The T3-modified Reindeer slowly docked at Bay One of the starport. Carrying the lead box, Feng Mo stepped off the energy ramp and was greeted by the sight of Chu Yun-jian, who had been waiting patiently, looking graceful and poised.
Feng Mo approached with a warm smile. "Apologies for making Miss Chu wait. Once this is all over, I owe you a feast to make up for it."
Chu Yun-jian rolled her eyes at his playful tone, her expression full of mock disdain. "Hmph, cheapskate. After all the trouble I've gone to, you think a simple meal is going to cut it? Shameless!"
Feng Mo chuckled and shrugged, putting on a more sincere face. "Yun-jian, you have to understand—the Feng Mo Star System is poor. My personal account doesn't even have a million star coins left. I'm practically about to starve."
Chu Yun-jian promptly waved her hand to cut off his theatrics. "Alright, alright! I don't need your stingy meal. Let's go see my second uncle already," she said, exasperated yet amused.
Feng Mo wasn't exaggerating. His personal account was indeed running low, as nearly all his funds were invested in public projects across the Storm Star System, with the star system's shared coffers holding just about twenty million star coins. That was a drop in the ocean for planetary development, especially with the imminent construction of T4 warships, which devoured money like a black hole.
Despite invitations to numerous auctions hosted in the Star Net Space, Feng Mo had always declined. Luxuries were out of the question when every coin was needed to expand his territory.
The two chatted along the way, with Feng Mo's humor often eliciting bell-like laughter from Chu Yun-jian, a sound both light and enchanting.
They left the starport and boarded a hovercar that sped toward a nearby military base, one of several floating platforms. This one was relatively large, covering over a hundred thousand square kilometers, a considerable size for a platform of its type. Floating platforms like these, unlike life-sustaining planets, were prone to natural hazards and required extensive modification for human habitation.
This base was well-constructed, protected by a colossal energy dome that simulated all four seasons, with vibrant flora and the melodies of birds filling the air. It looked more like a tourist destination than a military installation, with stunning scenery that was completely unexpected.
As the hovercar approached the platform, they were stopped by an interceptor unit composed of armored mechs.
"Please present identification and state your purpose, or you will be considered intruders and dealt with accordingly."
Chu Yun-jian and Feng Mo both raised their badges simultaneously. Hers was adorned with a sparkling starry sky, in the center of which blazed a large, resplendent character: "Chu." Feng Mo's badge bore the image of towering mountains and coursing rivers, with a prominent character "Feng" carved at the heart.
"Identity confirmed. Welcome, Miss Chu, and welcome, Lord Feng Mo," the mechs acknowledged, moving aside.
Following Chu Yun-jian's guidance, the hovercar made its way to a fortress-like structure. Once again, they presented their badges for verification. The base scanned the emblems and, with a smooth hiss, the large doors opened. Two uniformed soldiers stepped forward, saluting.
"Major General Xiang Rong has been expecting you. He ordered us to escort you to the research facility," one of the soldiers announced, before leading the way.
The military base was a bustling hub, with personnel clad in tactical suits working on various high-tech projects. Feng Mo couldn't help but feel a pang of envy. His star system had research labs, but they lacked the sheer number and expertise of personnel seen here. Developing a territory, he mused, wasn't an overnight endeavor but a gradual process of accumulating resources and talent.
They boarded a floating lift that carried them down to the thirteenth subterranean level, passing through a futuristic corridor lined with sleek, metallic walls. At the far end, they finally reached a spacious research lab, where Xiang Rong, Chu Yun-jian's second uncle, awaited them.
"Well, well, bringing your sweetheart to see me again, huh?" Xiang Rong teased with a mischievous grin.
Chu Yun-jian blushed, her voice rising in mock protest. "Second Uncle! We're here on serious business. Feng Mo found a starseed, and we'd like to see what kind it is and what its abilities are."
Xiang Rong raised an eyebrow at Feng Mo, clearly impressed. It was rare to find starseeds, even with hundreds of ships combing the White Hole's vicinity. On average, a starseed was discovered once every ten expeditions. That Feng Mo had one on his first try was extraordinary.
Feng Mo met Xiang Rong's gaze and simply grinned sheepishly, playing the role of an innocent youth.
"Come on in," Xiang Rong beckoned. "We have an expert here today who can analyze the starseed perfectly."
Chu Yun-jian beamed with excitement, practically dragging Feng Mo into the lab. The air inside carried an unusual scent, hard to describe, and the space was packed with unfamiliar equipment, many of which left both Feng Mo and Chu Yun-jian puzzled.
Standing at a central research station was an elderly scientist with silver hair, clad in a white lab coat, engrossed in an experiment. Despite their arrival, he remained focused, so the three quietly waited, knowing better than to disturb a researcher at work.
After half an hour, the scientist finally finished. His tired eyes, once cloudy with age, now glinted with the sharpness of intellect. Feng Mo could tell from the disappointed look on the scientist's face that the experiment hadn't gone as planned.
Xiang Rong approached with a respectful tone, almost pleading. "Professor Luo, these are two juniors from my family. They've brought a starseed for analysis. No one's better suited for this than you."
Professor Luo's eyes, initially weary, lit up with curiosity. He scrutinized Feng Mo and Chu Yun-jian before replying, "Oh, stop flattering me, Xiang. There are far better minds than mine across the Federation. Alright, young man, hand over the box, and I'll take a look."
Feng Mo, realizing he was being addressed, stepped forward, placing the lead box onto the research station before taking a few steps back.
Professor Luo activated the lab's holographic interface with a tap. A transparent energy shield enveloped the box, while two robotic arms extended to gently open it, revealing the starseed glowing with a vibrant, azure light.
Professor Luo's eyes widened with a hint of fervor. His voice dropped to an awed murmur. "So, it appears once more…"
He then began an intricate series of tests. Feng Mo and Chu Yun-jian could only exchange curious glances, entirely lost, while Xiang Rong watched intently, his expression full of fascination.
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