460. The Spaceship

Ye Feng had been recuperating for more than half a month before his injuries finally improved. What excited him most was the discovery of something strange: within his inner core, there existed several different types of energy—such as the kind absorbed by the Chi Dragon’s core and the energy found in a regular Heavenly Dragon’s core.

“Baibai, where did these two types of energy come from? Why didn’t I notice them before?” Ye Feng asked.

“If my records are correct, these two types of energy were absorbed through combat,” Baibai replied with a smile.

“Absorbed through combat? Explain that more clearly,” Ye Feng asked, puzzled.

“At your level, battles are fought using energy. During the clash, energy is inevitably emitted. The Heavenly Dragon and Chi Dragon cores can only absorb energy they can utilize, but your core can absorb all kinds of energy. That’s why you’re able to use many different types of energy,” Baibai explained.

“What good is absorbing such a mix of energies? My core’s capacity is limited. Absorbing them would just take up space,” Ye Feng said, showing little interest.

“Ye Feng, I need to remind you: every time you absorb even a trace of energy, your core expands slightly. The increase is so subtle you won’t feel it, but it’s definitely growing,” Baibai said.

“You mean…” Ye Feng seemed to catch on to Baibai’s implication.

“It means you can absorb an unlimited amount of those energies without worrying about the core’s capacity,” Baibai said excitedly, already envisioning how powerful Ye Feng could become given enough time.

“If what you say is true, then why haven’t I felt anything at all?” Ye Feng asked, still confused.

“Compared to your core’s capacity, what you’ve absorbed so far is negligible. You won’t notice it unless you make a special effort to sense it,” Baibai said disdainfully.

“How’s your analysis of the signal source coming along?” Ye Feng asked.

“According to Long Xiaotian’s signal direction, I haven’t detected anything. The chances look slim,” Baibai said, no longer as relaxed as before.

“How much longer can we hold out?” Ye Feng pressed.

“No more than half a year. By then, you’ll only be able to run for your life,” Baibai answered helplessly.

“What about Amy and the others? The ordinary people from Huaxia?” Ye Feng asked.

“They probably won’t survive. You should understand that even if you manage to take them with you, their bodies can’t withstand space travel,” Baibai said bluntly.

“You’re talking nonsense! I won’t let them die just like that!” Ye Feng shouted angrily.

Baibai knew Amy and the others were Ye Feng’s bottom line—untouchable—but some truths had to be spoken. “You’d better make plans. We don’t have much time left.”

“I understand,” Ye Feng said coldly.

Yet inside, Ye Feng was uncertain. As Baibai said, he could barely keep himself safe, let alone lead so many out of Earth. Not to mention the many people—he couldn’t even manage that alone without a spaceship.

Thinking of this, Ye Feng asked, “Baibai, what if we build a spaceship?”

“Theoretically possible, but a spaceship’s defense system isn’t strong during launch. Even if you build one, the chances of successfully getting it into space are slim. Don’t forget, there are still many Chi Dragons guarding us,” Baibai said, skeptical of the idea.

“At least it’s worth a try. Given the current metal reserves underground, could we build a spaceship?” Ye Feng pressed.

“There’s enough metal to build three ships, but I don’t recommend it. It would drain manpower and resources, probably tightening the defenses even more,” Baibai said.

Ye Feng said nothing, instead contemplating Baibai’s words: three ships… maybe it was possible.

“Baibai, can one spaceship hold everyone underground?” Ye Feng asked.

“Judging by the current situation, yes. You still haven’t given up on this unrealistic idea?” Baibai retorted.

“Could you design a detachable spaceship? Use materials from the other two ships for defense, then jettison the outer shell once we reach space,” Ye Feng asked hopefully.

“Let me think… Theoretically, your idea is quite feasible,” Baibai no longer dismissed Ye Feng’s proposal.

“If it works, then we still have hope,” Ye Feng breathed a sigh of relief.

“I’ll research it. Long Xiaotian is here—looks like he has something to say. I’m off,” Baibai said, just as Long Xiaotian pushed open the door.

“Couldn’t you knock before coming in?” Ye Feng said irritably. Long Xiaotian never knocked when visiting, causing Ye Feng to worry whenever he was with Amy and the others that the man might barge in suddenly.

“There was nobody here, why are you so tense?” Long Xiaotian said with a smile.

“And you can still smile? Your people have no news, the defenses are about to fall, and we’re doomed!” Ye Feng complained.

“Well, we can still hold on a while. Maybe my people are already on their way,” Long Xiaotian said, though his tone lacked confidence.

“Stop fooling yourself. Your plan is too unreliable,” Ye Feng muttered.

“Don’t lose hope. How’s your body? Have you noticed anything unusual about your core?” Long Xiaotian asked.

“Unusual? What do you mean?” Ye Feng asked, confused.

“Have you felt like there’s something extra inside your core?” Long Xiaotian pressed.

“Other than more energy, what else could there be?” Ye Feng replied, still puzzled.

“The energy. Are there additional types of energy?” Long Xiaotian asked excitedly.

“Yes, two more: the kind absorbed by Heavenly Dragon and Chi Dragon cores,” Ye Feng said, not understanding why Long Xiaotian was suddenly so agitated.

“I knew it! I knew it! Long Xuan has done something great!” Long Xiaotian muttered excitedly to himself.

“What did you say?” Ye Feng asked.

“You must not die. You have to go to Heavenly Dragon Star!” Long Xiaotian said fervently.

“First of all, why should I go to Heavenly Dragon Star? Besides, whether I live or die isn’t up to you. If no one rescues us, we’re doomed!” Ye Feng scoffed.

“You don’t understand…” Long Xiaotian said.

“What don’t I understand?” Ye Feng asked, bewildered by Long Xiaotian’s strange words.

“You don’t understand how important you are to my people!” Long Xiaotian explained passionately.

“Then explain it to me. You’re making no sense,” Ye Feng said, astonished.

[End of chapter]