C7 Miraculous Bai Family(1)

If the Meteor remained in Bai Chengcheng and his group's possession, it would inevitably draw the attention of various factions from both the underworld and legitimate circles, regardless of whether it was a living warship seed. Provoking the Thirteen Dungeons, the Three Clarities Sect, and the Vigilante Group—three formidable forces each led by a Martial King—would spell disaster for a few ordinary students.

Faang Xinghang, without resorting to his official authority, couldn't ensure their safety. Even with his authority, it wouldn't be feasible for officials to guard the students indefinitely; they simply didn't have that privilege. Handing the Meteor over to Wen Shenyuan, thereby shifting the conflict, was the best course of action. In doing so, Wen Shenyuan was indeed helping Bai Chengcheng and his friends.

Faang Xinghang extracted a meteor from Lu Youzhi's backpack and examined it. He couldn't discern its nature but was certain it wasn't metallic, nor was it a warship seed. He turned to Wen Shenyuan and inquired, "Fire Diamond?"

Typically, non-metallic meteorites would burn to ash upon entering the atmosphere. Only the highest quality fire diamonds, also known as Phoenix Blood Diamonds, could withstand such intense heat.

Wen Shenyuan, instead of answering, countered with, "Are you selling it?"

Faang Xinghang handed it back to Lu Youzhi, stating, "I won't interfere." He was actually hoping that Bai Chengcheng and his peers would sell it to Wen Shenyuan to extricate themselves from the looming maelstrom.

Wen Shenyuan eagerly turned his attention to Lu Youzhi.

Lu Youzhi consulted Bai Chengcheng, "Boss, should we sell it?"

Bai Chengcheng, at a loss for words, weakly gestured towards Feng Rulei and Fan Gongming.

Fan Gongming caught on quickly, "Sure. We have two. One was already promised to Feng Rulei and Liu Xingye. Whether they want to sell is up to them; we're open to selling ours. What's your offer?"

Wen Shenyuan proposed, "One hundred million per Star Essence. How does that sound? Even if it could be cut into a diamond, this price is top dollar. And we'll cover the processing fees."

"How much?" Suddenly, Lu Youzhi fumbled, and with a clatter, the meteor tumbled to the ground.

One hundred million star essences, an astronomical sum that even Faang Xinghang found staggering. The exchange rate between star essence and Hua coin was 1:2, making it a universally accepted currency. This was indeed a fortune of immense proportions.

Lu Youzhi, completely taken aback, accidentally dropped the meteorite onto Bai Chengcheng. With a grimace, Bai Chengcheng coughed up a large mouthful of blood. Everyone was thrown into a frenzy, rushing to Bai Chengcheng's aid.

Faang Xinghang conducted a quick assessment and was drenched in a cold sweat, filled with vexation and self-reproach. It was unthinkable that he, a Martial King, had been so startled by the one hundred million star essences that he failed to catch the meteorite Lu Youzhi had dropped. Bai Chengcheng was barely clinging to life.

Bai Chengcheng's severe injuries were not solely due to Lu Youzhi's mishap. A meteorite falling from a height of over a meter, weighing several dozen kilograms, would not normally harm a level six Martial Disciple. The extent of Bai Chengcheng's injuries came from bullet-shattered bones, resulting in internal organ damage and excessive blood loss. Additionally, being roughly handled by Faang Xinghang, the excessive acceleration exacerbated the internal bleeding.

Faang Xinghang, filled with regret and urgency, lifted Bai Chengcheng and addressed Wen Shenyuan, "I can sell it to you. Please look after the students for me. I need to get Bai Chengcheng to the hospital immediately."

Three voices instantly rose in protest.

First was Wen Shenyuan, "You want to transport him to the hospital in a mech? Are you trying to speed up his demise?"

Lu Youzhi and Fan Gongming chimed in together, "We shouldn't go to the hospital. Let's head to Orange's place and find his mother."

Faang Xinghang ignored Lu Youzhi and Fan Gongming but took Wen Shenyuan's caution seriously. The nearest hospital was over a thousand kilometers away; without a mech, they wouldn't make it in time, but the ride would be too rough for Bai Chengcheng in his condition.

Relief came just in time to alleviate Faang Xinghang's dilemma.

From the southern horizon, a fleet of fighter jets and mechas approached, buzzing like a swarm of bees. Faang Xinghang's Sky Vision activated, "Report! Zramshire's Sky Special Forces have arrived on orders. Awaiting your command."

Faang Xinghang had lost the urge to point fingers. "Sweep the coast for any lingering terrorists. And get me a fighter jet, pronto—I need to evacuate a critically injured person to Zramshire." He had already pegged the Thirteen Dungeons as a terrorist group.

A jet made a vertical landing, and Lu Youzhi took Bai Chengcheng from Faang Xinghang, rushing aboard the aircraft.

Mr. Fan called out to Feng Rulei, "Rulei, I'm leaving Meteor in your hands," before he too boarded the jet.

Faang Xinghang gave Wen Shenyuan a meaningful look.

Wen Shenyuan chuckled. "The military's here; they don't need my protection. I'll head out after I wrap up the deal for Meteor."

"But the Thirteen Dungeons might still have some heavy hitters around. The military might not be enough to keep the students safe. I'm counting on you to stick around until they've all been evacuated," Faang Xinghang implored.

Wen Shenyuan considered for a beat, then agreed, "Okay."

Grabbing his mech suit case, Faang Xinghang quickly took his seat on the jet. It soared off immediately, bound for Zramshire.

Unbeknownst to Wen Shenyuan and Faang Xinghang, the remnants of the Thirteen Dungeons lurking in the depths of the Northern Sea felt the space around them constrict, then crumble to silt, scattered by the currents, vanishing without a trace. From the highest-ranking Martial Masters to the lowliest warriors, whether aboard the battleship or outside, all perished in a bizarre, simultaneous demise. Luckily, aside from those who met their mysterious end, no one else was the wiser—otherwise, it would have caused an uproar. After all, the dead tell no tales.

On the aircraft, Faang Xinghang removed his mech suit and focused his energy on maintaining Bai Chengcheng's vital channels.

After several cycles, Bai Chengcheng came to, offering Faang Xinghang a wry smile.

Relieved to see Bai Chengcheng awake, Faang Xinghang repeatedly apologized for his oversight. His guard had been up against the three others, causing him to overlook Bai Chengcheng's condition.

Bai Chengcheng blinked, signaling no hard feelings.

Two hours later, as the jet hovered over Zramshire, Bai Chengcheng found his voice. "Brother Faang, take me home."

Faang Xinghang scolded, "This is nonsense. What good will going home do? Get to the hospital, and fast. Don't worry, Zramshire Hospital has a recuperation pod, and I assure you that you'll recover. And of course, I'll take full responsibility for any consequences."

When such a serious accident occurs during a student's time at school, responsibility is unavoidable. Faang Xinghang wasn't concerned about accepting blame and was ready to cover all of Bai Chengcheng's losses.

Struggling to speak, Bai Chengcheng managed to say, "Brother Faang, my mom, she's a miracle worker in medicine, far better than any hospital doctor. Please, take me home. She won't hold you responsible."

Lu Youzhi and Fan Gongming nodded in agreement, "Absolutely, absolutely. Brother Faang, the best thing for him is to get Orange home quickly."

Faang Xinghang was utterly unconvinced. No matter how skilled someone was in medicine, without the hospital's life-saving equipment, what good would it be?

Bai Chengcheng was adamant, and so was Faang Xinghang in his refusal.

Fan Gongming attempted to mediate, "Brother Faang, why not meet his mother first? If it doesn't work out, we can head to the hospital right after. It won't take much time. We all vouch for it and assure you that you won't be held liable."

Unable to argue further, Faang Xinghang conceded, "Fine." After all, it would only take a few minutes to reach the hospital from Bai Chengcheng's house with his speed.

Guided by Mr. Fan, the fighter jet landed directly on the main street, right in front of Bai Chengcheng's house.

"Wenxuan Pavilion," a three-section bookstore with two floors: the shop on the ground level and the living quarters above.

Faang Xinghang carried Bai Chengcheng off the plane and hurried to the entrance of Wenxuan Pavilion, where he was greeted by a tall, striking woman. Her delicate skin and attire suggested she was about twenty years old. She bore a striking resemblance to Bai Tianchang, particularly the upturned corners of her mouth and her playful, irreverent demeanor, almost a spitting image. Her tone was just as teasing, "Well, well, look at this. Who's managed to debilitate my scrappy dog? He left on his feet but comes back horizontal."

Faang Xinghang slammed on the brakes, narrowly avoiding a collision with the stunning woman before him. He hesitated, unsure of how to break the silence. Her presence was extraordinary, captivating the heart with an elegance akin to a celestial being. Her face radiated an indescribable glow, ethereal as if from a dream. Moreover, she was clearly engaged in conversation with Bai Tianchang, paying no mind to Faang Xinghang. Uncertain of her relationship with Bai Tianchang, he was at a loss for how to address her.

Bai Tianchang intervened just in time to alleviate Faang Xinghang's discomfort. "Mom, I need to practice my cultivation."

"Mom?" Faang Xinghang blurted out in disbelief. He glanced between Bai Tianchang and the tall beauty, struggling to accept that this ravishing woman could be Bai Tianchang's mother.

"Oh, handsome, don't go calling me 'mom' so casually. I've only had one son in my entire life. What if you confuse his father?" The beauty feigned concern, her acting so convincing it evoked sympathy from those around her. Making trouble for her seemed akin to committing a grave offense.

Bai Tianchang was accustomed to her antics, but Faang Xinghang was left completely bewildered. What sort of people were these?

Lu Youzhi and Fan Gongming, who had just arrived, approached the beauty with the deference of mice before a cat, bowing respectfully. "Good day, Auntie."

The beauty responded with surprise, "Eh? How come you two rascals haven't shed a single hair this time?"

Then, from inside the shop, a clear voice called out, "What's all this commotion? Bring my son in for treatment, now!"

"Okay," the beauty replied meekly, yet she playfully stuck her tongue out at Bai Tianchang. Her mischievous charm made the hearts of onlookers flutter.

As she reached out to embrace Bai Tianchang, her hand brushed against Faang Xinghang's arm. She teasingly caressed his arm with her delicate fingers and remarked, "Such strength." With a flirtatious glance that could captivate any heart, she lifted Bai Tianchang and floated gracefully into the shop.

"Uh, oh." Faang Xinghang felt disoriented. The family's reaction was truly out of the ordinary. There was no panic, no blame, not even a word of thanks, and they hadn't inquired about the reason behind Bai Chengcheng's injury. They simply made a playful comment and left him hanging. Turning to Lu Youzhi and Fan Gongming, he asked in a low voice, "You two are quite familiar with his family, aren't you?"

At that moment, the two were far from mischievous, responding politely, "Very familiar, indeed. Teacher Faang, please come in and take a seat." They saw no issue with extending an invitation on behalf of the host.

After a brief hesitation, Faang Xinghang stepped inside. Regardless of whether the parents decided to follow up on the incident, Bai Chengcheng had sustained serious injuries during the school-organized outing, and both he and the school bore undeniable responsibility. He owed the parents an explanation.

He had visited this place, Wenxuan Pavilion, several times before as a regular customer, unaware that it was Bai Chengcheng's home.

His first visit was by chance, simply wandering in. The shop was conveniently located just a street away from the school. After his initial visit left him deeply impressed, he found himself returning several times. These subsequent visits were not just to appreciate the rare physical books or the tranquil, old-world charm of the place, but also driven by professional curiosity to uncover its secrets. He couldn't fathom how an unassuming bookshop could house such an array of valuable antique wooden furniture.

With specialized training and a broad knowledge base, Faang Xinghang wasn't an appraisal expert but was certainly no amateur. He recognized that the antique-style furniture was genuinely historic. Every piece, whether it was a stool, table, chair, or an ornamental item like a vase or screen, was of immense value.

The bookshop, which seemed to do little business, housed items whose worth could rival the richest individual on Primarch Star. This fact alone piqued Faang Xinghang's interest. 'Possession of treasure makes one guilty,' he thought. How could this family dare to display such wealth so openly? Even if most people were none the wiser, what would happen if a connoisseur happened by?

After further investigation, Faang Xinghang came up empty-handed. Besides, it wasn't his responsibility, and his interest waned over time. After all, the origins of someone else's wealth and whether they could retain it had nothing to do with him.

Yet, to his surprise, he discovered that this was none other than Bai Chengcheng's home. This revelation reignited Faang Xinghang's curiosity. Regardless of Bai Chengcheng's injury today, Faang Xinghang found himself eager for another visit.