Translator: AnubisTL
"..."
Chen Mang glanced at the Doppler Radar, intending to keep a low profile. However, the sudden appearance of the Heavenly Palace had disrupted his plans. Alarms were now blaring throughout the Mediocre Civilization.
The sudden appearance of such a massive structure within their territory, without any spatial fluctuations, would panic any civilization.
He shook his head, saying nothing.
He merely tossed out a mining star, then teleported both the star and the Heavenly Palace into his Space Gate before vanishing from the spot.
He had no intention of attacking the Mediocre Civilization.
A Fifth-Tier Civilization?
How many resources could they possibly possess?
His appetite had grown exponentially, especially after obtaining 10.6 Foundation units of iron ore by annihilating a single Green Mountain Civilization military force. A Mediocre Civilization could no longer satisfy his hunger.
In the past...
From annihilating both the Good Cat Civilization and the Extreme Evil Civilization, he had obtained less than two Foundation units of iron ore. Yet a single convoy from the Green Mountain Civilization yielded more than five times that amount.
Advanced civilizations truly possess abundant resources.
If I could devour the entire Green Mountain Civilization, imagine the wealth I would acquire!
Concealed by the Radar Jammer, the Stellaris train vanished from the Mediocre Civilization's radar. Inside the locomotive cabin, Chen Mang sat gazing at the radar screen, which displayed the Mediocre Civilization's Political Mother Planet.
An idea gradually formed in his mind.
Since the Mediocre Civilization had submitted to the Green Mountain Civilization, they must possess a special communication channel with their overlords. Perhaps he could use this channel to bypass the Space Lockdown and infiltrate the Green Mountain Civilization's territory.
Soon—
Twenty-four hours passed. During this time, Chen Mang remained in his locomotive cabin, patiently waiting.
Finally, a panel slowly materialized on the train control panel screen.
[Racial talent extraction complete.]
[You have drawn the racial talent of the Sagittarius Clan. You will gain top-tier archery talent.]
In the next moment!
Chen Mang felt the panel dissolve into countless starlight particles that merged into his body. Immediately, he felt as if he possessed an innate archery talent. He even sensed that if he were given a bow right now, his current physical capabilities would allow him to kill an elephant with a single shot.
Impressive.
But...
It was useless!
This was a cosmic interstellar war! Being able to kill an elephant in such a conflict was less significant than crushing an ant.
For Chen Mang, the best racial talents weren't combat-oriented, but functional ones. Even the racial talent of the Goblin Clan would have been far superior to this Sagittarius Clan talent.
He pursed his lips, considering it a wasted opportunity.
Each person only had one chance to obtain a racial talent through this bread.
Still, it could have been worse.
At least there were no negative side effects. It could still be useful for hunting trips and daily outings.
He turned to Biaozi and the others. "What racial talents did you roll?"
Creating a Tier 500 Bread that grants a random racial talent for just 200 million units of iron ore was an absurdly low price. If he were willing to trade this item with other civilizations, the market would be enormous.
Buyers would flock to it endlessly.
The primary buyers wouldn't even be humans, but races that already possessed other racial talents. This would allow them to acquire two racial talents, and if those talents synergized, the result would be greater than the sum of its parts.
"Mine seems... okay," Old Pig said uncertainly. "I rolled the 'Divine Race' talent: Eternal Life."
"..."
"..."
The locomotive cabin fell into complete silence.
This was far beyond "okay."
Apart from the Human Clan, nearly every race possessed its own racial talent. Most had only one, but a few, like the Zerg—a Divine-tier Civilization—could even devour the racial talents of other races.
Then there was the divine race.
Created by the previous Cosmic Rules, this race lent its name to the God-Tier Civilization itself. They were the most powerful race in the history of the universe.
The divine race!
They possessed multiple racial talents, one of which was Eternal Life!
Even the current Cosmic Rules couldn't kill them, only seal them within black holes.
The only known entity capable of killing the divine race was that strand of hair within the train.
This was undoubtedly an S+ Tier racial talent.
"Uh..."
Old Pig glanced at the surrounding faces, feeling somewhat awkward. "To be honest, I'm not even sure myself. I haven't felt any changes in my body, and it all sounds too exaggerated, too unreal."
"In cultivation civilizations, only those who reach the highest level—the Immortal Emperor—can achieve true immortality."
"Am I really just... immortal now?"
Even Lord Mang hasn't achieved immortality yet. How could a mere deputy train conductor suddenly become immortal? My first reaction isn't joy, but terror!
This is going to cause trouble, isn't it?
For one thing, if Lord Mang dies, who will take over the reins of human civilization? It seems like only I can, since I can't die.
If I were Lord Mang, I'd be tempted to eliminate myself.
At that moment, Biaozi spoke up, his expression strange. "It's fortunate that according to the train rules, if Lord Mang is in danger, the entire train will instantly lose its master and cannot be inherited by anyone else. Otherwise, Trainmaster Zhu, you'd be in serious trouble."
"Right, right, that's how it works," Old Pig hurriedly nodded, having forgotten about that rule. He then glanced at Biaozi with gratitude, knowing Biaozi was trying to help him out of a tight spot.
"But you can try it now," Biaozi continued. "Stab yourself and see if you can die."
"Well..." Old Pig shrank back. "I'll try it later in the medical bay. It feels safer that way. What racial talent did you roll?"
"Wolf."
Biaozi took a deep breath, his expression serious. "The Wolf Emperor Clan's racial talent grants exponentially increasing speed, which can be further enhanced through physical cultivation. At its peak, it can approach the speed of light. They are a race that cultivates by absorbing the essence of the sun and moon, and I have inherited this cultivation talent."
"Lord Mang," he continued, "I request permission to move freely within the Stellaris's stellar compartments. I wish to contribute more to Lord Mang's efforts in the upcoming battles, shedding more blood for your cause."
"Granted," Chen Mang nodded with a faint smile.
This is quite a useful talent.
Absorbing the essence of the sun and moon...
If there's one thing the Stellaris has in abundance, it's suns and moons. Just keep absorbing slowly—there's an endless supply.
He listened to reports from various department heads in the locomotive cabin. The randomly assigned racial talents were all quite impressive. In comparison, Chen Mang's own racial talent seemed the most lackluster—completely useless to him, at least.
This Tier 500 Bread truly offers exceptional value!
For just 200 million units of iron ore.
It was through this experience that he realized the sheer diversity of races in the universe. While Train Civilization remained the dominant form of civilization, countless other forms flourished alongside it, as numerous as the hairs on an ox.
Perhaps, in the distant future...
The Train Civilization was no longer the dominant form of civilization; instead, a different civilization's model had become the mainstream.
The universe was constantly changing.
The Era was constantly advancing.
This process offered no warnings. Those who adapted survived; those who didn't perished.
After everyone else had retreated, Xiao Fang, who had been standing quietly in a corner, whispered, "Lord Mang, my randomly assigned racial talent is 'Fox Charm Clan.' Its effect is the Three Pure Transformations, allowing me to summon both my Past State and Future State simultaneously."
Before Lord Mang could respond, a faint spatial ripple suddenly materialized within the locomotive cabin.
Immediately afterward—
Two figures materialized in the cabin, both identical to Xiao Fang, bearing a seven-tenths resemblance to her.
The figure on the left was as tender as water, radiating youthful innocence. Every movement carried the unique shyness of adolescence, marked by futile attempts to conceal herself.
The figure on the right, however
He felt... as if he were destined to encounter these three states of Xiao Fang.
They seemed to appear everywhere he went.
But now wasn't the time for such musings.
He had tasted countless bowls of Xiao Fang's scallion oil noodles, but never Xiao Fang herself. She had once tried to seduce him, but he had rejected her. Perhaps because he had been so focused on work lately, never considering such matters, he now felt a stirring of desire.
In the next moment—
He sat back in his chair and spread his arms wide.
The Future State Xiao Fang, at her most alluring, swayed her hips as she approached.
The Present State Xiao Fang took a deep breath, finally suppressing her inner turmoil.
The Past State Xiao Fang, after much hesitation, slowly shuffled forward with bound feet.
An hour later, Chen Mang pulled up his pants, climbed off the bed, and sat back in his chair. He gazed wearily at the ceiling, a dazed look in his eyes, slowly lit a cigarette, and watched the smoke drift upward and dissipate.
This feeling... was unique.
Beyond words.
Xiao Fang's racial talent had no practical use. Unlike the cultivation civilizations where dual cultivation could enhance one's strength, this offered nothing tangible—no benefits, no enhancements, nothing but pure pleasure.
A pure indulgence.
But he had to admit, it was quite the indulgence.
Especially...
Especially...
Alright.
For some reason, perhaps due to his slightly dazed state, a jumble of thoughts suddenly flooded Chen Mang's mind. He even began to imagine how wonderful it would be if he possessed such a racial talent himself.
After a long silence, Chen Mang finally waved his hand gently. "Summon Yan Yao and Ji Chuchu."
"Yes, sir."
Soon, Yan Yao and Ji Chuchu, whom he hadn't seen in a while, arrived at the locomotive cabin. They were about to approach when Chen Mang waved his hand again, pointing to the bread on the nearby table. "Eat these two loaves of bread. Tomorrow, report to me what racial talents you've awakened."
Ji Chuchu, who had come wearing only a thin veil, paused slightly at the instruction but nodded nonetheless.
"Yes, sir."
Interesting.
Chen Mang watched Ji Chuchu and the others leave. If these two could also awaken Xiao Fang's racial talent, we'd have nine people with it. That would be quite auspicious.
In the eyes of their ancestors, nine was considered a lucky number.
But it's getting tiring.
The red heart nuts were losing their effectiveness. He glanced at the information displayed on the train control panel screen.
[Red Heart Nut Production Line Tier 5 Overpowered Effect: Nuts are automatically shelled upon production.]
[Red Heart Nut Production Line Tier 10 Overpowered Effect: Consumption by males slightly enhances sexual potency; consumption by females slightly reduces menstrual cramps.]
He glanced at the train's current resources:
[11.39 Foundation units of iron ore.]
Clearing his throat, he withdrew 200 trillion units of iron ore and upgraded this white-grade accessory to Tier 2000 in one go!
This marked the train's sixth Tier 2000 accessory. The previous ones were:
[Doppler Radar, Steel Car Armor, Arcanon Light Energy Main Cannon, Train Auxiliary AI, Moldy Bread Slice Production Line.]
Several new overpowered effects immediately activated.
[Red Heart Nut Production Line Tier 20 Overpowered Effect: When consumed by males, slightly enhances sexual performance.]
[Red Heart Nut Production Line Tier 50 Overpowered Effect: Further enhanced.]
[Red Heart Nut Production Line Tier 100 Overpowered Effect: Further enhanced.]
[Red Heart Nut Production Line Tier 200 Overpowered Effect: Further enhanced.]
[Red Heart Nut Production Line Tier 500 Overpowered Effect: Further enhanced.]
[Red Heart Nut Production Line Tier 1000 Overpowered Effect: Further enhanced.]
[Red Heart Nut Production Line Tier 2000 Overpowered Effect: Further enhanced.]
Chen Mang stared expressionlessly at the Red Heart Nut Production Line before him. The accessory reminded him of a long-forgotten one:
The Drill.
That's right!
The accessory that only increased stats, without adding any special overpowered effects.
This accessory was nearly identical to the drill.
Purely numerical.
No overpowered effects whatsoever. Even the Tier 2000 overpowered effect was indistinguishable from the Tier 100 effect—both stamped from the same mold, purely numerical enhancements.
But...
He found it quite satisfactory.
These numbers were excellent.
The Red Heart Nut Production Line was unlike the Moldy Bread Production Line. The latter produced bread with effects corresponding to its tier; Tier 2000 bread lacked the effects of Tier 500 bread.
However, the Tier 2000 red heart nuts retained all previous overpowered effects.
One Tier 2000 red heart nut cost 2 quadrillion units of iron ore.
This price...
Heh.
Fucking outrageous.
Chen Mang sneered as he examined the freshly produced Tier 2000 red heart nut in his hand. With a cold laugh, he tossed it into his mouth. Crunch! The taste was decent, but he felt nothing significant.
One minute later.
Their cheeks gradually flushed crimson, and their breathing grew increasingly rapid.
Three minutes later.
Ji Chuchu, Yan Yao, and Xiao Fang from High-Tier Talent Carriage 5, along with the eight Immortal Cultivation Civilization goddesses whose pupils were implanted with Iris Chips, all received Lord Mang's summons.
A total of thirteen individuals entered the locomotive cabin.
For seven days and seven nights.
Led by Ji Chuchu and Yan Yao, the eleven women supported each other as they made their way to the medical bay.
"Whew..."
Chen Mang sat back in his chair, exhaling deeply. He felt refreshed and invigorated, utterly devoid of fatigue or boredom. Technology truly had transformed his life.
Still, the Tier 2000 power boost was a bit excessive.
This wasn't a one-time effect; it was a permanent enhancement.
He wouldn't need to eat again. If he kept consuming these, he wouldn't even need the main cannon in future battles.
But...
These seven days and nights of debauchery had completely derailed his plans!
His original plan had been to use potential hidden passages between the Mediocre Civilization and the Green Mountain Civilization to infiltrate the latter's territory. However, the week-long delay had drastically altered the situation.
For example...
Yesterday, the Green Mountain Civilization lifted its "Space Seal" on its territory, restoring everything to normal. Clearly, they couldn't sustain the energy drain much longer, but they haven't returned to the Niya Star System.
It seems they have no intention of provoking the human civilization again anytime soon.
Perfect!
Now we don't even need the Mediocre Civilization. We can just create a wormhole directly to the Green Mountain Civilization!
Simple and efficient!
Excellent.
Immediately afterward, he activated the surveillance system in the locomotive cabin.
Almost simultaneously, Xiao Ai's ethereal voice echoed through the cabin.
"Train Conductor, everything has been peaceful these past few days. No anomalies detected."
"Hmm."
Chen Mang nodded absently while reviewing the Train Log. What anomalies could there be? As long as that 7th Tier Civilization doesn't suddenly attack his train, nothing unusual will occur.
He could now essentially roam freely in this zone.
Without hesitation, he forged several wormholes, consuming trillions of tons of iron ore. The final wormhole's terminus pierced directly into the Green Mountain Civilization's core, near a commercial planet.
With a gentle push of the control lever, the Stellaris train began its new voyage.
The wormhole he had created emitted no spatial fluctuations.
The Radar Jammer's Tier was exceptionally high.
The Green Mountain Civilization couldn't detect his presence at all.
Like a ghost, he openly entered the Green Mountain Civilization's territory. After discarding several refrigerators, he used the Pseudo-Fourth-Dimensional Space to reach the surface of a nearby commercial planet, then exited the Pseudo-Fourth-Dimensional Space.
Once inside the civilization's territory, he had countless ways to land.
Bypassing the planet's security checkpoints was child's play.
He moved completely undetected. Even during his time with the Nami Civilization, he couldn't have landed using the Pseudo-Fourth-Dimensional Space, as they possessed the means to detect it. But against the Green Mountain Civilization, he didn't even fear being seen with the naked eye.
Even the naked eye couldn't see him.
The Radar Jammer's Tier 100 Overpowered Effect allowed the train to achieve optical invisibility by absorbing light, rendering it invisible even at close range.
Neither the naked eye nor radar could detect his presence.
The Stellaris train had become completely like a ghost, invisible in the cosmos and capable of appearing anywhere.
Successful landing on the Green Mountain Civilization.
Within Changrong Star, a commercial planet of the Green Mountain Civilization, Chen Mang led Biaozi and the others through the streets of its most prosperous commercial city.
"Truly a bustling metropolis worthy of a Sixth-Tier Civilization," Chen Mang remarked, standing on the street with a hint of awe. "This city's appearance far surpasses that of Aquablue Star."
Beside him, Old Pig rapidly recorded observations of aspects worth learning.
The entire city was under complete AI surveillance.
All laws, even basic traffic regulations, were strictly enforced by AI.
The Green Mountain Civilization's governance system was particularly intriguing.
Each resident started with a credit score of 100 points.
Minor infractions, such as a mistress seducing another woman's boyfriend or pedestrians jaywalking, didn't result in detention or imprisonment. Instead, they incurred deductions from the resident's credit score.
This credit score influenced many aspects of life.
For instance, in interpersonal interactions, a low credit score meant a blemish on one's social business card.
This was all made possible by the Iris Chip and a sophisticated AI that monitored the entire city and civilization. Every action was meticulously recorded, leaving no room for escape or clandestine activities.
From one perspective, this meant complete lack of privacy for all citizens.
Yet the social order was remarkably stable.
Virtually no serious crimes occurred.
The more advanced a civilization, the lower its crime rate.
Human civilization now relies heavily on AI surveillance for governance, though it hasn't yet achieved such granular control.
The primary currency of this civilization, like that of human civilization, was a government-backed fiat currency anchored to iron ore. Human civilization used stellar coupons, while the Green Mountain Civilization used Green Mountain Coins.
Different names, but the same concept.
Currently, it's rare to find a civilization whose base currency is iron ore, often indicating internal instability.
"Not bad," Chen Mang remarked.
Chen Mang surveyed his surroundings and nodded slightly. The city's appearance was quite impressive. Through his Tier 2000 Radar, he could clearly pinpoint the locations of the planet's primary iron ore deposits.
They were stored in the strategic warehouse of a military base.
This military base housed several Space-Based Cannons—massive terrestrial weapons with barrels aimed at the cosmos, capable of devastating firepower. The adjacent base stockpiled 2 Foundation units of iron ore.
In addition to this, scattered deposits of iron ore existed in other corners of the planet, but their combined quantity was less than 1 quadrillion units and extremely dispersed.
"Truly affluent," Chen Mang murmured, offering his silent assessment.
Consider this:
Within this galaxy alone, there were approximately thirty such prosperous planets. Each boasted a military base stockpiled with vast resources. The Green Mountain Civilization controlled no fewer than seven such galaxies!
The combined resources from these commercial galaxies alone amounted to over 400 Foundation units of iron ore.
And!
These were merely the commercial planets!
The resources stored on commercial planets were relatively scarce, as they weren't primary sources of military strength, serving only as contingency reserves.
The core locations for stockpiling vast resources were the Military Planets and Research Planets!
Huff
He let out a soft breath. These advanced civilizations were truly wealthy. More importantly, due to the scarcity of murphy stone, they couldn't even spend their resources, causing their reserves to accumulate endlessly.
Until
Until a destined individual appeared—someone capable of spending it all.
Unfortunately for them, he was that destined individual.
(End of the Chapter)
📖Read [MAT] ahead on Pa.treon@AnubisTL. 💠COMPLETED💠
🎁All [3] Novels can be accessed for just $6/mo.
🔥Translated [1.1k+] Chapters and [2.46M+] Words.