Chapter 308: Chapter 308 - 308: Stealing the Crystal

Translator: Henyee Translations Editor: Henyee Translations

As they prepared soup for everyone in the castle, Liao Ning and the others toiled until late into the night before retiring to their quarters. To be precise, it was only Liao Ning and Zhou Ling who were engrossed in their tasks, while Loya contentedly enjoyed an assortment of fruits nearby. Sami, on the other hand, had been dozing off due to feeling unwell.

Just as they were about to exit the kitchen, Sami abruptly seized Liao Ning by the arm. “Have we crossed paths before? Why do you carry the scent of blood?”

Her grip landed near the very spot where Liao Ning had suffered an injury, tempting her to instinctively reach for her arm. However, she restrained herself.

Liao Ning still wore an apprehensive expression as she answered softly, “Perhaps you’ve encountered it on Planet Empire? It’s not uncommon for one to acquire a faintly unusual odor after handling a multitude of ingredients. Are you feeling alright?”

Sami scrutinized the woman before her more closely. Indeed, she had never laid eyes on her before. It was only then that she released her hold and spoke with a smile, “Sometimes, after leaving one’s homeland, seeing a fellow countryman can evoke a sense of familiarity. Maybe I’ve made a mistake?”

“What’s gotten into you today?” Loya impatiently interjected. “She appears to be a commoner. How could you recognize her?”

Nonetheless, Sami smiled and covertly grazed the hand that had been gripping Liao Ning’s arm. She then brought her fingers to her nose and inhaled.

In that very moment, she suddenly realized that this woman’s voice was eerily familiar. Paired with the scent lingering on her, Sami became almost certain that this woman was, indeed, Liao Ning.

The Liao family’s lineage was distinctive. Even though Sami could no longer be considered a part of the Liao family, a trace of their blood still coursed through her veins. Moreover, the faint aroma of blood from Liao Nings previous injury had not escaped Sami’s acute senses.

Upon returning to her room, Sami hastily activated her Al and commenced her search for methods of altering one’s appearance. She had detected the telltale scent of the Zerg on Liao Ning earlier. Having spent an extended period in the rebel army’s laboratory, she possessed some educated guesses. n/ô/vel/b//in dot c//om

As expected, she soon uncovered information about an insect capable of transforming a person’s appearance.

“A Multi-Feather Butterfly? This doesn’t seem to be a run-of-the-mill find,” Sami mused to herself.

After Liao Ning and Zhou Ling retreated to their room, she outlined the plan. It was common knowledge among the inhabitants of Quidy that the heart crystal resided on the sixth floor. However, without the abilities of the Patriarch and Elder, it remained untouchable. The guards, reassured by the crystal’s perceived security, routinely endured exhaustion.

“As long as I can approach the crystal, I can retrieve it. Once that’s done, I’ll use my blood to temporarily replace it and continue purifying the seawater. It should suffice for our escape from the castle,” Liao Ning explained.

“Your blood?” Zhou Ling’s tone was icy, laden with palpable anger.

Liao Ning admitted guiltily, “If the heart crystal is removed, the seawater purification system will cease immediately, alerting them to our presence. I only need a few drops of blood to sustain the seawater purification for a whole day. No one will notice.”

She sought to placate Zhou Ling, drawing her close with a fawning tone.

“Please, don’t be angry. I promise I won’t use much blood.”

“How many drops are we talking about?” Zhou Ling, now emotionless, had produced a fish bone needle and was scrutinizing Liao Ning.

“Ten drops?” Liao Ning replied, her guilt mounting. Observing Zhou Ling’s unchanging expression, she conceded, “Alright, maybe five drops? I’m genuinely worried it won’t suffice, Zhou Ling!”

Attempting to charm her way out of the situation, Liao Ning found herself with her left index finger pierced. Zhou Ling swiftly collected five drops of blood into a crystal vial before placing Liao Ning’s finger in his mouth.

“You!” Liao Ning’s cheeks flushed, but she couldn’t muster a word.

In that moment, Zhou Ling’s eyes sparkled. “I’ll cooperate with you tomorrow. Don’t fret.”

The following morning, the two of them resumed their fish soup preparations.

With Loya benefiting from two additional helping hands, she remained idle. Meanwhile, Sami intermittently observed Liao Ning.

This only solidified Liao Ning’s true identity.

Knowing that today was the day to steal the crystal, Liao Ning hastened her pace and headed to the sixth floor to assist Zhou Ling in cleaning. However, the moment they departed, Sami rose from her seat.

‘Where are you off to?” Loya furrowed her brow.

Sami moistened her lips.. “I need to search for some medicine to remedy my condition!”