Chapter 56: Luan Spirit

A whip, handcuff, rope, and an electric cucumber… Countless such things flooded Xia Fei’s room, with an extra-large electric eggplant falling from his bed, incidentally hitting its switch to cause it to vibrate non-stop. The buzzing that ensured was very loud.

It was a proven fact that the physique of most humans all across the universe was not too much different from the humans on Earth, so anyone seeing these items filling his room could tell that even these so-called more civilized extraterrestrials were also not exactly too healthy themselves.

There was a significant minority of men living on Earth who had not seen adult videos. Hence, a normal single male like Xia Fei was obviously no exception, who suddenly had a vague sense of deja vu when he saw these items.

“What’s the use of bringing so many such toys instead of additional equipment or consumables for such an assessment?” Xia Fei shook his head and said.

Xia Fei had no love for these things, waving his hand to return all of them back into the spatial ring, only leaving the other items that looked like they would be of some use.

“Unbeatable Gunslinger’s Universal Invincible Super Spray?” Xia Fei held a bottle with a white liquid contained within as he softly read out the label.

“This name sounds extraordinary, but unfortunately, it is also another useless thing.”

With a wave of his one hand, that liquid bottle was also tossed back into the spatial ring.

After a quick sorting, most of what was left was just drugs and pharmaceuticals. It seemed like Xiao Yong really valued his life aside from having some slightly strange hobbies.

He had stored almost over a hundred Snake Eye Berries, and there were even more than two hundred fruits that looked very much like the fruit of a lotus. This fruit was actually called White Dew and could be eaten to quickly recover someone’s vigor, though it lacked the effect of detoxification and cold protection that Snake Eye Berries offered. The price was lower as well, only going for around 10,000 star coins for a piece.

There were also 46 Ebony Fruit. It was a fruit that looked like a small strawberry from the outside, but its color was black instead of red, and it contained golden seeds that were around the size of sesame seeds.

Ebony Fruit was considered an upgrade to the Snake Eye Berry, and a single Ebony Fruit was equivalent to 10 Snake Eye Berries. Its pulp had an extraordinary and rapid effect when it came to improving the user’s physical condition. Simultaneously, its seed could be used as a poison antidote rather effectively and could handle up to intermediate poisons.

The price of the Ebony Fruit was as much as 800,000 star coins for one, and 46 of them meant a total value of 36.8 million! ‘Looks like that guy actually had some pretty good stuff on him.’

Xia Fei was elated, transferring the Ebony Fruits, Snake Eye Berries, and White Dews into his own spatial ring. All these fruits were all stored in a special crisper, preventing them from rotting or losing their juiciness. Just buying a special crisper like that would cost 50,000 star coins.

There were also 32 Green Phoenix Tail Fruits specifically used to treat exterior wounds, priced at 20,000 star coins per fruit. If injured, the Green Phoenix Tail Fruit could be mashed and applied to the wound to quickly staunch bleeding, able to heal wounds without leaving behind any scars.

“This is great too.”

Xia Fei laughed as he kept the Green Phoenix Tail Fruits in the crisper and continued sifting through the remaining items.

Everything else left were just personal items of Xiao Yong, such as his passport and other such things. Xia Fei took a glimpse at his passport and casually tossed it to the side.

“Oh?” Xia Fei found a strange bottle amidst these personal items. The bottle was not big, and it was in the shape of a diamond. It was entirely transparent and had plenty of sections. Light was being refracted by these sections, which gave the bottle an ambiguously mysterious sensation.

What made it even more shocking was the presence of a golden fish about the size of a thumb swimming inside.

It was shiny with golden scales and had eyes that sparkled like a sapphire with a red tail that was split into two ends. Its mouth was slightly open, making it easy for everyone to clearly see a row of compactly packed and small teeth. They were extremely sharp, and despite how small this fish looked, it was most definitely a very fearsome animal if it were alive.

“Phantom, what is this thing?” Xia Fei asked, baffled.

Phantom stared at the fish for a good time, gradually getting more and more excited, “This is called a Luan Spirit, a very precious medicinal ingredient. It lives on a planet where the sun would never set and absorbs a huge amount of the sun’s rays and heat and somehow stores all that power. Such a large Luan Spirit ought to have already lived 1,000 years.”

“A medicinal ingredient? Is this fish some sort of plant?!” Xia Fei was surprised. This thing clearly looked like a fish from its outer appearance; was there actually such an odd plant in this universe?!

“That’s right. This is a plant, or to be precise, a fruit from the Luan Spirit Tree. A Luan Spirit Tree could grow over 100 meters tall, large and lush, but its fruit would only be that small Luan Spirit. A Luan Spirit Tree would need at least 3,000 years to bear fruit, and the fruit would need another 1,000 years before it could mature to such a size. Every single Luan Spirit Fruit is extremely precious and hard to find.” Phantom sighed.

“I had been worrying over finding the medicinal ingredients that you’d need to rank up, and this is perfect. Someone had actually gifted you this. We’ll wait till the medicinal residue in your body have subsided before we use the Luan Spirit to raise your cultivation rank.”

Phantom was really excited, “Lucky. You’re really lucky to have actually gotten hold of such a top-grade ingredient like a Luan Spirit.”

“I’ve already had enough of using these low and middle-grade medicinal ingredients, only raising your rank to Intermediate Star Base after taking three different medicinal potions; that’s far too slow. With this thing here, I guarantee the next rank up you’d experience would increase by a huge magnitude.” Phantom very confidently said.

“If a Luan Spirit is so precious, it must be worth quite a lot, huh?” Xia Fei asked as he carefully held onto the Luan Spirit.

“This one here could be worth around 800 to 1 billion.”

Xia Fei was delighted to hear this, caressing the bottle of Luan Spirit with his fingers repeatedly. The bottle’s external protective glass was warm to the touch and had high density, almost 5 to 6 kilograms in weight. It was just a plant, yet it had grown into such an unconventional form.

Xia Fei was overjoyed as he began to calculate the haul he had gotten from this Crisis grade assessment so far.

First, there were four spatial tools in total, three spatial rings with one spatial bracelet.

As 1 cubic meter was the threshold for spatial rings, the price of rings that were lower than a single cubic meter would exponentially decrease with the size. A spatial ring with one cubic meter would be worth around 200 million, but a 0.9 cubic meter spatial ring could be bought with 80 million star coins, and a 0.8 cubic meter ring would just be 55 million star coins, becoming less valuable the smaller they get.

The three spatial rings he had were 3 cubic meters, 1 cubic meter, and 0.5 cubic meters, respectively, while the bracelet was only a pitiful 0.3 cubic meter.

A spatial ring with 3 cubic meters would be worth around 1.3 billion star coins in the market, a 1 cubic meter was 200 million, a 0.5 cubic meter was 10 million, and that 0.3 cubic meter bracelet was only worth about 1 million star coins.

Just these four spatial tools were worth 1.511 billion star coins! Then there were also the dozens of survival and medical assortments, each set worth 1 million star coins or above, and including all the weapons and medicines, that would come up to around 1.8 billion star coins! The highest Xia Fei’s bank account had was 480 million star coins, so if he could cash out all these things, Xia Fei would actually have 10 digits to his name for the first time in his life! Furthermore, it was worth noting that the Golden Cicada that could save his life in a critical moment and the Luan Spirit that could be used for his future rank up were not included in this calculation.

If they were included, Xia Fei’s haul this time around would break past 3 billion star coins! Xia Fei instantly recalled the spaceship he saw in virtual reality, the Caldari Class 3 frigate, Eagle series, “That Eagle series frigate was a real beauty, just like a soaring eagle. Wait till I’ve cultivated to Star Domain rank, then I will surely buy it!”

…

The third day of training went as usual, and after learning that he had gotten such an enormous increase in his funds, Xia Fei’s enthusiasm had risen to new heights! After all, having money was like a ticket to a future, be it the high-quality medicinal ingredients he needed to increase his cultivation rank or that frigate he loved so much, either would require him to spend a lot of funds to acquire.

If he wished to become strong, aside from opportunities and diligence, he would also need a steady stream of capital to back him up, and this was a truth that was applicable to everything in life.

On the dawn of the fourth day, that emotionless feminine voice could be heard over the broadcast system again, “The second round for this Crisis grade assessment will begin soon. May participating candidates please make their way and gather at the designated location immediately.”

Xia Fei collected his equipment, his left hand vigorously shook the Chasing Light that was fixed to his arm, ensuring that it was secured, before taking a few deep breaths. He took a big step out of his bunk with a resolute expression and headed to the designated site for the second round.

The four huge and black spaceships were lined up in a row, and an additional circular spacecraft was now opposite them, to be used explicitly for this second round of the assessment.

Its exterior was entirely white in color, with a diameter of over 2 kilometers. Round portholes were arranged closely like eyes looking out in every direction.

Most of the eliminated candidates had chosen to return to their own planets. Only a minority of candidates with the mentality of wanting to learn or simply wanting to watch the excitement unfold live had chosen to stay. There was hardly anyone around as the candidates made their way over.

A total of 723 candidates had made it to the second round, much less than the expected 1,000 candidates, likely because some candidates had not stopped at just 1 token. For example, Xia Fei had 2 on him, while Chen Dong had obtained several dozens himself.

Then there were the handful of unlucky candidates unable to participate in this second round of the assessment even though they had a token because they were heavily injured in the first round.

A row of staff from the Adjudicator Union stood around the circular spacecraft, forming a human wall all around the spacecraft. These people were wearing their navy blue uniforms and looked energetic. Their numbers were much more than the number of candidates, looking like the security for this second round had increased significantly compared to the first round.

Upon stepping on the escalator to board the spacecraft, Xia Fei was transported into the interior of the spacecraft. The spacecraft’s interior shone with dazzling light that lit up the snowy white interiors in the large and expansive space.

There were nine square rings in the open space on the spacecraft’s first level in a 3×3 setup. Furthermore, the spacecraft had a total of 3 levels, meaning a total of 27 rings would all start at the same time.

Each ring’s length and width was 100 meters, and the platform itself was approximately 1 meter above the ground and was made entirely of a solid triple titanium alloy. No matter what happened on the ring, it would be impossible to cause the ring to collapse or shake.

Every ring also had a transparent energy shield around it. Once candidates enter, there would be no escape for anyone inside before the end of the match.

Dozens of high definition cameras were set up all around the place, allowing detailed observation from every possible angle throughout the fight.

The broadcasting rights for this second round had already been sold to six Endaro Star Region TV stations. Like before, the Adjudicator Union would sell all the broadcasting rights to their assessment, and they had sold both the second and final round this time. However, they did not offer the rights to the first round despite it having the most people participating. This was also the first time that had happened in all these years.

The Adjudicator Union’s assessment was a grand event for the entire Endaro Star Region, drawing an uncountable amount of viewers to pay for access. The financial benefits for such a move were hard to calculate, as the broadcasting rights would go for outrageous amounts! This was one of the ways the Adjudicator Union earned profit. After all, the Adjudicator Union was not a charity organization, and its many Adjudicators also needed to eat. How could they survive without a source of income?

Xia Fei was assigned the ring no. 21 on the 3rd level, and taking an elevator to arrive, Xia Fei was led by the staff right to the ring.

Lighting a cigarette, Xia Fei scanned his surroundings and spotted a tall and muscular figure in the distance walking over with his head held high. Sure enough, he was the battle maniac, Chen Dong! The man came to Xia Fei as he rumbled out a hearty laugh and excitedly asked, “You’re my opponent for this first fight?” He looked like he could hardly wait to start the match, eager to brawl with Xia Fei.

“The name’s Chen Dong, a citizen of the Empire of Frost. You better not show me any mercy when we exchange blows later. Since we’re doing this fight, let’s be straightforward about it!” Chen Dong’s voice was like a clap of thunder, his bold words buzzing in Xia Fei’s ears.

Xia Fei smiled in response, “Agreed.”

From the corner of his eyes, Xia Fei noticed that Ye Xiaohan was also on this level. When she saw that Xia Fei had spotted her, she intentionally turned her face away, pretending to be completely unconcerned with his presence.

More and more people filled the spacecraft, as the citizens across the Endaro Star Region began to turn on their televisions at this time, guzzling beer as they looked forward to seeing some exciting and bloody battle.

Watching the Adjudicator Union’s Crisis grade assessment would require a fee of 10 star coins per hour, which was not considered cheap, but these citizens did not mind.

The chance to see experts fight did not come easily, especially in a Crisis grade assessment with their lives on the line, which would only draw an even higher viewership.

After all, this sort of competition where blood flowed freely and death would happen anytime could not be compared to wrestling or boxing. The level of excitement and realism far outstripped all these other athletic events.

Many lightyears away, a 13 to 14 years old little lady was nervously sitting in her room, hugging a pink stuffed bunny as she stared at the display screen unblinkingly.

On this screen was Xia Fei, smoking as he exchanged words with Chen Dong. Avril saw the big and buff Chen Dong against the skinny Xia Fei and she could feel her anxiety increased.

Avril had a habit of tearing things up when she felt nervous. At the moment, her two tender hands were repeatedly tearing at the rabbit plushie, almost as if she felt the rabbit’s ears were not short enough.

A voice could be heard from the other side of the door as a soft knock came, “Miss, it’s time for your art lessons.”

Avril pouted and called out, “I’m not going! I’m not going! I’m not going! I want to watch Xia Fei’s fight!” The old butler behind the door was slightly shocked by this, furrowing his brow as he muttered to himself, “Xia Fei? Who is Xia Fei?”

Several dozen large screens around the arena for this assessment appeared suddenly as Xiao Haili’s smiling face filled the display, “The second round for the Adjudicator Union’s Crisis grade assessment will begin shortly. I am the chief umpire for this assessment, Xiao Haili. Allow me to give everyone a brief introduction of the assessment’s rules.”

“Every ring has a separate energy shield, which would only come down if a party dies or admits defeat.”

“There’s no time limit, and weapons are allowed, though thermal weapons are not included. Anyone using a thermal weapon would be instantly deemed in violation of the rules and would be disqualified. Only the final 18 candidates would enter the final round.”

Xia Fei wrinkled his forehead. He suddenly recalled the Xiao Yong name from the passport. “Xiao Haili? Xiao Yong? Could they be related to each other somehow?”

In the other corner, Chen Dong was impatient as he leaped high onto the ring and waved his hands at Xia Fei, “Come on now, there’s no need to hear his nonsense. Let’s just have a good battle up here!”

Xia Fei was unfazed, flicking his cigarette butt on the ground as he snuffed it out with his foot. He lifted his head and his eyes met the battle maniac, Chen Dong, as he simply answered, “Sure.”