Astral Pet Store (WN)

Chapter 721: Lord Su Ping

Su Ping looked around after absorbing the astral power that had been sealed for a thousand years, immediately finding Nie Huofeng lying on a fallen wall wearily.

He flew to the man with a pensive look.

"Why are you here on your own? Did they leave you behind?" asked Su Ping, raising his eyebrows.

Nie Huofeng leaned against the wall and looked at Su Ping with troubled feelings, while his brilliance died away. He answered weakly, "They went to drive the beast tides away…"

He breathed heavily after saying that.

Su Ping hummed and said, "You can rest here for a while longer then. I'll go there to help them."

His attitude towards Nie Huofeng was neutral.

The man had in fact defeated the beast tides once, suppressing them in the Deep Caves and signed a pact with the Ocean Sovereign, which ensured peace for humankind for a thousand years. Those were his achievements!

His faults had to do with the beast tides escaping from the Deep Caves, and the Lord of the Deep Caves that he failed to resist!

Su Ping was too lazy to decide whether the man should be praised or punished. After all, the battle was over, and he could leave the judgment to future generations. All he needed to do was to do his best at this moment.

Nie Huofeng could see the coldness on Su Ping's face, knowing what was on his mind, but he didn't explain. He simply said with some bitterness, "I don't know what your cultivation technique is, but the astral power I had accumulated for a thousand years wasn't enough to help you reach the Void State…"

He had been lying there, bitter and uncomfortable as he watched when Su Ping absorbed the astral power.

It was like finding out that someone else had slept with a girl he held dear and never touched; nothing at all was left behind for him.

However, he also knew he was incapable of competing with Su Ping.

Besides, Su Ping had slain the Lord of the Deep Caves and saved every human on the Blue Planet. He owed his life to the man!

He had no qualification to compete over the astral power because of those very reasons.

The other legendary warriors were also aware of that, so they simply left to handle the beast tides, never once voicing a claim for the accumulated astral power.

"Hehe."

Su Ping wore a fake smile when Nie Huofeng made that remark. He certainly wouldn't reveal his technique, which was his biggest secret.

Nie Huofeng smiled bitterly at Su Ping, not saying anything else. He wasn't really interested to find out Su Ping's technique. He was simply astounded because of the outcome.

After all, he had saved that astral power for a thousand years so that he could become a Star Lord!

That was supposed to be a huge saving that could make a Star State expert advance to a higher level!

Considering Su Ping's legendary cultivation, he should have been able to reach the limit of the Fate State, but he didn't even break out of the Ocean State.

"The Blue Planet has now moved to this unknown solar system. Judging from the design of those spaceships, they should be products of the Federation. Finally, we're no longer at the Federation's periphery anymore." Nie Huofeng looked above at the many spaceships beyond the atmosphere.

His old and dim eyes glittered again as he said, "The Blue Planet will definitely develop much faster now that we're better connected to the Federation. I'll be able to walk out of the Blue Planet to explore the great universe…"

The Blue Planet used to be in a barren, far-flung area with little to no resources. Nie Huofeng was confident of rising again since they had been relocated to a more prosperous area, reaching higher levels on his own would be possible, even though he had lost the thousand-year's worth of astral power.

He would always achieve something as long as the fire in his heart never died out and he kept pushing forward!

Nie Huofeng was too determined to be beaten down by just one disgraceful failure.

Su Ping slightly raised his eyebrows. He looked at the spaceships and said with concern, "I only know that the underdeveloped countries tend to be invaded. Do you think those spaceships will attack and try to enslave us after the protective energy in the atmosphere disappears?"

Nie Huofeng gave him a rare smile and said, "You're overthinking this. Underdeveloped as the Blue Planet may be, it's a legitimate planet registered in the Federation and protected by federal laws. The natives of the Blue Planet have genuine ownership of the lands on this planet. Even after the protective layer disappears, they have to pay boarding fees if they want to land on our planet, as well as taxes if they want to catch wild beasts…

"Besides, the Blue Planet has just been relocated to this solar system. Many foreigners in this solar system must be very curious and would feel enticed to visit us. You should know that traveling taxes are very high…"

Nie Huofeng spoke eloquently as if having been reinvigorated.

Su Ping was quite stunned. He didn't know much about this kind of insider information, but he could tell that the man was probably not lying, seeing the flush of excitement on his old face.

It was true that money was always the best ability!

No wonder the system was so greedy…

Su Ping secretly shook his head and interrupted Nie Huofeng. "Stay here for now. I'll ask my pet to protect you while I take care of the beast tides."

Then, he summoned the Purple Python.

"I don't need your protection…" Nie Huofeng was going to continue, but then was rendered speechless by the pet that Su Ping summoned. "Would you please show some sincerity if you want to protect me? A sixth-rank battle pet…"

"It's enough to take care of you," said Su Ping impatiently.

What's wrong with the sixth rank? The beast kings were all running for their lives. The Purple Python's combat ability was as good as that of the Ocean State; it could easily ensure his safety.

Still, he despises it?

I would've simply walked away if you weren't still useful to me!

Su Ping snorted and left.

The Purple Python, too, realized that it had been underestimated. It whipped the ground with its tail and produced a deep ravine. Then, it looked at Nie Huofeng coldly while sticking out its tongue.

Nie Huofeng was stunned to see the deep ravine. It was obviously not a feat that a sixth-rank wild beast could achieve.

Also… this python isn't scared of me?

Although in poor shape, he was still a Star State warrior; the pressure he released was enough to intimidate most of the mediocre wild beasts. That was the reason he dared to stay behind on his own without any protection.

And yet, that python didn't seem to be awed by him at all. It even disrespected him…

Well… Do strange people always have strange pets?

Nie Huofeng's lips twitched. He then closed his eyes and took a rest.

…

"Kill them!!"

"The legendary warriors have driven away the beast kings. Those beasts are just subpar. Kill them all!"

"Charge, charge!"

The battle pet warriors behind the defense lines were reignited with hope after being desperately waiting for their deaths. The Lord of the Deep Caves had been killed and the beast kings ran away. They were fighting with everything they had.

The wild beasts that had run to the streets were instantly blocked by the charging battle pet warriors.

"Run! Protect the elderly and the children!"

"Leave this place to us! We're battle pet warriors too!"

The battle pet warriors scoured the whole base city and killed the wild beasts.

The wild beasts behind the defense lines were instantly slaughtered when Ye Wuxiu and the other legendary warriors joined the battle; their bodies fell everywhere.

Roar!!

Su Ping also joined the battlefield for the final cleaning.

He summoned the Inferno Dragon. A loud draconic roar echoed throughout the battlefield; some of the fleeing wild beasts trembled and ran even faster.

"Little Skeleton, go."

Su Ping canceled the fusion with the Little Skeleton, which appeared next to him and charged at the beasts under Su Ping's command.

"Stupid dog…"

Su Ping looked at his own body. His legs were still curled and full of explosive power, like those of a wolf. Deep hair had also surfaced on his arms. He looked like a werewolf in the moonlight, except that his face was still his own.

Phew!

Su Ping canceled the fusion with the Dark Dragon Hound.

Soon, the Dark Dragon Hound appeared in midair. It was still weak, but its horrible wounds had mostly healed.

"Go get some rest." Su Ping looked at the Dark Dragon Hound while harboring complicated feelings. He had understood what was on its mind during the battle.

The stupid dog had been trying its best to understand defense skills not because it was scared of death, but because it wanted to protect him.

The Dark Dragon Hound sensed Su Ping's hand touching its head and rubbed against it, woofing with joy.

"Stupid dog, didn't you already know how to talk?

"Say something to me."

"Wolf! Woof!"

"…"

Su Ping was somewhat at a loss for words. He then smiled and burst into laughter.

He hugged the Dark Dragon Hound after he had his fill of laughter. He said in a low voice, "Protecting yourself in the future is the most important thing, got it?"

"Woof…"

The Dark Dragon Hound opened its mouth gently.

…

After sending the hound to rest, Su Ping marched to the battlefield with his sword.

He released such an intimidating aura that all the wild beasts running in the alleys and streets trembled with fear and collapsed on the ground.

Su Ping darted bursts of energy towards every wild beast he saw on the way.

Screams of wild beasts were heard in every direction. The low-rank wild beasts were still on a killing spree in some of the unsecured areas.

They were quickly finished off. The intelligence and command centers had gone back to work, delivering the intelligence related to the battlefields and mobilizing the battle pet warrior legions.

The war was over half an hour later.

Su Ping, Qin Duhuang, Ye Wuxiu and the other legendary warriors had worked together, eliminating all the wild beasts rampaging behind the defense lines. Corpses and blood of those creatures were found in every street and alley.

Many base cities were dilapidated and would have to be rebuilt.

However, there were no scary beast roars in the ruins anymore; peace had been restored for the moment.

"It's finally over…"

Ye Wuxiu, Xue Yunzhen and the others looked at the ragged cities as well as the piles of bodies from up above with heavy hearts.

"We must thank him. This place would have probably become a nest of wild beasts if not for him…" Xue Yunzhen looked at the horizon, where a man was quickly rushing forward. It was none other than Su Ping.

There was awe in everybody's eyes when they looked at him. All of them nodded.

"Yes, we must thank Boss Su."

"Boss Su is probably the only one who deserves to be called 'Legendary'."

"Now that this battle is over, I feel like I have to train in seclusion to reach higher levels, too."

"We've been relocated to a solar system in the middle of the Federation. If the spaceships can land, can we then go to other places?"

"It's said that the Federation is very resourceful. Maybe we'll have a chance to reach higher levels…"

Everybody looked up at the many spaceships above them with glittering eyes. All of them looked forward to their future after surviving the disaster.

…

Su Ping returned to his shop in the Longjiang Base City.

As he made his way over, the battle pet warriors who were cleaning the fallen buildings and the civilians who walked on the street cheered; all of them waved at him when he flew past.

Some of the ordinary people even dropped to their knees along with their wives and children as a gesture of gratitude.

He had moved quite fast when he headed to the battlefront, but he didn't fly at full speed when he returned. He was overwhelmed by all the cheering, seeing how excited the people were.

It was great that he didn't give up and chose to hide in his shop…

He probably would have regretted it for the rest of his life if he would have given up. Even if he survived, he would have always remembered that he didn't try his best, wondering if he would have nailed it with only ten percent odds if he had charged out with the special-grade beast-catching ring.

Even though what came to pass didn't mark him as the son of destiny—and the Goddess of Fortune didn't quite favor him at the critical moments—at least he wouldn't be regretful.

He deserved whatever came to pass, whether he survived or died. Even if he got killed, he would have died as a man!

Soon after, Su Ping saw the Pixie Pet Store in the distance.

Many people were standing near his shop. A lot of the survivors had also walked out of the safe area. After all, it wasn't comfortable to be all packed in one spot, and the disaster had already ended. All of them saw how Su Ping slew the Lord of the Deep Caves.

Those who stayed inside the shop were the cautious ones; they were finally relieved after seeing Su Ping return, and everyone cheered for him.

When they cheered, someone applauded, and the rest of the people soon followed.

Pah, pah, pah!

The applause was discordant, yet they surged like waves and echoed in the neighborhood.

The ten million people who had gone to the shop to seek protection didn't leave. They all acted as if Su Ping were a king who had just returned. Some were embracing each other with hot tears in their eyes.

They knew they had finally won the war!

Victory had been achieved at a high cost!

They had been wallowing in despair as they only waited to be killed. They were ready to depart with their family and be torn apart by wild beasts.

Only those who had experienced despair and devastation knew how moving and exciting the final victory was!

"Welcome back, Lord Legend!"

"Welcome back, Lord Legend!"

"Welcome back, Lord Legend!"

There was no telling who started it first, but ten million people cheered at the same time, and their voices echoed throughout the Longjiang Base City.

Many people on the streets farther away came out of the ruins and looked at the source of the cheers. With excitement in their eyes, they supported each other and headed to the shop, ready to thank the lord who had saved them.

Some of the battle pet warriors who were responsible for rescue operations also heard the cheers. They were ecstatic as they looked at each other, then continued working even harder.

"Welcome back, Lord Legend!"

The cheers of ten million people were cohesive and deep sounding.

The admiration conveyed through their cheers made Su Ping's blood boil. While feeling deeply touched, he smiled and waved his hands; he tried to calm them down, since he felt the gesture wasn't necessary.

However, more people were flying over from a distance.

"Welcome back, Lord Legend!"

"Welcome back, Lord Legend!"

Those people were Ye Wuxiu and the other legendary warriors. All of them were paying respects to Su Ping on one knee, smiling while floating in the air.

Su Ping couldn't find words to respond once they joined the parade, but he became solemn again after seeing the sincere smiles on their faces.

The Titled warriors who were farther away were also approaching, followed by the battle pet warriors riding flying pets. All of them were cheering at the same time.

Su Ping was at the moment being lauded by tens of millions of people in the sky and on the ground. He was the focus of everyone's attention, the only king in the world!

…

The beast tides were finished, and so was the cleaning work.

All that was left was the rescue and reconstruction process.

Order was restored behind the defense lines. Everybody hoped that Su Ping could become the new Lord of the Blue Planet with his supreme power.

All the other forces were willing to listen to his command.

The surviving humans on the Blue Planet were more united than ever after the recent joint defense and battle!

Su Ping then naturally declined their petition; he didn't have the time to work as a Lord, at all!

Besides, he wouldn't get paid as a Lord, although nobody could afford his pay. Anyway, the most important thing was that he didn't have time!

He had to run his shop and work for the system; he was just a poor worker.

A full-time job was already busy enough. He would be swamped if he got a part-time job!

However, Su Ping was unable to get away in the end. He finally got a "benefit" after much bargaining, which was that he would only be a nominal leader, who would not take part in the actual administration work, such as the reconstruction, resource redistribution across the five continents, along with other miscellaneous stuff.

If anyone asked him why, he would simply say that he was too busy!

Everybody had to give up after seeing how determined Su Ping was.

Nie Huofeng finally recovered some of his strength. The first thing he did was to restore his former youthful face, just like when he made his appearance.

Even though he had been brutally defeated and humiliated by the Lord of the Deep Caves in the battle, he was still reputable as the first-generation Tower Master, showing enough capabilities during battle.

Therefore, Nie Huofeng was appointed as the Director of Interstellar Affairs by Su Ping… Yes, a director!

After all, the cute Blue Planet had just been relocated to a new solar system. Nie Huofeng was the only suitable person who could take care of the diplomatic issues with the solar system. He was very familiar with the federal laws and knew a thing or two about the major solar systems in the federation. He was the only 'civilized' person among a bunch of bumpkins.

On the other hand, Ji Yuanfeng returned soon after the beast tides were cleared from inside the defense lines. The intelligence he brought back made everybody feel relieved.

No terrifying wild beasts had appeared in the depths of the Corridor.

The sealing formation that Su Ping mentioned was also gone; only some of the remains were left. That could only mean that the earthquake caused by the broken seal was related to the planet's leap to another place; it didn't set any horrifying wild beasts free.

The news also raised a round of cheers. Su Ping, Ye Wuxiu and the others were completely relaxed.

Nobody wanted to fight anymore. After all, the casualties were too severe!

The human population on the Blue Planet had been reduced from ten billion to one billion after the war against the beast tides. Half of the survivors behind the defense lines had also been killed. It had truly been brutal!

No war in the history of humanity had been as bloody. That war would definitely have a chapter in the history books, forever remembered as a warning for future generations.

As the war was over and the reconstruction began, Su Ping returned to his shop and placed the Little Skeleton and the Dark Dragon Hound in the nursing pens so that they could treat themselves.

Meanwhile, the system urged Su Ping to move again, "The host must move to an area with tier-3 or above prosperity in this solar solar system within 72 hours, or all the remaining energy in the shop will be deducted, and a migration will be forcefully carried out!"

The system was once again using a mindless robotic tone in Su Ping's head again.

"Can't I just stay here? Considering our planet's new popularity, this shop will surely be crowded with customers in the future!"

Su Ping didn't want to leave. It wasn't easy for him to turn his store and himself that famous. He could make easy money in the future; nobody would question how expensive he charged for a pet.