Chapter 26: Transformation
The next morning, at Hongning Base City, a deep blue king-class fighter jet slowly descended, and Shen Mu's figure flew out from the aircraft. As soon as he arrived at the headquarters of the Limit Dojo, Shen Mu noticed a woman in her sixties exiting the entrance of the spacecraft building. This woman was Isadora, the chairwoman of the HR Alliance. Though she held a first-tier planetary-level realm, her combat experience was rather lacking.
"Councilor Shen Mu."
"Lady Isadora."
After greeting Isadora, just as Shen Mu was about to enter the dojo headquarters, he heard her ask, "I wonder how your trip to Misty Island went, Councilor Shen Mu?" Another one coming for the Muya Crystals. Although Shen Mu had plenty, he didn't want to waste them.
"Sorry, Lady Isadora, but I've already arranged to exchange my Muya Crystals for some special treasures with master."
Isadora looked disappointed upon hearing this but still engaged in polite small talk, suggesting they could collaborate more in the future. After exchanging a few pleasantries, Shen Mu entered the dojo headquarters and made his way directly to Hong's room.
In the simple and quiet chamber, Hong was seated cross-legged on a mat, preparing tea. He moved with a certain graceful charm, embodying the essence of the tea ceremony. Shen Mu, being rather uncouth, didn't quite understand it.
"Master." Shen Mu inclined slightly.
A faint smile appeared on Hong's face. "Have a seat. You actively sought me out to exchange treasures, which suggests you gained quite a bit from your trip to Misty Island."
Although Shen Mu was part of the Limit Dojo, any treasures obtained privately were beyond anyone's criticism.
"Indeed, I have reaped some rewards. I would like to exchange for a few Spirits of Nature, as well as some special treasures from the ancient civilization ruins."
"Not a problem." With that, Hong gently raised his hand, and a holographic screen appeared before Shen Mu, displaying a list of Spirits of Nature and another list of treasures. Among the ancient civilization treasures was even a laser pistol, which, after being modified and repaired, could be charged with electrical energy and was powerful enough to kill planetary-level monsters.
"I'll take four sets of the Black God Suit, that laser pistol, and all the Thousand-Year Black Root."
Shen Mu glanced over the treasures from the ancient civilization and spotted the ancient gravity chamber that had caught Babata's eye in the original work. "And I'll take this ancient gravity chamber too."
Hong shot a surprised glance at Shen Mu, not expecting him to be so wealthy. The value of four sets of the Black God Suit was equivalent to one Muya Crystal, while the laser pistol was priced at two Muya Crystals, and the gravity chamber was equivalent to 4.5 Muya Crystals. Adding the four Spirits of Nature together, that totaled 7.9 Muya Crystals.
Shen Mu waved his hand, and eight Muya Crystals, glowing softly, appeared: "Master, could you also provide me with two portions of Dragon Blood to make it an even number?"
"Sure."
According to past regulations, a person could only purchase one set of the Black God Suit, and there were many other restrictions. However, this time, Hong made an exception, not mentioning any limitations. After all, one set of the Black God Suit was enough for him, but Muya Crystals were a necessity, whether for his own cultivation or for nurturing the Cloud Vine, which required a large quantity.
"The Spirits of Nature, laser pistol, and Black God Suits can be given to you now. As for the ancient gravity chamber, someone will deliver it in a few days."
After speaking, Hong waved his hand, and a small book appeared on the low table between them. "This contains my insights on the domain. You can take it back and study it."
Shen Mu accepted the book without hesitation, saying, "Thank you, Master."
***
In Kyoto Base City, at Shen Mu's home.
"This is the legendary Spirit of Nature?" Chen Wen and Shen Gang looked curiously at the two peculiar black plants.
"These are two Thousand-Year Black Roots. The instruction manual has detailed usage methods. Since you both are fighters, these Spirits of Nature can enhance your physical attributes to the peak of the war god level."
After explaining, Shen Mu took out two sets of the Black God Suit. Once they learned that the Black God Suit could reduce the power of attacks from council-level powerhouses by 90%, his parents were astonished.
"This kind of treasure must be priceless, right?" Shen Gang asked, looking at his son.
Shen Mu didn't hide anything: "Yes, I exchanged them with the master using a treasure that is very beneficial to council-level individuals."
Shen Gang frowned slightly, saying, "You don't need to do this anymore. Your mother and I will work hard to train. You should keep these council-level treasures for yourself."
Shen Mu nodded repeatedly, not arguing. For now, he decided not to tell his parents about the Muya Crystals. After the Golden-Horned Beast incident was resolved, he would use the crystals to help them break through to the planet level.
"Mom, Dad, I also bought some other treasures that I plan to give to Sister Yongqing. I'll head out now."
"Alright, go ahead," Chen Wen said hurriedly.
Shen Mu never considered himself particularly impressive. When he first approached Tang Yongqing, he had ulterior motives. Although that was no longer necessary, he wouldn't just cast her aside.
Within ten minutes, Shen Mu's figure appeared in the main district of Kyoto, in front of a pharmaceutical research institute.
"Councilor Shen…" The security personnel at the entrance approached cautiously, speaking respectfully.
Shen Mu shook his head with a smile, "There's no need. If I go in, I might attract quite a crowd. It's not worth the trouble." As he spoke, Tang Yongqing, wearing a white lab coat, came running out of the research building.
"Amu." Her voice carried a hint of excitement.
Shen Mu turned to look at Tang Yongqing. She must have just come out of the lab, wearing protective glasses, her hair tied in a bun, and a mesh cap on her head. "Sister Yongqing, I brought you some gifts."
As Shen Mu spoke, he handed her the briefcase in his hand. "The password is your birthday."
Tang Yongqing looked at the silver briefcase. Given its size, it certainly wasn't a wedding ring, and she regarded Shen Mu with some confusion.
"Inside, there's a portion of Dragon Blood, a Spirit of Nature, and a complete Black God Suit."
Though Tang Yongqing had never heard of the Black God Suit, as a researcher in a national-level pharmacological lab, she was well aware of the renowned Dragon Blood and Spirits of Nature.
"This…, this is too precious." Tang Yongqing's hand froze in mid-air as she accepted the briefcase. Although they had met each other's parents and were at the point of discussing marriage, they were not yet married. With Tang Yongqing's values, it was hard for her to comfortably accept such an expensive gift.
"Sister Yongqing, you need to learn to adapt. Do you think your fiancé is just anyone? He's the youngest council-level powerhouse in the world. If you don't accept it, I won't know how to deal with you."
Tang Yongqing took a deep breath, as if making a decision, and then looked at Shen Mu, saying, "Wait a moment. I need to take a leave."
Without waiting for Shen Mu's response, she turned and ran toward the building, clutching the briefcase. About half an hour later, Tang Yongqing emerged, her outfit changed to a business-style blue blouse and a skirt, and she wore frameless glasses, instantly enhancing her demeanor.
"Let's go, Amu. I will take you out to have some fun. Are you familiar with the main district?" Tang Yongqing feigned nonchalance as she took Shen Mu's hand, though her fingers trembled slightly from nervousness.
"No, I've only lived in Changshan City for the past ten years and have only visited the main district a few times."
"Oh, then I'll show you around."
Tang Yongqing tried to adopt a big-sister demeanor as she led Shen Mu around the main district for half a day, visiting amusement parks and cinemas—nothing particularly exciting. As evening approached and the sun began to set, Tang Yongqing pulled Shen Mu into a hotel, took out her ID card, and said with a slight tremor in her voice, "One room, please."
The front desk staff didn't recognize Tang Yongqing but immediately recognized Shen Mu, who had been in the news several times recently.
"Sure, one king-sized room." The front desk staff gave a knowing smile.
After the procedures were completed, Tang Yongqing awkwardly took the room card and pulled Shen Mu upstairs.
***
With the curtains drawn, the weak evening sun was blocked out, and the entire room fell into darkness. The faint night lights flickered softly, casting delicate shadows that intertwined and swirled.
"Is it cold in here? Why are you trembling?" Shen Mu asked.
Tang Yongqing tightly closed her eyes, seemingly ignoring Shen Mu's question. Shen Mu raised an eyebrow, and then he slowly approached her.
"I… I'm n-not c-cold." Tang Yongqing's voice wavered, filled with emotion.
***
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