"A Worthy Death" (Minor Revision)

"Traitor! You'll die a horrible death!!"

A sharp dagger sliced open the body of a young Sea Race who had been captured.

Unlike the Sea Demon Species, this Sea Race's body was not covered in scales; instead, it had only a single layer of soft skin.

He was suspended above the lava, and even with a thin protective net, he was burned red-hot.

Only the remaining armor plates on his back allow those familiar with the species to recognize him as a member of the Barnacle Species.

That's right, those barnacle-like sea creatures were bred using his genes.

"Ah--!"

The Barnacle Species, stripped of its shell, is exceptionally fragile and sensitive; the ever-increasing pain has driven it to madness.

But precisely because his physical body was fragile, the Third Research Institute spent a huge sum of money to install life support devices on him, keeping him alive.

That's why he didn't die from the pain and became one of the most energetic "materials" in the prison.

"You lowly seaweed! Sooner or later, you'll be discarded like a used tool!"

"I'm waiting for you to come and be with me!!"

Amidst the Barnacle Species's barrage of curses, Cheng Wenjie seemed to hear something amusing.

His calm expression changed, and a mocking smile appeared at the corner of his mouth.

"No need for you to worry," he said, twirling the dagger in his hand, the entire piece of flesh falling into the container. "The Barnacle Project Group is ready to submit its project completion application."

"You and your people will soon be discarded after you've served your purpose, even before I am."

The Barnacle Species' curses stopped abruptly.

For a fleeting moment, his expression showed a longing for liberation, but then, upon hearing Cheng Wenjie mention his people, it transformed into a twisted expression of hatred.

The cursing started again, but this time it was mixed with some pleas for mercy.

"For the sake of me having once promoted you, spare the children of my tribe..."

"For your sake."

The barnacle's words were interrupted.

After collecting the materials, Cheng Wenjie took out a tissue to wipe his bloodied hands. "I'll make sure you die a worthy death."

To die for the technological advancement of the Sea Race —how can that not be considered a worthy death?

Ignoring the Barnacle Species that began to struggle violently after hearing his words, and the life support device that was emitting a sharp warning sound, he turned and left the cell.

He still had experiments to do, and he didn't have time to waste on the curses of the losers.

Meanwhile, in Chongming City.

The city is quieter before dawn compared to other times of day.

However, many Sea Race with irregular schedules still walk the streets.

Therefore, most shops in Chongming City are open 24 hours a day.

In a tavern somewhere in the city, the place was now filled with Sea Race who loved a sip of strong liquor.

They sat or stood in twos and threes, their noisy chatter filling the small space.

Hua Yixuan, with her hair casually tied in a low ponytail and wearing thick-rimmed black glasses, pushed open the tavern's curtain and entered.

His completely concealed aura and somewhat disheveled hair made him seem insignificant.

Just like any ordinary Sea Race who comes to drink late at night.

"A cup of Mockingbird, thank you."

The bartender looked up and glanced at the young man in front of him without making it obvious.

Their eyes met, and the bartender gave a professional smile.

"Okay, please wait a moment."

Then, the bartender skillfully began to manipulate the cocktail bottle.

Before long, a stemmed glass filled with emerald green wine was pushed in front of Hua Yixuan.

There was also a coaster with the pub's logo underneath the glass.

Hua Yixuan picked up the cocktail and drank it alone for quite a while.

We then ordered other cocktails and some snacks.

After finishing his drinks, he paid the bill and left, casually putting the coaster and his change into his pocket.

After leaving the tavern, he strolled back to his residence on the outer ring of Chongming City under the streetlights.

"Snap!"

He entered, closed the door, and locked it; the slight intoxication in Hua Yixuan's eyes vanished instantly.

He sensed the condition of the room and, confirming that it was the same as when he left, with no signs of intrusion, he breathed a sigh of relief.

Hua Yixuan took out the coaster paper, channeled his Psychic Energy into it, and the tavern's logo began to slowly change.

A moment later, a line of text was formed.

"Around eight o'clock in the morning, the First Prince Yuan Rong will go to the No. 2 private room of the Reed Pavilion for tea as usual. This time, no other guests have been invited."

Hua Yixuan memorized the contents, increased the output of Psychic Energy in his hand, and the paper was instantly shredded into dust, which then scattered in the seawater.

"Reed Pavilion, Room 2, Top Tier."

This is a good opportunity for him if he wants to make a deal with the eldest prince alone.

However, he did not trust the privacy of the private rooms at the Reed Pavilion.

Therefore, instead of going to the Reed Pavilion for a chat, it would be better to act quickly and sneak into the Crown Prince's carriage in advance.

However, there might be personal servants inside the Crown Prince's carriage, and he had to make sure they were all unconscious.

"Clang, clang, clang, clang, clang, clang."

The clock struck six; the current time was exactly six o'clock in the morning.

He had less than two hours to prepare.

Hua Yixuan took off the non-prescription glasses that were covering her face and put them away. She then untied her messy low ponytail and tied it back up.

He changed into a stealth suit, put on a hood that completely covered his head, and silently left his residence again.

The slender, dark figure dodged the glass streetlights and instantly disappeared into the darkness of Chongming City.

At 7:30 a. m., the First Prince Yuan Rong's car drove out of the gate of the Prince's residence.

Before leaving the mansion, the protective array on the carriage had already been activated.

A hazy Psychic Energy adorned the luxurious, gilded carriage, making it gleam.

Upon seeing this, other vehicles around the road immediately swerved to make way for them.

"Wow, look at that emblem, it must be His Highness the First Prince!"

A passerby watched the gleaming carriage go, his voice filled with the delight of witnessing royalty on a journey.

"Yes," another passerby said matter-of-factly, "This must be your first day in the lower inner city."

"Yes, how did you know?"

"Because the Crown Prince passes by at this time every day, the locals are used to seeing him."

"Oh? Your Highness has so much free time... oh no, so refined tastes?"

"Yes, only the eldest prince has the leisure and inclination for this."

"After all, there's nothing else to do."

The eldest prince Yuan Rong, sat listlessly in the carriage, toying with the new teacup sent by the aristocratic families while muttering to himself.

"Your Highness? What did you just say?"

A servant who was peeling clams for the prince heard some noises, looked up and respectfully inquired.

"It's nothing, just peeling it for you."

He casually dismissed the servants to continue peeling clams, and Yuan Rong picked up the fruit beside him and began to eat.

He now completely lacks the elegant image of royalty that outsiders perceive him to be.

The feeling of giving up was undisguisedly revealed.

If it weren't for the royal image, he probably wouldn't even bother pretending in the eyes of outsiders.

Just as Yuan Rong was in a daze, a figure suddenly darted out from the shadow of the cabinets placed in the carriage.

The next second, the servant collapsed unconscious, a hand covering his mouth, and he clearly felt a sharp weapon approaching his neck.

"Good morning, Your Highness Yuan Rong. Would you be so kind as to make a deal with me?"

After speaking, Hua Yixuan loosened his hand slightly from his mouth, then moved his hand down and grabbed the eldest prince's neck.

The sharp blade had been moved aside.

However, the blade was still aimed at Yuan Rong's body.

"Certainly."

There was no fear in Yuan Rong's eyes as he calmly answered.

"This prince is quite curious to know what other value I possess that could be coveted and exploited."