Chapter Eight: Setting Out for Home

Returning to the hotel, as soon as the Phantom Thief left, Wild Eater hurriedly took out the two items he had been carrying in his arms. The so-called Beast Vessel appeared utterly unremarkable—about half the size of a palm, its mouth completely sealed, without any opening. Wild Eater tried injecting a surge of True Dragon Energy into it. Upon entering the vessel, he sensed something inside absorbing his energy; this must have been the Golden Shark’s monstrous egg mentioned by the middle-aged man.

He observed the Beast Vessel for quite some time, only stopping once he felt the energy within had reached saturation and could no longer be infused. He then tucked the vessel against his waist, hiding it beneath his clothes.

Having secured the Beast Vessel, Wild Eater picked up the Starry Sky Manual that had been lying nearby. Although he did not know the true value of the Starry Sky Manual, he recalled the other party saying that his ancestor was willing to trade the first seven layers of the True Dragon Technique for the first three moves of the Starry Sky Manual. Wild Eater thus realized its importance—provided the man was not deceiving him.

He opened the thin booklet. In this era, paper had become obsolete thousands of years ago, yet humans still favored using it to record certain things—perhaps a poor man’s nostalgia, or the sentimentality of nobles. The booklet consisted of just seven pages, and its age showed in the yellowing edges. Each page featured a diagram of the human body, with cultivation routes marked. For Wild Eater, who practiced the ancient martial True Dragon Technique, these routes posed no difficulty; he easily understood them. However, the accompanying incantations appeared even more complex than those of the True Dragon Technique.

Wild Eater tried practicing the first of the seven techniques recorded in the booklet. After circulating his energy according to the diagram several times, he found his mind unusually clear. The Starry Sky Manual’s energy routes focused largely on the head, and the source of cultivation was the Heavenly Pool acupoint—a location not considered particularly important.

In truth, Wild Eater was still very young. He had not considered any dangers in cultivating the Starry Sky Manual, nor suspected whether the middle-aged man might be his ancestor’s old enemy. Fortunately, the man was not. The Starry Sky Manual and the True Dragon Technique did not conflict in the nature of their energies.

For the next ten days, Wild Eater, with things to occupy him, did not leave the hotel. Whenever the Phantom Thief came calling, he excused himself with claims of cultivation. Wild Eater spent the entire period immersed in understanding and practicing the Starry Sky Manual.

One day, the Phantom Thief entered Wild Eater’s room with a broad smile. After rousing Wild Eater from his bed, he said, “Kid, how’s your cultivation going?”

Wild Eater smiled, then asked curiously, “Old Ghost, what’s got you so cheerful today?”

The Phantom Thief grinned and replied, “I contacted a friend who has access to a transport ship qualified to pass through the Star Gate. They happen to be short two guards. We can join as security, pass through the Star Gate, and once we’ve escorted them to their destination, we’ll leave under the pretext of combat losses.”

Wild Eater was delighted and nodded repeatedly. “That’s wonderful!”

But the Phantom Thief grew concerned. “It’s not all good news. It’s a very high-risk crystal core transport ship. They’re hiring temporary guards because two of their escorts died during the crystal core acquisition process. So, through my friend, they’re looking for two trustworthy human guards here on Water Demon Star.”

Wild Eater, hearing they could pass through the Star Gate, cared little about the rest. “Old Ghost, didn’t you always say you’re a master?”

The Phantom Thief replied irritably, “They want two, not one. If I go through the Star Gate with you, how will I return?”

Wild Eater hurried to reassure him, “You’ve always said you want to take on some apprentices, always complaining you can’t find suitable candidates in the Sea of Death. Come with me to Wild War Star—I’ll help you find ten, no, a hundred if you wish! I can arrange for you to select candidates from the entire planet.”

Hearing this, the Phantom Thief was tempted. His identity would be revealed in time, but for now it was left unsaid.

He pondered for a moment, then asked, “Will your family agree?”

Wild Eater smiled, “Of course. Our family’s martial arts are never taught outside the clan. The techniques taught to the planet’s civilians are the ones we disdain, which is why our planet’s overall strength has never ranked high in the Caro Empire. If you’re willing to cooperate with our family, I’m sure they’ll agree.”

The Phantom Thief thought for a while before saying, “Kid, what kind of cooperation do you mean? Don’t even think about coveting my sect’s secret arts. They’re not to be passed on lightly. I’ve already taught you two unique techniques—isn’t that enough?”

Wild Eater saw the Phantom Thief’s displeasure and quickly explained, “Old Ghost, you misunderstood me. The apprentices you train will need to eat and work, right? I only hope they can serve within my family’s fleet.”

The Phantom Thief looked at Wild Eater with surprise. “Kid, I never realized you were so shrewd. But if you really let me choose apprentices from all of Wild War Star, that’s no issue.”

Wild Eater laughed and put an arm around the Phantom Thief’s shoulder. “Old Ghost, we’re close. You’re my savior—this is absolutely no problem!”

The Phantom Thief grunted, then said in a strange tone, “Kid, you’re as crafty as a monkey. Don’t deceive me. If your grandfather and the others refuse, I’ll have a bone to pick with you.”

Wild Eater smiled, “If they don’t agree, I’ll find a way to get you a batch of satisfactory apprentices.”

The next day, the two arrived at a city’s spaceport. Outside the port, Wild Eater used a communicator, and soon a small airship flew out, picking them up and delivering them directly to a large transport vessel.

Thanks to the Phantom Thief’s teachings, Wild Eater could tell at a glance that the transport ship was actually a modified warship.

Their airship entered the massive transport vessel through a rear hatch. Upon disembarking, Wild Eater’s attention was immediately drawn to a middle-aged man with a long scar across his face. The man’s aura was peculiar—he was enveloped in murderous energy, impossible to ignore. At the sight of him, Wild Eater felt his True Dragon Energy surge u