapy."
"Riding the Sky Pillar roller coaster several more times. When the pain gets severe enough, he'll learn to control it."
Desensitization combined with spiritual healing could quickly teach Zhou Chen's core crystal energy control.
It's just... Zhou Chen would suffer greatly.
Xie Chunshi was silent for a second, his tone sincere: "Is this the only way?"
"This is the fastest," and the White Sand Sea Domain provided a ready-made environment. Chen Sui felt that this opportunity was indeed good. "The high pressure energy of the Sky Pillar can bring powerful energy pressure without damaging the core crystal. Such opportunities are rare."
After speaking, Chen Sui saw Xie Chunshi's glance at Zhou Chen, as if considering feasibility, and silently mourned for him.
This idea wasn't born of personal grudge.
Other methods would cause some damage to the core crystal, but the Sky Pillar could reduce such damage.
It's just that Zhou Chen... would inevitably vomit a few times.
Just then, Zhou Chen suddenly shuddered, rubbing his arm: "Is the Sky Pillar coming? Why do I feel a chill down my back? I have a bad feeling."