Chapter Seven: Stop—This Is a Robbery (Part Two)

When the trees within several hundred meters had all withered into lifeless trunks, Kuang Qingshan at last spoke up to put a stop to it. “Young master, if this continues, we might attract some of the powerful beasts in the area.”

Kuang Chi also sensed the possibility. Now and then, a giant withered tree would crack and fall, the thunderous crash drawing far too much attention from the nearby wildlife.

After Kuang Chi intervened, Little Flower was somewhat displeased. “Master, it’s rare to find these giant trees on this planet, perfect for me to absorb energy. Can’t you let me draw a bit more?”

Kuang Chi thought for a moment. “Once we’ve completed our mission, we’ll find a place where you can carry on for a few days. But not now—what if we attract some monster before we even begin?”

Just then, Little Flower suddenly leaned close and whispered, “Master, my black brother wants to come out too.”

Kuang Chi glanced around, then shook his head emphatically. He whispered back, “No, that’s my secret weapon. With so many people here, if anyone sees it and spreads word, what then?”

Little Flower paused, then added, “Little Black says he just wants a bite to eat. There’s something here that’s caught his appetite. He promises not to show himself—he’ll stay underground and won’t let anyone see him.”

“Really?” Kuang Chi asked for confirmation.

Seeing Little Flower nod eagerly, Kuang Chi hesitated, then stepped into a pile of collapsed, withered trees and summoned Little Black. Little Black transformed into a cloud of black smoke; with a faint squeak, a small hole, barely the width of a wrist, appeared at Kuang Chi’s feet.

Little Flower then said, “Master, we can go now. Little Black says he’ll follow us underground.”

The group continued their slow progress among the towering trees. Every creature and plant on this planet was frighteningly large—such size, coupled with high gravity, meant the local beasts were all endowed with tremendous strength.

There was no shortage of life here, and the diversity was remarkable. Most creatures were aggressive, leaping to the attack whenever they spotted the party.

It took three full days. On the morning of the third, as Kuang Chi emerged from his tent, he saw Kuang Qingshan and others already waiting for him at the entrance.

Kuang Qingshan saluted as soon as Kuang Chi appeared. “Young master, we’ve finally located a mining team from the Geer Empire.”

“Where?”

Kuang Qingshan waved for a family member nearby to step forward. The young man hurried over, bowed to Kuang Chi, and reported, “Young master, there’s a site not far from here in a mountain valley. There are three large mining vessels, over five hundred people—about four hundred of them are guards. On planet 55963, they’re considered a powerful mining crew.”

Kuang Chi pondered this, then turned to Kuang Qingshan. “Qingshan, didn’t you say the powerful beasts here have strong territorial instincts, so mining teams usually operate alone, rarely number over a hundred, and never stay in one area more than ten days?”

Kuang Qingshan replied quickly, “That’s what our intel says. I don’t know why this team is so large.”

He then turned to the young man and ordered, “Report every detail you discovered to the young master.”

The young man continued, “The mining team is based in a gourd-shaped valley, with only a single entrance less than ten meters wide and a hundred meters long. All other sides are sheer cliffs, reaching up to the clouds. That might be why so many people have gathered there, and it looks like a permanent mining base. The valley is heavily fortified, but we didn’t dare go too deep because of the tight security.”

“A permanent mine?” Kuang Chi couldn’t help but be surprised.

Kuang Qingshan interjected, “If there are extensive defenses, it could very well be a permanent mine. That valley sounds easy to defend and hard to attack. If they have anti-air energy cannons, even the local beasts would have trouble breaking in.”

After a long silence, Kuang Chi finally asked, “What’s your plan?”

The group exchanged glances before one of them spoke. “Perhaps because this mine isn’t in constant danger, the guards are not particularly vigilant. Most of their weapons seem designed for giant beasts. With our strength and a well-executed ambush, we could take them down. There is risk, but it’s better than wandering aimlessly around planet 55963.”

Another added, “They also found an underground warehouse—there must be a considerable stockpile. One strike here would be worth a dozen elsewhere. And if we take the mine, we can call in our clan to exploit it ourselves.”

Kuang Chi laughed. “Is that the real reason you’re all eager to hit this place?”

Everyone chuckled sheepishly.

Kuang Chi nodded and said casually, “Since you all agree, let’s do it. Move out.”

The group split into three teams and concealed themselves at the valley entrance. Perhaps because of the valley’s excellent concealment and security, the guards were indeed lax. For the elite members of the Kuang clan, it was as good as unguarded.

All forty-seven men lay in wait by the mouth of the valley, ready to strike as soon as the sun set.

When darkness finally fell, Kuang Chi gave a nod. Three figures behind Kuang Qingshan slipped like ghosts into the pitch-black entrance.

Moments later, a beastly roar sounded from within the valley—a signal, chosen because Kuang Chi feared the presence of electronic surveillance and dared not use comms at such close range.

The second team of a dozen followed into the valley. At last, Kuang Chi entered with Kuang Qingshan and the others.

Whether the guards were too weak or simply careless was unclear, but Kuang Chi made it all the way from the entrance to the three massive mining vessels without meeting any resistance—the guards had all been neutralized by the first two teams.

Standing before the mining vessels, Kuang Chi turned to Kuang Qingshan. “Is this what you call a powerful force?”

Just then, a figure appeared beside Kuang Chi. “Young master, the true experts are probably in the underground base.”

Kuang Chi was taken aback. “There’s an underground base?”

At that moment, a shadow flashed not far away—not only Kuang Chi, but many of the clan’s men saw it and immediately gave chase.

Kuang Chi shouted, “Stop! This is a robbery!”

The fleeing figure froze in shock, as did Kuang Qingshan and the others. With a thunderous boom, the previously sealed gate to the underground base swung open.

My mood is rather bleak, and I can’t find the right feeling as I write… Please bear with these few chapters and forgive me…