Chapter 58: Ruins No. 12

"Most of what you have here lacks originality. By Earth's technological standards, it might be considered advanced, but in the broader universe, it doesn't even qualify as entry-level."

After touring Jiang Chen's base, Babata delivered his critique without mercy, harshly belittling every piece of technology Jiang Chen presented.

Then, changing the subject, Babata added, "But this 'Alchemic Magic Inscription' technology is quite interesting. It's very similar to the mainstream magic inscription techniques in the universe, yet it takes a different path. Unfortunately, I’m not well-versed in technology, so I can’t offer you any advice there."

"Is that so?" Jiang Chen nodded slightly, then asked, "You've lived for millions of years. Even if you haven’t studied this field, surely you’ve collected some information on it? Is there any way you could…"

Jiang Chen was deeply interested in the advanced technologies scattered throughout the universe in the world of "Swallowed Star."

If he could obtain some technical data from Babata, even if it wasn’t considered cutting-edge by cosmic standards, it would still be of great help to him.

"I don't have much information—mostly on spaceships and artificial intelligence. I haven’t paid much attention to anything else. Even with spaceships, I can at most build an E-class ship. Back when it came to the Meteorite Star, my master collected the materials, but it was a major interstellar shipbuilding company that actually constructed it," Babata shook his head but didn’t refuse Jiang Chen’s request. He continued, "I'll copy everything I have for you. But remember, in the universe, strength is what matters most. Treat this stuff as a hobby, but don’t let it delay your cultivation."

Perhaps due to his experiences, or maybe it was simply the prevailing mindset of his world, Babata held rather 'traditional' views: he believed that delving into secret arts and universal laws to strengthen oneself was the only true path.

As for technology, that was something pursued by those with little talent for cultivation.

A true powerhouse needed only to focus on increasing their own strength; external gadgets could always be bought for money—there was no need to waste time tinkering with them oneself.

Jiang Chen had no interest in debating these points, so he agreed perfunctorily.

After receiving the data from Babata, Jiang Chen didn't rush to study it. Instead, he had Jarvis organize and categorize the vast amount of information first.

Though Babata always claimed not to be skilled in technology, as an intelligent lifeform who had served an immortal deity for millions of years, even a casual collection of data resulted in a database of enormous scope.

If Jiang Chen had to sort through all of it on his own, it would take him untold years just to organize the information.

Moreover, much of it would certainly far surpass his current level of understanding.

Even the most basic spaceship capable of traversing the dark universe for long-distance travel was well beyond Jiang Chen’s present abilities.

Setting that matter aside, Jiang Chen turned to Babata and Luo Feng, saying, "I know of a place where there might be an intact cosmic ship, though it could be dangerous."

"Are you talking about that Mechanical Clan ship?" Babata seemed to know something, and interrupted, "Forget it for now. With your current strength, just approaching that Mechanical Clan ship would spell certain death."

"No, I mean Site 12." Jiang Chen tapped on his auxiliary computer, projecting a virtual screen that displayed information on Site 12.

Site 12 was located on the floor of the Pacific Ocean. It was a super warship—more accurately described as a 'mothership.'

Inside, there were numerous chambers. In one of them lay the heart of Site 12, universally recognized as one of Earth’s 'Three Deadly Domains.' No one who had ever entered had made it out alive.

"I’ve investigated this site and suspect that the so-called ruin is actually a well-preserved spaceship," Jiang Chen said, looking at Babata. "Do you think you could secure it?"

This wasn’t entirely a lie.

Jiang Chen had indeed dispatched underwater reconnaissance units to explore Site 12 and had captured a considerable amount of footage.

Of course, the reason he’d done so was because he knew there was a well-preserved, relatively accessible ship there.

"Black Dragon Mountain X81?" Babata glanced at the images and immediately recognized the ship, exclaiming in delight, "There’s such a treasure on Earth? Even an ordinary cosmic-level being would feel the pinch buying one of these! Who would have guessed that, among the fleet my master casually destroyed, there was such a 'big shot'?"

The term 'big shot' was, of course, sarcasm.

For someone who had served an immortal deity, like Babata, a mere cosmic-level being was nothing—less than an ant.

Still, for such a Black Dragon Mountain X81 ship to appear on Earth was quite remarkable.

"Whether we can get it depends on the defensive power inside the ship. But such ships are generally used by star-level or ordinary cosmic-level beings. The odds of them being loaded with powerful weapons are low, so it's worth a try," Babata said briskly. "Jiang Chen, don’t you have a batch of highly durable robots? Take them with you—let’s go secure that ship right now!"

"Site 12 is one of the Three Deadly Domains, isn’t it? Won’t it be too dangerous?" Luo Feng hesitated.

He suspected that Jiang Chen’s rush to claim the ship at Site 12 was to prepare for the coming disaster. But in Luo Feng’s view, there were still a few months left. There was no need to hurry—they could wait until their strength had increased and the odds were better.

"Once we get there, I’ll scan the area. If it’s too dangerous, we’ll abort the mission," Babata said directly. "With this ship, I can even take you on a tour of the universe, broaden your horizons."

"Entering the universe…" Jiang Chen’s heart stirred.

In terms of resolving the Golden-Horned Beast crisis, perhaps instead of relying solely on himself to grow stronger, it would be better to head into the universe and purchase a few powerful slaves.

As for the money to buy slaves, Luo Feng could always sell his psychic weapons.

Even if they couldn’t afford a cosmic-level slave, buying a batch of star-level ones would be more than enough to deal with the Golden-Horned Beast.

Whether they would have enough time, though, Jiang Chen couldn’t be sure.

According to the original story, when Babata and the AI inside the Black Dragon Mountain X81 struggled over control, Babata had to damage some of the ship’s systems to prevent its self-destruction. Just repairing those took a very long time.

If they couldn’t finish repairs before the Golden-Horned Beast emerged, Earth’s fate would still depend on Jiang Chen and Luo Feng.

Nevertheless, this ship had opened up new possibilities for Jiang Chen.