Chapter 44 — ILK Chapter 44

The Sole Bloodline of Shifang Grotto

Early in the morning, Sang Ye was awakened by the aroma of Century Egg and Pork Porridge. The scent of grain mixed with savory meat wafted into her nose, warm and inviting. She nudged Rong Cheng, who was sleeping like a little pig beside her, and after a quick cleanup, they stepped out of the tent.

Outside, a crowd of Sentinels stared at them with naked anticipation, their movements unified as they tracked the pair. These gluttons had woken up even earlier than Sang Ye, hovering like hawks over the steamers and porridge pots. Seeing Sang Ye awake, they cheered, ready to feast.

Sang Ye stepped forward, lifting the lids and moving the steamers out tier by tier. The eager Sentinels rushed to help, snagging a bun or two for themselves in the process. As the steam rose, Sentinels could be seen scattered across the base eating breakfast. Some cradled bowls of porridge, taking a bite of a bun followed by a sip of soup; the savory juice from the meat buns dripped into the white porridge, staining it a light amber.

Sang Ye had made two types of porridge: one thick and mild, packed with century eggs and lean meat; and another thinner, saltier version seasoned with rose salt that tasted exceptionally fresh. Everyone chose according to their preference. Sang Ye had boiled several massive pots, ensuring there was enough for everyone to finish.

By the time they were ready to deploy, some Sentinels still couldn't bear to let go, tucking a few extra buns into insulated boxes and hiding them in their spatial buttons.

This time, Asu Ment personally led the team, while Wu Huansheng stayed to guard the base. Asu stood at the entrance, her figure tall and robust. Unlike ordinary Sentinels who could only add minor decorations to their combat suits, high-ranking officers could spend their own money on custom-made gear with high personal flair.

Asu Ment’s suit was undeniably luxurious, woven with gold thread and Black Crystal materials. As she moved, a golden shimmer flowed over her like scales. Embroidered on her cuffs was a soft-bodied creature that looked somewhat like a pig’s snout. At her hip hung a curved blade—which Sang Ye later learned was a famous Shamshir passed down from ancient times—its scabbard decorated with pearls and crimson rubies.

At the entrance, personnel distributed radiation meters. These devices could shield a certain degree of mineral radiation, but they had a cap and were themselves powered by Black Crystal energy. To some extent, the base and the Snow Mountain tribes were the same—neither could survive without the Black Crystal mines.

The Snow Mountain Woods were very close to the radioactive heart of the mountain, the area known as Snow-Pear Plains. Once there, even a giant fleet couldn't maintain a signal network. The magnetic radiation would scramble or disable all modern technology; only human mental power could negate the interference. Furthermore, the terrain was treacherous—pockets of loose flowing snow hid beneath the drifts. One wrong step could mean being swallowed and swept away. Consequently, they could only use small warships; giant vessels couldn't land on the steep cliffs.

Once they reached the woods, they would rely solely on the Sentinels' mental power and spiritual forms. The logistics officers reminded everyone not to approach the Snow-Pear Plains under any circumstances, as rescue would be impossible.

Small warships swarmed out from the belly of the carriers like a cloud of bees, flying toward the peaks while maintaining careful distances. Asu Ment kept Minur by her side. Sang Ye was, naturally, paired with Rong Cheng. Sang Ye was the only Guide on this mission; the other three remained at the base.

…

Soon, the small ships landed gracefully at various points in the woods. The moment Sang Ye stepped onto the actual snow, a chill that even the thermal suit couldn't block rose from the soles of her feet. The cruelty of the Snow Mountain finally revealed its first layer to her.

Minur led the way. Even with goggles and imaging devices, identifying directions in the blizzard was difficult. They followed her to a pass collapsed by snow, where a "snow waterfall" fell continuously, forming a natural barrier. The pass was hidden in a white void; a slip here meant falling into an abyss.

"It's here." Minur's voice was only heard by those standing right next to her. Asu Ment signaled the troops to halt.

"Rong Cheng!" Asu shouted.

Rong Cheng stepped forward. The Three-legged Golden Crow dove with her, hovering mid-air as they punched through the snow waterfall. A moment later, the bird emerged, shaking its golden feathers to dump snow onto Rong Cheng’s head.

"There's a cave entrance down there," Rong Cheng reported. "It goes deep. There are no signs of human activity at the entrance, just snow."

Asu Ment gestured for the Sentinels to enter. As Sang Ye was carried in by Rong Cheng, she realized just how deep the cave went. After walking for ten minutes, Minur stopped at a wall and began feeling the surface of the frozen earth. She pressed a hidden catch, and a door concealed behind the frost groaned open.

In the pitch darkness, a cold, feminine voice barked from behind the door: "Get out." The sound of safety locks clicking on firearms followed.

"Keliu," Asu Ment called out into the dark.

"General...?" The voice of Major General Keliu sounded hesitant. Asu stepped forward, letting the light hit her face. "We finally found you."

Keliu still didn't relax. "It’s okay, I’m here. That little mushroom can't reach you anymore," another gentle voice said from inside. The woman speaking pulled the door open, soothing Keliu’s tense nerves.

The world behind the door opened to them. Beside Keliu stood a woman wearing strange clothes—a high collar, wide sleeves, and a layered, flowing skirt embroidered with patterns that looked ready to drift away. She was refined and gentle, looking like the warm waters of a spring day—a stark contrast to the hardened soldiers.

"Master!"

"Master!"

Sang Ye and Rong Cheng rushed toward her like fledgling birds.

"Sangsang! Chengcheng!" The woman gasped in surprise. "How are you here too!"

This woman was their Master, Du Yuan.

…

The cave was massive, comparable to the sub-base itself. It was no longer the cold, industrial observatory Minur remembered. It was decorated with lush green vines; multiple fire pits had been dug into the walls to provide warmth, venting through old pipes. The air was filled with the scent of flowers, grass, and food. The hidden Sentinels here were energetic and stable, their spiritual forms playing together happily.

As the Generals exchanged information, the three Master and disciples embraced, sharing their experiences. When Du Yuan learned one disciple was a pampered noble and the other was an exiled death-row prisoner, she sighed—their fates mirrored their past lives in strange ways.

Du Yuan had lost consciousness during the explosion of the Shifang Grotto Array and woke up in the crashed Royal travel ship. Her timing was between Rong Cheng and Sang Ye. She had been "kidnapped" by a Snow Mountain scouting party. Minur’s story was true—she had helped Du Yuan escape. Du Yuan had intended to find the Empire but knew a Guide couldn't survive the trek alone, so she stayed in the cave. A few days ago, Keliu’s retreating squad had stumbled upon the area, and Du Yuan had taken them in, providing mental grooming and food.

Sang Ye excitedly told Du Yuan about her business plan and the ability to buy planets. "We can have Shifang Grotto again in this galaxy! We just need to find the Grandmaster. Even if we don't, with your pocket dimension, the planet will thrive."

It was then that Du Yuan’s face showed a look of profound sadness.

"Sangsang, Chengcheng... my pocket dimension is gone."

The two disciples froze.

"It seems my dimension didn't come with me," Du Yuan smiled sadly. "I am now like the Guides here; I have a mental landscape, but I can no longer plant anything in it. Sangsang... you might be the last and only one of the Shifang Grotto bloodline who still possesses a Planting Dimension."

Before Sang Ye could process this crushing news, an explosion rocked the cave entrance! The massive frozen stone door was blown inward. A man as broad as a mountain, with a horn on his forehead and dark skin, walked in silently.

He let out a bloodthirsty, excited laugh: "As I thought, my dear sister! You've delivered a grand gift right to my door! Minur... I knew you were the one who let Du Yuan go!"

Minur’s face turned deathly pale.