Chapter Thirty-One: Comprehensive Advancement!

A golden suit of armor soared into the sky, crashing against the golden barrier at 5,300 meters before plummeting rapidly downward.

“Taichu!” Tang Yu and the other three rushed over, catching Jiang Taichu as he fell.

There was no response through the communication channel, but their spirit particle radar all detected a powerful energy surging within Jiang Taichu’s body.

“Let’s go. We need to get out of here first,” Lu Huaiyuan said, taking Jiang Taichu and flying quickly away with him. At the same time, he pulled an old, worn-out mech suit from his backpack—one they had stripped from a foe earlier.

He helped Jiang Taichu into the aged mech and explained, “Taichu’s armor is badly damaged; its energy is leaking madly. This old suit will keep his oxygen supply safe.”

“Damn it, that guy just ran off—no idea what happened,” Tang Yu muttered.

“Number 71. We’ll deal with him when we get back,” Lu Changqing said coldly.

The four of them flew swiftly ahead. By skirting the mountain peaks, they avoided the earth beasts and remained safe.

Half an hour later, a golden light shone in the distance. A voice came through the comms: “This is the Earth Corporation’s fully automatic Mountain Patroller, serial number 9532, on rescue duty. If you receive this, please respond.”

“Is this for real?” The three glanced at Lu Huaiyuan, not answering right away.

“He’s coming this way—it should be genuine,” Lu Huaiyuan said, watching the golden light approach. In a flash, a streak of gold crossed the sky, leaving a long, shining arc behind.

In an instant, the machine arrived a hundred meters in front of them. Two beams of gold shot from the mech’s eyes, enveloping the group as a cold, mechanical voice declared, “Employee soul signature detected. Injury confirmed. Switching to transport mode.”

The fully automated Mountain Patroller transformed into an aircraft in the blink of an eye.

The four sighed in relief, carrying Jiang Taichu into the cabin.

The indifferent voice spoke again: “I’ll take you to the Star Hall. You may then leave Earth Star One. There are Life mechs outside to provide treatment.”

“Thank you,” Lu Huaiyuan replied, finally able to relax.

The automated mech flew at full power, reaching speeds of two to three thousand kilometers per hour.

Half an hour later, the Mountain Patroller landed and opened its hatch.

Carrying Jiang Taichu, the four entered the Star Hall, where many employees were already gathering to pass through the Heavenly Gate.

“Make way! We have an injured man!” Lu Huaiyuan called loudly over the comms.

“Injured first,” announced a Mountain Patroller mech.

The people in line quickly stepped aside.

Lu Huaiyuan carried Jiang Taichu through the Heavenly Gate, while Tang Yu and the others queued outside.

Crossing the Heavenly Gate, they returned to the underground Star Hall, where five azure mechs, exuding the power of creation, were tending to the wounded.

Lu Huaiyuan laid Jiang Taichu down. Azure light enveloped him as the cold voice reported, “Injuries not severe, but sustained. Take him upstairs to a Level One Life Pod.”

“Understood,” Lu Huaiyuan replied, carrying Jiang Taichu to the elevator.

The Level One Life Pod, produced by the Nuwa Life Research Institute, was a recuperation capsule—if one wasn’t dead yet, it could keep them alive, so long as they were below the first stage of Qi Refinement.

The ward was already filled with people, but there were still many pods available. Automated mechs moved among the beds, caring for the injured.

Once Jiang Taichu was inside the Life Pod, Lu Huaiyuan waited outside.

A dense vitality flooded Jiang Taichu’s body, calming his surging blood and restless energy.

The pure earth energy within him rampaged, damaging flesh, bone, and his internal organs.

Such destruction would have been fatal for any other body cultivator. But with the blessing of the True Lord of Clear Source and Subtle Path, his recovery was dramatically enhanced—the damage was insignificant.

Now, with the Life Pod continuously infusing him with energy, recovery easily outpaced any harm.

Stimulated by this potent life force, his flesh, bones, and organs underwent a baptism, beginning to merge with the energy.

Jiang Taichu’s consciousness was in a strange state. He could sense his body clearly, even direct his essence to circulate the Subtle Path Body Refinement Technique, though he could not yet awaken.

His mind was filled with intersecting lines—the veins of the earth—and he stood at their intersection.

He was now, like the Earth’s Core Light before, the center of these veins, receiving their nurturing.

He gazed quietly at the patterns, unsure how much time passed—it felt both instant and like several days.

Suddenly, the Creation Jade Plate vibrated, and new knowledge poured into his mind: Geomancy—Perception of Metal and Earth Particles!

Geomancy: Stand upon the earth to become the center of the earth veins, observe their flow, and seek treasures hidden in mountains and land.

His mountain-viewing skill had evolved, transforming into Geomancy!

He now understood why he saw himself at the intersection of earth veins, like a treasure.

Geomancy allowed him to sense the trends and changes of the earth veins with himself as the center—not limited to mountaintops, but all the great land and mountains.

Perception of Metal and Earth Spirit Particles: The ability to observe the transformation of metal and earth particles in the world.

Spirit particle perception was an ability possessed only by true cultivators upon entering Qi Refinement.

He had not expected to already possess it!

Spirit particle radar also worked through perception of these particles.

Did this mean he now had a similar ability?

He calmed his mind, focusing on his two new skills while running his cultivation method.

With the Subtle Path Body Refinement Technique, his flesh, bones, and organs eagerly absorbed the pure energy within.

His aura grew steadily stronger.

As he refined the last trace of energy, his consciousness returned fully, and he opened his eyes.

The Life Pod’s protective cover opened. Jiang Taichu sat up, dazedly looking around.

An azure mech approached. “Employee Jiang Taichu, your injuries have healed. Please vacate the Life Pod for other patients.”

“Life Pod? I’ll get out right away,” Jiang Taichu replied, stepping out.

Lu Huaiyuan and the others waited by the door. Seeing him return, they hurried over. “Are you alright?”

“I’m fine,” Jiang Taichu replied with a smile. “Just a minor accident.”

He lifted his hand, feeling the surging power within him.

He checked his condition: Internal cultivation—90.5%!

True Lord of Clear Source and Subtle Path: 0.2%, body strength +150%, Subtle Path method cultivation +150%.

Earth Armor: 70.2%, defense, true energy +70.2%, skills: Geomancy, Metal and Earth Particle Perception.

Firearms: 80.6%, firearm proficiency.

A comprehensive improvement!

His mind was more agile, thoughts sharper, and his body’s defense and strength even more formidable.

The Earth’s Core Light was truly a priceless treasure; even a slight fluctuation had brought him such tremendous advancement!

“That damn Number 71—I tracked him down. He works on Earth Star Twelve, but he’s already run home,” Tang Yu said angrily. “When we get out, we’ll hunt that bastard down.”

“How’s Earth Star One?” Jiang Taichu asked, glancing at the time. It was already the afternoon of the next day.

“Everyone’s been evacuated, and the earth beasts have been suppressed. We’ll have to wait for the company’s official report for details,” Zhang Jing replied. “Supervisor Yang stopped by and said when you woke up, to see him in the third-floor office.”

“Alright, I’ll head over now,” Jiang Taichu said.