CH 120

Although this waterside picnic has come to an end, everyone is still eagerly anticipating when they can do it again, especially Gu Langu, whose intimate time with Shu Shuishui was interrupted. Even after Nan Ge’s group left later on, Gu Langu still felt unsatisfied.

Particularly, after learning that Shu Shuishui had used up the mimicry symbols. Even though Gu Langu had used the most symbols that night, he still felt that if he had a few more, he could continue to embrace the soft and fluffy Shu Shuishui, holding him while sleeping, leaning on him during meals, and hugging him while walking.

As for the others who were eagerly anticipating, Gu Langu firmly declined their requests. Why was this so? Because in a mimicry state, a single fish could annihilate them, and for the sake of the fleet’s future, it was wise to avoid such situations. His argument was convincing, and the others couldn’t refuse.

Having achieved his goal, Gu Langu eagerly awaited the next batch of mimicry symbols from Shu Shuishui, and he secretly prepared the next set of ingredients every day.

However, what he didn’t expect was that the storm arrived earlier. This signaled the onset of the Cang Zhan Star Rain Season, marking the end of the sunny days and an indefinite hiatus for picnicking on small boats. Once the rainy season arrived, storms would become a common occurrence, much like frequent winter blizzards. Even large ships were at risk of capsizing on such days, and Shu Shuishui’s fruit boat was on the verge of being overturned at any moment.

The first rain arrived after sunset, on the third evening after the waterside picnic. After the sun had set, the world plunged into a refreshing darkness.

Inside the room, Shu Shuishui and Gu Langu were nestled on the bed, back to back, each engrossed in their own tasks. Gu Langu was working on improving a detector, while Shu Shuishui was going through the stack of documents given by Cheng Que.

The further he flipped through the documents, the more serious Shu Shuishui became. The folded papers held more value than he had initially thought. This stack of information contained over thirty pages, starting from scratch and progressively detailing the history of the Cang Star System’s development. This was a rare moment when Shu Shuishui didn’t doze off while absorbing technological knowledge; in fact, he was enthusiastic about it.

The information was divided into three sections: the past development history of the Cang Star System, the current overview, and the future predictions. Shu Shuishui had just finished reading the history of the past development. It turned out that the Cang Star System was once remarkably similar to the Milky Way, with most planets resembling Earth. However, there were numerous habitable planets, leading to constant friction among them.

Conflicts and friction typically accompany technological leaps and innovations. In one interstellar battle, a powerful technological weapon accidentally tore through spacetime, allowing the Cang Star System to capture information from a higher-dimensional civilization. Although only a small part of it was deciphered later on, it propelled the Cang Star System to great heights, officially ushering it into the interstellar age. People’s focus shifted from interplanetary matters to interstellar ones. Consequently, the Cang Star System encountered the neighboring Xian Ge galaxy, marking the formal contact between the Canghai civilization and another highly advanced civilization.

Next came the current overview records, filled with advanced technological terms. Cheng Que thoughtfully provided simple explanations in place of these terms to make it easier for Shu Shuishui to understand. It was at this point that Shu Shuishui realized Cheng Que was truly a top talent. He must have deduced his general identity through their daily interactions to offer such explanations.

Shu Shuishui had never been to planets beyond Cang Zhan Star, but through Cheng Que’s descriptions, he felt as though he were witnessing a dynamic external world—a genuine interstellar era with a fully structured future.

It was unlike the strictly regulated desolate planets. In this era, one could explore the world without walking, a time when they could experience the entire world without leaving their place.

Cheng Que didn’t dwell on the remarkable achievements of the Cang Star System but simply presented this world through the daily life of an ordinary person to Shu Shuishui.

In the future world, people didn’t need to stay up late; they had a set of scientific and healthy lifestyles. They could even replenish their energy through nutrient capsules like simulators while entertaining themselves during sleep. They had more work options, and working from home had become commonplace. The streets were managed in layers, magnetic levitation technology replaced asphalt roads, and all waste could be recycled…

All these daily yet dazzling technologies made Shu Shuishui realize for the first time how exciting the outside world was. “Gu Gu, I didn’t know the world outside was so amazing!”

Gu Langu turned to look at Shu Shuishui. “Well, this place isn’t too bad either.”

Shu Shuishui’s eyes remained glued to the book. “Hmm, because here, I have Gu Gu.”

Gu Langu, who had been slightly worried that Shu Shuishui might suddenly want to explore the world outside, smiled contentedly. His worry was unnecessary; as long as he didn’t leave, even if the outside world was more exciting, Shu Shuishui wouldn’t go.

Shu Shuishui reached out and turned another page, realizing that he had come to the section on future predictions. He took a deep breath, ready to embrace yet another new set of content and a different world.

However, as he opened the bookmarked page, the first thing that caught his eye were two bold, bright red words: “Doomsday!”

Shu Shuishui paused. These two words were right at the top of the page, extremely conspicuous. Why would the term “Doomsday” appear in Cheng Que’s future predictions?

Just as Shu Shuishui was about to continue reading, a thunderclap erupted like an explosion in the sky, serving as the deafening cry of this summer’s first thunderstorm. The rainy season had arrived!

Because the thunder came so suddenly, after the deafening sound faded away, it seemed as if the world had fallen into a brief silence—a silence of shock.

Including Shu Shuishui and Gu Langu, everyone instinctively looked out the window.

The refreshing coolness of summer nights belonged outside the window, while inside, the air remained hot and stifling. Therefore, most people choose to sleep with their windows open. At this moment, regardless of what they were doing, everyone onboard reacted by looking out of the window.

The sky outside was ominously dark, as it had been for the past few nights, seemingly setting the psychological expectation for everyone. However, the first rain had been delayed, testing people’s patience. Today, it seemed that something was finally about to break that expectation!

Indeed, following the first thunderclap, the second and third thunderclaps rolled in successively. The resonating sound seemed to make people’s teeth chatter slightly. Crimson streaks of lightning tore through the pitch-black night sky, and the torrential rain poured down from these rifts like the unstoppable Milky Way, with sheer force.

The first raindrop hit the surface of the river, creating ripples that hadn’t even had time to spread before being disrupted by a series of raindrops. Outside the window, there was suddenly a powerful and rhythmic “swish, swish, swish” sound.

Shu Shuishui sprang up from the bed, took two or three steps to reach the window, and brought the farms and pastures from the small balcony back into the room. Although the protective array could withstand the wind and rain, there was no need to expend spiritual energy on resisting the storm.

While tidying up the pastures, Shu Shuishui also shouted a sentence out the window, “It’s raining, bring the grasshoppers home!”

A moment later, amidst the pouring rain, various responses could be heard.

“Alright!”

“On my way!”

“Bringing the grasshoppers home!”

“…”

Standing by the window, Shu Shuishui curled his lips and then closed the window confidently to block the incoming rain. “It seems like they react in time, no harm done.”

“After all, it’s been cloudy for two nights already, they were prepared. Shui Shui, don’t worry about them,” Gu Langu said as he got out of bed. The soft carpet absorbed the coolness from the wooden floor.

The two of them stood at the window, gazing at the world outside through the glass.

The pitch-black night sky was continuously illuminated by the terrifying power of the purple-red lightning. It seemed as if the sky had been infinitely magnified, while the fleet on the water had been infinitely reduced in size. The suffocating feeling of the sky pressing down was accompanied by each muffled thunderclap, causing hearts to beat like drums.

The falling raindrops were already splashing high water sprays on the water’s surface. The river seemed to be boiling, restless, and turbulent.

After closing the window, the thunder outside seemed a bit more distant, but that was only an illusion. The sky had already been filled with lightning, far and near, above and all around. This was Cang Zhan Star, this was the rainy season, and this was the era of doomsday.

Gu Langu reached out and held Shu Shuishui’s hand, silently reassuring him as he seemed a bit on edge. “Shui Shui, don’t be afraid.”

Shu Shuishui habitually tried to smooth down his hair, only to realize that he was currently in human form. “I’m not afraid. Did my hair stand on end? It must be because of static electricity. Gu Gu, don’t worry.”

Gu Langu lowered his head slightly and gently rubbed the top of Shu Shuishui’s head with his chin. “Yeah, it’s static electricity. Blame the thunderstorm outside for being too intense.”

Shu Shuishui leaned against Gu Langu’s side in relief, gazing at the world outside that was continuously illuminated by lightning despite the darkness. He had never seen such a violent rainstorm or lightning that covered the entire sky, sometimes even cracking like a web, as if it intended to envelop everything. This apocalyptic grandeur indeed inspired awe in the hearts of those who witnessed it.

The torrential rain made the fleet seem like leaves swaying on the water’s surface. Only the faint light between them brought some comfort, reminding everyone that it wasn’t the end of the world, that there were still others with them, and that they were not alone.

It was precisely at this moment that countless people were grateful for their decision to follow the migration. After several days of sailing, they had traveled a long, long distance northward. The farther north they went, the higher the terrain and the less precipitation. The terrifying scene they were experiencing here was bad enough, but what kind of doomsday scenario awaited those in the south, at their former base?

Liu Du and Liu Po were now standing by the window, observing the first rain of the year. The spiderweb-like lightning that blanketed the entire sky was quite frightening. Liu Du even instinctively took a step back, away from the window. “Brother, I’ve never seen such a violent rainstorm and lightning. It seems that Cang Zhan Star has truly entered the era of doomsday. We don’t even know how high the water level will rise tomorrow, and what’s even scarier is that it doesn’t seem like this downpour will stop anytime soon.”

Liu Po’s expression grew more serious, clearly not expecting the situation to be this dire. “If it were just heavy rain, that would be manageable. What we fear are the storms. Right now, there’s water everywhere, and once you get blown off course by a storm, away from the navigation routes, there are hidden reefs, rocks, trees, and whirlpools everywhere.”

“Yeah, the Cang River is relatively calm. Speaking of which, I wonder what’s happening in Zone B now. It’s strange, knowing it’s the era of doomsday, they still haven’t left,” Liu Du couldn’t help but think of those who had stayed behind at the base.

“Power always blinds people and makes them feel lucky. We think they’re fools, but little did we know, they probably thought we were crazy back then. Pity on both sides,” Liu Po suddenly turned and looked seriously at Liu Du.

Liu Du felt a bit uneasy under his older brother’s gaze. “If you have something to say, just say it. The atmosphere was already quite frightening.”

Liu Po chuckled. “No need to be nervous. I was just wondering, we’ve known each other for a while now. What do you think of Shui Jing Gong?”

“Very good,” Liu Du replied without hesitation. “To be honest, I envy them quite a bit. It’s not just about the resources, equipment, and advanced technology they have. What’s most important is the sense of unity among them. It’s a feeling that other bases lack. It’s like there’s a vortex firmly holding everyone together, making them inseparable. Look at them, when they talk about migration, everyone in the entire base follows along. Now look at us…”

When it came to Shui Jing Gong, Liu Du felt like he could write a thousand words without repeating himself.

Seeing the genuine envy and longing in Liu Du’s eyes, Liu Po felt like he could finally let go of some burdens. When they established the base initially, it was merely for three meals a day and a peaceful life. They had nothing to lose, so what was there to hold onto? “So, what do you think about us joining Shui Jing Gong?”

Liu Du’s flattering words came to a sudden halt, and he stared blankly for a full three seconds before reacting. “Brother, are you serious?”

Liu Po nodded calmly. “I’ve actually been thinking about it for a while. But if I had mentioned it right after the migration, when everyone was unfamiliar with each other, not only would our base’s people resist, but the Shui Jing Gong members would too. Nan Ge probably noticed my intentions, so he actively promoted communication and interaction between the two bases during this time. Now, if we bring it up again, there won’t be such deep resistance between us.”

Liu Du was somewhat dumbfounded. He never knew what the bigwigs were thinking. He couldn’t even discern his own older brother’s thoughts. Could it be that this was why he couldn’t become a leader? “I wholeheartedly agree! We can rightfully enjoy the benefits and finally be companions with Shui Shui! When are you going to talk to them? Let’s go now!”

“No need to rush,” Liu Po replied calmly. This idea had been brewing for too long, and now they were just missing the right opportunity. After the heavy rain of Cang Zhan Star’s rainy season, violent storms often followed. Liu Po wanted to be responsible to his brothers, and what he sought was equal participation, not being subservient.

This was his persistence and his consistent style. He could let go of tempting power but wouldn’t accept a lower position. Similarly, those who followed him on this unknown journey felt the same way. Shui Jing Gong had its allure and inclusivity, while Zone B had its strength.