Translator: AnubisTL
Inside the Stellaris train, Chen Mang sat before the control panel, silently observing his surroundings. Everything around him seemed both rare and unfamiliar, like fragments of the Dream Realm come to life.
The crowd was dense.
Trains and various vehicles occasionally passed along the highway.
It looked like a scene from Cyber Immortal Cultivation.
Foundation Establishment cultivators soaring on swords blended seamlessly with the neon-lit cityscape, their presence unobtrusive.
The train had stopped in the outskirts.
A large number of train conductors and their entourages disembarked, forming lines to enter the city.
The Cultivation World was undoubtedly a novel experience, but it also carried inherent dangers. Many train conductors had prepared thoroughly: some were followed by armed robots, others by cold-faced attendants wielding heavy weapons, and a few even brought along two mechs.
As for Chen Mang, he stood in the queue, wearing only a hat, Xiao Lu cradled in his arms, and trailed by Zhang Yi, Zhang Er, and Old Pig. They looked utterly harmless.
But it could basically guarantee absolute safety.
Soon, they entered the city.
Zhang Qiudao, the Third Elder of the Venomous Serpent Sect and the appointed manager of the "Cultivation Civilization" trade market, now served as their tour guide, beginning his introductions.
The scene after entering the city was particularly bizarre.
For example, the nearest shop, the "Mechanical Magical Artifact Shop," was filled with dazzling flying swords. However, these flying swords had a strong science fiction aesthetic, and many even continuously flashed with vibrant colors, creating a dazzling display.
"That's a shop opened by another civilization," Zhang Qiudao explained. "These flying swords are made using technology, which makes their flight more spectacular, with many special effects. They look impressive, but they can't be refined in the Dantian, so their power doesn't compare to those crafted by Artifact Refiners in the Cultivation World. Generally, they're bought by Young Masters as toys."
There were many shops around.
Each shop sold remarkably unique goods.
The streets were crowded with people.
As Chen Mang walked along, his eyes were dazzled by the sights. He spent several million units of iron ore on some interesting toys, planning to keep them on the Stellaris train for future enjoyment.
While I'm at it, I should give Qi Kexiu some inspiration. If we could convert some of these toys into accessories, the overpowered effect of upgrading them would definitely be fascinating.
Just then—
A sudden cry rang out beside him: "Let me go!"
Chen Mang turned around and saw a young woman in a long dress being held aloft by Zhang Yi and Zhang Er. Her legs kicked weakly in the air.
"Lord Mang," Zhang Yi grumbled, "this woman just rushed over from the side."
Before Chen Mang could respond, a group of middle-aged men in black robes, each wearing a bizarre mask, appeared behind them. Leading them was a man with a long sword, his sinister gaze fixed on Chen Mang.
"Kid, I advise you not to meddle. Hand her over."
"Otherwise..."
"You'll die a gruesome death."
The woman, still suspended between Zhang Yi and Zhang Er, struggled to point a trembling finger at Chen Mang. She glared at the pursuing group and shouted, "He's the lover I spoke of! I've been bound to this young master for a long time! Tell your Young Master Li that I'll never yield!"
The woman then turned to Chen Mang, her face a picture of pitiful distress, her voice trembling on the verge of tears.
"Please help me," she whispered.
Chen Mang glanced at the woman suspended between Zhang Yi and Zhang Er, then at the group of black-clad pursuers. With a soft sigh, he turned and continued walking forward. "Toss her aside. Where did this tigress come from?"
"Zhou Shen."
"This city doesn't seem very safe. These people are quite brazen, holding weapons and intercepting people in broad daylight."
As his words faded, Zhang Yi and Zhang Er released their grip, dropping the woman to the ground. They quickly caught up to Lord Mang.
Without looking back, the group vanished down the street.
The woman sat on the ground, watching Chen Mang and his companions disappear. A flicker of bewilderment crossed her eyes as she pulled out a copper mirror and checked her reflection. Have I grown old? she wondered. Am I no longer attractive?
Behind her, the black-clad pursuers stood frozen, exchanging bewildered glances.
The middle-aged man leading them approached the woman, scratching the back of his head. "Shall we move on to the next one?"
"Uh..."
Zhou Shen, walking beside Chen Mang, hesitated for a moment before explaining, "That was likely a staged skit. I don't visit Central Continent City often, but I know the Cultural Tourism Bureau has set up many such interactive dramas here."
"They're designed to let visitors experience the conflicts and struggles of the Cultivation World firsthand."
"That scene earlier was probably a 'hero rescues a damsel in distress' scenario. If you had intervened, Lord Mang, it would have triggered the next part of the story."
"That wasn't a 'hero rescues a damsel in distress' scenario," Chen Mang corrected, his voice calm as he walked ahead, cane tapping against the ground. "A true 'hero rescues a damsel in distress' is when I take the initiative to help. When someone seeks me out, that's called 'luring trouble onto others'—clearly harboring ulterior motives."
"For example—"
"Now this is my moment to be the hero."
He stopped, his gaze turning toward a commotion in an alleyway.
Inside the alley, several middle-aged men were cornering a young woman. The elderly man leading them spoke in a deceptively gentle tone, each word a barb: "Hand over the authority. Your father is dead, and you can't possibly control such a massive entity like Jimei Tourism Company alone."
"While your father was alive, I served as train conductor for seventy-eight years, his most trusted confidant. On his deathbed, he entrusted me to look after you."
"But—"
"You're still young and lack the means to protect yourself. Many are eyeing the juicy morsel in your hands. If you entrust the Train Conductor Authority to me, I can ensure you a lifetime of luxury and security. You can continue being the pampered miss you've always been, without a single worry."
"If you delay any longer, others might act recklessly. Their methods won't be as gentle as mine. Who knows what they might do?"
The young woman, trapped in the center of a group of burly men, was only 155 centimeters tall. Her back pressed against the wall, she shrank into the corner, clutching her plush doll and looking up at the old man—a man both familiar and distant. Her voice trembled with tears as she pleaded, "Uncle Wang... You were always so kind to me. Why? Why?"
"This was left to me by my father..."
"You used to say you'd never want to be more than a deputy train conductor, that you knew you weren't capable of being the train conductor. Why?"
The girl's words stirred even the old man, eliciting a soft sigh. "Things were different back then. This is the present."
"It's precisely because this company was left to me by my father that I've devoted so much effort to it. I can't bear to see it fall into ruin under your leadership. I want to see it prosper and grow."
"Besides..."
"All the brothers who've followed me... Even if I didn't want to vie for the position of train conductor, they wouldn't accept it."
"At the very least, speak plainly."
"Search the entire universe—can you find a single deputy train conductor who would never aspire to become a train conductor?!"
The words had barely left his lips when...
"I dare say it!"
Old Pig, standing at the alley entrance, interrupted Lord Mang before he could respond, his face twisting in displeasure as he enunciated each word slowly: "Old Dog, if you can't achieve something yourself, don't claim others can't either!"
"I, Old Pig, have never even entertained the thought of becoming a train conductor!"
"Those who betray their trust deserve a hundred deaths."
Normally, Lord Mang hadn't finished speaking, and it wasn't Old Pig's turn to speak. But his words were so cutting that he could clearly see the strange look Biaozi was giving him. He had no choice but to speak.
This bastard was practically handing him a knife.
Lord Mang didn't have children yet. But if he ever did, and if he remembered this incident one day, he might order Old Pig's execution to secure his son's succession.
"Who are you?"
The old man turned to face the unwelcome visitors at the alley entrance, his brows furrowing slightly. "We're discussing private matters. Please step aside."
"How fortunate."
Standing at the alley entrance, Chen Mang lowered his head to light a cigarette. Then, gazing into the dimly lit alley, he remarked wistfully, "If a city had no such dark alleys, you might not even have a place to hold private conversations."
"Even if you want to bully someone, couldn't you find a private room or a hidden spot? You had to choose a place like this alley, as if you're hoping to be discovered."
"I'm a naturally kind person. I can't stand watching you bully others."
"I'm saving this woman."
He glanced at the woman curled up in the corner and beckoned with a smile. "Come here."
The woman glared at Chen Mang, gritted her teeth, hesitated briefly, then circled the old man and jogged toward Chen Mang, stopping obediently behind him with a trace of panic in her eyes.
In this world, a defenseless woman carrying a large sum of money was practically synonymous with misfortune. She would inevitably be devoured, the only question being how.
The old man raised a hand to stop his subordinate from cursing, studying Chen Mang and his companions. Suddenly, he chuckled. "Heroes who save damsels in distress are rare these days."
"But you might be mistaken."
"We're not the bad guys. I watched her grow up. Why would I harm her?"
"As for you gentlemen..."
"You seem to have a remarkable presence. What line of work are you in? Introduce yourselves."
Chen Mang flashed a row of neat, white teeth in a warm smile. "Have you heard of the Cosmic Pirate, Harlock?"
"I've heard of him."
"Good."
Chen Mang didn't bother correcting the old man. He'd just made up the name on the spot; it would be a miracle if anyone had actually heard of him. He turned to the girl behind him, whose eyes held a trace of panic, and said with a reassuring smile, "Come on, brother will take you to get something to eat. This world might not be the best place for you."
"..."
The old man watched Chen Mang and the others walk away, his expression shifting like the weather. He couldn't quite grasp their backgrounds and didn't dare act rashly. He murmured to someone nearby, "San Mao, follow them and see where they go. I'll go report to Young Master Li."
"Yes."
Cultivation Civilization, Central Continent City.
Inside a towering commercial complex of 108 floors, Chen Mang and the others sat by a window on the 98th floor, gazing at the array of exquisite dishes as the server introduced each one.
This was one of the city's finer restaurants, operated by the Sword Sect, one of the Five Great Sects. The menu featured meat from spirit beasts, tender and melt-in-your-mouth, with a unique flavor rarely found on other planets.
"Not bad."
Chen Mang picked up a piece of meat, dripping with sauce, and popped it into his mouth. His eyebrows arched slightly as he savored the unique flavor. The meat melted in his mouth, requiring no chewing, its rich, sweet taste lingering on his tongue. After swallowing, a warm, comforting sensation spread through his stomach.
But the drawbacks were equally apparent.
There was no satisfying chew, and it was overly sweet.
It was fine for an occasional treat, but not suitable for regular consumption. Compared to this, he much preferred Xiao Fang's scallion oil noodles.
"Before we leave, remind me to grab some Spirit Beasts to keep on the train," Chen Mang casually instructed, gazing out the window at the passing scenery.
At that moment—
The girl across from him, who hadn't touched her chopsticks the entire meal, looked uneasy. She hesitantly asked, "Since everyone calls you Lord Mang, I'll call you that too. Thank you for your help. Can I leave now? I'll repay you if I have the chance."
"Absolutely not."
Chen Mang continued to watch the cityscape below, his tone indifferent. "I almost forgot to tell you: I'm not a hero, just an ordinary person. Rescuing you comes with a price."
"I already have someone I love," the girl blurted out.
"..."
Chen Mang tilted his head, his expression slightly peculiar as he looked at the girl across the table. "In your eyes, is your body more valuable than Jimei Tourism Company? Tell me, how much profit does your father's company make each year? I'm genuinely curious."
As his words hung in the air, the girl's expression shifted. She leaned back in her chair, her gaze fixed intently on Chen Mang as she enunciated each word: "So, you're here for the company too?"
"Enough with the small talk," Chen Mang retorted with an exasperated sigh. "In this world, everyone has a value to others, and the only value you can offer is your father's company."
"What's so strange about approaching you for the company?"
"Be blunt."
"Though we haven't interacted much, it's clear you haven't cultivated loyal subordinates or developed any real strategies. You're nothing but a naive fool. You'll never protect your father's company. You'd be better off selling it for a good price."
"At least—"
"If you sell it to me, you can still sit in the boss's chair. The company will still bear your name, and I'll help expand it. I only want the majority of the profits."
"But..."
"What did that guy mean earlier about 'authority'? Is that train conductor authority? Does Jimei Tourism Company only have one train?"
The young woman sat in her chair, gazing at the blunt man before her. Her eyes reddened, and tears slid down her cheeks.
When her father was alive, no one had ever spoken to her like this. Everyone had been kind to her.
Why?
Why had everyone changed after her father's death? Why were they all pressuring her?
All she wanted was to peacefully manage the company her father left behind. What was wrong with that?
She wiped the tears from the corners of her eyes, steeling herself.
"It's about the authority to that train. Jimei Tourism Company only owns one luxury train; the rest are hired security trains."
"The database of the Train AI on that train contains much of what my father left behind: company ledgers, networking connections, various data sets. Without this information, the company can't function properly."
"As long as I don't transfer the Train Conductor Authority, no one can access this data."
"Even under torture, I won't yield. I'll never give in."
"Is that so?" Chen Mang's expression turned slightly peculiar. "You think you can withstand torture? Are you underestimating the power of torture, or overestimating your own willpower? Even I might not endure it. Are you truly certain you can?"
"Would you survive being placed in the medical bay and enduring forty-nine days of torture?"
"Could you withstand a needle piercing your fingernail?"
"Would you endure having a urinary catheter inserted and then being forced to drink mustard water?"
"Could you handle having your skull opened and being forced to eat your own brain?"
With each question, the girl's face paled further. She had initially thought she had finally encountered a fairy-tale hero to rescue her, only to realize she had escaped the wolf's jaws only to fall into the tiger's claws. Finally, on the verge of breaking down, she covered her face and wailed.
"You're all bad people!"
"You and Uncle Wang are both bad people! How can such wicked people exist in this world?!"
"Bad people?"
Chen Mang's eyes twinkled with amusement as he lifted his teacup and gazed out the window, his voice tinged with nostalgia. "It's been a long time since I've met someone so naive. I may not be a saint, but your Uncle Wang is truly a good man."
"To have served as your father's deputy train conductor for seventy-eight years—his competence and loyalty are as clear as day."
"After your father's death..."
"He merely contested your authority. He tried to reason with you calmly, rather than resorting to the brutal methods I described earlier to seize power outright."
"From beginning to end, he's never harmed you, has he?"
"If even that doesn't make him a good person, then are there any good people in this world?"
"He's only seizing power because he thinks you're incompetent. If you had any ability at all, you could have consolidated your father's former subordinates after his death with decisive force—cracking down on those who needed discipline and winning over those who needed persuasion—while cultivating your own loyalists."
"He would seize power?"
"No, it's just that you can't control him. You can't expect someone you can't control to remain loyal to you; that's unrealistic in itself."
"As long as you demonstrated some competence, your Uncle Wang would undoubtedly support you just as he did your father."
"But you lack that."
"When faced with problems, you don't think; you just look for a solution."
"And that solution is crying."
"As if shedding tears alone could resolve everything."
Meanwhile—
The elderly man who had arrived with his entourage and Young Master Li to cause a scene stood just behind Chen Mang and the others, having overheard this exchange before he could speak. He froze in place, his eyes welling up with tears that glistened in his gaze.
Finally, someone understood him.
He wasn't trying to seize power; he simply knew that Miss's temperament would inevitably ruin the company. He couldn't bear to see Master's legacy squandered.
He had tried to support Miss, but she cared nothing for consequences. She wanted to use all the company's funds to put a bounty on the pirate who killed Master—a completely unrealistic plan.
His subordinates were losing heart, forcing him to take control.
Yet he never expected that the person who understood him best would be this man he'd met only once, someone who knew nothing of his story. How did he guess so much?
How could he possibly demand an apology now?
This was a kindred spirit!
Just then—
A cold scoff came from behind the group. "I actually thought someone was coming to the rescue. Turns out we just both had our eyes on the same prize."
"Let me introduce myself."
"I am Li Taiping, eldest son of the current Civilization Leader of the Great Onion Civilization.
"In case you're unaware of our civilization's strength, let me inform you: the Great Onion Civilization possesses over a thousand advanced mechanical trains. Among all civilizations in the 27th Galaxy, our power ranks among the top."
Hearing a voice behind him, Chen Mang turned around and saw the same group of people standing behind a young man. Upon noticing the large green onion on the young man's head, they nodded thoughtfully. "The Great Onion Civilization, I've heard of it. Easy to recognize."
"How do you propose to handle this?" the young man asked. "Draw the line."
"A duel," the young man declared, his voice cold and measured. "Let me make this clear: the Jimei Tourism Company is a crucial piece of my plan. I intend to use it as a springboard to build a major travel company and turn the Great Onion Civilization into a premier tourist destination!"
"This is the achievement I must attain."
"Therefore, I will do whatever it takes to secure this company."
"What kind of duel?" Chen Mang asked.
"A life-or-death battle," the young man replied, his gaze lingering on Xiao Lu in Chen Mang's arms. "If I'm not mistaken, that's your Cosmic Behemoth, isn't it?"
"Someone who can afford a Cosmic Behemoth is clearly no ordinary person. Conveniently, I also have one."
"Let our beasts fight to the death. Whichever wins gets the meat. How about it?"
"That's not fair," Chen Mang said, looking down at Xiao Lu in his arms. "He's not even fully grown. He's still nursing and not old enough for such a fight."
"Too scared to admit defeat?" the young man taunted.
Chen Mang couldn't help but chuckle. "Then let's give it a try?"
"Alright, I'll secure the venue."
In the Cultivation Civilization, within Central Continent City, a stadium had been reserved for a special event.
On the football field, two Cosmic Behemoths stood facing each other from opposite ends.
On the left was a massive Star-Treading Sword Tiger, over ten meters tall and dozens of meters long. It looked with disdain at the small green ball nearby, its tail lashing through the air and creating sharp sonic booms.
On the right was... a seemingly harmless and incredibly adorable fluffy creature, its pale green fur making it look like a plush toy.
"This match was never in doubt from the start," Young Master Li chuckled smugly from his seat in the stands. "I forgot to mention that my Cosmic Behemoth has already passed its juvenile stage and has fully matured. It's a force capable of wreaking havoc across the cosmos."
"D-rank potential Cosmic Behemoth, the Star-Treading Sword Tiger."
"It does seem rather unfair."
"You can still back out now. Just admit defeat. Raising a Cosmic Behemoth requires immense dedication and emotional investment. Better to avoid a pointless death and spare yourself the heartache."
"It's no problem," Chen Mang said, a hint of melancholy in his voice. "There's really no suspense here. If I remember correctly, a D-rank potential Star-Treading Sword Tiger reaches Tier 30 upon adulthood, with Tier 30 attack strength and defense."
"Furthermore, with the Cosmic Behemoth function obtained when the train reaches Tier 18..."
"...you can incubate this behemoth."
"However, the success rate is only 0.0007%. Looks like you're quite lucky?"
"My luck has always been exceptional," Young Master Li declared from his seat on the dais, letting out a hearty laugh. "It seems you have some confidence. Then let's see what you're made of!"
Behind him, the elderly man wore a conflicted expression. Young Master Li had promised to help him seize power and expand his company, and the young man had proven both capable and trustworthy. After spending some time together, the elder felt quite positive about the arrangement.
Originally, he had been certain he wanted Young Master Li to win.
But now...
He found himself hoping Chen Mang would triumph. After all, Chen Mang truly understood him. Though he initially felt guilty, Chen Mang's words had shattered his mental defenses, leaving him with an overwhelming urge to kneel in submission.
His loyalties were beginning to waver.
The girl sitting nearby, her eyes red and puffy from silent tears, felt utterly lost. To her, everyone around her seemed like villains, devoid of any good.
Meanwhile, Young Master Li's attendants cheered excitedly, pumping their fists and shouting, "Go! Go! Rip that Little Big Nose to shreds!"
Old Pig and the others exchanged glances, remaining silent. They knew too much. Xiao Lu might not look impressive, but he was actually Tier 100.
A Tier 100 fighter against a Tier 30 opponent?
What suspense was there?
Lord Mang was bullying someone again, but they secretly enjoyed it.
The four newcomers to the Stellaris—Zhou Shen, Qiu Yisao, Zhang Qiudao, and Qi Kexiu—were unaware of Xiao Lu's true capabilities. Sitting on the viewing platform, they secretly clenched their fists, silently cheering him on.
Then—
The starting gun fired.
The duel began!
"ROAR!!!"
The Star-Treading Sword Tiger roared furiously, its roar so powerful it felt like a knife-edged wind slammed into the spectators. Without holding back, it lowered its body and shot forward like a meteor, hurtling toward Xiao Lu!
Its eyes burned with bloodlust and excitement.
In the blink of an eye, the dozens of meters between them vanished.
The Star-Treading Sword Tiger raised its massive paw high in the air, then slammed it down towards Xiao Lu with devastating force!
Boom!
A deafening explosion shook the earth violently, leaving a massive crater in the center of the stadium. The Star-Treading Sword Tiger sat proudly in place, its chest puffed out, but Xiao Lu had vanished without a trace.
The battle was over.
"The victor is clear," Young Master Li said, his expression somewhat wistful. "By the rules, this meat belongs to me. So, please refrain from interfering further. As the son of the current Leader of the Great Onion Civilization, I still wield some military authority."
Zhou Shen and the others nearby remained silent, their expressions complex. They were certain this wasn't the end. Though they hadn't known Lord Mang long, they knew he wasn't one to make futile efforts. If he'd judged he couldn't win from the start, he would have simply brought his train over instead of agreeing to this duel. Lord Mang wasn't one to gamble unless he was certain of victory.
Just then...
The Star-Treading Sword Tiger, nestled deep in the pit, suddenly lowered its head in bewilderment, gazing at its own tiger claws.
Then, in the next instant—
The ground began to tremble violently.
Boom! Rumble! Rumble!
The entire stadium floor rapidly collapsed as a massive, gaping maw engulfed the entire stadium, swallowing all the soil along with the Star-Treading Sword Tiger in a single blink.
The football field in the stadium had vanished.
All that remained was a colossal green, hairy monster suspended in mid-air within the stadium, nearly filling the entire space.
The spectators in the stands could almost touch it.
"This... this!!"
Young Master Li shot to his feet, his eyes bloodshot as he roared, "No!!! A'Hu, A'Hu!!! Break through the stomach, burst out, get out!!!"
"No..."
Realizing what had happened, Young Master Li fell to his knees, covering his face and wailing miserably. "No!"
"Sigh."
Chen Mang lowered his head with a weary sigh, lit a cigarette, and brought it to his lips, gently massaging his temples. "Is this some kind of custom? Even a grown man like you, crying at the drop of a hat?"
"Didn't you say it would be a life-or-death duel?"
"Did you ever think about death, or only survival?"
After a long pause, Young Master Li stepped forward to restrain his furious attendant, who was about to attack. With bloodshot eyes, he turned to Chen Mang and said slowly, each word hoarse and deliberate, "As per our agreement, you may have this meat. I won't appear again."
"From now on, our paths won't cross. Farewell!"
He turned to leave, but grief overwhelmed him, causing him to stumble. Supported by his attendant, he prepared to depart.
"Wait."
Chen Mang snapped his fingers. Xiao Lu, who had previously filled the entire stadium, gradually shrank in size. He opened his blood-red maw and spat out a normal-sized Star-Treading Giant Tiger, battered and bleeding, yet still clinging to life.
"It's still alive. I spared it for you."
"Raising a Cosmic Behemoth isn't easy. There's no need for death over such a minor conflict."
"However, it's too weak and severely injured. If you trust me, I'll have someone take it for treatment."
Young Master Li, who had already turned to leave, glanced at the Star-Treading Sword Tiger Xiao Lu had just spat out. A flicker of hope crossed his pained expression, and he blurted out urgently, his voice trembling, "Are you faster than me? My people can reach my train from here in just thirteen minutes!"
"I'm much faster than you," Chen Mang said, waving his hand dismissively.
Immediately, Zhang Yi leaped from the viewing platform, hoisting the refrigerator onto his shoulders. He swiftly slung the Star-Treading Sword Tiger, which had been tossed onto the platform, over his shoulder and strode into the refrigerator.
By now, the Star-Treading Sword Tiger had reverted to its normal form.
Young Master Li made no move to stop him, watching anxiously. He hadn't expected Chen Mang to spare his Cosmic Behemoth, especially since they had initially agreed to a life-or-death battle. Having regained what he had lost, he naturally couldn't help but trust Chen Mang.
After a deep breath, Young Master Li looked at Chen Mang, his eyes reddening, and spoke slowly:
"I heard your subordinates call you Lord Mang."
"Lord Mang."
"I'll call you that too."
"Thank you for sparing A'Hu. I never expected this. I withdraw completely from this competition, and I believe we can become friends. If you ever need anything in the future, just let me know. If you ever visit the Great Onion Civilization, I'll smooth the way for you. As long as you don't rebel, you can do whatever you want."
"Don't rush," Chen Mang said, lighting another cigarette and exhaling a sigh. "Tell me, why couldn't you all have sat down and talked peacefully from the start? Why all the fighting and killing? I've always believed in peace."
"And—"
"There's no competition between us."
"Your primary goal is to develop the tourism industry on the planets of the Great Onion Civilization, and you need to control a travel company, correct?"
"Yes."
He turned to the girl beside him. "Your goal is to continue being the boss, to carry on your father's legacy, isn't it?"
"And..." her voice trembled. "And to avenge my father, no matter the cost."
"Good."
Chen Mang nodded and looked at the old man beside him. "As the second-in-command, your goal should also be to make Jimei Tourism Company grow stronger and more prosperous, ensuring that the old brothers who followed your original owner have food to eat and a future to strive for, right?"
The old man nodded vigorously, like a chick pecking at grain.
"Exactly. Our goals don't conflict at all. My goal is simply to have another means of accumulating wealth—I want the majority of the profits."
"In that case, the four of us can cooperate completely."
"We'll grow this company together, making it stronger and more prosperous. Those who need to promote the Great Onion Civilization's tourism industry will focus on that; those who need to make money will focus on that; those who need to avenge their father will focus on that; and those who need to grow the company will focus on that."
"As long as everyone maintains their own goals."
"As long as no one covets another's profits, wouldn't this collaboration be a perfect match?"
"..."
Young Master Li and the others exchanged glances, their eyes reflecting mutual bewilderment. After a long pause, Young Master Li frowned slightly and said, "Lord Mang, what you say makes sense, but logically, if I'm trying to seize her company, shouldn't we be direct rivals?"
"Our goals don't conflict. Why would we be rivals?"
"Because I'm trying to take her down."
"If you don't take her down, will someone else not do it?"
"They will."
"Exactly! So isn't she already at odds with everyone?"
Chen Mang patiently guided him, "In this world..."
Ten minutes later.
Young Master Li stood in place, his face flushed with excitement, his tears replaced by a grin. "Lord Mang, I've learned so much from you today! Father has always favored my younger brother's abilities, but if I can develop the Great Onion Civilization's tourism industry, he'll surely see me in a new light!"
The girl also clenched her fist, her eyes shining with determination.
"As long as I can avenge my father, I'll transfer the authority to you immediately."
The old man rose and followed behind, bowing slightly.
"I will continue to wholeheartedly support the Jimei Tourism Group."
"See?" Chen Mang said, sitting on the dais and watching the group with a smile. "Isn't this a harmonious conclusion?"
"Not bad," someone replied.
"Alright, young lady," Chen Mang continued, turning to the girl. "Now you can tell us: what is the annual profit of the Jimei Tourism Group?"
"After my father's passing, the profits have been steadily decreasing. Now, it's roughly 10 billion units of iron ore per year."
"That's all?" Chen Mang frowned. "Not even enough to fill a toothache. Doesn't your train charge 240 billion per trip?"
"We only run one trip a year. Finding clients is difficult, and competition from other companies is intense."
"Don't worry. Give me some time, and I'll clean out your competitors for you."
"How will you 'clean' them out?"
"Physically."
He then turned his gaze to Young Master Li. "A travel company this small... is it really worth the personal effort of the eldest son of a Civilization Leader? And after all this, you still haven't secured it?"
Young Master Li glanced around awkwardly. "Other companies have powerful backers. I was worried that making a big fuss might backfire, so I figured this smaller company would be easier to handle."
"Don't worry about it. Leave it to me."
"Right, someone gather all the details about your Master's murder. I'll see if I can track down the culprit."
"Any names?"
"Let's see... 'Philia Pirate Group.' That sounds familiar."
Zhou Shen whispered from the side, "That's the same Philia Pirate Group that's been making waves in the 27th Galaxy recently. They migrated from another galaxy and are ranked 23rd on the Kasha Civilization Federation's Bounty Board."
"They sound formidable."
"Don't worry. I'll take care of it."
Chen Mang smiled warmly at the group. "Then we'll meet again after I've dealt with the Philia Pirate Group. We can discuss how to grow our power and become the strongest."
Just then—
The refrigerator door below swung open, and Zhang Yi emerged, slinging the Star-Treading Sword Tiger over his shoulder.
The Star-Treading Sword Tiger was nothing like its initial imposing self. Tail between its legs, it scurried behind Young Master Li, tugging relentlessly at the hem of his clothes with its mouth, its eyes wide with terror as it glanced at Xiao Lu nearby. It seemed desperate for its master to flee this dangerous place.
"My apologies."
Young Master Li patted A'Hu's head with a hint of amusement, then, noticing its pathetic state, muttered awkwardly, "This is the first time he's been scared like this."
"It's alright."
Chen Mang waved dismissively with a grin. "I'll be off. You've got some matters to attend to here, right? Next time, get a Cosmic Behemoth with high potential. Low-potential ones mature quickly, but they're weak even as adults."
"Cosmic Behemoths are meant to battle across the vast cosmos, after all."
"A single slap only leaves a pit."
"That's too weak. Look at mine—it's much fiercer."
"Next time, get a better one. I'm outta here."
With that, Chen Mang departed the Stadium without lingering, accompanied by Old Pig and the others.
"What a truly remarkable man," Young Master Li murmured, watching Chen Mang's retreating figure. He had encountered many people in his life, but none were like Chen Mang—someone who always left himself an escape route, refusing to paint himself into a corner, always keeping his options open.
Moreover, his manner was as refreshing as a spring breeze, making conversation with him a delightful experience.
And utterly enigmatic.
The Philia Sea Island Group was a formidable organization, its operations so elusive and unpredictable that they bordered on the supernatural. Yet Chen Mang had casually declared he would handle the matter, his capabilities unfathomable.
But...
Young Master Li couldn't quite grasp what Chen Mang had meant before leaving: "There are still some matters here that require your attention." What matters could that possibly refer to?
Just then—
A staff member approached with a warm smile, offering a bill. "Thank you for sponsoring the private event, Young Master Li. Here's the stadium repair invoice for your review."
"..."
Young Master Li froze momentarily, staring at the long string of numbers on the bill, then at the bottomless pit gouged into the stadium floor. After a prolonged silence, he rasped hoarsely:
"How... how expensive?"
"It's quite costly. We just calculated the depth—it's hundreds of meters. Re-filling the pit and repairing the foundation will be expensive."
"Fights at this level... maybe next time we should move them to the wilderness, or announce them in advance and sell tickets, or even take bets."
(End of the Chapter)
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