046 Ring of the Baita Planetary Belt

The second high-level body-building potion lasted only one day, but the pain it inflicted on Song Chi far surpassed the previous one, which had lasted three days. The reason was the potion's potency outstripped his physical endurance.

Enduring the discomfort for the cultivation benefits, Song Chi gritted his teeth and persevered.

...

Meanwhile, amidst the serene starlit expanse outside the White Tower Floating Land, a fleet sped ahead at full throttle.

Comprising fewer than ten airships, this fleet emerged from the White Tower and set course directly for a nearby asteroid belt. Racing at the speed of light, it reached the outskirts of the belt, known within the gravitational field of the White Tower as the Circum-Baita Planetary Belt, in just over ten minutes.

This medium-sized asteroid belt, with a diameter of less than 100,000 kilometers, had been extensively mined over centuries by various companies. Resources were nearly depleted, with only occasional traces of civilian interstellar mining ships.

"Who would have thought such an exhausted resource point would hide an incredibly rare titanium crystal vein," murmured Shen Wenjie in the main control room of the lead spacecraft.

In response, a voice from the "Bronze Halberd," a guard-class nether-energy airship communicating with him, replied, "Let's hope the miners from Tianyu Mining Company who reported spotting suspected titanium ore didn't confirm it."

After a brief exchange, they led the charge into the asteroid belt, followed closely by seven psionic airships.

Indeed, every ship in the fleet was a fireship.

En route, they encountered numerous ordinary interstellar mining vessels. Despite centuries of exploitation and depleted resources, some private miners still ventured here in hopes of striking it rich.

Spotting the fleet, these miners promptly yielded the right of way, recognizing each fireship as a formidable entity. The two lead vessels, in particular, were imposing with their jet-black armor and gleaming energy shields that hinted at impenetrability. Armed with main guns several meters in diameter and secondary guns capable of shredding high-configured interstellar mining ships, they inspired awe and fear alike.

The journey proceeded without incident.

...

Tianyu Mining's exclusive mining zone was one of the busiest sectors in the Baita Ring planetary belt. Hundreds of mining ships traversed the area daily. To maintain order, Tianyu Mining had established a patrol fleet.

"Brother Lu, I hit the jackpot today—five tons of fine gold. Let's celebrate at Widow Sun's later. My treat!"

Lu Erhe, bored on patrol duty, perked up at the suggestion. "Sure, but keep your gossip in check. Don't spill any secrets."

Grinning, Lao He in a nearby mining vessel acknowledged Lu Erhe's terms before ending their chat. Unbeknownst to Lu Erhe, Lao He's expression shifted from flattering to disdain.

"I wonder how many fools like Lu Er still idolize Widow Sun," he mused sarcastically before returning to his duties.

Moments later, Lao He noticed something unusual in the starry sky—a group of fireships. Song Chao and Shen Wenjie hadn't concealed their presence, and soon, miners throughout the area spotted the fleet.

Within minutes, hundreds of mining vessels dispersed, clearing the central mining zone as the unfamiliar fleet, led by a fireship, broadcasted a terse query:

"Who's in charge here?"

Reluctantly, the miners designated Lu Erhe, the patrol captain, to respond. Anxious, Lu Erhe complied, sending the requested detailed star map of the mining area.

On the "Bronze Halberd," Shen Wenjie compared this map with one obtained earlier from the market. Confirming their alignment, Shen and Song nodded at each other.

With eight fireships departing towards the coordinates, one fireship remained behind, casting a light curtain that swiftly enveloped most of the mining area.

Perched on a small asteroid, Lao He's mining vessel was among the first to recognize the significance of the light curtain.

"They've activated temporary communication blockers. Something valuable must have surfaced in this mining zone."