Chapter Twenty-Six: The Confidentiality Agreement

Earth Corporation was a formidable power spanning across star systems, and also the mighty ally of Blue Star in the cosmic expanse. This loss, however, was inflicted by the Xuanhuang Immortal Realm. Such a setback was sanctioned by Blue Star for self-compensation, and support would be granted as well.

Normally, the search for compensation involved scouring the starry sky for suitable lifeless planets to extract energy from within. Now, the use of their own planets was considered, yet evidently, there were no suitable celestial bodies in the cosmic domain.

The Heavenly Dao operated, monitoring all the planets under Blue Star’s control. Before the energy of a planet was depleted, one could not arbitrarily destroy their own celestial bodies; doing so would incur fines and a reduction in the allocation of cosmic resources.

The Heavenly Dao was the supreme spirit of the great computational array—its operation was beyond the interference of even the current Immortal Lord. Therefore, this endeavor had to be conducted without the Heavenly Dao’s knowledge.

Jiang Taichu began to survey the overtime work zones; Earth Number One Planet was divided into four major sectors: east, south, west, and north. He and Tang Yu were both assigned to the eastern sector.

Within the sector, ten red dots marked the map—each denoting resource-rich areas. Jiang Taixuan quickly selected one: the sixth collection point at the heart of the eastern region, the place with the richest resources.

Since they were to seek resources, the wisest course was to choose the best; only a fool would ignore the opportunity for an advantage. Once chosen, he continued to cultivate within the Earth Space.

As evening fell, Yang Xianzhi arrived, carrying the Heavenly Dao Shield. Tao Zhong and other staff members had all gathered in the dining hall.

Facing the assembly, Yang Xianzhi produced a beast-hide scroll: “This is a confidential document. Regarding this overtime assignment, I trust you are all aware of the circumstances.”

Everyone remained silent, waiting for him to continue.

“Please take a look. The contents have been approved by the Elder Council of Blue Star’s upper echelon, stamped with the Immortal Lord’s seal.” Yang Xianzhi handed the scroll to them. “This matter requires a confidentiality agreement; at no time may any aspect of this event be disclosed.”

Blue Star’s upper echelon consisted of the Immortal Lord and the Elder Council, who steered the planet’s course. Major decisions were deliberated by the council and ratified by the Immortal Lord’s seal.

Tao Zhong and the others glanced over it and signed without hesitation.

Casting a cold glance at the trio seated nearby—Jiang Taichu and his companions—they did not pass the document to them.

Yang Xianzhi, aware of the discord, retrieved the beast-hide scroll and handed it to the three.

Examining its contents, they saw permission granted for Earth Corporation to independently construct the Earth Mother Ship, with the authority to use Earth Number One Planet. The seal bore a profound Daoist resonance, as if one were gazing upon a majestic palace.

The Celestial Palace!

This was the supreme artifact governed solely by Blue Star’s Immortal Lord, and the seal, blessed by the Celestial Palace, was impossible to counterfeit.

The beast-hide scroll was specially crafted as well, a confidential document unique to the demon race, another great life form of Blue Star. Once sealed, it could not be opened without a specialized method.

Below, the document detailed the gold extraction operation: discovered resources were not to be harvested, but marked—such restraint would be rewarded doubly.

All work would be conducted under the Heavenly Dao Shield, and no weapons were to be carried.

Upon signing, none could disclose the overtime assignment.

Jiang Taichu did not hesitate, signing his name. Tang Yu and the other companion signed as well, swiftly and decisively.

“Excellent.” Yang Xianzhi smiled. “Tao Zhong, I’ve also assigned your team to a resource-rich area: Earth Number One Planet, southern sector, collection point five.”

“Thank you,” Tao Zhong replied, his expression filled with excitement.

Yang Xianzhi nodded gently. “Rest now; tomorrow morning, assemble at the Star Hall.”

With that, he departed with the confidential documents.

Tao Zhong and his group gathered to discuss the next day’s collection plans.

Jiang Taichu and his companions returned to their rooms.

As soon as they entered, Tang Yu muttered, “We’re not expected to collect resources with them, are we?”

“That would be troublesome. The document states we must work under the Heavenly Dao Shield. If they make a move against us, we wouldn’t stand a chance,” Zhang Jing remarked, anxiety etched on his face.

“Relax, arrangements have been made; they don’t have weapons either,” Jiang Taichu said with a calm smile.

They were assigned to different zones than Tao Zhong’s team; Yang Xianzhi had deliberately separated them.

“Are you hiding something from us?” Both hurried to his side, lowering their voices.

“Just rest well and don’t speak carelessly. We’re not in the same sector,” Jiang Taichu replied.

Hearing this, the pair breathed a sigh of relief and returned to their rooms.

Jiang Taichu, at ease, deleted the previous recording of his conversation with Yang Xianzhi. The recorder and Earth 95 Mecha certainly could not be brought tomorrow; he put them away for now.

He lay down to rest and soon drifted into sleep.

Early the next morning.

They donned the Mountain Patrol Mechas and made their way to the Star Hall, where Tao Zhong’s group had been waiting for some time.

Yang Xianzhi appeared in his own mecha, accompanied by a fully automated unit.

Golden light flashed from his eyes as he scanned them.

After confirming all was well, he allowed them to depart.

Returning to the underground palace, they stored their weapons securely.

Yang Xianzhi entered and distributed an instrument: “This is a resource locator. When you discover resources, activate the device—it will emit a particle beam marking the site.

Each locator is unique, so there’s no worry about confusing your resources.”

In Jiang Taichu’s mind, Yang Xianzhi’s voice echoed: “I’ll take them south. You head directly east; a fully automated mecha will guide you to your collection point.”

“Understood,” Jiang Taichu replied.

Yang Xianzhi led Tao Zhong’s team through the Heavenly Gate.

Jiang Taichu and his companions also passed through, teleporting to the Star Hall in the eastern sector of Earth Number One Planet.

Inside, numerous mechas boarded a warship and departed.

As soon as Jiang Taichu’s trio arrived, the automated Mountain Patrol Mecha approached: “Eastern collection point six—follow me.”

Exiting the hall, the mecha expanded in size, legs merging, body bending, arms unfolding, transforming into a small warship.

There were ten seats within; Jiang Taichu queued and took his place in the cabin.

The warship soared skyward, vanishing into the horizon in the blink of an eye.

The automated mecha flew at full speed!

So swift was the journey, they could barely discern anything outside.

“Remember, no fighting. Whoever initiates conflict will forfeit their reward,” a cold voice announced via the communication channel.

Moments later, the warship landed, hovering a thousand meters above ground. The hatch opened, and mechas shot out.

Jiang Taichu and his companions dove, separating from the others.

The collection point was vast; ten people might not finish searching it in two days, so there was no need to compete.

Activating the spiritual radar, the ten dispersed, and Jiang Taichu’s trio reached the central area.

“All right, let’s get to work,” Jiang Taichu said with a smile. “Fatty, whether you can afford a new mecha depends on this opportunity.”

“Ah, I’m the unluckiest of all,” Zhang Jing sighed, flying to the left.

“My luck’s not as good as yours, but I’m certainly better than the others,” Tang Yu laughed, swiftly heading to the rear.

Jiang Taichu smiled, watching the radar as his companions receded into the distance.

Beep beep—

The radar signaled; deep within the distant peaks, a vein stone was detected.

He activated the locator—a golden particle beam shot forth, piercing the mountain and hovering above the vein stone.

“Seems my luck is good.”

Jiang Taichu piloted his mecha, swiftly heading out.

He continued to survey the mountains, the veins reflected in his eyes.