Stellar Train: I Open a Small Shop on the Train-Chapter 170

On the Shell Planet.

Firefly, Stelle, Hutao, Amber, and Lumine led the Purifier mech army in a frenzied advance.

Three-quarters of the entire planet had already been "purified." The remaining bugs had retreated to the last continent, desperately resisting.

Where the two sides clashed, flesh and blood flew.

One Purifier mech dashed forward, leaving behind an afterimage.

In the next second, it appeared above a bug, pounced on it, pinned it down, and drove its laser blade up through the bug's skull.

After eliminating the bug, the Purifier mech quickly got up and charged toward the next target.

Firefly soared into the sky and delivered a flying kick toward the center of the swarm.

Seeing this, Stelle hurriedly followed. The Judgment of Shamash in her hands gathered flames , and when she landed, she cleared out a wide area of bugs in an instant.

Amber shot down a bug with her bow, then wiped the sweat from her forehead.

These bugs were too many—she had never drawn her bow this many times in a single day.

She felt utterly exhausted, her chest rising and falling heavily.

Eula noticed and approached her.

"Amber, are you alright?"

Amber caught her breath and replied:

"I'm fine. Just a bit tired. I'll be okay after a short rest."

Just then, dozens of Purifier mechs suddenly surrounded the two, forming a protective circle.

Looking at the steel-built mechs around them, Amber and Eula suddenly felt a strong sense of security.

Luosigum had modified the Purifier database—the first directive was to protect humans.

Twenty minutes later, the bug swarm on the Shell Planet had been completely eradicated.

Firefly, Stelle, and the others were warped back to the Spear of Yatton.

Inside the command room—

A star chart was projected in the center of the hall. It displayed the Insect Fang galaxy.

On it were many green and red dots.

Each green dot represented an allied unit. Red dots were the swarm.

At present, the green dots had occupied the outer regions of the Insect Fang galaxy, completely blocking off any escape routes for the swarm.

The remaining bugs had holed up near the largest planet—Insect King Star—preparing for a final battle.

Unfortunately for them, the Purifiers weren't interested in a "grand showdown." All they needed to do was make sure not a single bug escaped.

Jing Yuan looked over the battlefield situation.

"The outcome is decided. Next... it's time for the endgame."

With the Purifier fleet forming this formation, only one thing was left to do:

Saturate the planet with firepower.

Sure enough—

Soon, all warships and fighters began charging their weapons, preparing to strike the Insect King Star.

The bugs sensed something was wrong, but it was too late.

The early stages of the campaign were just to ensure no bugs could flee.

The latter stage was total annihilation by bombardment.

There were no civilians in the Insect Fang galaxy—only bugs.

Over 100 warships opened fire simultaneously, bombarding the Insect King Star from all directions, causing the entire planet to start breaking apart.

A minute later, even the planet's core was exposed.

Finally, it exploded.

Every single bug in the galaxy was reduced to pulp under the intense bombardment.

Screwllum watched the scene and shook his head.

"Still need to upgrade the AI system when we return—there was a delay in issuing a few commands."

With Screwllum's order, all warships began returning to base.

Elsewhere—

The Interstellar Peace Corporation released news of the Spirit Tournament online.

This tournament was organized by Mr. Ye Yun and sponsored by the Strategic Department of the Interstellar Peace Corp.

First place would receive a spirit rated above "Pathwalker" class and 10 million credits.

Second place would receive a high-grade Spirit Core and 5 million credits.

Third place would receive a high-grade Spirit Core and 2 million credits.

And so on.

Only the top 100 would receive Spirit Core prizes. Ranks 101–500 would receive credits only.

Anyone ranked beyond that would get no reward.

As soon as the announcement went live, countless people across the galaxy saw it.

Many eagerly opened the event details—instantly captivated by the spirits.

The spirits came in all forms: cool, cute, imposing, silly—you name it, there was one for everyone.

They could fight, were loyal, and even understood human speech.

It was just too perfect.

The only downside? The pricing system. They didn't cost credits, but Stellar Jades.

10 Stellar Jades = 1 regular Spirit Core

100 Stellar Jades = 1 mid-grade Spirit Core

1000 Stellar Jades = 1 high-grade Spirit Core

As for divine-level ones? Not for sale.

Stellar Jades had long been hoarded by major factions. Many people who once owned them had sold them off cheaply.

Corporations, the Xianzhou, and Penacony had a tacit agreement: they purchased Stellar Jades Jades from civilians at a fixed low price of 10,000 credits per piece.

Now, with the release of Spirit Cores, those who had sold off their Stellar Jades Jades were filled with regret.

Just one of those adorable little spirits in the promotional videos was clearly worth far more than 10,000 credits.

Before long, the price of Stellar Jades Jades on the market had skyrocketed to 100,000 credits per piece.

Since one regular Spirit Core required 10 Stellar Jades Jades, that meant a base cost of 1 million credits.

The internet was filled with wails of regret.

"I'm such an idiot! One million credits! I want to slap myself!"

"You think that's bad? Some company brat bought 1,000 from me yesterday at 5,000 credits each! FML!"

"Damn! Bro, what do you do that you had so many Stellar Jades?"

"I run a jewelry shop. Damn... I got robbed!"

"Well... hearing your loss made me feel better."

"Anyone selling Stellar Jades? I'll pay 110k each. PM me."

"Bro, you still trying to outbid? Prices are flying! I only have a 1M credit budget!"

"Internal deal: regular Spirit Core 900k, mid-grade 9M, high-grade 90M. PM if interested."

"Don't trust that guy! He's a scammer!"

"How do you know?"

"Only silence."

"Ah, got it. Well... I guess the world is still beautiful, isn't it?"

At the headquarters of the Strategic Investment Department in Bierpoint—

The previously peaceful office received an unexpected visitor.

Oswald Schneider, Director of the Expansion Department—sworn rival of the Ten Stoneheart.

Schneider stormed into the Diamond Office.

"Diamond! This time you've gone too far!"

Diamond smiled.

"Too far? I don't think so. Everything we've done has been within regulations.We didn't violate any company rules. And our profits this month are up 30% from last month.I see no issue here."

***

Schneider walked up to the diamond desk, bent down slightly, and looked gloomy.

"You know what I'm talking about, the Spirit! Something like that isn't for your Strategic Investment Division alone to monopolize!"

Diamond smiled.

"You're right. It indeed isn't something our Strategic Investment Division can monopolize."

Schneider felt a bit better after hearing this.

"Then, give me the supply channel—"

Before he could finish, Diamond suddenly cut him off.

"Still, it's not something you can get your hands on. Let me give you a piece of advice: it's best not to get involved in this deal. It's beyond your reach."

With that, without waiting for Schneider to speak, Diamond sent him off.

"I have other matters to attend to. My little spirit should be hatching now—I have to go pick up my little cutie. Sorry for the lack of hospitality. Feel free to show yourself out."

After finishing, Diamond stood up and walked out of the office calmly, as if nothing had happened.

Schneider turned and looked back at Diamond.

"Heh~ In this universe, there's nothing the Pioneer Division can't stick its nose into!"

Fuming with anger, Schneider left the Strategic Investment Division.

At the Herta Space Station—

The fleet had returned. In this expedition, only one battleship was heavily damaged; the rest were lightly damaged.

Over 300,000 Purifier mechas were lost. According to Screwllum's previous records, under normal productivity, it would only take half a month to recover them.

This batch had been produced by Screwllum with no regard for cost, pouring in resources.

On his planet—inhabited entirely by mechanical life—all production lines were pushed to maximum output. All other projects had been forcibly halted to support this fleet.

You can imagine how terrifying the productivity on his planet must be.

Zhongli looked at the massive fleet and couldn't help but wonder: when would Liyue have such a powerful fleet?

It was only through this observation that Zhongli realized just how far Liyue—or rather, all of Teyvat—still had to go.

Zhongli followed the main group through the teleportation gate back to the train. After chatting with everyone for a bit, he returned to New Liyue.

For convenience, a teleportation gate had also been placed at New Liyue Port.

The gate was set right next to Calestia's esports room.

That arrangement was something Calestia insisted on. As for her reason?

Calestia had said:

"Put the gate next to my place—it'll be easier for me to go find Kiana to play!"

Though the Liyue folks were a bit speechless, they agreed in the end.

After all, only a few people used the teleportation gate, so its location didn't really matter.

Besides, on the bright side, with Calestia nearby, the gate's safety was guaranteed.

This also meant Yelan could be relieved of guard duty.

Zhongli and Hutao walked out of the teleportation gate. Hutao said:

"Guest Minister, shall we go downstairs for some late-night snacks?"

Zhongli agreed immediately.

"Certainly."

Hutao and Zhongli arrived at the front of the Wangsheng Hall internet café building, where the original food street had now been relocated.

The vendors were still the same—mostly because Calestia liked their food.

Just as Hutao and Zhongli stepped out the front door, they saw Huohuo about to escort a client to New Wuwang Hill.

"Huohuo, where are you going?" Hutao asked cheerfully.

Huohuo was taken aback, a bead of cold sweat forming on her forehead. She held up the urn in her hands.

"Sister Hutao, are you messing around again? I'm doing my job here."

Huohuo looked exasperated. When she first came here, Hutao had been guiding her diligently.

But now, she hadn't seen Hutao working in a long time.

Hutao scratched her head awkwardly.

"Uh... that's not true! Of course I knew—you just caught me being friendly!

You go ahead, quick trip! The Guest Consultan and I are going for grilled fish—I'll save you a piece!"

Grandpa Bo clicked his tongue and exposed her.

"Hutao, has anyone ever told you that you're a terrible actor? You clearly forgot."

Hutao waved her little hand.

"No way! Absolutely not! I'm the 77th-generation head of the Hall! I will carry on the glory of Wangsheng Hall!

Grandpa Bo, I'll sue you for slander!

Guest Consultan! He's slandering me! Do something! Seal him!" Hutao tugged hard on Zhongli's sleeve.

Zhongli turned his head and asked solemnly:

"Hall Master, were you calling me?" freēwēbηovel.c૦m

Hutao stared at him with dead-fish eyes.

"Guest Consultan, has anyone ever told you that your acting is terrible?"

Zhongli didn't feel awkward being called out. Instead, he seriously reflected:

"Is that so? Looks like I need to learn more acting from Barbatos."

Hutao twitched at the corner of her mouth upon hearing that.

"Maybe not... If you start acting like Venti—"

Huohuo smiled.

"Sister Hutao~ I'd like the mildly spicy grilled fish. I'll be back soon."

Hutao quickly took the excuse to exit the conversation.

"Alright, alright! You go ahead—thanks for your work! I'll give you a bonus at the end of the month!

Guest Consultant! Let's go!"

Hutao took Zhongli to Old Liu's grilled fish stand.

"Old Liu! Three grilled Tigerfish! Two mild, one extra spicy! Make one of the mild ones later.

And grill up some other stuff you think we'd like.

Get started—I'm off to Old Li's for some seafood fried rice."

Old Liu replied cheerfully:

"Got it! Coming right up!"

Hu Tao ran off again to buy fried rice.

At Old Li's seafood fried rice stall, Hu Tao ran into some old friends.

"Xinyan? Xingqiu? Chongyun! You guys are here too?"

The three turned to Hutao.

"Hutao, it's you. You're quite something—keeping this whole other-world thing from us for so long."

Hutao laughed sheepishly.

"Aiya, don't take it personally—I've just been super busy. You know how it is.

Running Wangsheng Hall, managing the internet café, helping Stelle and the others fight.

No time! Just slipped my mind."

Xingqiu twitched at the corner of his mouth.

"I'll reluctantly believe you."

Hu Tao grinned at him.

"Want to have some grilled fish? I had a few prepared at Old Liu's."

Xingqiu glanced at Chongyun and Xinyan. The three exchanged looks and agreed.

"Sure, let's go."

Hutao also asked Old Li to stir-fry a box of rice and send it over, then led the group to sit beside Zhongli.

The moment Xingqiu, Chongyun, and Xinyan saw Zhongli, they instantly regretted coming.

Anyone in Liyue with any power would recognize Zhongli as the Geo Archon.

Zhongli gave the three a calm look.

"No need to be formal. Treat this body as Zhongli alone—just a Guest Consultant of the Hall."

Soon, Old Liu's grilled tigerfish and Old Li's seafood fried rice were delivered.