Chapter 115: The Interception Plan

“Hmm? What is it?” Chu Yun thought the transaction between the two parties was already complete and wondered why they had come to him again.

Leisa explained, “Here’s the situation: I filed a patent for the flying wing’s model structure and design under both our names. With Selina’s help, the patent has been approved.”

“Selina’s grandfather is very optimistic about this equipment and plans to mass-produce the standard version of the flying wings. Since you are the primary patent holder, we need your consent.”

“Don’t worry, you’ll receive a fair share of the profits,” Leisa said, handing Chu Yun an agreement.

Chu Yun glanced at the contract. The terms were reasonable, and he was given options: either sell the patent outright or receive royalties. He chose the latter.

The mass-produced version was just the basic flying wing, far inferior to Chu Yun’s advanced model. Even so, it had significant limitations; ordinary people without mastery of spiritual power would find it difficult to operate.

Currently, only mages could use the flying wings, and given the productivity and number of mages, there was no pressing need to develop a version for regular people. The Mage Association also seemed reluctant to allow ordinary citizens access to such tools—at least for now, there was no such plan.

After signing the agreement, Chu Yun resumed his flight toward the Mage Association.

As one of the most powerful guilds in Blackstone City, upon learning that a ground-devouring beast might come to wreak havoc, the guild master was immediately summoned by Count Mond to the city lord’s manor for urgent discussions.

Most mages had returned to the guild by then. When Chu Yun arrived, all eyes naturally turned to him.

Though officially a second-rank mage, Chu Yun’s displayed power was at least third-rank, and his performance at the Mage Academy had been nothing short of astonishing. His innovative teaching methods had become the standard for collective mage instruction.

Chu Yun was already a local celebrity in Blackstone City. Even those who didn’t recognize his face knew his reputation upon hearing his name.

“Chu Yun, you’re finally back!” Anna, who was close to him, hurried over as soon as she saw him.

Curious onlookers gathered, having heard from early-returning adventurers that Chu Yun had also appeared near Falling Rock Mountain.

“What’s the situation now? I heard the city lord plans to intercept the ground-devouring beast?” Chu Yun frowned.

This beast was no ordinary foe; those going to intercept it faced almost certain death. Against such a colossal monster, most professions had limited effectiveness, leaving mages as the primary force.

Although the Mage Association had no formal rules requiring obedience at times like this, many local mages in Blackstone City were surely willing to sacrifice themselves.

Anna was unsure how to respond; as a junior mage, she had rushed from the academy upon hearing the news.

At that moment, a middle-aged man approached. His robe bore a three-star insignia, marking him as a third-rank mage.

Despite being a small border city, Blackstone’s overall military strength was not weak.

Within the Mage Guild, besides the guild master with fourth-rank power, the vice guild master was also formidable—technically third-rank, but with strength comparable to four-star mages. He had once singlehandedly slain a third-rank lord-level demon, gaining fame overnight.

Unfortunately, the difficulty of learning spells grew exponentially at fourth rank. While third-rank mages advanced quickly early on, progress slowed dramatically later. The vice guild master had remained at third rank for ten years and was a popular mentor among guild members.

“Chu Yun, tell us more about this ground-devouring beast. The Mage Association will assist with the interception, but the city guard will take the lead,” Vice Guild Master Darren said anxiously.

Everyone gathered eagerly, looking to Chu Yun for answers.

Seeing this, Chu Yun pulled out a scale from the many he had collected. “I consulted the Clover Squad leader. Judging by the scales and size, this ground-devouring beast is a legendary creature over a thousand years old in its prime.”

“It possesses tremendous physical strength and can manipulate its scales to attack. Even the third-rank lord-level chimera from Falling Rock Mountain couldn’t withstand its assault for long.”

Hearing this, the crowd gasped. As mages of Blackstone City, they were well aware of the chimera’s fearsome reputation, yet it had been slain by this beast.

“Or rather... that chimera was instantly killed by the ground-devouring beast,” Chu Yun added.

The crowd’s morale plummeted. No one believed they could defeat such a foe, and their confidence in the interception plan evaporated.

Seeing the deflated spirits, Chu Yun continued, “Although the beast is powerful, there may still be a chance. Its intelligence seems limited; otherwise, it wouldn’t chase the sun like this. Perhaps a shadow curtain combined with a light spell could lure it away.”

“Yes, yes! Don’t be so pessimistic. There’s always a way,” Anna said optimistically, clearly more confident now that Chu Yun was back—like a different person from before.

Darren, meanwhile, closely examined the scales Chu Yun brought. Much information could be gleaned from analyzing the biological structure.

“These scales are dry and brittle, almost like withered leaves with little moisture or energy. And according to reports, the beast escaped from inside the mountain?” Darren noted the anomaly.

“Exactly. It was likely sealed within the mountain. The recent earthquakes at Falling Rock Mountain probably stem from that,” Chu Yun confirmed.

“The earthquakes didn’t occur constantly. It seems the beast had been dormant until recently. We might be able to stop it, but to kill it, we must act before it fully regains its strength,” Darren said solemnly, looking at the group. “Its true power may be even greater.”

Chu Yun had considered this too. A relic like that could only be forged by a sixth-rank saint. A fifth-rank legendary creature shouldn’t trouble such a saint so much as to require such extreme measures just to seal it.

“A sixth-rank demon with fifth-rank power might attract many strong opponents to hunt it down! No, I must inform the guild master immediately. The plan can’t be rushed, and we need to prepare for the aftermath of the battle,” Darren said, then hurried out of the guild, leaving the others uneasy.

Even if the plan to lure away the beast succeeded, its continued existence posed a colossal threat, as it could return at any time.

Who knew when its foolishness would end? What might happen if it stopped chasing the sun?

The group waited anxiously. If the gods still existed, many might have begun to pray.

But now, humanity had no savior, no divine protector. To create happiness, humanity must rely solely on itself.