Chapter 82 – Sin City (16)
◎ Lu’s Law of Road Rush (End of Sin City Arc) ◎
“Song Ke, you’re thirteen now. You need to learn to cook for yourself. Even when Grandpa isn’t here, you should eat well to grow strong and tall. There’s a cookbook I personally wrote on the tablet. Follow the videos and remember not to eat failed dishes!”
“Song Ke, you’re fourteen this year, right? Try not to get into fights at school, and even if you do, don’t break anyone’s head. We can’t afford the damages. Find some hidden places… Ahem, you should continue your education, and become a knowledgeable and cultured person. Study your textbooks diligently.”
“Oh, I almost forgot to tell you something. Don’t be afraid to spend money. Our family isn’t as poor as you might think. Grandpa left three backup funds for you. One is with your Uncle Cheng, another is in my secret account, the password is xxxx, be sure to retrieve it, or it might expire. And the last one, hehe, Grandpa hid it three inches inside the wall behind your bed. Reach in and feel around. There’s a small box inside with some rhenium bars that Grandpa secretly stashed. If you ever run out of money, you can sell them. I heard that this thing is very valuable.”
Along with a pile of children’s textbooks, there were voice messages from Song Zhiyuan for Song Ke. Starting from the year he passed away, there were about two or three messages a year, adding up to nearly twenty messages. They were filled with various reminders and oozing with care for her.
“Song Ke, even though Grandpa can’t see it, you must be growing up well, right? This world is more beautiful than you can imagine. Stay happy, safe, and healthy, do whatever you want to do, and most importantly, you have to live well.”
Song Ke finished reading the last message, her nose red. She stared at the screen until it automatically went dark.
She missed her grandpa so much.
A pair of gentle hands ruffled her hair, not saying anything, but their comforting gesture was enough.
Song Ke nuzzled into Zhuang Qingyan’s palm, unreservedly wetting it with her tears.
Zhuang Qingyan’s hand paused for a moment, then slid down the back of her head, teasing her like a little cat. He pinched her fair nape and, in the process, returned her tears to her.
Song Ke’s heartache was swept away, and she turned to glare at him, her clear eyes full of vitality, back to normal.
Zhuang Qingyan’s lips curved with a faint smile.
Unfortunately, the third person present, Lu Xiaoyu, was not one to appreciate the romantic atmosphere. His rigid voice abruptly broke the two people’s beautiful atmosphere, “This light screen is designed for researchers and its main feature is two independent systems and a deep firewall. Its practicality is average.”
Song Ke puffed her cheeks, “I’m not very good at using it.”
She was never familiar with high-tech products. She must have accidentally switched systems while fumbling around and then forgotten how to switch back. Not only did she not gain any knowledge, but she also missed what her grandfather wanted to say to her.
Song Ke silently sighed and for the first time, she felt like she might be a bit stupid.
Lu Xiaoyu, completely oblivious to her disappointment, continued in a matter-of-fact tone, “In situations like this, my suggestion is to re-read ‘Kali + Linux Penetration Testing Techniques Detailed Explanation’. It will take a little time to crack the hidden database. But considering your level of knowledge, I think you should start with web security and DOS commands…”
Song Ke stared blankly, “Huh?”
Lu Xiaoyu paused, “Maybe start with the ‘Basic User Guide for the Light Screen,’ and the version for 7-14-year-olds might be more suitable for you.”
Zhuang Qingyan’s cold gaze swept over, “Shut up.”
Lu Xiaoyu shrugged.
Song Ke blinked at the screen and said sincerely to Lu Xiaoyu, “Thank you!”
After all, if it weren’t for Lu Xiaoyu, she might never have heard the words her grandfather left for her.
Lu Xiaoyu was left a little baffled, “?”
…
Half an hour later, Lin Youyou, Fang Zhixu, and others gathered in Lu Xiaoyu’s room for a meeting.
“Lu Xiaoyu has been found, and our next plan is to go to Mu City,” Zhuang Qingyan said.
Song Ke nodded solemnly. The operation in Sin City had been full of difficulties and unexpected twists from the beginning. However, with everyone’s concerted efforts, they had ultimately succeeded.
“Before we leave this place, I suggest that we get to know each other better. After all, we will be traveling together for some time,” Zhuang Qingyan relaxed in his new wheelchair, “Let’s start with the captain.”
Song Ke, who was called upon, puffed up her chest, and her palm subtly moved, forming a blade-shaped azure light.
“Song Ke, S-class strong offensive-type gold and metal-type ability. I can transform things into a spiritual weapon and I’m really good in fights.”
Xu Xing clapped his hands enthusiastically, offering support, “Big sis is the best!”
Zhuang Qingyan chuckled, “We’ve all witnessed the captain’s strength, no doubt about that.”
The rest of the team nodded in agreement.
“Next is me, Zhuang Qingyan, from the Qinglan Research Institute, an S-class spiritual-type ability.”
“Lu Xiaoyu, from District B8, Erjia. S-class hacker-type ability.”
The abilities of these two couldn’t be easily classified as either attack or support; they were more control-oriented. They could both engage in offense and defense, and as S-class awakeners, their power was equally remarkable.
“Fang Zhixu, from District C60, Tongwan. A-class healing-type ability, formerly a renowned surgeon.”
Although Fang Zhixu wasn’t a combat talent, his role in the team was indispensable. Without him, Song Ke’s severe injuries wouldn’t have received timely treatment, and Lu Xiaoyu, with tubes all over her body, wouldn’t have escaped Death Prison so easily.
“Lin Youyou, from District C72, Ferrara. A-class support-type sound ability. I’m not good at fighting, but I can buff you guys.”
“Su Cha, from District E170, Rainforest. A-class strong offensive and poison-type ability.”
Zhuang Qingyan said with a smile, “These two are temporary team members.”
Lin Youyou gave him a sidelong glance, her long eyelashes drooping down without a word of rebuttal.
She had indeed joined V587 with impure intentions, partly due to the pressure from Song Ke and partly for her own selfish reasons.
After everyone else had introduced themselves, only Xu Xing remained.
He looked to his left, then to his right, and suddenly burst into tears, crying and choking as he said, “I’m Xu Xing… I’m a B-class strong offensive… Ice-type ability, from District F177…”
While everyone else was either S-class or A-class, he was the only B-class. Xu Xing’s self-esteem took a serious hit, and at that moment, he deeply realized the meaning behind Zhuang Qingyan’s constant push for him to improve his abilities. He didn’t want to be a slacker who only shouted “666”! He didn’t want to be useless!
Song Ke ran over to comfort him, “Xiao Xing, you’re really strong, you’re a group attack type.”
Xu Xing sniffled, “Really?”
“Yes!” Song Ke nodded decisively. “You still have 90% of your potential and a chance to level up.”
Xu Xing wiped away his tears, and when he discreetly glanced at Lu Xiaoyu, who had successfully leveled up, he silently made up his mind.
“Where do we go next? Did you mention District C55?” Lu Xiaoyu asked.
Lin Youyou opened her terminal and looked at it, then alerted everyone, “The Throne Race’s third round of competition for the final 16 is about to begin. The official competition day is in three days.”
Su Cha’s deep voice said, “If we rush back now, we might not make it.”
They had been delayed too long in Death Prison, and District F had poor transportation. Three days didn’t seem like enough time to get them back to Ferrara.
Should they give up like this? Lin Youyou clenched her lips in frustration.
“Why wouldn’t we make it?” Lu Xiaoyu suddenly asked.
Lin Youyou explained, “It took us a week to get here, first with the transport convoy to the outskirts, then switching to off-road vehicles to enter the desert.”
Lu Xiaoyu: “Why not switch to more efficient means of transportation?”
Lin Youyou: “…” Did they not want to? Did they not have it? Speaking of the Alliance’s most advanced flying ships…
Song Ke looked at Lu Xiaoyu with a hint of helplessness. “You forgot, the starship, it’s broken.”
Lu Xiaoyu tugged at the corner of his mouth, trying to make a “slightly disapproving” smile, but it wasn’t very successful, and it looked a bit odd. “It’s just a loss of power. You can’t describe it as ‘broken.'”
“What do you mean? Do you have a solution?” Lin Youyou’s eyes lit up.
Lu Xiaoyu answered without asking, “The competition you mentioned sounds interesting. Can I participate?”
“Huh? Do you have a wish you want to fulfill too?” Song Ke asked. She had already promised Lin Youyou that if they won the championship, she would give Lin Youyou the opportunity to make a wish. If Lu Xiaoyu also wanted…
“No, I just like coming first,” Lu Xiaoyu replied matter-of-factly.
The group fell silent.
The genius’s thought process was truly beyond the comprehension of ordinary people.
“Okay, then you can participate next time. Captain, do you have any objections?” Zhuang Qingyan sought Song Ke’s opinion.
Song Ke was slightly worried. Lu Xiaoyu had just recovered and looked fragile. Would he be okay?
Lu Xiaoyu’s two “legs” shot up, and his towering 2.5-meter height made him look down on everyone. His ice-blue eyes gleamed, his silver hair flew, and his awakened energy poured out, enveloping the entire room in a silver-white matrix of 101010 code.
Song Ke: “…No objections.”
Lu Xiaoyu was more than okay; he was more than capable.
Lu Xiaoyu sat back in his wheelchair with satisfaction. “Let’s go then and find a starship.”
…
Before leaving, V587 bid farewell to an old friend.
Cheng Yi’s business was thriving more than ever, keeping her extremely busy. She had just seen off one customer when she was greeted by the familiar group of seven.
Zhuang Qingyan was in a wheelchair, and Lu Xiaoyu had “walked” over on his own. Lu Xiaoyu’s towering 2.5-meter height made him stand out, but in a city full of strange individuals, where even mechanical bodies were not unusual, their presence only attracted a bit more attention.
As they approached, Cheng Yi’s gaze lingered on Su Cha’s face for two seconds before she couldn’t help but burst into laughter. Su Cha’s hat was pulled low, he wore a mask, and had on a thick coat that wrapped him up completely. His face, with his current reputation, was well-known throughout Sin City. Going out without any disguise would probably lead to a mob of fans making it impossible for him to move freely.
“Boss Cheng, we’re about to leave,” Zhuang Qingyan greeted Cheng Yi, “Before we go, we’d like to make one last deal with you.”
Cheng Yi touched her half-shaven head and took a deep breath. “Where else do you want to attack?”
Zhuang Qingyan smiled, “Boss Cheng, you’ve misunderstood. We just want to get some information about the Starship Port. How many crystals would you require?”
After a moment of contemplation, Cheng Yi unexpectedly replied, “I can provide you with the information, you don’t need to pay for it.”
She pointed towards the direction of Death Prison, her expression remarkably calm.
“I don’t know who you really are, but because of you, Sin City has indeed changed, and for the better.”
“The Rose Auction House has changed hands, and human tr*fficking has been categorized as a serious crime. Anyone attempting a comeback must think twice.”
After taking office, Hu Yong had not hurried to declare his authority. He hadn’t even made public appearances or delivered speeches. He remained entrenched in the dark depths of Death Prison, systematically correcting “errors.”
The absence of Criminal Records did not mean the prisoners outside would gain their freedom. The underground city had enacted new regulations, and though chaos still reigned and villains were aplenty, it was slowly moving towards order.
Cheng Yi laughed heartily. “Consider the information about the Starship Port a gift from me.”
Even the most opportunistic of merchants had a human side to them.
…
Su Cha drove the off-road vehicle through the desert. According to Cheng Yi, the Starship Port in Sin City had been nearly abandoned before the apocalypse. Inside, there were only a few starships left unattended, and she wasn’t sure if they still existed or if they had been sold as scrap.
Just as Song Ke and her team approached their destination, something interesting happened. A group of heavily armed bandits leaped out and shouted, “Robbery! Hand over everything valuable!”
“Uh…” Song Ke and her team exchanged glances, and everyone couldn’t help but find the situation somewhat amusing.
They had been robbed by the treacherous Mia when they first arrived, and now, as they were leaving, it seemed they couldn’t escape being robbed again.
It could be said that, even as new changes were emerging, Sin City still lived up to its reputation as a city of sin.
Su Cha had been in a foul mood the whole way, and his patience had reached its limit. He removed his hat and mask, then spoke coldly, “You have three seconds to get lost.”
The leader of the bandits stared at him for a full four seconds, maintaining an arrogant attitude. “Who are you to tell me to get lost? If you tell me to get lost, then I’ll just get lost? Wouldn’t I lose face by leaving?”
“Boss, maybe we should retreat. These people look… not easy to deal with.”
One of his subordinates, displaying some wisdom, had already started to back down.
“Retreat? Are you kidding me? Don’t you know that causing trouble when entering Sin City is essential? We’ve finally made it here, and we can’t just give up now!”
Oh, it’s a rookie. No wonder he doesn’t recognize the famous V587.
Xu Xing jumped out, hands on his hips, and shouted with great vigor, “I said get lost! Can’t you hear me?”
A relentless snowstorm blew in, freezing the bandits who were attempting to rob them into ice sculptures. The leader who had been boasting had his mouth contorted from the cold.
“Oh my ancestor! Little ancestor, please let us go. We’ll leave immediately!”
Xu Xing snorted and eased his power, causing the bandits to flee in a panic.
This little incident was quickly forgotten as the seven made their way into the Starship Port. Inside, they found a collection of dilapidated and half-buried starships.
Lu Xiaoyu picked a relatively intact-looking one and climbed into the cockpit. Curious, Song Ke followed him.
Lu Xiaoyu effortlessly accessed the control panel, with his ice-blue eyes reflecting the data. Various parameters rapidly changed and reconfigured.
“Without Yiyu, there are other energy sources, wind, water, sunlight… everything you can see can be used to power the starship.”
Lu Xiaoyu was the primary reason for the “Eternal Soaring Bird’s” never-ending flight.
The old starship slowly ascended, stirring up the yellow sand as it roared to life.
Observing this, the others boarded one by one and found their seats.
Lu Xiaoyu closed the cabin door. Although he didn’t smile, everyone could sense his happiness. “We’re ready to go.”
“Boom!”
The engines roared to life, and the starship, now reinvigorated, shot off like a meteor.
Inside the cockpit, Song Ke and the others were thrown off balance by the powerful thrust and had to grab onto the seat’s armrests.
Lin Youyou, who often traveled on starships due to her job, spoke up, “Wait a minute. Did you forget to engage the star track route?”
Deviation from the star track route would disable the automatic pilot and navigation, leaving the entire journey reliant on manual control, greatly increasing the risk.
Soon, Lin Youyou discovered another critical issue and shouted in panic, “Hey, aren’t you speeding like crazy?”
The starship accelerated again, flashed a few times in the vast desert, and vanished into the airspace above District F180.
“Lu Xiaoyu, you lunatic!!!”
