Chapter 55 – The Third Prince Has Returned

After cutting off communication with Jian Mei, Lu Xingwang felt like he had resolved something significant. The thought had been lingering in his mind for a long time, as if he should have made this decision a while ago. Speaking it out now, he had no regrets, only a sense of warmth deep within, a kind of hope for the future that felt like the warmth of the morning sun, a feeling he hadn’t experienced for a long time.

Because he didn’t expect a future.

He held no excessive enthusiasm or expectations for anything, like a stagnant state of life with no remedy.

But now, it was different. Just the thought of this arrangement gave him a sense of belonging he had never experienced before. This feeling filled his heart with anticipation, joy, and a desire for life.

…

In military spaceship that had continued forward for less than two hours, a warning sound rang out on board.

A junior officer hurried over and said, “Your Highness, we’ve detected combat machines approaching us from 100 light-years away.”

“So they’ve arrived so quickly?” Lu Xingwang put away his communication system. He turned around but noticed a slight worry in the junior officer’s eyes. He asked, “Are you worried about this?”

The junior officer shook his head gently. “I’m not worried about them.”

Lu Xingwang suddenly became interested. “Then what is it?”

The junior officer looked at him and said, “This is the first time Your Highness is participating in a military expedition, and when the military spaceship is traveling over long distances, many people may feel uncomfortable. Some of our new recruits might even experience symptoms like nausea and vomiting. That’s why Major General has assigned me to take care of Your Highness during these days. Your Highness hasn’t shown any discomfort, but your complexion hasn’t looked good these past few days. He originally wanted you to take this opportunity to rest, and I was concerned that you…”

Lu Xingwang walked toward the command center not far away as he interrupted, “I’m fine, no need to worry.”

As they continued to talk, a military doctor named Wu Gang approached. Wu Gang was a significant figure among the healing priests, despite not being part of the major medical families. He had been an orphan saved by Major General a few years ago and had awakened the healing divine power. He had been working in the military since and had specialized in medicine.

The junior officer approached Wu Gang and said, “Mr. Wu.”

Wu Gang saluted the junior officer and Lu Xingwang, then said, “I came from the back. Most of the wounded soldiers have been healed of their external injuries. The seriously injured have been taken to the hot springs for further treatment.”

The divine power of healing could rapidly treat wounds, and the stronger the divine power, the better the effect.

Lu Xingwang continued toward the command center. Wu Gang took the place of the junior officer and walked alongside him. He said, “Your Highness, you haven’t had your medical checkup today.”

Lu Xingwang replied, “We’ll do it later.”

“Your Highness doesn’t look too well.”

Lu Xingwang himself didn’t mind much, saying, “I know how I feel.”

The junior officer, sensing that he might be intruding, entered the command room first. Lu Xingwang was about to follow, but Wu Gang had to raise his voice, saying, “Your Highness.”

Lu Xingwang stopped in his tracks, turned to look at Wu Gang, and asked, “Is there something else?”

“Though I don’t know why Your Highness’s condition has worsened lately, I hope it’s not because of the poison again.” As his attending physician, Wu Gang was well aware of the situation. He continued, “Your Highness should be aware that this poison gradually deepens over time, slowly invading your body and ultimately taking your life.”

Lu Xingwang responded casually, “So?”

Wu Gang took a deep breath and said, “So, Your Highness, you should know that if you stop the treatment now, there’s a risk to your life at any moment. I know it’s not my place to remind you of this, but I can’t stand by and watch you consume your life like this. I hope you won’t act foolishly.”

The corridor was somewhat chaotic. Small groups of people passed by, and the red warning lights on the military spaceship continued to flash in disarray. However, Lu Xingwang stood there, his presence impossible to ignore, and people’s gazes naturally fell upon him. The red light from the warning lights bathed his shoulders as he spoke, “No need to worry.”

Wu Gang was taken aback.

Lu Xingwang’s eyes were calm, and he added, “I’m very clear-headed.”

The entrance to the command room opened, and Lu Xingwang turned and entered. He left Wu Gang with just his back, offering no further explanations, yet his brief words seemed to answer it all.

In the command center, Zuo Qingshan was looking intently at the map with several red dots displayed. When he heard the sound of the door, he turned to see Lu Xingwang had arrived. He immediately pointed to something and said, “Are these new combat mechas unusually fast? Two days ago, when we engaged with them, the Wind Priests could still sense their locations. However, this time, we couldn’t sense them within the range.”

“Stan Star is the most powerful planet in the Eastern Empire.

The reason, of course, it is not something else but because of their unpredictable yet incredibly powerful divine powers. Wind priests, especially those with powerful wind abilities, can sense everything in the wind, even in the vastness of space, as long as there is air and wind circulation. So, even when the latest stealth technology of the enemy nation was activated yesterday, making it undetectable by existing technology, the wind priests unleashed their formidable divine powers.

Therefore, especially today, most of the followers of the gods are elated, believing that divine power has triumphed over technology. This battle is being fought with ease, and some even feel that they could end the battle earlier, as the enemy seems no match for them.

Lu Xingwang said, “Let me have a look.”

Zuo Qingshan stepped aside, allowing Lu Xingwang to take control of the satellite map.

The few enemy’s red warships are only showing on the star map, which should not be a cause for concern. However, Lu Xingwang’s brows furrowed slowly. He said to Zuo Qingshan, “Give me terminal access.”

The operations officer was shocked to hear this.

Terminal access could link to the entire defense system, which is their last stronghold. If there were issues with the terminal, they would be unable to track the positions of the enemy’s warships, which would be extremely dangerous.

Zuo Qingshan asked, “Your Highness, what do you intend to do?”

“Upgrade the system,” Lu Xingwang said clearly. The slender fingers of the young prince tapped a red dot on the map, and he spoke with certainty, not doubt, “There are more warships here than displayed.”

This statement caused a tremendous stir. Just the presence of these few warships had already put people on edge. According to what Lu Xingwang said, there were even more that weren’t displayed. How many more? The unknown enemy and the unknown fear are often the most dreadful.

Zuo Qingshan fell into deep contemplation, eventually nodding slowly. He said to the person at the control desk, “Open the access and grant it to His Highness.”

The person at the control desk hesitated slightly, saying, “General…”

“Hurry up!” Zuo Qingshan lost his temper and gave him a kick, “Are you trying to die with all this dilly-dallying?”

This really worked to handle any resistance. Now, no one had any objections, and the access was immediately opened, taken over by Lu Xingwang. What set him apart from others was that Lu Xingwang directly unlocked the terminal’s code and began modifying the server. Over the years, the accumulation of countless books and knowledge had turned into strings of code displayed on the screen at the fingertips of the young prince. Those with determination, no matter the situation, could turn everything around them into weapons and strength.

In just ten short minutes, many felt like they had lived through an eternity.

During the system upgrade phase, they lost track of the enemy’s movements, and everyone entered a high alert state. Beads of sweat formed on the forehead of wind priests . Finally, with a “drip,” Lu Xingwang said, “It’s done.”

Like a horn of liberation, everyone breathed a sigh of relief. However, when the newly upgraded system’s interface appeared in front of everyone, no one could smile. It was covered in densely packed red dots, with one of them being the largest and most powerful energy signature, which, from the system’s data, wasn’t the latest mecha but the dreaded A5.

Zuo Qingshan’s voice carried anger, “Is it Xiao Cheng’s warship?”

Xiao Cheng, the leader of interstellar pirates.

A genius in the field of mecha, surprisingly had some connections to Stan star due to his early years being abandoned by his family as a powerless infant. He endured hardship in the slums and developed a rebellious and solitary personality. In his youth, he organized many violent events and eventually became a fugitive from the government.

However, what no one expected was that he would become a nightmare for the entire interstellar community. This young man, a genius in mecha technology, created his warship, A5, without relying on divine powers, and wreaked havoc, leading his people to block and confiscate passing spaceship resources, causing widespread suffering.

Lu Xingwang glanced at the display and confirmed, “It is.”

Zuo Qingshan’s fists clenched, and there was a venomous hatred in his eyes. “I never went after him, and yet he dares to come here.”

Lu Xingwang pointed to the area, saying, “He’s coming for us. This is not the region they usually operate in.”

Zuo Qingshan growled, “Let him come; I’m not afraid of him!”

Lu Xingwang remained silent.

The enemy’s warship was already at their doorstep, and it didn’t take long for them to feel the spaceship’s vibrations. Small missiles struck them from a distance. This military force was only prepared for negotiations to rescue the merchant on the planet, with a total of only one division. Nobody expected to encounter Xiao Cheng.

“Drip.”

A warning sound rang out, indicating that the warship was under attack. Small mecha at the front were shot down. At the same time, their control station received a message. When they opened it, it turned out to be a message from Xiao Cheng, with only a short line: “[Third Prince, Little General, long time no see. How have you been? Please give my regards to your parents. I wonder if they are still in good health.]”

Lu Xingwang’s eyes darkened.

Zuo Qingshan said from the side, “He’s truly audacious. I’ll go meet him in person!”

The main spaceship corresponded to the command cabin. Major General took a step to leave but was stopped by Lu Xingwang. “You stay here.”

Zuo Qingshan was not pleased. “What do you mean?”

“We can’t have no one in command here. Since Xiao Cheng dares to come, there must be a backup plan. If something happens to you, what about the other soldiers?” Lu Xingwang was always rational. He looked at Zuo Qingshan with red eyes and spoke firmly, “I understand your feelings, but first, you’re a general, and second, you’re your father’s son.”

Zuo Qingshan brushed his hand away. “I can’t let this grudge go!”

Lu Xingwang quietly watched the enraged man before him. He put down the document in his hand and said, “You don’t need to go; I will go.”

Zuo Qingshan turned to him in shock.

Lu Xingwang said, “Someone needs to stay here. You are the commander, and your family and a group of soldiers are waiting for you. I made preparations when I came this time. Our reinforcements will arrive in about ten minutes, and inside the B cabin, I’ve arranged the mecha that I’ve been developing for the past two years in isolation. Although they haven’t been field-tested, their defensive capabilities and agility have been enhanced based on the existing models. You can have the soldiers transfer to them. I think they can withstand Xiao Cheng’s attacks.”

He was meticulous, outwardly appearing cold, but he cared for everyone. He never took the initiative to show concern for anyone, but he carried the world in his heart.

Zuo Qingshan resisted, “Do you still have to go yourself?”

Lu Xingwang glanced at him, and with the same words, his tone was calm but carried a compelling force. “I can’t let this grudge go.”

…

When facing Xiao Cheng’s mecha warship, even experienced soldiers could be Baffled by his elusive actions and tactics. However, one warship moved agilely in the midst of battle, evading attacks and hitting countless of Xiao Cheng’s small ships. Lu Xingwang’s imposing silver warship resembled a shooting star in the vast interstellar galaxy.

The only troublesome one was the enemy’s red warship, different from the other small spacecraft, and the enemy’s technology was also highly advanced. The two warships were entangled and locked in a fierce struggle, evenly matched. It was only when they encountered an unexpected black hole in space that Lu Xingwang seized a brief moment of vulnerability in the enemy and used the black hole to crush the wings of the red warship.

A message popped up on his information panel, and it was Xiao Cheng’s smiling face on the other side. “Your Highness, you’ve made remarkable progress in these years.”

Lu Xingwang replied calmly, “The same mistake won’t be made twice.”

The leader of the interstellar pirates sat on the red warship, this interstellar-level wanted criminal. He wasn’t commanding his A5 battleship but was on this small warship, which was truly audacious.

Xiao Cheng raised an eyebrow. “Your Highness, do you know what mistake you’ve made?”

Lu Xingwang looked at the somewhat arrogant smile on the other’s face. With his vibrant red hair, his expression bore some resemblance to the Crown Prince. He lowered his gaze and spoke softly, “Everyone says you’ve been immersed in mech research, but I know you’re not. What you’re studying is how to shield divine power.”

The hint began when the Wind priests couldn’t detect divine power.

The reason for being able to defeat the former marshal’s warship and how he had taken down him and his mother’s airship in the past all relied on the same principle. Over these years, everything Xiao Cheng had done was to research how to shield divine power.

“Smart,” Xiao Cheng smiled slyly at him. “You truly deserve to be the Third Prince, so clever.”

Lu Xingwang didn’t respond.

Xiao Cheng, however, seemed to have found a connection. “Third Prince, I think you’ve tasted what it’s like to lose divine power, haven’t you? Being looked down upon, the target of mockery, being ridden on by those high and mighty people, even though we’re all human beings, we should be born equal. But how unfair the heavens are. They say the gods love mankind, so I’d like to ask the gods, are we, those born without divine power, not part of mankind? They’ve forced the powerless poor to their deaths while the wealthy nobles of the imperial family live more lavishly.”

Xiao Cheng looked at Lu Xingwang and smiled. “Since the gods can’t bring fairness to this world, why not let me lend a hand? Shield divine power, make everyone equal. Isn’t that a good thing? I’m doing a good deed, I’m saving mankind.”

“Saving mankind through burning, killing, and plundering, indiscriminate killing?” Lu Xingwang spoke, “You’re only doing it for yourself.”

Xiao Cheng was first surprised, then chuckled, “So what? Everyone is for themselves; the heavens will punish and the earth will annihilate. To put it simply, it’s just the two of us here. Your Highness, there’s no need to pretend with me. I can see it; you, Lu Xingwang, aren’t exactly a good person, are you? To be honest, the first time I saw you, I knew that you and I are essentially similar spirits.”

Lu Xingwang’s eyes were as deep as ink, and his gaze at Xiao Cheng was icy, filled with hostility.

Even the head of the interstellar pirates, who had experienced many storms, couldn’t help but shiver. He hesitated for a moment and then said, “Your Highness’s poison is about to act up, isn’t it? It’s a pity that you’re leaving this world at such a young age. In fact, I have an antidote here. If Your Highness is willing to come to me and lend me a hand, I will certainly offer the antidote. Haven’t you had enough of that sealed-off planet? Let’s join forces, eliminate those divine priests and nobles, and build a new Stan Star together, how about that?”

He thought his words would move Lu Xingwang.

But Lu Xingwang just looked at him and said, “Xiao Cheng.”

Xiao Cheng looked at him with confusion and asked, “Yes?”

“Feudal monarchy needs modification, not destruction,” Lu Xingwang said, looking at him with a somewhat deranged look. “We are not the same kind of people, and even in the new Stan Star, there won’t be a place for you.”

Xiao Cheng was first surprised and then burst into laughter. “Your Highness, since we’re not the same kind of people, you should know the consequences of being my enemy, right?”

Lu Xingwang raised an eyebrow. “I have a question.”

Xiao Cheng, seeming in a good mood, said, “Please ask.”

“What’s the relationship between you and the Empress?” Lu Xingwang looked at Xiao Cheng’s face, which had turned pale, and continued, “You’re good, Xiao Cheng. Your security system is well done, and Stan Star’s technology couldn’t crack it. But unfortunately, three years ago, when you attacked our warship, the system left behind your source code. I’ve been researching how to trace this signal for the past few years, and just a few days ago, my channel finally tracked your frequency within Stan Star’s range.”

“Following the signal source, I quickly pinpointed the location,” Lu Xingwang lifted an eyelid and looked at him. “Guess where the signal source is?”

Xiao Cheng finally put away his playful expression, stared at Lu Xingwang intently, and then burst into laughter. “Truly worthy of the Third Prince. I underestimated you. You indeed have some skills.”

Lu Xingwang didn’t react to the praise and continued, “I’ve always wondered why my mother never held grudges against anyone. She had no conflicts with you either. At that time, her warship wasn’t transporting supplies, and seizing it wouldn’t benefit you. Why did you have to ambush us on our warship’s route?”

Xiao Cheng’s smile gradually disappeared.

“And then, I understood,” Lu Xingwang’s voice was low and resolute. “It’s because we are all enemies of the Empress, stumbling blocks to the Crown Prince’s ascent to the throne.”

Xiao Cheng listened without much reaction, just a slight smile.

Lu Xingwang stared directly at him. “Is it amusing?”

“Your Highness has always been intelligent, but it’s somewhat regrettable given our circumstances. If we weren’t in this situation, perhaps we could have been close friends,” Xiao Cheng shook his head. “It’s a pity, but we’ll have to save it for another lifetime.”

Lu Xingwang showed no mercy. “Even if we weren’t in this situation, we still wouldn’t be friends.”

Xiao Cheng was puzzled. “Why not?”

Lu Xingwang opened his mouth and his voice was clear, “You’re not worthy.”

It had been a long time since someone dared to speak to him in this manner. Xiao Cheng’s face suddenly changed, looking somewhat unpleasant. However, he quickly burst into laughter. Surrounding the red battleship, numerous small warships appeared out of nowhere. They encircled the silver spacecraft. “Your Highness, being so stubborn isn’t a good thing. But, let it be. Today, I’ve come to bid you farewell. I hope Your Highness can change your temper in your next life. How about choosing today as your memorial day?”

Lu Xingwang only felt the toxins inside him showing signs of another outbreak. The familiar excruciating pain surged, and the warships around him opened fire. In the midst of intense pain, he had to stay utterly alert. Cold sweat dripped from his forehead, but his mind remained crystal clear.

Hatred.

In his eyes, there was only that red battleship.

Xiao Cheng had indeed triggered an outbreak of the poison. This kind of pain wasn’t something an ordinary person could endure. He had originally expected to see the person in pain, writhing on the ground. However, he was surprised to see the silver mecha fighting like mad. Slowly, Xiao Cheng couldn’t laugh anymore. With time, the warships from Stan Star that he had previously shaken off caught up. What worried him the most was that his information screen hadn’t detected them.

Once, he had been proud of his own technology and talents. He had developed a new system above the rest. But now, someone had created a system surpassing his. His instinct was to run away.

“Boom!”

A shell struck his red mecha. Lu Xingwang’s silver mecha, which had been fighting fiercely, suddenly appeared to have sensed his thoughts. It rushed towards him recklessly. In a shower of sparks, a new image appeared on his information screen.

The command room where Lu Xingwang was also suffered damage. Due to the outbreak of the poison, the young man looked disheveled, and his half-deformed face was covered in red runes. His forehead was bleeding due to the previous collision. However, Lu Xingwang just stared straight at Xiao Cheng. It was like he was issuing a death warrant, word by word, “Today is your memorial day too.”

For a moment, Xiao Cheng was indeed shocked. If the renowned interstellar pirate were to fall into the hands of a teenager, it would undoubtedly become a big joke.

“Did Your Highness think that I would dare to come here without leaving an escape route for myself?” Xiao Cheng was unflustered. Behind him, the mighty A5 battleship appeared, and its spatial transfer function was already half activated. So, the pirate leader seemed a bit arrogant as he looked at Lu Xingwang. He said, “Your Highness is still a child at heart, always so naive. If you want to kill me, you’ll have to wait a few hundred years at least. But it’s not going to happen, because this poison has already been triggered by me. You won’t live through today.”

Lu Xingwang sat in the cockpit. The smell of rusted iron mixed with blood filled his nostrils, along with the arrogant laughter from Xiao Cheng.

“Oh, by the way,” Xiao Cheng, prepared to board his A5 for an escape, suddenly remembered something and turned back to Lu Xingwang, saying, “I never intended to kill your mother, after all, I don’t lay hands on women. It’s a pity she died. In fact, she wasn’t bad looking at all. I even thought about taking her as a concubine or something. If that wasn’t possible, she could have served me as a foot-washing maid. Unfortunately, you and her share the same temper, both so stubborn. I don’t like that.”

Lu Xingwang’s eyes gradually took on a crimson hue.

The blood in his body seemed to boil like it was burning. The cursed runes that suppressed his divine power, which had grown on his face due to the toxins, appeared as if bulging veins, radiating a red burning light. The young man, under the influence of the poison, should have been weak and defenseless, but he slowly stood up.

Xiao Cheng’s voice came through the sensor, “Goodbye, Your Highness.”

A5, this colossal battleship, existed in the cosmic sea. Its teleportation function allowed it to quickly escape the pursuit range of Stan Star’s warships. However, just as Zuo Qingshan was continuously shouting commands for the interference disruptors, surrounding A5 to prevent it from escaping, a massive roaring sound rose from beside A5.

This scene would forever be unforgettable to everyone present.

It was an image that only existed in textbooks and history books: the founding hero of their Stan Star, a rare sight in thousands of years, using the Five Elements’ divine power in battle.

It was an overwhelming pressure that made even those sitting inside the warships want to escape. A giant lightning bolt condensed out of thin air and fell, enveloping the body of A5. The black hole, which would typically require dozens of Wind Priests to manipulate, opened as if commanded, and merged with the lightning, wrapping the warship. Lu Xingwang moved at an incredibly fast speed, faster than anyone had ever seen any Fire Priest summoning such a large flame instantly without any formation. It was like a massive meteor crashing down on the warship, and the flames instantly engulfed the entire ship.

In the center of the flames, Lu Xingwang stood on top of the A5 battleship. He didn’t need the battleship, nor did he require any external force. He could traverse the cosmic sea, ruling over the space and light and dark. It was awe-inspiring and terrifying, said to be unbreakable, and countless spaceship shields shattered easily. Originally, Xiao Cheng could have escaped, but he was dragged out.

Lu Xingwang placed one foot on Xiao Cheng, looking horrifying. His voice sounded as if it came from the depths of hell, “I said, can you leave now?”

Translator’s Note-Guys don’t forget to support and comment your views(^-^)