Chapter 288: Ancient Ruins

It’s like stripping off a person’s skin and replacing it with new skin.

However, for a Stellar Body Martial Artist, every inch of flesh and blood has been tempered by their own Star Power. Even if the Stellar Body is extinguished, their personal Star Power remains!

The two forces would clash!

Only these Star Demons, those bastards from the Immortal Palace, could do something like this.

Professor Yun continued, “They began researching based on the mutual generation and restraint of the five elements, intending to fuse two Stellar Bodies.

But what I don’t understand is that they actually studied the mutual restraint of the five elements instead of starting with mutual generation.”

Because what they pursued was the fusion of Taiyin and Taiyang, two extremes, all for the so-called Supreme War Body.

Jiang Changkong now understood the true nature of these people from the Immortal Palace.

“Now, let’s talk about your situation,” Professor Yun said, turning her gaze to Jiang Jiuqiao.

“I was also a subject of their research, but I actually don’t know much. I only know that I was an important material.

They said that at the stellar level, one should be able to withstand a new Stellar Body. However, for the sake of Stellar Body fusion, they wouldn’t completely extinguish the original Stellar Body.”

Recalling the past, Jiang Jiuqiao frowned and said, “I remember being suppressed by a middle-aged man. Afterward, I also went to observe the research and heard mentions of the Immortal Palace.”

“The Immortal Palace?” Professor Yun pondered thoughtfully. “Hmm, I see.”

“It seems this isn’t much help,” Jiang Changkong sighed. He had hoped to find clues from this information.

As for that middle-aged man, he had already killed him.

Professor Yun said calmly, “It’s not entirely unhelpful. We can continue their research.”

Jiang Changkong frowned. “I won’t allow it, and I won’t capture people for you to experiment on either.”

Professor Yun chuckled lightly. “You misunderstand, Lord. I’m not researching humans—I’m researching Star Demons.

Star Demons inherently have stronger physiques than us. We can use Star Demons to formulate potions to enhance our own physiques.”

“If it’s Star Demons, then that’s fine. But don’t create something that’s neither human nor ghost.”

Jiang Changkong was genuinely worried that one day his place would turn into a biochemical base.

The thought of a bunch of half-human, half-Star Demon abominations emerging was enough to make his scalp crawl.

“Research on humans is prohibited by the Federation. These Star Demons are actually doing us a great favor. In time, we might even produce some body-refining Martial Artists.”

Holding the materials, Professor Yun said calmly, “You need to be careful. The Immortal Palace has probably already set their sights on you.”

Jiang Changkong nodded. He wasn’t surprised by this.

The Immortal Palace would definitely not let him, a Power Runes Stellar Body, go—especially since he could also simultaneously operate the Three Great Star Bodies.

After finishing their work, the two left the research lab.

A hint of envy appeared on Jiang Jiuqiao’s face. “Lord Jiang, you’re truly enviable, having two professors.”

“Your territory doesn’t have professors?” Jiang Changkong didn’t believe it, thinking this was mostly flattery.

Jiang Jiuqiao shook his head. “The professor in my family, compared to these two, is at best a disciple.”

“Professor Wang and Professor Yun are that impressive?” Jiang Changkong was slightly surprised.

He knew about Wang Ruiqing—he was quite renowned back in the day, capable of crafting ninth-tier mechs.

But at their level, where they themselves were ninth-tier or possessed ninth-tier combat power, ordinary ninth-tier mechs could only serve as icing on the cake.

Jiang Jiuqiao glanced back at the lab. “Of course they’re impressive. They can even build warships for you—provided you have the materials.”

“They can build warships?”

Now Jiang Changkong was truly shocked. He had never asked about such things.

“Of course, these two professors receive VIP treatment wherever they go.”

Jiang Jiuqiao couldn’t hide his envy.

If he had two such professors, it would be a tremendous help to the Jiang family.

Unfortunately, it wasn’t him who rescued Professor Wang or recognized Professor Yun as a teacher.

If not for the Sin Domain expedition, where Jiang Changkong helped Huo Qinglan and the others obtain the Near-God Inheritance, they wouldn’t have assisted in securing the pardon.

The two walked and chatted as they left the base, entering a dense forest. Further in lay the mountains.

“Lord Jiang, you must be careful in this Void Realm,” Jiang Jiuqiao sighed.

Jiang Changkong understood this was a sentiment born from his own experiences: “I’ll be cautious. Are you going to pioneer new lands next, or will you stay with the Jiang family?”

“I’ll remain for now.”

Jiang Jiuqiao gazed toward the deep mountains: “After this experience, I’ve come to understand that so-called pioneering can conceal everything.”

Jiang Changkong chuckled lightly: “It was just one incident; don’t dwell on it too much. ‘Once bitten, twice shy’—that describes you perfectly right now.”

Jiang Jiuqiao nodded, a faint blush crossing his aged face: “I’m just lamenting that while the Void Realm is rich in resources, it also hides too much darkness.”

“It’s the same everywhere,” Jiang Changkong said calmly.

Even on Earth, darkness existed everywhere. The Void Realm was no different.

It all depended on whether one had the strength. With sufficient power, such darkness could actually facilitate many things.

Jiang Jiuqiao smiled: “After all this talk, what I really want to ask is whether you’re interested in exploring some Ancient Ruins.”

“What kind of ruins?” Jiang Changkong, having just obtained a Soul-Stabilizing Tree, was now very interested in ruins.

“I’m not entirely sure. A year ago, when I said I was going pioneering, I actually wanted to investigate those ruins.

I don’t know if anyone else has discovered them. After all I’ve been through, I’d like to bring you along as a powerful ally.”

Jiang Jiuqiao’s voice lowered. A year ago, he hadn’t informed anyone, hoping to keep the spoils for himself.

In the end, he was betrayed by his own son and nearly sliced apart by Star Demons.

Now that he was out, he still wanted to explore the ruins. For safety’s sake, he approached Jiang Changkong.

He had witnessed Jiang Changkong’s strength—effortlessly overpowering and killing an Early Star Constellation Stage cultivator. Among those he knew, Jiang Changkong was the strongest.

“Aren’t you afraid I’ll take everything for myself?” Jiang Changkong asked indifferently.

Jiang Jiuqiao laughed: “I don’t think there’s anything left of mine that you’d covet, except perhaps the number of people in the Jiang family.”

“Then let’s go,” Jiang Changkong agreed without further hesitation.

“There’s no rush at the moment,” Jiang Jiuqiao said gravely. “You should make arrangements in your territory. Once you leave, there’s an eighty percent chance someone will cause trouble.”

Jiang Changkong’s brow twitched slightly: “Hmm? What do you mean? The Immortal Palace?”

“Territory Number Fifty-Three has been without a lord for over a decade.

It’s not that no one wanted it, but the Federation wouldn’t relinquish it. Many have been eyeing this piece of prime land.”

Jiang Jiuqiao spoke calmly: “I once had my sights on it too, but Huo Qinglan blocked me. Now that the territory has an owner, many are probably growing restless.”

“Are they holding back now because they fear me?” Jiang Changkong frowned.

“If they knew your strength, they’d certainly fear you. If they don’t, then they’re afraid of Huo Qinglan.”

A cold smile touched Jiang Jiuqiao’s lips: “Out of respect for Huo Qinglan, these people won’t go too far. But once you’re gone, the mineral veins will be plundered and stolen without restraint—no more fear holding them back.”

Jiang Changkong’s expression turned cold: “If I show my true strength, can I at least threaten them a bit?”

“It’s useless. If they can swallow the meat, they won’t hold back. And even if they take it and deny it afterward, can you really get it back?”

Jiang Jiuqiao shook his head: “Just go and set up some defenses. Guarding against Stellar Body Martial Artists should be enough.”

“Only Stellar Body level?”

“Star-level Martial Artists still have some face to lose. They wouldn’t stoop to stealing. If they really did, it would just mean they’re shameless beyond measure.”

Jiang Changkong: “…”

Actually, I’ve had thoughts of stealing some myself, but after hearing you say that, I think it’s better to keep my dignity intact.

Just in case, Jiang Changkong thought it might be wise to leave behind stronger measures. At full strength, he should be able to hold off a mid-stage Star-level Martial Artist, right?