Interstellar Farming: I Make Potions and Climb to the Top

Few people knew about Ning Xuan and Ying Yaoshi’s relationship. Her trip to his location was kept secret from the public; they even fabricated a story that she had entered seclusion for cultivation.

Leng Yue picked up Ning Xuan and settled her into a private cabin not far from the command bridge. It was the only such cabin on the entire starship. Aside from a sofa, a table, a bed, and a cylindrical robot, it contained nothing else. Compared to the large starship Ning Xuan had previously traveled on, the conditions could only be described as spartan.

This was a combat starship used for patrol and escort, so its comfort was no match for a large passenger vessel. Her private cabin had been converted from a data processing bay. Looking at the somewhat cramped space, Leng Yue gave Ning Xuan an apologetic smile.

"The accommodations are limited, Miss Ning. I apologize for the inconvenience." Leng Yue bowed respectfully.

"General Leng," Ning Xuan said, observing him, "you seem much more formal this time." The last time she’d seen him in the Lingxiao Secret Realm, his attitude had been far more casual.

"Miss Ning, please forgive any previous disrespect." Leng Yue had been chosen for this escort mission because Ning Xuan had met him before, the idea being that his familiar face would put her more at ease.

Ying Yaoshi had been very displeased with Leng Yue’s conduct in the Lingxiao Secret Realm and had made things difficult for him during routine training on many occasions. This time, Leng Yue had learned his lesson.

"How long until we get to your base? Will we have to transfer, or are we taking this starship the whole way?" Ning Xuan asked.

"The journey here took twenty-one days, but the return trip will be faster. We should reach the Ten Thousand Meteor Star Domain Battlefield in fifteen or sixteen days at most. Barring any complications, we won’t be transferring to another starship," Leng Yue answered.

"That’s a long time. It’s bound to get boring. Didn’t your Marshal make any arrangements for me?" Ning Xuan asked with a small laugh.

"The Marshal’s orders were for us to ensure your safety," Leng Yue replied, lowering his head.

’Traveling for over ten days straight in this cramped starship was a tedious affair even for them. And that was nothing to say of Miss Ning, a revered High-level Female Spirit Controller.’

’Before he left, he had even suggested to the Marshal that they arrange for some Musicians to accompany Miss Ning and entertain her. The look the Marshal gave him could have killed.’

"Fine. Then just focus on the journey. I’ll find you if I need anything. Otherwise, don’t bother me." Having just experienced the vastness of the world and the feeling of free flight in the Secret Realm, Ning Xuan was displeased to find herself suddenly trapped in this cramped starship.

Ning Xuan meditated in her private cabin, reviewing the insights she had gained over the past few days in the Spiritual Cultivation Secret Realm. When mealtime arrived, Leng Yue brought her food right on schedule. However, the military rations consisted only of bland energy bars and some pre-packaged canned meat. The Energy Bars were tasteless, while the canned meat had a rank smell and a terrible texture. Accustomed to the meals Nine-tailed prepared for her according to her specific tastes and recipes, Ning Xuan found the food Leng Yue presented nearly impossible to stomach.

Starting from the second day, Ning Xuan refused Leng Yue’s meal deliveries, stating that she would take care of her own food.

Although this made Leng Yue uneasy, there was nothing he could do about it.

He could only report the situation to Ying Yaoshi so the Marshal could prepare accordingly.

On the fifth day, the starship was crossing a Chaotic Star Domain teeming with Starry Sky Beasts when it came under attack. Although they made it through the region without any major casualties, the starship still sustained damage.

Ning Xuan saw three starship mechanics don protective suits and climb through a topside hatch to the ship’s exterior to repair the damage. She immediately found Leng Yue and announced that she wanted to go out for a look as well.

Upon hearing Ning Xuan’s demand, Leng Yue looked as if he’d been struck by lightning. He was utterly shocked and sternly refused her request. "Miss Ning, space is filled with unpredictable dangers. Extra-vehicular activity is strictly forbidden, especially while the starship is in motion."

Ning Xuan glanced toward the three mechanics already outside the ship.

"The mechanics are experienced professionals who have undergone specialized training," Leng Yue said, nervously blocking Ning Xuan’s path, afraid she would try to force her way out.

’Leng Yue had anticipated that Ning Xuan might cause trouble over the spartan conditions, the boring environment, the lack of entertainment, or the poor food. He had mentally prepared himself for her to throw a tantrum and make things difficult. What he had never, ever expected was that she would want to go on a spacewalk.’

"Didn’t you say it was dangerous outside? If you need to repair the ship, then slow down. You can resume full speed once it’s fixed." Seeing Leng Yue staring at her with his guard up, Ning Xuan tossed out this line before turning and heading back to her cabin.

Leng Yue breathed a sigh of relief and ordered the bridge to reduce speed to accommodate the repairs.

With Leng Yue pushing for maximum speed, they entered the Ten Thousand Meteor Star Domain on the thirteenth day.

"Miss Ning," Leng Yue explained, "the Marshal had intended to welcome you personally. However, the battlefield became unstable three days ago. The Marshal went to the front lines to command the troops, so he was unable to come. He ordered me to take you directly to the base."

"Then let’s go," Ning Xuan said.

After entering the Ten Thousand Meteor Star Domain, Leng Yue and his crew visibly relaxed—the natural easing of tension that comes with entering a secure area.

Ning Xuan gazed out of the viewport when suddenly, a cluster of structures appeared before her. A massive architectural complex, suspended in the vast sea of stars.

Ning Xuan left her cabin and called Leng Yue over. "What is that up ahead? Is it your base?"

Ning Xuan pointed at the massive complex now dominating their view. ’Have we arrived already?’ she wondered.

Twelve silvery-white spires pierced the void, seemingly defying gravity. Their surfaces shimmered with the sheen of liquid metal, and whenever a meteor streaked past, faint, circuit-like blue patterns would become visible on their hulls.

A central dome was covered by a Protective Shield composed of a hexagonal crystalline lattice, its energy matrix constantly radiating a soft glow.

The other buildings resembled typical planetary architecture in their design and form, but they were all constructed from the same unidentifiable gray metal, which emitted a unique radiance in the vacuum of space.

"Miss Ning, that isn’t the main base. It’s one of the 72 Border Arrays," Leng Yue explained, looking at the complex. "This one is on the outer perimeter and has lower security. We don’t station troops here permanently; it’s just part of our rotating patrol route."

"The 72 Border Arrays?" Ning Xuan asked, confused.

"Yes. The 72 Border Arrays are the cornerstone of the entire base, and they are what guarantees its continued existence." As he spoke, the starship drew closer to the massive structure.

"S-Class medium escort ship S641 detected. Commencing scan... No hazardous materials detected. Access granted. Welcome on your safe return."

BEEP. The starship passed through a tunnel beneath the central dome.