The little fox was covered in injuries, with congealed dark red blood matting her once vibrant fur. She was nothing like the fiery, flame-like creature Ruan Shiqing had seen at the auction.
Lying motionless on the ground, she was battered and frail, like a flame burning at its last, on the verge of being extinguished.
Ruan Shiqing picked her up carefully, instructing 09 to prepare emergency medical supplies as he strode into the house. His foot accidentally nudged something—a dusty, cylindrical object.
It was a long tube, coated in grime.
Picking it up, Ruan Shiqing realized with a start that it was one of the nutritional supplements he had left on the windowsill. Despite its faded and smudged inscription, he recognized it immediately.
The little fox had kept it all this time without using it.
A complex mix of emotions stirred in his chest as he handed the supplement to 09 to store. Carrying the fox upstairs, he quickly issued an order: “Noah, connect me to Dr. Hook1Don’t remember if we had his name before or not, but he’s the same elderly doctor as usual via video.”
The fox’s identity was too sensitive; Ruan Shiqing couldn’t risk taking her to a hospital in the inner city. The only option was to consult Dr. Hook, the same doctor who had previously treated the little mermaid at his home.
A virtual projection of Dr. Hook appeared in the room. As 09 carefully cleaned the fox’s wounds, Ruan Shiqing described her condition in detail and asked for advice on immediate treatment.
“Her injuries aren’t life-threatening, but she’s unresponsive, and her vitals are declining… There are many possible reasons for this,” Dr. Hook explained. “Without precise diagnostic equipment, I can’t determine the cause.”
Ruan Shiqing frowned, hesitating before admitting, “Her identity makes it… inconvenient.”
Dr. Hook immediately understood his concern. This situation was not uncommon on B3024.
With its weak legal system and chaotic outer zones, the planet was a haven for outlaws and fugitives escaping the Galactic Empire’s justice. Many such individuals, when injured, avoided inner-city hospitals at all costs.
“In that case, your best option is a medical pod,” Dr. Hook suggested. “It can heal most injuries, but it’s not cheap. The most basic, outdated models start at 500,000 credits.”
Medical pods were highly efficient, capable of curing a wide range of injuries and illnesses. However, their steep purchase price meant they were accessible only to large hospitals and the very wealthy. For ordinary people, even using one was prohibitively expensive, with prices ranging from 5,000 to 50,000 credits per session.
500,000 credits.
To Ruan Shiqing, it was an astronomical figure.
Although the engine sale had brought him 450,000 credits, recent expenses had whittled away most of it. Materials for the energy blaster and defense system alone had cost a fortune. Now, he was left with just 100,000 credits—barely a fifth of the cost of even a basic medical pod.
After ending the call, he glanced at the unconscious little fox. Steeling himself, he grabbed his energy blaster and enlisted the Xiong brothers to accompany him on a trip to the inner city.
He visited the store where he had previously purchased his advanced AI. It was the largest in the mall and an authorized reseller for Naxi Corporation. If there were medical pods available, this store would have them.
To his surprise, the person who greeted him was a familiar face.
“Mr. Ruan?” Gu Feng exclaimed, his face lighting up with recognition. “What brings you here this time?”
The salesperson who had helped him during his last visit now looked entirely transformed. Gone was the downtrodden, anxious man worried about losing his job; in his place stood a spirited, confident individual. His name badge now read “Manager.”
“Congratulations on the promotion,” Ruan Shiqing said.
Gu Feng chuckled modestly. “I have you to thank. It was because of you that I kept my job. Later, I was lucky enough to land a big sale, which earned me this promotion.”
Ruan Shiqing waved off the credit, noting that Gu Feng’s success was due to his own abilities. “I’m here to buy a medical pod. Do you have any in stock?”
“A medical pod?” Gu Feng was momentarily surprised. “We do have one, but it’s an old model. It’s been on display for years as a sample. You know how rare it is for anyone on B3024 to afford a medical pod.”
Hearing this, Ruan Shiqing felt a glimmer of hope and asked about the price.
“It’s the earliest I-type Blue Light Medical Pod from Naxi Corporation. It originally retailed for 600,000 credits. Since it’s been sitting as a display piece and has some wear, I can request a discount. It might go for about 450,000.”
“450,000…” Ruan Shiqing repeated, then asked, “Do you offer loans or accept collateral?”
He explained his situation honestly: “I urgently need a medical pod but only have 100,000 credits in cash. I can offer a two-story building in the outer city and an energy blaster as collateral.”
He took out the energy blaster to show Gu Feng.
Gu Feng examined the unique weapon, realization dawning. “So the repair shop everyone’s been talking about in the outer city is yours?”
After a moment of thought, he said, “Wait here. Let me see what I can negotiate.”
The store had heard the rumors circulating about the repair shop “Ruan.” First, the modified hovercar Gaia had stolen the spotlight at the hovercar race preliminaries. Then, a new type of energy weapon with astonishing power was revealed. Even the inner city had caught wind of the stories, and there was significant interest in this mysterious human repairman.
In just ten minutes, Gu Feng returned with an answer.
The company agreed to sell the medical pod under specific conditions: Ruan Shiqing would pay 100,000 upfront, using his outer-city property and energy blaster as collateral for the remaining 350,000. If he repaid the balance within a month, both items would be returned. If not, they would be forfeited.
The one-month repayment period was tight, almost punishing.
“This is the best deal I could get,” Gu Feng said apologetically.
“It’s enough.” Ruan Shiqing was confident he could earn the money within a month.
After completing the transaction, the medical pod was delivered immediately. Thanking Gu Feng, Ruan Shiqing wasted no time hurrying back home with the Xiong brothers.
Back at the house, 09 had been closely monitoring the little fox’s vitals.
Her heartbeat was barely detectable, her breathing faint. Without immediate intervention, she might not survive.
Ruan Shiqing quickly set up the pod, gently placing the fox inside.
The transparent pod door sealed shut, and a soothing blue light bathed the fox as diagnostic data streamed across the screen.
09 observed intently. “External injuries are healing, and her heartbeat is stabilizing,” he reported with relief.
Although the fox’s wounds were superficial, her inexplicable unconsciousness and waning vitals had been alarming. Hearing 09’s update, Ruan Shiqing finally relaxed. “As long as it works.”
The family clustered around the pod, anxiously watching over the little fox. The dragon cub, too short to see anything, climbed onto 09’s head for a better view. Peering at the fox inside, he asked excitedly, “Is she my new little sister?”
Still clinging to Ruan Shiqing’s “first come, first served” rule, he was thrilled at the prospect of being a big brother.
“Yes,” Ruan Shiqing reassured him, lifting the cub off 09’s head. “Let her rest. She might wake up tomorrow.”
Three days passed, and although the fox’s external wounds were fully healed and her vitals returned to normal, she remained unconscious.
Ruan Shiqing sought Dr. Hook’s advice again, but the prognosis was grim.
“If she doesn’t wake up within seven days, it’s likely neurological or related to her spiritual core. The medical resources on B3024 can’t handle such complex conditions. You’d have to seek help on a more advanced planet.”
Ruan Shiqing’s heart sank but refused to give up.
Placing the smudged nutritional supplement into the fox’s hand, he whispered, “Don’t give up.”
The house grew somber as the days dragged on. The mermaid and dragon cub, once boisterous, now rarely played. Instead, they lingered by the pod, gazing at the fox inside.
Clutching a rubber duck, the dragon cub muttered, “I still want to be a big brother.”
Watching from the side, Rong Heng decided to act. After ensuring Ruan Shiqing was occupied and the cubs were napping, he approached the pod.
It took some effort in his pup form, but Rong Heng managed to open the pod. He sniffed the fox carefully before resting his head against hers, sensing her spiritual core.
As he suspected.
The day Ruan Shiqing brought back the little fox, he had already noticed several distinct scents of blood on her.
While others assumed the blood belonged to the nine-tailed fox cub, Rong Heng keenly detected traces of others’ blood as well. She must have been in a fierce struggle—and emerged victorious.
The nine-tailed fox clan specialized in illusions that could manipulate the mind. Unlike the physical combat methods of the Ymir or the dragon clans, their battle style relied heavily on spiritual power.
Yet research into spiritual energy was still in its infancy. Even the foxes themselves had not fully unraveled its mysteries. What was known, however, was that pure-blooded nine-tailed foxes could use illusions from birth. The purer the bloodline, the more powerful the abilities.
To preserve their strength as a species, the nine-tailed foxes had strictly prohibited interbreeding with other clans over the years.
But exceptions always existed. History had seen the emergence of immensely powerful mixed-blood foxes. Still, over millennia, pure-bloods had consolidated absolute authority within the nine-tailed fox clan. To protect their status and interests, none were willing to change this system.
Rong Heng always thought this was a foolish path to self-destruction.
Take this mixed-blood cub, for instance. Without guidance or training, she had survived the chaotic conditions of B3024. She had even taught herself the clan’s illusions. Though using them had nearly drained her spirit, rendering her unconscious, if she could endure this challenge and grow stronger, she would rival any pure-blood.
Failing to accept this cub was a loss for the nine-tailed fox clan.
Rong Heng had always admired resilience, even in a cub like this one.
He lowered his head slightly, pressing his forehead against hers.
If that’s the case, let me save you one more time.
A surge of life force passed from his forehead to hers, flowing continuously into her.
This was one of the Ymir’s innate abilities.
While most only knew of the Ymir as formidable warriors, few were aware of their talent for healing. This power, however, came at a cost—it consumed their own life force.
Like a reservoir slowly being drained, every bit of life force shared left the Ymir weaker.
As their numbers dwindled over time, this secret was buried in the annals of history. Only the Ymir themselves still remembered it.
After five minutes, Rong Heng completed the transfer. He cast a glance at the little fox and leapt off the treatment pod.
As soon as his paws hit the ground, he found himself face-to-face with a pair of bright yellow eyes.
“What are you doing?” The dragon cub stared at him curiously.
Rong Heng shot him a glance but said nothing, bypassing the cub and heading for the bedroom.
Exhausted from the life force transfer, he needed rest.
The dragon cub trailed him persistently. “How did you get up there? Is the little sister awake yet?”
Newly hatched cubs were endlessly curious and brimming with energy.
Irritated by the incessant questions, Rong Heng snapped, biting the scruff of the dragon cub’s neck and dragging him out of the bedroom. Before the cub could react, Rong Heng swiftly shut the door.
Finally free from the noise, the crown prince curled up contentedly on the pillow and drifted off to sleep.
Left outside, the dragon cub fumed with indignation. He waddled over to the water barrel and complained to the little mermaid, “Big brother has such a bad temper! I’m going to tell Dad!”
The mermaid, unable to speak but understanding, patted the cub’s head and invited him to practice forming ice from water in the barrel.
The dragon cub, however, spread his wings, floated lazily on the water’s surface, and yawned, spitting out a small flame.
“No thanks,” he muttered.
*
The repair shop’s business was noticeably picking up. Ruan Shiqing only managed to see off the last customer by 8 PM.
Flipping the “closed” sign and locking the doors, he went upstairs to shower and change.
Meanwhile, 09 was in the habit of monitoring the treatment pod’s readings. Suddenly, he let out an excited shout: “Sir! Sir! She’s waking up!”
“She’s awake?”
Ruan Shiqing hurried out of his bedroom and opened the pod. Sure enough, the little fox’s eyelashes were fluttering, and she appeared to be struggling to regain consciousness.
Everyone crowded around the pod, anxiously waiting for the little fox to fully awaken.
Nota felt as if she had traveled a long, grueling journey. Her body was weak and sore, her mind foggy.
Blinking her eyes open, she saw a face that was both familiar and unfamiliar.
She hesitated, unable to tell if she was dreaming. But guilt quickly overcame her, and she averted her gaze, murmuring softly, “I’m sorry.”
I’m sorry for breaking your egg.
Ruan Shiqing understood immediately.
He picked up the dragon cub and placed him on the edge of the treatment pod. “Thanks to you breaking that egg, Heli was able to hatch.”
The dragon cub blinked at her, his nose twitching as he exclaimed, “I recognize your scent!”
Excitedly, he flapped his tiny wings and declared, “Even though you hatched earlier than me, our family goes by the rule of first come, first served. So, you have to call me big brother!”
In his steadfast belief, all the cubs in their family had hatched from eggs—they just weren’t from the same one.
Nota stared at him in confusion, at a loss for what to do.
If this is a dream, it’s too wonderful to be true.
Part of her heart bubbled with joy, while another part questioned: Is this really happening?
The dragon cub, dissatisfied with her lack of response, turned to the little mermaid for support. “Look, we’re both her big brothers! She has to call us that!”
He puffed up with pride, playing the role of the eldest brother.
Nota hesitated, then softly called out, “Big brother.”
Satisfied, the dragon cub magnanimously handed her his rubber duck. “This is my favorite toy.”
On the day he arrived, Ruan Yuebai had given him this little duck. Now, he was passing it on to Nota, as if completing a solemn rite.
The dragon cub’s tail wagged with joy.
The little mermaid watched thoughtfully. After a moment, he clasped his hands into fists and extended them toward Nota, motioning for her to do the same.
Nota cautiously held out her hand, palm up.
Shyly, the little mermaid smiled and opened his fingers, revealing a tiny, crystal-clear star that fell into her palm.
Startled, Norta widened her eyes, staring intently at the star.
Back when she wandered alone, she often gazed at the stars at night.
They were dazzling and bright, yet so far away—separated by an entire galaxy, untouchable.
But now, she held two stars in her hands.
Lowering her gaze, a soft smile played on her lips.
Rong Heng, woken from his nap, stepped out of the bedroom and witnessed the scene.
His gaze lingered briefly on the little mermaid before he casually looked away.
Tch.
These cubs—all of them—are nothing but trouble.
The crown prince wasn’t pleased. He began pondering how to resolve their identity issues.
For now, things were calm. But in the long run, their presence could attract unwanted attention and chaos.
Better to resolve it sooner rather than later.
***
The little fox stayed.
Under the treatment pod’s care, her external injuries had completely healed, leaving no scars. However, because of her unique status, she could only stay on the second floor during the day, venturing into the yard only after the shop had closed.
The two cubs were especially attentive to her, worried she might feel bored as the only one upstairs. They voluntarily stayed on the second floor to keep her company.
Meanwhile, Ruan Shiqing was considering how to quickly monetize his existing technology to repay the outstanding debt.
The simplest method was to manufacture more explosive-energy guns and sell them openly. However, while these guns were powerful, their price had to be reasonable to attract buyers. At most, he could price each unit at 5,000 star coins; anything higher would be unaffordable for most.
This approach, however, would stretch the repayment period too long—he had less than a month left.
With a debt of 350,000 star coins, he would need to sell at least 70 guns at cost. But relying solely on his production capacity, even with day-and-night effort, he might not make it in time.
Clearly, relying on individual output wasn’t going to bring in substantial profits.
Ruan Shiqing mulled over finding a collaborator. With a proper production line to mass-produce the guns and transport them to other planets for sale, the profit potential would be immense.
The question was: who should he collaborate with?
While he was deliberating, Shen Wuzhuo—the man he had met briefly before—came to the shop again.
This time, Shen Wuzhuo brought an invitation from Marlin.
“An invitation to a banquet?” Ruan Shiqing flipped through the gilded invitation card, raising an eyebrow.
He had no connection with Marlin, so the sudden invitation to a banquet clearly came with ulterior motives.
Shen Wuzhuo candidly explained, “Marlin wants to meet you. He’s very interested in the guns you’ve made.”
As a fellow ancient human, Shen Wuzhuo had been tasked with delivering the invitation.
It was a timely coincidence for Ruan Shiqing. He contemplated briefly before accepting the invitation. “I’ll attend on time.”
Task completed, Shen Wuzhuo didn’t linger. After having a cup of tea, he left.
Ruan Shiqing, however, sat staring at the invitation, lost in thought.
Marlin had clearly set up a potential “feast of misfortune2Meaning that it could head very very badly for RS if he ‘offends’ Marlin.” Though Ruan Shiqing had decided to attend, he couldn’t go unprepared.
To negotiate with the host, one needed leverage.
But the guns alone were not enough weight on the scales.
After a long moment of thought, Ruan Shiqing called for 09.
Two days later, Ruan Shiqing attended the banquet as scheduled.
He deliberately dressed in formal attire, slicking back the loose strands of hair that usually fell over his forehead, revealing his smooth brow and sharp features.
Thanks to proper nutrition and care over time, he had grown a few centimeters taller, approaching his original height. His complexion, once pale and sallow from malnutrition, now glowed with health.
At first glance, Ruan Shiqing now looked like a handsome young man. Only the slightly soft contours of his face betrayed the lingering traces of youthful inexperience.
Having no means of transportation, Ruan Shiqing accepted Marlin’s arrangement for Shen Wuzhuo to escort him.
He made no fuss, calmly boarding the vehicle with 09.
Since this was his first banquet, 09 donned a small formal suit and appeared visibly nervous. However, determined not to embarrass his master, he mimicked Ruan Shiqing’s composed demeanor and sat upright.
Shen Wuzhuo glanced at the robot and remarked, “Your robot seems much smarter than most.”
Ruan Shiqing responded lightly, “09 has always been impressive.”
The rest of the ride passed in silence.
The land speeder was fast, arriving at the banquet venue in just ten minutes.
In stark contrast to the impoverished outer city, the venue exuded opulence and extravagance.
Servants on either side of the entrance bowed deeply and greeted Ruan Shiqing in unison.
“This is as far as I can go,” Shen Wuzhuo whispered.
Ruan Shiqing smiled faintly, then entered the banquet hall with 09.
Nota has finally joined! I was so worried for her, thankfully Rong Rong saved her :’)))
Now I’m worried about Ruan Ruan and what he got himself involved in lmao
Thanks for reading!
For every three ko-fis, I will upload a bonus chapter~
![The Rebirth of the Last Days and Return to [Fang] Hao](https://www.freenovels.net/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/image_2021-09-11_143139.png "The Rebirth of the Last Days and Return to [Fang] Hao")
Yaaaaay~~~
Thanks for the chapter translator-sama ~~